Digital Commons Network^™

The Middle-Class Rip-Off'? Subsiding Culture In Contemporary Ireland, Connell Vaughan Dr

Irish Communication Review

In the last few years (roughly since the start of the Covid-19 pandemic) there has been a noted increase in state-led cultural funding in Ireland. Key examples include the raise in the financial allocation to the Arts Council, the introduction of the Basic Income for the Arts scheme, and increased sports capital funding. With reference to the official communication documents of these cases (so-called ‘grey literature’) and deploying the classic 1982 episode of the British sitcom Yes, Minister, ‘The Middle-Class Rip-Off,’ which pitches sports funding against support for the arts, as a satirical lens, this paper reflects on the contemporary …

That’S Sooo Povo!, Sophie O'Toole, Trudy Nolan

Irish Communication Review

When Chantelle and Craoí, two working class Dublin drama students, lock horns over The Plough and the Stars, their combined rage brings forth Queen Povo, a drag-drenched larger-than-life entity who forces the girlos and the audience to examine what they’re thinking about when they think of class. From D'Girlos Theatre, this riotous, razor-sharp debut crashes through class, art, and authenticity with wit, grit, and glitter. A juicy-tracksuit clad call to arms for anyone who’s ever felt too loud, too real, or just too povo.

Buckeye Property Consulting, Stephen Manning

Distinguished Student Scholarship Collection

This business plan outlines the creation and strategic development of Buckeye Property Consulting, a startup firm specializing in compliance consulting for affordable housing property management companies. The plan addresses the growing demand for expert support in navigating complex regulatory requirements associated with U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and Low‑Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) programs. Through industry and market analysis, the document identifies a service gap faced by small to mid‑sized property management firms that lack sufficient in‑house compliance resources but cannot afford large national consulting firms. The plan details the company’s mission, value proposition, service offerings, competitive …

A Multidimensional Framework For Burnout Resilience In Adults, Anthony Martinez

Distinguished Student Scholarship Collection

This paper explores burnout as a growing public health concern and argues for a multidimensional framework to build resilience in adults. Drawing on contemporary research, the paper defines burnout as a response to chronic stress that undermines emotional, mental, and physical well‑being. It examines how the integration of physical, mental, and spiritual practices can mitigate burnout and enhance long‑term resilience. The analysis highlights the role of physical activity in regulating stress responses and improving mental health, the importance of mental health practices such as self‑regulation, cognitive reframing, and meditation, and the impact of spiritual practices, including prayer and positive religious …

Gun Control In The United States Of America, Blessing Crowder

Distinguished Student Scholarship Collection

This paper examines the issue of gun control in the United States by analyzing the relationship between firearm accessibility and gun‑related crime, including homicide, suicide, and accidental deaths. Drawing on historical examples, scholarly research, legal cases, and public opinion data, the paper argues that restricting access to firearms can significantly reduce gun‑related violence. It explores how firearms often fall into unauthorized hands, the role of mental health and impulsivity in violent outcomes, and the disproportionate risks firearms pose in racially charged environments. The paper also addresses opposing arguments centered on self‑defense and deterrence, evaluating legal precedents and ethical justifications for …

Phase 5 - Post Implementation, Anna Pugerud

Distinguished Student Scholarship Collection

This paper presents a post‑implementation analysis and system design plan for digitizing animal health records within the Animal Health Services (AHS) department. The project addresses inefficiencies, data inaccuracies, and physical storage limitations associated with paper‑based documentation by proposing the adoption of a Software as a Service (SaaS) digital records solution. Through stakeholder interviews, observations, and document analysis, the project identifies functional, non‑functional, and system requirements necessary to support streamlined reporting, treatment tracking, and regulatory compliance. The analysis outlines feasibility across technical, economic, and organizational dimensions, demonstrating that the proposed system can reduce documentation time, improve response times, and lower operational …

Generative Ai As Artificial Audience, Chrystina Scoglietti

Distinguished Student Scholarship Collection

This paper examines generative artificial intelligence as a distinct communicative development that reshapes rhetorical practice and composition pedagogy. Situating generative AI within a historical framework of communicative revolutions—including primary orality, literacy, and secondary (digital) orality—the paper argues that generative AI constitutes a new form of literacy rather than a mere extension of digital media. By producing near‑human language and creative output in direct response to user input, generative AI functions not only as a compositional tool but also as an artificial audience to which rhetoric must be tailored. The analysis explores how this shift challenges traditional assumptions about audience, persuasion, …

