Digital Commons Network^™

Applying The Pace Framework To Emotional Language Instruction In A Community College Spanish Classroom, Brian Kapustka

Faculty and Staff Scholarship

This theory paper examines the PACE instructional framework (Presentation, Attention, Co-construction, Extension) as a principled approach to grammar instruction in communicative Spanish language classrooms. Drawing on sociocognitive second language acquisition (Atkinson, 2011), focus-on-form research (Ellis, 2014; Nassaji & Fotos, 2011), and communicative language teaching (Richards & Rogers, 2014), the paper situates PACE within contemporary SLA theory as a meaning-first, learner-centered pedagogical framework. The analysis emphasizes how PACE supports the development of form–meaning connections through authentic input, collaborative dialogue (Donato, 1994), and communicative extension, while also addressing cognitive load, accessibility, and learner agency. The paper argues that PACE functions not as …

Meeting Accreditation On A Deadline: Using Generative Ai To Rapidly Develop A Graduate Course, Cory Knill, Sean Devan

Teaching Repository of AI-Infused Learning

This entry details an "expert-in-the-loop" framework for rapidly developing an accredited, graduate-level Health Physics course under significant time constraints. The strategy utilized Large Language Models to generate foundational course materials including the syllabus, lecture outlines, and in-class simulations, which were then rigorously curated by faculty. This human-AI collaborative approach enhanced efficiency, enabling instructors to focus more on high-impact, active learning experiences for students.

The Scotus Tournament: Winning Isn't Everything, Tracey E. George, Mitu Gulati, Albert H. Yoon

Duke Law Journal Online

Litigation at the U.S. Supreme Court is a tournament of champions. This Essay presents an empirical analysis of Supreme Court advocacy over time (1970-2023), examining how the elitification of the legal profession has transformed Supreme Court oral arguments. Drawing on a dataset of 7,077 cases and 4,599 private attorneys, we analyze the rise of repeat players and their litigation success. Our findings reveal a transformation. In the 1970s, most Court advocates were rookies: first-time advocates from various backgrounds. Today, a small number of superstars dominate: attorneys with extensive experience, elite law school degrees, Supreme Court clerkships, and stints in the …

Telehealth, Access To Care, And Perceived Lived Experiences Of Seniors Living In Sumter, South Carolina, Taquisha Anquinette Howard-Sanders

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Telehealth has emerged as a transformative approach to healthcare delivery, particularly for populations facing geographic, financial, and mobility-related barriers. In rural communities such as Sumter, South Carolina, seniors 50 and older continue to experience challenges in accessing timely care, including limited transportation, provider shortages, digital illiteracy, and financial constraints. Conducted by Andersen’s Behavioral Model of Health Services Use (ABMHSU), this qualitative phenomenological study explored the lived experiences of seven seniors in Sumter to understand how telehealth influences engagement in healthcare. This study was guided by three research questions (RQ) that examined seniors’ experiences using ABMHSU, focusing on predisposing factors, enabling …

The Turning Of The Years, Katie L. Smith Lopez

Masters Theses

This thesis explores the exquisite interplay of moments that matter in brief human interactions. The Critical Paper focuses on the contrasting literary theories of Reader-Response Criticism and Psychoanalytic Criticism, which illustrate the varying ways readers engage with written works. The Artist Statement provides insight into the origin story of the writer and the variety of influences that led to the lyrical field of writing. The Creative Manuscript features a substantial portion of the writer’s memoir. Titled “The Turning of the Years,” this memoir-style work is anchored by significant life events that occurred near the writer’s impactful birthdays. An undercurrent of …

Tracing The "Growth Of The Poet's Mind" In The 1850 Version Of The Prelude, Karen F. King

Masters Theses

This work compares the 1805 and 1850 versions of William Wordsworth's autobiographical epic The Prelude to reveal that the revisions he made evidence his poetic growth. Critical scholarship has long discussed the poet's revisional habits, offering various rationales for his motivation and often dogmatically choosing a preferred version based on those assumptions. This paper first addresses these perspectives, then examines the structural details of Wordsworth's revisions through analysis of significant events in the poet's life that he relates in the epic, his "spots of time". Finally, I discuss the role of imagination as an influencer on the poet's growth. Although …

Beheld To Behold: A Rhetorical Theology Of Otherness In Acts, Hannah E. Gross

Masters Theses

The phenomena of otherness foundationally grounds this work. A micro-concept of Martin Buber’s I and Thou Theory, otherness is central to this study particularly as it is rhetorically situated in the work of Acts. The research draws from ideological criticism to produce a rhetorical theology. Findings uncover two primary relational dynamics of otherness: (1) God to the believer to the unbeliever and (2) God to the believer to the believer. These constructions of dialogical engagement in Acts are donned witness and withness, offering keen insight on a rhetorical theology of otherness.

