Digital Commons Network^™

Volunteer Spotlighting: Costly Signaling To Promote Volunteerism, Clyde A. Raible V

Master's Theses

Prosocial behaviors, because they are initially costly and do not guarantee a direct benefit to the actor, can nonetheless increase social status by signaling a willingness to incur cost on behalf of another. Given this signal value, nonprofit organizations may be able to leverage this knowledge to increase donations, such as through the provisioning of attention to, and recognition of, volunteers through social media. I predicted that the costliness of spotlighted behavior and the target signal clarity (i.e., individual vs. group spotlight) would interact with participants’ dispositional dominance and prestige-based status motives to influence volunteerism interest. To explore these associations, …

Investigating Racial And Ethnic Differences In Help-Seeking Recommendations And Intentions For Posttraumatic Stress Symptoms And Symptom Clusters, Josselyn Yanisbeth Telule

Master's Theses

Racially and ethnically minoritized (REM) communities experience disproportionate exposure to adverse events, including discrimination, socioeconomic disparities, justice system involvement, and limited access to healthcare. These inequities increase the likelihood of experiencing potentially traumatic events (PTEs) and developing trauma-related mental health concerns such as posttraumatic stress symptoms (PTSS). Despite this elevated risk, REM populations consistently underutilize mental health services. Although several explanations have been proposed—including differences in symptom recognition, perceived need for care, cultural values, mental health literacy, and preferred sources of support—less research has examined racial and ethnic differences in help-seeking intentions (HSI) and help-seeking recommendations (HSR), particularly in response …

The Efficacy Of Ethical Data: An Analytical Study By, Lamar Gebara

Theses

As artificial intelligence and machine learning models become increasingly embedded in decision-making systems across industries, questions about the ethical sourcing of data have grown more pressing; model performance relies heavily on vast, diverse datasets, many of which are harvested without consent, transparency, or equitable representation. This study aims to compare analytics outcomes (accuracy, bias, fairness, and explainability) between ethically sourced and unethically sourced datasets. Using CRISP-DM methodology, the study will develop matched classification models on both dataset types, evaluate their performance and fairness using open-source tools such as Fairlearn and AIF360, and assess broader implications for trust, accountability, and regulatory …

At The Crossing, Timothy Mulhall

Theses

At the Crossing is a body of photographic work that stemmed from daily walks through the Genesee Valley Park. Having moved to a new and unfamiliar place, these walks were a way of drawing closer to the city of Rochester and the people who call it home. In the process, I discovered the vitality and democratic function of the park and its relationship to the larger city. In this space, people gather, celebrate, rest, and dream. It exists as a wild refuge, a pressure valve within the overall function of the city. In this way, it is one of the …

Cannabinoid Modulation Of Metabolic Dysfunction Associated Steatotic Liver Disease In A Mouse Model, Kira Villarreal

Undergraduate Honors Theses

The liver plays an essential role in regulating metabolism. Though, when the physiology of the liver is thrown off, this can lead to pathological states. Metabolic dysfunction associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) can be a consequence of irregular physiological state in relation to metabolism. MASLD is the leading chronic liver disease globally with estimated 30% of patients affected, and incidence rates expected to rise. MASLD is diagnosed when there is a >5% build up of lipids in the hepatocytes and is not associated with high alcohol consumption. There are many risk factors associated with MASLD, such as high fat or …

Examining The Effects Of Boundary Management Practices Amongst Remote Workers In A Post-Pandemic World, Rosalia G. Casas

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

With remote work on the rise after a world-wide pandemic, boundary management practices have been harder to establish for employees because of the high levels of integration that is seen when working from home. Identifying the impact that boundary management behaviors have on employees is important amongst remote workers because they are more often at risk for work-life spillover and conflict because of permeability between domains. This study looks at the relationship between work arrangements and employee outcomes such as work family conflict and job satisfaction with boundary preference and family supportive supervisor behaviors as moderators. Using linear regression models, …

Ableism In Higher Education: Platicas Framing Faculty Perception Of Student Accommodations And A Call To Action, Stephanie P. Rivas

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

Academic ableism and traditional educational practices hinder the success of disabled students (Dolmage, 2017). As a student with disabilities, I have witnessed gradual improvements in the perception of disabilities in education. However, academic ableism persists in today’s higher education institutions, which can be disheartening for students like me, an unapologetically disabled person. This study employs framing theory, a communication theory that explains how people interpret and organize information (Goffman, 1947). These frames influence how accommodations are perceived, shaping attributes and connections between behaviors and potential causes (Tewksbury & Scheufele, 2019). Using platicas, a kind of cultural method of open conversational …

