Digital Commons Network^™

Modeling Introversion In The Classroom: An Agent-Based, Eric Araújo, Daniel Kwon, Jaden Brookens

University Faculty Publications and Creative Works

Education remains a critical challenge for many countries, with ongoing research seeking to better understand the complex dynamics of learning and teaching. In this paper, we propose an agent-based model to simulate student behavior in the classroom, focusing on the role of introversion and stress in learning and engagement. Our framework models how these psychological factors interact with classroom conditions to shape student experiences. The model was evaluated by an expert and offers a simulation environment to explore the impact of different classroom dynamics on student learning outcomes.

It was presented at AAMAS (24th International Conference on Autonomous Agents and …

It's A Marathon, Not A Sprint: Completing Dental School Whilst Managing Your Mental Health, Sufyaan Ahmed, Morag Powell

Peninsula Dental School

No abstract provided.

Meet Future School Psychologist And Military Spouse Allyson Baloga, May 23, 2025, Tisa Mason Ed.D.

Heart of a Tiger Columns

No abstract provided.

The Rapid Synthesis Of Integral Stimuli, Charlotte E.R. Edmunds, Fraser Milton, Andy J. Wills

School of Psychology

Integral stimuli (e.g., colors varying in saturation and brightness) are classically considered to be processed holistically (i.e., as undifferentiated stimulus wholes); people analyze such stimuli into their consistent dimensions only with substantial time, effort, training, or instruction (Foard & Kemler, 1984). In contrast, Combination Theory (Wills et al., 2015) argues that the dimensions of integral stimuli are quickly combined. Through an investigation of the effects of stimulus presentation time, we support Combination Theory over the classical holistic-to-analytic account. Specifically, using colored squares varying in saturation and brightness, we demonstrate that the prevalence of single-dimension classification increases as stimulus presentation time …

Emerging Investigator Series: Are We Undervaluing Septage? Rethinking Septage Management For Nutrient Recovery And Environmental Protection, Kevin Orner, Stetson Rowles, Sara F. Heger, Ben Howard

Civil Engineering & Construction: Faculty Publications

An estimated 20–25% percent of households in the US rely on on-site sanitation via septic tanks to manage their wastewater. Septage management strategies such as land application, treatment at wastewater treatment plants, and treatment at independent septage treatment plants are common regulated and protective processes for managing septage. There can, however, be potentially negative environmental impacts such as groundwater contamination if septic systems are failing or improperly designed. In this perspective, we reimagine septage management at each step of the septage value chain, identify barriers to change, and propose solutions to overcome these existing barriers. Reimagined septage management can take …

"That's Not Happening To My Kid:" Six Chicago Public Schools' Families Speak Out, Julie Parson Nesbitt

Theses and Dissertations from DePaul University

The purpose of this qualitative research study was to understand the experiences of six diverse families when Chicago Public Schools (CPS) failed to meet their children’s educational needs. The children attended grades k-8 in four Chicago neighborhoods. Nine family members from three generations were interviewed. They related school responses to their children’s behavior, and emphasized school failures and refusal to communicate with them and to provide and implement IEP and 504 Plans for their children. In response, family members advocated within and outside of CPS, searched for resources, used insider knowledge, bonded with other parents, and made major life changes. …

The Impact Of Artificial Intelligence On Art: The Intersection Of Ai-Generated Images And Ethical Concerns, Tetiana Fedotova

Electronic Dissertations and Theses, 2010-current

Artificial intelligence (AI) has gotten significant attention and debates, especially within the creative community, regarding AI-generated visual content. AI-generated images relate to the most popular concerns among artists and designers. This new approach of using AI leads to redefining the culture of creativity that shaped values and principles, which was built by a traditional perspective. However, the ongoing development of open-AI-powered generative tools is challenging society’s adoption of AI in creative realms. This paper explores and analyzes expert opinions and the public perspective of AI-generated algorithms, shedding light on fears and excitement surrounding their influences. Subsequently, ethical concerns, which are …

