Digital Commons Network^™

Brain Tumor Classification Using Deep Learning: Custom Cnn Vs. Resnet50, Rayen Bentemessek

ICT

The project presents a deep learning solution to classify brain tumors through MRI images. Following the CRISP-DM framework, two Convolutional Neural Network (CNN) models were developed and evaluated, a custom CNN designed from scratch and a pretrained ResNet50 that was transfer learned and fine-tuned. Both models were assessed using standard performance metrics such as accuracy, precision, recall and F1-score. Despite the higher test accuracy achieved by the custom CNN, further interpretability indicated inconsistent attention to the actual tumor regions also known as shortcut learning. On the other hand, ResNet50 showed more reliable and clinically relevant focus which supported its selection …

Predicting Early Customer Inactivity In The Banking Sector Using Machine Learning: A Churn Prevention, Ivana Mc Fadden

ICT

Customer churn, when customers stop using a company’s services, is a challenge for the banking sector (Singh et al., 2023). High churn rates often signal poor customer experiences, resulting in revenue losses and increased costs to obtain new clients. Goyal and Srivastava (2015) stress that fostering loyalty through exceptional service and understanding customer needs is important for long-term retention.

This project aims to predict early customer inactivity, an indicator of churn, by using machine learning. Early identification of at-risk customers will allow banks to apply targeted interventions, reduce acquisition costs, and improve customer satisfaction (Singh et al., 2023). By analysing …

Using Machine Learning To Predict Credit Card Fraud, Pedro Henrique Das Chagas Morais

ICT

Credit card fraud poses a significant challenge to financial institutions, leading to substantial financial losses and declining customer trust. This project develops and evaluates machine learning models to detect fraudulent credit card transactions using a large, realistic synthetic dataset. Following data preprocessing, exploratory analysis, and class-balancing using SMOTE, four supervised models—Logistic Regression, Decision Tree, Random Forest, and XGBoost—were trained and compared. Performance was assessed using metrics suited to imbalanced classification, including AUC, Recall, Precision, F1-score, and Average Precision. Results show that XGBoost, particularly after hyperparameter optimisation, delivered the strongest performance (AUC 0.99, Recall 0.83, AP 0.70), outperforming other models and …

Fake News Detection Using Machine Learning Models., Anne Higgins

ICT

This project investigates the use of machine learning to detect fake news, addressing the societal and political challenges posed by the widespread dissemination of false and misleading information. Using automated classification techniques, the project analyses news content to predict the likelihood of intentional deception. The methodology follows the CRISP-DM framework, encompassing data preparation, model development, and evaluation. By leveraging machine learning, the study aims to support organisations, governments, and digital platforms in mitigating misinformation, while also considering ethical, interpretability, and strategic implications. The findings provide actionable insights for enhancing content moderation and reducing the influence of disinformation in digital media …

Comparative Evaluation Of Ai-Generated Synthetic Data And Real-World Data Performance In Predictive Analytics., Corey Louise Hughes

ICT

There are growing restraints when it comes to Real World Data (RWD), these include topics such as privacy regulations, ethical concerns, and the cost of collecting the data, and they have drove an interest in AI-generated synthetic data as a potential alternative in predictive analytics. This project examines the possibilities of synthetic data and if it can act as a reliable substitute for RWD in predictive modelling. This project uses Wasserstein Generative Adversarial Networks with Gradient Penalty (WGAN-GP) to generate synthetic reproductive health data and evaluates its predictive performance against RWD using linear regression and key metrics, including Mean Absolute …

Identifying Skills Gaps And Labour Market Trends Using Machine Learning: A Data Analysis Of Tendencies Within The Irish Online Job Market., Stephen Ray

ICT

The Irish labour market is a dynamic system characterised by overlapping and distinct demands. The skills required to maintain competitiveness within today's labour market are constantly evolving in response to the needs of corporations, non-governmental organisations, and capital. Labour market participants, fulfilling specific roles, contribute to a skill-based relationship where supply and demand operates in new and innovative ways. With the advent of the internet, the labour market has shifted towards a digital environment, leading to the rise of online job advertisement platforms that cater to geographically defined regions. These platforms attract vast numbers of users and prospective employees daily …

