Digital Commons Network^™

The Spread Of Conspiracy Theories And Social Media Radicalization: “Stop The Steal” On Social Media, Zaynab Saleem

Honors Theses

This study examines how conspiracy-related content spread across social media platforms following the 2020 U.S. Presidential election, specifically the “Stop the Steal” (STS) movement. While conspiracy theories are often seen as influential on niche parts of the internet, less is known about how they compare to non-conspiracy content in terms of engagement, visibility, and how they change over time. To address this gap, this study uses a quantitative approach to compare STS and non-STS content across two distinct types of social media platforms: a text-based platform (Platform A) and a video-sharing platform (Platform B). Data was collected using keyword searches …

Ethical Attitudes Of Emerging Entrepreneurs: Unethical Business Practices And Informal Entrepreneurship, Reuben Mcdonald

Honors Theses

This thesis aims to analyze the connection between how entrepreneurs’ ethical attitudes impact their intentions in pursuing informal entrepreneurship practices. The research question of this thesis is, “To what extent do the ethical attitudes of pre-venture entrepreneurs affect their willingness to engage in informal business practices?” To answer this question, the researcher utilized both previously validated and developed scales to measure how ethical attitudes impact the informal entrepreneurship intentions of college students. Within this thesis, the researcher discusses the creation of the measurement instrument, the results of the data measured by the instrument, and the impact of ethical attitudes on …

Tough Love Or Just Tough?: The Effect Of Juvenile Military Bootcamps On Adolescent Externalizing Behaviors, Paris Labadie

Honors Theses

Externalizing behaviors, which are mental health problems manifested as outward behavior, have negative impacts on the environment and relationships (Liu, 2004). They include traits such as impulsivity, aggression, and substance use. Externalizing behaviors are more common in justice-involved youth compared to those who were not involved. Interventions for justice-involved youth, such as military boot camps, offer an alternative to incarceration and provide rehabilitation opportunities and routine. Theoretical research suggests military boot camps are problematic, citing the ineffectiveness of “scared straight” tactics. To date, there are few studies examining changes because of completing boot camps. There are also no studies examining …

Standardized Home Blood Pressure Log Implementation For Patients With Hypertension To Increase Patient Awareness And Clinical Action, Ashley Alcala

Doctoral Dissertations & Projects

Background: Home blood pressure monitoring (HBPM) is recommended for hypertension management, yet primary care clinics often lack standardized workflows for distributing, collecting, and using home blood pressure (BP) data. Inconsistent reporting and limited patient understanding of their own BP trends, such as whether readings are stable, elevated, or unchanged, reduce providers ability to make timely clinical decisions.

Problem: Despite evidence supporting HBPM, patients rarely brought usable BP logs to follow‑up visits, limiting providers ability to assess BP control, identify trends, and make timely medication or care plan adjustments.

Approach: This project used a Plan‑Do‑Study‑Act (PDSA) model to implement a standardized …

Materialism: What Do We Lose By Focusing On Having More?, Traidan C. Hier

Augustana Center for the Study of Ethics Essay Contest

This paper seeks to grapple with how materialism impacts the world that we live in and the person holding that mindset. It also seeks a solution to materialism, offering a helpful perspective on how can we avoid a materialistic mindset.

Navigating End-Of-Life Decisions: Cultural Considerations For Latine Patients, Michelle Carbajal Hernandez

Honors Capstones

Healthcare professionals face many challenges when communicating terminal illness prognoses for individuals. This responsibility to address a terminal prognosis is further complicated when communicating with Latine patients who may face multiple barriers within the healthcare system and whose cultural preferences influence end-of-life care planning (Carrion, 2010). For example, Latines are less likely to enroll in end-of-life (EOL) care services (e.g., hospice) (Barragan-Carrillo et al., 2022). As well as engage in end-of-life care planning than White Non-Latines (Shen et al., 2016). To understand this hesitancy towards EOL care options, this literature review aims to explore how terminally ill Latine and …

Not Too Early, Not Too Late: A Framework For Career Guidance In Competency -Based Education (Cbe), Mercy Igoki

Institute for Educational Development, East Africa

The aim of this study is to develop a framework for providing career guidance to learners in Kenyan schools within a competency-based education framework. The framework will give guidance from early childhood to senior schools. It will help learners select careers and develop relevant competencies. Learners are often introduced late to career guidance, mostly when they must make key academic and career decisions, such as subject selection. This timing may limit their ability to make informed decisions about their future career pathways. The study uses a conceptual research design, grounded in a review and synthesis of existing literature on career …

A Problem For Traditionalism, Marc O. Degirolami

Notre Dame JLEPP: In Limine

Prof. DeGirolami explains traditionalism and why it might pose a problem in the United States.

