Digital Commons Network^™

Silent Today, Conversant Tomorrow: Education Adequacy As A Political Question, Yeju Hwang

Northwestern University Law Review

When the Supreme Court declined to recognize the right to education as one fundamental to liberty, and thus unprotected by the U.S. Constitution, state courts took on the mantle as the next best fora for those yearning for judicial review of inequities present in American public schools. The explicit inclusion of the right to education in each state’s constitution carried the torch of optimism into the late twentieth century. Despite half a century of litigation in the states, the condition of the nation’s public school system remains troubling and perhaps increasingly falls short of expectations. Less competitive on an international …

Toward Accessing Hiv-Preventative Medication In Prisons, Scott Shimizu

Northwestern University Law Review

The Eighth Amendment is meant to protect incarcerated individuals against harm from the state, including state inaction in the face of a known risk of harm. While the Eighth Amendment’s protection prohibits certain prison disciplinary measures and conditions of confinement, the constitutional ambit should arguably encompass protection from the serious risk of harm of sexual assault, as well as a corollary to sexual violence: the likelihood of contracting a deadly sexually transmitted infection like HIV. Yet Eighth Amendment scholars frequently question the degree to which the constitutional provision actually protects incarcerated individuals.

This Note draws on previous scholarship on cruel …

Risk Assessment And Sources Apportionment Of Toxic Metals In Two Commonly Consumed Fishes From A Subtropical Estuarine Wetland System, Md Moudud Ahmed, As-Ad Ujjaman Nur, Salma Sultana, Yeasmin N Jolly, Bilal Ahamad Paray, Takaomi Arai, Jimmy Yu, Mohammad Belal Hossain

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

The widespread occurrence of heavy metals in aquatic environments, resulting in their bioaccumulation within aquatic organisms like fish, presents potential hazards to human health. This study investigates the concentrations of five toxic heavy metals (Pb, Hg, Zn, Cu, and Cr) and their potential health implications in two economically important fish species (Otolithoides pama and Labeo bata) from a subtropical estuarine wetland system (Feni estuary, Bangladesh). Muscle and gill samples from 36 individual fish were analyzed using energy dispersive X-ray fluorescence (EDXRF). The results revealed that the average quantities of heavy metals in both fishes' muscle followed the declining …

Implementation Of A Standardized Suicide Screening Process In A University Student Health Clinic: A Quality Improvement Project, Addie Grace Strong, Kathryn Dambrino, R. David Phillippi, Linda Wofford

DNP Projects

Background: Suicide is a leading cause of death among college age students, prompting the need for evidence-based screening tools like the Columbia Suicide Severity Rating Scale (C-SSRS) to enable early detection and timely intervention. Inconsistencies in suicide screening may pose a risk of missed intervention opportunities. This Doctor of Nursing Practice project specifically aimed to improve the quality and consistency of suicide screening in a university student health clinic by implementing the C-SSRS tool into the clinic workflow during mental health appointments. Methods: Employing a quality improvement framework, this scholarly project followed the Institute for Healthcare Improvement Model for Improvement …

Ensemble Concerts: Percussion Ensemble, April 14, 2024, David Collier, Ben Stiers

School of Music Programs

Center for the Performing Arts
April 14, 2024
Sunday Evening
7:00 p.m.

Recital: Gresham Clarinet Studio, April 14, 2024, Illinois State University School Of Music

School of Music Programs

Kemp Recital Hall
April 14, 2024
Sunday Evening
7:30 p.m.

Color On Canvas In Black Britain And Black Germany, Marisa J. Pickett

History ETDs

Using the artwork and poetry of Black artist-activists Lubaina Himid, Keith Piper, May Ayim, and Raja Lubinetzki, a connection was found between the increasingly anti-immigrant rhetoric of conservative politicians of the 1980s and the self-identification and belonging of non-white communities within the countries of Great Britain and Germany. By linking the produced artwork with the direct political initiatives of the time, we are able to draw parallels between the experiences of two diasporic communities, Black Britain and Black Germany, through artists and their work. Artwork can be seen as a medium through which to engage with the audience on a …

Racial Targets, Atinuke O. Adediran

Northwestern University Law Review

It is common scholarly and popular wisdom that racial quotas are illegal. However, the reality is that since 2020’s racial reckoning, many of the largest companies have been touting specific, albeit voluntary, goals to hire or promote people of color, which this Article refers to as “racial targets.” The Article addresses this phenomenon and shows that companies can defend racial targets as distinct from racial quotas, which involve a rigid number or proportion of opportunities reserved exclusively for minority groups. The political implications of the legal defensibility of racial targets are significant in this moment in American history, where race …

Synthesis And Characterization Of Tellurite Based Noncentrosymmetric Materials, Soulathda Monet Le

Honors Capstone Projects and Theses

No abstract provided.