Low-Income And Student Success: California Community College Baccalaureate Degree: A Phenomenological Research, Adolfo Espinoza

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

California Community Colleges (CCC) were authorized to offer baccalaureate degree programs to address workforce demands and expand access to affordable bachelor’s degrees. The purpose of this study was to explore the academic, social, and institutional factors that contributed to the success of low-income students enrolled in CCC Baccalaureate Degree Programs (BDPs) and to examine the strategies faculty and administrators implemented to support their academic achievement.

This qualitative phenomenological study was guided by the Four-Capital Framework developed by Mason and Poyatos Matas (2015). Data were collected through structured interviews with faculty and administrators working in CCC BDPs in which 50 percent …

Countering Anti-Immigrant Narratives: Promoting Socio-Emotional Well-Being Through Familism, Counter-Storytelling, And Community Building In Latinx Family Workshops, Sitlaly Irais Jimenez Preciado

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

In recent decades, the United States has seen a growing anti-immigration climate marked by restrictive policies, racialized political rhetoric, and public discourse targeting immigrant communities. This environment has heightened fear, discrimination, and exclusion for immigrant families, especially those of Latinx origin, affecting daily life in schools, healthcare, and community spaces (Caballero et al., 2022; Roche et al., 2021). These families experience socio-emotional challenges, including anxiety, depression, and fear, alongside barriers to social and health services.

While research documents the harmful effects of anti-immigration policies and rhetoric on Latinx families, few interventions focus on protective factors that help Latinx families navigate …

Following Jesus: Discipleship For Young People

Journal of Adventist Youth and Young Adult Ministries

No abstract provided.

Discipleship For Young People, Steve Case

Journal of Adventist Youth and Young Adult Ministries

No abstract provided.

Youth Identity Formation And Intergenerational Mentorship, Larry L. Green

Journal of Adventist Youth and Young Adult Ministries

Youth today face significant challenges in developing a clear and rooted identity, particularly within the context of faith. As cultural, social, and technological influences complicate the process of identity formation, church leaders, mentors, and parents are essential in helping guide youth to form an identity anchored in Christ. This study explores the role of intergenerational mentorship, drawing upon the model of discipleship exemplified by Jesus. It highlights the principles of relational proximity, empowerment through participation, and personalized mentorship. Additionally, the study examines how church-family partnerships strengthen the transmission of faith and offer practical strategies for church leaders to mentor youth …

Discipling The Youth Through Preaching, Rodney Palmer

Journal of Adventist Youth and Young Adult Ministries

Youth discipleship is crucial for the long-term vitality of the church and the development of the next generation of Christian leaders. However, discipling youth through preaching presents distinct challenges due to the rapid changes and diverse influences that characterize adolescence. This paper will explore how faithful Biblical and Christ-centered preaching can serve as an effective tool for discipling the youth by examining the Biblical basis for youth-focused preaching and strategies to engage and transform young listeners. It will also offer practical recommendations for academicians, administrators, and youth practitioners to tailor their messages for youth discipleship, which will result in fostering …

Mentoring Youth In A Digital World: Integrating Technology For Effective Discipleship, Aundrea Thompson

Journal of Adventist Youth and Young Adult Ministries

In the digital age, technology significantly impacts the worldview and spiritual lives of youth, creating new challenges and opportunities for discipleship. This paper explores how faith leaders can integrate digital tools like social media, online platforms, and apps into youth mentorship to foster spiritual growth. While technology offers opportunities to engage with youth where they are, it also presents challenges like information overload, distractions, and online misinformation. By adapting Biblical mentoring models to digital spaces, mentors can build authentic relationships, break geographical barriers, and create meaningful, flexible, and creative discipleship experiences. The paper provides strategies for leveraging digital platforms to …

The Role Of Mentorship And Peer-Led Initiatives In Fostering Spiritual Growth Among Youth, Nelson A. Orkoh

Journal of Adventist Youth and Young Adult Ministries

T his study explores the role of mentorship and peer-led initiatives in fostering spiritual growth among Seventh-day Adventist (SDA) youth, drawing insights from the epistle of 1 John. Adolescence presents spiritual challenges due to societal pressures, media influences, and peer expectations. The research highlights mentorship as providing spiritual guidance and intergenerational learning, while peer-led initiatives promote mutual encouragement and accountability. The study evaluates program effectiveness, challenges, and solutions using a case study survey approach among 61 Ghanaian SDA youth, ages 15–25. Findings reveal high engagement in mentoring and peer-led church activities. The study recommends structured mentorship programs, leadership training, and …

Focus Group: Administrators, Nelson Silva, Pedro Perez, Tracy Wood

Journal of Adventist Youth and Young Adult Ministries

Facilitated by Nelson Silva, Pedro Perez, and Tracy Wood.

