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Educational Policies Committee Agenda February 5, 2026, Utah State University

Educational Policies Committee

• Approval of Minutes - January 8, 2026
• Subcommittee Reports
• Curriculum Subcommittee
• Academic Standards Subcommittee
• General Education Subcommittee
• Center for Civic Excellence
• Other Business
• Adjourn: 4:00 pm

Mackenzie River Freshwater Controls Early Sea Ice Formation In The Eastern Beaufort Sea, M. J. Zahn, S. Fournier, I. G. Fenty, M. Steele, M. Wood, P. Gaube

Faculty Research, Scholarly, and Creative Activity

Arctic sea ice plays a critical role in Earth's climate system, and as it continues to thin and retreat, understanding the processes driving its variability is increasingly important. Using satellite data and a coupled ocean–sea ice model, we examined how freshwater from the Mackenzie River influences fall sea ice formation in the Beaufort Sea. An “ice bridge” between the coast and offshore ice edge consistently forms over the river's freshwater plume, with its location and extent varying interannually with freshwater distribution. Regions influenced by the plume experienced sea ice onset an average of 3 weeks earlier than adjacent, saltier waters. …

Bulk Absorber Acoustic Characterization Via The Two-Cavity Impedance Tube Methoda), Anthony Ciletti, Janith Godakawela, Martha Brown, Bhisham Sharma

Michigan Tech Publications

The primary goal of this study is to investigate and refine the two-cavity impedance tube method for acoustic characterization of bulk porous materials, specifically addressing previously unexplained inaccuracies in the prediction of surface impedance and absorption coefficients. Unlike the conventional two-thickness approach, the two-cavity method requires only one sample thickness and involves conducting measurements at various air cavity depths behind the sample. The initial analyses revealed previously unidentified numerical instabilities, resulting in anomalous predictions of sound absorption at specific frequencies. Through systematic investigation and use of calculated data, the numerical origins of these anomalies are uncovered and a practical solution, …

Isaiha Duckket V. The State Of Nevada, 142 Nev. Adv. Op. 9 (Feb. 05, 2026), Adrienne Jack-Sands

Nevada Supreme Court Summaries

In Duckket v. State, the Supreme Court of Nevada found no error in allowing a criminal defendant to represent himself despite multiple competency evaluations before and during trial, nor was his right to a speedy trial infringed when none of the delays were caused by the State.

Effect Of Calcined Constructio N Spoil On Mechanical And Shrinkage Proper Ties Of Uhpc, Chang Cheng, Wang Xufu, Wang Yu, Zhong Yuan, Zhang Bofa, Tang Yuxiang

Journal of China & Foreign Highway

This study utilized calcined construction spoil from Guangdong as a partial replacement for cement in the preparation of green ultra-high-performance concrete (UHPC). The effects of different calcined construction spoil content levels (0%, 5%, 10%, 15%, and 20%) on the workability, mechanical property, and shrinkage behavior of UHPC were investigated. Additionally, a life cycle assessment (LCA) was performed to quantify carbon emissions. The results indicate that the incorporation of calcined construction spoil improves the fluidity of the UHPC mixture. At the age of 3 days, the effect of calcined construction spoil on the mechanical properties of UHPC is limited. However, at …

Research On Properties Of Glass Sand Shotcrete, Gao Qingshui, Ma Kaikai, Guo Lingz Hi, Liu Hongtian, Huang Shimei, Han Song, Hu Peng

Journal of China & Foreign Highway

In order to study the effect of glass sand on the properties of shotcrete, shotcrete was prepared by using glass sand instead of natural sand. Through the compressive strength test, splitting tensile strength test, drying shrinkage test, and chloride ion erosion test, the effects of different amounts of glass sand on the strength, shrinkage, and durability of shotcrete were analyzed. The results show that:① The 50% glass sand replacement rate has the least effect on the strength of shotcrete, and its 28-day compressive strength is only reduced by 2.19% compared with the control group; ② Glass sand can improve the …

Intense Solar Radiation Constrains Plant Species Richness In Global Grasslands, Marie Spohn, Carlos Alberto Arnillas, Jonathan D. Bakker, Elizabeth T. Borer, Kari Anne Bråthen, Marc W. Cadotte, Erika I. Hersch-Green, Et Al.

