Digital Commons Network^™

Introduction To Sociology: Interaction And Social Structure, Dr. Marcia Morrison Ph.D.

Open Educational Resources

Abstract

This paper explores the intricate interplay between micro- and macro-sociological perspectives on social interaction, identity, and structure. Through an examination of theoretical approaches such as symbolic interactionism, dramaturgy, and social exchange, it highlights how individuals construct and perform identities within complex webs of social expectations—particularly shaped by factors like race, status, and role dynamics. The discussion extends to the function of social networks in influencing opportunities, notably in the context of employment, underscoring the nuanced role of weak ties. The analysis further delves into the significance of social status, distinguishing between ascribed, achieved, master, and salient statuses, and examines …

Using Remote Behavioral Skills Training To Teach Staff To Implement Augmented Competing Stimulus Assessments, Tanvi Pendharkar

Doctoral Dissertations - College of Arts and Sciences

Despite a growing number of Board Certified Behavior Analysts^®(BCBA), there are many geographic regions without access to behavior analytic services. Remote training methods that can be implemented without face-to-face contact allow for behavior analytic services to reach areas without local BCBAs to provide services. One such method with promise for remote application is behavioral skills training (BST). BST consists of instructions, modeling, rehearsal, and feedback. BST has been used to train behavior-analytic service providers to implement a variety of procedures, but BST has yet to be used to teach clinicians how to conduct augmented competing stimulus assessments (A-CSA). …

Usa V. Ronell Moses, Jr.

2025 Decisions

USDC for the Western District of Pennsylvania

The Effects Of Multiple Exemplar Instruction On A Bidirectional Naming Repertoire In Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder, Madison Appelbaum

Theses

Neurotypical children normally acquire language skills in their natural environment. However, children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) typically require specialized interventions to acquire language and communication skills (Yoon et al., 2023). A behavior repertoire that has been shown essential for the fast and incidental acquisition of language in children is bi-directional naming (BiN). Multiple exemplar instruction (MEI) has been used to facilitate the acquisition of BiN in children with ASD. In the present study, we replicated and extended previous research (e.g., Yoon et al., 2023) to evaluate the effect of MEI on the emergence of BiN repertoire in three elementary …

Early Detection Of Contaminated Food Based On Extreme Learning Machine And Crystal Structure Algorithm, Zhu Fu, Liu Ruiqing, Pan Kefeng, Zhao Rui

Food and Machinery

［Objective］ To propose an early detection method for contaminated food based on the extreme learning machine and crystal structure algorithm.［Methods］ The crystal structure algorithm is used to optimize feature selection,combined with the extreme learning machine for fast and efficient classification and detection,aiming to improve the accuracy and efficiency of early detection of contaminated food.［Results］］ Compared to traditional methods,the proposed approach shows significant improvements in accuracy (94.5%) and F1-score (93.2%).It also outperforms other state -of-the-art methods in recall rate and processing speed.Compared to the latest deep learning methods,the training time is reduced by about 30%,and the detection speed is improved by …

Particle Grinding Simulation And Parameter Optimization Of Disc Mill Based On Discrete Element, Wu Lan, Yu Shaobo

Food and Machinery

［Objective］ To investigate the effects of different operating parameters on the grinding performance of a disk mill when processing different materials,and to optimize its working parameters.［Methods］ The grinding process of the disk mill was simulated using Rocky DEM discrete element software.Variables included feeding speed,grinding disc spacing,rotational speed of the dynamic disc,and material type.The effects of these factors on powder yield,energy consumption,and grinding time were analyzed.An orthogonal experimental design and matrix analysis were used to comprehensively evaluate the simulation results.［Results］］ The optimal parameter combinations for different feed materials in the disk milling process were determined as follows.For wheat:grinding disc spacing of …

Extrusion Process Optimization Of Sea Red Rice And Its Physicochemical Properties , Digestion Characteristics , And Nutritional Components, Sun Wufei, Wang Zhuo, Zhong Saiyi, Zou Wentao, Hu Jiakang