Examination Of Sportscasters To Understand The Key Overlapping Traits And Skills Exhibited, Jason Prill

Masters Theses

The world of sportscasting is a growing and crowded field. Due to its appeal, the field itself has become competitive with a few select broadcasters holding the most coveted positions. These broadcasters have set themselves apart in their skills, leading to their placement at the pinnacle of the industry. However, a lack of research has presented a gap in the field on what skills are most dominant for successful sportscasters. As an understudied avenue, sportscasting often goes overlooked in traditional research due to its misnomer as a “fun” profession. The following presents an in-depth look at high-level sportscasters to find …

Anvilstorm: The Dweller's Crown, Todd Gaige

Masters Theses

The thesis explores a personal vision for the original manuscript of The Dweller’s Crown, and the impact of setting in literature and world-building. The thesis also shares a variety of characters and how they represent themes of belonging, acceptance, unity, faith, and friendship. From the very beginning, the strong bonds between Araad, Thomble, Atlee, Sylvan, and Mereth distinguish the world of Thir Thodim apart. This thesis and the following chapters focus on the characters' deep desire to protect their beloved world. It is through their faith in one another and shared goals of survival and preservation that they set out …

Sustainability Without Sacrifice: Rethinking Convenient Eating For Young Professionals, Teresa E. Michael

Masters Theses

Young professionals want to eat more sustainably– but life gets in the way. Between long hours, limited budgets, and an overwhelming stream of content, sustainable choices often fall apart in favor of convenience. This research explores that gap between values and behavior, asking: How do young adults actually make food decisions, and how can we help those decisions become more sustainable without demanding perfection? To answer that, I grounded my work in a literature review focused on food literacy, convenience culture, digital media, and behavioral psychology. I also conducted three case studies of food-tech companies (Too Good To Go, Misfits …

Operation Evil Empire: The Strategic Weaponization Of Rhetoric In Psychological Warfare, Sabrina Marie Smith

Masters Theses

The Cold War redefined warfare around information, ideology, and perception. Victory depended less on territory and more on legitimacy. In 1983, Cold War tensions between the United States and the Soviet Union were extremely high. President Ronald Reagan’s “Evil Empire” speech emerged at a critical juncture, marking a pivotal moment when U.S. foreign policy embraced assertive ideological confrontation. The rhetoric of this speech did more than address the American public; it served as a strategic instrument aimed at weakening Soviet ideological cohesion. It became a turning point in U.S. Cold War rhetoric, targeting both the Soviet leadership and its oppressed …

Understanding Barriers To High School Teen Self-Expression, Connection & Inclusion., Susana Estes

Masters Theses

This thesis investigates the invisible barriers that prevent high school students from expressing their identities, forming meaningful connections, and experiencing a sense of belonging within school environments. Drawing on research in adolescent development, school climate, psychology of belonging, and participatory design, the study identifies structural, emotional, and social factors that contribute to student disconnection. Through a review of key theorists and three case studies, the research reveals that teens need structured opportunities for safe self-expression, visible affirmation of their identities, and accessible spaces for reflective interaction. In response, this thesis presents a research-informed interactive design solution: a two-part installation titled …

The Ultra Dilemma: Understanding The Impact Of Ultra-Processed Food, Cassia Elizabeth Brenning

Masters Theses

Ultra-processed food dominates the market, making up an estimated 73% of the national food supply and costing 52% less than healthier, minimally- processed alternatives (Ravandi et al). With such a large supply, there is a great demand to sell these products to consumers. Major food corporations rely on misleading labels, heavy marketing, and industry-funded research to manipulate consumers into buying more of their products. While these products are cheap, quick, convenient, and delicious, they are not components of a healthy diet.

This thesis argues that the best way to tackle the issue of ultra-processed food is by redirecting focus from …

Adjudicated Cardiovascular Events In Patients With Covid-19: Association With Vaccination Status And Changes Over Time, Behnood Bikdeli, Darsiya Krishnathasan, Antoine Bejjani, Candrika D. Khairani, Nada Hamade, Umberto Campia, Julia Davies, Nicole Porio, Ali Assi, Andre Armero, Anthony Tristani, Marcos D. Ortiz-Rios, Victor Nauffal, Zaid I. Almarzooq, Eric Q. Wei, Bridget Mcgonagle, Mariana Pfeferman, Sina Rashedi, Alyssa Sato, Giovanni Scimeca, Valeria Zuluaga-Sánchez, Mehrdad Zarghami, Aditya Achanta, Sirus Jesudasen, Bruce C. Tiu, Geno J. Merli, Orly Leiva, John Fanikos, Aditya M. Sharma, Samantha M. Rizzo, Ruth B. Morrison, Alec Vishnevsky, Shiavax J. Rao, Sivan Naveh, Abdelghani El Rafei, James Welker, Marc P. Bonaca, Brett J. Carroll, Samuel Z. Goldhaber, Zhou Lan, Gregory Piazza, The Corona-Vte Network Investigators