Michigan Tech Publications

The search for predictors of plant diversity has challenged scientists for decades. Here we identify intense photosynthetically active radiation (PAR) as a major factor constraining plant species richness in global grasslands. We show that the strength of the negative relationship between species richness and PAR increases with increasing elevation and that species richness is more strongly correlated with intense PAR than with UV-B radiation, climate variables, and atmospheric nitrogen deposition. In addition to species richness, plant biomass was also negatively correlated with PAR at higher elevations, indicating that intense PAR also constrains plant biomass in montane grasslands. Furthermore, we show …

The Heart Of An Educator An Autoethnographic Study Of Homeschool Practices That Reflect Core Udl Principles, Kimberly Clinton

Dissertations

The Universal Design for Learning (UDL) framework was at the heart of this study, which served as a critical lens for examining the instructional design practices embedded in the homeschool environment. Specifically, I examined how the three core tenets of UDL: representation, action and expression, and engagement were reflected within the Clinton Homeschool Instructional Learning Design (CHILD). The aim was to identify how homeschool instruction, as implemented by the researcher, parallels UDL principles in its responsiveness to learner variability, its emphasis on flexible instructional delivery, and its commitment to student-centered engagement. In contrast to the dominant educational paradigm, which often …

2026 February 5 - Tennessee Weekly Drought Summary, Tennessee Climate Office, East Tennessee State University

Tennessee Climate Office Weekly Drought Summaries

No abstract provided.

The Current - Volume 36 Issue 6, Nova Southeastern University

Student Newspapers

No abstract provided.

Assignment Of Smp And Cmc Vicarages, February 5, 2026, Richard Marrs, Joel Fristche

SMP Call Day

Assignment of SMP and CMC Vicarages, February 5, 2026

Probing Proximal Intramolecular Hydrogen Bonding Interactions On A Norbornane Scaffold, Carly A. Rock, Dakota B. Green, Martin J. Flores, Jeremy M. Carr, Thufail M. Ismail, Gregory S. Tschumper

Chemistry Faculty Research & Creative Works

A systematic computational study was conducted on 12 unique 2,6-disubstituted norbornane derivatives to assess the ability of various acceptor groups (A = F, Cl, Br, OH, OCH3, SH, SCH3, NHCH3, N(CH3)2, PH2, PHCH3, and P(CH3)2) to engage in intramolecular hydrogen bonding with a proximal OH donor. 32 unique minima have been characterized with M06-2X and df-MP2 geometry optimizations as well as PNO-LCCSD(T)-F12 single point energy computations. Conformations with the OH donor oriented toward the acceptor to form an OH···A contact (+HB) consistently had lower electronic energies (by approximately 2 to 8 kcal mol^–1) than their counterparts with the …

The Cowl - V. 89 N. 13 - February 5, 2026

The Cowl

The Cowl - student newspaper of Providence College. Vol. 89 No. 13 - February 5, 2026. 20 pages.

General Education Subcommittee Agenda February 5, 2026, Utah State University

Educational Policies Committee

• Call to Order
• Approval of Minutes - January 8, 2026
• Course Approvals/Removals/Syllabi Approvals
• New Business
• Additional Items
• Adjourn: 9:30 am

General Education Subcommittee Minutes February 5, 2026, Utah State University

Educational Policies Committee

• Call to Order
• Approval of Minutes - January 8, 2025
• Course Approvals/Removals/Syllabi Approvals
• New Business
• Catalog Language Changes
• Utah's Public Lands
• Adjourn: 9:30 am

Genai And Repowereu: A Legal Framework For The Digital Transformation Of The Eu Energy Systems, Francesco Spera

Yearbook of Antitrust and Regulatory Studies

This contribution examines the potential and challenges of utilising AI, particularly generative AI, to accelerate the energy transition. To achieve this, the study considers the application of GenAI within the REPowerEU framework. The plan highlights the transformative role of digital technologies such as AI, IoT, data analytics, and cloud computing in orchestrating energy assets and improving grid management. In this context, GenAI has emerged as a revolutionary paradigm, enhancing system intelligence and efficiency. The paper assesses the deployment of GenAI under the REPowerEU legal framework, including the AI Act and sector-specific energy legislation. The contribution identifies the dual legal basis …

Women's Safety & Security 2025: Utahn's Awareness, Understanding, And Attitudes, Susan R. Madsen, April Townsend

Marketing and Strategy Faculty Publications

During the fall of 2023, Utah Women & Leadership Project (UWLP) researchers conducted a statewide study to establish a baseline for public perceptions related to the awareness, understanding, and attitudes about challenges that Utah women and girls face. In early 2024, we published 20 short research summaries¹ that shared the results of this comprehensive study (see Nos. 9–28). Next, in the fall of 2024, we administered this survey, with slight changes, around the state of Utah for the second time. Six comprehensive research white papers were then published on the results (see Nos. 11, 12, 13, 14, 16, and …

Montana Kaimin, February 5, 2026, Students Of The University Of Montana, Missoula

Montana Kaimin, 1898-present

Student newspaper of the University of Montana, Missoula.