Enhancing Cyber Resilience: Development, Challenges, And Strategic Insights In Cyber Security Report Websites Using Artificial Inteligence, Pooja Sharma

Harrisburg University Dissertations and Theses

In an era marked by relentless cyber threats, the imperative of robust cyber security measures cannot be overstated. This thesis embarks on an in-depth exploration of the historical trajectory and contemporary relevance of penetration testing methodologies, elucidating their evolution from nascent origins to indispensable tools in the cyber security arsenal. Moreover, it undertakes the ambitious task of conceptualizing and implementing a cyber security report website, meticulously designed to fortify cyber resilience in the face of ever-evolving threats in the digital realm.

The research journey commences with an insightful examination of the historical antecedents of penetration testing, tracing its genesis in …

The Role Of Attention Mechanisms In Enhancing Transparency And Interpretability Of Neural Network Models In Explainable Ai, Bhargav Kotipalli

Harrisburg University Dissertations and Theses

In the rapidly evolving field of artificial intelligence (AI), deep learning models' interpretability

and reliability are severely hindered by their complexity and opacity. Enhancing the

transparency and interpretability of AI systems for humans is the primary objective of the

emerging field of explainable AI (XAI). The attention mechanisms at the heart of XAI's work

are based on human cognitive processes. Neural networks can now dynamically focus on

relevant parts of the input data thanks to these mechanisms, which enhances interpretability

and performance. This report covers in-depth talks of attention mechanisms in neural networks

within XAI, as well as an analysis …

Enhancing Mobile App User Experience: A Deep Learning Approach For System Design And Optimization, Deepesh Haryani

Harrisburg University Dissertations and Theses

This paper presents a comprehensive framework for enhancing user experience in mobile applications through the integration of deep learning systems. The proposed system design encompasses various components, including data collection and preprocessing, model development and training, integration with mobile applications, dataset management service, model training service, model serving, hyperparameter optimization, metadata and artifact store, and workflow orchestration. Each component is meticulously designed with a focus on scalability, efficiency, isolation, and critical analysis. Innovative design principles are employed to ensure seamless integration, usability, and automation. Additionally, the paper discusses distributed training service design, advanced optimization techniques, and decision criteria for hyperparameter …

A Workshop Curriculum For Student Loan Debt, Cion Swoope

Masters Projects

For many college students, taking out student loans is a necessary step towards higher education, yet it often leads to accumulated debt that can seem insurmountable. This project intends to investigate the implications of student loan debt, such as homeownership, household debt, and other life goals, and educate borrowers on the potential repercussions. Using Becker's (1993) Human Capital theory, I will examine the investment logic behind student loan borrowing, framing debt as a calculated risk for future gain. This project also uses Crenshaw's (1989) Intersectionality theory to extend beyond the scope of the average borrower and highlight the demographic groups …

First-Principles Study Of Electronic Properties Of Substitutionally Doped Monolayer Snp3, Junfeng Jin, Fang Lv, Wei Cao, Ziyu Wang

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Isovalent doping offers a method to enhance the thermoelectric properties of semiconductors, yet its influence on the phonon structure and propagation is often overlooked. Here, we take CdX (X=Te, Se) compounds as an example to study the role of isovalent doping in thermoelectrics by first-principles calculations in combination with the Boltzmann transport theory. The electronic and phononic properties of Cd8Se8, Cd8Se7Te, Cd8Te8, and Cd8Te7Se are compared. The results suggest that isovalent doping with CdX significantly improves the thermoelectric performance. Due to the similar properties of Se and Te atoms, the electronic properties remain unaffected. Moreover, doping enhances anharmonic phonon scattering, …

Ensuring Clean Futures: The Vital Role Of Wastewater Treatment, Nadya Casanova

Goal 6: Clean Water and Sanitation

No abstract provided.

Citizenship And Service Learning At Lynn University, Erika Grodzki

Faculty and Staff Publications & Presentations

Dr. Erika Grodzki presented a paper on the Citizenship Project at Lynn University at the Broadcasting Education Association's annual conference in Las Vegas.