The Crime We Forget? White-Collar Crime: Problems In Defining Motive And Enforcement Of Followers, John Stillman

Notre Dame JLEPP: In Limine

John Stillman explains problems in defining and enforcing against white-collar crime, focusing on followers.

An Austrian Approach To Accounting Regulation: How Policy Intervention Distorts The Market For Assurance Services, Kyan Howe

Student Scholarship

This thesis applies the causal-realist method of the Austrian School of Economics to the market for assurance services in the United States. The central argument is that post-crisis accounting regulation has systematically distorted the incentive structures of independent public accounting firms in ways regulators do not predict and cannot fully control. Financial crises, properly understood through Austrian Business Cycle Theory, originate in monetary distortions rather than market failure. Post-crisis regulatory responses nonetheless target the profession rather than the underlying distortion, introducing rules that alter the institutional constraints within which auditors exercise professional judgment.

The thesis develops a judgment-based equation of …

The Varying Strength Of Parental Rights, Mark Strasser

Missouri Law Review

The United States Supreme Court has recognized that parental rights implicate fundamental interests and that statutes adversely affecting those rights require close examination. However, the Court has been inconsistent in both its analysis and results when deciding which statutes burdening parental rights nonetheless pass constitutional muster. The Court’s ambivalence and lack of clarity have made parental rights jurisprudence confused and confusing, as illustrated by the dissensus among the state supreme courts regarding which visitation statutes are constitutional. Yet, this jurisprudential quagmire cannot be blamed on one particular decision, as if a single clarification or modification could resolve the problem. Rather, …

Prevalence Profile Perceived Stress And Impact On Quality Of Life For Recurrent Aphthous Ulcers: A Cross-Sectional Epidemiological Study In Egypt, Dalia Ghalwash

Dentistry

Recurrent Aphthous Ulcerations (RAU) are among the most frequent oral ulcers with unknown etiology and multiple risk factors. This study assessed the prevalence profile of aphthous ulcers, risk factors, levels of perceived stress, and their impact on quality of life in an Egyptian sample. This study involved screening 4100 individuals from the outpatient clinic, Faculty of Dentistry, The British University in Egypt, and several Egyptian governorates. Patients were subjected to clinical examination and patient interviews for accurate diagnosis and collection of data. The Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) was used to assess levels of perceived stress, and the Oral Health Impact …

What Keeps Teachers: A Systematic Review Of Induction And Early-Career Teacher Retention In Rural Schools, Bobbie Jean Mcdonough

Teacher Education, Educational Leadership & Policy ETDs

Teacher retention remains a persistent challenge in United States education, particularly in rural K–12 public schools. This systematic review synthesized empirical research on induction and early-career teacher retention in rural United States settings published between 2000 and 2025. Guided by a postpositivist framework and aligned with PRISMA 2020 standards, 56 studies met inclusion criteria following structured database searches and multi-stage screening. Findings across the included studies indicate that retention was most consistently associated with induction, mentoring, professional learning, responsive leadership, collegial relationships, and teachers’ integration into their school and community, with no single support appearing sufficient in isolation. Across research …

The Relationship Between Academic Stress And Menstrual Health Among Undergraduate Students At The George Washington University, Vesna Pasetto, Leslie Davidson

GW Research Showcase 2021-2026

No abstract provided.

The Necessity Of U.S. Aid: The Russian-Ukrainian War, Lelin Spriggs

The Dialogue

Since Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine on February 24, 2022, the conflict has emerged as a defining foreign-policy challenge of the twenty-first century. In the United States, the war dominates political discourse and continues to shape debates on national security and the appropriate scope of American global leadership. Although President Trump vowed during his campaign to end the war upon entering office, hostilities intensified following his inauguration, prompting renewed policy debates regarding the future and extent of U.S. military and economic support for Kyiv.

