Digital Commons Network^™

Receptiveness Of The Kindytxt Universal Early Literacy Texting Program By Parents From Low, Medium, And High Socioeconomic Communities, Susan M. Hill, Caroline Barratt-Pugh, Nicola F. Johnson, Lennie Barblett

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

The home literacy environment (HLE) plays an important role in children’s early literacy learning. Texting programs are an increasing feature of family literacy interventions that support parent engagement in their children’s learning. Unlike face-to-face interventions, texting programs can offer sustained parental support at low cost and large scale. Messages can be translated into other languages, saved and shared, thus potentially widening the influence on children’s HLEs. Most early literacy texting programs target families from disadvantaged communities, yet research suggests all families may benefit from guidance on supporting their children’s early literacy. This study examined the receptiveness of a universal early …

Music, Terror, Disaster, Healing, Zuzana Jurková, Oldrich Podebradský, Zuzana Gulová

Journal of Urban Culture Research

On December 21, 2023, a student of Charles University in Prague, one of the safest places in the world, shot dead 14 academics and students. Amidst omnipresent grief and mourning, the process of coping and “healing” started immediately, manifested in particular through a series of events called the “Month for the Faculty.” This text is based on participation in and research of these activities. The theoretical part uses the Durkheim's concept of piacular rites, the aim of which is to “reconfirm [a] community's solidarity.” Following the recommendations of Bin Xu (2016), we investigated who the main agents were in the …

The Figures Of (Sound/Noise) In The Thai Art Context, Haisang Javanalikhikara, Suebsang Sangwachirapiban

Journal of Urban Culture Research

This study explores the evolution of sound art in Thai modern and contemporary art from the 1960s to the present. Early artists visualized sound using traditional elements, while the 1990s saw a shift toward media, video, and performance art, driven by global trends and new art spaces. The 2000s brought international recognition, with artists integrating interactive and conceptual sound elements. By the 2010s, those with music backgrounds introduced sophisticated sound systems and interdisciplinary collaborations. However, challenges persist, including inadequate exhibition spaces, limited funding, and a lack of technical expertise. These constraints slow down innovation and the broader recognition of sound …

Revolutionizing Dance : Advanced Choreographic Trends Of The 21st Century, Dharakorn Chandnasaro

Journal of Urban Culture Research

The study, "Revolutionizing Dance: Advanced Choreographic Trends of the 21st Century," provides an in-depth examination of the contemporary dance landscape. This paper underscores the significance of emerging dance paradigms in the 21st century, artfully blending time-honoured traditions with cutting-edge innovations, promoting artistic ingenuity, stringent discipline, and synergistic collaborations. Central principles highlighted include interdisciplinary partnerships and a heightened awareness of environmental issues, both of which contribute substantially to the broader dance discourse. Additionally, the work accentuates the essentiality of copyright awareness and the diligent deterrence of dance plagiarism, pivotal in safeguarding choreographers' rights and advocating for an ethos underscored by respect …

A Digital Creative Industry, Webtoons : With A Focus On The Thai Webtoon Market, Sueun Kim, Kyungeun Park, Bongchul Kim, Hyeonwook Joo, Yangwon Hyun

Journal of Urban Culture Research

This study aims to explore the current state and challenges of the webtoon industry as a unique creative industry, focusing on the case of Thailand. First, it examines the characteristics and trends of the Webtoon market in Thailand, and how it contributes to the cultivation of a new creative industry. The study’s findings show that there is a dynamic relationship between the entry of major Korean webtoon platforms and the Thai publishing companies aided by an influx of Chinese capital that entered the market and established themselves as latecomers. In addition, the Thai-drama adaptations of Korean webtoons in Thailand have …

Abstraction In Traditional Kazakh Art, Tatigul Samuratova

Journal of Urban Culture Research

The objective of this study is to conduct an analysis of the main tendencies of abstract art in traditional Kazakh art, identify key characteristics and stages of abstraction evolution, and elucidate their impact on artists' creativity. The research employed online surveys, questionnaires, data analysis, and organization. Statistical methods were applied to process and analyze the obtained data, including comparative analysis of mean values and calculation of t-indicators. The results of the statistical analysis indicate a statistically significant difference between the experimental and control groups at a significance level of 0.05. The t-statistic value (4.971) exceeds the critical t-value (1.98), allowing …