Participants included: Cris Cazarine, Exton Clarke, Raul Gonzalez, Roberto Gonzalez, Lamarre Guerrier, Andrew Nugent, Zack Payne, Christian Ponciano, Hector Quinones, Daniel Romanov, Christian Ronalds, Brian Seewaldt, Ron Whitehead, and Tracy Wood.

Book Review: Partnering Church And Home: Discipleship For The Next Generation, By Denise Muir Kjesbo, Shelley Henning, And Luz Gálvez De Figueroa, Nelson Silva

Journal of Adventist Youth and Young Adult Ministries

No abstract provided.

Use Of Period- Or Fertility-Tracking Technologies Pre- And Post-Dobbs, Emily Neiman, Marta Bornstein Phd, Mph, Abigail Norris Turner, Megan L. Kavanaugh, Maria F. Gallo

Faculty Publications

Objectives

Study design

Generational Interpretations Of Feminism: A Qualitative Study Of Women’S Perspectives, Molly Sabia Msw

All Student Scholarship

The current study gathered information on how women across five generations interpret feminism. Nine women were interviewed: (2 per generation, except the silent generation was 1). Understanding how women across five generations interpret feminism helps determine whether perspectives of feminism are due to a difference in time period or other variables. Based on research that has been conducted, we know that there are different views and interpretations of feminism on a broad scale; this study dove into participants’ perspectives and generational influence.

The preliminary findings of this study suggest there are some areas of the Feminist Movement that exhibit generational …

A Mixed Methods Exploration Of Elementary Music Teacher Approaches And Criteria For Repertoire Selection, Edward J. Holmes

All Student Scholarship

The purpose of this mixed-methods study was to explore the repertoire selection practices of elementary general music teachers in the state of Maine. Participants (N = 94) completed a survey asking for the demographic information of their school community, their level of education, the repertoire resources they most often use when planning, and what criteria would cause them to omit or remove a song or piece from their curriculum. Song collection websites were the most popular repertoire resource among participants, and the leading criteria for a good song choice were songs “with a variety of musical elements”. “Historical context” was …

Vitaltitration Predicts Fermentation Performance Of Phylogenetically Distinct Saccharomyces Cerevisiae Yeast Strains, Samantha White Ms

All Student Scholarship

Accurate assessment of yeast physiological health is essential for achieving consistent, efficient, and predictable beer fermentations. Although yeast vitality is more predictive of fermentation performance than viability alone, no universally adopted vitality assay currently exists in the brewing industry. This thesis investigates vitaltitration (VT) as a rapid, robust, and brewery-feasible method for quantifying yeast vitality and predicting fermentation performance. We hypothesize that VT provides a reliable measure of metabolic competence that correlates with fermentation kinetics across brewery-relevant yeast strains. To test this hypothesis, VT was evaluated alongside Acidification Power (AP) in structured serial-fermentation experiments in two phylogenetically distinct brewing yeasts: …

Describing The Symbolic Components Of A Regional Comprehensive University’S Research Culture: A Qualitative Descriptive Case Study, Joshua Mangin

All Student Scholarship

This dissertation presents a qualitative descriptive case study examining the research culture at Homarus University (HU), a Regional Comprehensive University (RCU) in the northeastern United States. The study addresses a gap in existing research culture literature, which primarily focuses on research-intensive institutions. This project explored the research culture of an RCU through stories, symbols, and traditions related to research. Data was collected through twenty interviews with faculty, staff, and students, alongside an analysis of library archives. The research also incorporated reflective practices by the researcher, acknowledging the researcher’s positionality as both an insider and an outsider to HU's research environment. …

Fatma E. Marouf, Fatma E. Marouf

Faculty CVs

No abstract provided.

Neil S. Siegel, Neil S. Siegel

Faculty CVs

No abstract provided.

