Digital Commons Network^™

Neurodivergence-Affirming Practice In The Classroom: Critical Reflections Of An Autistic Artist And Educator, David Prescott-Steed

Ought: The Journal of Autistic Culture

This paper provides insight into the author’s lived experience as an autistic artist and educator within the creative arts. Attention is drawn to how personal, creative, and professional encounters, combined with formal education in the field of autism studies, can inform a neurodiversity affirming learning environment that drives reflective practice.

The author is an educator at the Hester Hornbook Academy (HHA), delivering the Certificate 2 in Visual Arts as part of their Vocational Education in Schools program (VETiS). A human-centred and inclusive school, HHA engages learners from across the neurodiversity paradigm. As such, VETiS Visual Arts is well-positioned to support …

Community Health Nursing And The Spiritual Domain: Clinical Rotations In Faith-Based Residential Communities For Prelicensure Nursing Students, Paulette D. Slowinski, Amy Sweeney

International Journal of Faith Community Nursing

Contextualized spiritual education in undergraduate nursing programs is often limited. Community-based clinical rotations present an opportunity to introduce nursing students to professional practice in faith-based communities. Junior and senior undergraduate nursing students from a state university worked with the wellness nurses at a residential community for older adults funded by the county Catholic diocese. In this unique environment, students participated in nursing care focusing on health promotion and disease prevention and management. This learning opportunity allowed students to have meaningful interactions with residents while gaining insight into faith-based nursing practice and the value of spiritually focused care for vulnerable populations.

Evaluating The Effect Of A Rest Team Tea Cart On Nurse-Reported Comfort, Healing, And Empathy, Danielle A. Lisiecki Edd, Msn, Rn, Barbara A. Kilbride Ms, Bsn, Rn

International Journal of Faith Community Nursing

Abstract

In response to the increasing emotional and physical demands placed on healthcare professionals, a not-for-profit health system in Southwest Florida implemented a wellness initiative, focusing on the intentional care of the spirit through its Spiritual Services, Resilience Education Support Team (REST), and its area Faith Community Nurses (FCN), called the REST Tea Cart service. Initially, the REST Tea Cart was designed to promote emotional well-being by providing staff members with complimentary tea, cookies, and inspirational note cards, aiming to create moments of peace and respite during the workday. It would grow much more, expanding beyond the hospital’s walls and …

Conservative Anabaptists Descriptions Of Delay, Comfort In Connectedness, And Ease In Cultural Tension When Seeking And Responding To Healthcare, Matthew D. Hottle

International Journal of Faith Community Nursing

Introduction: Conservative Anabaptists are a large ethnic religious population that continues to grow in the United States. These groups are known to experience adverse health-related outcomes. Therefore, the concept of transcending health values has been developed to better understand how conservative anabaptists describe seeking and responding to healthcare. The purpose of this study is to (1) gather empirical evidence about the concept of transcending health values and (2) use the evidence to contribute to the body of knowledge of nursing.

Method: The study used qualitative-directed content analysis guided by the core qualities of transcending health values: delay in health-seeking behaviors, …

Exploring The Relationship Between Entrepreneurial Ambidexterity And Academic Performance: The Moderating Role Of Digital Capabilities: Evidence From Public Universities Of Duhok Governance, Kurdistan Of Iraq, Zeravan Abdulrahman Omar

Arab Economic and Business Journal

This study examines the impact of entrepreneurial ambidexterity, and the synchronization of exploratory and exploitative activities, on academic performance in university departments, and the role of digital capabilities in moderating this impact. Using a descriptive analytical approach, a questionnaire was distributed to 145 department heads at public universities in Duhok Governorate, Kurdistan Region of Iraq. The data were validated using SPSS version 29 and SmartPLS 4.1.1, both of which confirmed the study's hypotheses. The results revealed a direct, statistically significant, positive correlation between entrepreneurial ambidexterity and departmental academic performance. Furthermore, digital capabilities were found to have a significant positive performance-modifying …

Paradigm Pivot: Envisioning A New Education System To Cultivate An Era Of Human Intelligence, Heather J. Leslie Phd

Learning Design Center: Staff Scholarship

This think piece proposes a new paradigm for the education system that moves towards more humane practices and away from more mechanistic, standardized practices in order to cultivate intrinsic motivation, authenticity, and the capacity for each person to develop their unique human abilities in the era of artificial intelligence.

