Digital Commons Network^™

Cyberbullying Defensive Strategy In Social Media Sessions Via Machine Learning And Cyber Deception, Mohammad Shafiqul Islam

Masters Theses

Cyberbullying poses a significant challenge on social media, where traditional detection systems struggle with the nuanced and dynamic nature of online abuse. This thesis proposes an integrated framework that combines large language model (LLM)-based detection with generative decoy responses to enable real-time protection for victims on platforms like Instagram and WhatsApp. Using models such as Mistral 7B, GPT-3.5 Turbo, and Phi-3 Mini, prompt-based one-shot learning achieved 87% detection accuracy and a 5% F1-score improvement over zero-shot approaches, demonstrating robust identification of text-based bullying. A novel synthetic dataset of 98 multi-turn conversations, designed with diverse subtypes and evaluated for realism, addressed …

Effective Small Business Employee Job Retention Strategies, Cynthia Marie Harris

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Unsuccessful retention strategies for small businesses can significantly impact an organization's success. Small business leaders who struggle to retain employees beyond two years are at high risk of business uncertainty. Grounded in Freeman’s (1984) stakeholder theory, the purpose of this qualitative pragmatic inquiry research project was to identify and explore practical strategies that small business leaders use to retain employees beyond 2 years. The research project comprised eight small business leaders who had an effective strategy to retain employees for more than two years. Data were collected from semistructured interviews and publicly available documents. Through thematic analysis, five key themes …

Patient Experiences After Open Heart Surgery: A Qualitative Systematic Review, Halil Kaya, Orachorn Lumprom, Patricia Schofield, Matt Carey, Jos Latour

School of Nursing and Midwifery

Aim: The aim of this systematic review was to synthesise findings from qualitative studies exploring patients' experiences in hospital or at home following open-heart surgery.Methods: Systematic searches were conducted in CINAHL, MEDLINE, PsycINFO, ProQuest Dissertation and Theses, and Web of Science, covering the period from 2006 to 2023. Studies were selected if they reported a qualitative inquiry into patients’ experiences after open-heart surgery. The quality of eligible studies was assessed using the JBI Critical Appraisal tool. A meta-aggregation approach was used to synthesise the findings.Results: Twenty-one studies were included, representing 266 patients across 10 countries. Findings were aggregated into five …

Spartan Daily, September 24, 2025, San Jose State University, School Of Journalism And Mass Communications

Spartan Daily, 2025

Volume 165, Issue 12

2025-09-24 Wilson And Harrell Face Off In Upcoming Seattle Mayoral General Election, Milan Damjanac, Milan Damjanac

The Spectator Online

No abstract provided.

2025-09-24 Rising Ice Presence In Seattle Creates Displacement And Uncertainty, Seattle University

The Spectator Online

No abstract provided.

Extended Reality And Healthcare Practitioner Well-Being: Scoping Review, Holly Mould, Jonathan Abbas, Michael Loizou, Rohit Shankar, Sheena Asthana, Nick Culley, John Downey

Peninsula Medical School

BackgroundExtended reality may offer a convenient and effective methodof increasing well-being within the wider healthcare workforceand particularly for those working in the mental healthsector who are subject to high levels of stress because ofincreased workload, high levels of staff turnover and limitedresources.AimsThis scoping review aims to identify and assimilate relevantliterature pertaining to the use of extended reality to improvehealthcare practitioners’ well-being.MethodDatabases (MEDLINE, CINAHL, Cochrane and PubMed) and greyliterature were searched for relevant articles using establishedmethodology and reported as per the Preferred Reporting Itemsfor Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) extensionfor scoping reviews.ResultsA total of 280 articles were yielded by the search …

Exploring Underrepresented Stem Undergraduates' Stem Identity Development: The Role Of Social Partners, Sandy Cerda-Lezama

