Digital Commons Network^™

Prevention Of Bank Failure And The Role Of Social Media In Banking, Alexis Duncan, America Adams, Galvin Sparks

Butler Journal of Undergraduate Research

The collapse of the Silicon Valley Bank (California) in 2023 was the second-largest bank failure in US history. A lack of diversification (a higher number of customers were high-tech and healthcare venture capitalists) and a classic bank run (too many customers withdrew their deposits simultaneously) were considered the primary causes of that bank's failure. Silicon Valley Bank’s case clearly illustrates that no bank is too big to fail, and there should be specific preventive measures to combat bank failures. As the backbone of the economic development of the vulnerable rural community, community banks certainly have no luxury to entertain a …

A Grotesque Beacon Of God’S Grace In “A Temple Of The Holy Ghost”, Shayleigh Pape

Butler Journal of Undergraduate Research

The faith of Flannery O’Connor, a Catholic writer, creates a unique tension within her short stories, between the grotesque aspects of the natural world and the sanctity of the divine. Her work “A Temple of the Holy Ghost” exemplifies this tension as a young female narrator encounters an unexpected transformative experience after her two cousins see a “hermaphrodite”[1] at a local “freak show.” In “A Temple of the Holy Ghost,” Flannery O’Connor employs the hermaphrodite character as a vessel for the narrator to explore the mysterious virtue of purity as she matures both literally and spiritually. In doing so, O’Connor …

Trends In Esg Rating Changes Following Corporate Risk Incidents, Carissa A. Gayle

Butler Journal of Undergraduate Research

The purpose of this research is to understand how environmental, social, and governance (ESG) ratings have evolved over the past decade. To explore the proposed research question, this thesis will discuss the history of ESG, determine the current state of ESG ratings, and study the change in ESG ratings over the past decade. Through an analysis of ESG rating changes following a corporate risk incident, this paper will determine if ESG ratings have become more sensitive to risk incidents over the past eight years. Increased emphasis on the topic has led to an increase in public awareness about the importance …

Grey’S Anatomy College Of Medicine: How Modern Medical Dramas Have Contributed To Patient Healthcare Anxiety, Haylee R. Tilley

Butler Journal of Undergraduate Research

Having run for nearly 20 seasons averaging over 37 million viewers, it is no surprise that Grey’s Anatomy has been a captivating medical melodrama, one that has sustained popularity in an ever-changing society during its nearly two decades in production. Modern medical dramas have sparked popularity because of their captivating themes of suffering and healing: the modern happy ending or, in this case, cure. With a comprehensible mix of medical jargon and lighthearted drama, audiences around the globe are claiming an MD-level proficiency due to their dedication and engagement in this Shonda Rhimes award-winning series. The increase in patients made …

Effects Of Political Ideology On Perceptions Of Group Ideology, Taylor Vachon

Butler Journal of Undergraduate Research

Party polarization is increasing and is especially evident in American politics. Among normal, everyday people, however, there is less clarity about how this affects their daily lives. While it may be obvious that many Democrats do not like most Republicans and many Republicans do not like most Democrats, it is not obvious how these internal biases and group identifications within partisanship affect how people see others. The gap in current research is how phenomena such as negative polarization and affective polarization can extend onto people’s social identities. More specifically, my research question asks how individuals’ political ideologies and partisanship affect …

Table Of Contents And Front Matter, Bjur Staff

Butler Journal of Undergraduate Research

No abstract provided.

Stephen I. Vladeck’S The Shadow Docket: How The Supreme Court Uses Stealth Rulings To Amass Power And Undermine The Republic, Lucas Gottlieb

Helms School of Government Undergraduate Law Review

The Shadow Docket by Stephen Vladeck is an overview of the Supreme Court’s emergency docket and how “non-merit” cases move through the Court’s docket. Vladeck’s discussion of the history, practice, and powers of the emergency docket is in-depth and well researched. However, it fails to objectively discuss the growing practice of non-merits decisions from a neutral view. Rather, Vladeck focuses on the actions of what he calls the Court’s “conservative” wing. While Vladeck’s failure to objectively review the non-merits decisions of the Court makes for an incomplete analysis, it does not take away from the importance of his research regarding …

