Digital Commons Network^™

Ad 150-001, 003: Color And Composition, Martin Short, Monica Nelson

School of Art and Design Syllabi

No abstract provided.

Stopping The Spread: Critical Disability Theory Treatment Of The Attack On Disparate Impact Discrimination Claims, Sara Sam-Njogu

Western New England Law Review

During a surge in the COVID pandemic, the Perkiomen Valley School District moved from mandatory masking to optional masking. This prevented some medically vulnerable children with conditions like asthma from safely attending school due to their increased risk of serious infection, prompting the children’s parents to bring suit on their behalf. The court found that while the optional policy was neutral on its face, it should nevertheless be enjoined because it prevented the students from having meaningful access to their education. This disproportionate impact on students with disabilities was a violation of the Americans with Disabilities Act.

To reach this …

Just Action: How To Challenge Segregation Enacted Under The Color Of Law, Richard Rothstein

Western New England Law Review

Remarks given by Author Richard Rothstein ahead of Western New England Law Review's symposium The Color of Law: The Intersection of Race and the Law, which discussed his 2017 book, The Color of Law.

Knockoff Narcotics: The U.S. Sentencing Guidelines And Unjust Elevated Sentences, Emma-Lee Rivet

Western New England Law Review

In the complicated and technical world of federal drug policy, courts are presented with an ambiguity that requires the court to decide: should a technical definition from other legislation in the area be applied, or should it instead be the dictionary definition supplied by Merriam-Webster? The Tenth Circuit, in United States v. Thomas, was faced with this exact dilemma. However, the real-world context of the issue involved a real criminal defendant who received a sentence enhancement because he sold rocks and sand, which he passed off as heroin. The majority, relying on a number of other circuit court cases, adopted …

Robots Are People Too: Inventorship Rights For Artificial Intelligence Machines, Brendan Morrison

Western New England Law Review

If Edison created an artificial intelligence machine that invented the lightbulb, would we truly view him in the same light that we do today? Thaler v. Hirshfeld and Thaler v. Vidal tackle an issue that the courts have never addressed thus far: Should artificial intelligence machines be granted inventorship credit for their original creations? Stephen Thaler, the inventor of DABUS, an artificial intelligence machine that created two of its own inventions, applied to the USPTO for those patents, listing DABUS as the inventor. The USPTO denied the application, reasoning that an inventor could only be a natural person.

Ultimately, the …

Uncommon Carriage, Blake Reid

Publications

As states have begun regulating the carriage of speech by “Big Tech” internet platforms, scholars, advocates, and policymakers have increasingly focused their attention on the law of common carriage. Legislators have invoked common carriage to defend social media regulations against First Amendment challenges, making arguments set to take center stage in the Supreme Court’s impending consideration of the NetChoice saga.

This Article challenges the coherence of common carriage as a field and its utility for assessing the constitutionality and policy wisdom of internet regulation. Evaluating the post-Civil War history of common carriage regimes in telecommunications law, this Article illustrates that …

Valuing Social Data, Amanda Parsons, Salome Viljoen

Publications

Social data production—accumulating, processing, and using large volumes of data about people—is a unique form of value creation that characterizes the digital economy. Social data production also presents critical challenges for the legal regimes that encounter it. This Article provides scholars and policymakers with the tools to comprehend this new form of value creation through two descriptive contributions. First, it presents a theoretical account of social data, a mode of production that is cultivated and exploited for two distinct (albeit related) forms of value: prediction value and exchange value. Second, it creates and defends a taxonomy of three “scripts” that …

Teaching Procedural Skills: Integrating Educational Theory Into Practice, Christopher J. Smith, Cory Rohlfsen, Jana L. Wardian, Khalid Sahak

Journal Articles: Hospital Medicine

Introduction: Teaching procedural skills is an essential part of health professions education, yet formal training is often lacking from traditional curricula.

