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On The Scientific Stature Of Data Science: The Epistemological Unicorn, Ernest Fokoue

Articles

Data Science has ignited unprecedented academic, industrial, and pedagogical fervor, yet its status as a \textit{science} in the classical sense---comparable to physics or biology---remains profoundly unsettled. This article interrogates the epistemological foundations of Data Science by examining its hybrid theoretical lineage, from the Universal Approximation Theorem to the No-Free-Lunch Theorems, with special emphasis on the fundamental Bayesian optimality results for both regression and classification. We argue that Data Science is in a vigorous \textit{gestational period}, characterized not by an absence of principles but by a creative tension between empirical pragmatism and deep mathematical theory. The Cross-Validation score emerges as the …

Learning Ordinal Geometry: Semantic–Aware Kernels For Ordered Categorical Data, Ernest Fokoue

Articles

Ordinal data arise ubiquitously in survey research, psychology, medicine, economics, and recommender systems, yet kernel methods for such data typically rely on either nominal encodings or arbitrary numeric codings. The former discards order information; the lat- ter imposes a fictitious metric structure. This paper develops a principled framework for kernel design on ordinal scales and introduces a new class of Semantic–Aware Ordinal Ker- nels (SAOK) that simultaneously capture ordinal order and semantic proximity between categories. We begin by formalizing order–preserving embeddings of finite chains and characterizing a broad family of chain distances that are conditionally negative definite. Through Schoen- berg …

Saturated Hierarchical Atomic Incremental Learning (Shail): A Behavioral Learning Perspective On Staged Mastery And Saturation, Ernest Fokoue

Articles

We introduce Saturated Hierarchical Atomic Incremental Learning (sHAIL), a learning paradigm in which complex tasks are approached through a sequence of simpler atomic subtasks, each mastered to saturation before progression. The central mechanism is a saturation criterion that detects when learning dynamics enter a plateau region, triggering consolidation and subsequent ascent to a higher level of task complexity. We develop a theoretical framework for sHAIL and show that it naturally gives rise to \emph{staircased convergence}: alternating phases of rapid improvement and genuine plateau. Within each level, classical convergence guarantees apply under standard smoothness conditions, while the hierarchical transitions are driven …

No Intelligence Without Statistics: The Invisible Backbone Of Artificial Intelligence, Ernest Fokoue

Articles

The rapid ascent of artificial intelligence (AI) is often portrayed as a revolution born from computer science and engineering. This narrative, however, obscures a fundamental truth: the theoretical and methodological core of AI is, and has always been, statistical. This paper systematically argues that the field of statistics provides the indispensable foundation for machine learning and modern AI. We deconstruct AI into nine foundational pillars—Inference, Density Estimation, Sequential Learning, Generalization, Representation Learning, Interpretability, Causality, Optimization, and Unification—demonstrating that each is built upon century-old statistical principles. From the inferential frameworks of hypothesis testing and estimation that underpin model evaluation, to the …

On Fibonacci Ensembles: An Alternative Approach To Ensemble Learning Inspired By The Timeless Architecture Of The Golden Ratio, Ernest Fokoue

Articles

Nature rarely reveals her secrets bluntly, yet in the Fibonacci sequence she grants us a glimpse of her quiet architecture of growth, harmony, and recursive stability \citep{Koshy2001Fibonacci, Livio2002GoldenRatio}. From spiral galaxies to the unfolding of leaves, this humble sequence reflects a universal grammar of balance. In this work, we introduce \emph{Fibonacci Ensembles}, a mathematically principled yet philosophically inspired framework for ensemble learning that complements and extends classical aggregation schemes such as bagging, boosting, and random forests \citep{Breiman1996Bagging, Breiman2001RandomForests, Friedman2001GBM, Zhou2012Ensemble, HastieTibshiraniFriedman2009ESL}. Two intertwined formulations unfold: (1) the use of normalized Fibonacci weights -- tempered through orthogonalization and Rao--Blackwell optimization -- …

Organic Management Of Pillbugs And Sowbugs In Strawberries And Other Fruits, Briger Carey, Marion Murray, Emilie Demard, Jennifer R. Reeve

All Current Publications

Pillbugs and sowbugs are collectively known as isopods that typically feed on soil organic matter, but under certain conditions, they can be a pest of many young plants and berries. This fact sheet reviews identification, life cycle, damage, and organic management strategies for pillbugs and sowbugs.

