Digital Commons Network^™

Some Comply While Some Defy: Elementary Teachers’ Responses To Leadership Mandates On Reading Comprehension Instruction, Reid J. Smith, Pamela C. Snow, Tanya A. Serry, Lorraine S. Hammond

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Purpose: We report the qualitative findings from a survey of elementary teachers regarding reading instruction. The purpose is to extend on quantitative findings in a previously described survey to gain a more in-depth understanding of Australian elementary teachers’ approaches to the literacy block in their schools: how this is used, who makes instructional decisions, and how teachers respond to these. Method: A web-based survey was used to collect data from Australian elementary teachers about their perspectives regarding reading comprehension instruction. Of the 284 respondents, 182 (64.1%) provided free-text comments in response to open-ended questions. Responses were coded and analyzed for …

Investigating The Environmental Awareness And Attitudes Among Fisher Folks In Ghana: A Sustainability Threat, Nana Akua Okyerewa Djandoh, Enock Swanzy-Impraim

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Environmental concerns, such as human alteration, pollution, and the effects of climate change, have had a significant impact on the survival of beaches worldwide. In Ghana, beaches face numerous threats stemming from human activities, such as deforestation, construction, sand mining, open defecation, and disposal of waste into the sea. Moreover, other factors such as strong winds, high waves, and the effects of climate change contribute to beach vulnerability. This paper is part of a broader study that investigated the environmental attitude and behavior of the Fisher Folks along coastal beaches in the Winneba Municipality in Ghana. Although the broader study …

Natural Hydrogen Soil Gas Emissions Near Harvey, Perth Basin: A Comparative Study Of Survey Methods, Krista Davies, Peter W. Haines, Charmaine Thomas, Leon Normore

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Quantifying natural hydrogen soil gas emissions and their controlling factors is critical for assessing hydrogen storage viability and improving exploration strategies. This study provides the first detailed comparison of hydrogen emissions near the DMP Harvey-2 well in the Perth Basin and compares the effectiveness of repeated point surveys and autonomous monitoring in capturing emission variability. Hydrogen concentrations ranged from 0 to >1000 ppm in point surveys, with transient pulses up to 598 ppm detected through continuous monitoring, indicating episodic release. Repeated point surveys successfully captured the overall range of emissions but failed to resolve dynamic processes, such as abrupt flux …

Students As Designers With Robotics And Control Systems, Katie Waters, David A. Martin, Natalie Mcmaster, Ben Zunica, Bronwyn Tregenza, Martin Levins

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

The chapter defines and explores the core concepts of robotics and control systems from the broader perspective of ‘ mechatronics’, highlighting the integration of systems, design, and computational ways of thinking that may not be as comprehensive if strictly limited to the more familiar but slightly narrower ‘robotics and control systems’. Due to their role in society and relevance to the future workplace, they make for a rich and meaningful learning context for education. This includes a focus on the integration of systems that combine electronics and physical structures with digital devices and systems. Examples of mechatronics are provided from …

Students As Digital Designers In Engineering, Matthew Daniel Christie, Belinda Von Mengersen, Martin Levins, Carol Puddicombe

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

This chapter examines the integration of digital technologies in Engineering education contexts from primary to secondary school classrooms. It outlines a progression of learning experiences integrating digital tools, such as Computer-Aided Design (CAD) software, programming platforms, and data analysis applications, into Engineering education modules so that students can build their technological proficiency and creativity. The chapter emphasises using real-world scenarios, such as the design of a smart garden or bridge-building projects, to make engineering principles more tangible. It explores the role of signature pedagogies and the Standards for Technological and Engineering Literacy (STEL) in structuring curriculum and instructional strategies to …

Metal-Free Photoredox Catalysis For The S-Trifluoromethylation Of Thiols, Raheemat Rafiu, Puspa Aryal, V. Prakash Reddy