Dissertations and Theses

This dissertation employs a three-study qualitative design to investigate the role of mentorship and social interaction in the identity development of racial minority undergraduate students in STEM disciplines. Grounded in Communities of Practice theory, this research amplifies student narratives to elucidate the relational and contextual factors that inform science identity, belonging, competence, and persistence in higher education. Study One draws upon interview data from fifteen participants in the BUILD program to analyze the role of recognition, particularly from expert scientists--in students' science identity development. This study aims to understand how racial and ethnic identity intersections influence the processes and impact …

The Effects Of College Students’ Online Experiences With Racial/Ethnic Discrimination, Alysha Ramirez Hall, Diana J. Meter, Demi Culianos, Aubrey Uresti, Michael Medina, Adrienne Nishina

Faculty Research, Scholarly, and Creative Activity

Time online involves the risk of direct and vicarious online racial/ethnic discrimination. This study examined the day-to-day associations between online racial/ethnic discrimination and positive and negative affect, somatic symptoms, and anxiety. Participants were 208 fourth-year college students (25% men, 72.1% women, 2.9% not reporting gender; 36.1% Asian, 30.3% White, 17.3% Latinx, 7.7% Multiethnic, 8.7% Other; M age = 22 years). The sample resided in the U.S. Data were collected in 2020. Longitudinal data were collected via online surveys using a daily report approach. The prevalence of online discrimination experiences was generally low but impactful. Main effects analyses showed direct online …

Novel Biological Prompting Technology: Automatic Directional Control By Eye-Tracking Sensor, Guannan Liu, Justin Wang, Hsiao Chun Wu, Gaojian Huang, Anil Kumar, Yiyan Wu, Shih Yu Chang, Yue Luo

Faculty Research, Scholarly, and Creative Activity

Biological prompting or human teleoperation have been appealing to many researchers lately. Hands-free and voice-free command or control of vehicles, aircraft, machines, robots, etc. would provide huge convenience to users and allow them for multi-tasking. In this work, we would like to dedicate to a new biological prompting function, namely automatic directional control using instantaneous eye gaze data. In this work, we would like to investigate how to apply advanced machine-learning models to design novel automatic gaze-direction identification techniques. We explore the difficulty, namely infliction with outliers and variations, in dealing with eye-tracking data and propose to transform the original …

Pediatric Heart Failure: A Practical Guide For Primary Care Providers Supporting Families Across The Care Continuum, Shahnawaz Amdani, Kriti Puri, Julie Glickstein, Joseph A Spinner, Jonathan N Johnson, Ashraf S Harahsheh, Majd Makhoul, Susan Denfield

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

Background/Objectives: Pediatric heart failure (HF) is a complex clinical syndrome with diverse etiologies and presentations. Primary care providers (PCPs) are critical in early recognition, family education, and coordination of ongoing care in collaboration with pediatric cardiologists. This review provides a comprehensive guide for PCPs to understand the causes, symptoms, treatments, and longitudinal considerations for children with HF.

Methods: We conducted a narrative review synthesizing published evidence and expert consensus guidelines, focusing on the clinical presentation, treatment options, and longitudinal care strategies in children with HF.

Results: HF in children most commonly results from congenital heart disease and …

Prevalence Of Work Stress On Marital Stability Of Married Lecturers In University Of Ilorin, Modupe Gbemisola Fatoye, Foluke Nike Bolu-Steve

Buletin Konseling Inovatif

This study investigated the prevalence of work stress and its impact on marital stability among married lecturers at the University of Ilorin, Nigeria. A descriptive correlational survey design was employed, and 100 married lecturers were selected through a multistage sampling technique across five faculties. Data were gathered using a researcher-designed instrument titled “Work Stress and Marital Stability Questionnaire (WSMSQ),” which demonstrated strong reliability with a Cronbach Alpha coefficient of 0.81. Descriptive and inferential statistics, including Pearson Product-Moment Correlation, independent samples t-test, and one-way ANOVA, were used to analyze the data at a 0.05 level of significance. Results revealed a significant …

Effective Engagement In Online Asynchronous Graduate Courses: How Students Perceive Engagement In Their Graduate Programs, Matthew A. Galeota, Robert M. Mangione, Stephanie M. Foote

