Digital Commons Network^™

Exploring Teachers' Perspectives Of Developing Creativity In Students With Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder: A Hermeneutic Phenomenology, Mary C. Strickland

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this hermeneutic phenomenological study was to interpret the lived experience of teachers developing the creativity of students with ADHD in the southern United States. At this stage in the research, high school students with ADHD were generally defined as students who have been formally diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. The theory guiding this study was Karwowski’s theory of creative growth mindset. The central research question for this study was: What are the lived experiences of teachers developing the creativity of high school students with ADHD? This study was a hermeneutic phenomenology that explored the experiences of …

Insufficient Leadership Training For Ministers At Morning Star Missionary Baptist Church That Enables Them To Serve The Congregation In The Absence Of The Senior Pastor, Shirley J. Gamble

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this DMIN action research project is to create an operation and coaching module on every aspect of church ministry to train ministers. This project aims to establish a process following Ephesians 4:11-12, which states, “And He gave some, apostles; and some prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors, and teachers; For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ” (King James Version). The Christian leadership training for ministers at MSMBC will enable them to serve the congregation in the absence of the senior pastor. The desired …

Comparing The Effects Of Numerical Versus Syllable-Based Pedagogy On Kindergarten Academics, Tocorey C. Johnson

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this study is to examine the effects of numerically based and syllable-based pedagogical approaches on kindergarten students in a school located in Duval County, Jacksonville, Florida. The Kodály Method, a well-established and effective music education strategy, offers numerous classroom benefits. Teachers can utilize both numerically based and syllable-based approaches within the Kodály framework. However, additional data are required to ascertain whether these approaches can enhance academic performance among kindergarten students. A quasi-experimental design was used to evaluate the effectiveness of syllable-based music training on kindergarten reading scores and numerical-based music training on kindergarten math scores. The initial …

Sharing And Preserving Sociolinguistic Corpora On The U.S.-Mexico Border, Katherine Christoffersen, Isabella Calafate, Julio Ciller, Ana M. Carvalho, Ryan M. Bessett, Brandon J. Martínez, Hannia Rojas Barreda, William Flores, Richard Quiroz

Writing and Language Studies Faculty Publications

Since William Labov outlined the methodology for the sociolinguistic interview in 1972, sociolinguistic corpora have been used widely in the field of sociolinguistics to study diverse speech communities and linguistic features. However, most of these invaluable sociolinguistic collections have been available only to the individual researcher or research group, and these data sets usually disappear from use with that individual scholar. More recently, there has been a push towards data sharing in sociolinguistics, reflective of data sharing and the open science movement in other fields. Still, accessible online sociolinguistic corpora are few and far between, in part due to the …

Deep Learning And Machine Learning Based Prediction Of Significant Wave Height Along The Grand Coast Of Dakar, Senegal, Dialo Diop, Xu Dongsheng, Sanjay Kumar Shukla

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Recently, deep learning (DL) has become an essential tool for processing large datasets and is playing a crucial role in scientific research. It significantly contributes to protecting the marine environment and forecasting oceanic phenomena. This study applies an autoregressive integrated moving average model (ARIMA) time series model to forecast significant wave heights (SWHs) at two beaches in Dakar, Senegal: Malika and Yoff. Additionally, the long short-term memory network (LSTM) is used for comparative analysis. Both models estimate SWH for future predictions ranging from 12 hours to 60 days. The study utilized ERA5 reanalysis data, comprising 52584 elements of SWH and …

Advancing Statistical Literacy In Eye Care: A Series For Enhanced Clinical Decision-Making: Part 2: Statistical Testing In Eye And Vision Research – Principles And Practices, Daniela Oehring

School of Health Professions

Purpose: To enhance statistical literacy in eye and vision Research through practical guidance on hypothesis testing, test selection, and interpreting inferential statistics. The goal is to reduce common analytical errors and support more clinically meaningful conclusions in ophthalmic studies.Material and Methods: A narrative literature review was conducted using PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science to identify best practices in hypothesis testing, error control, and test selection relevant to clinical research in ophthalmologyand optometry. Simulated datasets, based on real-world clinical scenarios, were generated in Python to illustrate core concepts. Worked examples demonstrate the Impact of sample size, data distribution, and error …

Palliative Inotropic Support In A Patient With End-Stage Systolic Heart Failure, Christiana King, Justin Hayes

Cardiovascular Research Symposium

No abstract provided.

