Digital Commons Network^™

A Mixed Methods Study Of Teacher Job Satisfaction And Principal Support In Private Jewish Day Schools Through The Lens Of Self-Determination Theory, Abigail E. Moyal

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

This mixed methods study investigated how principal support influences teacher job satisfaction in private Jewish day schools through the lens of Self-Determination Theory (SDT). SDT asserts that motivation and well-being depend on the fulfillment of three basic psychological needs: autonomy, competence, and relatedness. Using an explanatory sequential design, quantitative data were first collected from 68 teachers across five Jewish day schools in the Southwestern United States using the Teaching and Learning Survey (TALIS) Teacher Job Satisfaction Scale (TJSS) and the Principal Support Scale (PSS). Results showed moderate to high satisfaction levels and a strong positive correlation between principal support and …

Characterization Of The Electronic Structure Of Metal–Organic Framework Mil-125 And Its Derivatives Using Soft X-Ray Spectroscopies, Jennifer Alexia Napoles

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) are highly porous, three-dimensional networks composed of coordinated metal clusters and organic ligand subunits. While tens of thousands of MOFs have been synthesized, the Ti(IV)-based MOF MIL-125 has garnered scientific interest due to the observed changes to its optical and photocatalytic properties upon chemical modification. For example, upon UV irradiation in the presence of an alcohol, MIL-125 undergoes a photochromic color change to a photodoped state that has been associated with the storage of charge in the form of Ti(III) sites. Another example is exemplified by the amine group functionalization of the 1,4-benzenedicarboxylate (BDC) linker of MIL-125 …

Integrating Post-Quantum Cryptography Into A Cdn-Style Pki: Tls And Quic Performance Across Pqc Suites, Katrina Mary Parsom

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Post-quantum cryptography (PQC) adds larger certificates and extra workload to the Transport Layer Security (TLS) handshake. In order to analyze the effect of that change on content delivery, a controlled testbed with conditions replicating a Content Delivery Network (CDN) is used. The system uses a standard X.509 certificate chain over TLS 1.3. It compares RSA with classical key exchange, RSA with hybrid key encapsulation mechanism (KEM), and Module Lattice-based Digital Signature Algorithm (ML-DSA) with hybrid KEM. The test harness generates and provides certificates and establishes TLS parameters. The test harness also supports mixed web workloads and records key metrics, including …

Deciphering The Crl Code: Novel Mechanisms Of Canonical And Non-Canonical Ubiquitylation, Nicholas Wayne Purser

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Protein degradation is a fundamental process required for maintaining cellular homeostasis in eukaryotic organisms. In humans, distinct cell types exhibit unique proteomic landscapes that are dynamically balanced by the continual synthesis and degradation of proteins. The timely removal of damaged, misfolded, or old proteins is essential to permit new protein synthesis and to ensure proper cellular function.

Central to this regulatory network is ubiquitylation, a highly conserved posttranslational modification system that governs protein stability and function across all eukaryotic cells. Through the covalent attachment of ubiquitin molecules to protein substrates, this system modulates a broad range of biological processes, including …

Hypervigilance In Emerging Adulthood: The Impact Of Trauma, Milestone Achievement, And Minority Identity, Alexis Rice

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Emerging adulthood is a critical developmental period marked by identity exploration, increased autonomy, and heightened vulnerability to societal pressures. This mixed methods study examined how hypervigilance: a heightened state of alertness often associated with trauma and minority stress- varies by gender, sexual identity, racial trauma exposure, and adulthood milestone achievement among emerging adults aged 18–29. A total of 369 participants completed measures assessing hypervigilance behaviors, adulthood milestone attainment, and trauma exposure. Quantitative analyses revealed that sexual and gender minority (SGM) individuals and cisgender women reported significantly higher levels of hypervigilance compared to their counterparts. Witnessing trauma inflicted on someone of …

Navigating Leadership In Bilingual Education: Exploring The Preparation, Experiences, And Adaptability Of Bilingual Education Leaders In The Southwest, Cynthia Romero

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

This study explored the experiences of school-level bilingual program leaders in the Southwestern United States, focusing on how their preparation, lived experiences, and local contexts shaped their leadership practices and decision-making. Drawing on Bourdieu’s theory of practice, the research examined how habitus and various forms of capital (cultural, social, and symbolic) influenced leaders’ approaches to developing and sustaining bilingual programs. Yosso’s theory of community cultural wealth (CCW) further expanded this lens by highlighting the aspirational, linguistic, familial, social, navigational, and resistant forms of capital.