New York Journal of Student Affairs

An increase in online learning has created a set of new challenges for higher education institutions. Institutions seek to retain students and ensure they are engaged in their courses. This paper examines forms of engagement that traditional and nontraditional students perceive in their online asynchronous graduate courses at a public flagship university. The authors examined relevant literature and surveyed students across several online graduate education programs. The survey shows that collaborative engagement, specifically the indicator of connecting to institutional opportunities, is the lowest tallied. This suggests that online graduate programs should seek to implement more collaborative engagement indicators. The survey …

Healthy Aging And Pet Caretaking: Findings From The Health And Retirement Study, Beth A. Pratt, Erika Friedmann

International Nursing Research Congress (INRC)

The global population of 1 billion people ≥ age 60 is expected to double by 2050, likely increasing the prevalence of age-related cognitive decline (Alzheimer’s Association, 2019). Examining biological, psychological, and social (biopsychosocial) factors and possible moderation by other critical factors, including neighborhood physical disorder (i.e., graffiti, litter, vandalism, safety) and cohesion (i.e., mutual trust/solidarity between neighbors), may inform development of targeted interventions to improve biopsychosocial and cognitive health. Human-animal interaction (HAI) has been found to improve health outcomes and may be a viable option to enhance biopsychosocial factors and delay cognitive decline in older adults (Gee et al., 2017). …

The Association Between Substance Use And Mental Health In College: A Multi-Substance Analysis, Odunayo A. Elijah, George T. Mugoya, Mercy Ngosa Mumba

International Nursing Research Congress (INRC)

Background: Substance use, including tobacco, alcohol, and cannabis, is widespread among college students and has been linked to mental health issues. This study investigates the relationship between substance use risk and serious mental illness (SMI) in a large college student sample, examining how different levels of use correlate with mental health outcomes.

Methods: Utilizing variables from the American College Health Association National College Health Assessment III (Fall 2019-present) Spring 2022 reference group dataset (n = 69,131 students), we assessed the association between levels of substance use (tobacco, alcohol, cannabis) and SMI, controlling for demographic and behavioral covariates. The …

The Influence Of Substance Use On Sleep Architecture In College Students: A Cross-Sectional Analysis, Odunayo A. Elijah, George T. Mugoya, Mercy Ngosa Mumba, Shameka Cody, Dhikrullah Mudathir

International Nursing Research Congress (INRC)

Background: Substance use and poor sleep quality are prevalent issues among college students, often impacting their physical, mental, and academic well-being. This study examines the relationship between substance use and sleep quality.

Methods: Utilizing variables from the American College Health Association National College Health Assessment III (Fall 2019-present) Spring 2022 reference group dataset (n = 69,131 students), we employed adjusted logistic regression models to assess associations between tobacco, alcohol, and cannabis use risks and multiple dimensions of sleep quality, including sleep onset latency, early awakening, daytime fatigue, and difficulty falling asleep. Substance use risk was calculated using the …

Baccalaureate Nursing Students' Knowledge Of Trauma-Informed Care And Infertility, Hildreth Eloi, Darlene E. Acorda, Martina Raquel Gallagher

International Nursing Research Congress (INRC)

Background: Globally, 48.5 million couples experience infertility.1 Experiencing infertility and miscarriage is a traumatic experience for many couples.2 Whenever couples engage in the healthcare setting to address issues of infertility, distress, and re-traumatization can occur.3 To provide patient-centered care, the healthcare team, especially nurses, needs to acknowledge infertility as a traumatic experience in reproductive health settings.4 However, there is limited knowledge of how nursing students conceptualize trauma in relation to infertility. This knowledge will be implemented into the Reproductive Health Care course in a pre-licensure program.