Reimagining Public Art In Thailand : Policy, Practice And Sustainability, Pawinee Boonserm, Nantida Chandransu

Journal of Urban Culture Research

This research examines how governments promote public art through funding, mandate spaces and research support using international case studies. However, challenges such as centralized funding and restrictions on artistic expression persist. The study proposes a framework for "public art" within fine arts, emphasizing interdisciplinary collaboration and sustainable practices in Thailand. It underscores the importance of collaborative creativity, community engagement, and policy advocacy for a thriving public art landscape. Findings reveal the potential of public art to address societal challenges, foster social healing, and contribute to cultural preservation and economic development. Recommendations include promoting decentralized, community-led initiatives, establishing supportive policies, and …

The Impact Of War-Induced Trauma On Young Israelis : A Qualitative Examination Of The David’S Circle Project At Koh Phangan, Rachel Lev-Wiesel, Ofra Walter, Yael Rom-Shoshani, Nisara Jaroenkajornkij, Bussakorn Binson

Journal of Urban Culture Research

This qualitative study explores the psychological impact of war-induced trauma on young Israelis who sought refuge and healing in Koh Phangan, Thailand, through participation in the David’s Circle Project. The project provides a supportive, non-clinical space for the October 7th trauma Nova survivors and young reserve soldiers. In-depth, semi-structured interviews and group storytelling revealed common themes of emotional dislocation, mistrust, and existential uncertainty. The findings underscore the importance of alternative, culturally sensitive healing environments for trauma recovery and point to the therapeutic value of grouping in a safe physical and emotional space. Implications for trauma-informed care and post-conflict rehabilitation for …

Creative Thai Art Learning For Urban Society’S Well-Being, Apichart Pholprasert, Soamshine Boonyananta, Intira Phrompan, Suchart Imsamraan, Wanalee Chanrangsri, Priyasri Promchinda

Journal of Urban Culture Research

Lifestyles in crowded, fast-paced urban societies have created conditions that negatively affect physical, mental, and social well-being. This research aimed to develop and implement creative Thai art learning activities to promote well-being in urban communities. A mixed-methods approach was employed in four stages: (1) documentary research and community surveys, including interviews with 5 community leaders and 100 residents in the Rama IV area; (2) development of creative Thai art learning kits; (3) implementation of learning activities with a sample of 500 community residents; and (4) data collection involved satisfaction and well-being assessments and follow-up interviews; the resulting data were then …

Towards A Sustainable Play-Ground : Performance Ecosystems For A Livable Bangkok Neighborhood, Pornrat Damrhung

Journal of Urban Culture Research

This article examines an effort to turn urban research into creative placemaking by using performances to make a livable Bangkok neighborhood more vibrant. Research explored diverse stakeholders of Samyan-Banthat Thong in central Bangkok during COVID-19. This exploration found opportunities to link the neighborhood’s entrepreneurs, students, visitors and property managers, and discovered key characteristics of the complex and changing neighborhood. We used this knowledge to design a small festival bringing performing artists into the area’s main park and to important sites surrounding it for a weekend of live performances, workshops and demonstrations. By using performance to attract diverse publics to the …

Exploring Heritage Significance : A Study Of Traditional Chinese Architecture In Pontianak, Indonesia, Andi Andi, Emilya Kalsum, Zairin Zain, Raja Norashekin Raja Othman, Harun Siti Norlizaiha

Journal of Urban Culture Research

Heritage buildings in Indonesia face increasing threats of extinction due to a lack of public awareness and limited application of formal heritage assessment, especially for privately owned, unlisted structures. This study explores the significance of a traditional Chinese house located along the Kapuas River in West Kalimantan, emphasizing its worth for conservation. The research aims to demonstrate how national heritage criteria can be applied to evaluate such buildings and support their conservation. This study employs observation, site visits, digital documentation, and interviews with the house's owner to understand its usage and spatial arrangement. The study assesses heritage values of the …

Journal Policies, Jucr Staff

Journal of Urban Culture Research

No abstract provided.

