Digital Commons Network^™

Building Peace From Afar: Women-Led Peacebuilding From The Diaspora (Executive Summary), Elena B. Stavrevska, Sveto Muhammad Ishoq, Shadi Rouhshahbaz, Kay Soe, Briana Mawby, Carolyne Komen

Kroc IPJ Research and Resources

Diaspora communities have long played critical roles in peacebuilding efforts in their countries of origin, yet the contributions of women within these communities remain significantly underexplored and underappreciated. This report seeks to address this gap by focusing on the unique roles, challenges and contributions of women in diaspora-led peacebuilding initiatives. Women in the diaspora — often navigating complex identities and facing distinct challenges — are vital actors in promoting peace, reconciliation and social change in their homelands.

Drawing on a comprehensive review of literature, research interviews, and detailed case studies, this report provides a nuanced understanding of how diaspora women …

Building Peace From Afar: Women-Led Peacekeeping From The Diaspora (Case Study: Afghanistan), Sveto Muhammad Ishoq

Kroc IPJ Research and Resources

This case study examines the challenges, tactics and tools of Afghan women activists in the UK in their peacebuilding efforts for Afghan women and girls post-Taliban takeover. It shows how operating from exile, these activists employ innovative strategies to amplify Afghan women’s voices, advocating internationally and providing support despite facing complex security, funding, and community unity issues.

Building Peace From Afar: Women-Led Peacebuilding From The Diaspora, Elena B, Stavrevska, Sveto Muhammad Ishoq, Shadi Rouhshahbaz, Kay Soe, Briana Mawby, Carolyne Komen

Kroc IPJ Research and Resources

Diaspora communities have long played critical roles in peacebuilding efforts in their countries of origin, yet the contributions of women within these communities remain significantly underexplored and underappreciated. This report seeks to address this gap by focusing on the unique roles, challenges and contributions of women in diaspora-led peacebuilding initiatives. Women in the diaspora — often navigating complex identities and facing distinct challenges — are vital actors in promoting peace, reconciliation and social change in their homelands.

Drawing on a comprehensive review of literature, research interviews, and detailed case studies, this report provides a nuanced understanding of how diaspora women …

Building Peace From Afar: Women-Led Peacekeeping From The Diaspora (Case Study: Burma/Myanmar), Kay Soe

Kroc IPJ Research and Resources

This case study highlights the role and strategies of Burmese/Myanmar’s women in the diaspora in the US in contributing to political transformation in their homeland. It shows how through advocacy, mobilization, women’s networks and different types of organizing, these women navigate structural and cultural challenges, leveraging their diasporic networks and unique perspectives to support democratic ideals and envision an inclusive, federal future for Burma/Myanmar.

Building Peace From Afar: Women-Led Peacekeeping From The Diaspora (Case Study: Iran), Shadi Rouhshahbaz

Kroc IPJ Research and Resources

This case study examines how young Iranian women, at home and abroad, envision Iran’s futures, their role in change-making and the challenges they face. It shows how their aspirations reflect lived experiences and the limited civic spaces within which they champion change, and the difficult choices they face about leaving or staying, while their visions for Iran’s future transcend current insecurities, offering images of a more equitable society that may inspire meaningful, feminist-led transformation.

Frameworks And Life Cycle Assessment For Reinforced Concrete Bridges For Sustainability In Transportation, Yu-Fu Ko, Jessica Gonzalez

Mineta Transportation Institute

Bridge structures are critical components of California’s transportation network, with reinforced concrete (RC) bridges being among the most widely used. Extending the lifespan of these structures can lead to significant reductions in environmental impacts. However, California’s frequent seismic activity has repeatedly exposed the vulnerability of existing RC bridges, highlighting the urgent need for seismic retrofitting and maintenance to improve infrastructure resilience against earthquakes and to increase sustainability. This research used detailed computer simulations known as nonlinear finite element models, which are highly detailed computer models, incorporating section damage indices to predict damage and assess structural deficiencies in RC bridges during …

A Holistic Inquiry Of Intelligent Speed-Assist Technology: Safety Impacts, Technology Implementation, And Challenges, Sahar Ghanipoor Machiani, Nusheen Baradaran, Arash Jahangiri

Mineta Transportation Institute

Speeding is a leading contributor to roadway fatalities in the United States, and California consistently ranks among states with the highest number of speed-related crashes. Intelligent Speed Assistance (ISA) technology has emerged as a solution aimed at mitigating this issue by notifying drivers of speed limits and, in some cases, intervening and lowering the speed to the posted speed limit. This work presents a comprehensive investigation into ISA system safety benefits, implementation challenges, and public perception, with a focus on California drivers. This study utilized a multi-method approach. A literature review explores the history, regulatory barriers, and international trails of …