Sonic Photovoice And Critical Literacy: Listening To And Sounding What Is Me, What Is Not Me, And What Is Between, Alexander Chadwell

Theses and Dissertations--Curriculum and Instruction

This study examined sonic photovoice, a sound-based arts research method, as a tool for developing critical literacy in middle and high school students. Participants found and recorded sounds related to three categories, “what is me,” “what is not me,” and “what is between,” composed a sound collage using the sounds, and reflected on the experience. Framed by 4EA cognition, participatory sensemaking, and relational and everyday aesthetics, the study explored how listening and sounding shaped students’ conceptions of self and reality. Data from recordings, journals, and interviews suggest that the sonic engagement can foster relational, emergent understandings of self and …

Tied Together With Covenants: Tying Provisions As The Anti-Hero To Fdic Insurance Limits, Kelly W. Cline

Scholarly Works

No abstract provided.

In Support Of Free Speech On Food Production, Nicole Ligon

Scholarly Works

In May 2024, Florida and Alabama became the first states to ban the production and sale of lab-grown meat. Driven by a desire to protect the traditional agriculture industry, these new laws impose severe penalties on anyone found to have even stored lab-grown meat products in their home. The legislation follows in the footsteps of other laws aimed at offering the traditional agriculture industry additional protections. Florida, Alabama, and eleven other states already have “food disparagement laws” that make it easier to punish critics of traditional agriculture companies. Additionally, six states, including Alabama, currently have laws aimed at stifling undercover …

Copyright, Creativity, And Skill: Authorship And Ai-Assisted Works, Lucas S. Osborn

Scholarly Works

Generative artificial intelligence ("Al") has increasingly become a focal point in legal discussions, raising complex issues across multiple domains, including algorithmic bias, defamation, intellectual property, and privacy. This Article specifically examines the implications of Al-assisted works, with a focus on text-to-image generators, such as Midjourney, that possess the ability to create detailed visual art from simple text prompts. The tools are not, however, limited to simple prompts. Users retain the ability to introduce greater complexity by specifying a host of variables that define the resulting image. Al-assisted art implicates significant legal rights and responsibilities. As to responsibilities: Can the image …

Ce 432 Syllabus: Stress Management, Amy Andersen

Counselor Education Syllabi

This course will provide an introduction to important concepts, issues, skills, and interventions related to the identification and management of personal stress.

Ce 560 Syllabus: Addiction Counseling- Assess-Treatment Of Addict & Co-Occurring Disorders, Mitch Moore

Counselor Education Syllabi

This course addresses the principles of screening, assessment, diagnosis of substance use, induced, and co-occurring disorders in adults and adolescents, and treatment planning. Students will become familiar with an array of screening and assessment instruments, and diagnostic and treatment planning tools, including the current edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM), Comprehensive SUDs Assessment, and the American Society of Addiction Medicine’s Patient Placement Criteria of Substance- Related Disorders (ASAM PPC), as well writing required reports and record-keeping functions. The treatment of co-occurring disorders, including the Integrated Dual Disorders Treatment model, process addictions (e.g., gambling), ethical considerations, and multicultural issues …

Ce 534 Syllabus: Multiculturalism And Diversity, Mitch Moore

Counselor Education Syllabi

Good standing with WSU/College/CED, and graduate status, no specific undergraduate/graduate course pre-requisites are required for admission to the course.

Ce 615 Syllabus: Group Theory And Practice, Dawnette Cigrand

Counselor Education Syllabi

In this course students are introduced to the theory and practice of group counseling. The course will provide students with an academic/theoretical overview of groups and group work as well as the opportunity to develop group leadership skills through experiential learning activities.

Ce 615 Syllabus: Group Theory And Practice, Madeline Mcrae-Vinzant

Counselor Education Syllabi

In this course students are introduced to the theory and practice of group counseling. The course will provide students with an academic/theoretical overview of groups and group work as well as the opportunity to develop group leadership skills through experiential learning activities.