Chemistry Faculty Research & Creative Works

The S-trifluoromethylation of thiols is accomplished using a simple and cost-effective organic catalyst (diacetyl) along with a bench-stable and environmentally friendly trifluoro methylating reagent (Langloi's reagent). Under optimized conditions (2.5 equivalents of Langlois reagent, Blue LED irradiation, 48-h reaction time at room temperature), the reaction yielded up to 81% S-trifluoro methylated product. This method's high yields, compatibility with a broad substrate scope (aliphatic, heteroaromatic, and aromatic thiols), and environmentally friendly conditions demonstrate its potential for broader synthetic applications. In contrast to traditional methods that rely on organometallic catalysts and environmentally hazardous reagents, this novel photoredox catalysis method offers a more …

Characterizing The Transient Emission Of Particles And Gases From A Single Puff Of Electronic Cigarette Smoke, Kashala Fabrice Kapiamba, Steven Achterberg, Ta Chun Lin, Philip D. Whitefield, Yue-Wern Huang, Yang Wang

Chemistry Faculty Research & Creative Works

This study employed high-time-resolution systems to examine the transient properties of aerosols and gases emitted from electronic cigarette (EC) puffs. Using a fast aerosol sizer, we measured particle size distributions (PSDs) across various EC brands (JUUL, VUSE, VOOPOO), revealing sizes ranging from 5 to 1000 nm at concentrations of 107 to 1010 cm-3. Most aerosols were found to be in the ultrafine range (below 100 nm), with JUUL-, VUSE-, and VOOPOO-producing aerosols with geometric mean sizes of 19.9, 47.3, and 29.4 nm, respectively. Applying the International Commission on Radiological Protection (ICRP) deposition model and assuming no further evolution of aerosols …

Formation Of Hydrocarbons And Carbon Oxides In Mxene Reactions With Water Under Varying Oxidative Conditions, Shuohan Huang, Guanglei Xiang, Vadym Mochalin

Chemistry Faculty Research & Creative Works

Titanium carbide / carbonitride MXenes have garnered significant attention due to their remarkable properties, versatile solution processability, and broad range of potential applications. However, when exposed to the environment, MXenes are susceptible to degradation, which ultimately leads to the formation of metal oxides, a process that may be regarded as either disadvantageous or beneficial, depending on the application of a MXene and our knowledge about the underlying mechanisms. Therefore, it is very important to understand the reactivity of MXenes in different environments and conditions. Although researchers have made efforts to understand MXene degradation in air and water, our knowledge of …

Instantaneous Hydrolysis Of Methyl Paraoxon Nerve Agent Simulant Is Catalyzed By Nontoxic Aminoguanidine Imines, Emmanuel Kingsley Darkwah, Puspa Aryal, Chi Zhang, Charles B. Musgrave, William A. Goddard, V. Prakash Reddy

Chemistry Faculty Research & Creative Works

Exposure to organophosphate-based nerve agents and pesticides poses health and security threats to civilians, soldiers, and first responders. Thus, there is a need to develop effective decontamination agents that are nonhazardous to human health. To address this, we demonstrate that instantaneous hydrolysis of methyl paraoxon (Me-POX), a nerve agent simulant, can be achieved in the presence of aminoguanidine imines at pH 10: ● the pyridine-4-aldehyde aminoguanidine-imine (1) and ● the 2,3-butanedione aminoguanidine-imine (2). The hydrolysis of Me-POX under these conditions is substantially faster than that of the state-of-the-art decontaminating agent, Dekon-139 (2,3-butanedione oxime, potassium salt). Furthermore, Dekon-139 shows adverse effects …

Electrochemical Observation And Ph Dependence Of All Three Expected Redox Couples In An Extremophilic Bifurcating Electron Transfer Flavoprotein With Fused Subunits, Debarati Das, Wassim El Housseini, Monica Brachi, Shelley D. Minteer, Anne Frances Miller

Chemistry Faculty Research & Creative Works

Bifurcating enzymes employ energy from a favorable electron transfer to drive unfavorable transfer of a second electron, thereby generating a more reactive product. They are therefore highly desirable in catalytic systems, for example, to drive challenging reactions such as nitrogen fixation. While most bifurcating enzymes contain air-sensitive metal centers, bifurcating electron transfer flavoproteins (bETFs) employ flavins. However, they have not been successfully deployed on electrodes. Herein, we demonstrate immobilization and expected thermodynamic reactivity of a bETF from a hyperthermophilic archaeon, Sulfolobus acidocaldarius (SaETF). SaETF differs from previously biochemically characterized bETFs in being a single protein, representing a concatenation of the …

