Digital Commons Network^™

2026 January 15 - Tennessee Weekly Drought Summary, Tennessee Climate Office, East Tennessee State University

Tennessee Climate Office Weekly Drought Summaries

No abstract provided.

Beyond The Exam Room: Pediatricians Advocating Through State Aap, Heidi Sallee, Kelly Kreisler, Thuylinh Pham

Grand Rounds

1. Evaluate the current political climate and effects on child health at a National and State level.
2. Identify key child health policy issues for the states of Missouri and Kansas.
3. Use different forms of advocacy to share personal expertise.
4. Partner with state AAP Chapters to improve child health outcomes locally.

St. Ann's Apartments Llc V. Pickett

All Decisions

In this holdover proceeding, the landlord sought possession after the tenant of record, the respondent's cousin, passed away, alleging the respondent's license expired. The tenant asserted succession rights as a non-traditional family member, arguing emotional and financial commitment and interdependence. Despite limited documentary evidence and contrary testimony from the landlord's superintendent, the court found the tenant's and the deceased's brother's testimony credible. The evidence demonstrated the tenant resided in the apartment as a primary residence for over two years and provided extensive care and support to the ailing tenant of record. The court granted succession, dismissing the proceeding and ordering …

The Role Music Plays In Facilitating Transformation And Self-Actualization In Israeli Music Students Impacted By Trauma, Adina Feldman

Educational Studies Dissertations

Abstract

This qualitative study explores the role music plays in facilitating transformation and self-actualization among Israeli undergraduate and alumni music students who have experienced trauma or post-traumatic stress disorder. Guided by social constructivist and humanistic-existential frameworks, this research employs a narrative methodology to examine how music operates as a medium for meaning-making, resilience, and growth in non-clinical contexts. Data were collected through in-depth interviews, participant observations, and the analysis of musical compositions and artifacts from two singer-songwriters who transformed personal adversity into creative expression. The findings reveal that although trauma leaves lasting psychological and emotional effects, engagement with music enables …

Sociolooking: A Theory Of Looking Together And Choreographing Looking Experiences, Avigail Shimshoni

Educational Studies Dissertations

Abstract

This dissertation addresses gaps in understandings of looking in research and practice by creating and defining sociolooking. Sociolooking is a theory of looking together and choreographing looking experiences. Researchers, educators, and practitioners across many fields value close looking and have offered step-by-step strategies for facilitating looking. While these strategies and related research are instrumental in understanding discrete aspects of looking and learning to look, they do not fully acknowledge or explore the underlying social and dynamic ways people engage in looking in everyday situations. This leads to the creation of one-dimensional, potentially inaccessible, or ineffective experiences. On the …

A Hermeneutic Exploration Of Professional Place-Based Belonging Experienced By Faculty In Covid-19 Informed Undergraduate Formal Learning Places, Jennifer Ryley Welsh

Educational Studies Dissertations

The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted the rhythms of higher education and redefined the ways faculty experienced connection, identity, and purpose within formal learning places. This study examined professional belonging by exploring the question: What was the lived experience of belonging for teaching faculty in a COVID-informed undergraduate formal learning place? The aim was to investigate how belonging was constructed, challenged, and reimagined during a period of collective disruption. Using a hermeneutic phenomenological methodology and framed as a scholarly imram – a journey of wandering and insight drawn from Irish mythology – the research engaged nine faculty participants through semi-structured interviews. Data …

The Characteristics Of A University And Urban Elementary School Partnership Project: Interventions That Impact Teacher Self-Efficacy And Their Emerging Social Network, Susan R. Cusack

Educational Studies Dissertations

The purpose of this research was to re-analyze and extend findings established by the 2011 – 2015 evaluation of a university partnership with an urban elementary school in the northeast region of the United States. While the original evaluation examined multiple domains related to the impact of the partnership’s effects on these elementary school teachers, my research will narrow and deepen the study of two domains: Teacher Self-Efficacy and Social Networks, both socio-affective variables that change over time. This research is grounded in theories related to teacher self-efficacy, social networks in education, and the emergence of a robust community of …

