Digital Commons Network^™

Family Ties: Nba Draft Position And Player Performance, Nick Riccardi, Rodney J. Paul

Sport Management - All Scholarship

This study aims to investigate the role, if any, that nepotism plays in the careers of players in the National Basketball Association (NBA). Career performance is compared between the 780 players drafted from 2007-2019 with familial relationships considered. Ordinary Least Squares and logistic regression models are specified to estimate the effect of having a relative on the success of an NBA player’s career. We find that siblings of NBA players earn more and reach minimum games played thresholds more often, while sons of NBA players earn more, but generally do not reach games played thresholds more often than similarly-drafted peers.

Digital Rock Modeling And Elastic Simulations Of Fractured-Vuggy Carbonate Reservoirs, Zhu Wei, Zhao Luanxiao, Wang Yirong

Coal Geology & Exploration

Objective The Tarim Basin exhibits extensively distributed deep fractured-vuggy carbonate reservoirs. Therefore, determining the seismic and petrophysical characteristics of carbonate reservoirs with a fracture and vug system will provide significant guidance for the exploration, discovery, drilling, and exploitation of favorable reservoirs in the basin. Variations in the filling state of dissolution fractures and vugs will lead to significantly different elastic and attenuation characteristics of the reservoirs. Methods Based on geological insights into the geometric structural and filling characteristics of the dissolution fracture-vug system in the outcrop sections of carbonate strata in the Tarim Basin, this study proposed a digital rock …

Are Orthopaedic Trauma Surgeons At Risk Of Occupational Noise-Induced Hearing Loss?, Vincent W. Lau, Stephanie A. Kwan, Jack Graham, Gregory K. Deirmengian

Rothman Institute Papers

OBJECTIVES: Orthopaedic surgeons are at risk of occupational, noise-induced hearing loss due to exposure to instruments in the operating room. The primary objective of this study was to determine whether orthopaedic trauma procedures exceed recommended decibel (dB) limits. The secondary objective was to demonstrate which actions during a case create the highest sound levels.

METHODS: Intraoperative recordings were taken during orthopaedic trauma surgeries and classified into open reduction internal fixation (ORIF), intramedullary nailing, closed reduction percutaneous pinning, external fixation, soft tissue procedures, or a combination thereof. Recordings were taken of drilling, screw insertion, suctioning, saw use, and mallet striking. Decibel …

Highlighting Lgbtq+ International Students Activism Via Participatory Theatre, Fatemeh Gharibi

Journal of Comparative & International Higher Education

This research explores the political activism of LGBTQ+ international students (LGBTQ+ IS) in the Greater Toronto Area in Canada. Building on critical scholarship in research with international students and drawing from queer, feminist, and decolonial frameworks, the study aims to create a space for collective voices and respond to the current political climate of crackdowns on free speech and rising anti-immigrant and anti-LGBTQ+ sentiments. The study employs participatory theatre to understand LGBTQ+ IS’s activist practices in relation to their intersecting identities. The production may contribute to raising public awareness about the challenges faced by these students and their leadership in …

Intercultural Interactions And Transcultural Competence In The Internationalized Classroom: A Mixed-Method Case Study, Andreana Pastena

Journal of Comparative & International Higher Education

This study explores the relationship between intercultural interactions and the development of Transcultural Competence among first-year local and international undergraduates in a multi-dimensionally internationalized classroom at a university in Catalonia, Spain. Transcultural Competence accounts for cognitive, affective, linguistic, and identity dimensions within intercultural settings. It adopts a mixed-method approach, including three Transcultural Competence questionnaires, a contact generator, and individual interviews. Findings reveal that while students initially self-reported high levels of Transcultural Competence, they preferred interactions with classmates with a similar linguistic and cultural background. However, close intercultural friendships positively influenced Transcultural Competence and four patterns of the interaction between these …

Conflicts Teaching About Conflicts: How Jewish Educators Engage With Israel-Palestine, Nancy Sheftel-Gomes

Doctoral Dissertations

Dissertation Abstract

Conflicts Teaching About Conflicts: How Jewish Educators Engage with Israel-Palestine

Traditionally, Jewish teachers in Jewish supplementary school programs in the United States have erased the history of Palestinians when teaching about the founding of the State of Israel. Since Jewish students have been taught a single-sided story that ignores the injustices perpetrated against Palestinians in the Occupied Territories, they now feel betrayed by their Jewish education. The purpose of this study was to learn how the Hamas attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, impacted Jewish teachers as well as their students, classrooms, and communities during the subsequent …

Mcsa Forum Minutes 08/25/2025, Morris Campus Student Association

Morris Campus Student Association

No abstract provided.

