Digital Commons Network^™

Loneliness And Support For Political Violence Within The United States, Kellen Downey

Political Science Student Papers and Posters

Although loneliness is a growing public health issue in the United States, its political effects remain understudied. This paper seeks to understand the relationship between loneliness and the support of political violence by utilizing the Chapman Survey of American Fears (CSAF Wave 11). This survey, which is a component of the 2025 Chapman Survey of American Fears, includes the three-item UCLA Loneliness Scale, as well as two separate items specifically measuring political violence. Using a national survey (N=1,015), I address the following questions: (1) Are lonely individuals more likely to support violence on political grounds? (2) Does strongly identifying with …

Drinking Water Treatment Using Microbial Cellulose Membranes, Benjamin Schreiber

Graduate Theses & Non-Theses

Access to clean drinking water is a global concern. Existing water filtration technologies require high energy and chemical inputs. They generate a large volume of waste and are not always readily available. This limitation has given rise to the development of sustainable water filtration technologies. This study focused on developing a biodegradable Microbial Cellulose Membrane (MCM) made of bacterial cellulose that is capable of treating a wide variety of pollutants present in environmental water sources. To improve MCM properties for high flux and contaminants removal, they were pre-treated with NaOH (0.25 M). The effect of transmembrane pressure and membrane thickness …

Process Intensification For Rare Earth Elements Adsorption By Resonant Vibratory Mixing (Rvm), Mehran Saddat

Graduate Theses & Non-Theses

Rare earth elements (REE) are crucial to the advancement of modern technologies. REE applications include electronics, defense systems, wind turbines, catalysts, magnets, and aircraft. Bastnasite, monazite, and xenotime are the primary resources, while the secondary resources, including coal ash, E-waste, and acid mine drainage, are for REE extraction. The primary processing techniques are chemical leaching, ion exchange, chemical precipitation, pyrometallurgy, solvent exchange, biosorption, and adsorption. Adsorption technique is simple, cost-effective, and environmentally friendly, with higher efficiency but at the cost of a longer mixing time. Therefore, there is a pressing need for an optimized mixing technique to improve the adsorption …

RutopíA, Shivani Glynn, Emma Hardie

Miller Center Fellowship

To maximize the benefits of ecotourism and ensure its impacts are positive and sustainable over the long term, it is essential to have tools that accurately and transparently measure and evaluate these impacts. To maximize the benefits of ecotourism and ensure its impacts are positive and sustainable over the long term, it is essential to have tools that accurately and transparently measure and evaluate these impacts. Rutopía, a sustainable ecotourism company based in Mexico City, has developed an “Impact Score” tool intended to assess the social, environmental, and cultural effects of its community-based tourism experiences. During our time working onsite …

Misconceptions About Nursing In High School Students Of Color: Promoting Diversity In Nursing, Veronnica D. Pham

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Projects

Background: Equitable and culturally competent care can reduce health disparities among underserved populations; yet the nursing shortage the US faces does not allow for better patient outcomes. One barrier is how the profession can be negatively viewed among high school students of color.

Methods: A comprehensive literature search was performed to identify how perception of nursing affects a student’s career choice and what influences these perspectives. Three databases were utilized for this search: The Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL), PubMed, and Scopus. Six articles were selected for this review. The following themes have been identified: misconceptions, …

Love Culture, R. J. Mcdonald Jr.

Undergraduate B.F.A. Theses in Studio Art

No abstract provided.

The Writing On The Wall, Haley Chiles

Undergraduate B.F.A. Theses in Studio Art

No abstract provided.

The Parables Of Gammalot, Celique Williams

Undergraduate B.F.A. Theses in Studio Art

No abstract provided.

Subculture And Identity As An Escape From The Societal Norms Of Power Imbalance And Authoritative Abuse, Sarah Goldberg

Master's Theses

By definition, a “bolthole” is an animal’s escape or burrow; or, a person’s escape or place of refuge. It also connotes construction, building, even sculpture - relating proletarian materials to themes of working-class labor and the need for escape. Through sculpture, installation, drawing, and oil painting, Bolthole as a body of work examines power imbalance as a societal norm, and identity and subculture as a rejection of the influence of capitalist institutions. Animal symbolism is used in combination with figurative work and portraiture, directly comparing power imbalances between humans to those in nature; such as predator and prey, parent and …

