Digital Commons Network^™

Collaboration With Dynamic Open Ad Hoc Team Via Team State Modelling, Jing Sun, Cong Zhang, Zhiguang Cao

Research Collection School Of Computing and Information Systems

Open ad hoc teamwork presents the challenging problem of designing an autonomous agent that can rapidly adapt to collaborate with teammates without prior coordination in an open environment. Existing methods primarily rely on fixed, predefined teammate types, overlooking the fact that teammates may change dynamically. To address this limitation, we propose a novel reinforcement learning approach, the Open Online Teammate Adaptation Framework (Open-OTAF), which enables a controlled agent to collaborate with dynamic teammates in open ad hoc environments. To achieve this, the controlled agent employs a dual teamwork situation inference model to capture the current teamwork state, facilitating decision-making under …

The Relationships Between Higher Education Institutions And High School Sports Associations: Maximizing Symbiotic Relationships For Teaching Sports Communication, Joseph R. Blaney Ph.D., Livvi Anderson, Evan R. Craig

Faculty Publications - Communications

In this exploratory study of High School Sports Associations (HSSAs) and theirrelationships with sports communication programs at Higher Education Institutions (HEIs), investigators discovered that the associations very broadly see the benefit of establishing mutually beneficial relationships. In its most helpful form, the relationships create Experiential Learning (EL) opportunities which give college students an advantage in a competitive industry while simultaneously helping associations staC the myriad and growing programming events and content platforms. The varying roles available to students, the process behind developing the relationships, and the barriers to creating such relationships are also explored.

Evaluation Of Waste Plastic Addition Via Dry Method On Asphalt Mixture Performance, Isabella Madeira Bueno

Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering: Dissertations, Theses, and Student Research

Incorporating waste plastic (WP) into hot mix asphalt (HMA) offers a promising approach to enhance recycling rates and improve asphalt concrete (AC) performance, particularly in moisture damage resistance. However, results vary widely due to differences in WP types, sizes, and mixing methods. The lack of standardized procedures, especially for the dry process, has led to inconsistent integration and unclear roles of WP in AC mixtures. Studies suggest that introducing WP to pre-heated aggregates at temperatures exceeding its melting point can enhance mixture resistance to rutting, cracking, and moisture damage. In this context, this study was conducted in two phases to …

Data-Driven Methods For Signal Analysis And Nonlinear System Identification, Cristian Felipe López Ruano

Department of Mechanical and Materials Engineering: Dissertations, Theses, and Student Research

In recent years, data-driven modeling has gained considerable attention in nonlinear system identification, offering a powerful alternative to traditional physics-based methods. This has been possible by advances in machine learning, sparse regression, and differential equations in a weak form, which allow the accurate capture of complex nonlinear dynamics, even when the measurements are in strong background noise. Moreover, integrating these models with physical knowledge further enhances their reliability and interpretability, making them suitable for a wide range of science and engineering applications.

In this dissertation, we investigate algorithms for data-driven nonlinear system identification to obtain ordinary differential equations that govern …

The Expungement Process: Survey Evidence On Applicant Experiences, Mira Edmonds, J.J. Prescott, Sonja Starr, German Marquez Alcala

Articles

Tens of millions of Americans with publicly accessible criminal convictions face significant collateral consequences that affect their employment, housing, and family life, which not only harm these individuals but also limit society’s access to their skills, productivity, and participation. In response, policymakers have enlarged the scope and enhanced the accessibility of criminal-record expungement laws. Little is known, however, about how individuals perceive, navigate, and take advantage of these new, broader laws. This Article presents findings from a large-scale survey of 1,439 expungement applicants and recipients in Detroit, conducted in partnership with Project Clean Slate (PCS), a city initiative assisting residents …

Proceedings Of The 2025 Nassi Annual Meeting, Patrick C. Hsieh, Chiung-Chyi Shen, Alan S. Hilibrand, D. Scott Kreine, David R. O’Brien Jr., Hani H. Mhaidli, Jau-Ching Wu, Wen-Cheng Huang

Department of Orthopaedic Surgery Faculty Papers

No abstract provided.