This paper argues that the United States must continue providing sustained military and economic …

A Historical Application Of Offshore Balancing: A Comparative Analysis Of The Napoleonic War And The South China Sea Strategy, Kati Quigg

The Dialogue

Through a historical analysis of Britain’s offshore balancing during the Napoleonic War, how does China’s economic and geographical expansionism threaten US interests and reinforce America’s Grand Strategy through offshore balancing? By employing Mearsheimer’s offshore balancing as a response by insular great powers to rising continental hegemony, I will explore how Britain’s Napoleonic Grand Strategy—non-continental intervention, reliance on subsidizing alliances, and maritime dominance—both informs and complicates the American Grand Strategy in the South China Sea. China’s Nine-Dashed Line of 1948, a map published by the People’s Republic of China, serves as the basis for its modern territorial claims—directly infringing upon the …

The Lumberjack, April 01, 2026

Cal Poly Humboldt's Student Newspaper

The student newspaper of Humboldt State University.

Wcsa Alumnews: Spring 2026, Office Of Alumni Relations

WCSA AlumNEWS

Contents include: WCSA's agriculture legacy continues: UMN Morris alumni find agriculture as part of their liberal arts education; In your words; From the dining hall to third floor Behmler: Michael Rodriguez is UMN Morris chancellor; Fondly remembered... ; WCSA Legacy Memorial in Horticulture Garden ; 2026 WCSA All-School Reunion

Pastoral Listening Skills Training In The Black Baptist Church: Equipping Clergy To Better Support Congregants, Regina Pair Allen

Doctor of Ministry Projects and Theses

This study engages a historical survey of qualitative studies of perspectives of Black pastors regarding pastoral care, examining various avenues for training in pastoral listening and the role of ministers as theological clinicians in supporting church ministries and community needs. The findings highlight the ongoing need for professional development among pastors as primary educators and theological clinicians. The study underscores the importance of equipping Black Baptist pastors to address the clinical pastoral needs of African American congregants. The significance to this field of study is providing Black Baptist clergy with practical skills and tools, grounded in theological principles, to better …

What Is The Availability Of Insurance Coverage For Claims Of Sexual Misconduct And Abuse?, Paul Walker-Bright, Karen Dixon, Michael Hamilton, Seth Row

Connecticut Insurance Law Journal

No abstract provided.

Otterbein Towers Spring 2026, Jonathan Atwood

Towers Magazine

Contents:

Around the 'Bein; Towers: A Retrospective; Chapters of Otterbein's Story; Witness to History; Evolution of the Cover and Nameplates; The House the Fritsches Helped Build; The More Things Change, the More They Stay the Same; Philanthropy; Alumni Matters; Class Notes.

Branding Through Semiotics, Minimalism, & Branding Psychology: The Eurekafit Brand, Torri Salem

Theses

This paper examines how the combination of minimalism, semiotics, and branding psychology work seamlessly together to create an inclusive brand with an emotionally resonate visual identity system-- a brand that is cohesive and bridges the sub-brands of EurekaFit and Eureka CrossFit. What initially started as a logo redesign of Eureka CrossFit has now expanded into this dual-branding visual system, that communicates approachability, a sense of belonging and fitness, without being intimated, to its audience. This study investigates visual signifiers like color, typography and imagery, through a semiotic analysis and approach. I reduced clutter and visual noise and was able to …

Petals Of The Mind: A Digital Floral Interpretation Of Mental States, Corine D. Arrington

Theses

Petals of the Mind is an applied studio art project that explores the use of symbolic floral imagery to visually represent internal emotional states, specifically depression, anxiety, and ADHD. This project consists of six large format digital posters created in Procreate. Each emotional category is represented by a pair of flowers selected for their symbolic and structural characteristics: Blue Poppy and Black Rose for depression, Tulip and Aster for anxiety, and Honeysuckle and Wildflower Mix for ADHD. These flowers are intentionally deconstructed through layering, fragmentation, and motion cues to mirror common internal experiences such as emotional heaviness, vigilance, cognitive scattering, …

Sinclair Lewis Society Newsletter, Vol 34, No. 2, The Sinclair Lewis Society

Sinclair Lewis Society Newsletter

"Following Up with Conrad," review-essay on Writers Like Us: My Life with Sinclair Lewis, by Barnaby Conrad, with Barnaby Conrad III, by Frederick Betz

Teaching "He Loved His Country" by Shaun F. Richards

In Memoriam: George Capsis by Sally E. Parry

Inside the Network of American Foreign Correspondents in Interwar Europe: A Review of Last Call at the Hotel Imperial: The Reporters Who Took On a World at War, by Deborah Cohen. Random House, 2022. by Bernhard Wenzl