Reflect: Glmc Building On 10-Years Of Global Leadership Mentoring Experience, Ellen B. Buckner, Tanya F. Lott, Brenda Owusu, Karen Morin, Khalilah M. Mccants

Biennial Convention (CONV)

Introduction: Sigma members reflect a caring culture to show desired change. Following Sigma’s initiation of Global Regions in 2011, a group of visionary Sigma leaders established the Global Leadership Mentoring Community (GLMC).¹

Purpose: The GLMC mentor-mentee relationships broaden nurses ability to reflect on personal and professional leadership growth. The vision of the GLMC is through successful mentoring, participants will enhance their confidence in their global nursing leadership, gaining greater cultural awareness of the issues challenging professional nursing and be personally enriched. This unique mentoring opportunity has demonstrated that global leadership mentoring can strengthen nurses in all settings and help …

Cv: Vesna Markovic (Criminal Justice), Vesna Markovic

Justice, Law, and Public Safety Studies Department Faculty Curricula Vitae

No abstract provided.

Showcasing Student Artwork In An Academic Library, Holly Gabriel, Jan Juliani

Collaborative Librarianship

In this paper, the collaborative efforts of a Government Documents Librarian, an Art Librarian, and an Emerging Media and Digital Arts Professor at a regional public university with a liberal arts focus are detailed. The collaborative project began as a way to celebrate the 70th anniversary of the university library's membership in the Federal Library Depository Program. The authors asked students in a graphic design class to each create a poster featuring a randomly assigned government agency to display in the library as part of the anniversary celebration. The professor and librarians framed the poster project as a real-world design …

How To Describe A Massacre? A Collaborative Metadata Justice Project, Bailey Hoffner, Eugene Albin, Jennifer Watson, Jay Shorten, Jacquelyn Slater Reese, Todd Fuller, Karie Antell

Collaborative Librarianship

Throughout the summer of 2020 and into the following fall, a cross-unit working group at the University of Oklahoma Libraries (OU Libraries) collaborated to compile and submit a proposal to change the Library of Congress Subject Heading (LCSH) Tulsa Race Riot, Tulsa, Okla., 1921 to Tulsa Race Massacre, Tulsa, Okla., 1921. The working group members situated this project in the context of the metadata justice movement, which seeks to correct problematic descriptions. They also see this proposal as part of the broader work undertaken over many decades by Tulsa activists and community leaders. This successful proposal required working group …

Ud In The News Dec. 6-12, University Of Dayton

News Releases

Faculty contributed expertise to The Academic Minute, The National Desk, Catholic World Report and Democracy Without Borders. Local media highlighted UD's graduation, Nativities exhibit, and initiatives to strengthen student success and well-being.

Understanding Outer Membrane Vesicle Biogenesis In Bacteroides Thetaiotaomicron, Evan J. Pardue

Arts & Sciences Graduate Student Theses and Dissertations

Outer membrane vesicles (OMVs) are small proteoliposomes generated by active protrusion of the outer membrane (OM) in Gram-negative bacteria during growth. Over 60 years of experimentation has ascribed numerous functions to OMVs produced by different bacteria. However, the mechanism(s) by which OMVs are produced is poorly understood. Due to this, the field remains controversial because many regard OMVs as byproducts of cell lysis and question their physiological relevance. Previous studies in Pseudomonas aeruginosa and related species confirmed that these microbes undergo programmed cell death that results in the stochastic release of vesicles and cellular contents. On the contrary, Bacteroides spp. …

A Rodent Model Of Enhanced Anticipation Of Positive Events: Sex-Specific Modifications In Cognitive Bias And Emotional Resilience, Sarah C. Hartvigsen, Megan Hooper, Olivia Harding, Evelyn Barringer, Aditya Narayanan, Brendan Crockett, Yulia Shatalov, Paean Luby, Braden Wixted, Molly Kent, Kelly Lambert

Psychology Faculty Publications

While it is known that chronic unpredictable stress and negative events adversely affect neurobiological outcomes, much less is known regarding the neurobiological impact of positive emotions such as chronic anticipation of appetitive events. From a translational perspective, an enhanced understanding of the impact of extended exposure to positive emotions may provide novel insights into effective non-pharmacological, behavior-based approaches to enhance mental resilience. Here, we investigate a novel rodent model of chronic Unpredictable Positive Event Response (UPER) training in male and female Long Evans rats to examine behavioral, neural, and endocrine effects of enhanced anticipation of positive events. Rats were exposed …

Jmu Libraries Magazine: Volume 3, Jenne M. Klotz, Emily D. Blake, Kristen S. Shuyler

Faculty Scholarship

Volume 3 of the biennial JMU Libraries magazine, highlighting services, events, awards of the JMU Libraries.