Action Research To Explore The Use Of Augmented Reality To Support High School Students In Understanding And Creating Art Work In A Drawing Course, Alicia Joanne Cobler

Theses and Dissertations

High school students in Drawing 1 at a high school in South Carolina struggle to understand meaning or make personal connections to their own artwork. The purpose of this action research was to evaluate the implementation of immersive reality technology, specifically augmented reality (AR), in art for high school Drawing 1 students to help them understand meaning in art and create their own meaningful artwork. Creating personally meaningful symbolic works of art is one of the first Visual Art National Core Standards (National Core Visual Art Standards, 2014). Creating meaning in artwork allows students to understand society, provide an opportunity …

William Hogarth's Portraiture: A Vehicle For Social Commentary, Kaitlyn Elizabeth Hoff

Theses and Dissertations

William Hogarth is often celebrated for the critiques of eighteenth-century England seen throughout his widely reproduced satirical print series and paintings, however his contributions to portraiture offer a compelling extension of his artistic vision and techniques. This research aims to explore Hogarth’s use of portraiture as a vehicle for social commentary and moral messaging, revealing broader themes of morality, nationalism, and identity among all of his works, comparing this approach to that of both his contemporaries and his own prints.

In examining Hogarth’s portraits alongside other formal portraiture, the socio-political landscape of the time, and existing scholarship, methods such as …

Two Cheers For The Revolving Door, Stephen Calkins, Erica Straus

Law Faculty Research Publications

Where do top US government antitrust lawyers come from – and go to? The so-called “revolving door” has long been a familiar part of the process. In recent years and especially during the Biden Administration, this custom has attracted increased attention and concern. What are the facts? This chapter sets out, in detailed tables, the background and subsequent employment of top government antitrust lawyers. Many enforcers came from major law firms (FTC commissioners much less frequently than others) and leave for major law firms. (Although studied in less detail, top state antitrust enforcers are starting to transition to major law …

To Insure Domestic Tranquility And Provide For The Common Defence: The Preamble’S Concern With Internal And External Threats, Stuart Ford

UC Law Constitutional Quarterly

No abstract provided.

2025-2026 Global Feedback Report: Uni Scholarworks, University Of Northern Iowa, Rod Library

Library Documents & Reports (entire collection)

This library report was prepared by the Digital Scholarship Librarian at the University of Northern Iowa as part of assessment efforts demonstrating the reach and impact of departments and programs at the University of Northern Iowa. The global input is related to specific works found in UNI's institutional repository, UNI ScholarWorks (http://www.scholarworks.uni.edu.)

Understanding Retention Barriers Contributing To Nursing Shortages: A Mixed-Methods Approach To Workforce Sustainability, Vena X. Addison

MSHS Student Capstones

The healthcare system faces a critical challenge as nursing shortages intensify, driven by factors such as an aging workforce, increased patient complexity, and insufficient organizational support. This study explores the multifaceted impact of these shortages on patient safety, care quality, and nurse well-being. Through mixed-methods analysis, it investigates how inadequate staffing ratios, lack of clinical training and resources, limited leadership support for work-life balance, and limited career advancement opportunities contribute to elevated stress, burnout, and attrition. The research highlights interventions, including mentorship, flexible staffing models, and professional development models, to address retention and sustain workforce capacity. Findings underscore the urgency …

Reducing Disparities In Breast Cancer Screening: A Mobile Mammography Initiative In Middle Georgia, Latasha T. Hill

MSHS Student Capstones

This capstone project evaluated the implementation of mobile mammography units to improve access to breast cancer screening in Middle Georgia. The project aimed to reduce disparities in early detection and increase screening participation among underserved women aged 40 and older. Using the Health Belief Model as a theoretical framework, the initiative deployed a state-of-the-art mobile mammography unit, engaged community stakeholders, and implemented culturally responsive outreach. Over 6 months, 1,000 screenings were conducted, exceeding targets and demonstrating significant improvements in first-time screening rates, patient satisfaction, and follow-up adherence. Findings suggest mobile mammography is an effective quality improvement strategy to advance health …