Wildfire Emergency Response And Evacuation Framework Using Drones: Phase I, Hovannes Kulhandjian

Mineta Transportation Institute

Wildfires are escalating in frequency and severity due to climate change, posing increasing threats to human life, infrastructure,and ecosystems. Traditional wildfire management systems struggle to respond effectively to rapidly evolving fire conditions. This research presents a novel, AI-powered Wildfire Emergency Response and Evacuation Framework that integrates autonomous unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs, AKA “drones”), multi-sensor data fusion, and machine learning (ML) for real-time fire detection, evacuation planning, and search and rescue (SAR) operations. Central to the system is the Dynamic Wildfire Response Algorithm (DWRA), a hybrid decision-making framework combining AI-driven techniques including reinforcement learning (RL), genetic algorithms (GA), and deep learning …

Early Signs The Eu Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism Is Reshaping Eu-India Steel Trade, Gian Luca Vriz, Theodor Florian Cojoianu, Carolyn Fischer, Luca Taschini

Research Collection College of Integrative Studies

This study examines early signals of the EU CBAM's impact on iron and steel exporters from India by integrating firm-level export data with third-party estimates of manufacturers' emissions and production. Changes in trade flows and pricing during the CBAM reporting phase indicate that high-emission-intensity firms have decreased both their average unit prices and shipment sizes to the EU, while low-emission-intensity firms have not changed shipment behavior and may have benefited from increasing prices. Such supply chain adjustments are in line with EU policy intentions, creating opportunities for low-emission producers while reducing reliance on high-emission suppliers to the EU.

Cwu's Electronic Waste Management: A Success Story In Sustainable Practice, Srijita Gurung

Journal of the Symposium of University Research and Creative Expression

Project Mentor(s): Susan Rivera, PhD; Kevin Lomax

Purpose: This research examines how Central Washington University (CWU) manages electronic waste (e-waste) to promote economic, environmental, and equitable sustainability practices. In February 2024, Computer Support Services (CSS) started a computer reconciliation project, which is vital due to the Windows 10 operating system going end of life after October 14, 2025, and no longer receiving software support. This project tracks and documents the life of electronic assets, with a focus on the role of Surplus and IT Asset Disposal (ITAD) companies. Method: The primary research methods involve interviews, and online research of active …

The Role Of Modern Costing Techniques (Green Target Costing, Total Quality Management) In Reducing Production Costs And Achieving Sustainable Development Goals: “An Exploratory Study In The Iraqi Stock Market”, Mawj Abbas Jasim Alhchaimi, Ali Mahdi Hameed, Fatimah Flayyih Oudah, Adnan Kadhum Matrood

Muthanna Journal of Administrative and Economics Sciences

Costing techniques, such as Green Target Costing and Total Quality Management, play a crucial role in achieving sustainable development goals. These techniques assist organizations in achieving integration between economy, environment, and society, leading to sustainable development. Green Target Costing helps identify and reduce environmental costs, encouraging companies to use resources efficiently, and contributing to sustainable development goals. Additionally, Total Quality Management improves quality, reduces costs, and promotes a quality culture within the organization, ultimately contributing to sustainable development through enhanced institutional performance. The use of these costing techniques, Green Target Costing and Total Quality Management, enables organizations to achieve sustainable …

The Limits Of Snap In Addressing Older Adult Food Insecurity, Colleen M. Heflin, Madonna Harrington Meyer

Population Health Research Brief Series

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) is designed to address the economic roots of food insecurity. However, SNAP participation rates among older adults substantially lag behind those of other age groups. Based on the book, Food for Thought: Understanding Older Adults Food Insecurity, this brief describes how SNAP is not well designed for older adults in three respects: (1) the high levels of administrative burden associated with eligibility, certification, and benefit-determination processes, (2) the low value of SNAP benefits compared with the high costs associated with redeeming them, and (3) the high levels of state variation in SNAP policies …

Assessing Community Engagement In The Standard Gauge Railway Project In Tanzania: A Case Study Of The Morogoro – Makutupora Segment, Chacha Timasi Nyakega, Oscar Whynijous Tefurukwa

