Digital Commons Network^™

Why Kindergarteners Need To Have Daily Social-Emotional Instruction, Ali Boger

Master's Theses & Capstone Projects

There has been a rise in disruptive behaviors across the nation, negatively impacting teachers, students, and academic performance. Research suggests that daily social-emotional learning (SEL) instruction can enhance the quality of education by addressing these challenges. When educators adopt a whole-child approach, focusing not only on literacy and mathematics but also on emotional development, students are better equipped to navigate stressful situations and build resilience. This inquiry-based research explores the impact of daily SEL in the kindergarten classroom, specifically examining how ten minutes of daily SEL instruction affects executive functioning and the overall classroom environment. Results from this study indicated …

The Effects Of The Preschool Sdi Program On Students With Disabilities In The Inclusive Setting, Sarah Westhoff

Master's Theses & Capstone Projects

This study's purpose was to determine if the Preschool SDI program, created by Iowa, was an effective program for creating a successful inclusive environment for all students. To determine the effectiveness, the following guiding questions were asked: 1) What is the rate of growth between the amount of time spent in an inclusive setting and academic success and 2) What inclusive models are successful in creating inclusive settings for teachers and students? To answer these questions this study focused on a north central Iowa school district. Participants included a total of 67 three- to five-year-old children enrolled in the district’s …

The Impact Of Gamification On Student Motivation, Autumn Schott

Master's Theses & Capstone Projects

Many middle school students struggle with low motivation and disengagement, particularly in STEAM classrooms where creativity, persistence, and collaboration are essential. Gamification using game design elements like challenges, points, and badges in a learning context has emerged as a promising strategy to increase student motivation and academic engagement. This action research project explored how intentional gamified instruction impacts student motivation, engagement, and performance in a middle school STEAM class. Using a mixed-methods approach, the teacher-researcher collected data through pre- and post-surveys, student work samples, classroom observations, and weekly reflective journal entries. The results indicated a positive correlation between gamification and …

The Impact Of Project-Based Learning On Student Engagement And Participation, Dakota Schnell

Master's Theses & Capstone Projects

Many students, particularly in middle grades, demonstrate disengagement with traditional teaching methods, resulting in decreased participation and challenges in meeting learning objectives. This lack of engagement often manifests as low motivation and a disconnect from classroom activities, especially in subjects like English. Project-Based Learning (PBL) presents a potential strategy to address this issue by fostering a more dynamic, student-centered environment. This inquiry-based research aimed to determine whether implementing a PBL project could improve student engagement and participation compared to traditional methods within a 7th-grade English classroom. Employing a mixed-methods approach, the study involved 30 seventh-grade students participating in a "Get …

Ai And Prompt Engineering For Library Discovery Services, James Day

Publications

We have seen the rise of generative artificial intelligence in the form of Large Language Models (LLMs) to provide answers to users’ queries. Services such as ChatGPT, Copilot, and Gemini have quickly become accepted and adopted in the research process. Now library vendors are adding artificial intelligence (AI) to their discovery services to allow for natural language queries to produce generative results. However, the AI model used for discovery services differs from normal LLMs in a significant way that has several positive benefits, but it affects how prompts are written. Library discovery services use a model called Retrieval- Augmented Generation …

Rhythm Is Essential: Unraveling The Relation Between The Circadian Clock And Cancer, Olajumoke Ogunlusi, Abantika Ghosh, Mrinmoy Sarkar, Kayla Carter, Harshini Davuluri, Mahul Chakraborty, Kristin Eckel-Mahan, Alex Keene, Jerome S Menet, Deborah Bell-Pedersen, Tapasree Roy Sarkar

The Brown Foundation: Institute of Molecular Medicine

Physiological processes such as the sleep-wake cycle, metabolism, hormone secretion, neurotransmitter release, sensory capabilities, and a variety of behaviors, including sleep, are controlled by a circadian rhythm adapted to 24-hour day-night periodicity. Disruption of circadian rhythm may lead to the risks of numerous diseases, including cancers. Several epidemiological and clinical data reveal a connection between the disruption of circadian rhythms and cancer. On the contrary, oncogenic processes may suppress the homeostatic balance imposed by the circadian clock. The integration of circadian biology into cancer research offers new options for making cancer treatment more effective, and the pharmacological modulation of core …

Global Crossroads Of Cybercrime: Youth, Enterprise And State Vulnerabilities In The Digital Age, Christopher S. Kayser, Kyung-Shick Choi

International Journal of Cybersecurity Intelligence & Cybercrime

No abstract provided.