Using a qualitative multi-case study design, the research analyzed policy documents, leadership preparation coursework, and semi-structured …

Telling Herstory: The Preparation, Perspectives, And Persistence Of Novice Black Women Principals, Dana Roseman

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Being a Black Woman public school principal is an intensified, all-encompassing yet rewarding role, marked by disparities that our white counterparts are not forced to navigate. Inspired by the daily, distressed calls from novice Black Women principals seeking support in their roles and personal experience, this qualitative study employs the Sista Circle Methodology (SCM) to explore their perceptions of principal preparation programs, professional support, and persistence strategies within the first five years of appointment in a large urban school district. Framed by Black Feminist Thought (Collins, 1990), the study examines the social, gender, cultural, and experiential contexts unique to Black …

Understanding The Musical Theatre Female Mixed Belt Through The Lens Of The Operatic Tenor: A Comparative Study, Courtney Schwalbe

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Since its emergence in the early 20th century, the female belt voice has become central to musical theatre, yet it still receives less systematic attention than classical singing in both scholarship and collegiate pedagogy. This document frames the contemporary female belt, especially the high or mixed belt, in dialogue with the Western operatic tenor to demystify belt production for teachers trained in classical vocal pedagogy. Drawing on historical context, voice science, and applied pedagogy, the study compares defining characteristics, vocal challenges, registration, and resonance strategies across the two traditions. Both voices extend chest-dominant qualities above the primary register transition and …

A Comparison Of Airborne Tree Pollen In The Las Vegas Valley From 2017 – 2021, Asma Tahir

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Airborne pollen are a predominant cause of asthma, allergic disease, and respiratory infections. The strong allergenic potential of tree pollen is of a public health concern. Several allergenic trees grow in the Mojave Desert, but not all are native to the region. Concentrations of airborne tree pollen are affected by atmospheric, environmental, ecological, and geospatial factors. Previous research has reported high tree pollen concentrations in the Las Vegas Valley, but long-term comparison studies are lacking. This study measured and compared tree pollen concentrations from five different collection stations in Las Vegas. Pollen samples collected from January 1, 2017, to December …

Deaf College Students’ Lived Experiences In Pk-16 Education: A Deaf Crit-Informed Qualitative Study, Bridget Catherine Taylor

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

This qualitative study focused on Deaf, Hard-of-Hearing, and orally Deaf college students, examining Deaf education from the perspective of linguistic and cultural minority students. The study offers theoretical perspectives for researchers, practitioners, and policymakers by examining the lived experiences of students who took part in Deaf education in the United States from PK–16. Deaf Critical Theory (DeafCrit) was the theoretical framework used to analyze the qualitative data.

Classification Of Cases Of Animal Abuse In Ecuador Using Indetermsoft And C4.5 Algorithms, Viviana Del Rocío Marfetan Marfetan, Lesly Gissela Tipanguano Chicaiza, Styven Andrés Pila Chicaiza, Estephany Monserrath Ojeda Sanchez

Neutrosophic Sets and Systems

This dissertation aimed to determine the classification of animal abuse within Ecuador by severity, context, and solution through the application of IndetermSoft and the statistical-neutrosophic C4.5 algorithm to classify the uncertainty associated with judicial and administrative efforts for animal protection for domestic dogs and cats. The approach was qualitative and documentary, analyzing judicial sentences, citizen complaints, and municipal ordinances within the three largest Ecuadorian cities of Quito, Guayaquil, and Cuenca to acquire the determination of classifications of animal abuse, subsequent sanctions, and follow-ups. A modeling of IndetermSoft ensembles assessed the indeterminacy of subsequent actions, and inputted into IndetermSoft and the …

Urban Shadows In Latin America: Detection Of Crime Hotspots Using Multivariate, Geospatial, And Neutrosophic Analytic Hierarchy Process (Nahp) Analytical Techniques, Johnny Pambabay-Calero, Sergio Bauz-Olvera, Oscar Scott-Macías, Pedro Luzuriaga Cedeño, Purificación Galindo-Villardón