The Effect Of Tryptone And Tomato Juice Addition On The Growth Performance Of Strawberry (Fragaria Ananassa) Explant Under In Vitro Condition, Zulfa Ulinnuha, Etik Wukir Tini, Noor Farid, Dhianing Shalatin

Jurnal Kultivasi

Strawberries are a fruit commodity that has high economic value. The obstacle in strawberry production is the lack of high-quality seed availability with disease-free properties. Tissue culture offers a promising solution to increase both the quantity and quality of strawberry seeds. This study aims to assess the effect of different concentrations of tomato juice and tryptone on the growth of strawberry explants under in vitro growing condition. The research was conducted at the Plant Breeding Laboratory, Faculty of Agriculture, Universitas Jenderal Soedirman, from December 2022 to May 2023. The study employed a Completely Randomized Design (CRD) with two factors. The …

Growth And Yield Response Of Tanjung Ii And Unpad Cb2 Red Chili Varieties Grown In The Medium Land, Rahma Wati Lestari, Kusumiyati, Syariful Mubarok, Yusuf Eka Maulana

Jurnal Kultivasi

Red chili is an important commodity that is daily needed by the community. Non-central chili areas often experience deficits due to the high consumption volume and low productivity of chili peppers. To increase the productivity of chili in non-central areas, expand it in the medium land. This study aims to determine the productivity of two introduced chili varieties in the medium land whose adaptation areas came from lowland and highland areas. This study was analyzed using an independent sample T-test at a significant level of 5%. The results of the data analysis showed that the Tanjung II variety significantly influenced …

Metallic Light-Based Bird-Repellent Prototype To Reduce Paddy Yield Loss In Jatinangor, Sumedang Regency, Ai Siti Santriyani, Ichsan Nurul Bari, Wahyu Daradjat Natawigena, Lindung Tri Puspasari, Syifa Nabilah Subakti-Putri

Jurnal Kultivasi

Munia birds (Lonchura spp.) are pests that attack paddy plants during the reproductive phase. The traditional methods of controlling birds are considered less effective because birds can adapt to the tools used. This study aimed to determine the effectiveness of a metallic light-based bird-repellent prototype to reduce paddy yield loss. The experiment was conducted in Cileles Village paddy fields, Jatinangor Subdistrict, Sumedang Regency, West Java Province, Indonesia. The effectivity of the prototype was tested by measuring the effective distance (m2), counting the frequency of bird visits (number of visits), bird populations, and the level of paddy damage (%), and paddy …

Surgically Repaired Tetralogy Of Fallot In The 7th Decade: A Late Presentation Of Severe Pulmonic Regurgitation, Kyle S. Varkoly, Akarsh Parekh, Melissa Ianitelli, Mostafa Hamada, Alexandra R. Lucas, Thomas Forbes

Student Publications

Background: Surgically repaired tetralogy of Fallot (TOF) is a congenital heart disease with a cumulative survival rate of 72% in the 4th decade of life in longitudinal single-cohort studies. Debate surrounds conservative versus surgical management in adults with TOF once pulmonary regurgitation occurs.

Case presentation: A 73-year-old male with surgically corrected TOF presented with heart failure symptoms. He underwent ToF repair with a classic right Blalock-Taussig shunt at 2 years of age with transannular patching at 18 years of age. Echocardiography revealed elevated right ventricular systolic pressures, severe right ventricular dilatation, and pulmonary regurgitation. Our patient's new-onset right-sided heart failure …

Pregnane X Receptor Signaling Pathway And Vitamin K: Molecular Mechanisms And Clinical Relevance In Human Health, Jeff Staudinger, Avina Mahroke, Gauri Patel, Cole Dattel, Sahana Reddy

Faculty and Staff Publications

This review explores the likely clinical impact of Pregnane X Receptor (PXR) activation by vitamin K on human health. PXR, initially recognized as a master regulator of xenobiotic metabolism in liver, emerges as a key regulator influencing intestinal homeostasis, inflammation, oxidative stress, and autophagy. The activation of PXR by vitamin K highlights its role as a potent endogenous and local agonist with diverse clinical implications. Recent research suggests that the vitamin K-mediated activation of PXR highlights this vitamin's potential in addressing pathophysiological conditions by promoting hepatic detoxification, fortifying gut barrier integrity, and controlling pro-inflammatory and apoptotic pathways. PXR activation by …

Concealment And Darkness In Horace Walpole’S The Castle Of Otranto, Alexandra G. Speck

Global Tides

This paper examines the relationship between darkness and fear in Horace Walpole’s The Castle of Otranto, widely recognized as the first Gothic novel. Walpole wrote Otranto soon after the rise of Enlightenment thought, which stressed sensory observation as the foundation for human reason. Walpole engages with Enlightenment ideas through Otranto’s dark setting, which invokes fear and irrationality in the heroine, Isabella.