Cybercrime As A Threat To The Banking Sector: A Perspective From Commercial Banks In Bangladesh, Hasibul Hossain, Rezaul Karim Shohag, Nikhil Chandra Nath, Sushmita Das Dalia

International Journal of Cybersecurity Intelligence & Cybercrime

Cyber and technology related crimes are gradually increasing all over the world due to rapid transitions and transactions in the digital world and cyberspace. Cyber related threats are increasingly becoming universal, multi-faceted, sophisticated and transnational in this tech-driven age. Governments, law enforcement agencies, IT professionals, scholars, and researchers worldwide have been concerned about digital deviance and crime. The transition to this widespread cybercrime is particularly difficult for developing countries. Recently, the banking sectors in Bangladesh have seen the emerging threats to its system and reserves through cyberspace, e. g. cyber-attacks or taking illegal access. Cybercrime is becoming a threat to …

Need Of Paradigm Shift In Cybersecurity Implementation For Small And Medium Enterprises (Smes), Shekhar Pawar, Hemant Palivela

International Journal of Cybersecurity Intelligence & Cybercrime

The increasing digitization of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) has significantly increased their attack surface, creating opportunities for various cyberthreats. In the global market, there are various cybersecurity standards and frameworks available, but there are still many cyber news stories from each corner of the world talking about increasing sophisticated cyber-attacks among organizations. According to recent studies, one out of five cyberattacks is targeting SMEs. Even though SMEs are relatively smaller as individuals, they are responsible for maximum contribution towards the betterment of the global economy, including the highest role in GDP and various employment opportunities. As compared to large …

Consciousness And Fundamental Fine-Tuning: Brentanian Teleology Contra Agentive Cosmopsychism, Brandon Rickabaugh

Faith and Philosophy: Journal of the Society of Christian Philosophers

No abstract provided.

Testimony, Rationality, And Extended Cognition: The Magisterium And Moral Understanding, Stephen Napier

Faith and Philosophy: Journal of the Society of Christian Philosophers

No abstract provided.

Synergizing Quantum-Safe Signatures With Jwt For Unparalleled Security In Web Applications, Kalpana B. N, R Saravana Kumar

Mesopotamian Journal of CyberSecurity

The surge in internet use has made authentication and authorization essential for protecting users’ privacy and security in web applications. JSON Web Token (JWT), a token-based authentication mechanism, stands out as a desirable choice for its scalability, ease of use, and interoperability. However, existing JWT signing algorithms, which rely on mathematical problems such as factoring large integers and discrete logarithms, are vulnerable to quantum computing breakthroughs, which poses significant security risks. Addressing this challenge requires evaluating quantum-safe alternatives for JWT authentication. While prior research has focused on limited sets of post-quantum algorithms, a comprehensive evaluation of all standardized algorithms remains …

A Phase I Study Of The Pharmacokinetics, Pharmacodynamics, And Safety Of Liposomal Bupivacaine For Sciatic Nerve Block In The Popliteal Fossa For Bunionectomy, Daniel I Sessler, Xiaodong Bao, David Leiman, Jia Song, Jason Chittenden, Alexander Voelkner, Alparslan Turan, Jeffrey Gadsden

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

This trial assessed the pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, and safety of liposomal bupivacaine given via ultrasound-guided popliteal sciatic nerve block with or without immediate-release bupivacaine hydrochloride in adults having bunionectomies. Forty-five adults were enrolled into four sequential cohorts: (1) liposomal bupivacaine 266 mg with bupivacaine hydrochloride 50 mg; (2) liposomal bupivacaine 133 mg with bupivacaine hydrochloride 50 mg; (3) liposomal bupivacaine 266 mg; or (4) bupivacaine hydrochloride 100 mg. Outcomes included pharmacokinetics (e.g., bupivacaine maximum plasma concentration [C

Kindergarten Through Sixth Grade Teachers’ Experiences Of Conflict Resolution Instruction In Social And Emotional Learning Curricula, Bethany Kristen Danjuma

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Educators have agreed that an education should include the development of social-emotional competencies and conflict resolution (CR) skills. However, only some social-emotional learning (SEL) programs are designed to promote mastery of CR skills. The problem this study addressed was the increase in behavioral incidents in public Colorado elementary schools despite incorporation by kindergarten to sixth (K–6) grade teachers of SEL instruction to prevent student conflict. The purpose of this study was to explore Grade K–6 teachers' successes, challenges, and suggestions for improvements to incorporate CR instruction into SEL curricula at public Colorado elementary schools. Bandura's social learning theory and the …

Blacktail Creek Energy Laboratories Metals & Mercury Laboratory Analysis Results With Hgl 2b Data Validation Qualifiers, Pioneer Technical Services, Inc.