Obesogenic Behaviors During Structured Periods Among Children And Adolescents With Intellectual And Developmental Disabilities: A Systematic Review And Meta-Analysis, Keagan P. Kiely, Keith Brazendale, Mckenna Hill, Sarah Burkart, Michael Beets Med, Mph, Phd, Elizabeth L. Adams Phd, Bridget Armstrong, Christine St. Laurent, Abigail L. Hogan Ph.D., James W. White Iii, Olivia Finnegan, Joshua Culverhouse, Anthony Holmes, Robert Glenn Weaver Med, Phd

Faculty Publications

Background:

Children and adolescents with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) are at greater risk for obesity and poor obesogenic behaviors (e.g., physical activity, screen time, diet, sleep) than their typically developing counterparts. The Structured Days Hypothesis (SDH) suggests that in typically developing children and adolescents, obesogenic behaviors worsen during periods of reduced structure (e.g., weekend or summer vacation). However, children and adolescents with IDD have unique factors that may alter how structure (i.e., pre-planned, segmented, adult supervised, out-of-home programs) influences obesogenic behaviors. Therefore, the objective of this systematic review and meta-analysis is to examine obesogenic behaviors during periods of more …

Primary Care Providers' Perspectives On Telehealth Medicare Annual Wellness Visits For Older Adults In A Midwestern Health System, Vaibhavi Mone, Paul Estabrooks, Jane Potter, Hongmei Wang, Jungyoon Kim

Health Services and Informatics Research

Background

Medicare annual wellness visits (AWVs) are vital for older adults' preventive care, which was transitioned to telehealth modalities during COVID-19. This study examined primary care providers' perceptions of telehealth-delivered AWVs and explored the factors influencing telehealth implementation using the Practical Robust Implementation and Sustainability Model (PRISM).

Participants and Setting

Twenty-five primary care providers from eight clinics within an integrated health system in the Midwestern United States were interviewed. Eligibility required having conducted at least one telehealth AWV for patients aged 65 or older between March 2023 and October 2023.

Methods

Semi-structured interviews lasting 30–45 min were conducted using purposeful …

Microplastic Contamination In Longfin Squid (Doryteuthis Pealeii) From The Florida Gulf Coast: Evidence Of Marine Based Pollution, Jordan Kleinschmidt Dilena

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Microplastic contamination is a pervasive global issue, yet its impact on ecologically significant cephalopod populations remains poorly understood. This study quantified microplastic prevalence and distribution in longfin squid (Doryteuthis pealeii), a key trophic link in the Gulf of Mexico. Following hydrogen peroxide digestion of digestive tract and mantle tissues, microplastics were isolated via vacuum filtration and characterized using microscopy. Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy confirmed polymer identities. Microplastic contamination was exceptionally high, with 96.4% of individuals containing particles (mean = 36.6 ± 20.0 particles per individual, range = 0–94, n = 110 squid). From 4,072 total particles analyzed, fragments dominated (98.3%), …

Staff Education To Improve Detection And Treatment Of Adult Adhd In An Outpatient Psychiatric Clinic, Eveline Manyie Fohtung

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Summary Adult attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) remains significantly underdiagnosed in outpatient psychiatric settings despite its substantial impact on functioning and long-term mental health outcomes. At the project site, inconsistent screening practices, limited clinician familiarity with DSM-5-TR adult diagnostic criteria, and variable application of the Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale (ASRS) contributed to delayed or missed diagnoses, representing a clear practice gap. This Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) project implemented a structured, nurse-led staff education program to improve clinician knowledge, diagnostic accuracy, and standardized workflow adoption for adult ADHD screening using the ASRS. Guided by national evidence-based guidelines, the intervention emphasized DSM-5-TR criteria, …

Staff Education On Implementation Of De-Escalation Techniques In An Adult Psychiatry Facility: A Quality Improvement Program To Enhance Knowledge And Reduce Aggressive Behavior, Lilian Agbonzebeta Azenabor

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Managing aggression and violence is a persistent issue in adult psychiatric facilities. Frequent aggression and violence can cause serious harm to staff, increase absenteeism and burnout, and lower job satisfaction. Stakeholders’ reports from the project site indicated inconsistent staff use of de-escalation techniques, highlighting gaps and the need to improve staff knowledge. The practice-focused question was: Will a staff education program specifically designed to implement a comprehensive staff training on de-escalation strategies increase staff’s knowledge? The purpose of this staff education project was to evaluate the effectiveness of an evidence-based training program designed to enhance staff knowledge on de-escalation techniques. …

Staff Education On Mindfulness-Based Intervention To Reduce Burnout Among Mental Health Clinicians, Abosede Oyeronke Oyedele