Conditional Quantization For Some Discrete Distributions, Edgar A. Gonzalez, Mrinal Kanti Roychowdhury, David A. Salinas, Vishal Veeramachaneni

School of Mathematical & Statistical Sciences Faculty Publications

Quantization for a Borel probability measure refers to the idea of estimating a given probability by a discrete probability with support containing a finite number of elements. If in the quantization some of the elements in the finite support are preselected, then the quantization is called a conditional quantization. In this paper, we have determined the conditional quantization, first for two different finite discrete distributions with a same conditional set, and for a finite discrete distribution with two different conditional sets. Next, we have determined the conditional and unconditional quantization for an infinite discrete distribution with support {12𝑛:𝑛∈ℕ}. We have …

Walking In A Dental Environment With The “Unicdent” Tool Kit—Part 1: A Participatory Tool With Legs!, Prashanti Eachempati, John Martin, Sally Hanks, Mona Nasser

Peninsula Dental School

This case study explores the adaptation of the walking method coupled with auto-photography and photo elicitation, a participatory research tool traditionally used in landscape studies, for application in dental research settings. By presenting the UniCDent toolkit, we demonstrate how this immersive method can enhance understanding of patient experiences in dentistry through sensory engagement and spatial exploration. The toolkit comprises four components: Imagery, Gallery Walk, Quadrant Mapping, and Trade-offs, each designed to facilitate active participation and foster in-depth reflections on the dental environment. Participants navigate a simulated dental clinic, documenting their sensory experiences and social interactions, thereby enriching the data collected. …

Anticholinergic Burden In People With Intellectual Disability In Psychiatric Inpatient Units: Practice And Audit Recommendations, Rohit Shankar

Peninsula Medical School

Introduction: Anticholinergic burden (ACB) is the cumulativeeffect of taking multiple medications with anticholinergic properties. ACB is associated with polypharmacy, increased comorbidity, and premature mortality in people with intellectualdisability (PwID). No clinical standards for ACB monitoring specific to PwID exist, particularly in psychiatric inpatient unitswhere the risk of ACB is highest.Method: We used the ACB Calculator and Anticholinergic Effecton Cognition (AEC) scale to compute ACB scores in two Englishpsychiatric units. We administered the Liverpool University SideEffect Rating Scale (LUNSERS) and Glasgow Antipsychotic SideEffect Scale (GASS) to examine patients’ perception of sideeffects.Results: Of 19 patients, the ACB Calculator mean was 6.68 andAEC …

77 Varet Holding Corp. & 66 Graham Llc & Jf Arbours Llc V. Norman

All Decisions

In a nonpayment proceeding, the tenant moved for discovery related to a rent overcharge claim. The landlord opposed, arguing the claim was barred by the 4-year statute of limitations. The court granted the tenant's motion, finding ample need for discovery beyond the lookback period because the landlord only retroactively registered the rent increases, including vacancy and individual apartment improvements, in 2024, preventing the tenant from challenging them earlier. The court ordered production of documents like leases, contracts, affidavits, and cancelled checks to ascertain the validity of over $59,000 in claimed improvements.

Domain-Specific Aspect Extraction For Product Design, Divyam Sobti, Mahima Agumbe Suresh, Cristina Tortora, Vimal Viswanathan

Faculty Research, Scholarly, and Creative Activity

As technology advances, computers become increasingly proficient at interpreting and translating human language into machine-understandable text. With the help of algorithms in natural language processing (NLP), machines can now translate textual data. These algorithms help identify and extract specific text components known as aspects. The aspects represent specific attributes or topics within textual data. For instance, if a product review states, “This phone has good battery life but poor camera quality, " and attributes like 'battery life' and 'camera quality' represent aspects in the text. Aspect extraction is a pivotal process involving identifying and isolating key features or topics within …

