Digital Commons Network^™

Beyond The Pipeline: First-Generation College Students’ Community Cultural Wealth And Stem Degree Pathways, Douglas Havard, Zahra Gholami, Jue Wu, Danette Y. Martinez, A. J. Balatico, Lara Perez-Felkner

Education Faculty Articles and Research

This study examines how first-generation college students (FGCS) and continuing-generation college students navigate STEM pathways by modeling four sequential milestones in the High School Longitudinal Study of 2009 (HSLS:09): high school graduation, college enrollment, STEM major selection, and STEM degree completion. Guided by Yosso’s Community Cultural Wealth framework, we use survey-weighted sequential logistic regression to estimate stage-specific associations between academic preparation, psychosocial resources, and institutional context, conditional on prior attainment. Results reveal distinct generational patterns of STEM progression. For FGCS, rigorous high school mathematics preparation exerts a powerful influence on high school completion, while later-developing math self-efficacy and science identity …

¿Qué Significa Hacer Geografía En La Actualidad? Pensar El Método Y La Investigación Geográfica, Cristian Abad Restrepo, Marco René Rodríguez Ortiz

Educación

Este libro invita a repensar profundamente la geografía como ciencia crítica, comprometida con la transformación social y ambiental. Desde sus orígenes, la Geografía ha estado al servicio del poder, pero hoy se reivindica como herramienta para la justicia espacial y el bienestar colectivo. Los autores exploran cómo el conocimiento del espacio permite intervenir en él y cómo el método geográfico —con su uso riguroso de la cartografía, la observación morfológica y el análisis multiescalar— se convierte en una vía para comprender y transformar la realidad. El mapa no es solo representación: es poder, imaginación y acción. La obra destaca la …

Empowering The Karen Community: Using Education To Improve Cervical Cancer Health Literacy, Grace Berentson, Michaela Bartels, Monica Angeletti, Jennifer Liu

Interprofessional Academy of Educators Spotlight on Scholarship

Cervical cancer is one of the leading causes of death among Karen women, a predominant ethnic group in Myanmar. One of the largest and fastest growing Karen populations in the United States is located in Omaha, Nebraska. This two-part project had the following objectives: 1) evaluate cervical cancer health literacy among Karen women in Omaha and 2) address knowledge gaps with educational intervention. A survey was given to Karen women of the Karen Student Association at the University of Nebraska Omaha (UNO) and members of the Karen Christian Revival Church in Omaha, NE. The survey evaluated participants’ health knowledge pertaining …

Saturated Hierarchical Atomic Incremental Learning (Shail): A Behavioral Learning Perspective On Staged Mastery And Saturation, Ernest Fokoue

Articles

We introduce Saturated Hierarchical Atomic Incremental Learning (sHAIL), a learning paradigm in which complex tasks are approached through a sequence of simpler atomic subtasks, each mastered to saturation before progression. The central mechanism is a saturation criterion that detects when learning dynamics enter a plateau region, triggering consolidation and subsequent ascent to a higher level of task complexity. We develop a theoretical framework for sHAIL and show that it naturally gives rise to \emph{staircased convergence}: alternating phases of rapid improvement and genuine plateau. Within each level, classical convergence guarantees apply under standard smoothness conditions, while the hierarchical transitions are driven …

No Intelligence Without Statistics: The Invisible Backbone Of Artificial Intelligence, Ernest Fokoue

Articles

The rapid ascent of artificial intelligence (AI) is often portrayed as a revolution born from computer science and engineering. This narrative, however, obscures a fundamental truth: the theoretical and methodological core of AI is, and has always been, statistical. This paper systematically argues that the field of statistics provides the indispensable foundation for machine learning and modern AI. We deconstruct AI into nine foundational pillars—Inference, Density Estimation, Sequential Learning, Generalization, Representation Learning, Interpretability, Causality, Optimization, and Unification—demonstrating that each is built upon century-old statistical principles. From the inferential frameworks of hypothesis testing and estimation that underpin model evaluation, to the …