Research Progress In Antagonistic Bacteria Against Staphylococcus Aureus, Caiqi Wang, Yuansong Ma, Xinrui Zhao, Pei Zhou, Sifan Lu, Yuxin Li, Yinbiao Xu

Journal of Food Science and Biotechnology

Staphylococcus aureus,a common Gram-positive foodborne pathogen,is ubiquitous in the human skin and respiratory tract.It can cause pneumonia,pleurisy,endocarditis,food poisoning,sepsis and other infectious diseases.The widespread and long-term use of antibiotics has aggravated the antibiotic resistance of Staphylococcus aureus.In particular,the emergence of multi-drug resistant strains has greatly reduced the therapeutic effect.Therefore,developing new antibacterial means to replace or assist existing antibiotics has become an urgent need.Microbial natural products are important resources for the development of new antibiotics,and antagonistic microorganisms play an important role.This paper reviewed the species of antagonistic bacteria against Staphylococcus aureus,the types of antibacterial active substances,and the commonly used screening methods of …

Mechanism Of The Effect Of Microwave Heating On The Degradation Of Fructans In Steamed Cakes Prepared With Saccharomyces Cerevisiae, Xiaoyue Ying, Yuan Tao, Yuan Yuan, Ziting Li, Bowen Yan, Jianxin Zhao, Wei Chen, Daming Fan

Journal of Food Science and Biotechnology

[Objective ] This study aimed to investigate the effect of microwave heating on the fructan mass fraction in steamed cakes prepared with Saccharomyces cerevisiae and elucidate the molecular mechanism of the activation of invertase by microwave.[Method ] Steamed cakes were prepared under varying microwave power density (3.40~5.10 W/g ) and heating time (2~5 min ),and the fructan mass fraction was compared between steamed cakes prepared by microwave heating and conventional steaming.The activity of invertase from Saccharomyces cerevisiae was measured under microwave heating and water bath heating conditions.Molecular dynamics simulations were performed to explore the invertase-kestose interactions under microwave fields.[Result ] …

Influences Of Different Withering Methods On The Quality Of Wuyi Rock Tea Produced From Rain-Soaked Leaves, Chengjiang Wei, Weijiang Sun, Zhechen Han, Peng Zhang, Weiwei Wu, Tao Wang, Qinglan Chen, Qi Lin, Jie Xu, Fuming Lin

Journal of Food Science and Biotechnology

[Objective ] This study aims to investigate the effects of different withering methods on the quality of Wuyi rock tea produced from rain-soaked leaves.[Method ] The rain-soaked leaves of Wuyi Shuixian (Camellia sinensis ) were treated with three withering methods:comprehensive withering in a fermentation machine,natural withering,and withering in an automated withering equipment.Sensory evaluation,biochemical component detection,and headspace solid-phase microextraction coupled with gas chromatography-mass spectrometry were employed to comparatively analyze the flavor compounds.[Result ] The tea samples processed by the automated withering equipment (PW) exhibited the highest overall quality,characterized by a rich floral and fruity aroma,as well as a mellow,brisk,and refreshing taste.Cluster …

Screening And Identification Of Strains Of Lactic Acid Bacteria For Fermentation From Suancai In The Dai Ethnic Region Of Yunnan, Rui Wang, Jiawen Zhang, Lianqin Zhang, Xian Chen, Yan Chen, Cheng Zuo, Lixin Li, Yuhua Diao

