Digital Commons Network^™

From Paper To Pixels: How Covid-19 Changed Teachers’ Perspectives Toward Technology, Nora Knight

Honors Theses

As schools transitioned to virtual education during the COVID-19 pandemic, teachers faced numerous instructional, technological, and emotional challenges. The purpose of this research study is to explore how K-5 elementary school teachers navigated the transition to remote instruction during all stages of the pandemic. Additionally, it examines teachers’ perspectives on technology integration in their classrooms throughout COVID-19, focusing on their preparedness, confidence, and instructional decision-making as they adapted to online teaching. A mixed-methods survey was distributed to 108 elementary school teachers in Madison County, Kentucky. The results revealed educators’ feelings and experiences with educational technology before, during, and after the …

The Trojan Women, Otterbein Theatre And Dance Department

2025-2026 Season Productions

No abstract provided.

Mary Victor And The Monster, Otterbein Theatre And Dance Department

2025-2026 Season Productions

No abstract provided.

Gender And Party Polarization In The Us Congress: Hypervisibility And Invisibility, Rosalyn Cooperman

Political Science & International Affairs Articles

The history and practice of party polarization in Congress is a gendered concept. Men have comprised the overwhelming majority of legislators from both parties, served as their party’s leaders, and dominated the party caucuses. As women and women of color have increased their presence in the institution, particularly among Democrats, gender and race have emerged as important themes in understanding party polarization in contemporary congresses. In an analysis of legislative activity of members in the 104th to the 117th Congresses, I find the two most distinct groups of partisans, Democratic women and Republican men, are prominently featured in the opposing …

Otterbein Towers Fall 2025, Otterbein University

Towers Magazine

Around the 'Bein; Innovative Funds; Committed to Career and Community; Faculty Excellence and Innovation; Two Years of Education for the Common Good; Homecoming and Family Weekend; Philanthropy; Alumni Matters; Class Notes.

Letter From The Editors

Araneum: Richmond Journal of American & Global Affairs

It is our pleasure to present to you the Fall 2025 issue of Araneum: Richmond Journal of American & Global Affairs. The following articles and essays cover an array of domestic and international political issues, with a range of original research, analyses, and social and philosophical commentary. This issue reflects the dedicated work of authors, peer reviewers, and editorial board members alike.

What About Us? The Exclusion Of Individuals With Intellectual And Developmental Disabilities In The Disaster Planning Process., Elizabeth Ogorek

Honors Theses

Intellectual/Developmental disabilities, or I/DDs, refers to a wide variety of conditions that can affect a person’s ability to process information and their environment. Individuals with I/DDs have a plethora of unique vulnerabilities before, during, and after major disasters. Some of these include difficulty understanding instructions, a tendency to become more easily overwhelmed by external stimuli, and reliance on 1-1 support. Despite this, very little evidence exists both in the research and the practice of emergency management to demonstrate that they have been included in meaningful ways. Many state Emergency Operations Plans, or EOPs, fail to acknowledge intellectually/developmentally disabled individuals as …

Comparing Pre-Pt Student To Pre-Pt Professor Upper Extremity Range Of Motion Reliability Using Virtual Measurements, Brittnee L. Franklin

Honors Theses

A reliability study was performed using a sample of convenience to determine the reliability of a Pre-PT student and Pre-PT professor when performing virtual and in-person goniometric measurements of forearm pronation and supination. Second, to see how a Pre-PT student compares to a Pre-PT professor at the end of the undergraduate degree. Our methodology was designed to be simple and consistent between both testers. Participants were instructed to hold a pencil in their right hand; elbow fixed at 90°; elbow by the side of the body; could not have any previous injuries to the shoulder/forearm; and must be able to …

Mapping Social Vulnerabilities: Importance And Relevance In Disasters, Madelynn H. Linet

Honors Theses

This report provides a comprehensive overview of disaster management, socially vulnerable populations, and geographic information systems. Mapping at-risk populations using GIS shows promise for improving decision making across all phases of emergency management. The paper describes the context of each of these concepts, including national policies that lay the foundational framework for this thesis. These include multiple documents from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), U.S. Department of Homeland Security, and other governmental partners and agencies that aim to provide guidance for disaster planning purposes, especially relating to socially vulnerable populations. The next section explains the methodology for the accompanied …

Caring For Our Planet: A “Green” Reaction Method Of 2,2’-Bipyridine Through Phosphorus Extrusion, Alessandra T. Palumbo

