Digital Commons Network^™

1st Place Research Paper: "Gaps In The Academy: Evaluating Pre-Service Criminal Justice Training For Interactions With Vulnerable Populations", Rowan Eiselman

Kevin and Tam Ross Undergraduate Research Prize

This research investigates pre-service training for law enforcement officers (LEOs), specifically examining how current educational practices prepare them to interact with vulnerable populations, including victims, suspects, and individuals in crisis. The quality of this training is critical, as it directly shapes officer behavior, decision-making, and ethical conduct in the field (Mier, 2018). Amid heightened public scrutiny of police practices and calls for reform, the effectiveness of law enforcement education has become a central concern.

The significance of this topic is underscored by extensive research on training methodologies such as procedural justice and de-escalation, which aim to improve police-community relations and …

Gamification And Serious Games In Undergraduate Nursing Education For Disaster Preparedness In The United States, Jacob Fast

Dissertations

Disaster preparedness is a critical component of undergraduate nursing education, yet traditional instructional approaches often inadequately prepare students for the complexity and uncertainty of real-world emergencies. Emerging literature suggests that gamification and serious games may enhance engagement and applied learning; however, limited research has examined their integration within nursing curricula from the perspective of faculty responsible for instructional design. This convergent mixed-methods study investigated the extent of integration, perceived effectiveness, and practical utility of gamification and serious games in undergraduate nursing education for disaster preparedness. Quantitative data were collected through a national survey of faculty teaching in CCNE- and ACEN-accredited …

Nh Ece Data Collection Efforts Running Inventory, Jess Carson, Evan England, Tyrus Parker

New Hampshire Early Care and Education Research Consortium

Updated April 2026!

The NH ECE Research Consortium maintains an inventory of current and complete NH ECE-relevant data collection efforts. Included are surveys, interviews, focus groups, needs assessments, and other ways people in the field collect information. The inventory strengthens public access for data users, improves awareness and coordination among researchers, and minimizes duplication.

April 2026 Nh Ece Research Consortium Newsletter, Evan England, Jess Carson, Harshita Sarup

New Hampshire Early Care and Education Research Consortium

The April 2026 NH ECE Research Consortium Newsletter includes a registration link for the 2026 Consortium Convening coming in May. Also find the latest data, research publications, Consortium resources, upcoming events, opportunities, and more.

Temporary Protected Status Populations In Massachusetts In 2026, Phillip Granberry, Iván Espinoza-Madrigal

Gastón Institute Publications

Temporary Protected Status (TPS) is one of the best expressions of U.S. humanitarian protection and relief. It recognizes a basic truth: people should not be deported to danger.

May this report help build a stronger Commonwealth for all by advancing more thoughtful policymaking and stronger interventions that recognize the deep connections among immigration, community, and economic life.

Sequencing Dengue Control Policy In Singapore: An Evolutionary Perspective For Policy Design, Ishani Mukherjee, Panchali Guha

Research Collection School of Social Sciences

About half the global population is now at risk of contracting dengue, a mosquito-borne viral infection that can cause severe morbidity and fatalities. Effective dengue control depends on controlling the mosquito vector, but finding the right mix of vector control policies has proved challenging. Using a content analysis of 208 Hansard records from parliamentary proceedings in Singapore, where dengue outbreaks have significantly increased in both frequency and magnitude since the early 1990s, we trace the processual evolution of Singapore’s anti-dengue policy mix from 1960 to 2023 and conclude that the evolution of dengue control policies is consistent with a customized …

2026 April, Morehead State University. Office Of Communications & Marketing.

Morehead State Press Release Archive, 1961 to the Present

Press releases for April of 2026.

Brief #3: Collaborative Aggregation & Marketing Of Local Farm Food: Customer Perspectives On Participation Barriers, Evan England, Rachel Filippone, Hannah Stokes-Ramos, Cindy (Luyue) Zheng, Olivia Burton, Analena Bruce

Food Practice Research

No abstract provided.

Ethical Controversies In Organ Procurement: A National Survey On Public Perceptions Of Thoracoabdominal Normothermic Regional Perfusion, Trevor M Bibler, Jill Oliver Robinson, Adam Omelianchuk, Tariq Nisar, Savitri Fedson, Ariel N Levchenko, Amy L Mcguire

Center for Medical Ethics and Health Policy Staff Publications

Thoracoabdominal normothermic regional perfusion (TA-NRP) would likely expand the quantity and quality of organs procured after controlled circulatory death donation in the United States, yet its ethical permissibility remains contested. We surveyed a representative sample of US adults (n = 975) with the goal of assessing their perspectives on the ethical permissibility of TA-NRP. After reading a neutral description of TA-NRP, participants judged its permissibility, reviewed 5 critic and 5 supporter arguments (in random order), and chose which argument they found most convincing. Multivariable logistic regression examined predictors of agreeing with critics. Before exposure to the arguments, 51.5% stated that …