Journal of Food Science and Biotechnology

[Objective ] This study aims to screen the strains of lactic acid bacteria (LAB ) suitable for Suancai fermentation.[Method ] Traditional fermented Suancai from the Dai ethnic region of Yunnan was used as the research samples for the isolation and purification of LAB.The purified isolates were evaluated for fermentation characteristics,including nitrite degradation,acid production,acid resistance,and salt tolerance.Additionally,the antimicrobial activity,antibiotic susceptibility,hemolytic activity,and amino acid decarboxylase activity were assessed to identify dominant strains.[Result ] A total of 208 LAB strains were isolated from 40 Suancai samples.Preliminary screening based on nitrite degradation identified 20 strains with high efficiency,and 16S rDNA sequencing identified 15 strains …

Effects Of Modification Methods On The Processing Properties Of Cyperus Esculentus Powder, Xiaowei Sun, Chunli Song, Jian Ren

Journal of Food Science and Biotechnology

[Objective ] This study aims to explore the effects of three modification methods on the processing properties of Cyperus esculentus powder.[Method ] Three modification methods (superfine grinding,microwave treatment,and enzymatic treatment ) were employed to process Cyperus esculentus powder.The effects of these treatments on the processing properties including oil holding capacity,hydration properties,textural properties,and rheological properties of Cyperus esculentus powder were analyzed.[Result ] In comparison to the native Cyperus esculentus powder,ultrafine grinding treatment increased the specific surface area of the powder,enhanced the oil holding capacity by 74.57%,and significantly increased the loss angle (tan δ).Additionally,this treatment significantly increased the hardness,cohesiveness,and chewiness of the …

Nitrogen Dynamics And Use Efficiency In Pasture-Based Grazing Systems: A Synthesis Of Ecological And Ruminant Nutrition Perspectives, Bashiri Iddy Muzzo

Wildland Resources Student Research

Pasture-based ruminant systems link nitrogen (N) nutrition with ecosystem N cycling. Grazing ruminants convert fibrous forages into milk and meat but excrete 65 to 80% of ingested N, creating excreta hotspots that drive ammonia volatilization, nitrate leaching, and nitrous oxide (N₂O) emissions. This review synthesizes ecological and ruminant nutrition evidence on N flows, emphasizing microbial processes, biological N₂ fixation, plant diversity, and urine patch biogeochemistry, and evaluates strategies to improve N use efficiency (NUE). We examine rumen N metabolism in relation to microbial protein synthesis, urea recycling, and dietary factors including crude protein concentration, energy supply, forage …

Implementation Of The Framework For Great Schools: Lessons From New York City, Jay M. Langkamp

Theses and Dissertations

This dissertation explores the implementation of the Framework for Great Schools in the New York City Department of Education from 2015 through 2019. The study addresses a gap in the literature, specifically regarding NYC School Survey data and the relationship between it, school context, and student outcomes, at a time when families and district leaders regularly use publicly available school-level data to inform their decision-making, understanding how frameworks such as the Framework for Great Schools is essential. The Framework focuses on six elements: Rigorous Instruction, Supportive Environment, Collaborative Teachers, Effective School Leadership, Strong Family and Community Ties, and Trust. It …

Internalized Transnegativity, Self-Warmth, Self-Coldness, And Eating Disorder Symptomatology Among Transgender And Nonbinary Adults, Sarah Mcarthur, Suzanne Mclaren, Peter D. Goldie

Department of Psychology Faculty Scholarship and Creative Works

Eating disorders (EDs) are highly prevalent among transgender and nonbinary (TNB) adults, and internalized transnegativity is a key risk factor for ED symptomatology. Although extant literature has established that self-compassion protects against EDs among the cisgender population, research among TNB adults is nascent. The current study sought to identify whether internalized transnegativity and components of self-compassion (i.e., self-warmth and self-coldness) were independently associated with ED symptomatology, and whether the components of self-compassion moderated the relation between internalized transnegativity and ED symptomatology. An international sample of 127 TNB adults aged between 18 and 69 years (M = 32.24, SD = …

Chasing Disinfection Byproducts Through The Pipes: How 66 Dbps Change Over Time In Chlorinated Vs. Chloraminated Distribution Systems, Erik Niehaves, Patrick T. Justen, Ashley A. Perkins, Alexandria L.B. Forster, Caroline O. Granger, Susan D. Richardson