Honors Theses

Phosphorus extrusion is the process of removing the phosphorus ion from a molecule specifically a phosphonium salt. Currently many phosphorus extrusion methods are harsh for the environment because they require the addition of strong acids, strong bases, oxidation reagents, or heating the reaction to extremely high temperatures. In this thesis, mild phosphorus extrusion conditions were used to synthesize 2,2’-bipyridine from diphenyldi(2-pyridyl)phosphonium bromide ([Dipyphos]Br). The main goal is to increase bipy yield while decreasing waste which will in turn be better for the environment. These conditions can be manipulated to increase bipy yield: Lewis acid, nucleophile, temperature, reaction time, reaction solvent, …

Level Up: How Video Games Can Be Beneficial And Spark Creative Imagination In Players, Makendra M. Phipps

Honors Theses

Since the 2010’s, a technological trend has been flourishing: the development and enhancement of video games across different platforms. The early 1970s began the evolution of video game systems, from Atari and Magnavox Odyssey (1972) to Game Boy (1989) to Nintendo Switch 2 (2025) today. Video games themselves have also evolved, from the first basic computer games of the 1950s (such as OXO and Tennis for Two), to the introduction of arcade games in the 1970s (Pong, Space Invaders, PAC-Man), to the popular video games of today (Grand Theft Auto, Minecraft, Fortnite, R.E.P.O., to name …

From Chaos To Calm: How Ferappease Shapes Calf Behavior And Eases Weaning Woes, Rinna Tarter

Honors Theses

Weaning is widely recognized as one of the most stressful practices within the beef industry, as calves are separated from their dams and must manage changes in environment, social structure, and nutrition. This process provides indicators of stress, including increased vocalizations, reduced feed intake, pacing, and a stop in weight gain. Traditional management strategies include fenceline separation, nose flaps, and abrupt separation. Some research has begun to investigate approaches that target the biological mechanisms underlying the physiological stress response. One approach involves the use of a maternal bovine appeasing substance (mBAS), a synthetic analog of pheromones produced naturally by lactating …

Double Lenses: Understanding Adhd–Autism Comorbidity Across Gender And Pathways To Intervention, Grace A. Peak

Honors Theses

Each year, the number of people diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) rises. This rising number is due to the abundance of research done on each disorder. Because of this increase in information, many adults and children are getting a comorbid diagnosis, meaning that they are being diagnosed with both disorders at the same time. There is one catch, however; research has shown that ADHD and ASD are spectrums, meaning that they have symptoms that can range in frequency and severity while also affecting each person differently. A large portion of the research conducted …

Maternal Nutritional Status And Immune Regulation In Early Offspring Development, Caroline C. Pagan

Honors Theses

Maternal nutrition, immune function, and microbiome health work together to shape fetal development in ways that influence health across the lifespan and even into future generations. This paper synthesizes evidence from molecular biology, nutrition science, immunology, and public health to show that essential nutrients-such as omega-3 fatty acids, folate, iron, zinc, and vitamin D-directly affect fetal immune programming, neurodevelopment, placental function, and metabolic regulation. Research on the maternal microbiome further demonstrates that microbial diversity and metabolite production modify nutrient absorption, inflammatory balance, and fetal gene expression, underscoring the microbiome’s role as both a mediator and amplifier of nutritional effects. At …

Social Drivers Of Health: Shifting The Focus Of Health Indicators From The Biological Code To The Zip Code, Jenna M. Barlage

Honors Theses

This study explored how healthcare facilities in Kentucky and Ohio are adapting to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services’ (CMS) 2024 mandate requiring the collection and reporting of Social Drivers of Health (SDOH) data. Through literature review and interviews with healthcare administrators responsible for SDOH screening, documentation, and reporting, the research evaluated the central hypothesis: while the mandate has expanded the amount of available SDOH data, healthcare organizations continue to face substantial financial, technological, and organizational barriers in addressing identified patient needs. Findings indicated that many facilities have broadened and standardized their screening practices, leading to clearer early trends …

The Impact Of Environmental Factors On Blood Detection: Effects Of Uv And Temperature On Blood Samples, Delaney Mccarthy

Honors Theses

Biological evidence, such as blood, is one of the most important types of forensic evidence collected from crime scenes. Blood can provide valuable information that can help identify victims, perpetrators, and give insight into what transpired. However, outdoor environments leave biological samples exposed to changing and often harsh weather conditions that can compromise the evidence’s integrity. Ultraviolet (UV) light and variable temperatures are two major factors that can degrade both the physical and chemical properties of blood. This study aimed to determine the effects of UV exposure on the detection and analysis of human blood using presumptive and confirmatory serological …

Estrogen Signaling Is Necessary For The Sex Difference In Simulated Jet Lag In Mice, Maria A. Venegas, Nicholas Westray, Samuel Nwadialo, Yuriko Katsumata, Julie S. Pendergast