Jefferson Hospital Staff Papers and Presentations

BACKGROUND: Patients with COVID-19 are at risk of thrombotic and cardiovascular complications. Existing risk estimates derive from early COVID-19 experiences. More recent event rates, temporal trends, and the association between vaccination status and cardiovascular outcomes remain unclear.

METHODS: The CORONA-VTE Network (COVID-19 Registry to Assess Frequency, Risk Factors, Management, and Outcomes of Arterial and Venous Thromboembolic Complications) multicenter registry included patients with COVID-19 from March 2020 to February 2024. A composite of venous and arterial thrombotic events and a composite of adjudicated cardiovascular events were assessed at 90 days after COVID-19 diagnosis. Time-to-first-event analyses were stratified by inpatients and outpatients …

Strategic Planning Book 2019-2025, Dmacc

Strategic Planning

"A small team worked diligently throughout the summer and fall to complete the Strategic Plan Book, a lookback at DMACC’s goals, initiatives, and progress over the past several years. This comprehensive booklet highlights key success metrics like reduced DFW rates and improved credit hour completion and includes narratives about achievements in quality and excellence across the district." ~ Office of Institutional Effectiveness 12/15/2025

Enabling Constraints In Artmaking: Developing Creative Confidence Through Discarded Materials, Lydia Romney Stewart

Theses and Dissertations

This design-based research thesis explores the possibility of fostering creative confidence in students and examines how a project-based curriculum can help them rediscover their artistic abilities. It investigates two guiding questions: How does working with repurposed materials shape students' artmaking, creative confidence and sense of ownership in their artwork? And, in what ways do enabling constraints serve as a catalyst for student engagement? As a teacher-researcher, I designed and implemented a quarter-long curriculum in which 21 junior high students were challenged to create a collaborative public art installation using only discarded materials. The methodology blended qualitative and quantitative data, including …

Cyclic Testing Of Special Moment Frame Connections With Buckling-Restrained Fuse Plates, Jeremiah John Merrell

Theses and Dissertations

This thesis presents the development and evaluation of a new special steel moment frame connection that employs replaceable buckling-restrained fuse plates that can enhance seismic performance and post-earthquake repairability. A total of eight unique specimens were tested on two series of beam-to-column subassemblies (W36 and W24) to investigate connection behavior under cyclic loading. The experiments examined the influence of fuse plate geometry, bolt configuration, and buckling-restraints on strength, ductility, and deformation capacity. Results indicated that the buckling-restraint washers and bolts were effective at preventing out-of-plane buckling. Specimen M1.5 was successful in meeting the AISC 341-22 qualifications requirements for special moment …

Validation Of A Mesh-Based Computational Fluid Dynamics Model, The Generataion Of Reference Wake Mixing Data, And A Preliminary Comparison To A Lagrangian Vortex Based Model, Justin Don Hawkins

Theses and Dissertations

Three things are accomplished in this work. First, a verified wind turbine model is developed for both turbulent and non-turbulent flows. The verified model is created using AMR-Wind, a mesh-based CFD solver which uses an actuator line model to represent the turbine blades. Second, a database of turbine forces and wake data is compiled using the verified wake model. This data is collected for simulations of two turbines operating in close proximity to one another in various configurations. When the wake of one turbine interacts with another, wake mixing occurs. Wake mixing affects turbine performance and is important for predicting …

Enhancing Fuel Performance Of Molten Salt Reactors Through Improved Thermophysical Property Data, High-Fidelity Simulation, And Advanced Control Strategies, Jackson Seth Ivory

Theses and Dissertations

The deployment of molten salt reactors (MSRs) as next-generation nuclear technology requires accurate thermophysical property data, validated system models, and advanced control strategies to ensure safe and economically competitive operation. This dissertation, Enhancing Fuel Performance of Molten Salt Reactors Through Improved Thermophysical Property Data, High-Fidelity Simulation, and Advanced Control Strategies, integrates experimental measurements, thermal hydraulic simulation, and model predictive control (MPC) to enhance understanding of MSR fuel behavior under steady state and transient conditions. New density and heat capacity measurements of UF4-FLiNaK molten salts were obtained using Archimedean and differential scanning calorimetry methods, respectively, to address critical gaps for fueled …

Caste-Ing And Recasting Race In Equal Protection Jurisprudence, Vinay Harpalani, Magdalene Bernier

Maryland Law Review

No abstract provided.