BISNIS & BIROKRASI: Jurnal Ilmu Administrasi dan Organisasi

Governments play a critical role in engaging communities in decision-making processes directly affecting their daily lives. Such engagement influences the feasibility and success of project implementation. However, the degree of community engagement varies across different projects. This study examines community engagement and perceptions regarding the implementation of the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) project in Tanzania, focusing on Lot II, the Morogoro to Makutupora segment. The theoretical framework proposed by Fung guided the analysis. A qualitative approach was employed, with a sample of 30 respondents. Data were collected through focus group discussions (FGDs) and analyzed using content analysis. Findings indicate that …

Rising Waters, Falling Taxes: The Impact Of Hurricane Sandy On Property Tax Assessments In New York City, Wei Guo, Qing Miao, Yusun Kim, Yilin Hou

Center for Policy Research

Climate disasters pose fiscal challenges for local governments by increasing recovery costs and demand for property tax relief. Homeowners with or without property damage face tax burdens that may not match changes to their property value. This study examines the impact of Hurricane Sandy on property values and tax assessments in New York City. Using a difference-in-differences approach and comprehensive property-level data, we find that (1) inundated properties faced greater tax burdens due to limited declines in taxable value; (2) unaffected properties in flood zones saw tax burden increases due to declining market values and unchanged taxable values; and (3) …

Exploring The Relationship Between Quality Audits Performance Metrics And Compliance Within Healthcare Quality Management Systems, Abdulrahman Abdullah Alrahmani

Muthanna Journal of Administrative and Economics Sciences

This research examines the complex interconnections for quality audits, performance measurements, and compliance rates inside a healthcare quality management system by analyzing data coming from 500 patients across several departments within a single hospital. The study adopts a quantitative methodology, including diverse healthcare quality metrics such as patient satisfaction, infection rates, readmission rates, and medical mistakes. Statistical analysis indicated a robust positive connection (r = 0.808, p < 0.05) between quality audit scores, and performance measures, indicating, that elevated audit scores strongly predicted superior hospital performance. The association between compliance rates, and performance measurements used to be poor (r = 0.004, p > 0.05), indicating a more intricate interaction within the quality management system analysis for departments including Cardiology, Neurology, Orthopedics, Pediatrics, and General Medicine revealed comparable trends, alongside correlation values between 0.77, and 0.83. ANOVA …

The Role Of Strategic Alignment In Achieving Sustainable Competitive Advantage-An Analytical Study At Al-Maaref University College, Ali Ahmed Mohammed

Muthanna Journal of Administrative and Economics Sciences

This study aims to determine the role of strategic alignment as an independent variable and its correlation with sustainable competitive advantage as a dependent variable at Al-Maarif University College. The researcher employed a descriptive-analytical methodology, which comprised a cohort of faculty members from the college, with a sample size of 72 respondents. The researcher employed a questionnaire as the primary instrument for data collection, utilising the statistical software (SPSS) in conjunction with (Excel) for data analysis. Research has demonstrated a direct correlation and beneficial effect of strategic alignment in its dimensions (communication, value, governance, partnership, infrastructure, skills) on sustainable competitive …

Blue Economy Policy Implementation And Its Ecological Implications In Tomini Bay, Abdul Wahab Podungge, Dwi Indah Yuliyani Solihin, Yulianty Adipu, Yanti Aneta

BISNIS & BIROKRASI: Jurnal Ilmu Administrasi dan Organisasi

Industrial and mining activities around Tomini Bay have significantly impacted marine ecosystems. This study aims to analyze the formulation process of the blue economy policy using an institutional approach, which includes the structure and process of decision-making, the role of key actors, and the impact of norms, rules, and regulations on the policy. In addition, this study evaluates the policy from a sustainable ecosystem perspective. Employing a qualitative approach combined with a research-action model, this study focuses on collaboration between researchers and stakeholders to identify problems, develop solutions, and implement practical changes. Findings reveal that the blue economy in Tomini …

The Familiarity Effect In Prioritizing Distant Solutions: A Discrete Choice Experiment On Development Planners In Indonesia, Timothy Pieter Christian Siahaan

BISNIS & BIROKRASI: Jurnal Ilmu Administrasi dan Organisasi

Development planning ideally requires accurate information to translate distant solutions, where actions and impacts are separated by significant delays. However, the attention theory suggests that the attention of planners is constrained by familiarity bias, shaped by organizational procedures and communication channels. This study argues that planners are less likely to prioritize distant solutions due to a stronger sense of perceived self-efficacy. Even when presented with favorable information, decision-makers tend to rely on heuristics that filter out unfamiliar information. Employing a mixed-method approach by combining a discrete choice experiment and qualitative interviews with regional planners in Indonesia, this study discovers that …