"On The Same Rope": An Exploratory Study Of Staff Experiences At The Mountain Seed Foundation's Healing Base Camp Program, Jill C. Kivikoski

Counseling & Human Services Theses & Dissertations

Since the escalation of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022, Ukrainians have faced significant social and public health challenges, particularly among Service Members, Veterans, and their Families (SMVF), including disability, traumatic stress, and barriers to mental health care (Kostenko et al., 2024; Krasnodemska et al., 2023; O’Grady & Galouchka, 2023). Retreat based programs grounded in shared military identity may offer an accessible form of support (Barrett & Currin, 2024). Mountain Seed Foundation’s (MSF) Healing Base Camp (HBC) was developed to promote healing and resilience among Ukrainian SMVF (Mountain Seed Foundation, n.d.).

This qualitative dissertation used a single-case study design (Yin, …

Social Capital As An Intervening Explanatory Mechanism Linking Socioeconomic Status And Deliberative Decision-Making In Citizen Advisory Boards In California Municipalities, Christopher Gerry

School of Public Service Theses & Dissertations

Citizen advisory boards (CABs) are widely used in local government as institutional mechanisms for participatory governance and public input. While these bodies are intended to promote inclusive and deliberative decision-making, persistent socioeconomic inequalities raise concerns about whether CABs mitigate or reproduce disparities in participation and influence. This dissertation examines how socioeconomic status (SES) shapes deliberative decision-making within CABs and whether this relationship operates indirectly through board-level social capital.

Integrating perspectives from participatory governance, deliberative democracy, and social capital theory, the study conceptualizes deliberative decision-making as a collective, board-level process shaped by relational and institutional dynamics rather than individual attributes alone. …

Call To Action Against Sex Trafficking Of Black Women And Girls, Stephany Powell, Tracey Sylvester, Brenda Myers-Powell, Audrey Morrissey, Melanie Thompson

Dignity: A Journal of Analysis of Exploitation and Violence

No abstract provided.

The Economic Impacts Of Climate Change And External Shocks On Tourism Demand In The Kurdistan Region Of Iraq: Econometric Modeling For The Period (2007–2023), Asst. Prof. Dr. Khadeeja Qader Same, Asst. Prof. Dr. Aswad Qadir Ahmed

Muthanna Journal of Administrative and Economics Sciences

This study aims to Analysis of the Economic Impacts of Climate Change and External Shocks on Tourism Demand in the Kurdistan Region for the Period (2007-2023), utilizing a rigorous econometric methodology that includes unit root tests, Granger causality, and the Autoregressive Distributed Lag (ARDL) model to verify long-term equilibrium relationships through the Bounds Test. The results revealed a “developmental paradox,” where tourism demand grows annually by 18.51% despite a steady rise in temperatures, a decline in rainfall by approximately 3.15 mm per year, and an increase in dust storms. The econometric modeling proved that every unit increase in temperature inflicts …

National Security, Macroeconomic Stability, And The Future Of Nigeria's Development: Policy Priorities In A Volatile Global Environment, Suleiman Yusuf Usman Mr.

Bullion

Nigeria confronts a dual crisis: escalating domestic insecurity and intensifying global geopolitical volatility. Rising insecurity undermines productive capacity, diverts fiscal resources, and erodes investor confidence, whilst external shocks—including policy pronouncements from major economies and geopolitical tensions—threaten capital flows, foreign exchange reserves, and macroeconomic stability. This article examines the economic and developmental implications of these intertwined pressures, evaluates their impact on monetary policy effectiveness and financial sector resilience, and presents actionable policy recommendations to strengthen governance, restore stability, and safeguard Nigeria's long-term development trajectory. The analysis emphasises the urgent need for coordinated fiscal and monetary responses, institutional reforms, and strategic repositioning …

Human Resource Flexibility And Its Role In Organizational Ambidexterity: An Analytical Study At The General Company For Electrical And Electronic Industries, Hanaa Nassrullah Khamees Alhamadani

Muthanna Journal of Administrative and Economics Sciences

This research aims to analyze the role of human resource flexibility in achieving organizational Ambidexterity at the General Company for Electrical and Electronic Industries. This stems from the importance of flexibility as a fundamental factor enabling organizations to adapt quickly to rapid environmental changes and enhance their competitiveness. The research adopted a descriptive-analytical approach, and data were collected from a random sample of (75) employees working in administrative and technical departments related to the study topic. The independent variable was human resource flexibility with its three dimensions (skill flexibility, behavioral flexibility, and human resource practices flexibility), while the dependent variable …

Blockchain Technology As A Tool To Enhance Information Security Elements In The Government Organizations Sector: An Exploratory Study In The Nineveh Governorate Traffic Directorate, Saif Khalid Zakaria