Decorrelation, Diversity, And Emergent Intelligence: The Isomorphism Between Social Insect Colonies And Ensemble Machine Learning, Ernest Fokoue, Gregory Babbitt, Yuval Levental

Articles

Social insect colonies and ensemble machine learning methods represent two of the most successful examples of decentralized information processing in nature and computation respectively. Here we develop a rigorous mathematical framework demonstrating that ant colony decision-making and random forest learning are isomorphic under a common formalism of stochastic ensemble intelligence. We show that the mechanisms by which genetically identical ants achieve functional differentiation— through stochastic response to local cues and positive feedback—map precisely onto the bootstrap aggregation and random feature subsampling that decorrelate decision trees. Using tools from Bayesian inference, multi-armed bandit theory, and statistical learning theory, we prove that …

A General Weighting Theory For Ensemble Learning: Beyond Variance Reduction Via Spectral And Geometric Structure, Ernest Fokoue

Articles

Ensemble learning is traditionally justified as a variance-reduction strategy, explaining its strong performance for unstable predictors such as decision trees. This explanation, however, does not account for ensembles constructed from intrinsically stable estimators-including smoothing splines, kernel ridge regression, Gaussian process regression, and other regularized reproducing kernel Hilbert space (RKHS) methods whose variance is already tightly controlled by regularization and spectral shrinkage. This paper develops a general weighting theory for ensemble learning that moves beyond classical variance-reduction arguments. We formalize ensembles as linear operators acting on a hypothesis space and endow the space of weighting sequences with geometric and spectral constraints. …

On The Scientific Stature Of Data Science: The Epistemological Unicorn, Ernest Fokoue

Articles

Data Science has ignited unprecedented academic, industrial, and pedagogical fervor, yet its status as a \textit{science} in the classical sense---comparable to physics or biology---remains profoundly unsettled. This article interrogates the epistemological foundations of Data Science by examining its hybrid theoretical lineage, from the Universal Approximation Theorem to the No-Free-Lunch Theorems, with special emphasis on the fundamental Bayesian optimality results for both regression and classification. We argue that Data Science is in a vigorous \textit{gestational period}, characterized not by an absence of principles but by a creative tension between empirical pragmatism and deep mathematical theory. The Cross-Validation score emerges as the …

Modulation Of Behavior In The Medicinal Leech Due To Injury And Stress, Ella Dockendorf

Honors Thesis

Many studies have focused on trying to discover the fundamental processes of pain and stress. This is rather difficult for pain especially, since pain-relate behaviors include multiple components of which some are emotional while others are sensory. In this study, we use an operant conditioning assay and phototaxis assay to determine the behavioral effects of injury and stress within Hirudo verbana. Operant conditioning involved placing the animals in a two-chamber arena, with one chamber being illuminated and the other being completely dark with a pea gravel barrier in the connecting section of the arena. Normal animals improve their latency …

Breast Cancer-Derived Extracellular Vesicle Mir-425-5p (Mir-425) Promotes Brain Metastasis Via Activating Astrocytes Through The Novel Mir-425-Znf24-Ccl8 Signaling Axis, Grace L Wong, Munazza S Khan, Sara Manore, Shivani Bindal, Ravi Singh, Hui-Wen Lo

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Mechanisms underlying breast cancer brain metastasis (BCBM) are still not well understood. Here, we identified that BCBM patient serum contained extracellular vesicles (EVs) with high levels of microRNAs (miRNAs)-107 and -425. Levels of miR-107 and miR-425 were elevated in brain metastases, and the elevation was associated with poor patient prognoses. Ectopic expression of miR-107 and miR-425 promoted mammospheres; however, the inhibition of miR-425, but not miR-107, suppressed breast cancer mammosphere formation. We further observed that EVs from miR-425-overexpressing breast cancer cells strongly activated astrocytes whereas their inhibitors abrogated the effect. Conditioned media from miR-425-activated astrocytes promoted mammospheres. To elucidate how …

Challenges Of Selected Philippine Higher Educational Institutions In Facilitating Extension Services: Application Of The Best-Fit Framework, Kay Guiriba-Losabia, Allan G. Dalo, Calyd T. Cerio

