Digital Commons Network^™

Creating Trust: A Leadership Priority, Joseph P. Hester

The Journal of Values-Based Leadership

Ethical leadership, although outwardly displayed, is an intrinsic commitment coming from somewhere inside of us, of “the kind imagined,” as Lippman would say, “conceived and understood” within the circumstances of everyday life, and conditioned individually. Here caution needs to be taken for individuality can lead to productivity and creativity or quickly morph into negative and damaging behaviors.

What Makes A Great Movie Trailer?​, Bridget Hill

Honors Projects

This research analyzes four case study films across two genres to identify the best tactics used in trailer marketing and editing in order to create box office successful films that attract their identified target audiences. Existing research and a pre-existing interview were used to identify and define these tactics before then applying the strategies onto existing film trailers. The two genres chosen in this analysis include Romantic Comedies and Animated Action/Adventure Family Films. In each genre, a successful and unsuccessful film were chosen then compared against one another to determine if the successful film trailers utilized the previously identified tactics. …

Graphic Design And Automation, Ellen Fixsen

Masters Theses

This research examines the use of artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning, and DIY-centric template tools in the area of graphic design and how they affect businesses using them for branding and visuals, and how that impacts the graphic design industry. Although the use of AI in graphic design is a fairly new trend, the technology has been developing over the last several decades, if not longer. With AI definitely here to stay, it has become vital to explore how businesses and designers will move forward and utilize the tools it offers. Incorporating historical and statistical evidence, professional insights, case studies, …

A Document Analysis: In What Ways Do Elementary Schools Display Positive Behavioral Interventions And Supports (Pbis) As An Educational Evidence-Based Practice?, Catherine Chidiac

Seton Hall University Dissertations and Theses (ETDs)

Research indicates that positive reinforcement can improve student achievement and increase positive student behavior. The purpose of this study was to explore the ways public schools in New Jersey communicate the Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) practice to their staff and students. This document analysis reviewed the themes and practices presented in each school’s Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) implementation manuals.

This qualitative research examined 17 Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) Implementation Manuals, seeking to better understand how New Jersey public schools communicate Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) and how the information aligns with the national …

Mathematics In Amusement Parks, Kacey Laumann

Honors Projects

This project focuses specifically on the Walt Disney World Park, Magic Kingdom. I started by collecting data through the MyDisneyExperience app. By recording the data, I was then able to create polynomial functions to the fifth the degree. Each attraction received a function which allowed me to predict the wait times for that attraction. Then, by graphing the functions and analyzing the graph using calculus the “best time” and “worst time” to go to the attraction were found. After the analysis the information is used to build a unique schedule for a guest. Then the guest receives this schedule after …

Sustainable Eco-Friendly Packaging, Kyla Barrett

Sustainable Supply Chain Management

Plastic pollution is one of the most pressing environmental challenges today, threatening marine ecosystems and global environmental health. With 8 to 10 million metric tons of plastic entering our oceans annually, the urgency to implement sustainable practices in packaging has never been greater. This chapter explores the environmental impact of single-use plastics and highlights innovative alternatives like bioplastics and compostable materials. Lessons from global leaders, like Japan's cultural approach to waste management, the European Union's Circular Economy Action Plan, and Costco's efforts in bulk buying and sustainable design, the chapter identifies actionable strategies for industries to adopt eco-friendly practices. Concluding …

Navigating Responsible Consumption: Unveiling Consumer Perceptions And The Role Of Bio-Based Products In Sustainable Decision-Making, Magdalena Klimczuk-Kochańska, Magdalena Marczewska

Journal of Marketing and Consumer Behaviour in Emerging Markets

The modern consumer society is criticised for its harmful impact on individual well-being and the environment, prompting a call for a transition to responsible consumption. This article explores emerging trends in consumer behaviour towards responsible consumption. Drawing from existing literature and empirical findings, it examines the multifaceted dimensions of responsible consumption, encompassing environmental, ethical, and social considerations. Conscious consumers prioritise basic needs over excessive consumption, opting for high-quality, reliable, and environmentally friendly products, especially those derived from biomaterials called bio-based products. Furthermore, responsible consumers recognise the social and environmental consequences of their consumption behaviour, advocating for sustainable practices and supporting …

Ethical Challenges For Same-Day Delivery Contractors, Chun-Miin (Jimmy) Chen, Xinwei Chen

Faculty Journal Articles

No abstract provided.

