Digital Commons Network^™

Perceptions Of Social Belonging Within Higher Education Students, Sydney Hicks, Magdalene Moy

SACAD: Scholarly Activities

The purpose of this research was to investigate the efficacy of a student-centered social media platform for higher education students. Social belonging significantly influences educational success, as heightened feelings of belonging among students correlate with increased motivation to stay engaged and learn (Marler et al., 2021). The conceptual framework for this study uses the intersection of social presence and social capital as resulting in social belonging. Social capital refers to the networks students build through interactions with others that could prove to be valuable resources (Lefebrve et al., 2016). Social presence looks at the interaction and relational aspects of these …

Will More Creative Freedom Increase Student Buy-In?, Loren Mcqueeny

SACAD: Scholarly Activities

Certain subjects in school allow students to display their creative freedom while others stick to strict guidelines and requirements. Art is one of those subjects that give students an opportunity to express themselves however they choose. While creative freedom is a word that gets thrown around quite often, how much can it influence a student's learning? Typically, choices that are given to students are mediated by adults in some capacity (Ramsey et al. 2010).

In this study, I aim to decide at what level of freedom student participation increases. While the study has not yet been completed, the methods and …

Adaptive Sports And Fitness Night, Kendra Clary, Drew Gannon

SACAD: Scholarly Activities

In Health and Human Performance, an overarching objective is to address the obstacles that restrict physical activity in daily lifestyles. At Fort Hays, we are dedicated to expanding community inclusion and reaching diverse populations, promoting our commitment to diversity and inclusion excellence.

Mission Statement:

Empowering Community Through Inclusive Movement

Vision Statement:

Our adaptive sports and fitness night cultivates community engagement, builds relationships, fosters motor and skill development, and promotes health and well-being for individuals of all abilities.

A recent systematic review found that only 9% of adults with ID meet the minimum requirement of 150 min of moderate to vigorous …

My Story Is In The Structure: An Autoethnographic Study By An Instructional Designer Working In A Centralized Academic Reporting Line, Pamela Williams

Dissertations

Although not officially named in the shared governance of an institution, instructional designers play an important role as they collaborate with administrators and faculty to create high quality, regulatory-compliant courses for enrolled students. Instructional designers working in centralized, academic reporting units may be well-positioned to advance the work of institutions to maintain good standing with the industry and regulatory bodies. To illustrate the challenges, opportunities, and strategies employed by an instructional designer working in such a position, an autoethnographic study was conducted to elucidate how shared governance influences, empowers, and disempowers an instructional designer’s ability to lead and collaborate on …

Relational Justice And Relational Pedagogy In Social Care Education, Niall Hanlon

Conference papers

Given that social justice is now central to Social Care Work it is vital that educators develop critical perspectives, research and educational pedagogies that advance the principles, policies, and practices of social justice in the profession. This presentation outlines a critical perspective on social care that integrates four interrelating social justice principles: redistribution, recognition, representation, and relational justice. It argues that the principle of relational justice should be central to social care work and education. In developing this principle the paper outlines the features of a relational pedagogy for social care education that nurtures four interrelated elements: (i) caring practice; …

Strategies For Financial Sustainability In Family-Owned Nonprofit Organizations, Lance W. Cain

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

The mission of many family-owned nonprofit organizations (FONPOs) is to provide goods and services to underserved communities and benefit society. However, less than 50% of FONPO leaders maintain sufficient cash reserves for 30 days of operations, and up to 13% are technically insolvent. Without adequate cash reserves, FONPO leaders risk decreased operational capacity and profitability, and insolvency, which may lead to business closure. Grounded in the resource-based view and commitment–trust theories, the purpose of this qualitative single-case case study was to explore strategies used by some organizational leaders to ensure the financial sustainability of FONPOs. The participants were four senior …

Sheahon Zenger Named 21st President Of Illinois Wesleyan University, Ann Aubry

News and Events (Discontinued Series)

No abstract provided.