Biology Faculty Publications

The circadian system coordinates 24-h cycles of internal biological processes with the environmental light-dark cycle. Abrupt shifts in the timing of the light-dark cycle misalign internal circadian clocks with the environment and cause jet lag until resynchronization occurs. The objective of this study was to investigate the sex difference in simulated jet lag in mice. Female mice resynchronized faster than male mice to 6-h advances of the light-dark cycle that mimicked eastward travel. Circulating estradiol was necessary and sufficient for rapid resynchronization in female mice since ovariectomized females resynchronized slower than mice treated with estradiol. Disabling estrogen receptor a (ERa), …

Jetstream Fall 2025, Nancy Anzalone, Courtney Dalfonso, Susan Bloom, Genesis Nieves, Brianna Paoli, Donna Headley

JETstream: Library Newsletter

The October 2025 Edition of JETstream highlights the new Writing Center location, test prep support, new research tools and databases "Trends & Policy: U.S. Criminal Justice" and the "Hispanic American Periodicals Index" (HAPI), as well as newly accessible digital archives collections, staff art exhibitions and upcoming JET Library Events.

The Scoop, Vol. 12 Issue 7, October 2025, Health Sciences Library

Volume 12

Latest news and updates from the Health Sciences Library in our monthly newsletter for October 2025. Please see page 2 for a text-only version of this issue!

Autism Spectrum Disorder Diagnosed In Adulthood And The Factors That Can Lead To A Late Diagnosis, Camila Velez De Jesus

College of Liberal Arts

Autism spectrum disorder is a neurodevelopmental condition that affects an individual throughout their entire life. The condition is typically diagnosed in childhood, and the rate of children diagnosed with it has been increasing over the years. Cases of adults being diagnosed with autism have also been on the rise. A popular theory to explain this occurrence is the broadening definition of autism spectrum disorder; however, there are other factors that should be taken into account. The use of the Medical Model of Disability in autism diagnosis could have led to certain individuals not being diagnosed in adulthood, but with the …

Degradation Minimization Of Utility-Scale Li-Ion Bess Through Operational Optimization Employing An Equivalent Circuit Model, Kwabena A. Kyeremeh, Grant M. Fischer, Donovin D. Lewis, Aron Patrick, Dan M. Ionel

Electrical and Computer Engineering Graduate Research

The increasing deployment of utility-scale battery energy storage systems (BESS) necessitates effective strategies for supporting grid services while minimizing degradation that may compromise system longevity. High charge/discharge rates (C-rate) and imbalanced operation of multi-unit BESS configurations may accelerate degradation. This paper proposes a degradation-aware operational optimization based on Model Predictive Control (MPC) for coordinating multiple BESS units under physical and operational constraints. The multi-objective optimization model imposes penalties on C-rate magnitude, operational state-of-charge (SoC) disparity, and battery internal resistance modeled using an equivalent circuit model. A case study conducted for a fleet of BESS units over a one-week load profile …

Advancing University Student Health And Wellbeing Through Peer-Led Health Promotion: A Quality Improvement Project​ ​, Rojeda Merani, Elizabeth Page, Elizabeth Roth

DNP Projects

Background: Peer-led health promotion is widely recognized as an effective strategy for increasing engagement, trust, and health literacy among university students. However, few frameworks guide development and implementation of these programs.

Objective: To evaluate the feasibility, implementation process, and perceived effectiveness of a peer-led health promotion model supported by Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) mentorship at a mid-sized private university.

Participants: Thirteen undergraduate students from a diverse set of academic programs were recruited as Peer Health Ambassadors (PHAs) and paired with DNP student mentors.

Methods: Guided by the Implementation Research Logic Model, the project used a four-phase QI process: targeted …

Networks For Survival: North Korea’S Systematic Evasion Of International Sanctions, Kaeli Rasnake

Senior Honors Theses

This paper aims to address the evolution and methodologies of North Korea’s sanction evasion tactics. The nation’s ability to maintain its economy sustains its capacity to pose a threat to the United States and its allies. This paper has identified four major networks that North Korea utilizes to survive, which include sanctions evasion tactics, partnerships with China, Russia, and the Developing World. The study utilizes a qualitative research methodology to analyze and assess the behaviors and interactions at play. This paper concludes that foreign policy towards North Korea centered on sanctions is not enough, as North Korea has proven it …

The Efficacy Of Emdr Therapy Compared To Tf-Cbt In Adopted Children To Manage Post-Traumatic Stress: An Integrative Review, Grace Ann Steiner