Neutrosophic Sets and Systems

In recent years, Guayaquil fell prey to higher levels of organized extortion compared to territorialized criminal organizations over territory, institutional weaknesses, and socio-spatial inequalities. Thus, while extortion emerged as an increasingly specialized crime, there are limited empirical studies to evaluate the crime's spatiotemporal nature or its determinants. Therefore, this study aims to identify and characterize extortion "criminal severity zones" of Guayaquil from 2021-2024, via a novel geostatistical approach, in addition to the Neutrosophic Analytic Hierarchy Process (NAHP). By implementing Exploratory Spatial Data Analysis (ESDA), Kernel Density Estimation (KDE), dimensionality reduction techniques (PCA, MDS, and t-SNE), hierarchical clustering, and Bayesian hierarchical …

Modeling The Rehabilitation Of Offenders In Domestic Violence Using A Hybrid Neutrosophic-Logistic Approach To Reduce Recidivism, Johanna Estefanía Calle Imbaquingo, Karen Milagros Díaz Salambay, Jordy Alexis Vargas Yumbo, Kevin Christopher Carrasco Azogue, Otto F. Von Feigenblatt

Neutrosophic Sets and Systems

This dissertation seeks to determine if criminal suspension—per Article 651.3 of National Criminal Code (COIP)—for domestic violence offenders in Ecuador actually reduces recidivism through effective rehabilitation. This study is significant for comprehension of offender mentality and subsequent ability to accept criminal punishment to reduce recidivism for prolonged victim safety and better acts of authority in a country where domestic violence is still a major social concern. While the existing literature has studied aspects of restorative justice, very few articles have explored the predicating factors of recidivism and the lack of judicial observation and databases due to a neoteric nature and …

Mythcon 54 Announcement - Mythprint 415, Phillip Fitzsimmons

Faculty Articles & Research

Cover Art: Take Me To Your Leader stained glass by Phillip Fitzsimmons, Pattern by Steve Voss GoldFoxArtistry © 2025

Roots Of The Human Psyche: The Spiritual Connection Of Nature With The Mind, Dania Hussain Abdulmunem, Nadia Ali Ismael

Alustath Journal for Human and Social Sciences

Seamus Justin Heaney (1939-2013) was intensely engaged in nature in a way that differed from the usual concept of nature representing beauty, love, and romance. Heaney's role in portraying nature is unique. Describing nature from a deeper perspective reveals what nature hides in terms of darkness and violence. This image encourages people to contemplate more deeply because beauty may conceal a lot of sadness and grief. The poet intends to reflect on the events of the conflicts in Ireland and around the world through nature. Just as nature conceals darkness, so does the individual conceal the inner meaning of his …

Verbs With Augmented Antonyms In The Lisan Al-Arab Dictionary, Mahmoud Alwan Mahmoud, Ali Heloo Hawas

Alustath Journal for Human and Social Sciences

It is human nature to question the underlying causes of any phenomenon, regardless of its type, and to seek to interpret it through judgments deemed logical by the researcher. Reasoning is a fundamental pillar of research methodology. Several phenomena have emerged in the Arabic language that one group of scholars considers a linguistic feature, while another views as a linguistic weakness. Among these phenomena is the concept of "contradictory verbal participles," traditionally referred to as "antonyms" (al-ʾaḍdād). These are words that convey two opposite meanings, such as "black and white" or "menstruation." Scholars have debated the existence of this phenomenon …

The Development Of Children's Understanding Of Merit In The Fair Allocation Of Resources, Zahraa Sami Abboud, Ghada Ali Hadi

Alustath Journal for Human and Social Sciences

The current research aims to identify: 1- Children’s understanding of merit in the fair allocation of resources according to the variables: A- Age (4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10) years. B - Gender (males - females). 2- There are statistically significant differences in children’s understanding of merit in the fair allocation of resources according to the two variables: A - Age (4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10) years. B - Gender (males - females). The current research sample includes (280) boys and girls of Baghdad Governorate- its two sides (Karkh and Rusafa), for ages (4, 5, 6, 7, …