Parenting The State: A Constitutional Case For Parental Notification Policies In California School Districts, Sofia K. Van Arsdale

Helms School of Government Undergraduate Law Review

In July 2024, the State of California passed the Support Academic Futures & Educators for Today's Youth Act (SAFETY Act). This law prevents school districts from implementing policies that would require school personnel to disclose information related to a student's gender identity to their parents without that student’s consent. The U.S. Supreme Court has yet to consider the constitutionality of such a law and the parental notification policies it aims to invalidate. In light of U.S. Supreme Court precedent, this note will argue for the unconstitutionality of the SAFETY Act and the constitutionality of parental notification policies by primarily utilizing …

Is Speech Speech?: Speech As Conduct After National Institute Of Family & Life Advocates, Joshua N. Broome

Helms School of Government Undergraduate Law Review

In National Institute of Family & Life Advocates v. Becerra, the Supreme Court held that there was no First Amendment exception for professional speech, but noted there remained an exception for speech incidental to professional conduct. The United States Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit and the United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit are split on the nature of this exemption, namely whether it includes legislation banning conversion therapy for minors when said therapy consists of only speech. This split highlights a deeper divide whether speech, in and of itself, can be considered conduct and thereby …

Partisan Politics And The Supreme Court: A Crisis Of Judicial Independence, Katie M. Cassady

Helms School of Government Undergraduate Law Review

Every nominee to the Supreme Court of the United States must undergo an extensive confirmation process to evaluate his or her qualifications to serve as a Justice. While the Founders designed the federal judiciary to be an independent institution, changes in the confirmation process and American political climate have resulted in increasingly polarized nomination and confirmation proceedings. This Comment will discuss the history of this process, focusing on the slim margins by which recently confirmed Justices have secured their seats on the federal bench. These contentious proceedings are exacerbated by outside influences such as the media and interest groups that …

Table Of Contents, Katie M. Cassady

Helms School of Government Undergraduate Law Review

Masthead and Table of Contents

A Modern Look At Tampa's Museums: Sustainability, Evening Socials, And Exploring The Gulf Islands National Seashore, Ozlem Kucuk

International Visiting Researcher Showcase

This study focuses on enhancing sustainability and expanding the reach of selected museums in Tampa amidst a competitive landscape. It emphasizes the need for transformative changes and effective marketing strategies to maintain relevance and financial viability. The research promotes the adoption of self-sustaining social marketing techniques to generate economic returns and foster deeper community engagement. Central to this investigation is a novel museum concept aimed at promoting environmental stewardship and cultural awareness while facilitating social interactions among diverse populations. By doing so, it seeks to attract a broader audience to Tampa, known for its rich history, vibrant culture, and stunning …

How Do Firms Manage The Tension Between Innovating For The Future And Achieving High Returns For Shareholders In The Present?, Gokhan Sener

International Visiting Researcher Showcase

Firms face the challenge of balancing short-term financial performance with long-term innovation. While innovation is crucial for sustaining competitive advantage, shareholder pressures often push firms toward immediate returns. This study will explore how firms manage this tension by examining corporate governance mechanisms, financial decision-making, and strategic resource allocation. Grounded in Agency Theory, this conceptual research will investigate how shareholder expectations, executive incentives, and managerial decision-making influence firms’ ability to sustain innovation while delivering strong financial performance. By analyzing factors such as executive compensation structures, investor composition, and corporate governance practices, the study will provide insights into how firms align managerial …

Contributor News, Jen Hirt

Journal of Creative Writing Studies

Editor Jen Hirt shares a collection of contributor updates, highlighting successes in publications and careers following articles published in the Journal of Creative Writing Studies.