Identifying The Causes Of Excessive Weight Gain In Early Childhood, Dwinda Abi Permana, Mariia Saenko

Jurnal Keolahragaan

The growing health hazards associated with obesity and excess weight, particularly in young children, have made efforts to avoid these issues a top priority. By employing a cross-sectional research design, this study seeks to determine the reasons for weight growth in young children. Fifty children served as research subjects. Multivariate analysis was the method of analysis employed. The study's findings indicated a substantial (p <0.05) correlation between early childhood weight gain and variation factors. According to the study's findings, early childhood weight growth was associated with nutrition, parental genetics, and a lack of physical exercise. The growing health hazards associated with obesity and excess weight, particularly in young children, have made efforts to avoid these issues a top priority. This research was conducted in early childhood education and kindergartens in Kediri, East Java. Purposive sampling was used, meaning the sample was selected based on specific considerations, namely those who were overweight or obese. By employing a cross-sectional research design, this study seeks to determine the reasons for weight growth in young children. Fifty children served as research subjects. Multivariate analysis was the method of analysis employed. The results of the study were that the hereditary factor variable obtained a percentage of 56% with a p value of 0.045 which indicates p < 0.05 proving that there is a significant relationship between hereditary factors and weight gain. The dietary pattern variable accounted for the highest percentage, at 62%, with a p-value of 0.023, indicating a p < 0.05, demonstrating a significant relationship between dietary patterns and weight gain in early childhood. The final variable was physical activity, accounting for 54%. The p-value was 0.027, indicating a p < 0.05, indicating a significant relationship between physical activity and weight gain. The conclusion of this study is that the variables of poor dietary management and lack of daily physical activity are factors that have a higher risk of weight gain.

Effectiveness Of Various Leg Muscle Training Methods On Increasing Leg Muscle Strength, Pradana Frans Surya M., Anggi Setiorini, Suryani Agustina Daulay, Helmi Ismunandar

Jurnal Keolahragaan

Lower limb muscle strength is crucial for functional human activities, providing body stabilization, maintaining posture, and enabling various movements. Insufficient training can hinder muscle protein synthesis, leading to diminished strength in the lower limbs. Regular training, particularly resistance exercises, is essential for improving this strength. Numerous training methods have been developed, such as resistance training, plyometric exercises, bodyweight exercises, isolation training, movement-based practices, and technology-assisted techniques, though their relative effectiveness remains a topic of ongoing evaluation. This literature review aims to assess the effectiveness of various lower limb strength training methods across diverse populations, including adolescents, athletes, and older adults. …

Development Of A Shorinji Kempo Training Model Based On Local Dances From East Nusa Tenggara To Improve Basic Technical And Affective Skills Of Kenshi Aged 9-12 Years, Carles Nyoman Wali, Uly Jonathan Riwu Kaho

Jurnal Keolahragaan

The integration of local cultural elements such as traditional dance into martial arts training offers a potential pathway to enhance both technical proficiency and affective learning among young practitioners. This study aimed to develop and test a feasible and practical Shorinji Kempo training model, based on local dances from East Nusa Tenggara (NTT), to improve basic techniques and affective aspects in kenshi aged 9–12 years. This study used a 10-step Borg and Gall research and development framework involved expert validation, small-scale trials (30 kenshi), and large-scale trials (100 kenshi) across five dojos in Yogyakarta. The subjects in this study were …

Multiple Baseline Single-Case Study: Narrative Resiliency Intervention For Couples With Adverse Childhood Experiences, Emma Elizabeth Allen

Theses and Dissertations

A multiple baseline single case study design was used to examine the effects of a narrative and resiliency-based intervention for couples with adverse childhood experiences (ACEs). Using piecewise multilevel modeling (MLM), the study evaluated changes in depressive symptoms, dyadic coping (DCI), and growth and empowerment measure (Emotional Empowerment Scale [EES-14] and 12 Scenarios [12S]) across waitlist and treatment phases. Five couples (10 individuals) participated in up to 17 waves, with staggered baseline and treatment lengths across dyads. Results indicated significant fixed effects of the 12S subscale for growth and empowerment during the treatment phase. There were no statistically significant fixed …

Holding On To Social Hierarchy: An Intersectional Exploration Of Attitudes That Maintain Social Inequality, Cassandra E. Santos

Honors Program Theses and Projects

Hierarchical social structures are embedded in U.S. society that allow certain social groups to be positioned above others, granting them unearned advantages. Attitudes that maintain such conditions thereby warrant attention, as they contribute to the maintenance of inequality. This study used secondary data analysis to investigate how social dominance orientation (SDO), White supremacy ideologies (WSI), and conservative political ideologies were influenced by the intersection of gender (i.e., men vs. women) and race (i.e., White vs. BIPOC). The primary study used crowdsourcing to recruit a nationally represented sample of participants based on political affiliation. The present study consisted of 359 total …

