Digital Commons Network^™

Transitions From Traditional Gender And Sexuality Roles To Non-Conforming Identities Through Performance Art: A Multiple Case Study, Adrianne Trogden, Dorin Captari-Scirri

Journal of Counseling Sexology & Sexual Wellness: Research, Practice, and Education

This qualitative multiple case study examined how two individuals from religiously conservative households navigated transitions from traditional gender and sexuality roles to non-conforming and queer identities through performance art. Using case study methodology, five interconnected themes emerged: Performing Gender - pressure to "act masculine," Performing Sexuality – pressure to "act straight," Performing Art - freedom of expression of gender and sexuality on stage, Shame and fear transformed when accepted sexuality, and Finding one's voice and identity - gender and sexuality. Stage performance art served as an underlying foundation, providing a transformative space for safely exploring previously constrained gender and …

Integrating Free, Prior, And Informed Consent Into Indonesia's Palm Oil Regulatory Framework For Indigenous Protection, Ermanto Fahamsyah, Natasya Aulia Putri, Ramadhan Dwi Saputra, Vicko Taniady

Padjadjaran Jurnal Ilmu Hukum (Journal of Law)

This study examines the absence of a binding Free, Prior, and Informed Consent (FPIC) mechanism in Indonesia's palm oil regulatory framework, which has resulted in recurring land conflicts and insufficient protection for indigenous peoples whose customary territories are converted into plantation concessions. It aims to analyze the weaknesses of the current legal framework and to evaluate FPIC models in the Philippines and Colombia as potential references for national reform. This study adopts a normative legal method using statutory, case-based, and comparative approaches. Primary and secondary legal materials were examined to assess Indonesia's existing protections for indigenous peoples and to compare …

Indirectly Fired, Single-Chamber Parabolic Radiative Kiln, Natalie M. Durdle Miss

Defensive Publications Series

This disclosure describes a high-efficiency, multi-directional thermal enclosure consisting of a single-chamber, non-metallic refractory kiln characterized by a parabolic, catenary, or semi-spherical vaulted geometry. This document details a system configuration where a high-density masonry or clay enclosure functions sequentially as both an active combustion chamber and an indirect, passive radiant energy concentrator. By optimizing the internal radius of curvature of the vaulted shell, the system acts as a geometric infrared mirror, focusing and redistributing uniform multi-directional radiant heat flux to a centralized processing plane after the primary heat source is removed or extinguished. The thermodynamic principles, material properties, and physical …

Thermochemical Heat Generation System, Natalie M. Durdle Miss

Defensive Publications Series

This disclosure describes a zero-petroleum, 100% biodegradable, multi-stage thermochemical heat-generation and dissipation system. The initial chemical energy release is driven by the highly exothermic hydration reaction of biogenic Calcium Oxide (derived via the calcination of Dreissena polymorpha biomass) when exposed to a high-surface-area, carbonaceous aqueous suspension (derived from pyrolyzed micro-algae). This document details a system configuration where an instantaneous core thermal spike of approximately 300 degrees Celsius is mechanically throttled, stored as sensible heat, and slowly dissipated through an exterior elastomeric silicone barrier. The resulting energy profile yields a safe, flattened, long-duration therapeutic thermal plateau of approximately 45 degrees Celsius …

Passive Micro-Climate Pressure Chamber, Natalie M. Durdle Miss

Defensive Publications Series

This disclosure describes a passive, localized, low-pressure, high-humidity unvented vapor-retention micro-chamber engineered from unglazed, porous, high-thermal-mass ceramic or earthenware materials. This document details a geometric design consisting of an inverted dome or bell-shaped housing configured to seat flush against a heated horizontal substrate (hearth). This configuration forms a sealed micro-climate capable of capturing, buffering, and recycling transient volatile vapors and moisture without requiring active mechanical gas-injection or external steam-delivery infrastructure. The thermodynamic principles and physical mechanics detailed herein are inherently enabled by thousands of years of European human cultural heritage—specifically the archaeological record of ancient Greek and Roman portable clay …