Dante’S Pilgrimage: Transformation As A ‘Web Of Belief’, Stephen F. Haller

International Journal of Religious Tourism and Pilgrimage

In Dante’s allegorical pilgrimage to hell and back, he travels through three stages of transformation that are illustrated in his paradigmatic example of identity transformation; namely, Dante’s Divine Comedy. As a pilgrim, he starts out in a state of ‘unease’ (or ‘sin’). Next, there is a ‘solution’ to his psychological disarray, which results in the religious experience of joy. William James has persuasively argued that these are the common features of all religious experiences (1901). Dante is in a stage of his life when he can no longer be reached by argument. This state of mind is described, by the …

The Impact Of Prophet Ibrahim’S Supplications In The Qur’An On The Flourishing Of Islamic Pilgrimage, Tariq H. M. Elhadary, Razaq Raj

International Journal of Religious Tourism and Pilgrimage

The supplications of Prophet Ibrahim (pbuh) in the Qur’an have had a significant impact on the flourishing of Islamic Pilgrimage and have also provided spiritual guidance for those who visit these sacred sites. Through his supplications, Prophet Ibrahim (pbuh) expressed his love for the sacred places associated with the Islamic faith. His prayers for both the visitors and residents of these places, are believed to invoke divine blessings and protection upon them. Prophet Ibrahim’s supplications in the Qur’an also encouraged Muslim pilgrims (often referred to as religious tourists) to visit these holy sites by reminding them of the great rewards …

Tourism: A Bridge Between Religions, Deša Karamehmedović

International Journal of Religious Tourism and Pilgrimage

Interreligious dialogue is crucial for cultural, economic, and social progress, fostering cultural development through activities like tourism. To address misunderstandings and biases, continuous development and promotion of interreligious dialogue is essential. This two-way process emphasises the importance of ‘listening and telling’, while respecting differences. Religious tourism serves as a valuable tool for encounters and understanding among diverse communities. This paper tries to address the question of whether there are for interreligious dialogue in tourism that have yet to be applied and could be implemented? The findings from tourism theory indicate that religious encounters primarily take place in sacred places, sacred …

Physiological Positioning And Its Effects On Seated Vs. Standing Workers, Carlos Gautreaux

Theses & Dissertations

In the digital era, distractions in the working environment significantly impede professionals’ ability to maintain attention during the workday. Recent studies underscore the benefits of adjustable desks that allow for transitions between sitting and standing, highlighting improvements in workers’ physical and psychological health. Specifically, it has been noted that standing enhances cognitive function, focus, and mental acuity while alleviating stress. Despite these insights, research has yet to systematically explore the impact of standing while working on attentional performance. Moreover, the effect of standing while working may vary between on-site and remote working environments due to differences in ambient distractions. This …

Impact Of Safety Training On Employee's Perceptions Of Organizational Safety Culture, Brooke Reid-Graves

Dissertations

Workplace safety and well-being are vital for all workers, regardless of their profession (Young et al., 2022). Studies show that providing employees with training focused on recognizing hazards and implementing safety practices is essential for reducing occupational risks (Namian et al., 2020; Rose & Rae, 2017). Research underscores the importance of fostering a positive organizational safety culture for risk reduction (Berry et al., 2020; Downey, 2019). Understanding the impact of safety training on shaping an organization’s safety culture is key to promoting safe working environments (Mahjoub, 2013).

This study utilized the perspectives of high school staff regarding safety training and …

The Influence Of Pro-White Bias On The Leadership Self-Efficacy Of Minority College Students, Stacy Roland

Doctor of Business Administration (DBA)

Analyses of changing demographics in the United States project that the collective racial minority will comprise over 50% of the United States population by 2045. Yet, racial minorities hold only 20% of the most powerful and prestigious positions in the United States, demonstrating that racial minorities are underrepresented in leadership positions. The literature indicates that due to the existence of pro-White bias, racial minorities do not fit the prototypical image of a leader. This quantitative study investigates the influence of pro-white bias on the leadership self-efficacy of minority college students. A random sample of students from a liberal arts college …

Everyone Brings Something To The Table: A Culturally Sustaining Analysis Of Teacher Candidates’ Mixed Reality Teaching Simulations, Erin Scott

Faculty Publications

Discussions of HBCU students’ content knowledge have centered around developing high impact, asset-based approaches to learning (Williams et al, 2022). So, HBCU teacher preparation providers (TPPs) can also focus efforts on culturally sustaining approaches to developing candidates’ content knowledge and researching how high impact practices, like teaching simulations, can help prepare candidates for classrooms. This exploratory case study uses critical cases (n=2); findings suggest candidates have a developing understanding of content, which forms a solid basis for increasing their knowledge. MRTSs are addressed as a potential high impact, culturally sustaining practice for building candidates’ content knowledge. Further, HBCU TPPs can …