Rethinking The Red Zone: Risk Factors Of College Student Dating Violence Victimization During The Fall Semester, Alexandra Nicoletti

Theses and Dissertations

College students experience dating violence (DV) victimization at alarmingly high rates, which is associated with a variety of negative outcomes (Brewer & Thomas, 2019; Choi et al., 2017; Leemis et al., 2022). To implement effective prevention programming, it is important to understand the risk factors associated with DV victimization on college campuses. Further, college students report the highest rates of one type of DV victimization—sexual victimization—during the fall semester, also known as the “red zone” (Carey et al., 2018, Cranney, 2015). This study utilized the socioecological model to understand which individual-, relationship-, and community-level risk factors were associated with DV …

Development Of Novel Small Molecules As Potential Anti Cancer Agents, Robert John Chitren

Theses and Dissertations

This doctoral thesis explores the discovery and characterization of two novel small molecules, designated as KS100 and (R,S’)-MNF, with potential anti-cancer properties. The study encompasses a comprehensive investigation into the molecular mechanisms underlying the anti-cancer effects of these compounds, as well as their therapeutic potential in preclinical models. These findings highlight the potential of KS100 and (R,S’)-MNF as lead candidates for cancer therapy, paving the way for further preclinical development and clinical translation.

Tiny Waves, Big Impact: Study Finds New Way To Control Fluid In Space, Clara Turnage

University of Mississippi News

OXFORD, Miss. – Liquids can provide some especially tricky challenges for space travelers, but new research from the University of Mississippi could help engineer smarter, more efficient fluid control in zero- and low-gravity environments.

Using Novel Technology And Sensemaking In The Classroom, Reu/Fri Program Physics And Astronomy, Julio Escobedo

Student Works

This project looked into the usefulness of various new and unique technologies in a science classroom setting to allow for more sensemaking to occur among students. This was done through professional developments or training for multiple educators on how to use these devices in the classrooms. We found that each new technology had a unique set of useful capabilities and drawbacks. These findings suggest that implementation of these technologies can increase sensemaking if done properly and with proper training beforehand.

Law School News : Spotlight On Trial Advocacy With Jamie Gau, L'16 : Alum And Adjunct Professor Reflects On The Strengths Of Rwu Law's Trial Advocacy Program 08-25-2025, Helga Melgar

Life of the Law School (1993- )

No abstract provided.

08.25.2025 Ored Connect, Liz Williamson

ORED Newsletter

• Research Security Required Training
• ORED Research Reception

Effect Of Chalcogen-Phosphorus Substituents On Enediynes Undergoing The Bergman Cyclization, Marcos Hendler, Travis Greene, Dominic A. Siriani, Carol A. Parish

Chemistry Faculty Publications

We have theoretically characterized electrocyclizations of chalcogen-phosphorus-containing enediynes. We performed quantum calculations at the BS-(U)­CCSD/cc-pVDZ level to analyze the geometries and energetics of two different cyclization pathways, each consisting of the first three chalcogens (oxygen, sulfur, and selenium). The first pathway involved the cyclization of the chalcogen-phosphorus substituents followed by Bergman cyclization, while the second pathway proceeded via Bergman cyclization followed by chalcogen-phosphorus cyclization. To more accurately understand the energies of the diradicals involved in each pathway, we also performed spin-flip characterizations using UHF reference wave functions and the spin-flip formulation of the equation-of-motion coupled cluster theory with singles and …

The Free Press Vol. 57, Issue 1, 08-25-2025, Julz Levesque, Caraline Squires

Free Press, The

Welcome Letter from the Dean--Learning Commons Welcome Letter--SEAB Welcome--University Health & Counseling--Public Safety & Journal of Scandal--Welcome from Editors=in=Chief

The Echo: August 25, 2025, Taylor University

2025-2026 (Volume 113)

No abstract provided.