Impeachment By Conviction With Crimes Of Dishonesty Or False Statement: The Automatic Admit Feature In Rule 609(A)(2), David Crump

St. Mary's Law Journal

No abstract provided.

Jonathan Difraia V. Kevin Ransom

2026 Decisions

USDC for the Middle District of Pennsylvania

Children’S Perspectives On Playfulness: A Child-Centred Qualitative Study, Risa Rylander, Stephanie Burns, Jocelyn Dautel

International Journal of Playwork Practice

This qualitative study examines children’s lived experiences of play and playfulness through interviews and creative methods with 10 children aged 8–11 in a Playwork setting. Thematic analysis identified three core themes: playfulness as an internal experience; the contextual nature of playfulness; and Playwork theory in practice. Children described play as joyful, immersive, and intrinsically motivated, shaped by factors such as comfort, outdoor access, social relationships, and autonomy. They valued adult support that preserved freedom. Findings challenge narrow definitions of playfulness, emphasizing calm, solitary, and open-ended play, with implications for designing responsive, child-centred play environments.

Mapping Clinical Competency Assessment: Comparing Taiwanese Dpt Tools To The U.S. Clinical Performance Instrument, Szu-Hua Teresa Chen, Che-Hsuan Lin, Kayleigh Plumeau, Yueh-Hsia Chen, Yen-Tzu Wu, Chia-Ling Chen, Chieh-Yu Yang

Journal of Medical Education

Background: To align Taiwan's physical therapy clinical education with international standards, this study aimed to: (1) map Taiwan's clinical assessment tools—the Ability-Based Professionalism Assessment (ABPA) and the Mini-Clinical Evaluation Exercise (Mini-CEX)—to the competency domains of the United States (U.S.) Clinical Performance Instrument (CPI) 3.0; (2) examine longitudinal changes in student clinical performance; and (3) explore whether developmental patterns correspond to competencies emphasized by the assessment framework.

Methods: This study integrated qualitative framework mapping and quantitative longitudinal analysis. Thirty-four fifth-year students enrolled in a six-year Doctor of Physical Therapy program at National Taiwan University who completed clinical internships during the 2022–2023 …

The Effects Of Interactive Instruction In Medical Education On Learners' Motivation, Technology Acceptance, And Learning Satisfaction, Bo-Yuan Lin

Journal of Medical Education

Purpose: Medical education is characterized by complex content and high cognitive demands, which often challenge learners. motivation and engagement. With advances in educational technology, interactive teaching approaches have gained increasing attention for their potential to enhance learning experiences. This study aimed to investigate the effects of integrating an Interactive Response System (IRS) into a medical education course on learners. learning motivation, technology acceptance, and learning satisfaction.

Methods: A single-group posttest design was employed. Participants were 23 healthcare professionals specializing in respiratory therapy who attended a professional training course on the clinical application of high-frequency ventilators. During the 50-minute instructional session, …

Taiwan Healthcare Professionals' Perception, Attitudes, And Experience About Balint Groups: A Two-Stage Pilot Study, Ing-Tiat Tiunn, Chung-Han Ho

Journal of Medical Education

Background: Balint groups have been widely implemented to support medical training in many countries. However, no empirical study has yet been conducted in Taiwan to evaluate their effectiveness.

Methods: An introductory presentation on Balint groups was held at a medical center in southern Taiwan, followed by a survey assessing attendees' perceptions and attitudes toward Balint work. Subsequently, a six-session Balint group was offered to healthcare professionals who volunteered to participate. All participants completed the 25-item Resilience Scale before and after the intervention. Thematic analysis was employed to analyze qualitative data.

Results: A total of 44 healthcare professionals attended …

Practice Readiness In Occupational Therapy Graduates From A Bachelor's Training Program: A Multi-Stakeholder Study In Taiwan, Kuan-Yi Li, Chi-Min Yang, Chi-Hsuan Chen, Rou-Shayn Chen, Hsiang-Han Huang

Journal of Medical Education

Introduction: The transition from academic education to clinical practice is a critical challenge for new occupational therapy (OT) graduates. While most Western countries have adopted master's or doctoral entry-level into the profession, bachelor's-level OT training remains the mainstream in Asia. This raises questions about whether such programs adequately prepare graduates for today's complex clinical environments. This study examined the preparedness of OT graduates under bachelor-level training by exploring the alignment between educational experiences and workplace expectations from the perspectives of multiple stakeholders.