Employee Development And Employee Resilience In The Post-Covid-19 Workplace: A Quantitative Study Of High School Educators, Amy Keiser Maffei

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

The problem addressed by this research is the need for protective factors to support teacher resilience. Organizations that fail to develop employee resilience risk failing to enjoy the positive outcomes associated with it. Research-based methods to improve resilience may benefit organizations, including school districts. The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between employee development provided by a school district and the resilience of its high school teachers in the post-Covid-19, in-person workplace. Conservation of Resources theory served as the framework to guide the research. Study participants completed a questionnaire with Likert-style response options, with items to assess …

Understanding Student Career Preferences Through The Perspective Of A Personality Test, Chloee Gallamore

Agricultural Economics and Agribusiness Undergraduate Honors Theses

This study explores the alignment of personality traits with career preferences among University of Arkansas students enrolled in the Dale Bumpers College of Agricultural, Food and Life Sciences, using the True Colors personality test. The research aims to evaluate how well students’ personality profiles correspond with their career aspirations and to examine the efficacy of the True Colors test in guiding career decisions. A survey-based quantitative, non-experimental research design was employed, collecting data from students representing various majors. Chi-square tests and ANOVA were used to analyze the relationships between personality types and career preferences. The findings provide insights into the …

Economic Evaluation Of Grazing Steers On Summer Annuals Sod-Seeded Into Warm-Season Perennial Pasture, Ivanelle Meyer, Michael P. Popp, Christine C. Nieman, James L. Mitchell, Kenneth P. Coffey

Agricultural Economics and Agribusiness Faculty Publications and Presentations

Objectives

Materials and Methods

Results and Discussion …

Demand For Milk And Milk Products In The Rural Household Of Bangladesh: A Panel Data Analysis, Eshrat Jahan Mahfuza, Mohammad Jahangir Alam, Andrew M. Mckensie

Agricultural Economics and Agribusiness Faculty Publications and Presentations

Milk is considered an essential source of protein for people of all ages. However, Bangladeshi people, particularly those living in rural areas, tend to consume less milk and milk products than necessary. Therefore, this study aims to investigate the demand for milk and milk products among rural consumers and the factors affecting their consumption habits. The study utilizes balanced panel data from three waves of the Bangladesh Integrated Household Survey: 2011–12, 2015, and 2018–19, collected by the International Food Policy Research Institute. Both the Almost Ideal Demand System (AIDS) and Fixed Effects Model were employed. The expenditure elasticity for liquid …

Smart Heuristics In Business Relationships: Toward A Typology, Jochen Reb, Nilotpal Jha

Research Collection Lee Kong Chian School Of Business

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to develop a typology of heuristics in business relationships. We distinguish between four categories: (1) general heuristics used in the context of a business relationship but that may also (and are often) used in other contexts; (2) relational context heuristics that are typically used in a relational context; (3) relational information heuristics that rely on relational information and (4) genuine relational heuristics that use relational information and are applied in relational contexts. Design/methodology/approach – We draw on existing literature on heuristics and business relationships to inform our conceptual paper. Findings – We …

Exploitative Labor In Los Angeles' Fashion Industry: A Path Towards Ethical Supply Chains, Magali Rodriguez

Sustainable Supply Chain Management

This chapter explores exploitative labor practices within Los Angeles' fashion industry and proposes pathways toward ethical supply chains. The fashion industry, particularly in Los Angeles, relies on labor-intensive production, which often leads to low wages, unsafe conditions, and systemic inequality. The complexity of global supply chains, power imbalances, and consumer demand for cheap clothing contribute to the persistence of exploitative practices. More than half of garment contractors in Los Angeles fail to meet minimum wage standards. The chapter emphasizes the importance of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and ethical sourcing, which includes accountability, transparency, and respect for human rights. It examines …

Alternative Agrifood Systems And The Economic Sustainability Of Farmers' Cooperatives: The Chinese Experience, Zhanping Hu, Qian Forrest Zhang

Research Collection School of Social Sciences

Most registered farmers' cooperatives in China are de facto private enterprises; while many bring economic gains to farmers, they do not function as cooperatives. Among the small minority that started as authentic cooperatives, however, most struggled to provide economic benefits to members, unable to achieve economic sustainability. The failure of true farmers' cooperatives in China has been widely studied; the success of the few that did become economically sustainable, however, remains poorly understood. Using a sample of 70 farmers' cooperatives across the country and comparing three “extreme cases”—cooperatives that are both authentic and economically successful—with the rest, this study argues …

The Back Page: The Personal Touch Makes The Difference, Riley Schaff D.D.S.