Methods: A workshop on teaching procedural skills was developed as part of a clinician educator track at a large health professions university. Participants included medical residents and fellows (postgraduate years 2-6) from various training programs. The 90-minute, interactive training integrated Gagne's model of instructional design with evidence-based teaching practices. Workshop outcomes were evaluated with pre- and postworkshop surveys. Learner reactions (Kirkpatrick level 1) were assessed via course evaluation. Learning and behavior (Kirkpatrick level 2) were evaluated via attitudinal and …

Simulated Legal Exercises: Developing Real World Experiences In The Business Law Classroom, Andrew W. Swain

Western New England Law Review

Post-secondary academics commonly subscribe to the belief that, because new college- or graduate-level instructors were once students, they intuitively know how to conduct lectures, plan and direct classroom and homework activities, engage students in problem-based classes and simulations, and so forth. This is only partially true at best. The lack of pedagogical training and knowledge is a problem faced by many new full-time academics who begin teaching either immediately after finishing their own post-secondary education or, like myself, later in life, as a second career. The crux of this Article is my realizing my need for pedagogical knowledge for teaching …

Saudi Arabia's Nuclear Decision-Making In The Era Of Mohammad Bin Salman, Andrew Brown

Graduate Theses/Dissertations

Strategic culture plays a crucial role in shaping countries’ decision-making in regard to security and foreign policy. In the context of nuclear proliferation, strategic culture can significantly impact a country’s willingness to pursue nuclear weapons and how it calculates the risks and benefits of such a decision. This thesis examines Saudi Arabia’s decision-making under the leadership of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (MBS), who has brought about significant changes in the country's strategic culture through aggressive top-down reform. While much of Saudi Arabia's traditional strategic culture has remained intact under MBS and his father, King Salman, some elements have shifted …

Russian Chemical And Biological Weapons: Limiting The Effects Of Russian Cbw Programs On Nato Security Through 2035, Jason Gregory Porter

Graduate Theses/Dissertations

This thesis uses qualitative research methods to: (1) assess the extent and capabilities of Russia’s modern chemical and biological weapons programs, (2) assess Russian compliance with arms control agreements, (3) determine the threats Russian chemical and biological weapons pose to NATO security, (4) assess NATO’s existing strategy against the modern chemical and biological threat, and (5) provide recommendations for U.S. and NATO policies and programs to mitigate the threat of these programs in the short and medium term. This project demonstrates that Russian chemical and biological weapons programs have remained consistently in violation of international arms control agreements since the …

Strategic Implications Caused By Hypersonic Strike Weapons, Marc D. Johnson

Graduate Theses/Dissertations

Emerging technology is having a substantial impact on strategic stability. This thesis will analyze the impact of developing hypersonic weapon systems globally on strategic stability. Hypersonic weapons are defined as weapons that travel at least five times the speed of sound (Mach 5). Hypersonic Strike Weapons (HSW) are hypersonic weapons capable of maneuvering at hypersonic speeds that makes them much more difficult to engage when traveling at such high speeds. They are a relatively new technology that is currently being pursued by multiple nations throughout the world.

The United States is currently the only country that has officially declared all …

The Effect Of Email Communication On Professor-Student Rapport, Academic Self-Efficacy, Resiliency, Motivation, And Spirituality, David J. Heim

Graduate Theses/Dissertations

Student retention and success rates are an increasing concern among collegiate administrators and educators. This study examined the influence of a college instructor’s email communications on professor-student rapport, student academic self-efficacy, resilience, motivation, and success. Researchers hypothesized that the student participants who received the encouraging email communications from their professor would demonstrate higher levels of professor-student rapport, higher levels of academic self-efficacy, resiliency, and success compared to the students who receive standard email communications from their professor. Five scales were utilized in this study including Professor-Student Rapport Scale, Academic Self-Efficacy Scale, Academic Resilience Scale (ARS-30), Daily Spiritual Experience Scale (DSES), …