Interpreting Literary Heritage : “Lilit Phra Law” Through Dance As Part Of Heritage Interpretation For The 21st Century, Naraphong Charassri

Journal of Urban Culture Research

This article explores how literary heritage can be reinterpreted through creative dance to sustain its relevance in the 21st century. It derives from a dissertation-length study entitled “Interpreting Literary Heritage: Lilit Phra Law through Dance as Part of Heritage Interpretation for the 21st Century.” The research employed six methods: literature review, personal experiential analysis, field studies, media exploration, symposium discussions, and structured interviews. Data collection was conducted in Thailand from March 2004 to April 2024, involving performing arts professionals, music and drama academics, senior practitioners from the Office of Performing Arts, the Fine Arts Department, Ministry of Culture, and both …

Artificial Intelligence In Educational Research And Scholarship: Seven Framings, Eamon Costello, Giselle Ferreira, Stefan Hrastinski, Jason K. Mcdonald, Ahmed Tlili, George Veletsianos, Victoria I. Marin, Henk Huijser, Sharon Altena

Faculty Publications

In a recent interview (Bender et al., 2025), Professor Emily M. Bender discussed the limitations of technical solutions in addressing harmful Artificial Intelligence (AI) bias. She described a particular point we may reach at which technical solutions stop working, and when we should then widen the lens to ask about the problem framing itself. This is a crucial step in any inquiry that is of concern to both novice and experienced researchers alike: moving from problem-solving to problematisation. This commentary aims to provide educational researchers with a glimpse into the wide array of research problems and problematisation of AI in …

The Moderating Effects Of Self-Compassion On The Relationship Between Shame And Depression In Military Populations, Sarah Foran

College of Graduate Studies: Theses & Dissertations

The U.S. Military has faced a continuous rise in mental health concerns reported by service members and veterans (Currier et al., 2017; Rosenheck & Fontana, 2007). Studies of military personnel have found that up to 15% of service members meet the criteria for experiencing depression (Shen et al., 2012). Often, individuals with military experience face numerous stressors that positively contribute to this experience of depression and feelings of shame (Bradbard et al., 2014; Litz et al., 2009). Military culture (often emphasizing shame related to mental health) has also been found to put military personnel at higher risk of experiencing depression …

The Elite And The Illicit: Women, Power, And History In Cormac Mccarthy’S All The Pretty Horses And Cities Of The Plain, April Trepagnier

College of Graduate Studies: Theses & Dissertations

Much of the discussion concerning female characters in Cormac McCarthy’s oeuvre revolves around assertions of narrative misogyny and subjection resulting from overly reductive criticism based on identity singularity. Had the critics taken this approach with McCarthy’s male characters, there would be little discussion of his work today as they, too, would have appeared as shallow stereotypes. Such readings are of limited interest or usefulness. Rather, when readers pay attention to the richness of the literary craft of McCarthy’s works, it is possible to read his male characters with great complexity. The same treatment, applied to his female characters, reveals precisely …

Educator Perceptions Of Crisis Frequency And Levels Of Preparedness In Rural Schools, Misty C. Duncan

College of Graduate Studies: Theses & Dissertations

Recent national trends, particularly in rural education, highlight the urgent need for enhanced crisis prevention and intervention strategies. This study aimed to investigate the perceptions of crisis frequency and preparedness among rural educators. Through a survey, data were collected on participants' perceptions of crisis frequency and preparedness across various crisis areas. Preliminary findings revealed a significant gap between the perceived level of preparedness and the actual needs for school safety. Despite some training, the quantity and quality of training received by rural educators varied widely, impacting their preparedness to respond to crises. Moreover, an alarming percentage of educators reported not …

Exploring Associations Between Health And Fitness Measures And Metabolic Syndrome Risk Factors In Rural Firefighters, Isaiah Mews

College of Graduate Studies: Theses & Dissertations

This study investigates the relationship between metabolic syndrome (MetS) and muscular fitness measures in career rural firefighters. MetS is a cluster of conditions that increases the risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD), a leading cause of death among firefighters. Previous research has shown that cardiorespiratory fitness is inversely related to MetS, but the role of muscular fitness variables remains unclear. This study aims to determine if fitness measures, such as cardiorespiratory endurance, muscular strength, muscular endurance, and muscular power, can give insight into MetS in firefighters. Participants were recruited from a Southeastern rural fire department and underwent assessments of muscular fitness, …

Characterization And Optimization Of Sand And Tung Oil-Based Resins For Binder-Jet 3d Printing, Daniel I. Ajiola

College of Graduate Studies: Theses & Dissertations

Binder-jet 3D printing as a transformative technology in additive manufacturing, offers the ability to fabricate complex structures with diverse materials. This thesis investigates the use of a sustainable tung oil-based resin to create composites, exploring the potential for an eco-friendly alternative to synthetic binders.