Journal of Public Affairs and Development

This paper deals with a case study that uses the best-fit framework to analyze the challenges faced by the HEIs in facilitating the effective delivery of extension services. Specifically, it seeks to identify the factors that influence the HEI in identifying its thrusts and directions and developing extension programs. It also aims to assess the factors that facilitate and limit the implementation of extension programs. The study used a qualitative case study. Participants in the study include HEI Extension Unit Heads and project or program leaders. Key informant interview, survey, and secondary data review were conducted to collect data. Content …

Lifting Constraints: Venezuelan Oil And Global Market Adjustment, Niloofar Adel, Andrea A. Bastianin, Luca Pedini, Marta Visconti

Fondazione Eni Enrico Mattei Working Papers

We quantify the contribution of Venezuela’s oil sector collapse to changes in global oil market responsiveness after 2007. We extend the multi-country structural model of Baumeister and Hamilton (2024) by modeling Venezuela explicitly and constructing a counterfactual production path that abstracts from the 2007 institutional shift. This counterfactual isolates the mechanical contribution of Venezuelan supply and provides an upper bound on its impact. We document a sharp decline in global short-run supply elasticity and a more than doubling of the oil price multiplier after 2007. Decomposition results show that this increase is driven primarily by a reduction in the effective …

Social Media And Its Effects On Students’ Attention Spans, Katie Greff

Psychology Student Publications

How social media effects students attention spans. Students are greatly effected because of growing digital learning environments.

Moving Towards Wellness: How Exercise Can Ease Depression And Anxiety In Young Adults, Morgan Hartze

Psychology Student Publications

Depression and anxiety are among the most common mental health concerns affecting young adults, impacting mood, motivation, and daily functioning. While therapy and medication can be effective, many young adults continue to experience symptoms, highlighting the need for additional strategies. Research suggests that regular physical activity is an accessible, cost-effective way to improve mental health. Moving your body boosts the “feel good” chemicals, such as serotonin and dopamine, while reducing stress hormones, such as cortisol. Physical activity also provides a healthy distraction from negative thoughts and helps establish routines that support well-being. Even brief amounts of moderate exercise, such as …

Coon Named Founders Scholar, Communications And Marketing

Campus News Archive

No abstract provided.

Intellectual Virtue And Artificial Intelligence, Bayan R. Alazab

SPARK Symposium Presentations

This paper presents a clear argument that artificial intelligence in education is not inherently detrimental, but rather that its impact depends on how it is used. Drawing on Aristotle’s concept of intellectual virtue and the Golden Mean, it argues that AI can either hinder or enhance learning. When students rely on AI as a substitute for their own reasoning, they undermine the development of critical thinking skills essential to intellectual virtue. In contrast, when used in moderation, AI can function as a tool that deepens understanding and supports cognitive growth.

The paper also highlights a key inconsistency within educational institutions. …

Couples Neutrality, Marriage Neutrality, And Two-Earner Deductions, Daniel Shaviro

Loyola of Los Angeles Law Review

Tax policy discussions of how to tax married couples, as compared to singles, often focus on the by now much-criticized norms of “marriage neutrality” and “couples neutrality.” While these norms are largely unpersuasive, they do offer a useful analytic starting point, because of both (a) how they relate to more validly expressed concerns, and (b) the significance of the empirical reasons why they generally do not hold.

In evaluating the proper relative tax treatment of different married couples, one of the most important factors that the federal income tax law fails to recognize is the difference between one-earner and two-earner …

Law Journal Vol. 50 Winter 2026 Masthead

Southern Illinois University Law Journal

No abstract provided.

Policy - Vol. 50, Winter 2026

Southern Illinois University Law Journal

No abstract provided.