Nobody's Perfect: Examining The Relationship Between Parenting Traits And Perfectionism And The Impact Of Maladaptive Versus Adaptive Perfectionism On Cortisol Regulation After Receiving Criticism, Olivia G. Baron

Graduate Theses/Dissertations

The trait of perfectionism has been related to both internalizing and externalizing psychopathology. Parenting traits, and attachment tendencies affect how children develop relationships and impact them into their adult lives. Parents have a large impact on their child’s personality traits, coping styles, and modeling reactions to outward criticism. Criticism, especially criticism delivered by parents, has been linked to perfectionism. Perfectionism often involves a self-critical component, though perfectionists have not been studied to examine stress responses (e.g. cortisol change) when receiving criticism. This study examined the relationships between parenting traits (positive and negative) and perfectionism (adaptive and maladaptive). Cortisol change scores …

Navigating Sexual Consent In Japan, Samara Mizutani Cesar

Graduate Theses/Dissertations

Employing an exploratory sequential research design, including focus groups and an online survey, this thesis explores the factors influencing how Japanese people navigate the gray zones of sexual consent. This study not only addresses gaps in the literature on sexual consent but also provides a preliminary understanding of Japanese individuals’ perceptions, beliefs, behaviors, and experiences in ambiguous sexual interactions, which is particularly meaningful given Japan’s recent legal revisions and changing sociocultural landscape. Findings indicated the impact of traditional sexual scripts on consent perceptions, with gender and relationship norms contributing to the dismissal of sexual assaults within specific relationships. It was …

Venezuela Claims To Guyana Territory And Its Regional Destabilization Threats, Anissa L. Rodriguez

Graduate Theses/Dissertations

As global tensions escalate over territorial disputes, Venezuela's assertion of claims over the Essequibo territory in Guyana threaten to destabilize a pivotal region in South America known for its abundant natural resources and prospering economy. This thesis will highlight the key distinctions between different European explorers and how they diversified the legacy of colonialism, changed historical and political trajectory, and shaped modern-day Guyana and Venezuela. It will highlight the critical roles that natural resources and international law play in territorial contention and sculpting of the geopolitical landscape within this crucial region. This thesis will scrutinize the potential fallout of the …

Aromatherapies And Stress: An Examination Of Saliva Sclarea In Acute Stress Conditions, Emily J. Van Gundy

Graduate Theses/Dissertations

The use of essential oils as an alternative medicine in the United States is becoming increasingly popular as more accreditation is given to its therapeutic values. With this increase in use, we must continue to examine the uses of essential oils, including associated risks. One unavoidable aspect of life is stress, both acute and chronic. This study aims to better our understanding of the stress-reducing properties of the essential oil clary sage (salvia sclarea) after an experimentally induced acute stress experience. The Trier Social Stress Test was used to elicit an acute stress response. Participants were given the scent of …

Word Reimagined: Analyzing Fanfiction's Transformative Force And Relationship With The Young Adult Literary Landscape, Megan Louise Reaves

Graduate Theses/Dissertations

In exploring the reciprocal relationship between fanfiction and Young Adult (YA) literature, this thesis investigates how these two forms of storytelling, influenced by authors such as Marissa Meyer and Rainbow Rowell, have profoundly impacted the literary landscape. Marissa Meyer's The Lunar Chronicles series and Rainbow Rowell's novels Fangirl and Carry On serve as prime examples of this dynamic interaction. Drawing from the rich traditions of oral storytelling and folklore, fanfiction and YA literature have undergone significant development and popularity, particularly in the twenty-first century, thanks to technological advancements and the rise of online communities. This thesis contends that despite their …

Tracing Global Experiences To Employer Favorability, Sarah E. Mccord

Graduate Theses/Dissertations

Globalization has elevated society's workforce contributions, forcing employees to have global competence for career success. Global competence is a term used to describe the proficiencies an individual can gain from experienced-based learning opportunities, like study away. This form of experiential learning has proven to have many benefits for students in secondary and higher education. Existing evidence suggests cross-cultural and international experiences provide travelers with professional, intellectual, and integral traits, increasing their working social capital and aiding in experiential learning. However, research is lacking if employers desire study abroad experience in their new hires and/or if global competence is a skill …

