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Motivation, Tourists’ Activity-Based Engagement And Place Attachment: An Exploratory Study Of Religious Attractions In Less Prominent Religious Destinations, Po Man Tse, Yan Pui Crystal Lee, Sau Ying Pamela Ho, Shun Mun Helen Wong, Chi Lok Andy Tai

International Journal of Religious Tourism and Pilgrimage

This study explores the relationship between tourist motivation and tourist activity-based engagement, considering the mediating effect of place attachment in the visitation of religious attractions in less prominent religious destinations. A quantitative approach was applied, with 319 questionnaires distributed at Hong Kong’s two most popular religious sites: Sik Sik Yuen Wong Tai Sin Temple and the Big Buddha. The analysis showed that place attachment is an important mediator between tourist motivation and engagement. In the Sik Sik Yuen Wong Tai Sin Temple case, the mediator counteracts the negative direct effect between tourist motivation and immersed involvement. A full mediating effect …

Sacred Or Sold? A Systems Approach To Balancing Spirituality And Commercialisation In Faith-Based Tourism, Tadeja Jere Jakulin, Dane Munro

International Journal of Religious Tourism and Pilgrimage

This paper examines the complexity of pilgrimage tourism, with its interdependencies among sacredness, spirituality, and commercialisation at faith-based tourism destinations. We use a Systems Approach to move beyond linear thinking that positions spirituality and commerce as inherently oppositional forces, arguing that pilgrimage destinations function as complex adaptive systems in which spiritual, commercial, and educational objectives interact dynamically. We build Causal Loop Diagrams (CLDs) formed from autoethnographic observation and stakeholder discussions. We present and compare four pilgrimage sites: Lourdes (France), Brezje (Slovenia), Malta, and Istanbul’s Hagia Sophia (Türkiye). The CLD models reveal the dynamics of the pilgrimage sites, the interdependencies, and …

April 30, 2026, James Madison University

The Breeze, 2020-

The Breeze is the student newspaper of James Madison University in Harrisonburg, Virginia.

Cylindrical Versus Spherical Self-Similar Capillary Cavity Collapse, Karl Cardin, Christophe Josserand, Raul Bayoan Cal

Mechanical and Materials Engineering Faculty Publications and Presentations

Drop tower experiments have been performed to study the capillary collapse of large high-aspect-ratio cavities. Cavities are formed by momentarily impinging the free surface of a liquid bath with a jet of air in the microgravity environment of a drop tower. The collapse may give rise to a jet and three distinct jetting regimes are identified. Simulations are performed to further investigate the phenomena. The abrupt emergence of a thin high velocity jet is observed experimentally and numerically at a specific initial cavity aspect ratio. Different power laws are identified in different regions of the cavity during the collapse providing …

Evaluating Interventions For Work Related Musculoskeletal Pain Among Acute Care Nurses: A Scoping Review, Samuel H. Dutton

Honors Theses

Background: Recent research has indicated a significantly higher incidence of work related musculoskeletal pain (WRMP) among nurses in general, while also promoting the need for interventions to combat this WRMP. However, there is little literature available regarding interventions to prevent WRMP among acute care nurses.

Objective: The objective of this scoping review is to map the available literature regarding interventions to prevent WRMP among acute care nurses.

Design: Online databases (CINAHL, Pubmed, and MEDLINE) were used to identify articles from 2010-2025. This resulted in 6 studies being selected to be included in the scoping review. These studies had varying research …

The Delivery Dilemma: Unintended Consequences Of Cesarean Sections, Cecilia Odegard, Ellie Rose Piette

Celebrating Scholarship and Creativity Day (2018-)

Cesarean sections (C-sections) are a major surgical procedure intended to minimize the rate of maternal and infant mortality due to complications during birth. While they were originally intended to only be performed when medically necessary, rates of non-medically indicated C-sections have increased significantly. This poster examines the unintended consequences (UICs) that are associated with C-section delivery, focusing on both short-term and long-term effects. A major focus is how C-sections disrupt early microbial exposure during birth, which plays an important role in the development of the infant gut microbiome and immune system. Research has shown that infants born via C- section …

Physical Properties Of Aqueous Aerosols In The Presence Of Oxalic Acid, Felicia Lutz

Celebrating Scholarship and Creativity Day (2018-)