Synthesis And Characterization Of Free Radical Scavenging Dendrimer Nanogels Via Cross-Linking Reaction-Enabled Flash Nanoprecipitation, Lin Qi, Da Huang, Huari Kou, Anna Chernatynskaya, Nuran Ercal, Hu Yang

Chemistry Faculty Research & Creative Works

This work reports the development and evaluation of dendrimer-based nanogels based on Poly amidoamine (PAMAM) dendrimer generation 5, engineered to act as a carrier with reactive oxygen species (ROS)-scavenging capabilities. We developed a cross-linking reaction-enabled flash nanoprecipitation method in which the cross-linking reaction occurs during the flash nanoprecipitation process to form a cross-linked nanostructure. Using this approach, an N-hydroxy succinimide (NHS)-functionalized ROS-responsive thioketal cross-linker (TK-NHS) was synthesized and utilized to cross-link DAB-core PAMAM dendrimer G5, resulting in the formation of G5-TK nanogels. The resulting nanogels were characterized using dynamic light scattering and transmission electron microscopy, and their cytocompatibility, irritancy, cellular …

Scalable Fabrication Of High-Payload Dendrimer-Based Nanoparticles For Targeted Atherosclerosis Therapy, Huari Kou, Lin Qi, Da Huang, Jiandong Wu, Honglan Shi, Hu Yang

Chemistry Faculty Research & Creative Works

Nanoparticle-based therapeutics hold promise for the treatment of atherosclerosis, but challenges such as low drug-loading capacity and a lack of scalable, controllable production hinder their clinical translation. Flash nanoprecipitation, a continuous synthesis method, offers a potential solution for scalable and reproducible nanoparticle production. In this study, we employed a custom-designed multi-inlet vortex mixer to perform cross-linking reaction-enabled flash nanoprecipitation, facilitating controlled and scalable synthesis of cross-linked Poly amidoamine (PAMAM) dendrimer nanoparticles. Notably, this approach allows simultaneous nanoparticle cross-linking and drug loading in a single step. The mannose moiety enabled specific targeting of macrophages via mannose receptors, enhancing the localization of …

Pla-Based Bone Tissue Engineering Scaffolds Incorporating Hydroxyapatite And Bioactive Glass Using Digital Light Processing, Engin Gepek, Fateme Fayyazbakhsh, Lev Suliandziga, Vadym Mochalin, Osman Iyibilgin, Yue-Wern Huang, Ming C. Leu

Chemistry Faculty Research & Creative Works

Bone tissue engineering (BTE) aims to repair bone defects using biocompatible materials with tailored geometries and pore structures, providing appropriate mechanical support and control over biodegradation kinetics to promote bone growth. In this study, we utilized digital light processing (DLP) 3D printing to fabricate scaffolds with varying pore sizes using polymer–ceramic slurries composed of polylactic acid (PLA) as the main polymer matrix, incorporated with hydroxyapatite (HA) and bioactive borate glass (BBG) at various ratios. We studied the effect of composition on rheological behavior, printability, mechanical properties, bioactivity, degradation rate, and biocompatibility. While HA increased viscosity and reduced printing accuracy, it …

Unveiling Pseudocapacitance: A Kinetic Treatment Of The Pseudocapacitive Biosensor, Rokas Gerulskis, Egor Baiarashov, Maryam Karimi, Wassim El Housseini, Shelley D. Minteer

Chemistry Faculty Research & Creative Works

A kinetic framework is introduced for a pseudocapacitive potentiometric biosensor. Mathematical derivation and kinetic modeling demonstrate that experimentally observed linearity in analyte-OCP response arises from a dynamic equilibrium between competing redox reactions on a single electrode. This system can be expanded to develop a new generation of biosensors.