A Dual-Model Machine Learning Framework For Predictive Maintenance Of Industrial Digital Press Components, Richmond Darko, Emmanuel Adabor

African Conference on Information Systems and Technology

This study presents a novel dual-model predictive maintenance framework designed to improve maintenance scheduling for components in industrial digital presses. The framework integrates two complementary approaches: a Threshold-Based Maintenance Approach (TBMA) for components operating within acceptable usage limits, and an Overdue Severity-Based Maintenance Approach (OSBMA) for those that have exceeded their expected lifespans or show signs of critical degradation. This study uses real-world operational data from a Konica Minolta C6000 press. It applies advanced machine learning models, including Gradient Boosting Machines and Random Forest for classification, and Generalized Additive Models (GAM) for Remaining Useful Life (RUL) prediction. The goal is …

The Integration Of Agile Methodologies In Devops Practices Within The Information Technology Industry, Ashley Hourigan, Ridewaan Hanslo

African Conference on Information Systems and Technology

The demand for rapid software delivery in the Information Technology (IT) industry has significantly intensified, emphasising the need for faster software products and service releases with enhanced features to meet customer expectations. Agile methodologies are replacing traditional approaches such as Waterfall, where flexibility, iterative development and adaptation to change are favoured over rigid planning and execution. DevOps, a subsequent evolution from Agile, emphasises collaborative efforts in development and operations teams, focusing on continuous integration and deployment to deliver resilient and high-quality software products and services. This study aims to critically assess both Agile and DevOps practices in the IT industry …

Toward Secure And Inclusive Educational Metaverse: Insights For African Countries, Nkosikhona T. Msweli

African Conference on Information Systems and Technology

The rapid growth of immersive learning platforms has introduced critical identity security challenges. This study presents a bibliometric analysis of over 200 publications (2005–2025) on AI and security issues in virtual educational environments, using Scopus as the primary source. Findings reveal a surge in research after 2022, with China, the U.S., and India as leading contributors, while African representation remains limited. Key concerns include cross-platform vulnerabilities, deepfake threats, and challenges in implementing blockchain-based identity verification. The study also highlights algorithmic bias and ethical issues in identity authentication, emphasizing the need for inclusive, transparent AI systems. The paper provides insights to …

Conceptualizing Sociotechnical Changes In Higher Education Institution Fundraising Practices Resulting From Popia Compliance, Tendani Mulanga Chimboza, Ronica Ramsout, Wallace Chigona

African Conference on Information Systems and Technology

This qualitative inquiry investigates the sociotechnical changes in fundraising practices of Higher Education Institutions (HEI) resulting from compliance with the Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA) Act No 4 of 2013 in South Africa. POPIA imposes strict regulations for collection, processing, sharing and storage of personally identifiable information (PII). As the South African government continues to reduce subsidies in HEIs, a third-income stream has become important to support operational activities. A major source of a third-income stream for HEIs is fundraising. Fundraising practices are largely mediated through donor management systems (DMS) or Customer Relationship Management Systems (CRM) that rely on …

Biddle Physical Ability Test (Bpat) Performance By Attempt In Southern California Structural Firefighter Candidates, Robert G. Lockie, Joseph Dulla, Jennifer Meloni, Kristina A. Ross, Robin (Rob) Marc Orr, J. Jay Dawes, Tomas J. Ruvalcaba

International Journal of Exercise Science

International Journal of Exercise Science 18(8): 895-909, 2025. The Biddle Physical Ability Test (BPAT) is a job task simulation that must be completed in ≤9:34 min:s by structural firefighter candidates to be accepted to a fire training academy. This study investigated the influence of prior attempts on BPAT time. Retrospective analysis was conducted on 1435 male and 72 female candidates. All participants received equivalent instruction on how to complete the BPAT which incorporated: dry hose drag; charged hose drag; halyard raise; roof walk; attic crawl; roof ventilation; victim removal; ladder removal and carry; stair climb with hose bundle; crawling search; …

Equity In Every Beat: Advancing Women’S Heart Health Through Early Identification, Education, And Partnerships, Cristy Ellen Jomoc, Patricia Etheridge

Global Advocacy

Equity in Every Beat: Advancing Women’s Heart Health through Early Identification, Education, and Partnerships is a global advocacy initiative addressing disparities in cardiovascular care among women.

Background: Cardiovascular disease remains the leading cause of death in women worldwide, yet it is frequently underrecognized and undertreated due to implicit bias, misdiagnosis, and barriers to care. With one in three women globally succumbing to heart disease, there is an urgent need for improved early detection and intervention. This initiative aligns with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 3 (Good Health and Well-being), 4 (Quality Education), and 17 (Partnerships for the Goals), focusing on empowering …

Gratifications That Contribute To Compulsive Youtube Use Among University Students, Mkhululi Tshepo Ncube, Zweithini Mabhena, Wallace Chigona

African Conference on Information Systems and Technology

This study investigated the gratifications contributing to compulsive YouTube use among university students. Compulsive YouTube use, marked by an inability to regulate consumption despite negative impacts to the user, is analysed through the Uses and Gratifications Theory (U&G) and Compulsive Internet Use (CIU). Specifically, the study examined how different gratifications—such as emotional support, habitual viewing, and escapism—drive compulsive use patterns. A cross-sectional survey strategy was employed, collecting data from 175 university students through structured online questionnaires. The study used Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modelling (PLS-SEM) to test the relationships between the identified gratifications and compulsive usage behaviour. The findings …