Replacement And Reputation, Navin Kartik, Elliot Lipnowski, Harry Pei

Cowles Foundation Discussion Papers

Does electoral replacement ensure that officeholders eventually act in voters’ interests? We study a reputational model of accountability. Voters observe incumbents’ performance and decide whether to replace them. Politicians may be “good” types who always exert effort or opportunists who may shirk. We find that good long-run outcomes are always attainable, though the mechanism and its robustness depend on economic conditions. In environments conducive to incentive provision, some equilibria feature sustained effort, yet others exhibit some long-run shirking. In the complementary case, opportunists are never fully disciplined, but selection dominates: every equilibrium eventually settles on a good politician, yielding permanent …

Patterns Of Llm Weaponization: A Comparative Analysis Of Exploitation Incidents Across Commercial Ai Systems, George Antoniou

Faculty and Staff Publications & Presentations

This comparative study examines patterns of Large Language Model (LLM) weaponization through systematic analysis of four major exploitation incidents spanning 2023-2025. While existing research focuses on isolated incidents or theoretical vulnerabilities, this study provides the first comprehensive comparative framework analyzing exploitation patterns across state-sponsored cyber-espionage (Anthropic Claude incident), academic security research (GPT-4 autonomous privilege escalation), social engineering platforms (SpearBot phishing framework), and underground criminal commoditization (WormGPT/FraudGPT ecosystem). Through comparative analysis across eight dimensions—adversary sophistication, target selection, exploitation techniques, autonomy levels, detection evasion, attribution challenges, defensive gaps, and capability democratization—this research identifies critical cross-case patterns informing defensive prioritization. Findings reveal three …

Violence Between Residents In Nursing Homes Is An Enduring Problem. The Agencies, Nursing Homes, And Residents Are Playing Hot Potato With The Responsibility, Cindy Marchionda, Rafael Escalara Montoto

Capstones

Resident-to-resident aggression in nursing homes is a persistent issue, far more common than the general public realizes. While many of these violent situations can be managed, some tragically escalate to fatal outcomes, leaving families mourning the loss of their loved ones at the hands of a facility that was meant to provide safety and care during their final years. Experts agree that this issue is largely driven by chronic understaffing and insufficient training for employees on how to manage patients with dementia and aggression issues.

Consumer Lessons From A Pandemic, Nicole J. Olynk Widmar, Michael L. Smith, Erin Robinson

Purdue University Press Books

What did we learn about consumer behavior when the world was turned upside down due to COVID-19? Consumer Lessons From a Pandemic examines how a global crisis exposed and reshaped the values, priorities, and decision-making patterns of everyday people. From disrupted routines to supply-chain shocks, this volume explores the consumer behaviors that emerged in response to extreme uncertainty and how those behaviors continue to evolve. Topics include pandemic-induced grocery spending shifts, the importance of consumer trust, lessons from the infant-formula shortage, and the rise of remote work both as a preference and a negotiation point.

Laozi’S "Daodejing": A New Translation With Environmentalist Commentary, Steve Hallett

Purdue University Press Books

Laozi’s “Daodejing”: A New Translation With Environmentalist Commentary offers a new translation and fresh interpretation of the eighty-one-verse Daodejing, one of the central texts of Eastern philosophy. Likely written during the late Zhou Dynasty between 600–400 BCE, this foundational work is generally attributed to an individual named Laozi, although it is unlikely that any such person actually existed. Here, author Steve Hallett employs contemporary poetic form when translating the document’s approximately 5,000 Chinese characters and provides short analytical essays that illuminate the verses with a specific focus on the teachings they offer about social and environmental sustainability. His examination of …

Applied Research For Corn Production In Indiana, 2023, Daniel Quinn

Purdue University Press Books

The 2023 edition of Applied Research for Corn Production in Indiana offers accessible, research-based tips for farmers who want to improve corn production practices by using applied field-research trials. Daniel Quinn and the Purdue University Corn Agronomy team reveal practical ways to boost yields, reduce costs, and improve sustainability on the farm. Their findings are derived from applied research trials across the state and relate to important topics such as planting practices, fertilizer use, crop nutrition, cover crops, and new technologies. Applied Research for Corn Production in Indiana distills complex research into clear insights and supplies corn producers with effective …

Applied Research In Field Crop Pathology For Indiana, 2021, Darcy E. P. Telenko, Sujoung Shim