Tricatalytic Organocatalyst-Enzyme Hybrid Cascade For Improving Complete Oxidation Of Glucose To Carbon Dioxide, Adam Milam, Rokas Gerulskis, Jose Intano, Shelley D. Minteer

Chemistry Faculty Research & Creative Works

Advancing energy harvesting is crucial for the development of wearable and implantable technologies. Given the high concentration of complex fuels, such as glucose, in biological fluids, biofuel cells present a promising avenue for exploration. However, glucose fuel cells that have been published to date typically catalyze only one or two of the maximum 12 oxidation steps for glucose, resulting in low energy density. Although known multienzyme cascades, which are sequential biochemical reactions where multiple enzymes work in tandem to convert a substrate into a final product, have addressed this inefficiency, they come with several trade-offs, such as reduced power density …

Enhanced Biofuel Cells Based On A Hybrid Enzymatic/Bimetallic Composite For Complete Lactate Catalytic Electrooxidation, Jefferson Honorio Franco, João Victor Bonaldo, Shelley D. Minteer, Adalgisa R. De Andrade

Chemistry Faculty Research & Creative Works

We describe complete lactate electrooxidation in an enzymatic biofuel cell that combines the catalytic action of the bimetallic composite Ru@Pt-CNT and the enzyme oxalate oxidase (OxOx). The Ru@Pt-CNT/OxOx hybrid electrode was 2.0-fold more catalytically active than the electrode containing the bimetallic composite only. During chronoamperometric experiments, the hybrid electrode achieved a 35% higher maximum current density (2.65 ± 0.15 mA cm^-2) than the Ru@Pt-CNT electrode. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy showed that the hybrid electrode had lower charge transfer resistance than the Ru@Pt-CNT electrode, confirming that OxOx had a high affinity for lactate during the bioelectrocatalytic reaction on the electrode …

Making The Jump: A Self-Study Of The Implementation Of Gamification And Student Discussion In Middle School Mathematics, John Pauly

Dissertations and Theses @ UNI

Middle school mathematics teaching is a complex practice that incorporates both cognitive and emotional factors (Sen, 2022). Students must have permission to get stuck and unstuck in their thinking while critically considering their approaches (Kapp, 2016), along with opportunities to engage in decision-making, deep reasoning, and discussions about mathematics (Stein et al., 1996). Gamification and game-based learning can place students in an environment where discussion, collaboration and perseverance are highly valued in overcoming challenges and achieving common goals (Kapp, 2016).

This qualitative self-study reflects on the journey of John Pauly, a middle school mathematics teacher, told through his experiences and …

Opportunities And Barriers In Iowa’S Teacher Apprenticeship Program, Patricia Ryan

Dissertations and Theses @ UNI

The purpose of this qualitative study is to better understand opportunities and barriers in Iowa’s Teacher and Paraeducator Registered Apprenticeship Program (TPRA), framed through the lens of social capital and wellbeing. By examining the lived experiences of apprentices and journeyman/mentor teachers, this study aims to provide deeper insights into the dynamics of teaching apprenticeships, highlighting the challenges and successes faced by teachers in this alternative route to teacher certification. Through in-depth interviews with both apprentices and journeyman/mentor teachers, this research explores how participants build social capital through mentoring relationships, as well as how these connections impact career wellbeing for both …

Every Teacher A Reading Teacher: An Exploration Of Teacher Preparation And Literacy Instruction, Jossette N. Finney

Dissertations and Theses @ UNI

The number of students lacking literacy proficiency is on the rise, with only 33% of students assessed in Grades 4 and 31% of students assessed in Grade 8 scoring at or above NAEP proficiency in reading (National Center for Education Statistics, 2022). The purpose of this study was to understand more about the attitudes and beliefs of classroom teachers, preservice teachers, and content area literacy instructors surrounding content area literacy instruction, and how those beliefs affected their likelihood to incorporate literacy across the curriculum. The theoretical framework for this study included the critical literacy theory along with Paolo Freire’s pedagogy …

Experimental Investigation Of Heat Transfer Behavior In Spouted Bed Reactors Under Different Operating Conditions, Hasan A. Abdulwahab, Abbas J. Sultan, Amer A. Abdulrahman, Hasan Sh Majdi, Haydar A.S. Aljaafari, Zahraa W. Hasan, Laith S. Sabri, Bashar J. Kadhim, Jamal M. Ali, Muthanna H. Al-Dahhan