Methods: A total of 547 respondents, including recent graduates, clinical educators, practicing occupational therapists, and heads of occupational …

The Impact Of Non-Technical Skills On Respiratory Therapists' Practice: A Single-Center Study At A Tertiary Hospital In Saudi Arabia, Mohamad A. Abdulsamad, Fadi A. Toonsi

Journal of Medical Rehabilitation Science

Background: Non-technical skills (NTS), including communication, teamwork, decision-making, and situational awareness, are increasingly recognized as essential for patient safety and effective healthcare delivery. Respiratory therapists (RTs) at King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Center (KFSH&RC) frequently face high-stakes clinical situations where NTS are critical, yet limited evidence exists regarding their integration into practice and training. This study evaluated the impact of NTS on RT practice, identified key skill gaps, and proposed recommendations for curriculum enhancement. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 50 RTs with at least six months of experience at KFSH&RC in Jeddah city. Data were collected using …

Towards State Legislative Codification Of The Wpath Soc Guidelines, Suresh Hanubal

Duke Journal of Constitutional Law & Public Policy Sidebar

Transgender rights have increasingly come under assault in the United States. As of early 2026, twenty-seven states have passed either bans or restrictions on access to gender-affirming care. The issue has also become a central focus at the federal level. The U.S. Supreme Court decided United States v. Skrmetti, a case concerning the legality of state restrictions on gender-affirming care, in the 2024 – 2025 term. Moreover, the second Trump administration has been clear that rolling back transgender rights, including access to gender-affirming care, is a priority. In this political environment, where access to gender-affirming care in the United States …

Of Property And Pilgrims: The Myth Of Communal Property And The Realities Of Corporate Charters And Land Tenures In Plymouth Colony, Liam Cronan

St. Mary's Law Journal

No abstract provided.

Dissociative Identity Disorder And The Creation Of The Court Forensic Psychologist, Sarah Nicole Peacock

St. Mary's Law Journal

No abstract provided.

Implementing Holographic Instruction In Multi-Campus Dpt Education, Stacie M.L. Christensen, Brad Dexter, Michael Hollins, Elisabeth Barrett

Innovations in Health Sciences Education Journal

Poster presented at the 2026 Spotlight on Scholarship at the University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska.

Outstanding Project: Second Place Winner

Food For Health: Nourishing Transitions, Kamryn Pfenning, Grace Beauchamp, Shauntel Nutile, Morgan Brummels, Melanie Menning

Innovations in Health Sciences Education Journal

This is an abstract from the Spotlight on Scholarship event in 2026.

The Circassian Woman In The Memoirs Of Russian Officers Serving In The Caucasus In The 19th Century, Ulkar Afandiyeva

Khazar Journal of Humanities and Social Sciences

This article examines the depictions of Circassian women in the memoirs and observations of 19th-century Russian officers who served in the Caucasus, including Ivan Fyodorovich Blaramberg, Semyon Mikhailovich Bronevsky, Stepan Dmitrievich Nechayev, Karl Fyodorovich Stal, and Fyodor Fyodorovich Tornau. These officers not only described the physical appearance of Circassian women but also provided detailed accounts of their roles and positions within society. While the portrayals of their graceful physical features reflect the aesthetic ideals of the period, some narratives also highlight emotional intimacy and personal relationships with these women. The study aims to explore the image of Circassian women in …

Evaluation Of Turkish Hearths From A Sporting Perspective: Construction Of National Identity In Geographical Regions, Alpay Aydoğdu, Merve Güney, Hacı Ali Çakici, Burkay Cevahiṙ Ciȯ Ğ

Khazar Journal of Humanities and Social Sciences

Turkish Hearths played an important role in the institutionalisation of Turkish nationalism in the final years of the Ottoman Empire and the early years of the Republic. The process began with the establishment of the Turkish Association in 1908, the Turkish Homeland Society in 1911, and the Turkish Power Society in 1913, and was strengthened with the establishment of the Turkish Ocağı. Turkish Hearths focused on sports activities with the aim of supporting the physical and mental development of Turkish youth, reviving national consciousness, and ensuring social unity. Sports branches operating in seven geographical regions promoted sports suitable for the …