Ce 650 Syllabus: Diagnosis And Psychopathology Of Adults - Rochester, Kathy Harowski

Counselor Education Syllabi

The purpose of this course is to introduce students to the etiology and classification of mental disorders as defined by the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition Text Revision (DSM-5 TR). Students will learn to utilize diagnostic information to conduct diagnostic interviews, conceptualize the presenting problem, and write diagnostic assessments to facilitate case management, treatment plan development, and therapeutic interventions with people seeking/receiving mental health counseling services. The instructional methodology will include lectures, case studies presented in class, diagnostic activities using dyadic and small group activities, and other instructional modalities designed to facilitate the learning process.

Ce 650 Syllabus: Diagnosis And Psychopathology Of Adults - Winona, Rieko Miyakuni

Counselor Education Syllabi

The purpose of this course is to introduce students to the etiology and classification of mental disorders as defined by the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition Text Revision (DSM-5 TR). Students will learn to utilize diagnostic information to conduct diagnostic interviews, conceptualize the presenting problem, and write diagnostic assessments in order to facilitate case management, treatment plan development, and therapeutic interventions with people seeking/receiving mental health counseling services. The instructional methodology will include lectures, case studies presented in class, diagnostic activities using dyadic and small group activities, and other instructional modalities designed to facilitate the learning …

Ce 652 Syllabus: Treatment Planning - Rochester, Rieko Miyakuni

Counselor Education Syllabi

This course is designed to assist mental health counselors in designing client-centered, individualized, and culturally sound treatment plans for a wide variety of clinical mental health disorders. Course content will include a strong focus on the diagnosis of mental health disorders based on criteria from the DSM-5, and the subsequent treatment planning and provision of evidence based clinical care.

Ce 652 Syllabus: Treatment Planning - Winona, Rieko Miyakuni

Counselor Education Syllabi

This course is designed to assist mental health counselors in designing client-centered, individualized, and culturally sound treatment plans for a wide variety of clinical mental health disorders. Course content will include a strong focus on the diagnosis of mental health disorders based on criteria from the DSM-5, and the subsequent treatment planning and provision of evidence based clinical care.

Ce 653 Syllabus: Theory And Practice Of Sexual, Substance Abuse And Crisis Counseling, Karen Cathey

Counselor Education Syllabi

This four-credit course will provide theoretical frameworks and practical skill building in the counseling of clients with sexual concerns, substance abuse and addiction issues, and crisis interventions. This course facilitates knowledge and awareness and skill development as it relates to student growth and development in preparation to work with client concerns in sensitive topic areas related to sex, addiction, and crises. Students practice application of counseling theories with simulated situations pertaining to the aforementioned sensitive topic areas. A strong emphasis is placed on the ethical standards of the counseling profession and on multicultural issues.

Ce 680 Syllabus: Counseling Practicum, Karen Cathey

Counselor Education Syllabi

This course provides an opportunity for the counselor-in-training to begin to develop and refine their individual and group counseling skills within the functional milieu of a clinical mental health or school setting.

Ce 690 Syllabus: Internship, Anquinetta V. Calhoun

Counselor Education Syllabi

This course provides a practical, field-based experience in a school or community setting. This experience may be arranged with supervision coordinated through the CE Internship Coordinator and an onsite supervisor. A total of six (6) credits of internship work must be completed to fulfill the internship requirement.

Ce 690 Syllabus: Internship, Karen Cathey

Counselor Education Syllabi

This course provides an opportunity for the counselor-in-training to begin to develop and refine their individual and group counseling skills within the functional milieu of a clinical mental health or school setting. All Internship activities are closely supervised by university and field-based supervisors. Prior to entry into the course, all students must provide the instructor with verification of having current professional liability insurance.

Ce 690 Syllabus: Internship, Dawnette Cigrand

Counselor Education Syllabi

This course provides a practical, field-based experience in a school or community setting.