Baffled Solid-Medium Thermal Energy Storage System, Natalie M. Durdle Miss

Defensive Publications Series

This disclosure describes a passive, high-efficiency, solid-medium sensible heat Thermal Energy Storage system constructed from high-density, non-metallic refractory materials (such as fired clay bricks, earthen masonry, or cast stone). This document details a mechanical design featuring a multi-stage, tortuous, baffled internal flue matrix (a smoke labyrinth) engineered to maximize convective heat transfer from high-velocity, high-temperature combustion exhaust gases into a surrounding high-thermal-mass storage body. The physical mechanics, structural geometry, and thermodynamic principles detailed herein are inherently enabled by centuries of Eastern and Central European human cultural heritage—specifically the historical technology known as the "Russian Pech" (Russian Oven) and related masonry …

Fiber-Reinforced Silicate Particulate Composite, Natalie M. Durdle Miss

Defensive Publications Series

The material operates as a fiber-reinforced, particulate-bound multi-phase composite. The mechanical integrity relies on a dual-matrix system where structural sand grains provide compressive strength, a cohesive clay binder provides micro-particle cohesion via electrostatic forces, and high-tensile organic fibers distribute shear and tensile stresses to prevent cracks during moisture desiccation.

A Biodegradable Fibre Reinforced Thermoplastic Composite, Natalie M. Durdle Miss

Defensive Publications Series

This disclosure describes a high-tensile, biodegradable, fiber-reinforced thermoplastic composite material comprising a continuous amorphous carbohydrate polymer matrix (derived from thermally processed sucrose and honey/fructose blends) reinforced with a high-fraction organic particulate phase (comprising sheared or whole high-aspect-ratio botanical elements, specifically Prunus dulcis endocarps/almonds). This document details the precise thermal liquefaction, phase change, mechanical compounding, and extrusion techniques required to manufacture this load-bearing composite. The material mechanics and thermal profiles of this formulation are inherently enabled by historical cultural heritage, specifically the 1815 public documentation of Marie-Antoine Carême regarding structural nougat manipulation for architectural elements.

Applications Of A Biopolymer Hydrogel Matrix, Natalie M. Durdle Miss

Defensive Publications Series

This disclosure describes a thermally reversible, biodegradable, high-water-content biopolymer hydrogel matrix generated through the controlled thermal denaturation, extraction, and subsequent low-temperature cross-linking of animal-derived collagen proteins (primarily Type I gelatin) suspended in an aqueous vehicle. This document outlines the chemical clarification, thermal setting profiles, and stabilization techniques required to transform this liquid protein suspension into an elastic, solid hydrogel sheet or airtight protective encapsulation layer. The physical mechanics and chemical formulations of this material are inherently enabled by historical cultural heritage, specifically the 1815 public documentation of Marie-Antoine Carême regarding clarified savory aspics and molded bavarois emulsions.

Applications Of A Low Density, Rigid, Open Cell Biofoam, Natalie M. Durdle Miss

Defensive Publications Series

This disclosure describes a low-density, biodegradable, open-cell structural biofoam generated through the gas-phase dispersion and mechanical fluid-shearing of an aqueous avian egg-white protein solution (specifically ovalbumin, conalbumin, and ovomucoid) stabilized by a high-fraction crystalline carbohydrate solute (sucrose). This document outlines the mechanical aeration, extrusion, and thermal desiccation techniques required to convert this viscoelastic liquid foam into a lightweight, rigid, porous solid block. The physical mechanics and foundational chemistry of this material are inherently enabled by historical cultural heritage, specifically the 1815 public documentation of Marie-Antoine Carême regarding mechanically aerated meringue structures and piping bag extrusion systems.