You Have Been Warned: The Effect Of California's Proposition 65 Warning On Consumer Perceptions And Evaluations, Kristina Medvedeva, Lauren Drury, Katie Kelting

Business, Accounting and Economics Faculty Scholarship

With cancer rates projected to rise sharply in the coming years, identifying effective preventative health measures to address the issue has become critically important. By adopting perceived risk and signaling theory as the theoretical lens, the current research examines one such unique and underexplored intervention—the Proposition 65 warning. Across four studies, the findings show that consumers' sensitivity to the Proposition 65 warning varies by product category and geographic location. The findings also reveal that the presence (vs. absence) of the Proposition 65 warning negatively affects evaluations of not only the product, but also the retailer that sells the product. In …

Matrescence: An Emerging Concept For Birth Worker Practice, Kelsey B. Green

DNP Qualifying Manuscripts

The maternal mental health (MMH) crisis, affecting up to 25% of birthing individuals, is exacerbated by significant gaps in perinatal support. While birth workers are uniquely positioned to provide care, they often lack specialized training beyond basic screening checklists to address the complex transition to motherhood, defined as matrescence. This clinical innovation proposal outlines a matrescence-informed educational curriculum, guided by the Comprehensive Model of Mental Health during the Perinatal Period. The intervention is designed to build tangible, implementable skills, training birth workers to: (1) operationalize matrescence as a psychoeducational tool to normalize distress; (2) use clinical differentiation to distinguish the …

From Digital Distress To Wellness: Counseling Implications Of Social Media Use In Adolescents And Emerging Adults, Anna K. Owens, Arantxa Mascarenas

Faculty Articles

The pervasive use of social media among secondary and post-secondary students has raised significant concern regarding its impact on mental health and academic success. Excessive social media use (SMU) has been linked to anxiety, depression, social comparison, body image concerns, disrupted sleep, and diminished academic focus. These risks highlight the urgent need for counselors to integrate social media considerations into both clinical and educational practice. This article reviews evidence-based interventions that address the psychological and emotional consequences of SMU, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to challenge distorted beliefs, mindfulness strategies to improve emotional regulation, digital detox programs to recalibrate online …

Cv: Stephen Sherwin (Criminal Justice), Stephen Sherwin

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

No abstract provided.

Identify Academic Well-Being And Professional Identity In Nursing Perspectives, Angela G. Opsahl

Biennial Convention (CONV)

OBJECTIVES:

• Define Professional Identity in Nursing
• Discuss faculty and staff perspectives of well-being
• Discuss the connection between a civil work environment and well-being

Determining perspectives of current and future well-being among academic faculty and staff involves a multifaceted approach that considers both personal and professional dimensions. Faculty and staff well-being is influenced by factors such as work-life balance, job satisfaction, and institutional support. During this presentation the results of the faculty and staff survey feedback and open dialogue will be shared, offering insight to areas of concern and opportunities for improvement. Additionally, by integrating discussions of professional identity into faculty …

Baudelaire And Manet Remake, Barry J. Mauer

Teaching Repository of AI-Infused Learning

Use AI to remake either a painting from Manet or a poem from Baudelaire (or both!) in any medium: experimental writing, video, poster, song, etc.; the creativity is in your prompt. In addition, write an essay of 4-5 pages explaining and justifying your remake, describing the process and interpreting the results.

From Textbook To Classroom: Gaps In Mathematical Representation And Translation In Nepali Education, Deepak Basyal

Mathematics and Statistics

Translating real-world problem contexts into mathematical symbols is a key skill in curricula worldwide. This study examines Nepali students’ abilities to translate words into symbols and how Nepali textbooks from earlier grades support the development of these skills. To investigate this phenomenon, a sequential explanatory study was conducted with a test for 10th graders and an analysis of Grades 6—9 textbooks. Results show that students struggle to convert real-world contexts into mathematical symbols, while textbooks provide limited opportunities for practice. In particular, students have difficulty translating symbols back into real-world situations, suggesting a link between textbook opportunities and achievement. These …

December 2025 Graduate Council Minutes, University Of Nebraska At Kearney Graduate Council

Graduate Council Minutes

No abstract provided.