In-Person And Virtual Adaptation Of An Interprofessional Palliative Care Communications Skills Training Course For Pediatric Oncology Clinicians, Karen Moody, Clark R. Andersen, Robert M. Arnold, Julie Bradley, Allie Carter, Lauren Draper, Timothy Garrington, Jonathan B. Gill, Douglas J. Harrison, Masanori Hayashi, Amy Heaton, Cynthia Holladay, Alex Lion, Alakh Rajan, Beatriz N. Rozo, Daniel V. Runco, Shermini Saini, Laura K. Salvador, Kathryn Sutton, Verna Ferguson

Advances in Cancer Education and Quality Improvement

Introduction

Empathic communication is crucial for clinicians when discussing palliative and end-of-life (PC/EOL) care with parents of children with cancer. Unfortunately, many parents report inadequate communication at these distressing times. This study evaluates the communication skills training (CST) clinicians received to deliver a PC/EOL communication intervention as part of a multi-site randomized-controlled trial (RCT). Training was provided using an in-person format and then adapted to a virtual platform to accommodate remote learners.

Methods

Clinicians were trained in dyads (one physician and one nurse [RN] or advanced practice provider [APP]) over 3 days (in-person or virtually). Four pediatric oncology cases were …

Cartoon Kinship, Kelsey Bell Quinn

Master's Theses

Most people view cartoons as mindless entertainment exclusively for children. They dismiss the genre as if it only contains zany and overzealous characters who deal with simple, predictable challenges, easily resolved by the end of the episode. The negative attitude towards cartoons—or seemingly anything animated—undermines the importance of the lessons and the themes many shows do impart on their viewers, regardless of their age. Shows like Nickelodeon's Avatar: The Last Airbender cover a plethora of complex themes, but due to its status as an animated work, it has been disregarded as a show for children rather than being appreciated as …

The Effect Of Boom Leveling On Spray Dispersion, Miguel Bustamante, Juan F. Vivanco, Travis A. Burgers

Mechanical Engineering Faculty Publications

Automatic boom height systems reduce the variability of agricultural sprayer boom height. When a boom is not at its target height, this can lead to uneven spray dispersion from the nozzles. Boom heights and sprayer position were previously measured in time for three commercially-available boom leveling systems for three test runs for at least three speeds over each of a mild, medium and rough terrain course. A computational model was created to use measured spray dispersion from a nozzle, measured boom heights in time, and measured sprayer position in time to calculate a spray coverage map. The model was used …

Autonomous Agricultural Equipment Evaluation For Broad-Acre Crop Production, Sofia Bahmutsky, Ashutosh Singh, Travis A. Burgers, Roy Maki

Mechanical Engineering Faculty Publications

No abstract provided.

The Tax Exempt Innovation Cycle, University Of Washington School Of Law

Rule of Law Initiative

Executive Summary:

The U.S. innovation ecosystem thrives on a complex interrelationship between tax policy, philanthropic foundations, and entrepreneurial ventures. The tax code, particularly provisions related to private foundations and Program-Related Investments (PRIs), play a critical role in funding high-risk, high-impact innovations that address societal challenges. Wealth funds the foundation, the foundation funds innovation, and innovation enhances the founder’s lasting impact on society.

Key Findings:

1. Tax-Exempt Foundation Structure: Private foundations, established by wealthy individuals and corporations, serve as powerful vehicles for channeling substantial capital into innovation while providing tax benefits to donors.
2. The Innovation Funding Cycle: Private foundations and …

Reaganomics: History Repeats Itself, But Louder, University Of Washington School Of Law

Rule of Law Initiative

Executive Summary

Ronald Reagan’s presidency (1981–1989) dramatically reshaped the American economic and institutional landscape. He championed “supply-side” economics, dubbed “Reaganomics.” Through sweeping tax cuts, deregulation, and a reallocation of federal funding priorities, Reagan shifted the burden of public services, especially in education and research, from government to individuals and private markets. Public universities saw deep cuts in federal support and increasingly turned to industry partnerships and commercialization to survive. Simultaneously, Reagan expanded defense research funding, fostering a close relationship between the government and elite research institutions. Innovation policy was formalized through the Bayh-Dole Act and the creation of …

Tax Exempt Research Guide, University Of Washington School Of Law

Rule of Law Initiative

For over a hundred years, organizations have harnessed and relied on tax exempt status to serve the public. Tax exemption is a powerful tool for social, environmental, and community well-being. This Legal Research Guide on Tax Exemption serves as a navigational compass for the public seeking to learn about tax exemption.