Motive To Kill: The Link Between Childhood Trauma And Homicide, Natalie L. Scholz

Psychology Student Publications

What motivates some individuals to commit homicide and what role does childhood trauma play in increasing that risk? Psychology and neuroscience suggest that when a child experiences traumatic events it can change how they handle stress, emotional control, and how their brain develops. All these factors can lead to them acting out in more violent ways. The Adverse Childhood Experiences study shows that traumatic events during one’s childhood can have a negative effect on their mental wellbeing later in life making them more prone to act out aggressively and possibly having more criminal involvement. Exposure to trauma has been linked …

Examining The Role Of The Cbn's Agent Banking Policy In Its Financial Inclusion Drive From A Mechanism Design Theory Perspective, Umar Yakub Yakub Mr

Bullion

This paper analyses CBN’s Agent Banking policy and its role in promoting financial inclusion through the lens of mechanism design theory. It sought to evaluate how effective the policy has been in bringing together the incentives of key stakeholders—customers, agents, and banks—with the ultimate goals of the Bank’s financial inclusion policy. The scope covers the design and evolution of the policy, the incentives of the different stakeholders, and finding potential information asymmetries, moral hazard, and adverse selection issues. It assesses the impact of the policy based on available evidence and concludes with mechanism design-informed recommendations for improving the policy’s effectiveness …

Ten Years After Windsor And Obergefell: The Inequalities Of Marriage Equality, Anthony C. Infanti

Loyola of Los Angeles Law Review

Looking back over the decade that has elapsed since the Supreme Court’s landmark marriage equality decisions in United States v. Windsor and Obergefell v. Hodges, this article explores the complex relationship between legal and social change through the prism of the impact that these decisions have had on the tax landscape for the LGBTQ+ community. The article examines the gap between the promise of “equal” treatment and respect for members of the LGBTQ+ community embodied in these legal decisions and a social reality in which discrimination—tax and otherwise—stubbornly persists.

The article begins by examining how the Court’s marriage equality …

Esl 103 - Intermediate English As A Second Language, Maria L. Plochocki

Open Educational Resources

The enclosed is a sample syllabus for an intermediate ESL class, created with Open Educational Resources. It includes essential course information such as a schedule of meetings and assignments, as well as course and institutional policies and resources.

Cardozo Law Introduces New Course On Theatre Law, Benjamin N. Cardozo School Of Law

Cardozo Law News Archive

Cardozo School of Law introduced Theatre Law, the first law school course devoted entirely to the legal framework of the live stage industry. Taught by Adjunct Professor Ben Feldman, the course explores contracts, intellectual property, labor relations, licensing, financing, and other legal issues unique to theatrical productions, providing students with specialized training in entertainment law.

Jonathan Difraia V. Kevin Ransom

2026 Decisions

USDC for the Middle District of Pennsylvania

Children’S Perspectives On Playfulness: A Child-Centred Qualitative Study, Risa Rylander, Stephanie Burns, Jocelyn Dautel

International Journal of Playwork Practice

This qualitative study examines children’s lived experiences of play and playfulness through interviews and creative methods with 10 children aged 8–11 in a Playwork setting. Thematic analysis identified three core themes: playfulness as an internal experience; the contextual nature of playfulness; and Playwork theory in practice. Children described play as joyful, immersive, and intrinsically motivated, shaped by factors such as comfort, outdoor access, social relationships, and autonomy. They valued adult support that preserved freedom. Findings challenge narrow definitions of playfulness, emphasizing calm, solitary, and open-ended play, with implications for designing responsive, child-centred play environments.

Mary Holly Smith

African American Funeral Programs

No abstract provided.

Towards State Legislative Codification Of The Wpath Soc Guidelines, Suresh Hanubal

Duke Journal of Constitutional Law & Public Policy Sidebar

Transgender rights have increasingly come under assault in the United States. As of early 2026, twenty-seven states have passed either bans or restrictions on access to gender-affirming care. The issue has also become a central focus at the federal level. The U.S. Supreme Court decided United States v. Skrmetti, a case concerning the legality of state restrictions on gender-affirming care, in the 2024 – 2025 term. Moreover, the second Trump administration has been clear that rolling back transgender rights, including access to gender-affirming care, is a priority. In this political environment, where access to gender-affirming care in the United States …

Uab Libraries Q1 2026 Employee Updates, Uab Libraries

UAB Libraries News

No abstract provided.

Passed Memo - Pns And Anw Waiver Extension, Angela Brock

General Education Committee

No abstract provided.