The aim of this research is to develop and characterize a bio-based resin formulation, using tung oil as the primary binder, for application in binder-jet 3D printing with sand as the reinforcement. The resin formulation was prepared by combining tung oil, n-butyl methacrylate, divinylbenzene, and di-tert-butyl peroxide in precise proportions, ensuring a balanced mixture that supports …

Epigenetic Potential Remains Stable Over 100 Years After Introduction, Danielle Dawkins

College of Graduate Studies: Theses & Dissertations

Introduced species provide important insights into organismal behavioral responses. Epigenetic mechanisms are one of the various ways in which behaviors can be modified, particularly through DNA methylation. Through such mechanisms, phenotypic changes can occur in response to environmental changes, allowing an organism to be more plastic. Epigenetic potential (EP) represents the capacity for an organism to be epigenetically modified, and can be measured by counting CpG motifs; cytosine adjacent to guanine within a DNA sequence. Phenotypic plasticity as it relates to EP has been studied extensively in the house sparrow (Passer domesticus), a globally introduced songbird. It is …

“Stay Afloat, Stay Alive”: Stories Of The Challenges And Perseverance Of Foster Care Alumni In Higher Education, Marshall S. Parrent

College of Graduate Studies: Theses & Dissertations

The purpose of this critical narrative inquiry was to collect the stories of foster care alumni (FCA) in higher education, and so that we may better understand how FCA describe their experiences and what colleges and universities can do to help FCA achieve their goal of degree completion. This study highlights the need for a culturally responsive and sustaining curriculum in order to create an environment supportive of FCA needs. Undergraduate FCA are considered one of the most underserved student populations in higher education (Johnson, 2021). While 70-84% of FCA wish to attend college and earn a two- or four-year …

Exploring The Impact: Eating Disorder Treatment And Mortality In The United States, Brittany Tolbert

College of Graduate Studies: Theses & Dissertations

This study explores adolescent eating disorder trends in the United States between 1999-2013, identifies national eating disorder mortality trends, and analyzes data for in-patient adolescent hospital admissions. Additionally, this study uses public-facing data for residential eating disorder treatment centers to explore issues related to insurance coverage, gender inclusivity, and evidence-informed treatment practices. The findings will highlight gaps in data collection and policy, support advocacy, and contribute to the research into eating disorder prevalence, prevention, treatment outcomes, and economic impact, leading to greater visibility to promote change.

Correlates Of Body Image And Physical Self-Concept, Rashuna Middleton

College of Graduate Studies: Theses & Dissertations

The growing overlap between social media and celebrity culture has played a significant role in shaping individuals' perceptions of body image and self-worth. This study explored the relationship between celebrity worship, problematic social media use, narcissism, physical self-concept, and body image among undergraduate psychology students. This study utilized the Celebrity Attitude Scale (CAS), the Narcissistic Personality Inventory (NPI), the Maladaptive Covert Narcissism Scale (MCNS), the Bergen Social Media Addiction Scale (BSMAS), the Body Influence Assessment Inventory (BIAI), the Self-Objectification Questionnaire (SOQ), and the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale (RSE). Findings indicated that vulnerable narcissism positively correlated with body image, whereas grandiose narcissism …

Roadmaps And Blueprints: Ecofeminism In The American Novel, Maegan Bishop

College of Graduate Studies: Theses & Dissertations

The theory of ecofeminism in literature combines ecocriticism and feminism to articulate the overlap of environmental concerns and the subjugation of women and other vulnerable populations. In American Literature, the application of ecofeminist theory is a tool used to expose cultural anxieties throughout time by emphasizing the roles of women and the importance of their connection to the environment during moments of national progression. Current scholarship surrounding ecofeminism in American literature addresses this trend as it applies specifically to texts written by women writers of the 19th and 20th centuries, but does not extend further to legitimize ecofeminism as it …