Different compounds in atmospheric aerosols absorb water (deliquesce) and release water (effloresce) at different levels of humidity. This can affect the chemistry of atmospheric aerosols as well as the formation of clouds and movement of water vapor in the sky. While there has been previous research on deliquescence of salts, the results of compounds mixed with organics are of more interest as the composition of aerosols are better understood. Organics can impact other physical properties of liquid aerosols like surface tension. In this research, the deliquescence relative humidity, efflorescence relative humidity and surface tension was determined for common salts found …

Getting Your Master's, Is It Worth It?, Vy Le, Madyson Schreifels

Celebrating Scholarship and Creativity Day (2018-)

This project uses a differential equation model to evaluate whether earning a master’s degree is financially worthwhile. Using UC Berkeley’s Master of Computer Science program as a case study, we modeled student loan repayment and compared long-term earnings between bachelor’s and master’s degree holders. The model predicts monthly loan payments and estimates the break-even point where the higher salary from the master’s degree outweighs the total investment cost. Results suggest that the degree becomes financially beneficial after approximately 15 years.

Hemispheric Processing Of Words And Unfamiliar Symbol Strings, Karoline Curlo

Celebrating Scholarship and Creativity Day (2018-)

This study investigates the role of each cerebral hemisphere in processing word forms to better understand how the brain decodes letter strings. Participants completed a same-different judgment task for four-character word and symbol (Orkhon) pairs presented unilaterally. On different trials, a single character was substituted at the first, second, third, or fourth position in the string. Results showed a sameness advantage in the left hemisphere (LH) and a difference advantage in the right hemisphere (RH) - effects only observed with word stimuli. Performance was best when the substituted character occurred at the beginning or end of words and symbols, rather …

A Bridge Back To The Community, Anna Kemp, Summer Langva, Ulathi Mpofu

Celebrating Scholarship and Creativity Day (2018-)

The Dream Center in St. Cloud, Minnesota, supports adult men aged 18 and older who face challenges such as mental illness, chemical dependency, traumatic brain injury, learning disabilities, and physical disabilities. The center provides stable housing, three daily meals, clothing, and a range of support systems designed to promote rehabilitation and community reintegration. In addition to meeting basic needs, the Dream Center offers faith‑based programming that emphasizes restoration through Christian teachings, including the message of God’s love through Jesus Christ, the Holy Spirit, and the Word of God. As part of our community service‑learning project, we conducted interviews with residents …

Supercritical Fluid Extractions Of Organic Compounds For Chemistry 202 Laboratory, Avery Polipnick, Autumn Larson

Celebrating Scholarship and Creativity Day (2018-)

Supercritical fluid extractions are a green chemistry technique that is used to isolate nonpolar compounds, without the use of solvents that are harmful to the environment. Compounds reach their supercritical point which is found above their critical temperature and pressure causing them to be in a state between liquid and gas phases. Carbon dioxide in its supercritical fluid form acts as a solvent. This study investigates how a supercritical carbon dioxide extraction can be incorporated into the Chemistry 202 Laboratory curriculum at the College of Saint Benedict and Saint John’s University. Initial conditions for this extraction were previously determined. The …

The Mapping Of Huma Betang Character In Physics Learning Based On Machine Learning (Artificial Neural Network And Fuzzy C-Means), Pri Ariadi Cahya Dinata, Desy Kumala Sari, Theo Jhoni Hartanto, Gunarjo Suryanto Budi

Jurnal Pendidikan dan Pembelajaran

Background: Huma Betang (big house) is a philosophy of the Dayak community and serves as a value instilled in learning at schools in Central Kalimantan. While numerous studies have explored the application and inculcation of Huma Betang character values in students, few have quantitatively measured and mapped these characters as part of educational evaluation. Objective: This study aims to map the profile of the Huma Betang character in Physics learning among high school students in Palangka Raya City, Central Kalimantan. The characters measured in this study consist of four pillars: Hapahari (kinship), Handep (mutual assistance), Belom Bahadat (civilized living), and …

Child-Centered User Interface Design For Early Language Learning Applications: A Qualitative Comparative Study, Fenie Fedora Wijaya, Shienny Megawati Sutanto