How Informal Stem Learning Opportunities Benefit Diverse Communities, Bridget Musker

Whittier Scholars Program

In today's world, equitable access to Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) education is imperative. However, minority and underrepresented communities often face barriers to participation in formal educational settings. Informal learning, occurring outside of the classroom, presents an opportunity for these communities to engage with STEM subjects in accessible and inclusive environments. Out of School Time (OST) programs and informal learning play a significant role in providing high quality, hands-on, experiential STEM education focused on skill building, and college and career readiness. Despite the importance of STEM learning, persistent disparities exist, particularly among culturally diverse communities, due to systemic discrimination …

Breaking Barriers: Enhancing Accessibility For Latin American Students In U.S. Higher Education, Maria Caceres

Whittier Scholars Program

In the dynamic realm of higher education, the pursuit of inclusivity and accessibility stands as a central endeavor. This research project delves into the hurdles faced by Latin American students aspiring to pursue opportunities in the United States, aiming to unravel the complexities of admission requirements and immigration processes. Against the backdrop of the evolving educational landscape post-COVID-19, the study seeks to redefine the higher education sector's approach, fostering an environment that transcends barriers and embraces a more inclusive ethos.

The research holds significance in its mission to illuminate the academic achievements of international students, particularly those from Latin America, …

Exploring The Evolution Of Religious Beliefs And Experiences: A Developmental Perspective From Adolescence To Adulthood, Bella Lee Contreras Giardiello

Whittier Scholars Program

This study explores how religious beliefs and experiences evolve and impact individuals as they transition from adolescence into adulthood. It aims to gain insights into the ways in which religion influences social interactions, emotional well-being, and personal identity formation. Research on religion in adolescence into adulthood can promote understanding and tolerance of diverse religious beliefs and practices. Through this study I aim to provide a framework for the ways in which society can appreciate the plurality of religious experiences, fostering respect and empathy among individuals from different religious backgrounds. Participants were recruited from Professor Hill's Intro to Psychology class at …

Strategies For Integrating Open Innovation Practices For Small Businesses, Shannon Stewart

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Some small business owners lack implementation strategies for open innovation. Small business owners who can successfully implement open strategies can increase the opportunity for success. Grounded in the ten types of innovation theory, the purpose of this qualitative multiple case study was to explore strategies small business owners use to successfully implement open innovation. The participants comprised three small business owners from West Tennessee who successfully used strategies for open innovation. Data were collected using semistructured interviews and analyzed using thematic analysis. The three emerging themes were strategic and continuous development, risk management, and sustaining a culture of innovation. A …

Frontline Supervisors’ Strategies To Mitigate Employee Turnover, Patrina Amos

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Employee turnover consists of tangible and intangible costs that burden frontline supervisors and limit organizations’ profitability. During turnover, frontline supervisors bear the costs of losing the outgoing employee and the expenses of replacing the employee, which can be double the employee’s annual salary. Grounded in social exchange theory, the purpose of this qualitative pragmatic inquiry was to explore strategies that six frontline supervisors used to mitigate employee turnover. The data collected from semistructured interviews were thematically analyzed, resulting in four major themes: (a) communication, (b) supervisor support, (c) employee engagement, and (d) rewards and recognition. The primary recommendation is for …

Trailblazer Commits $5 Million Gift To Alma Mater, Tina H. Hahn

University of Mississippi News

OXFORD, Miss. – The first female graduate of the University of Mississippi School of Engineering committed a $5 million estate gift to her alma mater for Giving Day 2024, and plans call for the Department of Chemical Engineering to bear her name in honor of the legacy gift.

Ai Usage In The Insurance Industry: Future Or Fad, Carrie Stetler

Honors Projects

AI has garnered the attention of professionals from every industry and Insurance is no different. Join me to analyze the many ways AI is affecting this industry and others, as well as to answer the question, “Is AI really the future?”

Carotid Endarterectomy For Severe Internal Carotid Artery Stenosis, Anika Pruthi, Antony Aziz, Katherine Mcmackin, Philip Batista

Cooper Medical School of Rowan University Departmental Research

Introduction Patients’ symptomatic carotid stenosis require urgent intervention to prevent a secondary event, the risk of which is highest in the first two weeks after the initial event. Multiple modalities for treatment including transfemoral carotid stenting (TFCS), transcarotid artery revascularization (TCAR) and carotid endarterectomy (CEA) have emerged. CEA remains the standard for treating carotid artery stenosis and preventing stroke, often including neurophysiological monitoring for cerebral perfusion. However, each method has its risks. Choosing between modalities of treatment depends on patient-specific factors, such as comorbid conditions, as well as anatomic suitability where unfavorable anatomy may favor CEA over TCAR or TFCS. …

Encouraging Participation For Trainees At Autism Career Training, Sydney L. Stahl