Aim: The purpose of this quality improvement project is to obtain insight into …

Text Message Intervention Among Northeast Louisiana Women With Cardiovascular Disease, Sherrie Roberson

International Nursing Research Congress (INRC)

Background: Physical activity plays a significant role in preventing cardiovascular disease (CVD) and reoccurring cardiac events. Physical inactivity is a global burden, and women are self-reporting physical inactivity or insufficiency is higher (8%) than males. In Louisiana, women ages 55 to 64 had the highest risk factors for CVD and heart attack. The purpose of this study was to examine the impact of a 6-week text messaging intervention on the effects of physical activity and physical activity self-efficacy among Northeast Louisiana women with cardiovascular disease.

Methods: Female subjects (N = 46) were recruited from the different parishes of Northeast …

Gnome Logic: Evidence-Based Strategies For High-Impact Medical Education Pathways, Barbra A. Roller, Sasha R. Sioni

Journal of Community Engagement and Higher Education

Socioeconomic inequities divert underrepresented talent from the physician pipeline. Integrating Social Cognitive Career Theory (SCCT), leaky-pipeline diagnostics, and 14 years of mixed-methods research on Florida International University’s pathway program, we present a logic model aligning Goals, Needs, Objectives, Methods, and Evaluation (GNOME). GNOME links diagnosed barriers to SCCT-aligned supports and pre-specified metrics, yielding gains in self-efficacy, application intent, and matriculation. The model offers a practical, cost-effective roadmap for institutions seeking a more equitable medical workforce.

Promoting Educative Antiracism Dialogue And Activism Through Community Engagement, Greg Bartley, Danielle Ligocki, Robert A. Martin, Chaunda L. Scott

Journal of Community Engagement and Higher Education

This article highlights lessons learned from bringing together antiracist/activist faculty representing the Initiative to Eradicate Racism at Oakland University and community members from the Pontiac Collective Impact Partnership. We use Byrd and Scott’s (2010) Critical Racism Pedagogy Model as a lens to understand how university/community partners can discuss social issues in productive and engaging ways. Specifically, this partnership demonstrates how faculty and communities can work collaboratively to create communities of practice with parallel antiracism/activist goals.

Structurally Framing Service Learning As Teaching Excellence: An Examination Of Collaborative Efforts Between Community Engagement And Faculty Development Centers, James Morgan Lewing, Lisa Bunkowski

Journal of Community Engagement and Higher Education

This study explores collaborations between faculty development centers and service learning and community engagement structures at public institutions awarded the Carnegie Classification for Community Engagement. Utilizing semi-structured interviews with five chief academic officers, none of the respondents stated intentional collaborations were present at their respective institutions. The study underscores the need for strategic alignment to institutionalize community engagement, avoiding siloing and enhancing sustainability through faculty development initiatives that promote teaching excellence.

Preparing Future Educators: Using Service-Learning In Mathematics Courses For Prospective K-12 Teachers, Sayonita Ghosh Hajra, Brianna Davis, Jose Alanis, James Tokunaga

Journal of Community Engagement and Higher Education

Although experiential learning is widely recognized for its benefits, its implementation in content-focused mathematics courses for prospective teachers remains limited. To address this gap, this paper explores the integration of service-learning into three distinct mathematics courses for prospective teachers, detailing how it was implemented in each course. Results highlight opportunities for learning, particularly in developing agency, a sense of belonging, competence, and enriched experience among prospective teachers.

Cultivating Community Resilience Through Youth Engagement, Elizabeth K. Anthony, Allison Mullady, Kendelle Brown, Michelle Blagg-Catone, Stephanie Castillo

Journal of Community Engagement and Higher Education

This article presents the impact of Arizona State University’s Design Studio for Community Solutions (DSCS) on youth engagement and community resilience. Through a mixed-methods approach, the study assesses the impact of DSCS programs on youth engagement and community resilience. The findings highlight best practices, underscoring the importance of consistent communication, trust-building, and community representation. Additionally, the research offers nuanced recommendations for future investigations, emphasizing the importance of continuous data collection and periodic assessments to drive ongoing improvement and address unmet community needs.