Faculty Publications

While disinfection byproducts (DBPs) are typically measured at drinking water treatment plants, levels can change dramatically within the distribution system before reaching the consumer. In this study, the spatio-temporal trends of 66 DBPs across 9 different classes were examined in two drinking water distribution systems with similar source waters, but different pretreatments and residual disinfectants. One system uses residual chlorine in the distribution system, and the other uses chloramine, allowing for examination of how DBP concentrations change over time in distribution systems with different residual disinfectants. Four routes were sampled for each system with six time points over three days …

Volume 34, Number 3, Winter 2025/26, Office Of Communications, Illinois Wesleyan University

Illinois Wesleyan University Magazine, 2018-present

VOLUME 34 | NUMBER 3 | Winter 2025/2026

ON OUR COVER:

Elliot Notrica '26 is developing micro-organisms that create new food products from food waste like cocoa husks and leftover bread dough.

18 Found Families. Celebrate one of the best-attended IWU Homecoming Weekends with stories of alumni friendships across the decades.

22 The Future of Food. Elliott Notrica '26 is the founder and CEO of Symbio Bioculinary where he is creating the future of food with cutting-edge genetic engineering.

26 Hope in Crisis. EmPath units, invented by Scott Zeller '82, are revolutionizing emergency care around the world.

Eng 1001g-005 College Composition I, Glen Davis

Spring 2026

No abstract provided.

Eng 1002g-003 College Composition Ii, Glen Davis

Spring 2026

No abstract provided.

Eng 1002g-014 College Composition Ii, Michael Mcclelland

Spring 2026

No abstract provided.

Eng 5021-600 Responding To And Evaluating Student Writing, Rachael Ryerson

Spring 2026

No abstract provided.

Eng 2205-001 Introduction To Literary Studies, Melissa Caldwell

Spring 2026

No abstract provided.

Precision Education In Health Sciences Education: A Call-To-Action For Developing An Interprofessional Strategy., Arvie Vitente, Jennifer Bosworth, Robert Sweet, Rebecca Cozzi, Christopher Galloway, Piotr Szczurek, Melanie Obispo-Young, Eron Bozec, Erica Brkovic, Tina Bobo, Jennifer Lubinski

Rehabilitation Sciences Department Faculty Articles

Introduction. Growing learner diversity, expanding biomedical knowledge, and rapid clinical digitization have exposed the limits of on-size-fits-all health sciences training. Competency-Based Education (CBE) has sharpened the focus on outcomes, yet many programs still move learners through fixed sequences, infrequent assessments, and retrospective remediation. Precision Education (PE) offers a complementary, data-enabled approach that uses learning analytics, artificial intelligence (AI), and continuous feedback loops. Embedded within CBE, PE converts competencies from static milestones into dynamic trajectories that can be measured, visualized, and adjusted in real time across the curriculum. This abstract highlights the need for an interprofessional strategy to design, fund, …

Spectroscopic Investigations On Polyvinylidene Fluoride Nanofibers, Parinaz Amaniabdolmalaki, Jui Vitthal Kharade, Alexandro Trevino, Lydia Morales, Karen Lozano, Victoria Padilla, Karen S. Martirosyan, Horacio Vasquez, Mircea Chipara

Physics & Astronomy Faculty Publications

The production of polyvinylidene fluoride nanofibers by force-spinning from polymer solutions was confirmed by electron microscopy. The structural and phase characteristics of the resulting nanofiber mats were examined using Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy in Attenuated Total Reflectance mode, Raman spectroscopy, and X-ray Diffraction. Results from all these techniques consistently indicated that both the powder and the mats of polyvinylidene fluoride predominantly contain the α phase, with a small admixture of the β phase. Within experimental errors, no other phases were noticed both in the powder and in the as-obtained mats. The ratios of the areas of the Raman lines at …

“I Don’T Want To Be The Bad Kind Of Special”: The Lived Experiences Of Autistic Youth In Extracurricular Programs In Their Communities, Catherine A. Sargent Ph.D.