Factors Affecting Older Adult Adjustment At A Health Promoting Hospital In Nakhon Phanom, Thailand, Onuma Kaewkerd, Yuttachai Chaiyasit, Phensiri Dumrongpakapakorn, Nuttiya Prommasaka Na Sakonnakhon

Jurnal Keperawatan Indonesia

Elderly adjustment influences quality of life and well-being and informs appropriate health promotion, holistic care, and health services. This study aimed to investigate the factors influencing the adaptation of older adults by focusing on a study conducted at Dong Kwang Health Promoting Hospital in Nakhon Phanom Province, Thailand. A cross-sectional design was used for the study. The sample consisted of 100 older adults and were selected for data collection from March 22, 2023, to April 20, 2023. The research instruments consisted of questionnaires assessing personal information, spiritual well-being, stress, perceived self-care abilities of older adults, quality of life, and older …

On An Approximate Solution Of One Class Of Systems Of Integral Equations Of The Second Kind, Elnur H. Khalilov

Baku Mathematical Journal

This paper provides a justification of the collocation method for a system of integral equations arising in boundary value problems for Maxwell’s equations. At specifically chosen collocation points, the system of integral equations is replaced by a system of algebraic equations, for which the existence and uniqueness of the solution are established. The convergence of the solutions of the algebraic system to the exact solution of the system of integral equations is proven, and the convergence rate of the method is indicated.

Toxicity, Chemistry, And Public Health Relevance Of Emerging Nicotine Analog Vapes, Pods, And Pouches., Rhea Raghu, Mohana Sengupta, Karen Lin, Felix Effah, Robert M. Strongin, Irfan Rahman

Chemistry Faculty Publications and Presentations

Electronic nicotine delivery system manufacturers, such as Charlie's Holdings Inc., ECBlend, Outlaw, and NicRiver, have recently introduced nicotine analogs, such as 6-methyl nicotine, 6-MN ("Metatine"), and nicotinamide, NA ("Nixamide," "Nixodine," or "Nixotin-free base and salt") in products to circumvent the U.S. FDA's premarket tobacco product application (PMTA) requirements. Marketed as "tobacco-free," "PMTA-exempt," or "FDA-approved," these compounds now appear in oral nicotine pouches and disposable bars/vapes from brands such as Outlaw Dip, Kumi-Six, SBX, Katchmi, and Spree Bar under proprietary labels including "NoNic6," "Metatine," or "NIC-SAFE." These products often mimic the appeal of conventional nicotine delivery systems, with extensive use of …

ทำไมในความรับผิดของปัญญาประดิษฐ์ถึงควรเปลี่ยนจากทฤษฎีความผิดเป็นทฤษฎีความรับผิดขององค์กร (Why Ai Liability Should Shift From Fault-Based Theory To Enterprise Liability), Laddawan Yaimanee