Avoiding Desk Rejection In The Age Of Ai: Make The Contribution Clear, Subroto Roy, Kamal Upadhyaya

American Business Review

The rapid adoption of artificial intelligence tools has changed the way scholarly manuscripts are prepared. Many authors now use AI-assisted tools to improve grammar, style, organization, and readability. Used responsibly, such tools can help authors communicate their ideas more clearly. However, a well-written manuscript is not necessarily a publishable manuscript. For the American Business Review (ABR), the central question remains unchanged: What does the manuscript contribute, and why should that contribution matter to ABR’s readership? Authors remain responsible for the intellectual content, integrity, and contribution of their work (Gatrell et al., 2024; Carobene et al., 2024).

Diacylglycerol Kinase Eta As A Novel Target In Nras Mutant Melanoma, Haley P. Wilson, Casey D. Stefanski, Signe Caksa, Glenn L. Mersky, Scott D. Varney, Jelan I. Haj, Dan A. Erkes, Timothy J. Purwin, Vivian Chua, Andrew E. Aplin

Department of Pharmacology, Physiology, and Cancer Biology Faculty Papers

NRAS mutations occur in 10%-30% of cutaneous melanomas and are associated with high tumor mutational burden. Mutant NRAS signaling drives aberrant cell growth and proliferation, in part, through activation of the RAF-MEK-ERK1/2 kinase pathway; however, targeted therapies to this pathway have limited effectiveness in patients with NRAS mutant melanoma. The role of other targetable signaling pathways in NRAS mutant melanoma is poorly characterized. Here, we demonstrated that one isoform of diacylglycerol kinase, diacylglycerol kinase eta (DGKη), a lipid signaling regulator, was highly expressed in NRAS mutant melanoma patient samples. Knockdown of DGKH in NRAS mutant melanoma cell lines resulted in …

Planting The Seeds Of An “Educational Revolution”: The Origins Of Upward Bound, Jack H. Kirby

Department of History

Histories of American higher education tend to suggest that the relationship between the federal government and higher education reached its apex in the 1950s before beginning to decline in the 1960s. How, then, do we understand the creation of federal TRIO programs in the 1960s and their continued growth through the remainder of the twentieth century? TRIO programs are federally funded projects intended to expand college access for non-traditional students. Through the lens of access, this paper argues that the federal government was limited in its ability to influence higher education during the post-war period because of the highly decentralized …

Vehicle-Ramming Incidents At U.S. Event Venues: Rapid Review Of Cases From 1970-2026, Tin L. Nguyen, Erin M. Kearns

Reports, Projects, and Research

This research brief reviews 17 high-profile vehicle-ramming incidents targeting event venues, festivals, and public gatherings in the United States over the last 56 years. The data reveals an increase in frequency of vehicle-ramming incidents over time (with 41% of documented incidents occurring in the last decade), along with a shift from unintentional or spontaneous acts to deliberate, pre-planned attacks targeting "soft targets" during periods of peak pedestrian density.

The Dietary Management Of Sodium In Children With Kidney Diseases-Clinical Practice Recommendations From The Pediatric Renal Nutrition Taskforce., José Renken-Terhaerdt, An Desloovere, Michiel Js Oosterveld, Nonnie Polderman, Evelien Snauwaert, Stella Stabouli, Johan Vande Walle, Caroline Anderson, Sheridan Collins, Larry A. Greenbaum, Matthew Harmer, Lyndsay Harshman, Christina L. Nelms, Pearl Pugh, Vanessa Shaw, Jetta Tuokkola, Molly R Wong Vega, Bradley A. Warady, Rukshana Shroff, Fabio Paglialonga

Manuscripts, Articles, Book Chapters and Other Papers

Sodium imbalance is a common concern in children with kidney diseases, presenting as either sodium excess or sodium deficit, each with significant clinical implications. Sodium excess contributes to fluid overload and hypertension, while increased sodium losses, particularly via urine or peritoneal fluid, can predispose patients to hypotension and growth failure. Effective sodium management is thus a critical component of care in pediatric kidney diseases, with dietary sodium intake playing a pivotal role in maintaining homeostasis. The Pediatric Renal Nutrition Taskforce (PRNT) has developed clinical practice recommendations (CPRs) for dietary sodium management in children with kidney diseases, addressing key aspects of …

Draft Final 2024 Reclamation Improvement Sampling: Bres No. 78 – Original Mine Yard Site Evaluation Summary Report, Pioneer Technical Services, Inc.

Silver Bow Creek/Butte Area Superfund Site

No abstract provided.