The Diamond, December 12, 2025, Dordt University

Dordt Diamond

• Front Page: Dordt TPUSA Chapter Stuck in Approval Process; The Future of Christian Colleges in Light of Trinity's Closure; Hoyt Reinalda - A Life of Dedication and Improbability
• Feature: "Rivers in the Desert" - Dordt Student Releases Creation Care Podcast; The Dordt Barber Boom - Student Hair Cuts Surge; Dordt Places Second in Esteemed National Finance Competition; The Church and the Crescent - Understanding Islam; Student Visas - How Proposed Legislation May Affect International Students at Dordt; The Word Became Flesh - Music Department Presents "Historic" Choral Christmas Concert
• News: Celebrating the Retirement of Librarian Tricia Kok; …

Generational Differences And Registered Nurses’ Intention To Leave An Organization, Mutabazi Sekimonyo

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

As baby boomers, Generation X, millennials, and Generation Z converge in healthcare settings, their distinct values and work styles influence organizational culture, communication, and collaboration, ultimately affecting patient care outcomes. This study was conducted to explore the impact of generational differences on registered nurses’ intentions to leave their organizations or the nursing profession. By examining how these generational differences shape nurses’ intentions to leave their organizations, the study can help to identify challenges and opportunities for healthcare leadership. Through an analysis of generational expectations and workforce dynamics, this research aimed to inform strategies for supporting retention, enhancing job satisfaction, and …

Media Disparity? Analyzing The Media Coverage Of Violent Vs. Non-Violent Crimes In Central Arkansas, Alicia Dorn

Theses and Dissertations

The media's disproportionate coverage of violent crimes compared to non-violent crimes may create a skewed public perception of crime rates and safety in Central Arkansas, potentially influencing policy decisions and community relations. This research examines whether news outlets in Central Arkansas cover violent crimes more frequently than non-violent crimes and compares this coverage to actual crime statistics from law enforcement agencies. The study aims to understand the potential impact of media representation on public perception of crime. The study employed a mixed-methods content analysis of three major Central Arkansas newspapers (Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, Pine Bluff Commercial, and Hot Springs Sentinel Record) …

Modern Technology Addiction: Developer Duty Of Care, Jonah Hampton

Honors College Theses

Technology addiction includes any frequent use of technology which interferes in the user’s life. The subject continues growth as an epidemic and research field, yet prior literature does not often analyze the role of technology developers. This study performs a literature and legal synthesis to evaluate user and company responsibility, implications of responsibility, and promising solutions. Post 2020 literature was selected for coverage on context, addictive features, effects, solutions, or perspectives on law. Legal examples from different addiction industries were also selected for analysis to understand previous precedents. The study found a pattern of addictive traits, persuasive design, and recurring …

Trust, Influence, And The Two-Step Flow Of Communication: How Msu Jmc Freshmen Navigate Information Networks In The Digital Age, Caroline Blakeman

Honors College Theses

This study examines how Murray State University students in the Journalism and Mass Communications department engage with information and interpersonal trust through the lens of the Two-Step Flow of Communication. Using a quantitative survey, participants reported how they receive and evaluate information across six domains: politics, healthcare, education, international conflict, religion, and campus news. The survey also explored participants’ own perceptions as “opinion leaders” within their social networks. Findings reveal that coworkers, family members, and religious associates were consistently rated as high-trust sources of information. In particular, trust in religious associates showed a notable pattern: participants who expressed higher levels …

Spec Ops Tools Point Of Sale (Pos) Data Insights, Liam Mcgovern

Business Analytics Student Projects and Publications

No abstract provided.