Body. Freedom. Choice: Creating Artwork In Post-Roe America, Erin Sedra

Graduate Theses/Dissertations

I knew from a young age that I never wanted children. Whenever I expressed my disinterest in motherhood, I was often met with bewilderment, disapproval, and hostility. The church I was raised in taught me that my value and worth as a woman directly correlated with the power of my birthing hips. This fundamentalist upbringing has significantly shaped my relationship with my femininity, my body, and my artwork. When I feel powerless, turning to my art gives me a sense of control and self-expression. This body of work began as a reaction to the overturning of Roe v. Wade and …

Invites Only: Exploring Social Dynamics And Self-Image Through Oil Paint, Mara Cressey

Graduate Theses/Dissertations

My thesis work depicts the events of a fictional party. Using oil paint, I create multi-figure works that feature recurring characters, various narratives, complex relationships, and emotions associated with this fictitious evening. Within this painted realm, I portray a more confident, powerful version of myself; an alter ego, who exists alongside these various characters. Drawing inspiration from compositional strategies from Renaissance art history and Christian altarpieces, I paint on large-scale, shaped canvas and paper to suggest doors, windows, and other domestic, interior spaces. Additionally, these shapes allow me to juxtapose suggestions of prominence and divinity with satire, irreverence, and profanity. …

I Just Don't Want To Hear It: A Look Into The Relationship Between The Dark Triad And Negative Criticism, Carson Montgomery Hewitt

Graduate Theses/Dissertations

Three dark personality traits have been identified and grouped together to form what is known as the Dark Triad of personality. Narcissism, Machiavellianism, and Psychopathy are all connected by a lack of emotional empathy, and the presence of interpersonal hostility. When presented with negative stimuli, it is far from surprising to see an adverse reaction appear in participants scoring high in these traits. Little research has been conducted regarding the relationship between physiological response and dark triad personality traits. Even fewer so in the case of responses to criticism. This study aimed to examine the relationship between these dark personality …

Road Extraction On Remote Sensing Imagery: Historical Mapping Of The Brazilian Amazon, Jonas Paiva Botelho Jr

Graduate Theses/Dissertations

This work proposes an artificial intelligence model based on U-Net architecture to map road networks in the Brazilian Amazon. Over the years, the Amazon region has been heavily exploited, leading to increased deforestation rates, contributing to CO2 emissions, amplifying global warming, and causing a disturbance in local fauna and flora. The expansion into the forest by illegal miners, loggers, and land grabbers can be tracked down by the construction of roads, which we can refer to as the arteries of deforestation. Previous works on the matter proposed algorithms that use high-resolution imagery to map roads precisely. However, this work approach …

Context Detection With Word Embedding And Emotionally Relevant Keyword Search For Smart Home Environment, Brent Anderson

Graduate Theses/Dissertations

Voice-enabled virtual assistants have gained widespread popularity and are increasingly common in smart homes. To enhance customization and personalization in user experiences with these assistants, implementing a context detection feature is beneficial. This feature enables the virtual assistant to gather more information from the audio data of short voice conversations with users, helping it maintain awareness of the conversation and respond more aptly. In this thesis, I propose a novel context detection approach for virtual assistants in smart homes, named WERKS, which leverages user emotions. WERKS stands for word embedding with emotionally relevant keyword search. The WERKS approach incorporates emotion …

Development And Implementation Of A Practice And Assessment Tool For Middle School Orchestra, Linda Kathy Hughes

Graduate Theses/Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to examine the effectiveness of a practice and assessment tool, Skill Ladders, as used by my 7^th grade orchestra students. This is a tool that I created to help students focus on specific skill acquisition and musical development during their practice time. Designed for the middle section of intermediate level playing skills and aligned with curricular goals, students were to utilize this tool to set goals, practice, self-assess, and demonstrate progress. Prior to utilizing Skill Ladders, students completed a survey of baseline attitudes toward individual practice. After the trial period of the …

