Digital Commons Network^™

An Exploration Of The Experience Of In-Home Counseling Services, Greg Czyszczon

Dissertations, 2014-2019

This qualitative study explores the lived experience of in-home counseling services by using a phenomenological method. In-home counseling services are used in situations where families experience extreme emotional distress, in part owing to the problematic behavior of a child. A semi-structured interview was used to elicit parents’ experience of in-home services in a geographical area that included a large portion of Virginia. The study found that the whole of parents’ experience of in-home services was dynamically influenced by constituent parts including the parent’s experience of the child, their experience of parenting, their experience of systems of care, and their experience …

Weighing In: Therapeutic Benefits Of Online Communities For Individuals With Eating Disorders, Cheri L. Greenfield

Educational Specialist, 2009-2019

The treatment of eating disorders involves a complex approach. In recent years, a number of websites have developed in an attempt to meet the needs of individuals struggling with this set of disorders. Some of these websites are nationally recognized organizations dedicated to improve treatment and provide educational resources, while other websites have been authored by individuals with eating disorders in an attempt to create a safe community of support. This project explores various components found in online communities, examines characteristics of eating disorders, and evaluates the worth of such resources, even when in perceived contrast with traditional treatment. Rather …

The Interaction Of Patience And Resistance To Miserly Information Processing On Life Outcomes, Tristan Kirkman

Masters Theses, 2010-2019

This study examined the relationships between three factors: patience, resistance to miserly information processing (RMIP), and life outcomes. Patience, or the ability to delay gratification in exchange for a larger reward, has been associated with having fewer negative life outcomes— those who are able to wait tend to have better lives. RMIP involves the tendency to think analytically instead of using heuristics (mental shortcuts). RMIP has had only limited study in terms of its relationship to actual life outcomes, but what has been examined so far has also suggested a positive relationship. In the present study, it was found that …

Transformational Leadership And Resilience, African-American Women Nonprofit Leaders: A Mixed-Methods Study, Donovan Branche

Dissertations, 2014-2019

African-American women represent an untapped resource and bring with them transformational characteristics and resilience that are vital to the increasingly complex world of nonprofit leadership. The black feminist standpoint argues that black women have experienced years of oppression via sexism, racism, and classism. Despite this, many have endured and exceled. The nonprofit sector operates for the public good and accounts for about 5.5% of the United State’s gross domestic product. This important sector will lose about 75% of its leaders in the next few years due to the retirement of baby boomers. It is crucial that nonprofits consider the next …

The Effects Of Academic Libraries’ Resource, Expenditure, And Service Decisions On Library Use: An Analysis Of Acrl And Nces Data, Jody C. Fagan

Dissertations, 2014-2019

Academic libraries are key contributors to the instructional and research missions of their parent institutions, but often struggle to demonstrate specifically what they do and how that affects institutional outcomes. High-impact educational practices are one area where libraries make a difference, but where explicit connections between activities and outcomes are not always articulated. Faculty and graduate student research is another area where libraries’ contribution makes logical sense, but specific relationships are not necessarily drawn. Libraries may place different emphasis on these two areas, effectively choosing different business strategies, to support their institutions’ missions. Two national surveys collect data about library …

Why Haven't Technologies Fixed Open Source Intelligence?, Timothy Sparks

Masters Theses, 2010-2019

Abstract

The Intelligence Community (IC) reached consensus after 9/11/2001 on the importance of Open Source Intelligence (OSINT) due to the changing nature of the global threat environment, the information explosion, and the changing intelligence requirements of the IC. Voluminous amounts of information, much of it with potential application for use in intelligence operations, continue to challenge IC intelligence analysts’ capabilities to harness, and effectively use in finished all-source intelligence production. Government reform commissions, senior IC officials, along with OSINT and technology advocates, have all espoused the growing importance of OSINT, and have outlined many ways in which the IC should …

The Effect Of The Okavango River On Angola's Economic Stability And The Effect Of Its Policy On Surrounding Countries, Loren Marie Stoehr

Senior Honors Projects, 2010-2019

This study examines natural resources as a source of international conflict. Without proper management of these resources, conflict will continue to occur. An overview of natural resources and how they pertain to conflict is examined using examples from different parts of the world. Then water conflicts are focused upon and how proposals and resolutions through legal framework and guidance from outside entities can help provide better usage practices. Furthermore, the Okavango River is researched and how Angola’s use of the water effects the countries of Namibia and Botswana. In addition, future proposals to move forward and increase international water security …