Radiography Clinical Instructor Training Program, Kayce S. Leon

MSHS Student Capstones

This capstone project focuses on the development and implementation of a comprehensive training program for clinical instructors (CIs) in radiography, designed to support technologists transitioning from clinical practice into educator roles. The program addresses a critical need for structured professional development in allied health education, where many instructors begin teaching with limited pedagogical training. Grounded in adult learning theories such as Knowles’ andragogy and Kolb’s experiential learning theory, the curriculum emphasizes learner-centered strategies, real-world application, and reflective practice. Core topics include effective student feedback, clinical evaluation, communication, and professional role modeling. The training aims to enhance instructional competence, promote student …

Optimizing Oncology Urgent Care Services For Improved Outcomes And Reducing Hospitalizations, Jaime C. Champion

MSHS Student Capstones

The complexity of treating patients with cancer is becoming an increasingly important priority for healthcare providers due to the risk associated with complications. Cancer patients may frequently visit an emergency department and put themselves at risk of acquiring other illnesses due to having an immunocompromised system. Unfortunately, emergency departments lack the resources and knowledge to care for patients who are undergoing cancer treatments, which can result in fragmentation of care. Consequently, Oncology Urgent Care clinics are becoming more prevalent in many health systems to bridge the gap between outpatient care and emergency room care. Using a mixed-methods approach, this study …

Bridging Practice And Pedagogy: A Simulation-Based Orientation Framework For Healthcare Educators, Heather Hodges

MSHS Student Capstones

As healthcare education continues to advance, the incorporation of simulation-based learning has become a cornerstone of effective teaching strategies. This literature review explores the development of an orientation framework designed specifically for healthcare educators who have transitioned from clinical practitioners and preceptors into formal teaching roles. These individuals often possess extensive hands-on experience but may lack structured pedagogical training, particularly in the use of simulation as a teaching modality. The review combines current research on best practices for simulation integration, adult learning theory, and faculty development to identify the most effective methods for onboarding new educators. Emphasis is placed on …

Revitalizing Post-Primary Mammography Education: A Quality Improvement And Outreach Initiative, Erica M. Smith

MSHS Student Capstones

This educational quality improvement project aimed to address declining enrollment in a post-primary mammography certification program and to respond to the growing shortage of certified mammography technologists. A needs assessment survey identified key student preferences, including hybrid course formats, weekday scheduling, and social media as the most effective marketing channel. In response, targeted outreach campaigns were launched, curriculum content was updated, and clinical partnerships were expanded to support enrollment and placement. As a result, the program met the minimum enrollment threshold for the first time since 2021, with five students completing the course. Post-course evaluations indicated high levels of satisfaction …

Enhancing Emr Training Through Programmatic Assessment: Aligning Curriculum With Organizational Needs, Amanda Coleman

MSHS Student Capstones

No abstract provided.

Field Responses Of Glossina Pallidipes And Glossina Fuscipes Fuscipes Tsetse Flies To Novel Repellent Blend And Waterbuck Repellent Compounds In Kenya, Benson M. Wachira, Richard Echodu, Johnson O. Ouma, Imna I. Malele, Daniel Gamba, Michael Okal, Kennedy O. Ogolla, Clement Mangwiro, Robert Opiro, Deusdedit J. Malulu, Bernard Ochieng, Raymond E. Mdachi, Paul O. Mireji

All Peer-Reviewed Publications

Control of tsetse flies constitutes a cornerstone of trypanosomiasis control and elimination efforts in Africa. The use of eco-friendly odor-based bait technologies has been identified as a safer method for control of tsetse flies. These technologies are significantly augmented by development of effective repellents that reduce contact between trypanosome-infected tsetse flies and their vertebrate hosts. Waterbuck Repellent Compounds (WRC) and Novel Repellent Blend (NRB) are recently developed tsetse fly repellent formulations. Information on relative efficacy of these formulations against major tsetse fly vectors of trypanosomiasis in Kenya is limited. Such information can inform choices of repellent technology for optimal control …

Inflammatory Bowel Disease: Patient Journey And Cancer Pathology, Katie Contino, Ms