A Biodegradable Particulate-Polymer Composite, Natalie M. Durdle Miss

Defensive Publications Series

This disclosure describes a low-cost, room-temperature curing, biodegradable particulate-polymer composite material consisting of a crystalline carbohydrate filler (sucrose), an organic polysaccharide binder (gum tragacanth or equivalent water-soluble vegetable gums), and a liquid vehicle (water). This disclosure details the mechanical formulation, processing methods, and structural applications of this material for non-culinary industrial uses, including sacrificial tooling, casting mandrels, rapid prototyping, and biodegradable architectural modeling. The physical mechanics and chemical formulations of this material are inherently enabled by historical cultural documentation, specifically the 1815 publications of Marie-Antoine Carême regarding pastillage matrices.

Structural Hydrocolloid Scaffolding In 19th Century Pastry, Natalie M. Durdle Miss

Defensive Publications Series

This disclosure details the technical methods for creating shelf-stable, structurally sound, and aerated dairy compositions without the use of modern synthetic stabilizers. It documents the "Diplomat" and "Mousseline" systems as prior art for structural hydrocolloid scaffolding and fat-protein emulsification, specifically addressing the prevention of syneresis (weeping) and the deactivation of starch-degrading enzymes.

The Art Of The Kitchen Insult, Natalie M. Durdle Miss

Defensive Publications Series

This disclosure identifies a systematic method of political subversion embedded in the "High Art" of 19th-century French pastry, specifically the works of Marie-Antoine Carême. It identifies the "Crème Diplomate" and "Crème Bavaroise" as deliberate semiotic parodies of the diplomatic class and the Bavarian state. By utilizing gelatin-stabilized aerated structures, the "Chef-Architect" performed a public satire of "spineless" and "insubstantial" political entities, effectively "manufacturing" an illegitimate social class of chef-experts (the "Tiddy-Doll" effect).

Mobile User Interface With An Ergonomic, Bottom-Placed Primary Action And An Explicit, Non-Iconic Dismissal Control, Lin Chen, Yanhao Tan, Andrew Campbell, Onur Turna, Tom Woudenberg, Boriana Viljoen, Jaclyn Einis

Defensive Publications Series

A user interface for a mobile device, such as a smartphone or tablet, can present promotional content in a bottom-sheet container to address potential user engagement issues. The interface may utilize a vertical stack of call to action buttons, placing a primary action at the bottom of the stack to improve ergonomics by being within an easily accessible thumb zone. A conventional x close icon may be omitted. In its place, a secondary dismissive button can use explicit, descriptive text, for example, "Stay on website," to articulate the action's consequence. This configuration of ergonomic placement and an explicit, non-iconic dismissal …

Elementary Music Teachers’ Perceptions Of The Impact Of Class Size On Tonal And Phonemic Awareness In Second-Grade General Music Classes, Ariel A. Supinger

Masters Theses

The purpose of this non-experimental, quantitative study was to investigate elementary music teachers’ perceptions of the impact of class size on tonal and phonemic awareness in second-grade general music classes. The researcher-designed questionnaire was sent to elementary music teachers who teach second-grade general music in elementary schools within urban, suburban, and rural school districts.

Cinematic Biblical Translation: An Introduction To Narratological Screenwriting Through Genesis 38, Wesley Newman

Masters Theses

CBT draws from three areas of study: screenplay analysis, biblical narratology/narrative criticism, and screenplay adaptation to evaluate specific Hebrew narratives into a screenplay. Biblical narratology offers insight into the literary structure and narrative logic of ancient Hebrew storytelling, while contemporary screenwriting explains how narrative functions within modern audiovisual media. The marrying of these two fields creates a new methodology for translating biblical narratives into a form that remains faithful to the text while also being engaging on screen. This allows me to establish the guidelines necessary for crafting an accurate and compelling screenplay translation while also laying the foundation for …

From Christology To Ontology: A Diachronic And Exegetical Evaluation Of A Maximalist Sacramental Interpretation Of John 6:51–58, Andrew R. Johnson

Masters Theses

John 6:51–58 occupies a central place in the debate regarding the ontological nature of the Eucharist, frequently serving as a primary scriptural warrant for sacramental realism such as articulated by the Council of Trent as it concerns the dogma of transubstantiation within the Roman Catholic tradition. This thesis conducts both an evaluation of historical reception and a critical exegetical analysis to determine whether the Evangelist’s primary intent was to establish sacramental doctrine in this passage or to further develop already pervasive Johannine soteriological and christological themes.