An Analysis Of U.S./Canadian Fisheries Policy In Regards To Pacific Salmon And The Preservation Of Indigeneity In The Pacific Northwest, Michael James Lockwood

Masters Theses, 2010-2019

For more than 160 years, the Pacific salmon has been an important resource for the United States and Canada. However, it has been overexploited. Proper management of the species is essential not only for maintaining healthy populations but also maintaining the interests of diverse stakeholders. One set of stakeholders consists of the indigenous peoples of North America because the Pacific salmon are crucial to their food, social, and ceremonial traditions.

This thesis explores the impacts of Canadian and U.S. public policies on the cultural integrity of native peoples in the Pacific Northwest, specifically as those peoples rely on wild Pacific …

Reforming The U.S. Intelligence Community: Successes, Failures And The Best Path Forward, Christopher John Sheehy

Senior Honors Projects, 2010-2019

In the wake of the 9/11 and Iraqi WMD catastrophes, an increased spotlight was placed upon the U.S. Intelligence Community (IC). The widespread criticism of the IC, from both government and public sources, ultimately culminated in the Intelligence Reform and Terrorism Prevention Act (IRTPA) in 2004. Today, with a wide array of transnational threats to the homeland, as well as the complex, globalized, high-tech world they thrive in, the role of intelligence remains essential to the national security apparatus.

A new shape for the intelligence reform debate is necessary, one that recognizes the unique role the IC plays in policy …

The Evolving Context Of Mine Action, David Atwood

Global CWD Repository

The purpose of this study is two-fold:

1) To examine the changing nature of arms control and disarmament, focusing on what appear to be a few of the most promising frameworks for tackling the relationship between weapons management and the wider goals of development, security and peacebuilding

2) To reflect that thinking back onto mine action itself.

The study, by providing an overview of the wider context within which mine action is operating, sketches out dimensions that seem of particular relevance to thinking about the future of mine action in an increasingly complex and challenging global context.

National Capacities And Residual Contamination | Liberia, Gichd

Global CWD Repository

This case study forms part of a broader GICHD study on national capacities and residual contamination and is based on both desk-top research and findings from a GICHD mission to Liberia in March 2014. The purpose of the report is to document Liberia’s experience of developing national clearance capacities to address residual contamination, and to identify and present good practices and lessons learnt.

Review: Checkcite (In A Few Of Our Favorite Things: Part Ii), Kelly Giles

Libraries

No abstract provided.

Cisr’S Senior Managers’ Course: Now Regional Training, Suzanne Fiederlein

The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction

After delivering nine global Senior Managers’ Courses (SMC) in ERW and Mine Action on the campus of James Madison University (JMU), the Center for International Stabilization and Recovery (CISR) launched its first regional SMC in Tajikistan in 2014. The regional focus will continue in 2015 when senior managers working in the field of explosive remnants of war (ERW) and mine action in Southeast Asia will participate in a course in Vietnam.

Issue 18.3 Endnotes, Cisr Journal

The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction

Endnotes

The Journal Of Erw And Mine Action Issue 18.3 (2014), Cisr Journal

The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction

Pacific Islands | Program Management | Notes from the Field | Research and Development

Demining In Remote Areas Of Northern Afghanistan, Artyom Harutyunyan

The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction

Since September 2010, the Swiss Foundation for Mine Action (FSD) has carried out survey-and-clearance operations in the isolated Darwaz region of northern Afghanistan, where explosive-ordnance caches and unexploded ordnance and mine contamination remain a serious concern.

Itf Enhancing Human Security Develops New Strategic Goals, Dorijan Marsic

The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction

In response to changing global challenges, ITF Enhancing Human Security broadened its focus from mine action to human security.

Using Plants To Detect Landmines, News Brief

The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction

Researchers from Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) in Richmond, Virginia (U.S.) are investigating how plants can be used to detect buried explosives, such as landmines, in areas of dense vegetation, where traditional demining methods are difficult.

Erw Contamination In The Pacific Islands, Justin Smith

The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction

The legacy of explosive remnants of war (ERW) has affected the daily lives of Pacific Islanders for more than 70 years. ERW contamination in the Pacific stems from conflict between the Allied forces and Japanese forces during World War II. Survey, clearance and information-management programs are helping to manage the continued risks to the impacted populations.