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

Dr. Riley Schaff discusses the importance of personal connection in engaging new dentists with organized dentistry. Drawing from his own experience of being personally invited to chair a New Dentist Study Club, he emphasizes that direct, personal outreach is more effective than digital communication in encouraging participation among early-career dentists.

The article highlights ongoing efforts at the state level to increase engagement, including enhanced presence at local events and networking programs. However, Schaff argues that grassroots efforts at the local component level are crucial for significant change in membership rates. He concludes that personal engagement from existing members is essential …

Benchmarking Pretrained Models For Speech Emotion Recognition: A Focus On Xception, Ahmed Hassan, Tehroom Masood, Hassan A. Ahmed, H. M. Shahzad, Hafiz Muhammad T. Khushi

Business Faculty Publications

Speech emotion recognition (SER) is an emerging technology that utilizes speech sounds to identify a speaker’s emotional state. Computational intelligence is receiving increasing attention from academics, health, and social media applications. This research was conducted to identify emotional states in verbal communication. We applied a publicly available dataset called RAVDEES. The data augmentation process involved adding noise, applying time stretching, shifting, and pitch, and extracting the features zero cross rate (ZCR), chroma shift, Mel-Frequency Cepstral Coefficients (MFCC), and a spectrogram. In addition, we used many pretrained deep learning models, such as VGG16, ResNet50, Xception, InceptionV3, and DenseNet121. Out of all …

Perceived Risk Mediation Of Website Quality In Online Clothing Shopping In A South African Township, Khathutshelo M. Makhitha, Rodney G. Duffett

The African Journal of Information Systems

South Africa lags behind other economies regarding online shopping adoption. Extant literature has focused on the influence of risk factors on consumers’ intention to shop online. However, few studies have considered the effect that mediating factors can have on relationships between other factors related to online shopping. It is particularly important to determine the mediation effect of perceived risk factors on the relationship between perceived website quality and intentions to shop online. A quantitative survey was used to collect data from 300 online shoppers who purchase clothing online and are located in the Soweto Township in Gauteng, South Africa. Perceived …

Micro And Nano Plastics: Contaminants In Beverages And Prevention Strategies, Chang Ma, Karna Ramachandraiah, Guihun Jiang

School of Public Health Faculty Publications

The widespread use of plastics in beverage packaging has led to the accumulation of microplastics (MPs) and nanoplastics (NPs) in beverages, which poses significant environmental and health hazards. This review explores the sources, entry pathways, and risk factors for MPs and NPs in beverages, emphasizing their toxicological profiles and harmful effects on human health and the environment. Methods for detecting MPs and NPs in beverages are discussed, highlighting the need for standardized testing protocols. Furthermore, future solution strategies, challenges, and preventive measures for mitigating MP and NP contamination in beverages are proposed, including advanced filtration systems, the development of alternative …

Davinci, The Ai Tutor Developed By Lindenwood Student And Faculty, Lindenwood University

Archived Lindenwood Press Releases

No abstract provided.

Beyond Human-Centric Models In Cybersecurity Education: A Pilot Posthuman Analysis Of The Nice Workforce Framework For Cybersecurity, Ryan Straight

Journal of Cybersecurity Education, Research and Practice

This study applies a posthuman lens to the National Initiative for Cybersecurity Education (NICE) Workforce Framework, examining two key Work Roles in cybersecurity education. Employing a novel posthuman coding scheme, the associated Tasks, Knowledge, and Skills (TKS) statements were analyzed. Findings reveal significant posthuman elements within the framework while identifying opportunities for further integration. The analysis demonstrates a strong presence of human-technology entanglement and adaptive learning concepts, yet highlights areas where the framework could emphasize system complexity and interconnectedness. This research contributes to ongoing discussions on cybersecurity education in complex technological landscapes, proposing a theoretical framework for integrating posthuman concepts …

Between Copyright And Computer Science: The Law And Ethics Of Generative Ai, Devin R. Desai, Mark Riedl

Northwestern Journal of Technology and Intellectual Property

Copyright and computer science continue to intersect and clash, but they can coexist. The advent of new technologies such as digitization of visual and aural creations, sharing technologies, search engines, social media offerings, and more, challenge copyright-based industries and reopen questions about the reach of copyright law. Breakthroughs in artificial intelligence research, especially Large Language Models that leverage copyrighted material as part of training, are the latest examples of the ongoing tension between copyright and computer science. The exuberance, rush-to-market, and edge problem cases created by a few misguided companies now raises challenges to core legal doctrines and may shift …

The Santa Clara, 2024-11-15, Santa Clara University

The Santa Clara

No abstract provided.