Real-World Use Of Classic And Non-Classic Psychedelics In Hispanic/Latino Adults With Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder: International Findings From The Latino Study, David S Mathai, Jill O Robinson, Kevin Wagner, Logan Neitzke-Spruill, Dayan Berrones, Jacey L Anderberg, Renee M Frederick, Vanessa Zavala Cruz, Josselyn S Muñoz, Latin American Trans-Ancestry Initiative For Ocd Genomics, Brazilian Obsessive-Compulsive Spectrum Disorder Working Group;, Carolyn I Rodriguez, Lynnette A Averill, James J Crowley, Eric A Storch, Amy L Mcguire

Center for Medical Ethics and Health Policy Staff Publications

Objective: Despite growing research on the potential mental health benefits of psychedelics, there has been limited study of these drugs in populations with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and with Hispanic and Latin American (H/L) ancestry.

Methods: Demographic and clinical assessments were conducted as part of the Latin American Trans-ancestry Initiative for OCD genomics (LATINO) Study in H/L participants with OCD living throughout the Americas. Self-reported data on the prevalence of naturalistic psychedelic use and associated outcomes on OCD symptoms were collected in a subsample of 2,639 adults. Descriptive statistics and regression analyses were used to assess psychedelic use, predictors of use, …

Opportunities And Barriers To Engaging Caregivers In Firearm Suicide Prevention: Findings From Focus Groups With Caregivers Of Veterans, Katherine Macwilliams, John Marmion, Dee Blascyk, Sharon Urbina, Rachel Moyers, Gala True

School of Medicine Faculty Publications

Background: Firearms are involved in more than 70% of U.S. Veteran suicides. Caregivers, defined as family members or concerned significant others, can play an important role in firearm suicide prevention through initiating conversations about secure firearm storage with Veterans. Our objective was to explore caregivers’ experiences with lethal means safety (LMS) conversations and identify perceived barriers to caregivers discussing LMS with healthcare providers and with Veterans. Methods: We conducted focus groups with 32 caregivers with experience caring for a Veteran at risk for suicide. Qualitative data were analyzed using thematic analysis. Results: We identified three primary themes: 1) caregivers recognize …

Strengthening Climate Empowerment In Pharmacy Education And Practice: A Literature Review, Hend Ahmed

COP30

Pharmacists are increasingly acknowledged as essential contributors to climate resilience as climate change poses ever-increasing challenges to global health. Within the framework of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), Action for Climate Empowerment (ACE) provides a framework that is focused on capacity building, public engagement, and education. The application of ACE principles to pharmacy practice and education to advance sustainability is examined in this article. It looks at national projects that support ACE objectives like Kerala's pharmacy-led waste management campaign and the Greener-NHS programme. The review finds gaps and opportunities for incorporating climate action into pharmacy through …

Non-State Actors: Opportunity Or Challenge To Ace And Capacity Building Under Cop30 Mutirão Action Plan, Youssef Moftah

COP30

This policy paper focuses on the role of non-state parties in climate action under COP30. The paper highlights clearly the gap of state actors’ action and their inability alone to meet their requirements in order to make clearly effective steps in their climate change agendas. Following on from previous work frames of the UNFCCC and its subsidiary bodies alongside national and local initiatives the paper shows the past efforts linking them with this year’s presidency and its action plan of "mutirão". The focus of this paper is on building ACE capabilities especially axes of training, public participation, and international cooperation …

Open-Source Hardware For Renewable Energy Workforce Development, Mohamed Abbas

COP30

The renewable energy markets are undergoing significant developments; there is a considerable gap between the industry requirements and the available skillful workforce. According to the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA, 2024), the renewable energy industry globally employed 16.2 million people in 2023, with estimates showing a significant increase to around 40 million by 2050, depending on the achievement of a 1.5°C scenario. Though the continuous expansion of the workforce continues, there is still a shortage that will be difficult to fill. This shortage is a serious problem, especially in developing countries, where climate change is prompting the establishment of new …

From Awareness To Action: The Educational Pillar Of Capacity Building And Ace, Eman Akrout

COP30

Education has always been identified as the most potent medium for sustaining long-term climate action by helping students, teachers, and communities understand climate risks and participate in solution building. This literature review will therefore focus on how education helps build capacity and contributes to Action for Climate Empowerment (ACE). As recent reports indicated by IPCC and UNESCO have also highlighted, climate education heightens the level of awareness supportive of green jobs while improving the resilience of a community. However, there is a lack of climate material in most schools with untrained teachers posing a huge gap in the international efforts …