Silver Bow Creek/Butte Area Superfund Site

No abstract provided.

Draft Final 2024 Bpsou Subdrain Data Summary Report (Dsr), Pioneer Technical Services, Inc.

Silver Bow Creek/Butte Area Superfund Site

No abstract provided.

Cryo-Em Captures The Coordination Of Asymmetric Electron Transfer Through A Di-Copper Site In Dpor, Rajnandani Kashyap, Natalie Walsh, Jaigeeth Deveryshetty, Monika Tokmina-Lukaszewska, Kewei Zhao, Yunqiao J. Gan, Brian M. Hoffman, Ritimukta Sarangi, Brian Bothner, Brian Bennett, Edwin Antony

Physics Faculty Research and Publications

Enzymes that catalyze long-range electron transfer (ET) reactions often function as higher order complexes that possess two structurally symmetrical halves. The functional advantages for such an architecture remain a mystery. Using cryoelectron microscopy we capture snapshots of the nitrogenase-like dark-operative protochlorophyllide oxidoreductase (DPOR) during substrate binding and turnover. DPOR catalyzes reduction of the C17 = C18 double bond in protochlorophyllide during the dark chlorophyll biosynthetic pathway. DPOR is composed of electron donor (L-protein) and acceptor (NB-protein) component proteins that transiently form a complex in the presence of ATP to facilitate ET. NB-protein is an α2β2 heterotetramer with two structurally identical …

Neural Network-Based Low-Level 3d Point Cloud Processing, Pingping Cai

Theses and Dissertations

3D computer vision is a promising research field with the potential to revolutionize future lifestyles. Among various 3D representation formats, point clouds stand out for their efficiency in depicting 3D objects using a set of coordinates, enabling advancements in fields such as autonomous driving, virtual reality, and robotics. Due to the limitations of sensor fields of view and scanning trajectories, the collected point clouds are usually sparse, noisy, and incomplete, impeding the performance of many downstream applications. Thus, the tasks of low-level point cloud processing are proposed to refine and generate dense, clean, and complete point clouds. To accomplish these …

How New Mathematics Teachers Develop Teacher-Student Relational Pedagogy, Dustin Kinser

Dissertations

This study investigated the support structures implemented with new mathematics teachers to help them build relational pedagogy with their students to determine their effectiveness. The literature review examines topical research, gaps in literature and theoretical frameworks to justify the study. The case study investigated new math teachers and their processes of building positive teacher-student relationships using the support structures that they were taught on their way to becoming a teacher. Math teachers were interviewed to find any common themes across the study and find out what is truly working or not working so that the process can be improved. Another …

(Wp 2025-01) Trautwein's Challenge To The History Of Economics, John B. Davis

Economics Working Papers

Hans-Michael Trautwein’s presidential address to the European Society raised provocative questions regarding the nature of current economics that should concern not just historians of economics but economists as well (Trautwein, 2017). Are the processes driving current research in economics creating a greater and greater specialization in subjects and economic thinking that is fragmenting and disunifying the field? Here I discuss Trautwein’s question and his answer to it particularly as bear on the future status and responsibilities of the history of economics as a field within economics. First, I give an account of what is involved in research specialization in science …

Benford's Law And The Impact Of Director Blockholders, Ying "Caroline" Chen

Presentations - 2025

This presentation was given by a faculty member on Benford's Law and it's effects on management.

"Benford's Law is a mathematical law which relates to the leading digits of numbers in naturally occurring tables. The probability of the first digit equaling some number d is roughly equal to

𝑃 𝑑 = 𝑙𝑜𝑔10 (1 + 1 𝑑)

The probability of the second digit equaling some number d is roughly equal to

𝑃 𝑑 = σ𝑥=1 9 𝑙𝑜𝑔10 (1 + 1 10𝑥+𝑑)

Durtschi, Hillison, and Pacini (2004) – Analysis using Benford’s Law is primarily useful on sets composed of mathematical combinations of …

Towards Sustainable Energy: Design And Preliminary Testing Of Tidal Current Turbines, Yareli A. Zelaya Pavon

Presentations - 2025

As the energy demand constantly increases and traditional energy resources decrease, incorporating sustainable alternatives has become necessary. In this context, this research attempts to provide a new solution for energy scarcity in regions that lack electricity, especially those located near large ocean areas. The objective of this project was to engineer and investigate an ideal prototype to transform power generation. Through detailed design and testing, this project seeks to reveal the potential of tidal energy, offering an alternative to communities struggling with energy distribution.