Chemical and Biochemical Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

Abstract: Spouted bed reactors (SBRs) are highly valued for their effectiveness in chemical and biochemical processes due to their mixing and heat transfer capabilities. Understanding the heat transfer mechanisms in these reactors is necessary. This research delves into the heat transfer behavior of SBRs, which plays a role in enhancing their performance under operational conditions. The study conducted experiments to measure the heat transfer coefficient (HTC) at varying gas velocities (ranging from 0.32 to 0.74 m/s) at radial positions (r/R = 0, ±0.28, ±0.56, and ±0.85) and axial levels (H/D = 0.8, 2.1, and 3.5) within the spouted bed (SB) …

Cold Atmospheric Plasma Induced Degradation Of Organophosphate Pesticides On Kevlar Swatches, Ta Chun Lin, Victor Somtochukwu Mbanugo, Boluwatife Stephen Ojo, Yue-Wern Huang, Marek Locmelis, Frank Daoru Han

Biological Sciences Faculty Research & Creative Works

Cold atmospheric plasma (CAP) was evaluated for degrading organophosphate pesticide (OP) residues (acephate, malathion, and dimethoate) from Kevlar fabrics. Fourier transform-Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, scanning electron microscope (SEM) imaging and tensile strength testing confirmed that CAP treatment preserved Kevlar's structural integrity and mechanical properties. Results show degradation efficiency increased with higher power, shorter discharge gaps, and longer exposure duration. Hyperspectral imaging supported the detection of plasma-induced spectral changes, reinforcing the presence of reactive species. The strong oxidative potential of CAP facilitated the rapid breakdown of OPs into nontoxic byproducts. These findings demonstrate the potential of CAP as a portable, energy-efficient solution …

Leveraging Intrinsic Properties For Classification Of Coal Seams Towards Spontaneous Combustion Proclivity And Predicting Susceptibility Using Machine Learning: Smart And Sustainable Mining Approach, Siddhartha Agarwal, Pradeep K. Gautam, Yuhao Zou, Rishabh Dwivedi, Durga C. Panigrahi, Cihan H. Dagli, A. Singh

Engineering Management and Systems Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

Mine fires and other hazards caused by spontaneous coal combustion are a pervasive and longstanding issue in Jharia coalfields, India. This study proposes a novel approach to classify coal seams based on their propensity to spontaneous combustion using the intrinsic properties of 30 coal samples from different seams. This method eliminates the need for expensive and time-consuming experimental determinations of susceptibility indices (SI) such as crossing point temperature (CPT), critical air blast (CAB), and differential thermal analysis (DTA). All clustering models, viz. hierarchical, k-means, and multidimensional scaling, aptly classify coal seams into three categories: highly risky, medium risky, and low …

Echoes Of Play: Traditional Outdoor Games Of Chitral`S Mountain Communities, Rubina Nawab, Fozia Parveen

Institute for Educational Development Pakistan (IED-PK) Archives

No abstract provided.

Fuel Consumption Prediction Using Bayesian Neural Networks, Syarifah Diana Permai, Jurike V. Moniaga, Zener Sukra Lie, Ferry Jie

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Transportation is one of the necessities of life. Because humans need transportation to move from one location to another. Transportation requires fuel. On the other hand, fuel consumption is important and must be controlled. This is because fuel can come from both renewable and non-renewable energy sources, depending on the type and process of its formation. Several factors influence the fuel efficiency of a car, including the type of engine, vehicle weight, aerodynamics, driving habits, and other vehicle conditions. This research aims to predict car fuel consumption and identify the factors that affect fuel consumption. Several Machine Learning and Statistical …

The Antibiofilm Efficacy Of Copper And Zinc-Enhanced Borate Bioactive Glasses On Polymicrobial Biofilms, Sarah Fakher, David J. Westenberg

Biological Sciences Faculty Research & Creative Works

Healthcare-acquired infections (HAIs) are a significant global challenge driven by biofilm-forming pathogens. Polymicrobial biofilms, involving interactions between multiple microbial species, exacerbate treatment difficulties due to their enhanced resistance to antimicrobial therapies. Borate bioactive glasses (BBGs) are an emerging class of biomaterials that have attracted significant interest in infection control. The incorporation of copper and zinc into the BBG matrix can effectively disrupt biofilm formation and bacterial colonization. This study investigates the antibiofilm efficacy of copper and zinc-doped BBGs against polymicrobial biofilms formed by S. epidermidis, E. coli, and P. aeruginosa. Using static and dynamic biofilm models, BBGs were applied through …