Jurnal Pendidikan dan Pembelajaran

Background: In the digital learning era, user interface (UI) design plays an important role in shaping how children engage with educational applications, particularly in early language learning contexts. however, many applications are not fully aligned with children’s cognitive, emotional, and developmental needs. Objective: This study aims to examine how UI design in child-centered language learning applications can be optimized to support children’s cognitive and emotional needs while enhancing learning outcomes. Method: This study adopts a qualitative comparative approach, integrating a literature review, visual analysis of two English-language learning applications (Duolingo ABC and BOOKR Class), semi-structured interviews with three design experts, …

Meeting Students’ Basic Needs Through A Free Nutritious Meal Program At School, Wiedya Listrina, Nora Saiva Jannana, Sedya Santosa, Tarwiyati Tarwiyati, Aning Puspita Ningrum

Jurnal Pendidikan dan Pembelajaran

Background: The effectiveness of school-based nutrition intervention programs in improving students’ readiness to learn continues to yield mixed results, particularly when implemented in educational settings with heterogeneous social characteristics. Objective: This study aims to analyze the fulfillment of students’ basic needs through the Free Nutritious Meal Program (MBG) and its implications for learning readiness and the learning climate at MTs Hidayatullah, Temanggung Regency, Central Java. Method: This study employs a qualitative approach with a case study design. Participants included eight students, four teachers who also served as homeroom teachers, the school principal, and the program coordinator, all selected through purposive …

Reframing Arabic Reading Pedagogy Through Problem-Based Learning: An Intrinsic Case Study In Islamic Senior High School, Khoirotun Ni’Mah, Muhammad Samsul Ulum, Abdul Wahab Rosyidi, Muhammad Yakut Bainal Hajar

Jurnal Pendidikan dan Pembelajaran

Background: Arabic reading instruction in Madrasah Aliyah is often dominated by literal and transmissive approaches, limiting students’ engagement and higher-order thinking. Objective: This study aims to analyze the implementation of Problem-Based Learning (PBL) in Arabic reading instruction, focusing on student engagement, learning processes, and contextual factors influencing its application. Method: Employing a qualitative approach with an intrinsic case study design, this research involved two Arabic teachers and 30 purposively selected tenth-grade students. Data were collected through participant observation, semi-structured interviews, and document analysis, and analyzed using reflexive thematic analysis. Results: The findings reveal that PBL transforms reading instruction into a …

What Remains, Hailie Adamczak

Honors Theses

What Remains is a balletic contemporary dance work that explores the emotional complexity of growing older, leaving home, and returning to places that no longer feel the same. Rooted in personal experience, the piece examines the tension between memory and identity, questioning whether home is a physical place or a feeling that slowly changes over time. Through movement, music, lighting, and costume design, the work reflects the bittersweet realization that certain people, places, and experiences continue to shape us long after we leave them behind.

The choreography follows a central soloist navigating themes of belonging, conformity, grief, and self-discovery. Structured …

It's Not Nde Without U And X: Preparing For Change With Inclusive Research, Sanjeet Mann, Heather L. Cribbs

Library Faculty Publications & Presentations

The upcoming Next Discovery Experience (NDE) introduces major changes to how users search, interpret information, and navigate Primo. Preparing for NDE is an opportunity to center the diverse students and faculty who rely on discovery systems every day, ensuring that their lived experiences, accessibility needs, and research practices guide interface design, configuration, and communication. This session presents a consortial approach to NDE readiness that positions students and community members as partners in the development process. We describe strategies for creating ethical and rigorous UX research workflows that include IRB approval, purposeful recruitment, accessible study design, and clear documentation on the …

Bcon-2 Mission Operations And Testing, Kenny Blanton

Symposium on Research and Creative Expression (SORCE)

The BCON-2 mission is a collaboration between Valparaiso University and NearSpace education to design and develop a 0.5U ThinSat. The mission serves as a research platform for autonomous bulk data downlinking in low earth orbit (LEO). In collaboration with the University of Luxembourg, BCON-2 is hosting the Space Systems Engineering (SpaSys) group’s Attitude Determination and Control System (ADCS) for its first on-orbit demonstration. The ADCS system has X, Y, and Z magnetorquer coils embedded in PCB boards.