Food and Machinery

［Objective］ To investigate the effects of extrusion technology on the physicochemical properties,digestion characteristics,and nutritional components of sea red rice.［Methods］ The extrusion process parameters for sea red rice are optimized by response surface methodology.The effects of the extrusion treatment on the physicochemical properties of the sea red rice flour are explored by water solubility index (WSI ),gelatinization degree,starch digestion properties (including rapidly digestible starch,slowly digestible starch,and resistant starch ),and the anti -nutritional factor content (phytic acid ).The microstructure,starch crystal form,and crystallinity are 钟赛意（1979—），男，广东海洋大学教授，博士。E-mail：zsylxc@ 126.com引用格式：孙武飞，汪卓，钟赛意，等.海红米挤压工艺优化及理化性质、消化与营养特性研究 ［J］.食品与机械，2025，41（6）：164-172.C itation:SUN Wufei,WANG Zhuo,ZHONG Saiyi,et al.Extrusion process optimization of sea red rice and its physicochemical properties,digestion characteristics,and …

Effect Of White Kidney Bean Extract On The Quality Of Set Yogurt, Wang Zihan, Li Yuexing, Cai Yongjian, Wang Jianhui

Food and Machinery

［Objective］ To investigate the effect of white kidney bean extract (WBE ) on the physicochemical properties and flavor of set yogurt.［Methods］ The pH value,acidity,water -holding capacity,texture properties,and volatile flavor characteristics of set yogurt are analyzed using a pH meter,titrimetric method,centrifugation and weighing method,texture analyzer,and electronic nose,respectively.［Results］］ WBE significantly promotes yogurt fermentation (P<0.05),with water -holding capacity,hardness,and content of benzene volatile flavor compounds all superior to the control group.Adding 0.9% WBE increases the water -holding capacity of yogurt by 13.11%,and the hardness and viscosity by 9.46% and 13.19%,respectively.Besides,the addition of WBE reduces the content of hydrides and nitrogen oxides in volatile flavor compounds of yogurt,while increasing the content of long -chain alkanes in volatile flavor compounds.According to correlation heat maps,the addition of 0.9% WBE is positively correlated with the water -holding capacity,content of long -chain alkanes,hardness,viscosity,absolute value of adhesiveness,and absolute value of cohesiveness of yogurt,indicating that it can synergistically optimize the texture and flavor of yogurt,and enhance the overall quality.［Conclusion］ Adding 0.9% WBE helps yogurt fermentation and significantly improves the texture and flavor characteristics of set yogurt.

Single-Level Anterior Cervical Discectomy And Fusion Is Associated With Higher Nonroutine Discharge Rates Compared To Cervical Disc Arthroplasty In Obese Patients, Paul G. Mastrokostas, Luke B. Schwartz, Eli Berglas, Aaron B. Lavi, Leonidas E. Mastrokostas, Jonathan Dalton, Christopher K. Kepler, Arya Varthi, Jad Bou Monsef, Afshin E. Razi, Mitchell K. Ng

Rothman Institute Papers

CONTEXT: Obesity is a recognized risk factor for adverse outcomes in cervical spine surgery. While cervical disc arthroplasty (CDA) has emerged as an alternative to anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF), comparative outcomes among obese patients remain underexplored.

AIMS: The aim of this study is to compare nonroutine discharge rates and other postoperative outcomes between obese patients undergoing single-level ACDF and CDA.

SETTINGS AND DESIGN: Retrospective cohort study using a national database.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS: The National Inpatient Sample was queried to identify obese patients who underwent single-level ACDF or CDA between 2016 and 2020. Inclusion and exclusion criteria were …

The Impact Of Operative Level On Patient-Reported Outcome Measures Following Single-Level Posterior Lumbar Decompression For Disc Herniation, Jonathan Dalton, Robert Oris, Omar Tarawneh, Gregory Toci, Rajkishen Narayanan, Dominic Finan, Hannah Bash, Marco Goldberg, John Mangan, Barrett Woods, Mark Kurd, Ian Kaye, Jose Canseco, Alan Hilibrand, Alex Vaccaro, Gregory Schroeder, Christopher Kepler

Department of Orthopaedic Surgery Faculty Papers

OBJECTIVE: To compare the impact of upper versus lower lumbar decompression on patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs).

MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients undergoing L1-L2, L2-L3, L4-L5, or L5-S1 single-level elective decompression with 1-year PROMs were identified. Included PROMs were the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), visual analog scale (VAS) back and leg, and Short Form-12 physical (PCS) and mental (MCS) component scores. Minimal clinically important differences (MCID) were calculated. Multivariable regressions assessed the independent predictive ability of operative level controlling for demographic confounders.

RESULTS: Three hundred and forty-six patients were included (94 upper lumbar decompressions). Upper lumbar decompression patients were older (64.0 vs. …

Administrator Perspectives Of Challenges In Instructional Support Of Secondary Special Education Co-Teach Model, Sonya R. Pichon

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

The problem addressed in this study was that school administrators may not be knowledgeable regarding how to support co-teachers, which may contribute to the underperformance of students in special education co-teach programs. The purpose of this basic qualitative study was to explore school administrator perspectives regarding the supervision of special education teachers and the support they provide to them in the classroom. This study was grounded in Bass’ transformational leadership. Data were collected through semistructured interviews with 12 secondary school principals and assistant principals who supervise special education programs in one large urban district in Texas serving 22,600 students from …

The Association Between Dietary Behavior Change And The Health Of Adult African Immigrants In The United States, Seyoum Abebe

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

African immigrants represent one of the fastest-growing immigrant populations in the United States; yet, their health outcomes related to Type II diabetes remain understudied compared to other racial and ethnic groups. Grounded in the theoretical framework of the Health Belief Model, the purpose of this quantitative non-experimental study was to examine the relationship between dietary behavior changes and the diagnosis of Type 2 diabetes among African immigrants aged 20–80 residing in the United States. The research questions examined the association between getting meals prepared away from home and awareness of MyPlate nutritional guidelines, recommended by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, …

Overcoming Barriers To Literacy For Individuals Who Need Or Use Aac: Lived Experiences, Key Research Findings, And Future Directions, Janice Light, Christine Holyfield, David Mcnaughton, Dana Nieder, Jamie Preece

Communication Disorders and Occupational Therapy Faculty Publications and Presentations

Literacy supports participation in education, employment, healthcare, and community living, and enhances communication for individuals who need or use augmentative and alternative communication (AAC). Research has demonstrated that individuals with developmental disabilities who need or use AAC can successfully acquire a wide range of literacy skills when provided with effective tools and evidence-based, adapted instruction delivered by trained professionals. Unfortunately, individuals who need or use AAC typically face significant barriers to literacy learning: (1) They may be excluded from literacy instruction or only have access to instruction that requires spoken responses severely limiting their participation; (2) Their service providers may …

Introduction To Sociology: The Family, Dr. Marcia Morrison Ph.D.

Open Educational Resources

Abstract

This paper explores the evolving landscape of modern family structures, analyzing their diverse forms, core functions, and the challenges they face within contemporary society. Drawing on recent research and theoretical frameworks, it examines the transformation of parenthood—especially single fatherhood—the shifting definitions of family and kinship, and the influence of family structure on emotional security, socialization, and reproductive roles. The discussion highlights the rise of dual-career households, increased grandparental involvement, the complexities of blended and single-parent families, as well as the growing acceptance of cohabitation and child-free couples. Special attention is given to persistent social problems, such as the cycles …

Introduction To Sociology: Sex And Gender, Dr. Marcia Morrison Ph.D.