Multiple Variable Regression Assignment, Sam Loyd

Distinguished Student Scholarship Collection

This paper applies multiple linear regression analysis to examine whether life outlook and sociability predict happiness. Using a dataset of 38 observations, the study employs IBM SPSS to conduct exploratory data analysis, assess regression assumptions, and evaluate model validity. Key assumptions—including linearity, homoscedasticity, independence of residuals, multicollinearity, normality, and the presence of influential outliers—are systematically examined using statistical tests and visual diagnostics. While some deviations from normality and potential nonlinear patterns are identified, the analysis proceeds based on sample size considerations and overall assumption adequacy. Results indicate that the regression model is not statistically significant and explains only a small …

Alumni Journal - Volume 97, Number 1, Loma Linda University School Of Medicine

Alumni Journal, School of Medicine

Editorials
2 | From the Editor
4 | From the President
6 | From the Dean

News
8 | This & That
12 | Alumni News
16 | School of Medicine News
18 | AIMS Report: Whispers From God
20 | AIMS News
22 | Department Report: Dermatology
24 | Students: Learning In Community

APC 2026
26 | Annual Postgraduate Convention (APC) 2026 in Review

Features
42 | Dr. Nava's Last Lecture: To Medical Students
45 | A Legacy of Humble Acts
46 | A Life of Service & Impact
48 | Spiritual Care
49 | Alumni Gatherings
50 | …

Jimmie Blanton, 1918-1942, Morgan Mitchell

Tennessee State University Notable Alumni

No abstract provided.

Xernona Clayton, Morgan Mitchell

Tennessee State University Notable Alumni

No abstract provided.

Program Development For Maternal Mental Health During The Transition To Motherhood, Lindsey A. Lindsley, Cassandra Nelson

Spring 2026 OTD Capstone Symposium

The transition to motherhood can be both rewarding and challenging, with many women experiencing increased vulnerability to postpartum depression (PPD). This capstone project focused on developing and implementing a six-week maternal mental health program designed to support postpartum women through education, occupational engagement, and peer connection. Grounded in the Model of Human Occupation (MOHO), the program used a hybrid format combining in-person and virtual sessions to improve accessibility. Program outcomes were evaluated using surveys, the Occupational Self Assessment (OSA), and participant feedback. Participants demonstrated increased knowledge of postpartum mental health, greater confidence in their maternal roles, and improved ability to …

Occupational Therapy For People With Internet Gaming Disorder: A Concept Paper, Samuel R. Bender, Steven Gerardi

Spring 2026 OTD Capstone Symposium

Internet Gaming Disorder (IGD) is associated with occupational imbalance and disrupted routines, contributing to challenges in occupational participation and performance. Due to there being a gap in occupational therapy-based research and guidance for people with IGD, this capstone project focused on the development of a concept paper informed by The Model of Human Occupation (MOHO) that frames problematic video gaming as an occupational issue. The concept paper organizes assessment strategies, identifies problems, outlines intervention ideas, and discusses potential next steps for assisting people with IGD within occupational therapy. This capstone project is intended to help current occupational therapists more effectively …

Integrating Maternal Pelvic Floor And Mental Health In Occupational Therapy, Diana S. Theodore, Lesley Sally Khan-Farooqi, Amanda Ciecior, Teresa Martinez, Brooke Caldwell

Spring 2026 OTD Capstone Symposium

This poster highlights an integrated occupational therapy approach to maternal pelvic floor and mental health. Postpartum recovery is often addressed in fragmented ways, separating physical symptoms from emotional and functional impact. This work emphasizes the connection between pelvic floor function, nervous system regulation, and daily activities. Drawing from clinical experiences across acute, outpatient, and community settings, this project presents practical, client-centered strategies to support recovery. Key areas include breathing, bowel and bladder health, and functional movement. By focusing on occupational performance, such as toileting, mobility, sleep, and caregiving. This approach demonstrates the role of occupational therapy in supporting whole-person postpartum …

Overcoming Pediatric Vulnerabilities In Global Health: The Translational Potential Of Nanomedicine, Ahmed Khairy, Mohamed Fawzi Hemida, Abdelrahman Aly Mohamed, Mina Nageh, Mahdi Ahmed, Alaa Eldeeb, Lindsey Dixon, Marium Aisha, Yossef Alnasser

GW Research Showcase 2021-2026

No abstract provided.