Acceptability Of A Telehealth Smoking Harm Reduction Intervention Using E-Cigarettes Among Cigarette Smokers With Opioid Use Disorder: A Qualitative Analysis, Omar El-Shahawy, Adetayo Fawole, Brian Kang, Mohsen Abbasi-Kangevari, Mariana Braga, Nada Hamade, Mohamed Doucoure, Jennifer Cantrell, Scott Sherman, Svetlana Shpiegel, Daniel Schatz, Elizabeth R. Stevens

Department of Social Work and Child Advocacy Faculty Scholarship and Creative Works

Background:

Electronic cigarettes (EC) may serve as a potential smoking harm reduction tool by addressing both nicotine and behavioral dependence. This qualitative study reports the feasibility and acceptability of using EC and telehealth counseling among individuals in treatment programs for opioid use disorders (OUD) who smoke combustible cigarette, and was conducted as part of a randomized controlled trial. We report findings among participants in the EC arm.

Methods:

Qualitative interviews were conducted from March to May 2021. The interviews were audio recorded, transcribed, and de-identified. An inductive approach guided by the Theoretical Framework of Acceptability was used. We developed and …

August 25, 2025

The Gavel Gazette

No abstract provided.

The Association Between Malnutrition And Gingivitis Among Residents In St. Louis, Missouri, Alyssa Detrick

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Malnutrition and gingivitis are common diagnoses in primary medical and dental care. The purpose of this quantitative study was to understand the association between malnutrition and gingivitis among residents in St. Louis, Missouri. The study was based on the social ecological model (SEM). The cross-sectional design involved secondary data (N = 2,553) from a Federally Qualified Health Center in St. Louis, Missouri that included de-identified patient demographic and diagnosis information of St. Louis City residents with a medical and dental visit in 2024. This study examined the relationship between malnutrition and gingivitis while controlling for ethnicity, preferred language, race, and …

Ai Is Not The New Dei: Academia’S Addiction To The Next Big Thing, Essraa Nawar

Library Articles and Research

"Every August, as campuses come back to life across the country and the world, I notice the same rhythm: new policies announced, committees formed, webinars scheduled, and fall conferences themed around the latest 'big thing.'

This fall? No surprise. The wave is artificial intelligence.

AI task forces are meeting weekly. Universities are drafting 'responsible AI' policies. New centers and certificates are being launched. Syllabi are being rewritten. Symposia and faculty retreats promise that AI will 'redefine the future of education.'

It is bold. It is ambitious. But it is also deeply familiar."

Earth Care Trusted Messengers Vaccine Access Project, Camille Velarde, Theresa H. Cruz

Reports & Documents

The Earth Care Trusted Messengers Vaccine Access Project was a two-month intervention implemented in Santa Fe, New Mexico in spring 2025 to address persistent barriers to COVID-19 and routine vaccine access among Spanish-speaking communities. Using a peer-to-peer “Trusted Messenger” model, respected community members received training in vaccine knowledge, communication strategies, and community organizing before hosting small house meetings to share accurate information, address concerns, and build trust.

A mixed-methods evaluation included pre/post/follow-up surveys, weekly house meeting questionnaires, and a final focus group. Quantitative results demonstrated substantial increases in participants’ confidence across all domains, including vaccine knowledge, communication skills, and ability …

Echoes In Autoethnography: A Reflexive Exploration Of Higher Education Service-Learning By A Caribbean Practitioner, Shilohna K. Phillanders

Journal of Comparative & International Higher Education

Service-learning is a useful pedagogical tool in higher education which encourages experiential learning; empowering students to become active participants in their own learning progress. While existing literature predominantly focuses on student and community outcomes, there's a notable gap in the literature addressing topics related to the practitioner, including their personal development. This autoethnographical study employs the iterative reflection process supported by the theory of critical pedagogy to reflect on service-learning from a Caribbean viewpoint. Within comparative and international higher education, this study serves to build scholarly discussions, providing diversity in the voices and contexts for researchers interested in understanding varied …

Molecular Mechanisms Of Iron Metabolism And Overload, Aditi Tayal, Jasmeen Kaur, Robert W. Maitta

Faculty Scholarship

Iron represents an essential element required for normal physiologic processes throughout organ systems. A vast network of transporters is involved not only in uptake of this element but in processing, oxidation, and recycling to maintain it in a tight balance to avoid excess storage. This complex network of transporters, including heme and ferroportin, among many others, are responsible for facilitating inter-organ tissue iron exchange and availability, contributing to overall heme homeostasis. However, exposure to high levels of iron can overwhelm compensatory mechanisms that result in its accumulation and toxicity. This is the case of patients with genetic diseases such as …

Innovating Higher Education - A Case Study Of Challenger Universities In Africa, Andrea Lane

Journal of Comparative & International Higher Education

Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 4 seeks to provide accessible and affordable higher education by 2030. While traditional universities in Africa evolve slowly to meet this goal, challenger universities are emerging to disrupt higher education. Examining the innovation practices of two of these institutions, this case study identifies four key practices: financial innovation, the Hub and Spoke model, competency-based online education, and the application of emerging technologies. Drawing on innovation management and higher education theories, the study draws new insights into how challenger universities address Africa’s unique challenges.