Beyond Skins: The Far-Flung Impacts Of Sea Otter Fur Capitalism, Callie Pappas

Dissertations and Theses

Sea otter fur was one of the first commodities to shape the broader Pacific Ocean trade. As the trade expanded, it became entwined in a global network of commerce that stretched from St. Petersburg to Alaska, from Boston to Astoria, from London to Nootka Sound, and from Hawaii to Canton (China, modern-day Guangzhou). This paper aims not just to view the trade qua trade, but to go Beyond Skins to tell four stories of impacts of sea otter fur capitalism, in the areas of geopolitics, Indigenous cultures, trade in China, and local ecology. Originating in the Pacific Northwest, the sea …

Case Study On Florida Agricultural And Mechanical University Marching Band From 1998-2011, Michael E. Young

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) marching bands have been at the forefront of entertaining crowds at football games for many years, from the innovative techniques in marching and maneuvering to orchestral arrangements of classical to popular music that capture the hearts of all music enthusiasts. The band that exemplifies this is the Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University (FAMU) marching band, better known as the incomparable ‘Marching100.’ This world-famous marching band has performed on numerous occasions, such as the Super Bowl, Rose Bowl, and the President's Inaugural parades. A qualitative research case study will examine the halftime pageantry in the …

Emotional Intelligence And Wisdom In Christian Leadership, Jamar Baker

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This research study focused on emotional intelligence and wisdom in Christian leaders. This empirical study assessed if leaders who have a high measurement of emotional intelligence are also wise leaders according to the wisdom measurement scale. This correlational research study sought to determine the correlation between wisdom and emotional intelligence and if age was a moderating factor. It was hypothesized that there is a significant relationship between wisdom and emotional intelligence, and age moderates the relationship. Because there is a paucity of information in the literature concerning these attributes and relationships this research study aimed to explore these effects. The …

A Qualitative Study Of Registered Nurses’ Perceptions Of The Impact Communication Modalities Have On Patient Care Outcomes In Primary Care, Eleanor M. Chapital

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Communication plays a vital role in the provision of patient care and directly impacts patient care outcomes across the care continuum. The purpose of this qualitative study was to explore and determine registered nurses’ perceptions of the communication modalities that facilitate optimum patient care outcomes in the primary care setting. Registered nurses play a critical role in the provision and coordination of patient care. Therefore, it is imperative to study their experiences and perceptions to facilitate communication within primary care teams. The central research question for this study was the following: How do registered nurses describe their use of communication …

The Epidemic Of Fatherlessness: Implications For Ethical Development And Mental Health, James Elbert Ellis Jr.

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this phenomenological study was to explore the negative effects of fatherlessness on childhood development and the long-term impact on adult mental health. According to Bhugra, Watson, and Wijesuriya (2021), significant racial demographic differences existed in the prevalence of fatherless households. Harris (2019) noted that mental illness affected individuals across various racial groups, including Whites, Blacks, Hispanics, Asians, and Native Americans. Research by Bhugra et al. (2021) indicated that children raised in homes without fathers were more likely to experience mental health challenges. This study sought to determine whether a fatherless environment predisposed children to the development of …

Voices Of Change: Narratives Of African Americans And Their Recommendations For Reforming Law Enforcement Practices, Tanisha N. Hines-Johnson

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The focus of this study was to explore real-life experiences African Americans have with law enforcement to suggest changes that can be put into action to improve interactions, fairness, and accountability. This study, which makes use of a case study technique, examined perceptions of police interactions and engagement from the viewpoints of community members. The study specifically responded to the following two research questions: 1) What is the narrative of individuals in the African American community regarding law enforcement? 2) What changes do participants suggest are needed to improve interactions and establish a better relationship between the African American community …

Mindful Parenting And Parental Stress Relation In Parents Of Children With Autism, Nika Badiei-Emran

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The current study aimed to demonstrate the effectiveness of mindfulness and mindful parenting in reducing the stress and anxiety levels of parents with children who have autism. This study utilized pre- and post-surveys to assess parents' stress and anxiety levels before and after participating in the mindfulness component of the Dialectical Behavior Therapy course. These levels were compared to those of parents involved in an Applied Behavior Analysis program, where a Board-Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) conducted parent training at least once a month.