Encapsulating Student Perspectives: Investigating Students’ Voice In Urban Secondary Education, Treyvon L. Harlin

Wayne State University Dissertations

ABSTRACTEncapsulating Student Perspectives: Investigating Students’ Voice in Urban Secondary Education by Treyvon L. Harlin February 2025 Advisor: Ben Pogodzinski, Ph.D. Major: Educational Leadership and Policy Studies Degree: Doctor of Philosophy The research in this dissertation focuses on the implication of student voice in historically marginalized secondary schools throughout the metropolitan area of Detroit, Michigan. Research initiatives conducted by Delpit (2006), Holmes & Crossley (2004), and Levitan (2018) have shown that students, especially those of marginalized populations, must have a sense of safety, feel valued and that their opinions matter to have buy-in with academic objectives and a school’s vision. Unfortunately, …

Executive Compensation: The Role Of Human Capital And Geographic Preferences, Panagiotis Giannakis, Dorothea Roumpi, Lauren E. Aydinliyam, John E. Delery

Management Faculty Publications and Presentations

Human capital is crucial for sustainable competitive advantage, and certain workforce groups have a greater impact than others. The top management team, responsible for directing firm strategy and structure, is one such group, and executive turnover can be detrimental for a firm. While existing literature often suggests that executives change jobs primarily for higher pay, this is not always true. Drawing on human capital research and the geographic preference theory, we examine how an executive’s human capital and geographic preferences affect changes in compensation during job transitions. Using a sample of 351 executives who moved among S&P 500 companies from …

A Case Study Using The Transparency Framework And Artificial Intelligence To Promote Effective Writing And Student Success In A Writing-Intensive Course, Elizabeth A. Brown, Maria Kronenburg, Ashlee Steeley, Diana Tagbor

Health Behavior, Policy & Management Faculty Publications

Program evaluation data suggest that undergraduate students struggle with writing in a clear and concise manner and appropriately citing. Faculty implemented the plan-do study-act cycle to pilot the Transparency in Learning and Teaching (TILT) project framework and to explore the use of artificial intelligence (AI) and discuss approaches to using AI, along with the TILT framework, in a writing-intensive course to identify the pros and cons of using ChatGPT in an online classroom. The TILT framework reinforces adult learning by helping students clearly understand the assignment's purpose and establish a clear relationship between assignment and students' professional lives. Faculty encouraged …

A Qualitative Analysis Of College Students' Interest In Mhealth Solutions, Leslie Hoglund, Craig M. Becker, Cara Tonn

Health Behavior, Policy & Management Faculty Publications

This study explores college students' perceptions of an AI-driven mHealth application designed to promote well-being. With rising mental health challenges in academic settings, students increasingly seek digital tools that provide holistic support for physical, mental, and financial health. Through focus groups, this qualitative study examines students' preferences for personalized health tracking, educational content, and flexible reminders within a private, supportive community. Key findings emphasize students' desire for a balanced, all-in-one app that integrates health and wellness tools without overwhelming them with notifications. Students also highlighted the importance of social media integration for outreach, though concerns were raised about potential stress …

Leveraging Custom Gpts For Formative Assessment And Feedback, Nari Kim, Jason Vickers, Shaimaa Alyehaibi, Chikezie Ozuzu, Xinyue Ren, Suhasini Kotcherlakota

STEMPS Faculty Publications

As artificial intelligence (AI) advances, the use of custom generative pre-trained transformers (Custom GPTs) in formative assessments opens new opportunities for improving student learning and engagement. Custom GPTs increase cognitive and emotional engagement by providing timely, context-sensitive, and tailored responses based on unique learner profiles. This paper aims to investigate how custom GPT-driven formative feedback can enhance individualized learning experiences and improve student performance. This paper will discuss the promise of this AI tool, the challenges associated with its application, and recommendations for educators and academics looking to use these technologies for formative assessments.