Purdue University Press Books

Applied Research in Field Crop Pathology for Indiana, 2021 serves as a summary of the applied field crop pathology research trials conducted in 2021 under the direction of the Purdue Field Crop Pathology program in the Department of Botany and Plant Pathology at Purdue University. In Indiana, there are more than 57,600 farms, 16,000 crop producers, and 900 certified crop advisers, Extension educators, and crop-protection industry representatives who manage more than 11.4 million crop-production acres with a total value of $6.3 billion annually. There are more than twenty diseases affecting corn, soybeans, and wheat that may decrease crop production and …

The Effectiveness Of Storytelling As A Sleep Aid For Children With Adhd And Sleep Difficulties, Boonchitchaya Chamnanphai, Tippawan Hansakunachai, Issarapa Chunsuwan

Asian Medical Journal and Alternative Medicine

Introduction: Sleep-related problems among children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is common. Behavioral interventions are the first-line treatment for sleep problems in children with ADHD. Meditation has gained interest as an alternative treatment for sleep problems.

Objectives: To determine whether a sleep intervention could reduce sleep problems, improve ADHD symptoms and enhance parental mental health.

Methods: A randomized controlled trial (RCT) of 52 children (4–12 years) with ADHD and sleep problems was undertaken. The 2 week intervention covered sleep hygiene, daily Line messages and meditation stories. The control group received sleep hygiene and usual care. Outcomes were measured using …

Diagnostic Stewardship Considerations In Infectious Diseases, Shawn Vasoo

Asian Medical Journal and Alternative Medicine

Diagnostic stewardship in infectious diseases is crucial to ensure that the right test is performed for the right patient for the right reasons at the right time, with the right interpretation which results in the right treatment, optimizing patient care. Managing clinicians have a critical role to play in thoughtful decision making in the pre- and post-analytic phases of test selection, interpretation and subsequent action. They also need to have a good understanding of the analytic phase of testing (test performance characteristics and limitations). In this paper, diagnostic stewardship across the main testing modalities for infectious diseases (culture, serology and …

Disease Burden, Complications And Treatment Costs Of Poorly Controlled Type 2 Diabetic Patients In Thailand, Nantawut Leeamornsiri, Kasemsan Sarapee, Veerasak Sarinnapakorn

Asian Medical Journal and Alternative Medicine

Background: Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) presents a major public health issue in Thailand, with increasing prevalence affecting quality of life and economic stability. Traditional management focused on treatment may not meet current healthcare demands.

Objectives: The purpose of this study aimed to illustrate disease burden, complications and treatment costs among T2DM patients.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 700 T2DM patients at Rajavithi Hospital. Correlation between risk of complications and treatment cost, and factors influencing treatment cost were evaluated. Data analysis involved descriptive statistics, one-way ANOVA, Pearson’s correlation, and linear regression.

Results: A significant majority (92.6%) of participants …

Editor’S Note, Thana Khawcharoenporn

Asian Medical Journal and Alternative Medicine

No abstract provided.

Elucidating The Role Of Pbaf Chromatin Remodeling Subunit Arid2 In B Cell Development, Rachel Paolini

Arts & Sciences Graduate Student Theses and Dissertations

B cells are key components of the adaptive immune system that mediate humoral immunity through the production of antigen-specific antibodies. The generation of functional B cells involves multiple stages of differentiation across distinct anatomical niches, requiring precise regulation of microenvironmental signals and intrinsic transcriptional networks. SWI/SNF chromatin remodeling complexes have emerged as key regulators of B cell lineage commitment by modulating the accessibility of transcriptional programs required for differentiation and maturation. However, the specific roles of individual SWI/SNF subunits and distinct complexes within early B cell differentiation remain poorly understood. In this thesis, I investigated the function of Arid2, an …

How Casino Match Play Promotions Can Hook Gamblers (And Non-Gamblers), Brent Evans, Douglas Walker

UNLV Gaming Research & Review Journal

Casino operators frequently use promotional gambling vouchers, free play and match play. In the case of free play, customers are offered gambling credits that function much like real money and patrons are able to quickly turn their promotional play into cash without risking their own money. Match play, however, can only be employed at table games and their use necessitates gamblers to wager their own funds. We conduct a thorough analysis of how match play can affect gamblers’ individual behavior. First, we assess the value of match play promotions, which we argue is ambiguous. Then, using behavioral economics concepts, we …