Cv: Joseph Kozminski (Physics), Joseph Kozminski

Physics Department Faculty Curricula Vitae

No abstract provided.

The Health Of People In Lithgow, Nsw 2025, Aswan Tai, Diana L. Madden, George Truman, Michael Brydon

Medicine Research Reports

This report presents a profile of the health of the population of Lithgow Local Government Area, the underlying social, economic and environmental determinants of health, the availability and accessibility of health services, and the existing health-supporting activities of other sectors such as the Lithgow City Council, non-profit organisations and the education sector. This study was undertaken through a collaboration of the UNDA Lithgow Rural Clinical School with the Nepean Blue Mountains Local Health District Public Health Unit, Nepean Blue Mountains Primary Health Network and the Lithgow City Council.

2025 December 16 - Medical Student Education Committee Minutes, Medical Student Education Committee, East Tennessee State University

Medical Student Education Committee Minutes

No abstract provided.

Social Media: The Good, The Bad, And The Ugly, Kyung-Ah Judy Chang

ETD Collection

As social media use is increasingly prevalent, many studies have examined the effects of social media breaks. However, little is known about the factors that make it difficult for people to stay off social media during a break. The present study aimed to better understand the psychological effects of a one-week social media break and the factors associated with lapses, or “cheating” by going back onto social media, during the break. Forty-two participants completed baseline questionnaires and daily surveys assessing psychological states, including loneliness, fear of missing out (FOMO), positive and negative affect, boredom, craving, and mental health symptoms. Participants …

Investing In Youths And Their Families: A Proposal For Grant Funding To Expand Mental Health Services At A Community-Based Center, Eliana M. Lopez

ETD Collection

Mental health services across the United States remain inequitably distributed, leaving under-resourced communities with limited access to essential services (Breslau et al., 2022). These disparities persist even in large metropolitan areas like New York City (NYC), with the Bronx, one of the city’s most historically marginalized and under-resourced borough, being especially vulnerable to disparities in mental health care (Breslau et al., 2022). The Family Advocacy Program (FAP), a community-based center part of the Department of Pediatrics at Jacobi Medical Center (JMC), is presently in need of additional financial resources to further expand their services to meet the rising mental health …

Leveraging Custom Gpt Bots To Enhance Learning In Economics, Larisa Ray

Teaching Repository of AI-Infused Learning

Students engage with instructor-designed GPT-powered bots (e.g., ECONOHelper, Owlnomics, Alpha (student bot)) to practice applying economic theories and solving structured case studies. Bots are programmed to withhold direct answers initially, prompting students with guiding questions to stimulate analysis before offering feedback or clarification.

For example:

• In Microeconomics, ECONOHelper helps students interpret supply and demand graphs, calculate elasticity, and analyze pricing strategies for products such as Tesla’s Cybertruck or staple foods.
• In Macroeconomics, Owlnomics guides students through models such as Aggregate Expenditures (AE) and AD-AS, asking them to predict outcomes of fiscal and monetary policies in real-world-inspired scenarios like “Larissaland” or …

Ai-Integration In Writing And Research Processes, Kristie Lussier

Teaching Repository of AI-Infused Learning

Strategies for incorporating and reflecting on AI in research and writing process steps including:

• Topic Development
• Researching Sources
• Planning and Outlining
• Drafting and Revising
• Editing and Polishing
• Metacognitive Reflection

Synteny To Snps: Comparative And Population Genomics Of Endemic Gila River Fishes, Alexander C. Cameron

Biology ETDs

Population genomic data are becoming an essential component of the best available science used by conservation professionals to make management decisions to preserve biodiversity in a rapidly changing world. The proliferation of high-throughput sequencing technologies has made generating genome scale data feasible for non-model organisms that are of conservation concern. In addition to applicability in conservation science, genomic data enable the exploration of basic questions related to species evolution. To that end, this body of research exemplifies the applied and basic utility of genomic data and is focused on two federally-protected minnows endemic to the Gila River basin, Loach Minnow …

December 16, 2025 Ereporter, University Of Alabama At Birmingham

eReporter (campus newsletter)

No abstract provided.

Cv: Thomas Brignall Iii (Sociology), Thomas Brignall Iii

Sociology Department Faculty Curricula Vitae

No abstract provided.