Bank Erosion Dynamics In Response To Anthropogenic Disturbances In The Cuivre River Watershed Of Missouri, Usa, Nathan Douglas Sines

Graduate Theses/Dissertations

Riverbank erosion is increasingly recognized as a pressing issue exacerbated by human activities. The Cuivre River, a tributary of the Mississippi River, located in northeast Missouri, has limited documentation on bank erosion, with the most recent study conducted in the early 1990s. This research aims to fill this gap by exploring the stream bank erosion dynamics from 1816 to 2015. The objectives are to: (i) understand the channel width dynamics for 1816 to 1994 ii) determine the sediment erosion and deposition volume along the riverbank in the period of 1994 to 2015. iii) identify the anthropogenic disturbances particularly land use …

Towards Dynamic Context Detection From Voice Commands And Conversations With Smart Assistants In Smart Homes, Jeniya Sultana

Graduate Theses/Dissertations

Voice-enabled interactions have become increasingly popular with the rise of voice assistants. Identifying contexts or meanings from voice commands and conversations with smart assistants can contribute to the autonomous control of smart home devices and appliances. To improve automation, there is a growing need for efficient context detection that eliminates the need to memorize voice commands. To address this need, I followed a two-step approach in my research. In the first step, I developed a unique context recognition model using a transformer, an attention mechanism, and a fully connected neural network. I trained this model on a conversational dataset of …

Scene Understanding And Spatial Analysis Using Scene Graph Enhanced By Hall's Proxemics Zones In Smart Homes, Debaleen Das Spandan

Graduate Theses/Dissertations

Voice-controlled smart assistants have received widespread popularity. It plays a pivotal role in smart homes by providing a natural and convenient interface for interacting with smart devices. However, these assistants are unable to serve persons with physical disabilities and speech impairments. Therefore, non-verbal communication methods, such as eye tracking, gesture recognition, and context awareness can complement and overcome some of these limitations to enhance user experience in smart homes. To address this issue, I am investigating non-verbal communication methods to make smart home technology more accessible and intuitive. In this research, I focus on proxemics, i.e., the study of distance …

Determining Perfluorooctanesulfonic Acid Adsorption On Nanoparticles Using Liquid Chromatography – Mass Spectrometry, Iqra Shakoor

Graduate Theses/Dissertations

The contamination of perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS, C₈F₁₇SO₃H) in water is considered a threat to humans and the environment. The strength of carbon and fluorine bond is responsible for its high stability in the environment. Therefore, it can be transferred from the environment to food sources and eventually humans. This study assessed the ability of nanoparticles to adsorb PFOS from water. The experiment was performed by preparing suspensions of PFOS (10 ppm) and different concentrations (1000 ppm, 500 ppm, 250 ppm) of cerium oxide nanoparticles (CeO₂-NPs) or magnesium oxide nanoparticles (MgO-NPs). The suspensions …

Empowered Womanhood In Rokeya Sakhawat Hossain’S “Sultana’S Dream” And Greta Gerwig’S Barbie: Keys To The Ideal World, Tasnuva Tabassum

Graduate Theses/Dissertations

Rokeya Sakhawat Hossain’s “Sultana’s Dream” (1905) and Greta Gerwig’s Barbie (2023) present feminist utopias separated by more than a century. Despite the temporal gap, both works introduce worlds where traditional gender roles are reversed. This thesis explores Hossain’s and Gerwig’s suggestions to create ideal worlds through empowerment of women. Considering evolution of feminist utopian thought from the beginning of the twentieth century to the beginning of the twenty-first, and the differences in feminisms from East to West, this thesis analyzes the narrative structures, thematic elements, and cultural contexts of these works. Despite differences, both authors seek not just female but …