A Dr. Martin Arrowsmith: 2003 by Samuel J. Rogal

Palmer House Sold

Famous Last Words From Sinclair Lewis by Tad …

Physical And Behavioral Health Diagnoses And Comorbidities Associated With Transition From Military Health System To Veterans Health Care Among Post-9/11 Veterans, Nikki R. Wooten, Megan E. Amaun, Madeleine Myers, Price N.O. Addo, Jeffrey Bowers, Felicia R. Carey, Rudolph P. Rull, Edward J. Boyko, Nathaniel Bell Ph.D., Ana Defede-Lopéz, Mary Jo V. Pugh

Publications

Objective

To identify factors associated with transitioning from Military Health System (MHS) to Veterans Health Administration (VHA) care in post-9/11 veterans.

Study Setting and Design

Retrospective cohort study from the Long-Term Impact of Military-Relevant Brain Injury Consortium Phenotype Study.

Data Sources and Analytic Sample

Population-level data were analyzed from MHS and VHA electronic health data (FY2000-2020). Participants received ≥ 3 years of MHS care and separated from the military before October 1, 2016. The primary outcome was transition from MHS to VHA care after military separation. Covariates included demographic, military, and deployment characteristics at military separation; physical, mental, and substance …

Occupational Therapy’S Role In Supporting Caregivers Of Children And Adolescents With Type 1 Diabetes, Ania G. Millan

Student Capstone Papers

Caregivers of children and adolescents with Type 1 Diabetes (T1D) often experience increased stress, occupational imbalance, and challenges related to maintaining their own health and wellness while managing their child’s complex daily care needs. Despite the significant impact caregiving responsibilities may have on daily routines, self-care, and overall quality of life, occupational therapy’s (OT) role in supporting caregivers within endocrinology settings remains underrecognized. The purpose of this capstone project was to explore caregivers’ perceptions of their health and wellness and examine the differences and similarities between caregivers’ and occupational therapy practitioners’ (OTPs) perspectives regarding OT’s role in supporting caregivers of …

Cognitive Warfare: Generative Ai, False Realities, And International Humanitarian Law, Gary Corn

Joint PIJIP/TLS Research Paper Series

This paper, written as a draft chapter for the Lieber Institute for Law and Land Warfare's forthcoming book on International Law and Artificial Intelligence in Armed Conflict: The AI-Cyber Interplay, explores the IHL implications of a specific subfield or category of AI—Generative AI (GenAI). This new and rapidly evolving technology does not merely analyze or classify data; it also generates original image, audio, and video content. This synthetic content can be highly deceptive and manipulative, as in the case of so-called “deepfakes.” Combined with other information and communications technologies (ICT) and AI capabilities, GenAI has the potential to drastically transform …

Systemic Design: Adopting A Mechanic And Emergent Uses, Kyle M. Aing

Level Design Theses and Dissertations

Video game designers can use a systems thinking approach to teach a new gameplay mechanic to players. When designers implement best practices of pacing and teaching, players are more likely to adopt and experiment with the mechanic. This methodology leads to a resilient mechanic system within a game and encourages emergent gameplay through the formation of intrinsic motivations.

Otterbein Aegis Spring 2026, Otterbein Aegis

Aegis: The Otterbein Humanities Journal

Contents:

Editors' Introduction; Editorial Board Members

Essays:

"Conveying the Dream-Sensation: On the Prescient Modernism of Heart of Darkness"; "On Momentary Freedom: David Lynch's The Elephant Man"; "Reading Together Alone: Hermeneutics at the Limit in Night"; Samuel Barber's Excursions for Solo Piano"; "The Indigenous Experience of Cultural Genocide Through Art"; "'Your Laura Disappeared': The Fragmentation of Self in David Lynch's Twin Peaks: Fire Walk with Me and Lost Highway".

Reviews:

"Detroit: Become Human"; "Everything is Tuberculosis: The History and Persistence of Our Deadliest Infection"; "Grey Dog"; "Mahmoud Darwish: Palestine's Poet and the Other as the Beloved"; "The Tragedy of Heterosexuality"; "The …

Clark Magazine, Spring/Summer 2026, Clark University

Clark Magazine

The Spring/Summer 2026 edition of Clark Magazine. Clark Magazine is a twice-yearly publication primarily geared towards Clark University Alumni.

The cover story is "From Dream to Destiny: 100 Years Ago, Robert H. Goddard Put Humanity Aboard a Rocket Ride to the Future".