Why The Rule Of Law Matters For Nonprofits, University Of Washington School Of Law

Rule of Law Initiative

The Rule of Law is what keeps tax exemption from being a political weapon and allows for nonprofit organizations to provide services the government is not providing our communities.

Rule Of Law – Public Q&A, University Of Washington School Of Law

Rule of Law Initiative

Below are common questions the public may have about the Rule of Law, tax exemption status, the revocation of tax exempt status, and key cases like Bob Jones University. To understand these in more detail, browse the Tax Exempt research guide (History, Rule of Law, Revoking Tax Exemption, Secondary Materials, and Current Awareness).

Bob Jones University And The Rule Of Law, University Of Washington School Of Law

Rule of Law Initiative

The Rule of Law is what keeps tax exemption from being a political weapon.

Bob Jones University shows the Rule of law in action: clear public policy, cross-branch consensus, balanced against constitutional rights, and enforced through transparent procedures and court review.

The case is influential because it lays the foundations for analyzing The Public Policy Doctrine, a key element when courts review tax exempt revocation cases.

The revocation of tax-exempt status is law-driven, not headline-driven; the Bob Jones University v. United States case set an important precedent by creating a narrow and cautious framework that the IRS must follow to …

A Brief History Of Tax Exemption, University Of Washington School Of Law

Rule of Law Initiative

Below is a condensed history of tax exemption. It contains an analysis of tax exemption before statutory codification in 1894. It explains how the law evolved to provide predictability and fairness in the application of an organization’s tax-exempt status.

How Does A Court Determine The Tax-Exempt Purposes Of An Organization?, University Of Washington School Of Law

Rule of Law Initiative

To determine the tax-exempt purposes of an organization, courts and tax authorities primarily examine whether the organization is both "organized" and "operated" exclusively for exempt purposes, as required under 26 U.S.C § 501.

This involves a two-part test: the "organizational test" and the "operational test." The organizational test assesses whether the organization's foundational documents, such as its charter or articles of incorporation, limit its purposes to one or more exempt purposes and do not authorize substantial non-exempt activities.

The Relationship Between Food Allergies And Intolerances And The Development Of Disordered Eating Patterns, Lucy M. Scholma

Human Nutrition and Hospitality Management Undergraduate Honors Theses

Food allergies and food intolerances are becoming an increasingly more prevalent issue in the Unites States. To mitigate adverse reactions, these individuals often eliminate food or food groups from their diets and the ramifications of these lifestyle changes may result in disordered eating patterns. In regard to food allergies and intolerances and eating disorders, it is reasonable to suggest that the overlapping lifestyle choices and physical, social, and emotional ramifications may lead to a correlation between the two phenomena. This study explores the relationship between food allergic and food intolerant individuals and disordered eating habits among college students. Survey results …

Patient Satisfaction Survey – Every Patient Matters, Stephanie Pigg, Hailey Goulas, Jonathan Ortegon

Covenant Nurses Week 2025

No abstract provided.

Improving Hospital Discharges Before Noon: Implementation Of A Vida (Very Important Discharge Appointment), Nadia Paul

Evidence-Based Practice Project Reports

Delays in hospital discharge can negatively affect hospital throughput and bed capacity, resulting in increased length of stay and boarding of patients in off-unit locations which causes concerns for patient safety and potential harm (Rutherford et al., 2017). The purpose of this DNP project was to determine if the implementation of a very important discharge appointment (VIDA) would increase the number of hospital discharges occurring before noon (DBN) each day. This project was implemented at a 350-bed academic medical center in East Central Indiana. A 25-bed, adult medical unit served as the pilot unit. In total, 538 patients were included …

Review Of Research For Designers: A Guide To Methods And Practice, Emine Koseoglu

Book Reviews

No abstract provided.