Harnessing Geospatial Data To Enhance Erw Clearance In Pacific Islands, Jessica Dell

The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction

Since World War II, the prevalence of explosive remnants of war has persisted in the Pacific Island nations. Supported by the Office of Weapons Removal and Abatement in the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Political-Military Affairs (PM/WRA) and partnered with the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat, iMMAP seeks to improve the region's safety through lōōm, a geospatial information management system.

Clearance Operations In The Pacific Islands, Len Austin

The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction

Golden West Humanitarian Foundation’s mine- and explosive-remnants-of-war clearance operations in the Marshall Islands reduced remaining World War II munitions contamination. Humanitarian efforts helped Mili Island and Taroa Island inhabitants recover land with nonexplosive technology during the four-month initiative.

Capacity Building: Lessons Learned, Vanessa Finson

The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction

Norwegian People’s Aid believes that to deliver results in mine action programs, it must empower and support national governments to take ownership of the contamination problem. Successful capacity-building efforts require support and buy-in from national authorities and mutual respect between parties involved.

Best Practices In Managing Government Grants, Nicole Neitzey

The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction

Dwindling funds have steadily created more competition for organizations in mine action and conventional weapons destruction. Given the current funding landscape in these fields, it is increasingly imperative for organizations to employ sound program-management practices to prove themselves worthy for continued funding. This article was adapted from several of the author’s presentations on securing funding, managing grant funds and project risk management.

Gender And Disability Equality In Mine Action Program Management, William Hankey

The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction

Women and persons with disabilities endure multiple challenges in mine action work. Thongvone Sosamphan and Mikael Bold provide insight into how such issues have been addressed in the professional sphere, what legislation frames them and how the mine action community can further respond to their inclusion in mine action.

Mine Risk Education In Mindanao, Philippines, Harshi Gunawardana

The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction

Since 1968, the Bangsamoro region of central and southwestern Mindanao in the Philippines has experienced fighting between Muslim separatists and autonomists and the Philippines government. The conflict, including recent fighting initiated by breakaway insurgent groups, continues to leave unexploded ordnance (UXO) contamination around Bangsamoro. UXO threaten the safety, livelihoods and security of communities in the region. Since 1999, more than 500 landmine/UXO casualties have been identified.

Humanitarian And Developmental Impact Of Anti-Vehicle Mines, Pascal Rapillard, Maryam Walton

The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction

Anti-vehicle mines negatively impact humanitarian efforts and developmental progress. Key findings from a South Sudan case study show that mine contamination impacts humanitarian efforts directly through casualties, while dangers of agricultural development and hindrance to foreign investment are also primary developmental concerns for the South Sudanese.

Gichd Linguistic Outreach Programs, Faiz Paktian

The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction

The Geneva International Centre for Humanitarian Demining (GICHD) introduced linguistic outreach programs (LOP) to provide mine action training and information in multiple languages. The LOP also promote communication between countries and organize regional workshops and meetings. By providing non-English training and information exchange opportunities, GICHD improved outreach and broadened potential beneficiaries, as well as strengthened mine action centers and organizations worldwide.

Billy Goat Radio: Mre In Sahrawi Refugee Camps, Luisa Scapolla, Emanuela Cepolina

The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction

Billy Goat Radio, a mine-risk education tool, enables local operators to easily write and produce short educational serial dramas, which can be radio broadcast and performed live for mine-affected communities. A pilot project using Billy Goat Radio was fielded in Sahrawi refugee camps in southwest Algeria in late 2013.

Evaluating The Mini Minewolf, Phil Straw

The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction

The U.S. Department of Defense Humanitarian Research and Development Program conducted operational field evaluation to assess the capabilities of Mini MineWolf technology.

Evaluating Landmine-Detection Rats In Operational Conditions, Amanda Mahoney, Timothy Edwards, Kate Lalonde, Christophe Cox, Bart Weetjens, Tekimiti Gilbert, Tess Tewelde, Alan Poling

The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction

Researchers evaluate the accuracy of pouched rats’ ability to detect landmines under operational search conditions. Results indicate the ineffectiveness of one training method for maintaining quality operational performance and suggest further examination.