OTD Capstone Projects

This doctoral capstone project was completed with Autism Career Training (ACT), a non-profit organization that teaches vocational skills to young adults with autism. The purpose of this project was to improve the participation of ACT trainees in all aspects of programming. To do this, various strategies; social activities; and community networking were implemented. Strategies to improve classroom participation, social conversation, and address sensory needs were developed and incorporated, along with a sensory profile assessment. Social activities were introduced, and partnerships were started with various employers in the community. An activity analysis was done per each job position available at these …

Mental Health And Wellness Programming For Adults With Down Syndrome, Chloe Samter

OTD Capstone Projects

This capstone project was completed in partnership with GiGi’s Playhouse located in Brentwood, TN. GiGi’s Playhouse is a non-profit organization that offers free programming for individuals with Down syndrome and their families. The focus of this project was addressing the mental health and wellness of adults with Down syndrome. The goal of this project was to provide meaningful lessons and activities for participants to learn about mental health, coping strategies, and emotional exploration. Participants had the opportunity to learn and practice meditation, mindfulness, self-advocacy, healthy relationships, creative expression, and more. Participants completed The Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Well-being Scale (WEMWBS) as a …

Living With Chemo Brain – Tips And Tricks To Improve The Quality Of Life For Individual’S Diagnosed With Cancer, Jamie Brown

OTD Capstone Projects

This doctoral capstone project was completed through a partnership with Gilda’s Club of Middle Tennessee, a non-profit organization focused on creating a sense of community and support for individuals who are impacted by cancer. The focus of this project was to develop a resource for members that addressed executive functioning changes that occur with chemo brain with a goal of making it both applicable and user friendly. The deliverable sought to provide members with basic tips and tricks for improving their quality of life. Utilizing an occupational lens, this manual contains practical strategies to address decreased memory, cognitive fatigue, processing …

Fashion For All: An Exploration Into Adaptive Fashion, Morgan F. Harrison

OTD Capstone Projects

The purpose of this doctoral capstone was to educate future clothing designers on the adaptive/inclusive clothing market and the need for further exploration into accessible, fashion forward clothing. This project was completed through a partnership with O’More College of Architecture and Design at Belmont University. The goal of this project was to provide students with an introspective look at the interface of fashion and disability. This was achieved by creating case studies based on interviews with individuals with various disabilities regarding their relationship with clothing. The result of this project was a recorded lecture that included demographics, available adaptive clothing …

From Mandated Reporter To Community Supporter: Reimagining Schools And The Nexus To Address Intersectional Social Justice, Charity Chandler-Cole

LMU Theses and Dissertations

From Mandated Reporter to Community Supporter: Reimagining Schools and the Nexus to Address Intersectional Social Justice, explores the transition from mandated reporting to community support within schools, focusing on the implications for Black families and the broader goal of addressing intersectional social justice. The study critically examines the role of schools beyond their educational mandate, highlighting their potential as pivotal hubs for supporting vulnerable populations and addressing systemic issues such as racism, bias, and poverty. Through a mixed-methods approach, incorporating both quantitative surveys and qualitative interviews, the research delves into the impact of mandated reporting on Black families, the understanding …

Honoring A Legacy: Alumna Gives Back In Memory Of Professor Grant Hargate, Lindenwood University

Archived Lindenwood Press Releases

No abstract provided.

2024 April 10 - Undergraduate Curriculum Council Minutes, Undergraduate Curriculum Council, East Tennessee State University

Undergraduate Curriculum Council Minutes

No abstract provided.

The Perceptions Of Appalachian Region Doctor Of Physical Therapy Admissions Faculty On The Holistic Nature Of Their Program’S Admissions Processes And Requirements, Kwaku Kankam

Ed.D. Dissertations

Researchers have extensively investigated the quantitative relationship between various admissions requirements and their predictive capability for academic success in DPT programs; however, limited investigators have examined the perceptions of these requirements by admissions faculty. The purpose of this qualitative study was to examine the perceptions of Doctor of Physical Therapy faculty in the Appalachian region regarding their programs’ admissions processes and requirements. I investigated the Appalachian region due to its economic differences from other parts of the United States. Considering this region was more rural and impoverished, these factors could have affected students’ access to higher education. How admissions criteria …

Supporting Students Where They Are: Exploring First-Generation, Low-Income Students’ Metacognitive Development Post-First Year Seminar, Jessica R. Washak