Comparative Data Science Education Policy And Management: United States And Europe, Torbet Mcneil

Journal of Comparative & International Higher Education

This study examines what “good” curricula and administration for undergraduate data science are by surveying and interviewing U.S. and European data science educators and administrators. Many U.S. and European higher education institutions have embraced data science education with a kind of inertial sensibility, i.e., it is inevitable that data science education needs to be offered to students. Information and data affect so many areas of knowledge that higher education administrators feel they must assure students are “ready” for the world they are inheriting. Academic capitalism and isomorphism theories help elucidate social and market forces influencing higher education decision-making. Topics to …

Ph.D. Productions And Employment Prospects In Zimbabwe; Imperative From Education 5.0 Heritage-Based Education System, Kudakwashe Muchena, Tendai C. Muhle

Journal of Comparative & International Higher Education

The production of PhDs has been a topical issue for debate about the need for such a qualification as a foundation for development. Literature is awash with arguments that support the need for a Ph.D. as a development thrust in many countries. In most countries in the West and Europe, their developmental thrust has been anchored on the production and employability of Ph.D. holders. Although this has been the case elsewhere, the same may not be accurate in Africa, particularly Zimbabwe. Zimbabwe engaged in an ambitious project called Education 5.0 Heritage-Based Education System as an impetus to develop the country …

Embedding Internationalization At Home – What Do Irish Heis Need?, Nidhi Piplani-Kapur, Don O'Neill, Helen Murphy, Suzanne Denieffe

Journal of Comparative & International Higher Education

In Irish higher education, only four percent of learners have benefited from mobility opportunities. Whilst mobility continues to be accessible to a limited few, Irish higher education institutions (HEIs) increasingly realize the need to engage in 'Internationalization at home (IaH)' to provide international experiences to all learners. However, as evident from the literature review, IaH has been underdeveloped and understudied to date in the Irish context. Grounded in organizational and curriculum design and change management theories, this study critiques the development of IaH and suggests strategies to embed a culture of IaH in Irish HEIs. It adopts a constructivist-interpretivist methodology …

The Perceptions Of Senior International Officers On Internationalization Strategies At Research Universities, Iyonka M. Strawn-Valcy

Journal of Comparative & International Higher Education

This dissertation utilized semi-structured interviews with 15 Senior International Officers at U.S. research universities to interrogate three institutional issues: 1) motivations for internationalization, 2) strategies for internationalization, and 3) leadership for internationalization. Through inductive data analysis, the first finding uses globalization theory to explore how SIOs navigate the tension between global collaboration and competition, serving as both mission stewards and strategic advisors within research universities. The second finding utilizes contingency theory to depict how internationalization is a driver of mobility, cross-cultural learning, and global integration, yet often disrupts institutional norms, introduces unfamiliar ideas, and challenges the status quo. The third …

“Even If I’M An International Student, I Have A Voice And I Should Make A Stand”: A Phenomenological Inquiry Into International Students’ Development Of Critical Agency In U.S. Higher Education, Sarang Kim

Journal of Comparative & International Higher Education

International students’ experiences with race and racism in U.S. higher education have received increasing scholarly attention. However, few empirical studies explore how these students resist and develop critical agency in response to systemic racism. This represents a significant gap, as international students can serve as important transnational allies in racial and social justice movements both in the U.S. and globally. To address this gap, this dissertation employs a phenomenological approach to examine the development of critical agency among 19 international students of color in the U.S. higher education. This study contributes to the broader discourse in Comparative and International …

Advancing Institutional Sustainability Through Green Roofs: Performance-Based Policy For Rit, Theoren Heilman

Theses

Utilization of green roof systems continues growth as a sustainable architectural strategy, offering enhancements to key building performance metrics while contributing to overall community resilience. The ability of green roofs to deliver a wide range of performance benefits, even in environments with harsh climatic conditions, positions them as an asset for advancing sustainable development. Within this context, university campuses represent an underutilized, yet important, setting for green roof adoption. Functioning much like small cities, campuses contain diverse building types and extensive infrastructure networks, which draw significant energy demands, positioning them to lead in sustainable building practices. Yet, most lack rigorous, …