Methodologically, this study bridges the gap between historical reception and synchronic exegesis. The first …

Linguistic And Cultural Analysis Of Divine Command In 1 Samuel 15: Implications For Biblical Interpretation, Timothy Arnell Dunn

Masters Theses

This thesis argues that ḥērem in 1 Samuel 15 is not a relic of ancient warfare but a sacred act of covenantal devotion that reveals the tension between divine holiness, human obedience, and Israel’s identity as a people set apart for YHWH. Through historical, philological, narrative, and canonical analysis, the study demonstrates that ḥērem functions as a ritualized declaration of divine sovereignty in which destruction becomes consecration and obedience becomes worship. Saul’s partial compliance is therefore not strategic misjudgment but a rupture in covenant fidelity that exposes the costliness of holiness and the danger of selective obedience. Yet the canon …

The Effects Of Phonetic Knowledge And Bilingualism On The Acquisition Of Non-Native Consonant Clusters, Kylie Wakley

Theses and Dissertations

Speech motor learning involves the production of new sounds or sound sequences. This study investigated how explicit phonetic knowledge and bilingualism affect how individuals acquire sound sequences that do not occur in English, or non-native consonant clusters. Sixty adults with typical speech, aged between 18 and 27 years, participated in the experiment. The researcher recruited participants into four groups based on their phonetic background (experienced or not) and language background (monolingual, bilingual). The participants produced stop-stop and fricative-nasal clusters in the initial position of nonsense words across six practice blocks. The duration of each cluster was measured, which in English …

The Impact Of Translated Phq-9 And Gad-7 Scales On Treatment Recommendations In An Adult Vietnamese Population: A 3-Month Primary Care Evaluation, Vivienne Bui

Doctor of Nursing Practice Final Manuscripts

Depression and anxiety are prevalent yet underdiagnosed in limited-English-proficient (LEP) populations due to language barriers, cultural stigma, and provider bias. Vietnamese-speaking patients are particularly vulnerable to under-recognition in primary care. This quality improvement project evaluated whether implementing Vietnamese-translated Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) and Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7) tools would improve mental health diagnosis and referral rates. Guided by the Johns Hopkins Evidence-Based Practice Model, a pre–post design was conducted at a San Diego clinic from March 26 to June 26, 2025. Vietnamese-speaking adults (≥18 years) completed translated PHQ-9 and GAD-7 forms during intake. Providers used scores in conjunction with clinical …

Why The Library Of Congress Matters More Than Ever, Hope O'Keeffe

Seattle Journal of Technology, Environmental, & Innovation Law

No abstract provided.

Language And Cultural Barriers Affect Access To Mental Health Care For Hispanics, Maria T. Nieves

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

No abstract provided.

Graduates Offered Chance To Teach, Study Through Fulbright Awards, Clara Turnage

University of Mississippi News

OXFORD, Miss. – The Fulbright U.S. Student Program has offered scholarships to seven University of Mississippi graduates to teach, study and conduct research across the globe.