Senior Honors Theses

This integrative review examines the efficacy of eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) therapy compared to trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy (TF-CBT) in managing post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in adopted children. Children adopted from foster care tend to experience more adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and maladjustment issues when compared to the general population, which necessitates effective therapeutic interventions to reduce PTSD symptoms and emotional dysregulation. Through analysis and comparison of the data, it was determined that both EMDR and TF-CBT effectively alleviated trauma-related symptoms, although one technique is not necessarily always more effective or efficient than the other. Along with reviewing …

The Science Of Sound: Studying The Cognitive, Emotional, And Physiological Effects Of Frequency, Genre, And Music, Jett Yarborough

Senior Honors Theses

Music influences emotion, physiology, and cognition, yet little is known about how the frequency it is tuned to affects these influences. Prior research has shown that music tuned to 432 Hz can reduce stress, lower blood pressure, and improve sleep. My colleagues and I conducted two studies to investigate this. Our research found that music tuned to 432 Hz promotes a significant increase in memory retention and induces a state of focus and relaxation. These results suggest that shifting from the standard tuning frequency of 440 Hz to 432 Hz could have a profoundly positive impact on our daily lives. …

From Altamont To Astroworld: An Analysis Of Management Issues In Large Scale Music Festivals, Jennifer Morriss

Honors College Theses

The most common problems in music festivals can largely be broken into two categories: risks to the individual and risks on a grand scale. It is the responsibility of event managers to consider how to best keep everyone safe and maintain proper organization. Risks to the individual are often things like substance use and abuse, harm reduction, and sexual assault or harassment. Meanwhile, broad risks tend to be issues of evacuation and emergency management, crowd safety, stampedes, and casualties or violence. It is crucial to reflect on prior common safety and security issues when setting out to produce a large …

Artificial Intelligence And Medical Education (2013-2024): A Scopus-Based Bibliometric Analysis, Festus Mulakoli, Edward Misava

School of Nursing & Midwifery, East Africa

Background: Artificial Intelligence (AI) is transforming medical education by enabling personalised learning, adaptive feedback, simulation-based training, and automated assessments. While AI offers significant benefits, including curriculum optimisation and virtual tutoring, concerns around data privacy, access, and ethical implementation persist. Although bibliometric studies have explored AI in healthcare, comprehensive analyses of global collaboration and publication trends in AI-focused medical education remain limited. Aim: This study aims to analyse global research trends, key contributors, and thematic developments in the application of AI within medical education. Methods: A bibliometric analysis was conducted using the Scopus database. The search strategy included terms …

Integrating Ai And Generative Ai Across The Curriculum: A Look At Three Subject Areas, Angie Su, Victoria Brenes, Stephanie L. Nelson

FDLA Journal

This paper explores how artificial intelligence (AI) and generative AI (GenAI) models, such as ChatGPT and other GenAI tools, can effectively integrate into mathematics, computer science, and English classrooms. Students must understand foundational AI concepts and how these technologies function to facilitate meaningful engagement with AI and GenAI. This paper provides practical strategies for math educators to introduce AI algorithms that connect with students' existing knowledge and real-life experiences. Furthermore, it examines how GenAI can enhance learning, supporting students at each stage of coding, reading, and writing. The ethical considerations of GenAI usage, including potential overuse by students, are discussed. …

Program Evaluation Of Tms Treatment For Patients With Comorbid Major Depressive Disorder And Ptsd, Alec Wilson

Doctor of Nursing Practice

Nearly six million in the U.S. experience symptoms associated with the diagnoses of comorbid Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Many with these diagnoses fail to respond to first line treatments that include medication and psychotherapy. Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) therapy is a non-invasive treatment option for individuals who fail to respond to first line treatments.

Methods: This program evaluation completed a retrospective chart review of adult patients with comorbid MDD and PTSD, who received TMS treatments at a private practice clinic between the time frame of September 2024 and October of 2025.

Results: All …

An Evidence-Based Practice Review: Outpatient Opioid, Narcan, And Non-Opioid Treatments For Pain Management, Kayla Culp

Doctor of Nursing Practice

Background: There were nearly 645,000 deaths from 1991-2021 related to opioid overdose. Despite the U.S. representing only four percent of the global population, Americans consume 80% of the world’s opioids. Ten million Americans misuse opioid prescriptions, and this contributes to the thousands of annual deaths. Preventable mortality related to the opioid epidemic persists despite advancements in primary, secondary, and tertiary prevention efforts.

Purpose: The purpose of this evidence-based practice (EBP) project was to compare components of CDC’s (Center for Disease Control and Prevention) Clinical Practice Guideline for Prescribing Opioids for Pain to current prescribing practices amid an ongoing …