Reel Me In: An Analysis Of Self-Presentation On Linkedin And Instagram, Katie Vanhouten

Departmental Honors & Graduate Capstone Projects

The purpose of this study is to examine how Communication and Digital Studies (CDS) seniors tailor how they self-present on social media on a social app compared to a professional one. As seniors are transitioning from student life to professional life, it is significant to understand how that meaningful shift influences how they present themselves online. This study employs a qualitative content analysis of Instagram and LinkedIn profiles, including two posts from each platform, belonging to four CDS seniors at the University of Mary Washington in Fredericksburg, Virginia. The findings suggest three themes in self-presentation, which are personality, communication style, …

Challenges And Strategies For Hypertension Control In The Young Generation In Indonesia: A Bibliometric Review, Gina Maratus Solihah, Dwi Prijatmoko, Novia Luthviatin

Preventia: The Indonesian Journal of Public Health

Hypertension among young people in Indonesia has become an increasingly alarming public health problem due to lifestyle changes, low awareness, and limited access to preventive health services. This review aims to analyze the challenges and strategies for controlling hypertension in young populations based on national and international literature, supported by bibliometric analysis. Data were obtained from the Web of Science (WOS) database and analyzed using VOSviewer to map research trends, keyword relationships, and collaboration networks related to hypertension in youth. The 2018 Riskesdas data showed that 34.1% of Indonesian adults aged ≥18 years had hypertension, with major risk factors including …

Collaboration As A Strategy For Member Engagement, Kathryn Keane, Viji George

Biennial Convention (CONV)

Purpose: Professional organizations which offer members opportunities to collaborate at local, state, national, and international levels promotes member engagement. Proactive leadership strategies improves engagement (George & Massey, 2020). The skills developed through collaboration within professional organizations often translate to enhanced performance in members' workplace settings (Sullivan & Stevenson, 2009). Collaborative efforts guide the development of nurses' professionalism (He et al., 2024). Collaboration fosters deeper connections, boosts participation, and promotes innovation by leveraging diverse perspectives, shared goals, and collective problem-solving. Recent studies highlight that such collaborative efforts improve organizational performance by building trust, accountability, and psychological safety within teams (Scager et …

Making Space For Learning: Textile Based Learning Resources For Material Reuse, Mary-Evelyn Mcconkie Howell

Instructional Psychology and Technology Graduate Student Projects

This paper outlines two textile-based learning resources that I created for Making Space Thrift (MST), a community-focused creative thrift store in Utah. MST expressed a need for instructional materials that promote intentional material use, support customer well-being, and strengthen ties with their community. To address these needs, I conducted interviews with stakeholders and local textile hobbyists to understand what learning resources would benefit MST. As a result, I created two projects. The first is called Making Peace with Materials, an interactive, decision-based digital experience housed on the MST website. This resource helps learners navigate the emotional, practical, and sustainable …

Toxic Behaviors In Higher Education Institutions: Examining Demographic Factors Affecting Faculty Perceptions, Patrice C. Elder

Tennessee State University Alumni Theses and Dissertations

This quantitative study examined the relationship between demographic factors and faculty perceptions of organizational toxicity at four-year higher education institutions. Using the Perceived Organizational Toxicity Scale (POTS), data were collected from 131 faculty members across Predominantly White Institutions (PWIs) and Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). The study investigated four dimensions of toxic behaviors: narcissistic, aggressive, unethical, and rigid behaviors. Key findings revealed that unethical behaviors were the most prevalent form of organizational toxicity (M=2.59, SD=1.05), followed by narcissistic behaviors (M=2.32, SD=.93). Significant demographic differences emerged across academic rank and seniority. Assistant and associate professors reported significantly higher levels of …

Educational Leadership's Role In Understanding Nil Policy Perceptions Among College Football Players, Carlton Rice

Tennessee State University Alumni Theses and Dissertations

This study examined educational leadership's role in understanding Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) policy perceptions among college football players at an American Athletic Conference institution. Using Expectancy-Value Theory as the theoretical framework, the research explored how educational leaders interpret and communicate NIL policies to student-athletes, assessed student-athlete perceptions of leadership effectiveness, and investigated how leadership experiences influence attitudes toward NIL policies. The mixed-methods study surveyed 97 college football student-athletes and conducted interviews with athletic administrators. Key findings revealed a moderately positive correlation (r=.340, p<.001) between administrative support and student-athlete knowledge of NIL policies, demonstrating that institutional investment in educational support directly impacts policy comprehension. The research found that 67% of student-athletes indicated NIL opportunities would influence their school choice decisions, fundamentally altering recruitment dynamics. Additionally, 57.7% of participants agreed that NIL affects team culture, though responses indicated this impact is highly contextual and dependent on institutional management. The study identified significant variation in educational leadership approaches across institutions, with some employing dedicated NIL strategy teams while others integrate responsibilities within existing compliance departments. A notable gap emerged between student-athlete NIL expectations and institutional support, with many athletes reporting they "do everything on our own." For higher education institutions, findings suggest the need for comprehensive NIL education programs extending beyond basic compliance to include financial literacy, contract negotiation, and personal branding. Institutions should develop values-based frameworks aligning NIL opportunities with institutional missions while protecting student-athlete interests. The research contributes valuable insights for navigating the evolving NIL landscape while supporting student-athlete success.