Chulalongkorn University Law Journal

ปัญญาประดิษฐ์เข้ามามีบทบาทต่อการดำเนินชีวิตของบุคคลอย่างมาก ทำให้เกิดปัญหาความรับผิดจากความบกพร่องของปัญญาประดิษฐ์ จากคุณสมบัติเฉพาะที่มีความซับซ้อนและความเป็นอิสระจากการควบคุมของมนุษย์ ทำให้การใช้ทฤษฎีความผิดที่มุ่งหาตัวผู้กระทำผิดมารับผิดชอบต่อความบกพร่องของปัญญาประดิษฐ์นั้นไม่เหมาะสมอีกต่อไป เนื่องจากทฤษฎีความผิดมุ่งหาผู้กระทำความผิดโดยเจตนาหรือประมาท โดยมุ่งเน้นที่ตัวบุคคลผู้กระทำผิด ทำให้ผู้เสียหายไม่ได้รับความเป็นธรรม ต้องพิสูจน์ต่อศาลว่ามีการกระทำผิดโดยเจตนาหรือประมาทเกิดขึ้น ทั้งที่โดยคุณสมบัติของปัญญาประดิษฐ์นั้นมีความซับซ้อนทางเทคโนโลยี ผู้เสียหายไม่อาจพิสูจน์ความผิดหรือความเกี่ยวข้องระหว่างเหตุและผลของการกระทำและการตัดสินใจของปัญญาประดิษฐ์ได้โดยง่าย ด้วยเหตุนี้จึงจำเป็นต้องนำทฤษฎีความรับผิดขององค์กรมาใช้ เพื่อให้ผู้ผลิตปัญญาประดิษฐ์รับผิดต่อความบกพร่องของปัญญาประดิษฐ์แม้ไม่มีความผิดเกิดขึ้นก็ตาม โดยเป็นการรับผิดในความบกพร่องชำรุดของปัญญาประดิษฐ์โดยตรง ทั้งนี้ผู้เสียหายจะมีภาระการพิสูจน์เพียงว่าปัญญาประดิษฐ์นั้นมีความชำรุดบกพร่องและก่อให้เกิดความเสียหายต่อผู้เสียหายเท่านั้น ซึ่งหลักทฤษฎีความรับผิดขององค์กรมุ่งเน้นที่การกระจายความเสี่ยงและการคิดต้นทุนการผลิตภายในองค์กร หลักการนี้จะทำให้ผู้ผลิตสามารถคำนวณต้นทุนความเสียหายได้ล่วงหน้าและสามารถกระจายความเสี่ยงไปยังผู้มีส่วนได้เสียหรือผู้บริโภคในตลาด ไม่จำต้องแบกรับภาระของต้นทุนสินค้าและความเสียหายแต่เพียงผู้เดียว ความรับผิดขององค์กรจึงเป็นความรับผิดเด็ดขาดของผู้ผลิต ซึ่งมีความเหมาะสมกับปัญญาประดิษฐ์มากกว่าการใช้ทฤษฎีความผิดแบบดั้งเดิม

Moving Towards Wellness: How Exercise Can Ease Depression And Anxiety In Young Adults, Morgan Hartze

Psychology Student Publications

Depression and anxiety are among the most common mental health concerns affecting young adults, impacting mood, motivation, and daily functioning. While therapy and medication can be effective, many young adults continue to experience symptoms, highlighting the need for additional strategies. Research suggests that regular physical activity is an accessible, cost-effective way to improve mental health. Moving your body boosts the “feel good” chemicals, such as serotonin and dopamine, while reducing stress hormones, such as cortisol. Physical activity also provides a healthy distraction from negative thoughts and helps establish routines that support well-being. Even brief amounts of moderate exercise, such as …

Cognitive Drunkenness: Sleep Deprivation And Cognition In College Students, Alexandra Pavek

Psychology Student Publications

Sleep deprivation is a common occurrence among college students. The purpose of the paper is to shed light on the sources of sleep loss in college students, the cognitive consequences, and the comparison to alcohol-related impairment.

Motive To Kill: The Link Between Childhood Trauma And Homicide, Natalie L. Scholz

Psychology Student Publications

What motivates some individuals to commit homicide and what role does childhood trauma play in increasing that risk? Psychology and neuroscience suggest that when a child experiences traumatic events it can change how they handle stress, emotional control, and how their brain develops. All these factors can lead to them acting out in more violent ways. The Adverse Childhood Experiences study shows that traumatic events during one’s childhood can have a negative effect on their mental wellbeing later in life making them more prone to act out aggressively and possibly having more criminal involvement. Exposure to trauma has been linked …

The Relationship Between Childhood Adverse Experiences And Adult Depression, Alexander Owens

Psychology Student Publications

This paper explores the current understanding of the linkage between childhood trauma and depression. Before this, childhood trauma and adult depression are described. Overall, there are a few different ways these two constructs can be linked, and they are explored.

Sensory Processing In Early Childhood: Developmental Pathways To Emotional Regulation And Participation, Jadyn Kuppersmith

Psychology Student Publications

How sensory processing develops in early childhood and how it influences emotional regulation and participation in daily activities. Highlighting that all children respond to sensory input differently, which can affect their behavior, anxiety levels, and ability to engage in play, routines, and school. The paper also emphasizes how occupational therapy supports children by adapting environments and promoting self-regulation skills rather than trying to change the child.