Participants were recruited by posting research flyers on social media platforms, including the Autism Facebook group. Participation …

The Opening Of The American Mind: The Christian Educator's Involvement In Public Education, Brett Austin Craddock

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Two kingdoms theology has impacted the church and guided individual believers in various aspects of their personal lives. Religious leaders, ministers, and Christians founded the American education system. The public education system of America now serves a multicultural population of students. The works of Charles Taylor and Allan Bloom highlight changes that have occurred in the 21st century and have impacted education. The misapplication of a two kingdoms theology perspective may have caused Christian educators to leave the secular classrooms. Christian educators as redemptive citizens may serve in the secular, multicultural classrooms across America to provide unintrusive education for all …

Living The Text: A Phenomenological And Metacognitive Analysis Of Nehemiah 9 As The Embodiment Of Scripture In The Processing Of Stored Trauma, Dimitrije Stanojevic

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This study defends the thesis that Nehemiah 9:5–37 is a sermon with psychotherapeutic qualities, aimed at processing unaddressed and cross-generationally stored trauma. It does so through two modes of interpretation: מְפֹרָשׁ “informing” andשֹׂום שֶׂכֶל “forming.” The sermon is delivered on the Day of Atonement, in the aftermath of a communal Scripture reading in Jerusalem, sometime after the return from the Babylonian Exile. Phenomenological and metacognitive frameworks inform the analysis of the passage as transformative and identity-shaping, grounded in repentance and self-reflection.

This textually rich passage weaves together quotations, allusions, echoes, reinterpretations, and summaries—likely the result of multiple editorial hands. Yet, …

Evidence Based Orientation And Mentorship: A Solution To Decreased Job Satisfaction And Performance Amongst Healthcare Techs In The Emergency Department, Paige E. Fleming

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Healthcare technician support in high-volume emergency departments (EDs) is often inadequate, leading to challenges in job satisfaction, confidence, and competence. This project implemented an evidence-based orientation and mentorship program to enhance these factors among healthcare techs. Using a nonrandomized before-after design, participants underwent structured mentorship and orientation, with outcomes measured through pre- and post-intervention surveys, competency assessments, and feedback forms. Data analysis employed descriptive and inferential statistics to evaluate changes in job satisfaction, confidence, and competence. Results demonstrated measurable improvements in all three areas, supporting the effectiveness of structured mentorship in professional development and retention.

A Qualitative Study On Investigating The Power Of Scripture To Conquer Depression By The Bible's Psychological Power Among Christians, Joana Okudzeto Biekro

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This phenomenological study investigated Evangelical Christians’ experiences using the Bible as a means of treating their depression in Orange County, CA. Depression is a painful mental illness that affects people all over the world. The rationale of the study is to add knowledge to Christians and thought leaders who seek a cure to the struggle of depression from a Biblical perspective. The research process is presented in the study of depression among Christians. Guided by these three questions, “How do evangelical Christians describe their experiences using the Bible as a means of treating their depression?”, “How do participants describe their …

The Lived Experiences Of Neurodivergent Students In A Clinical Mental Health Counseling Program: A Qualitative Study, Tracy Lynn Meyer

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

As postsecondary institutions strive to become more inclusive for students with disabilities, increasing numbers of neurodivergent students are enrolling in higher education. However, retention rates for neurodivergent students remain significantly lower compared to their neurotypical peers. This disparity presents challenges for institutions where there is a lack of awareness of and understanding how to effectively support the needs of neurodivergent students, particularly in clinical mental health counseling programs. This qualitative study analyzed the experiences of neurodivergent students diagnosed with autism, ADHD, traumatic brain injury, or related conditions in a clinical mental health counseling program. Through a Semistructured interview, the study …