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Clinician burnout is increasingly prevalent in outpatient mental health settings due to high emotional demands, heavy caseloads, and limited organizational resources, contributing to reduced job satisfaction, increased turnover, and diminished quality of care. The gap in practice at the project center revealed a deficiency in knowledge among mental health clinic staff regarding effective stress management and burnout prevention, which led to the practice question: Does educating providers and staff on mindfulness-based interventions improve knowledge, as evidenced by pre- and postsurveys? To close this gap, this Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) project educated staff members on mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs). The Walden …

Staff Education To Use Mindfulness Strategies To Prevent Burnout In Psychiatric Health Settings, Rebecca Ikeoluwa Gabriel

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

There was a significant gap in practice at an outpatient psychiatric mental health clinic regarding organized, evidence-based training on mindfulness techniques to reduce stress and emotional exhaustion among psychiatric mental health staff. This project’s practice-focused question was “Does educating psychiatric mental health staff on mindfulness strategies for burnout improve their knowledge, as evidenced by pre- and post-surveys?” This educational intervention was developed, implemented, and evaluated using the Johns Hopkins Evidence-Based Practice paradigm and the ADDIE instructional design model. A literature search was conducted using CINAHL Complete, MEDLINE/PubMed, ProQuest, and the Cochrane Library, with assistance from the librarians at Walden University. …

Food Security Through Church-Sponsored Food Programs, Samantha Scott

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

A south-suburban Cook County, IL city lacks grocery stores with high-quality food options, which contributes to food insecurity. Residents often rely on highly processed, low-nutrient foods, contributing to nutritional vulnerability. Friendship Church’s food bank sporadically serves this food desert, but sustaining its operations is challenging. Using community-based participatory action research design and the food security theory, data were collected from 25 semistructured interviews with food bank beneficiaries and church staff/volunteers and analyzed using reflective thematic analysis. The four dimensions were examined: availability, access, utilization, and stability. Two questions guided the research: How do parishioners in one south-suburban Cook County community …

Staff Education For Timely Sepsis Intervention At The Medical Center, Latonya Summers-Oliver

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

This project developed a staff education program to clarify the concept of “time zero,” essential for timely sepsis intervention, in alignment with the SEP-1 core measure by CMS, which prescribes evidence-based treatment bundles within specific time frames. Aiming to improve staff knowledge in sepsis identification, treatment, and management, the program incorporated a literature review supporting educational strategies that enhance mortality rates and clinical outcomes. Using pre- and posttest assessments, the study demonstrated significant improvements in staff knowledge following targeted education on sepsis recognition and timely management. The findings underscore the importance of standardized, accessible training programs to improve clinical response, …

Staff Education To Improve Tirzepatide Education And Lifestyle Counseling, Daisy Asemota

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

This Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) project was a practice-focused staff education initiative designed to improve clinical staff knowledge, confidence, and readiness to educate adult patients enrolled in a Tirzepatide weight-management program. Tirzepatide has demonstrated superior weight-loss outcomes compared to other glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists; however, inconsistent staff education practices related to medication administration, adverse-event management, and lifestyle counseling present a gap in practice. Variability in staff knowledge and teaching approaches may reduce confidence, contribute to inconsistent patient education, and limit the effectiveness of evidence-based care delivery. The purpose of this DNP project was to address this practice gap …

Oncology Nurses’ Experience In Screening Informal Caregivers Of Colorectal Cancer Patients For Distress And Supportive Care, Nicole N. Feldleyfer

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

This study explored how informal caregivers of colorectal cancer (CRC) gain access to supportive care services at integrated cancer care institutions. Although supportive care aims to improve the quality of life for patients and caregivers, there is limited research on how informal caregivers participate in distress screening, and no standard process exists across settings. This study used a qualitative phenomenological approach to explore the lived experiences of 10 oncology nurses with screening informal caregivers for distress and referring them to supportive care within integrated cancer care institutions. The Global Supportive Care Framework for Cancer Care served as the theoretical framework …

Exploring The Impact Of Childhood Sexual Abuse On Self-Esteem And Interpersonal Trust In African American Women, Elizabeth Omorodion

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Although childhood sexual abuse (CSA) is known to affect survivors’ subsequent self- esteem and interpersonal trust levels, its long-term impacts among African American women were not fully understood. The purpose of this qualitative phenomenological study, which was grounded in attachment theory and trauma theory, was to explore how CSA shapes African American women’s self-esteem, interpersonal trust, and healing processes in adulthood. To answer the study’s seven research questions, semistructured interviews were conducted with eight African American women. The use of Braun and Clarke’s reflexive thematic analysis approach yielded seven themes: (a) impaired trust, (b) disrupted self-esteem, (c) resilience and strength …