Teacher Perceptions On Commitment To Teaching In High-Poverty Urban Middle Schools, Ruth Michelle Hayslett

Tennessee State University Alumni Theses and Dissertations

This explanatory sequential mixed methods study examined teacher perceptions of factors influencing retention in high-poverty urban middle schools within Metro Nashville Public Schools. The research addressed the critical issue of teacher turnover in challenging educational environments, where retention rates significantly impact student outcomes. The study surveyed 68 teachers from five high-poverty middle schools, followed by in-depth interviews with six participants. Using Herzberg's Two-Factor Motivation Theory as the theoretical framework, the research investigated four key areas: intrinsic motivation, extrinsic motivation, professional development, and demographic factors affecting teacher commitment. Quantitative findings revealed that extrinsic factors demonstrated the strongest correlation with teacher commitment …

Socioeconomic Influences On Parent Engagement From Birth To Age Five, Mercedes Ford-Miller

Tennessee State University Alumni Theses and Dissertations

This qualitative study examined how socioeconomic status influences the level and nature of parent engagement during the early learning years, defined as birth to age 5. Grounded in the Head Start Parent, Family, and Community Engagement (PFCE) framework, it explored how income and education disparities shape opportunities, barriers, and perceptions of engagement among families enrolled in early learning programs in Middle Tennessee. Using a grounded theory approach, data were collected through demographic surveys, one-on-one interviews, and focus groups with parents representing diverse socioeconomic backgrounds. Findings revealed that while all parents valued engagement as vital to their child’s development, socioeconomic conditions …

Predicting First-Year Retention Rates Of First Generation College Students, Trena Barksdale

Tennessee State University Alumni Theses and Dissertations

First-generation college students (FGCS) often encounter academic, financial, and social commitments that elevate their risk of attrition. Although academic preparation and engagement are recognized persistence factors, predictive research at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) remains scarce. This quantitative study utilized binary logistic regression to identify key predictors of first-year retention among FGCS at a public HBCU. The analysis specifically tested the influence of high school GPA, Pell Grant status, and on-campus housing. Findings confirmed that both GPA and on-campus housing were strong, statistically significant predictors of retention, while Pell Grant status was not. These results underscore the vital role …

Validating The Use Of Natural Language Processing And Text Mining For Hospital-Based Violence Intervention Programs And Criminal Justice Articles, Cyril S. Ku, Katheryne Pugliese, Jared R. Dmello, Morgan R. Peltier, Robert Green, Sheetal Ranjan

Department of Justice Studies Faculty Scholarship and Creative Works

Hospital-based violence intervention programs (HVIPs) are a form of community violence intervention designed to address trauma resulting from violent injuries. This public health approach has been implemented across the United States since the 1990s, with numerous qualitative and quantitative studies evaluating its effectiveness. Manual systematic reviews by domain experts have helped identify major themes and research gaps. While these reviews are valuable for synthesizing the existing literature, thisprocess can be time-consuming and labor-intensive, given the vast amount of research in public health and criminal justice. To meet the urgent need for accessible insights into the violence-related literature, more efficient methods …

Barriers And Challenges Faced By Minority Women Faculty Being Promoted At Hbcus, Denise Lorriane Young

Tennessee State University Alumni Theses and Dissertations

This mixed-methods study examined the barriers and challenges faced by minority women faculty at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) in their pursuit of academic promotion and career advancement. Grounded in Black Feminist Theory, the research employed an explanatory sequential design with 56 survey participants and three in-depth interviews across six HBCUs in the southern United States. The study addressed three research questions examining systemic barriers, intersecting identities, and cultural perceptions affecting promotional opportunities. Quantitative findings revealed significant barriers across career-related (M = 3.21) and educational-related (M = 2.47) dimensions, with notable differences between academic disciplines. Qualitative analysis identified five …