Gathering At The Table: Using Food To Heal On One’S Grief Journey, Jamie B. Daugherty, Jada Staat, Julie Rachford

Journal of Community Engagement and Higher Education

This research study explored the registered dietitian nutritionist’s (RDN) role and impact while supporting those on their grief journey. Data collection methods included a focus group, journaling, workshop evaluations, and photo elicitation. Qualitative data analysis highlighted three themes emerging from a six-week culinary nutrition education support workshop: providing intention, building community, and showcasing RDNs as encouraging companions, by contributing their skills of nutrition education and hands-on culinary applications, supporting individuals continuing to grieve.

Carry On: A Multi-Campus Faculty Perspective On The Barriers And Facilitators To Implementing Service Learning Curriculum During A Global Pandemic, Adrianne Widaman, Kirsten Leisses Tuck

Journal of Community Engagement and Higher Education

Service learning (SL) faculty faced substantial and unique challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic. The purpose of this study was to explore SL faculty perspectives during the crisis. Higher education faculty who taught SL designated courses during 2020/2021 identified and prioritized challenges and strategies to teaching SL courses without direct person contact. A total of 144 unique responses were collected from 16 faculty from 5 universities using the nominal group technique, a qualitative and quantitative method. Highly ranked themes included the emotional burden felt by the faculty, decreased student learning, a lack of faculty time, the need for alternative assignments, and …

Promoting Healthy Aging Through An Intergenerational Service-Learning Course, Tricia Pierce, Eric Hubbard, Shalini Persaud

Journal of Community Engagement and Higher Education

This case study examines combining service-learning (SL) with an intergenerational exercise program using undergraduate kinesiology students. The purpose was to explore how SL increases confidence, social responsibility, and leadership growth while addressing community needs. Students led biweekly exercise sessions for older adults over six weeks. Reflections demonstrated mutual benefits, including improved activity levels, reduced social isolation, and strengthened community connections.

Motivation In Community Engaged Learning: For Grades Or Growth?, Anastasios Catanzaro, Sarah Mclean

Journal of Community Engagement and Higher Education

Community-engaged learning (CEL) is a pedagogy characterized by reciprocal partnerships between academic institutions and community partners. Literature suggests that CEL has a potent ability to enhance skill, empathy and engagement in both students and community members. This investigation is a mixed methods study aimed to assess whether CEL can influence student motivation in a biomedical science CEL course. We found that student motivation is dynamic, and CEL supports both intrinsic and extrinsic motivation approaches.

The Impact And Strategies Utilized By College Students During The Covid-19 Pandemic, Kristi Lewis, Olivia Hansen, Amanda Kavaja

Journal of Community Engagement and Higher Education

The COVID-19 pandemic only exacerbated the growing mental health concerns seen on college campuses. A qualitative study was conducted to identify the impact and the strategies utilized by undergraduates during the pandemic. Semi-structured one-on-one interviews were conducted with 15 undergraduates. Findings suggest that college students encountered academic challenges and social struggles during COVID. The academic challenges and social struggles experienced during the pandemic have only added to the growing mental health concerns of college students.

Community Engagement Networks: Utilizing The Untethered, Theresa M. Harrison

Journal of Community Engagement and Higher Education

In this forum commentary, I discuss those who fall outside the traditional community engagement professional (CEP) roles and how they can be better used in community engagement networks. As a staff member not working in or affiliated with a community engagement office, I feel untethered. Staff, faculty, and CEPs deeply invested in community engagement efforts need community engagement networks both within and outside our institutions that accommodate various roles and their unique contributions.

Rethinking Service Learning: Reciprocity And Power Dynamics In Community Engagement, Jason Wollschleger, Mark Killian, Kayla Prewitt

Journal of Community Engagement and Higher Education

This article seeks to challenge existing power dynamics both within the service-learning classroom and between the classroom and community by offering a model of an alternative approach to community engagement. The class partnered with a community organization, at their request, to engage their community as the organization worked through a change in focus and identity. Within the classroom, the research project was led, designed, implemented, and ultimately written solely by the students.