Open Educational Resources

Abstract

This paper explores the complex interplay between sex and gender, focusing on how societal structures, historical contexts, and cultural norms shape gender roles and expectations. Drawing on the works of influential theorists such as Margaret Mead and researchers like Maccoby and Jacklin, the discussion distinguishes between biological sex differences and socially constructed gender distinctions. The analysis highlights the pervasive influence of gender socialization through agents such as family, peers, educational institutions, and media, which collectively reinforce stereotypes and stratify opportunities for individuals. The evolution of gender stratification is traced from the post-World War II era to the present, documenting …

Introduction To Sociology: Culture, Dr. Marcia Morrison Ph.D.

Open Educational Resources

Abstract

A Synthesis of Sociological Perspectives on Culture and Social Evolution This paper provides an in-depth exploration of culture as a foundational element in the study of sociology, dissecting its central components—knowledge, language, symbols, values, norms, and material objects—and their profound impact on society. Through the examination of cultural integration and diversity, the analysis foregrounds the dynamic tensions between assimilation and the preservation of subcultures, illustrating how these forces shape identities, relationships, and social cohesion in contemporary contexts. The discussion offers nuanced insights into the processes by which dominant and minority cultures interact, negotiate power, and navigate the challenges of …

Functional Equivariance And Backward Error Analysis, Sanah Suri

Arts & Sciences Graduate Student Theses and Dissertations

Geometric, or structure-preserving, numerical integration has long been used as a framework for studying integrators that preserve a systems invariants. In backward error analysis, the approximate numerical flow of a system is viewed as the exact flow of a modified problem, allowing us to gain qualitative insights into the behavior of the numerical solution. The preservation of conservation laws by a numerical integrator can be generalized to $F$-functionally equivariant integrators, where $F$ represents an observable of the system in consideration. This thesis describes the behavior of geometric integrators through the lens of backward error analysis. First, we extend the idea …

Strategies For Reducing Employee Turnover In Long-Term Care, Eleanor Denise Gaines

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

High employee turnover in long-term care (LTC) facilities contributes to diminished care quality, low staff morale, and increased operational costs. LTC organizational leaders must address high turnover because it disrupts continuity of care, undermines team cohesion, and increases the burden of recruiting and training new staff. This qualitative multiple case study explored strategies used by human resource managers (HRMs) to improve staff retention and morale in LTC settings, motivated by the need to prevent workforce deterioration, enhance competitive advantage, and increase organizational profitability. Grounded in Herzberg’s two-factor theory, the purpose of the study was to identify evidence-based practices that effectively …

Building Belonging Infrastructure In Cities: Arts/Culture-Based Critical Participatory Action Research And Youth, Kimberly Rae Nightingale

Dissertations and Theses

Belonging is a critical human need. Urban planning's history of bureaucratic expertise continues to champion the powerful, resulting in structures and procedures that still separate and damage city communities. This research challenges the current hegemony of urban planning that centers geography--the container of land--in its practice. Instead, centering the belonging of people to each other is the essential quality of healthy urban planning. A people-centered urban planning practice where the community's people are the experts and decision-makers of their own cities--and belonging is the primary objective--is long overdue.

Arts/culture-based critical participatory action research (PAR)--where the research questions, design, data collection, …

Pacific Rxtracts - July 2025, Pacific Rxtracts

Pacific RxTracts

Articles:

• First Blood Test Approved For the Diagnosis of Alzheimer’s Disease
• Rare Withdrawal Reaction Prompts Label Update for Common Antihistamines
• FDA Approves SUSVIMO: Shifting Diabetic Retinopathy Treatment from Monthly Injections to Continuous Therapy
• Battle Against Resistant Hypertension
• Two Is Better than One: Obicetrapib and Ezetimibe, a Novel Combination Pill for High Cholesterol
• Histo-blood Group ABO System Transferase and Venous Thromboembolism Risk
• GLP-1 Agonists and Thiazolidinedione Combination Therapy in Type 2 Diabetes
• Dual Pathway Targeting in Type 2 Diabetes: Exploring the Synergy of GLP1- RAs and SGLT2-inhibitors
• Two Vaccines, One Shot: Combined Immunizations Against COVID-19 and Influenza
• Mirikizumab: A New Frontier …