The research focuses on utilizing custom-designed propellers, which are 3D printed and installed on an open …

Water Consumption & Efficiency: Casa Maria Marianist Household, Deborah Alonso, Veronica Geronimo, Arturo Arana, Adrian Roda Teran, Roberto Abarca

Presentations - 2025

In the fall of 2021, St. Mary’s University became one of the first universities in Texas to commit to Pope Francis’ Laudato Si’ Action Platform (LSAP). With this seven-year commitment to the principles of Laudato Si’, the St. Mary’s community is now taking steps to become a more environmentally sustainable campus. An important part of this effort is to establish baseline conditions from which to measure progress in sustainability with respect to specific university systems. With extensive grounds, dozens of buildings, and thousands of students, staff, and faculty, however, the complexities of a college campus can make it difficult to …

From Faith To Watts: Energy Efficiency In Casa Maria, Trinity Gomez, Marvin Masabo Nkaka, Jazmin Palacios, Olivia Riojas, Chelsy Tinacba

Presentations - 2025

In the fall of 2021, St. Mary’s University became one of the first universities in Texas to commit to Pope Francis’ Laudato Si’ Action Platform (LSAP). With this seven-year commitment to the principles of Laudato Si’, the St. Mary’s community is now taking steps to become a more environmentally sustainable campus. An important part of this effort is to establish baseline conditions from which to measure progress in sustainability with respect to specific university systems. With extensive grounds, dozens of buildings, and thousands of students, staff, and faculty, however, the complexities of a college campus can make it difficult to …

2025 Awardees, Office Of Sponsored Projects, Academic Research And Compliance (Sparc)

Showcase Awards

Every year, St. Mary's honors their students and faculty at the showcase with awards to recognize their hard work and leadership in research on campus. These are the award winners for 2025.

Gamescope, Jake Rankin, Luis Garza, Brain Lujan, Mauricio Rebaza Figueroa

Posters - 2025

Video games have grown exponentially since their debut in the late 20th century. Despite the widespread digitalization and advancements within the gaming community marked by a transition from physical discs to digital downloads and many more major improvements, the lack of an efficient, multipurpose application for reviews remains prevalent. When designing GameScope, we wanted to tackle the key problem of the absence of a multi-platform gaming review system. Gamers currently lack a popular platform to easily find game reviews and get personalized recommendations. Our aim is to create a space where gamers can share their experiences and explore new games …

Mi Lock Pros, Feras Rabee

Posters - 2025

Locksmith businesses often rely on inefficient communication and outdated job management methods, leading to delays, missed opportunities, and customer dissatisfaction. Mi Lock Pros was created to solve this problem. It is a mobile app designed to streamline job assignment, technician tracking, and customer communication. The solution includes secure login, job tracking, real-time messaging, GPS based navigation, and technician performance monitoring—all accessible via a simple interface on both Android and iOS. Powered by ASP.NET Core Web API and .NET MAUI, it ensures smooth backend integration with a user-friendly frontend.

Emerging Technologies In Beluga Research: Potential And Possibilities, Alejandro Zuniga-Schettino

Posters - 2025

Beluga whale face increasing threats in the Arctic, demanding effective research for conservation. Transitional methods going on field trips to collect short videos in excel, going on field trips to collect short videos, and having to rewatch the video are often time- consuming labor intensive, and limited in scope. This poster explores how engineering and AI can improve research. Engineering can provide robust tools like autonous underwater vehicles with advanced sensors for data collection in challenging environments. These technology offer an enhanced understanding of belugas behavior and ecology

Mente -Mental Health Tracking App, Vu Han

Posters - 2025

Mental health plays a crucial role in overall well-being, yet many digital tools in this space are either overly complex or lack usercentered design. Mente is a streamlined, web-based application created to support daily mental health engagement through simplicity and ease of use.

•Purpose: To provide a minimal, intuitive platform for users to reflect on their emotional well-being and develop healthier habits over time.

•Core Features:

• Mood tracking with visual trends

• Journaling for personal reflection

• Goal setting and progress tracking

• Health assessment for self-awareness

• Analytics for self-reflection •Design Focus: A clean, distraction-free interface that emphasizes …

Reentry Reinvented: The Dayton, Ohio Foodbanks Approach, Carina Yleana Vlaun

Posters - 2025

As of 2024, there are currently 621 incarcerated people per 100,000 people in the general population of Ohio. Due to collateral consequence, many returning citizens have found it difficult to reenter society effectively. The lack of support in safe housing, food assistance, transportation, family support, and much more has increased the percentage of recidivism. Over the years, the Foodbank Inc. of Dayton, Ohio (the Foodbank) has adapted to providing support for people who are leaving the incarceration system to help returning citizens reenter society.