Student Papers, Posters & Projects

Inflammatory Bowel Disease is a relapsing-remitting autoimmune disease that affects the gastrointestinal tract. It consists of Crohn’s disease, which can affect the entire gastrointestinal system, and ulcerative colitis, which is limited to the colon. Inflammatory Bowel Disease has various different levels of severity that have different treatment and medication options once the diagnosis is confirmed with an endoscopic procedure. The treatment options range from daily medication to invasive surgical procedures. Specific diets are also used as a preventative measure to remain in remission. The intestinal damage inflicted to the epithelium increases the risk of developing colon cancer, specifically those with …

What Not To Teach While Teaching: How An Educator's Implicit Bias Can Negatively Impact A Black Student's Educational Experience, John Mark Tinsley

School of Education and Leadership Student Capstone Theses and Dissertations

This study examines the experiences of African American students who have experienced implicit bias in educational settings, addressing the research question: "What are the narratives of African American students who have experienced instances of implicit bias in the classroom?" Using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis and Critical Race Theory as frameworks for inquiry, six randomly selected African American high school seniors were interviewed about their experiences regarding implicit bias during their time through grades K-12. Key findings revealed students' sophisticated pattern recognition of discriminatory treatment, limited positive media representation impacting self-perception, severe lack of African American teachers, curriculum gaps reducing Black history …

Lessons From A Life In Transition: An Autoethnography Of Regional Attitudes Toward Transgender Educators, Birdie Miller

School of Education and Leadership Student Capstone Theses and Dissertations

This study explores the lived experiences of a transgender educator navigating public school systems in Mississippi and Minnesota. The purpose of this research is to illuminate how systemic discrimination, lack of institutional support, and cultural attitudes toward gender identity affect both the personal and professional lives of transgender teachers. Using an autoethnographic approach, I analyzed weekly journal entries written over multiple school years across three distinct school settings. These reflections were thematically examined to identify patterns related to identity negotiation, resilience, workplace discrimination, and moments of resistance.

The findings reveal the emotional toll of teaching in environments where safety and …

Chapter 3. Moroccan Arabic-Spanish Bilinguals’ Linguistic Profile And Their Perspectives And Experiences On Learning Standard Arabic, Ramsés Ortín, Pilar Garrido

Writing and Language Studies Faculty Publications

We surveyed a group of Moroccan Arabic-Spanish speakers in the Region of Murcia, Spain, to examine their linguistic profiles, their attitudes towards their native Arabic dialect, their motivations to learn Standard Arabic and their learning experience with Standard Arabic. We found varying degrees of dominance in this group along with fluctuating patterns of dominance, proficiency and language use according to age and onset of acquisition of Spanish. This group displayed generally positive attitudes towards their own dialect and their motivation to learn Arabic was related to their religious and cultural connections. Most of them indicated that they had engaged in …

Cutting Through Stigma: Suggested Best Practices For Aharm Reduction Approach To Nonsuicidal Self-Injury, Lindsay Lundeen, Erin Kern Popejoy

Counseling, Leadership, and Research Methods Faculty Publications and Presentations

For many counselors, both topics of nonsuicidal self-injury (NSSI) and harm reduction practices can feel intimidating and unclear. Yet, depending on the client, discussion of complete and immediate cessation from NSSI can feel impossible and isolating. This article combines harm reduction principles, a concept initially developed for addiction treatment, with select existing recommendations for NSSI treatment to offer a clinician's guide to best practices for harm reduction implementation with clients engaging in NSSI. By meeting clients where they are and offering a supportive space to brainstorm nontraditional treatment options, counselors can maintain the core principles of the American Counseling Association's …

Wealth Taxes Under The Constitution: An Originalist Analysis, David M. Schizer, Steven G. Calabresi

Faculty Scholarship

A federal wealth tax is high on the wish list of progressives, but is it constitutional? This Article shows that under the original public meaning of the Constitution, a wealth tax is a “direct tax” that must be apportioned. This means that the percentage of revenue collected in each state must match its percentage of the population. For instance, if two states both have three percent of the population, each must provide three percent of the revenue. This leads to an unappealing outcome: if one state is less wealthy, it needs a higher tax rate to supply its share.