Space Utilization Optimization, Troy D. Rockwood

Theses and Dissertations

Outer space is a crucial and increasingly leveraged resource for advancing human quality of life; however, its utility is constrained by inherent physical and spectral limitations. This thesis examines two distinct resource optimization problems critical to the sustainable development of space. The first part of this work addresses the optimization of physical orbital space. Unlike a terrestrial resource, mismanagement of this orbital space can lead to a runaway cascade of collisions, destroying the utility of entire orbital regimes. This thesis proposes a conjunction metric to quantify orbital capacity based on Keplerian parameters. We develop a computational tool to measure and …

Models Of Funding Research And Development Infrastructure In Poland, Marcin Kardas

Studia i Materiały Wydział Zarządzania Uniwersytet Warszawski

Purpose: The aim of this article is to identify and analyse the basic models of funding research and development infrastructure, as well as the challenges associated with them.

Methodology: The research methods used include interdisciplinary literature studies (economics, law, management), regulations and reports, as well as interviews with stakeholders.

Results: Four models for financing R&D infrastructures embedded in the state aid regime were identified: scientific, mixed, experimental, and economic. National experiences with their application were discussed. Their characteristics, challenges, and risks were presented. Discrepancies in terminology were noted, and directions for their interpretation were suggested.

Research limitations/implications …

Challenging Batson: Interest Convergence And Permanence Of Racism In Jury Selection, Addrain Conyers, Amanda Bergold, Antoinette Critelli

The Scholar: St. Mary's Law Review on Race and Social Justice

A Batson challenge is an objection to the use of peremptory challenges to dismiss potential jurors based on their race; however, Batson challenges are rarely successful. In this paper, we apply Critical Race Theory (CRT) as a framework to analyze the Batson Challenge. More specifically, we argue that the Batson challenge is a practice grounded in interest convergence that underscores the permanence of racism in the judicial system. We explore three interests of Batson: (1) the protection of the Sixth Amendment right to a fair trial; (2) the protection of the Fourteenth Amendment; and (3) the promotion of public trust …

From Fear To Familiar: Decreasing Technology Anxiety Among Older Adults In A Senior Community, Regina Rayz

Master's Projects and Capstones

Objective: Older adults (defined by the WHO as those 65 and older in developed countries) are more susceptible to technophobia than younger adults (Song et al., 2025). The fear and anxiety occurs with use of smartphones, tablets, social media, and telehealth and is associated with higher rates of social isolation and reduced autonomy. Technology-use anxiety is a preventative obstacle that inhibits both technology acceptance as well as overall health (Kim et al., 2023). Aim: To reduce technology-related anxiety among older low-income adults living in a senior residential facility in Richmond, CA by at least 25% using a brief, individualized technology …

The Ham, December 12, 2025, Beacon Staff

The Beacon, 2025-2026

The 500th annual retelling of our survival story; There is water damage EVERYWHERE; Breaking news from the year 3000; Controversial legalization of underwater kelp; NW gets progressive: hires first fish professor; NW water polo team in search of seahorses; But like really, are we fish now?

The Adverse Digital Childhood Experiences (Adces) Framework: A Transformative Paradigm For Decoding Digital Adversity And Safeguarding Human Agency In Child Development And Lifespan Trajectories, Asrat G. Amnie

Publications and Research

Childhood is no longer confined to physical spaces; It increasingly unfolds within digitally saturated environments where algorithmically mediated technologies shape attention, learning, and identity formation from the earliest years. Traditional adversity frameworks, particularly the Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) model, do not capture the distinctive, persistent, and often invisible risks of digital life. To address this gap, this study advances the Adverse Digital Childhood Experiences (ADCEs) framework, an empirically informed and theory-driven extension of ACEs that systematizes ten interrelated domains of digital adversity encompassing social, cognitive, and environmental stressors. These include cyberbullying and exploitation, commercial surveillance and privacy harms, technoference and …

Rekonstruksi Mekanisme Seleksi Hakim Konstitusi Di Indonesia, Indah Sri Pangestu, Dwi Yuliani, Hertaty Dorothy Dewi Siburian

Jurnal Konstitusi & Demokrasi

The mechanism for selection and election of constitutional judges in Indonesia currently still shows a diversity of procedures in each proposing institution, namely the Supreme Court, DPR and President. The process implemented does not fully reflect the principles of transparency, participation, objectivity and accountability as mandated in the Law on the Constitutional Court. Therefore, it is necessary to standardize the procedures for selection and selection of constitutional judges to ensure a more professional system and integrity. One of the solutions offered is the establishment of an independent institution responsible for the selection and recruitment of constitutional judges with a system …