The Effectiveness Of Text Message Reminders On Improving Appointment Attendance Rates In A Pediatric Physical Therapy Clinic, Nana Mensah

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

Background: Missed therapy appointments in pediatric physical therapy clinics can negatively impact patient health outcomes and clinic revenue. This highlights the need for improved therapy appointment rates through the use of text message reminders, which research has shown to be a more convenient and effective method in improving appointment attendance rates.

Purpose: The purpose of this quality improvement project was to compare the effectiveness of a pediatric physical therapy current use of email reminders compared to a proposed intervention of text message reminders in reducing no-show rates and improving appointment attendance.

Methods: The intervention was implemented in three phases: staff …

World Transit Research April 2026 Newsletter, Institute Of Transport Studies Monash University

World Transit Research Newsletter

No abstract provided.

Gravity Compensation, Carter Glover, Siyuan Zhou

Senior Project

This project focused on the design, analysis, and testing of an air-bearing gravity compensation testbed intended to simulate reduced-friction motion for space-related applications. Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) simulations were conducted to evaluate airflow characteristics, pressure distribution, and bearing performance under various operating conditions. The design was refined to improve load support, stability, and airflow efficiency while maintaining manufacturability. Experimental testing and simulation results were compared to assess system performance and validate design assumptions. The completed testbed demonstrates the feasibility of using air bearings to create a low-friction environment suitable for motion testing and gravity compensation studies.

Optical Force/Torque Sensor, Kyle Sweeney, Ian Unruh

Senior Project

This project presents the design, development, and testing of a low-cost optical force/torque sensor for Skyforge, an autonomous robotic system intended for in-space construction. The sensor utilizes eight optical transmissive sensors and a compliant PEEK spring mechanism to measure forces and torques across six degrees of freedom. By detecting spring deflections through changes in light intensity, the system provides real-time force and torque feedback while remaining significantly less expensive than commercially available alternatives. The prototype was designed to measure forces up to ±5 N and torques up to ±50 N·mm with a target minimum detectable force of 0.5 N. Calibration …

Skyforge End Effector, Sarah Alexander, Coleman Bubar

Senior Project

Large space structures are necessary for space advancement. However, construction is difficult with the current methods; SkyForge is a robot intended for orbital assembly. The robot will walk on and build the structure by utilizing the end effectors to grasp and position parts.

Skyforge—Autonomous Robot For On-Orbit Assembly Of Space Structures, Kate Keeler, Garrett Farnham, Logan Trier, Ainsley West

Senior Project

As interest in deep space exploration and satellite communications increases around the world, the need for large orbital structures such as space stations, solar fields, and telescopes increases in parallel. Current methods include monolithic modular assembly, expanding deployable structures or requiring Extra-Vehicular Activities, all of which are costly and highly specialized. This paper proposes a form of robotic on-orbit assembly for structures beyond the size constraints of the launch vehicle. The SkyForge system consists of a launch capsule containing construction materials and a pair of tripedal robots, identical in form and task. These robots would autonomously locomote on, and assemble …

Health Disparities For Pneumonia And Sinusitis Antibiotic Treatment In The Emergency Department, Joshua Saucedo, Leslie Hueschen, Amanda Nedved, Rana El Feghaly Md

Posters

Optimal antibiotic selection and duration are pillars of antimicrobial stewardship efforts. In our emergency department (ED), >80% of community acquired pneumonia (CAP) and acute bacterial rhinosinusitis (ABRS) are treated with first-line (FL) guideline-concordant antibiotics. Differences in care based on socioeconomic factors (race, ethnicity, language, and insurance status) have not been characterized. We sought to compare differences in antibiotic choice and duration for different socioeconomic factors, and analyze changes after quality improvement (QI) efforts. Multidisciplinary QI team used multiple Plan- Do-Study-Act cycles and was successful in improving antibiotic duration for CAP and ABRS from a baseline of 13% to 61% (January …

Building A Better Onboarding Process: The Addition Of A 30-Minute 1:1 For New Faculty, Heather Mcneill, Enam Haddad, Sarah Tsai, Ruba A. Abdelhadi, Jacqueline Hill