Article …

Torus Probabilistic Principal Component Analysis, Anahita Nodehi, Mousa Golalizadeh, Mehdi Maadooliat, Claudio Agostinelli

Mathematical and Statistical Science Faculty Research and Publications

Analyzing data in non-Euclidean spaces, such as bioinformatics, biology, and geology, where variables represent directions or angles, poses unique challenges. This type of data is known as circular data in univariate cases and can be termed spherical or toroidal in multivariate contexts. In this paper, we introduce a novel extension of probabilistic principal component analysis (PPCA) designed for toroidal (or torus) data, termed torus probabilistic PCA (TPPCA). We provide detailed algorithms for implementing TPPCA and demonstrate its applicability to torus data. To assess the efficacy of TPPCA, we perform comparative analyses using a simulation study and three real datasets. Our …

Novel Respirometry Measurement And Comparison Of Monod Kinetic Constants And Methanogen Concentrations For 27 Full-Scale Anaerobic Bioreactors, Nicholas Benn, Antonio Martins, Daniel H. Zitomer

Civil and Environmental Engineering Faculty Research and Publications

Monod kinetic coefficient values (km and Ks) as well as methanogen concentrations (Xac and Xh2) for various anaerobic bioreactors are required to gain a deeper understanding of anaerobic biotechnology. However, there are no existing, practical methods to measure or estimate these parameters or variables in typical anaerobic digester biomass that contains mixed cultures with inert organic solids. Current measurement methods rely on pure cultures developed in the laboratory. In this work, a novel respirometric method was developed and used to determine methanogen Monod parameters and active biomass concentration for samples from 27 full-scale anaerobic reactors. Differences (one to three orders …

Negotiating Racial Subjection: Analysing Black And Indigenous Resistance From Within Colonial Orders, Owen R. Brown, Arturo Chang

Political Science Faculty Publications and Presentations

This article addresses recent work on empire and colonisation which calls for a reappraisal of how agency and resistance manifests among groups responding to structural marginalisation. We argue that approaching these questions from within the colonial order reveals important idiosyncrasies regarding how groups understood resistance, agency, and popular organising as possible responses that emerged from within imperial landscapes. Using the example of race as a central regulatory category and practice of colonial power, we analyse two cases which we suggest benefit from an account of agency and resistance within colonial order: the Black Loyalists in English America and the Indigenous …

Utility Of Ebus-Tbna In Evaluating Mediastinal And Hilar Lymphadenopathy In Patients With Silica Exposure: A Retrospective Single-Center Study, Tarake M. Aljarod, Atul C. Mehta, Saroj Sigdel, Mark Jason Akers, John L. Saylor, Caleb S. Clark, Yousef Shweihat

Pulmonology

Background: Endobronchial ultrasound-guided transbronchial needle aspiration (EBUS-TBNA) is used effectively in staging lung cancer and in the evaluation of benign causes of mediastinal and/or hilar lymphadenopathy (MHL), such as sarcoidosis. However, evidence for its utility in the diagnostic workup of silicosis is limited.

Methods: This single-center retrospective study included patients with occupational silica exposure who underwent EBUS-TBNA to evaluate MHL on computed tomography (CT). Cytology specimens were re-examined by an independent pathologist under polarized microscopy, and cytologic criteria for the diagnosis of LN silicosis were formulated from the findings. Primary outcomes were the determination of the diagnostic yield (DY) of …

U.S. Withdrawal From Afghanistan And Realignment Of Eurasian Rival Powers, Toghrul Seyidbayli

Journal of Strategic Security

This article explores the geopolitical ramifications of the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan, focusing on how it has catalyzed strategic realignments among China, Russia, and Iran in Eurasia. By examining the withdrawal’s impact on the regional power dynamics, the article analyzes how these revisionist states have exploited the resulting power vacuum to assert their influence and challenge the existing international order. China has used this moment to expand its Belt and Road Initiative, Russia has felt emboldened to escalate its military actions in Ukraine, and Iran, despite regional setbacks, remains determined in pursuing its revisionist strategy in Eurasia. The study employs …