Every Night We Tell This Story: Remembering, Remaking, And Re-Remembering Paula Vogel's Indecent, Sam Plattus

Student Theses

Vogel’s subtitle calls Indecent “the true story of a little Jewish play,” Sholem 4 Asch’s The God of Vengeance. A Jewish man is arranging a marriage for his daughter; that man is a brothel owner who raised his daughter in a home just upstairs from his place of business; his daughter falls in love with a girl working downstairs, and they dance naked, together, in the rain. Indecent follows the journey of Asch’s play from its first reading in his bedroom in 1906, through its European tour in the 1910s, to its debut on Broadway in 1923 when the cast …

Unpacking Barriers And Enablers To Quality Early Childhood Education And Care In Lebanon: A Multi-Level Perspective, Rana Bassaj, Caroline Floccia

School of Psychology

This article investigates the barriers and enablers to quality early childhood education and care (ECEC) in Lebanon’s complex and multilingual context. In this qualitative study, 56 stakeholders—ministry representatives, NGOs, educators, parents, and healthcare professionals—were interviewed. The study reveals a fragmented governance structure and inequitable funding that impact the quality and equitable access to ECEC provision. Despite the value placed on ECEC and OL, systemic weaknesses, including inadequate staff compensation and donor-driven priorities, constrain progress. Findings also highlight grassroots resilience, with committed educators and NGOs adapting to meet local needs. Using Kagan’s system-level framework and Torii et al.’s (2017) quality domains …

The Washback Effect Of Task-Based Language Assessment On Esl Teachers And Students In A Low-Stakes Instructional Context In Egypt, Marina Alfonse Makkar

Theses and Dissertations

Washback is the effect that assessment exerts on teaching and learning, a phenomenon mediated by learner interpretations, teacher practices, and contextual conditions. Within this perspective, Task-Based Language Assessment (TBLA) emphasizes authentic communication and meaningful language use, positioning tasks as the primary means of eliciting evidence of language ability. While TBLA has the potential to generate positive washback when aligned with instructional goals, its effects remain under-researched in non-traditional educational settings. This study investigated the washback effects of TBLA in a low-stakes English-language instructional context at a school of continuing education (SCE) in an Egyptian private university. Data were collected from …

Music Education For Diverse Learners: An Undergraduate Curriculum To Prepare Pre-Service Educators To Adapt Music Instruction, Phoebe Winey

Masters Theses

Music educators are required to work with students of all levels and abilities. Christian music educators understand that all students are created by God fearfully and wonderfully (Psalm 139:14, English Standard Version) and that humanity is Christ’s workmanship (Ephesians 2:10). Christians in education must perceive all students as the workmanship of Christ and work to provide them with fidelity and excellence in education. Music education has proven to be a critical method for developing the minds of learners with exceptionalities; therefore, music educators must be adequately prepared to educate students with diverse exceptionalities through accommodations that improve cognitive abilities and …

Insights On The Origins And Repercussions Of Corruption In Haiti, Yves Louissaint

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

No abstract provided.

Deep Screens (1): Reliability-Driven Correction Of 3d Pose Estimation For Animation, Emma Vejcik

Dartmouth College Master’s Theses

Modern 2D and 3D human pose estimators silently fail on archival film footage. Their confidence channels do not surface these failures, and no annotated ground truth exists in the domain against which to evaluate or correct them. The result, in pipelines that lift archival 2D detections to 3D for downstream applications, is animation output with jittering limbs, hallucinated skeletons, and anatomically implausible poses. This thesis addresses these failures through three interventions, working from the data foundation upward.

First, we construct a hand-annotated reliability dataset of over 50,000 joint-frame rows across six segments from four films spanning multiple eras (1910, 1960, …

Impact Of Adverse Childhood Experiences On Chosen Career And Job Fitness, Grace Corinne Jennings

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This quantitative correlational study examined how experiences of abuse and neglect influenced career choice and whether individuals perceived their chosen careers as a good fit. Data were collected through an electronically distributed survey shared via social media, resulting in a sample of 542 participants. Analyses explored relationships between ACE scores, career field, job fit, and demographic variables including age and sex. Findings indicated that there was no statistically significant relationship between ACE scores and perceived job fit. Additionally, there were no statistically significant differences between men and women in reported levels of job fit, nor between sex and highest level …