Posters

Our faculty development office examined the addition of a 30-minute personalized 1:1 session to the broader faculty onboarding strategy at our pediatric teaching hospital. We surveyed 106 new faculty who participated in a session from 2023-2025 to assess its usefulness. Of the 69 (65.7%) respondents, a large majority (92%) “agreed” or “strongly agreed” that the session was a valuable use of their time. Several faculty commented that the most useful information was learning about career development resources (e.g., mentorship program, writing center), understanding how to prepare for academic promotion, and having time to ask questions. Most new faculty thought the …

Beyond The Script: A Qualitative Study Exploring Drama Teachers’ Experiences Using Improvisation In Chicago Public Schools, Nicole Theresa Minardi

Theses and Dissertations from DePaul University

Scripted and standardized curricula remain prevalent in American classrooms. Relying on an authoritarian view of education, in which the teacher imparts knowledge to students, scripted curricula can delegitimize the teaching profession, stifle dialogue, and limit student engagement. Conversely, decentering the teacher can create space for more collaborative and engaged learning. This basic interpretive qualitative study explored how Chicago Public Schools drama teachers described their experiences incorporating improvisation into their instruction. Grounded in critical pedagogy and a social constructivist epistemology, this study examined how drama teachers currently use improvisation in their classrooms, as well as the benefits and challenges they encounter …

Leeds V. Norfolk Southern Railway Company—In Undoing Late Removal, District Court Gives Guidance On Evaluating Whether Defendants Were Joined In “Bad Faith”, Geoffrey D. Kearney

SLU Law Journal Online

Pursuant to 28 U.S.C. § 1446, defendants typically have one year to remove to federal court a case filed in state court. The landscape for removal changed somewhat with a 2011 amendment to this statute, which extends that one-year deadline upon a showing “that the plaintiff has acted in bad faith in order to prevent a defendant from removing the action.”

But the question of what sort of conduct satisfies this provision persists. Since its passage, courts—primarily district courts—have grappled with just what it means for a plaintiff to act in bad faith to thwart removal. Leeds v. Norfolk Southern …

Fit To Be Tried By Jury, But Not To Be A Juror: The Dilemma Faced By “Adults” Under Age 21, Kenneth Bell

SLU Law Journal Online

This article, “A Time To Speak: A Lifer’s Assessment of the Sentence of Death by Imprisonment” appeared in the 2025 Special Edition of The Writer’s Block under the longer title, “A Time To Speak: A Lifer’s Assessment of the Sentence of Death by Imprisonment and the Application of Roper v. Simmons and Miller v. Alabama.”  It is a four part discussion of the nature and continued viability of the sentence of life without parole particularly the need to end the imposition of that sentence upon persons between the ages of eighteen and twenty-one, i.e., emerging adults. This shorter piece extends …

Protecting Cultural Personality, J. Janewa Osei-Tutu

Articles

When companies use cultural symbols or cultural heritage from an indigenous or local community without their knowledge or permission, it can lead to claims of cultural appropriation, particularly in the fashion industry. Yet, the law provides little to no remedy. Trademarks and geographical indications can be used to protect collective cultural identities. However, these intellectual property laws are not helpful if the affected cultural group has not commercialized its identity by offering goods or services to the public. This Article contributes to the literature by theorizing a dignitary-based intellectual property model for protecting cultural identities. It draws on the U.S. …

When Should Breach Of Good Faith Beget Punitive Damages?, Krish Maharaj

Dalhousie Law Journal

This article highlights a recent trend towards claimants seeking, and courts awarding, punitive damages in contract cases predicated on a breach of contract in conjunction with an “independent actionable wrong”—a requirement since the Supreme Court’s decision in Whiten v. Pilot Insurance—in the form of a breach of the duty of honest performance (DHP) or the duty to exercise contractual discretion in good faith (DCDGF). The article considers when and whether a claim for breach of DHP or DCDGF should in fact be actionable, and thus when such a claim should be said to satisfy the independent actionable wrong requirement for …

Eyes Wide Shut: Sex Trafficking In The Black Community, Stephany Powell

Dignity: A Journal of Analysis of Exploitation and Violence

No abstract provided.

Listening To Survivors: A Community Conversation, Jonathan Jackson

Dignity: A Journal of Analysis of Exploitation and Violence

No abstract provided.