Machine Learning Driven Email Phishing Detection, Selasi Tsatsu Ayekple, Ransford Fiifi Bekoe, Ebenezer Addy, Felicia Engmann

African Conference on Information Systems and Technology

Phishing attacks pose significant risks to cybersecurity, exploiting user trust through deceptive email content. This paper presents a machine learning based framework for detecting phishing emails using a 2024 dataset comprising over 80,000 labeled samples sourced from PhishTank and Kaggle. Features were engineered from URLs, email content, and metadata. Five models— Logistic Regression, Support Vector Machine (SVM), Random Forest, XGBoost, and K-Nearest Neighbors (KNN)—were evaluated. Simulated results demonstrate that ensemble models, particularly Random Forest and XGBoost, delivered optimal results, with near-perfect accuracy and recall. The study highlights the efficacy of combining feature-based engineering with ensemble learning to enhance real-time phishing …

How Can We Reduce Mental Health Disparities In Rural Areas?, Brenda Kinyumu

Global Advocacy

On a regular day, rural areas face a shortage of healthcare providers (Physicians) and have limited access to healthcare for their physical illness. Adding mental health to the equation complicates the situation. Different communities have distinct needs, thus requiring solutions tailored for each community. It is crucial to assess the specific needs of each community and customize interventions accordingly. 1/5 of the rural population, which is roughly 6.5 million people, suffer from mental health illness (Morales et al., 2020). According to the Mental Health America website, the Rural suicide rate is 18.3 &20.5 per 100,0000 compared to the urban rate …

Closing The Gap: A Global Advocacy Campaign To Promote Hiv Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis In Pregnancy, Marin Strong

Global Advocacy

Background: The risk of HIV acquisition is doubled during pregnancy compared to non-pregnant periods, and over one-third of vertical transmission of HIV (from mother to baby) is attributable to acute maternal HIV acquisition. Since 2017, the World Health Organization (WHO) has recommended oral HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) as a safe, effective prevention tool for pregnant and postpartum women at high risk for HIV acquisition. However, per the 2018-2019 Global Reproductive, Maternal, Newborn, Child and Adolescent Health Policy Survey, only 43% of WHO member states have policies in place aligned with supporting HIV PrEP in pregnancy. It is a critical time …

Activity Hierarchy: A Sequential Process Model For Information Systems Research, Irja Shaanika, Tiko Iyamu

African Conference on Information Systems and Technology

Due to the lack of guidelines on how to apply the activity hierarchy (AH) of activity theory (AT), many postgraduates including emerging researchers, continue to struggle in their attempts to apply the theory as a lens. Also, the difficulty limits options in selecting theories in information systems (IS) research. Thus, the study’s objective was to propose a set of guidelines for applying AH in IS research. From a qualitative methods perspective, thirty-one articles were gathered. The interpretive approach was applied using the hermeneutic cycle to examine the articles. Based on the analysis, a model was developed. The model provides a …

Employee’S Willingness To Engage In Information Security Incident Reporting, Ryan Moodley, Salah Kabanda

African Conference on Information Systems and Technology

Organisations employ several strategies for mitigating insider threats, and yet recent studies have shown that insider threats continue to surge. Strategies are mostly reliant on technological solutions and more recently, a human centered approach where the focus is on psychological profile and behavioural habits of the individual posing the threat (the insider). The role of employees in reporting the insider or in the reporting of security incidents has received limited attention. This paper, through a literature review synthesis, identifies the factors influencing an employee’s willingness to report an insider and consequently reporting of security incidents. Through a thematic analysis of …

The Shorthorn: November 28, 1979

The Shorthorn Newspaper Collection: 1970s

No abstract provided.

The Shorthorn: November 27, 1979

The Shorthorn Newspaper Collection: 1970s

No abstract provided.

The Shorthorn: November 06, 1979

The Shorthorn Newspaper Collection: 1970s

No abstract provided.

The Shorthorn: November 02, 1979

The Shorthorn Newspaper Collection: 1970s

No abstract provided.

The Shorthorn: October 24, 1979

The Shorthorn Newspaper Collection: 1970s

No abstract provided.

The Shorthorn: October 25, 1979

The Shorthorn Newspaper Collection: 1970s

No abstract provided.

The Shorthorn: October 19, 1979

The Shorthorn Newspaper Collection: 1970s

No abstract provided.

The Shorthorn: September 7, 1979

The Shorthorn Newspaper Collection: 1970s

No abstract provided.

The Shorthorn: September 11, 1979

The Shorthorn Newspaper Collection: 1970s

No abstract provided.

The Shorthorn: September 6, 1979

The Shorthorn Newspaper Collection: 1970s

No abstract provided.

The Shorthorn: June 13, 1979

The Shorthorn Newspaper Collection: 1970s

No abstract provided.