Climate-Ready Health Systems: A Regional Strategy For Building Climate-Health Capacity In North Africa, Donia Khaled

COP30

North African nations are highly exposed to the climate-health crisis, facing combined risks that greatly impact vulnerable groups. These include repeated climate-related disease outbreaks, plus more heat waves and droughts. Existing health education and infrastructure aren't ready to handle these issues. A dual-track strategy to build regional climate-health capacity is proposed in this policy paper: A) integrate climate-health education into medical and public health curricula at all universities across North Africa; and B) launch a multilingual Continuous Professional Development (CPD) platform will develop health workers and students, adaptation through knowledge sharing, building local leadership, and ensuring fair access to resources. …

Driving Climate Mitigation And Health Equity In Rapid Test Diagnostics (Rdts): A Sustainable Biodegradable Patch Solution, Sarah Abozeid

COP30

Total energy-related CO2 emissions increased by 0.8% in 2024, hitting an all-time high of 37.8 Gt CO2, driven primarily by energy, transport, and industrial sectors. The healthcare sector, often overlooked in mitigation discussions, contributes 4.4% of total global GHG emissions, a footprint exceeding that of many countries. Disposal of petroleum-based plastics—especially through incineration—emits approximately 2.7 tonnes of CO2 equivalent (CO2e) per tonne of plastic burnt. Production itself accounts for around 2.5 tonnes CO2 per tonne of

plastic, making the combined lifecycle emissions significant when including end- of-life incineration or decomposition. Around 16,000 tonnes of plastics are

produced globally for rapid …

Capacity Building And Action For Climate Empowerment (Ace): A Technical Review, Salman Almudawib

COP30

Capacity Building and Action for Climate Empowerment (ACE) is a core pillar for climate change mitigation through people’s participation, education, and empowerment (UNFCCC, n.d.; Action for Climate Empowerment, 2025). This article describes technological and digital resources that support ACE, particularly in the COP30 environment. It also identifies inventive methods and the stumbling blocks alongside the best digital instruments that facilitate local-level empowerment, targeting innovation centers, AI education, indigenous knowledge systems, and the integration of policies (IFLA, 2025; Mbuvha et al., 2024). One of the key anticipated outcomes is the Baku-to-Belém Roadmap, aimed at mobilizing $1.3 trillion annually for climate action …

Global Urban Green Space Initiative For Climate Capacity Building: A Policy Blueprint For Youth, Collaboration, And Climate Action, Finley Moore

COP30

This is a policy paper recommending the implementation of a Global Urban Green Space Initiative for Climate Capacity Building (GUGSI-CCB). Following the success of the UK’s National Education Nature Parks (NENP) this paper explores how the policy could be transferred to the international stage by using the UNs Race to Zero education campaign. It highlights the policy being a method of collaboration between the north and south which national governments have failed at in recent years. The policy paper focuses on the importance of decreasing youth anxiety towards climate change, the benefit of a global database on climate change, and …

Facilitating The Move Towards A Wellbeing Economy Through Supporting Infrastructure: A Review Of Frontrunner Countries, Henry Bartelet, Vincent De Gooyert

Quantitative Methods and Information Technology Faculty Publications

As more governments seek to shift beyond gross domestic product (GDP) as the dominant measure of progress, the concept of a “wellbeing economy” has gained traction. This approach prioritizes human and environmental wellbeing through broader, more holistic policy frameworks. A central question in this transition is what the implications of shifts to a wellbeing economy are for infrastructure investments. In this study, we identify four frontrunner governments, Bhutan, Scotland, New Zealand, and Wales, that have formally adopted wellbeing economy principles. We analyse how each operationalizes the concept and assess the resulting implications for infrastructure planning and investment. Despite shared goals, …

Examining The Feedback Effects Of The Child And Family Services Review Process On The Child Welfare Caseworker, Molly Blanchette

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

The Child and Family Services Review (CFSR) is a federally mandated continuous quality improvement process that sets and assesses national child welfare performance standards. The CFSR impacts agency practices and caseworker responsibilities. Research has linked high turnover rates, averaging around 30% nationally, to agency-related variables, some of which are influenced by the CFSR. Given this context, it was necessary to understand how the CFSR performance standards impact the workforce. Policy feedback theory grounded this study as it was used to examine the feedback effects of the CFSR on child welfare caseworkers. The research question was “How are the federal performance …