Understanding How On-Campus Involvement And Socioeconomic Status Impacts Academic Success: A Causal-Comparative Study, Eric Ryan Rivenbark

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this quantitative, causal-comparative study was to determine the differences between a college student’s academic success based on campus involvement (low, medium, or high) and a student's socioeconomic status (low, medium, or high). This study employed quantitative causal-comparative methods to explore the impact of student characteristics on college transition and academic success. A successful high school-to-college transition was pivotal for overall achievement and degree pursuit. Focusing on 253 college students, the study examined links between socioeconomic background, on-campus involvement, and academic achievement. Participants completed the Academic Success Inventory for College Students and a survey to determine on-campus involvement. …

Impact Of Gamified Elearning On Learning Outcomes For Municipal Employees Aged 50 And Over In Ontario, Canada: An Experimental Study, Cristin Ann Keller

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this quantitative, experimental, causal-comparative, posttest-only, control-group study is to determine if there is a difference in system enjoyment, effort expectancy, and performance expectancy for male and female employees aged 50 years or older at a corporate municipality in Ontario, Canada who participated in eLearning programs with and without game elements. The sample consisted of 38 male and 64 female employees aged 50 years or older who participated in eLearning and then completed an Extended Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology questionnaire. Data from the questionnaires was analyzed using a two-way multivariate analysis of variance. The …

A Study Of Student Support Services: The Impacts They Have On The Lives Of Two-Year College Student, Sonya Yvette Thomas

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This phenomenological study aimed to understand and discover the impact that student support services had on the lives of two-year college students during the duration of college and after graduation. The central research question was What are the experiences of college students, in South Arkansas, who utilized student support services at two-year institutions and how did they impact their lives? The study also focused on the services provided to remove barriers so students could remain in school long enough to earn a degree and how they can continue to be successful after graduation. The theory that guided this study was …

The Difference In Parent Involvement And Parental Satisfaction In Suburban, Rural, And Urban Schools, Jennifer Whittie-Wells

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This quantitative causal-comparative study examines the influence of parental satisfaction on school choice, parental involvement, and socioeconomic status in suburban, rural, and urban elementary schools. The Parent Involvement Satisfaction Survey (PISS) and the Parenting Satisfaction Scale (PSS) were administered to a purposive sample of parents (N = 126) from Texas public elementary schools through online surveys. The primary objective was to explore how parental satisfaction varies by community type (suburban, rural, or urban) and socioeconomic factors. Data were analyzed using a two-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) to assess differences in parental satisfaction based on school location and socioeconomic status. Results …

African American Pastors' Experiences With Intimate Partner Violence Among Church Members, Nickeshia Evans-Gordon

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this phenomenological study was to describe the perspectives of African-American pastors’ experiences with (IPV) among their congregation members. This study applied the religious coping theory (RCT) to the experiences of African American pastors with IPV among church members. This helped the study provide valuable insights into how pastors utilize religious beliefs, practices, and support systems in addressing and supporting individuals affected by IPV. African-American pastors may encourage individuals experiencing IPV to seek solace, strength, and guidance through their religious faith. Understanding how pastors utilize religious coping strategies has contributed to fostering safer environments and more effective support …

The War Powers Resolution: A Failed Check On Executive Power And A Contributor To U.S. Military Expansion, Melissa A. Cavaliere

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Governmental policies, such as the War Powers Resolution (WPR) of 1973, are comprehensive legislative measures designed to address recurring issues through thorough analysis rather than hasty responses. The WPR emerged from a need to balance power between the executive and legislative branches, particularly in the wake of the Vietnam War. Passed over President Nixon's veto, the WPR mandates that the president consults Congress before deploying U.S. armed forces into situations involving imminent hostilities, requiring this consultation within 48 hours of military action. If troops are deployed, their involvement can last 60 days, extendable to 90 days, unless Congress either approves …