Anti-Discrimination At The Icj: Ukraine, Palestine And The Freedom To Advocate For Human Rights In Canada, Faisal Bhabha

Articles & Book Chapters

In 2024, the ICJ released two judgments that dealt, at least in part, with the International Convention on the Elimination of all Forms of Racial Discrimination (“ICERD”). This is an opportune moment to (1) examine doctrinal developments in international law pertaining to racial discrimination arising from these two judgments; and (2) consider the possible practical implications of these developments. The question that is considered in this paper is whether the ICJ rulings can offer a legal counter-weight to the domestic political pressures that prevent Canada from being clear, credible and consistent in opposing all international human rights abuses.

The Expressive Power Of Protecting Intimate Privacy: A Comparative Study Of Legal And Platform Measures, Danielle Keats Citron, Jonathon W. Penney, Alexis Shore Ingber

Articles & Book Chapters

Intimate privacy violations exact profound costs to freedom, including chilling victims into silence; denying them sexual agency; and eroding trust critical to intimate expression and sharing. Effective intimate privacy protections could mitigate these harms via law’s expressive function—sending a message or “signal” that victims of intimate privacy invasions are valued, and their expressions worthy of protection. However, without proof, skepticism is warranted about potential expressive functions as there has been an absence of proof to back up these claims. This Article aims to help fill this void, making a theoretical and empirical case for a positive expressive impact of both …

Welcoming Historically Under-Represented Groups In Higher Education Through Awareness Of Standard English Ideology, John Hellermann, Lynn Santelmann, Jennifer Mittelstaedt, Janet Cowal, Steven L. Thorne

Applied Linguistics Faculty Publications and Presentations

In the context of changing demographics at regional universities (including our own), we highlight an ongoing project at our university that addresses the last area of acceptable bias in English-medium higher education: bias against speakers of other languages and non-standard dialects of English. We discuss the hegemonic aspect of the Standard Academic English used by default at most US institutions of higher education and its role in potential discrimination against users of languages other than English and dialects other than the Standard. Data from over 2000 surveys, 55 follow up interviews, and three focus groups from faculty, staff and students …

Exploring The Impact Of Pain Management Agreements On Physician-Patient Relationship: A Qualitative Analysis From The Patient’S Perspective In Opioid Analgesic Treatment, Shriya Doranala

Honors Undergraduate Theses

Pain management agreements are increasingly used in the treatment of chronic pain with opioid analgesics. These agreements aim to reduce misuse of opioids by providing patients clear regulations and requirements to follow during treatment. This study seeks to assess the effect of pain management agreement for opioid treatment on the patient-physician relationship from the perspective of patients with a pain management agreement in the past two years. We recruited participants for the semi-structured interview through online media groups dedicated to patients with chronic pain that is treated with opioids. A cohort of eight individuals recruited from September 2023 to January …

Mental Health Perceptions Among Caribbean Adults In The United States, Ambika Ramjawam

Honors Undergraduate Theses

The purpose of this study was to investigate mental health literacy (MHL) among Caribbean American adults and to assess the extent to which mental health perceptions (MHP) and acculturative stress contribute to variations in MHL. A cross-sectional, quantitative survey design was utilized to examine MHL, MHP, and acculturative stress among a sample of 138 participants. Pearson correlation analyses were conducted to assess associations among MHL, MHP, acculturation, and age. Independent samples t-tests and one-way ANOVAs were performed to examine demographics across key variables. Findings revealed moderate levels of MHL (M = 4.7, SD = .99) and a weak, positive correlation …

Comparing Interactive Versus Static Educational Images On Student Learning Outcomes, Noah Schwartz

Honors Undergraduate Theses

Static images routinely accompany text in educational sources such as textbooks, articles, and websites to convey complex, educational information. These are generally effective; however, current technology allows for interactive images that seem to enhance engagement. How effective are these interactive images? The present study investigated whether an interactive image produced better learning outcomes compared to a static image using the same text. Specifically, this study examined whether interactive images affected comprehension, memory, engagement, and cognitive load differently than static images. In this study, data from 153 college student participants were analyzed. First, participants were assigned to read about the neuropsychology …