Synthesis And Evaluation Of Novobiocin Analogues As Potential Inhibitors Of Polymerase Theta Polθ In Dna Damage And Repair, Mohammed Essam Albuhluli

Theses and Dissertations

Killing tumors while leaving normal cells unharmed is the goal of precision cancer therapy, a challenging feat that is enabled by targeting tumor-specific vulnerabilities [1]. Targeting Polθ potentiates PARP inhibitors (PARPi) in specifically killing homology-directed repair (HDR)-deficient tumor cells and re-sensitize PARPi resistant tumor cells [1]. The induced essentiality between Polθ and HDR-deficiency underscores the value of Polθ as a therapeutic target in the context of tumors with HDR genetic mutations [1]. The helicase-like domain (HLD) is a super family 2 (SF2)-type domain with DNA-dependent ATPase activity [1]. We previously discovered that the antibiotic NVB acts as an inhibitor of …

Third To Fifth-Grade Teachers’ Challenges When Teaching Reading Comprehension Skills To English Language Learners In Northern Virginia, Lorraine A. Wickham-Ellis

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Third to fifth-grade teachers in a Northern Virginia Title 1 elementary school faced challenges when teaching reading comprehension skills to English language learners (ELLs) which impacted ELLs’ performance on state-mandated tests. Framed by Cummins’s second language acquisition theory, the purpose of this basic qualitative study was to explore third to fifth-grade teachers’ challenges in teaching reading comprehension skills to ELLs and their suggestions for improved training and resources in a Northern Virginia Title 1 elementary school. Two research questions addressed the teachers’ challenges and suggestions for improved training and resources. Semistructured interviews were used to collect qualitative data from nine, …

Intersectionality Gaps Among Multiple Social Determinants In U.S. Infant And Maternal Mortality Rates, Mary D. Kirkley

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

The purpose of this quantitative, cross-sectional study was to examine whether social determinants interactively influence U.S. maternal and infant mortality rates. Grounded in the Social Ecological Model, this study analyzed secondary data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s National Vital Statistics System were analyzed using multivariable logistic regression. The final sample included 110,402 maternal deaths and 55,839 infant deaths, with inclusion criteria requiring complete data on race, education, age, marital status, gender (for infants), residency, and year of death. Exclusion criteria included non-U.S. resident deaths or missing demographic data. Results revealed statistically significant interaction effects: race/ethnicity with education …

Imaging Sciences Teachers’ Experiences With Simulation-Based Clinical Training Curriculum, Mandy Stelz

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Simulation-based education (SBE) is currently being used in imaging sciences education with no set standards or best practices. Grounded in the framework drawn from Kolb’s experiential learning theory and Magana’s T3 framework of innovation, the purpose of this qualitative study was to explore imaging science teachers’ experiences using SBE for clinical training. The participants were 12 imaging science teachers that have taught imaging science students using SBE for a minimum of 3 years. Data were collected using semistructured interviews. Through thematic analysis, four themes were identified: (a) imaging science teachers reported a wide variety of tools and types of SBE …

Guidance & Counseling Services For Students Special Needs In The Organizer School Inclusive Education In Dki Jakarta Region, Marja Marja, Trisna Mulyeni, Irah Kasirah, Widia Kusuma Dewi

Journal of ICSAR

This study examines the implementation of guidance and counseling (BK) services for students with special needs (ABK) in inclusive public schools in the DKI Jakarta region. Although inclusive education policies have been adopted nationally, the provision of structured psychosocial and academic support through counseling remains inconsistent across schools. Using a qualitative descriptive approach, this research involved twelve inclusive schools and collected data through interviews, observations, and document analysis. Participants included BK teachers, homeroom teachers, and school principals. Thematic analysis was conducted to identify patterns in the design, delivery, and impact of counseling services for ABK students. The findings indicate that …