JWU Dissertations & Theses

First-year seminar (FYS) courses are designed to assist students through the transition into new academic communities, offering opportunities for students to develop the skills they need to persist through future coursework (Culver & Bowman, 2020). Despite the goal of retaining and empowering students—particularly student populations who have been historically underserved in higher education, such as first-generation, low-income (FGLI) students—observation of the many models of postsecondary FYS has revealed mixed success in terms of student outcomes (Jairam, 2022). It has been suggested in recent literature that metacognition, or “knowledge and cognition about cognitive phenomenon” (Flavell, 1979, p. 906), contributes to skill …

Nuclear Factor Kappa B-Dependent Persistence Of, Taylor A Stepien, Larissa A Singletary, Fermin E Guerra, Joyce E Karlinsey, Stephen J Libby, Sarah L Jaslow, Margaret R Gaggioli, Kyle D Gibbs, Dennis C Ko, Michael A Brehm, Dale L Greiner, Leonard D. Shultz, Ferric C Fang

Faculty Research 2024

Salmonella serovars Typhi and Paratyphi cause a prolonged illness known as enteric fever, whereas other serovars cause acute gastroenteritis. Mechanisms responsi ble for the divergent clinical manifestations of nontyphoidal and enteric fever Salmonella infections have remained elusive. Here, we show that S. Typhi and S. Paratyphi A can persist within human macrophages, whereas S. Typhimurium rapidly induces apoptotic macrophage cell death that is dependent on Salmonella pathogenicity island 2 (SPI2). S. Typhi and S. Paratyphi A lack 12 specific SPI2 effectors with pro-apoptotic functions, including nine that target nuclear factor κB (NF-κB). Pharmacologic inhibition of NF-κB or heterologous expression of …

Fs Social Justice Committee Minutes 2024-04-10, Northern Illinois University

Faculty Senate Archives

No abstract provided.

A Precise Measurement Of The Lifetime Of B-Mesons, Measurement Of Cp-Violation Parameters Of Bs-Mesons, The Atlas Experiment At The Lhc, And Development Of Silicon Detectors For Future Particle Physics Experiments, Easwar Anand Narayanan

Physics & Astronomy ETDs

A series of connected research projects has been carried out for the purpose of seeking physics phenomena beyond the Standard Model. These consist of a precise measurement of the lifetime of a short-lived b-hadron, the B_d-meson; preparations for measurements of CP-violating parameters in B_s decays; development of triggers that select b-hadron events; development of new instruments for improved precision in detecting fundamental particles; and monitoring and mitigating the effect of radiation on the detectors, which is inescapable in their operating environment. Datasets collected by the ATLAS detector at the Large Hadron Collider (LHC) are used for …

April 10, 2024 (Vol. 108, No. 26), Daily Eastern News

Daily Eastern News: 2023-2024

No abstract provided.

Identification Of Regulatory Roles For Stress Responsive Transposable Elements In Rice, Jenna M. Handal, Paul Lup, Emalynn E. Tobias, Andy Pereira, Navdeep Gill

Bioinformatics

Transposable elements, or mobile DNA sequences, are known for their structural and functional roles in the rice genome. As sources of genetic variation and drivers of evolution, transposable elements have been extensively studied for their role in regulation of gene expression. In addition, transposable elements are shown to be activated in response to various biotic and abiotic stresses and can possibly serve as a contributor to heat stress adaptation by modification of gene expression. As the global temperature rises, heat stress threatens crop production worldwide by affecting optimal rice growth, development, and yield. Concern for food security amidst a growing …

Conserved Domains In Promoters Of Differentially Expressed Genes Under High Night Temperature Stress In Rice: How To Find Them And What Can They Tell Us?, Emalynn Tobias, Jenna M. Handal, Paul Lup, Michael Egozi, Braham Dhillon, Andy Pereira, Navdeep Gill

Bioinformatics

Crop plant response to stress involves changes in gene expression patterns. This complex process of gene regulation depends on the presence of cis- and trans-acting components. One of the key steps in understanding changes in gene expression associated with a plant’s response to stress begins with the identification of “conserved domains” in the promoters of differentially expressed genes (DEGs). The conserved domains can play a crucial role in gene regulation by providing binding sites for transcription factors. In this study, we aim to identify the cis-regulatory elements (CREs) in the promoters of 149 DEGs that were identified in the transcriptomic …