Tracking Walpole’s manipulation of light and darkness through the narrative, this paper illustrates how darkness inspires more fear in Isabella than either the novel’s infamous supernatural dangers or its human villain, Prince Manfred, who pursues her through …

Characterization Of Phase Transition Behavior In Vo2 Thin Films, Eric Min Myat

John Wesley Powell Student Research Conference

Our goal is to characterize the phase transition behavior of vanadium dioxide (VO2) thin films, specifically focusing on the metal-insulator transition, through electrical resistance measurements. We will synthesize high-quality VO2 thin films using a sol-gel process to prepare precursor solutions, spin coating for uniform thin film deposition, and controlled annealing to tune the properties and phase transition behavior of VO2. The resistivity of the thin films will be measured using a four-point-probe technique, specifically the Van der Pauw method. This project aims to provide insights into the fundamental properties of VO2 thin films and contribute to the development of novel …

Narco Service Provisions In Tierra Caliente: La Familia Michoacana, Los Caballeros Templarios, And Los Zetas, Itzel Mendoza

John Wesley Powell Student Research Conference

This article analyzes the mutual relationship of dependency between civil society and narco cartels in Tierra Caliente, focusing on civilian experiences in Michoacan, Guerrero and el Estado de México. This paper will examine the functions of La Familia Michoacana, Los Caballeros Templarios and Los Zetas through community service provisions and cartels’ governance. Additionally, socioeconomic factors of Tierra Caliente will be examined to determine which types of communities lend themselves to cartels to provide community provisions as I argue that socioeconomic factors drive cartels’ operations and behaviors.

Disputed Territories Across The Globe: A Future Of Peace Or Change?, Grayson Shade Walker

Emory International Law Review Symposia

No abstract provided.

Disputed Territories Across The Globe: A Future Of Peace Or Change?, Grayson Shade Walker

Emory International Law Review Symposia

No abstract provided.

Independent Reading In The High School Classroom: An Examination Of Students' Reading Behaviors And Perceptions, Emma Halfman

John Wesley Powell Student Research Conference

Independent reading is a time wherein students are allowed to read self-selected materials on their own (Yoon, 2002). Federal research like that of the National Reading Panel Report (NRP), however, has suggested that such programs in schools do not have conclusive benefits for students. Given this context, some administrators, teachers, and parents often do not advocate for independent reading in the classroom. They prefer instead that class time be spent wisely. They prefer that the class time be focused on the instruction of skills/content that matter to students and that align with state and national standards and assessments. With such …

Implementing Universal Design For Learning (Udl) In A High School Mathematics Classroom, Kate Meyers

John Wesley Powell Student Research Conference

With the increasing awareness in the field of education for accessible curriculums designed to meet the diverse learning styles of students, Universal Design for Learning (UDL) has been adopted by many schools, teachers, and even written into legislation. UDL was first created by the educators at the Center for Applied Special Technology (CAST) as a system of guidelines and supports to optimize inclusive learning strategies that address the needs of all learners through the use of multiple means of engagement, representation, and action and expression (CAST, 2018). Specifically, in mathematics classrooms, UDL has been shown to increase students’ mathematical comprehension …

Promoting The Use Of Primary Sources In The Secondary Social Studies Classroom, Alec Mucha

John Wesley Powell Student Research Conference

Utilizing engaging and hands-on activities is crucial for secondary social studies teachers aiming to integrate primary sources into their classrooms. It is a skill which can be daunting for teachers, as it can be challenging to come up with these activities. In order to find engaging practices I took an in-depth look at the current practices of teachers, reviewing 30 relevant articles that specifically addressed their utilization of primary sources and activities. I explored strategies for promoting student engagement in the learning process. Applying Fredricks, Blumenfeld, and Paris’ (2004) categorization of engagement theory, I used this theory which contends that …

Social Media Influence On Infant Safe Sleep A Tiktok Study, Peyton Kumpula

John Wesley Powell Student Research Conference

The leading cause of death in infants age one month-one year in the United States is Sudden Unexpected Infant Death (SUID) with about 3,500 deaths each year. These deaths are related to unsafe sleep circumstances. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) released updated infant safe sleep (ISS) recommendations (2022) that include a call for healthcare professionals to endorse, model, and educate ISS practices. Also recommended is that media follow ISS guidelines in messaging and advertising. Even as parents and caregivers are educated about ISS by healthcare professionals, their parenting beliefs and behaviors are influenced by social networks including social media. …