Contextual Augmentation In Artificial Intelligence, Emmanuel Joshua Balogun

College of Graduate Studies: Theses & Dissertations

Contextual understanding is a significant challenge of Large Language Models (LLMs), which are typically trained on general-purpose datasets. Due to this, LLMs fail to capture nuanced or domain-specific information and may struggle to interpret user queries accurately. Consequently, prompt engineering can become complex in automating, and LLMs are prone to “hallucinating”—generating random or irrelevant texts—when they lack sufficient context. This undermines their ability to provide focused, accurate responses. Accordingly, this thesis seeks to enhance the contextual understanding capabilities of Artificial Intelligence systems to facilitate more precise and relevant answer generation. Study A looks into a new approach to combating misinformation …

Success Is A Journey, Not A Destination: The Student Library Assistants Of Georgia (Slags) At G. W. Carver School In Richmond Hill, Georgia, 1960-1968, Christopher C. Elkins

College of Graduate Studies: Theses & Dissertations

This dissertation examines two chapters of Black education in Georgia that have been largely ignored in the study of curriculum and educational history, namely the George Washington Carver School located in Richmond Hill, Georgia and the Student Library Assistants of Georgia (SLAGS) that existed statewide in many Black schools. G.W. Carver School, built in 1939 and funded by automaker Henry Ford, is mentioned briefly in multiple works that either relate to Ford or cover the general history of Richmond Hill. Utilizing oral history and archival documents, this study emphasizes the significant contribution the SLAGS program made to students at G. …

Unmasked, Unbroken, And Transgressional: A Womanist Approach To Black Female Educators' Experiences With Intersectionality And Their Quest To Teach For Educational Liberation, Ty-Ria S. Jenkins

College of Graduate Studies: Theses & Dissertations

This qualitative study examines the experiences of six Black female educators committed to educational liberation, using Baszile’s (2006) Black Self and Beauboeuf-Lafontant’s (2008) politicized mothering as frameworks. Grounded in Black feminist thought (Hill Collins, 2000) and womanist pedagogy (Walker,1983), it explores how these educators navigate race, gender, and systemic barriers in education. Through qualitative interviews and sista circles (Johnson, 2015), participants shared their journeys of self-realization, political clarity, and transgressional teaching practices.

Findings reveal that Black female educators embody three layers of the Black Self—emergence, absence “invisibility” and self-awareness—while also engaging in politicized mothering through maternal care, political clarity, and …

Stirring Up Foxfire: Rekindling Personal Passion For Teaching Through Storytelling, Frank E. Bird Iii

College of Graduate Studies: Theses & Dissertations

STIRRING UP FOXFIRE: REKINDLING PERSONAL PASSION FOR TEACHING THROUGH STORYTELLING.

by

FRANK BIRD III

Under the Direction of Robert Lake

ABSTRACT

There are two guiding questions for my dissertation and research. The first question pertains to the Foxfire program, a teaching program that originated in Rabun County, Georgia. What is Foxfire? Foxfire is many things. It is a glowing fungus in the mountains of North Georgia. It is fifty-plus years of publishing the Foxfire magazine, a high school class for fifty years, an approach to teaching, a museum, an intern program for high school students, and so much more (Smith, …

Literary Homeplace As A Site Of Knowing And Healing, Shamonique Hassell

College of Graduate Studies: Theses & Dissertations

The concept of literary homeplace serves as a locus of rhetorical healing for Black women, emphasizing their lived experiences and creative expressions as forms of resistance and restoration (Collins, 1986; hooks, 1990; Nettles, 2001). The labor of Black women within families, churches, and artistic endeavors contributes to the cultivation of a collective consciousness surrounding oppression and healing (Edwards, 2010; Carey, 2016; Morrison, 1992). Building upon hooks’ (1990) notion of homeplace, this dissertation examines how Black women foster spaces characterized by care, dignity, and resilience (Hersey, 2022; Tate, 1984). Using personal narrative and articulating Black women’s voices, I position homeplace as …

Hard Edge Expansion, Quinderrious Humphrey

College of Graduate Studies: Theses & Dissertations

Hard-edge painting has always been rooted in precision, crisp forms, and the rejection of gestural abstraction. My work builds on this tradition while pushing its boundaries, breaking free from the conventional picture plane, exploring objecthood, and activating space through material and color. By using shaped wood substrates instead of canvas, I transform paintings into physical objects that interact with their environment rather than existing as flat images. The natural grain of the wood plays an integral role in this, creating an organic contrast to the controlled, geometric forms I apply.

Color functions as both a formal and perceptual tool in …