Counseling and Psychology Dissertations

Autistic youth face barriers to participation and belonging in community settings. Historically, autism research has privileged researcher perspectives and deficit-based frameworks, often excluding the authentic voices of autistic individuals, particularly young people. This qualitative, phenomenological study sought to address that gap by exploring the lived experiences of autistic youth (ages 13–18) participating in extracurricular community programs in Massachusetts. Framed by critical disability theory, critical autism studies, ecological systems theory, and intersectionality, the study examined how autistic youth experience inclusion, connection, and self-expression within programs designed largely for neurotypical participants.

Seven autistic youths contributed to this research through participant-generated photographs and …

Sustainability In Undergraduate Nursing Clinical Simulation: A Mixed Methods Study Exploring Attitudes, Knowledge And Practices, Bangyun Wang, Louise Sheehy, Astrid Frotjold, Tamara Power, Gemma Saravanos

Individual Open Access Articles

Climate change is among the greatest of threats to human health. Paradoxically the health system is a contributor to planetary degradation through emissions and waste. Climate change and sustainability are important issues for the nursing profession. We explored the impact of an education module with embedded sustainability principles in the context of clinical simulation. This mixed methods study used pre- and post-intervention waste audits and student surveys to explore attitudes, knowledge and practices relating to climate change and sustainability. The intervention, a digital clinical simulation education module, included three themes: 1) professional conduct, 2) work health and safety, 3) resource …

2026-01-15 Guidelines For Portfolio Managers, Morehead State University. Faculty Senate.

Faculty Senate Records

Guidelines for Portfolio Managers presented to the Faculty Senate on January 15, 2026.

Improving The Well-Being Of Mothers Of Infants And Toddlers Through Mindfulness And Creativity, Tia L. Curran

Mindfulness Theses

U.S. mothers of infants and toddlers report experiencing feelings of confusion surrounding their identity in early motherhood. Research also shows emotion dysregulation, cognitive overwhelm, attention issues, high stress and isolation as common challenges mothers of toddlers and infants experience in their daily lives. These challenges can directly impact a mother’s well-being as well as her child’s well-being and the entire family unit. Mindfulness practice and creative expression are two ways of being that relate directly to each other and have been shown to improve well-being. Through repeated exercising of mindfulness and creativity, one can regulate their emotions and reduce stress …

Transformative Experiences In A Community College Theatre Program: A Study Of Students' Growth Through A Pedagogy Of Caring, Karen J. Oster

Educational Studies Dissertations

ABSTRACT

This research examined the transformative impact of participation in a community college

theatre program on students’ sense of belonging, confidence, and personal growth. Using a

multiple case study design informed by portraiture methodology, the study focused on five

students who took part in a semester-long production of The Rocky Horror Show. Data were

collected through in-depth interviews, field observations, the researcher’s reflective journaling,

and a pre- and post-semester self-esteem survey to investigate how theatre engagement shaped

students’ social and personal experiences. The program fostered a pedagogy of care emphasizing

mentorship, individualized attention, and the cultivation of a supportive …

Mama Vr: A Framework To Design Mindfulness-Based Programs In Virtual Reality, Jeffrey Arthur Juelsgaard

Mindfulness Theses

Research demonstrates numerous benefits of mindfulness practice, and virtual reality is a promising medium that can be tailored to foster mindfulness through novel means. Yet, to be effective, mindfulness-based programs in virtual reality (MBP+VR) should adhere to evidence-based methods. For various reasons, the level of mindfulness among users, the acceptability of VR technology, users' mood, and adherence to mindfulness programs are often evaluated in studies on MBP+VR. However, due in part to the heterogeneity of MBP+VR designs and a lack of detailed descriptions of MBP+VR methods in much of the scientific literature to date, there is no agreement yet on …