Analysis Of Student Learning Experiences In Sign Language Learning Through A Deep Learning Approach Based On The Case-Based Learning Model, Imas Diana Aprilia, Prinanda Gustarina Ridwan, Lamina Amalia Putri, Indah Auliya Muchtar

Journal of ICSAR

Students in special education programs often face challenges in mastering sign language due to limited access to interactive and contextual learning experiences. Therefore, this study aimed to explore the implementation of sign language learning by integrating the Deep Learning approach, which emphasizes mindful, meaningful, and joyful learning, with the Case-Based Learning (CBL) model to provide a more holistic learning experience. Using a descriptive research design with a qualitative approach supported by quantitative data, the study involved 51 students who had completed a sign language course and one instructor from the Special Education Study Program. Data were collected through observation, semi-structured …

Implementation Of Inclusive Education In Elementary Schools In Balikpapan City: Challenges, Solutions, And Impacts, Firman Firman, Ganjar Susilo, Tri Astuti Nur’Aini

Journal of ICSAR

The goal of implementing inclusive education in schools is to guarantee that every student, including those with special needs, receives a high-quality education. This research seeks to evaluate how inclusive education is being carried out in primary schools (SD) in Balikpapan City, with a focus on the challenges faced, solutions proposed, and the effects on student development. A descriptive qualitative method was employed, utilizing observation, interviews, and documentation techniques. Data analysis followed Miles and Huberman's framework, involving data description, analysis, and drawing conclusions. The findings indicate that inclusive education in Balikpapan City's elementary schools holds significant potential to transform the …

The Integrative Model For Strengthening The Quality Of Inclusive Education Based On Digital Literacy, Achievement Culture, And Teacher Work Motivation, Listyowati Listyowati, Maryanto Maryanto, Ngasbun Egar

Journal of ICSAR

This study aims to develop an integrative model to enhance the quality of inclusive education based on digital literacy, achievement-oriented school culture, and teacher work motivation at public elementary schools in the Candisari District, Semarang City. A quantitative approach was employed using survey methods and path analysis. Data were collected from 105 teachers through closed-ended questionnaires and analyzed using multiple linear regression and path analysis. The results revealed that all three independent variables had a significant positive effect on the quality of inclusive education. Moreover, digital literacy and achievement culture indirectly influenced quality through teacher motivation as a mediating variable. …

Collaboration Between Special Education Teachers And Inclusive Teachers In Aceh Province, Teguh Shulha Shidqi, Rahmahtrisilvia Rahmahtrisilvia

Journal of ICSAR

This study examines collaboration between special education teachers and teachers in schools of inclusive education in Aceh Province. Using a qualitative approach with the scoping review method and prism protocol, this study analyses the relevant literature of published scientific journals. Data search was conducted on Google Scholar using the Harzing's Publish or Perish application, 3 articles were obtained for further analysis. The research results showed that collaboration between SLB teachers and teachers in inclusive schools in Aceh Province was not optimal. The implementation of inclusive education in Aceh still faces challenges such as not yet constructed cultural and strong policies, …

Building Quality Inclusive Schools Through Transformational Leadership, School Culture, And Digitalization: An Empirical Study In Public Elementary Schools In Tugu District, Semarang City, Munirotun Munirotun, Widya Kusumaningsih, Nurkolis Nurkolis

Journal of ICSAR

This study investigates the influence of transformational leadership, school culture, and digitalization on the quality of inclusive elementary schools in Tugu District, Semarang. As the foundation of national development, education requires not only knowledge transfer but also the cultivation of character and values. Despite being categorized as “Good,” most elementary schools in Tugu District have experienced a decline in learning quality, as indicated by the 2023 national assessment. Key challenges include teacher shortages, competency mismatches, excessive workloads, and limited understanding of the Merdeka Curriculum. Additional obstacles such as high administrative burdens and inadequate digital infrastructure further impede effective learning. Employing …