Pre-flight activities emphasized subsystem integration and software validation via an emulator. A vital part of the readiness process involved extensive testing with the …

Perceptions Of Northwest Indiana’S Community Supports And Resources For Caregivers Of Children With Disabilities, Veronica Lin, Julianna Colon

Symposium on Research and Creative Expression (SORCE)

Background: Caregivers of children with disabilities in Northwest Indiana (NWI) face limited services and often receive unclear, overwhelming information, leaving them unsure how to access support.

Methods: This qualitative study conducted semi-structured interviews with six caregivers across Porter, Lake, and La Porte counties. Participants completed a single 30-40 minute interview about their experiences with community resources and ideal support. Transcribed interviews were thematically analyzed.

Results: All six caregivers used at least one form of community support. Common resources included Facebook support groups (n=6), outpatient therapies (n=5), and First Steps (n=4). Five key themes emerged: (1) importance of early intervention and …

Phoenix: Gpu-Accelerated Polarized Radiative Transfer For Curved Spacetime, Christopher Noga

Symposium on Research and Creative Expression (SORCE)

The Event Horizon Telescope (EHT), in its famous 2019 image, proved that directly imaging a supermassive black hole at the event horizon scale is possible. Understanding these observations requires effort on multiple fronts, including comparing them against synthetic images generated by post-processing general relativistic magnetohydrodynamics (GRMHD) simulations, which describe how magnetized plasma behaves in the strong-field limit, such as near a black hole. Bridging the gap between these simulations and observations involves general relativistic ray-tracing (GRRT), which tracks how light rays propagate through curved spacetime, producing synthetic images that can be directly compared to EHT data. The quantitative techniques that …

Mechanistic Insights Into Enterolactone-Mediated Glut4-Dependent Glucose Uptake, Merritt Smith

Senior Honors Theses

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2D) is one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality in the United States, with approximately 25% of healthcare expenditures directed toward its management and associated metabolic complications. In response to the urgent need for novel therapeutic strategies, recent research has focused on bioactive compounds derived from dietary sources. In light of that, we identified the plant lignan matairesinol (MA) and its gut-derived metabolite, enterolactone (ENL), as agents capable of enhancing glucose uptake in 3T3-L1 differentiated adipocytes. These results suggest that enterolactone may represent a promising dietary supplement for improving glycemic control in patients with …

Transparency And Personalized Feedback Curb Ai Misuse In Asynchronous Online Biology, Elana A. Paladino

UNLV Best Teaching Practices Expo

The rapid expansion of generative AI (Gen-AI) has reshaped teaching and assessment in online, asynchronous introductory biology courses, creating new challenges for academic integrity and meaningful learning. This poster examines practical strategies to promote ethical AI use while maintaining student engagement. Transparency of instructions and timely, personalized feedback were found to curb AI misuse in online discussion posts. Structured use of AI tutors encouraged responsible engagement with Gen-AI, and surveillance methods for summative exams had mixed effects.

Culturally Responsive Tent: An Architectural Journey, Marcos Amado Petroli, Elmira Ebadi

UNLV Best Teaching Practices Expo

Culturally responsive teaching in architecture encourages students to connect design thinking with identity, culture, and lived experience. This studio assignment introduced the tent as an archetypal architectural form and weaving as a generative tectonic strategy, allowing students to explore how lightweight structures can respond to social needs, cultural narratives, and material expression.

Psychedelic Research In The Modern Day: Good Or Bad?, Shane Miller

Mechanical Engineering Student Research

This work is about the usage/safety of psychedelic substances, and I explain whether they are good or bad in terms of other drugs, such as alcohol.

Implementation Of Kansei Engineering Method In Designing Spreadable Cheese Packaging, Novi Purnama Sari, Mega Analisa, Suci Puji Lestari, Khofifah Nur Amalia

Makara Journal of Technology

Some spreadable cheese packaging uses flexible plastic without additional features and easily damaged boxes. This packaging causes several problems, such as difficulty in re-storage, loss of product information due to damaged box packaging, wasteful use of packaging materials, and making the product less hygienic. The purpose of this study is to develop packaging that focuses on consumer emotions. The packaging was developed using the Kansei Engineering method, supported by Principal Component Analysis (PCA) as a determinant of the design concept, and Quantification Theory Type 1 (QTT1) to identify design elements. This study produced 46 packaging samples and 40 Kansei words. …