Muthanna Journal of Administrative and Economics Sciences

Purpose: The objective of this study is oriented to investigate what are the determinant features of Blockchain Technology (BCT) that contribute in boosting ISE factors in governmental institutions. The research work is grounded on referring to the most popular features of Blockchain (BC) in enhancing the core and supportive (ISE). Research Design/ Methods and approach: The data for this research was based on a crosssectional and correlational survey (95 responses were finally analyzed). The collected data were first analyzed using SPSS v.26 and then through variance based structural equation modeling (SEM; Smart PLS v.4) for assessing validity and …

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 …

Application Of A Fuzzy Multi-Objective Defuzzification Method To Solve A Multi-Modal Transportation Problem, Qusay H Khalaf, Khalid Zeghaiton Chaloob

Muthanna Journal of Administrative and Economics Sciences

Multi-modal transportation systems are the logistics networks for global economy. Transportation systems are fraught with uncertainties that hinder the traditional deterministic models reaching the optimal performance. The main obstacle for traditional deterministic models is the uncertainties (e.g., fuel prices volatility, inaccurate transit-times prediction, and evolving environmental regulations). This paper proposes a novel method of fuzzy multi-objective defuzzification. It integrates a modified center of gravity (COG) technique with multi-objective linear programming (MOLP) to address the uncertainty challenges. Triangular fuzzy numbers and partitioning to sud-intervals generated crisp solutions to balance conflicting objectives: cost, time, and environmental sustainability. A four transportation-mode used as …

Exploring The Impact Of Psychological Hardiness On Career Prosperity: An Analytical Study Of The Opinions Of Employees Of The Ministry Of Migration And Displacement/Najaf Governorate Branch, Mustafa Hasan Kareem Al-Hamami

Muthanna Journal of Administrative and Economics Sciences

This study aims to explore the impact of psychological hardiness on career well-being among employees of the Ministry of Migration and Displaced Persons – Najaf Al-Ashraf Branch, with a focus on how psychological hardiness contributes to enhancing employee welfare and improving professional performance. The study adopted a descriptive- analytical approach, where data were collected and analyzed to determine the relationship between the variables. The study population included all employees of the Ministry – Najaf Al-Ashraf Branch, and a random sample of 100 employees was selected to ensure adequate representation of different departments and job categories. A standardized questionnaire measuring psychological …

Green Value Chain Analysis And Its Role In Improving Resource Allocation Decisions: A Case Study In Diwaniya Dairy Factory, Ail Abdul-Hussein Hani Al-Zameli, Nabaa Duaa Fakher

Muthanna Journal of Administrative and Economics Sciences

The purpose of this study is to justify the role of The green value chain as a modern technique of management accounting in facilitating investment decisions and optimizing the effectiveness in resources utilization at industrial units. The premise underlying the study is that green value serves as a frame of reference for analysing activities, which in turn allows to separate value-adding from non-value adding ones, leading to cost reduction and environmental soundness. Management is also not about finding faults for waste and allocating funds, it's all about tapping new ways of creating value by eliminating non-value adding activities. The deductive …

Protection Vs. Progression: A Macroeconomic Approach To Military Expenditure Direct Effects On Social Outcomes Using Ihdi Measures, Connor Graham

Global Tides

This study examines whether military expenditure reduces inequality-adjusted human development and how national governance quality moderates these effects. Using panel data covering 121 countries from 2010-2023, two-way fixed effects models are employed to estimate the relationship between military spending and the Inequality-Adjusted Human Development Index (IHDI). Three key findings emerge from the analysis based on the resulting data. First, a one percentage point increase in military spending reduces IHDI by 0.0012-0.0015 points. Second, the effects prove seven times larger in developed countries than in developing ones, which runs contrary to expectations and prior literature. Lastly, political stability emerged as a …

Evaluation Of Transportation Policy Effectiveness In The United States: Case Of Personal Electric Vehicles And Commercial Electronic Logging Devices, Hania Afzal

Dissertations and Doctoral Documents, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, 2023–

Together, electric vehicle (EV) adoption and the electronic logging device (ELD) mandate illustrate two dimensions of transportation technology policy: the first driven largely by environmental and market-based incentives and the second by safety regulation and compliance requirements. Examining these cases side by side for the United States allows for a more comprehensive analysis of how technology adoption unfolds under different policy regimes, offering insights into the broader relationship between policy design, industry response, and public outcomes. The commercial motor vehicle (CMV) sector presents a different but equally important policy challenge in transportation technology adoption. Unlike consumer passenger vehicles, CMVs are …

From Arrival To Opportunity: A Policy Analysis For Supporting Newly Arrived English Learners In California, Valeria Gabrielli, Stephanie Mendoza Hernandez

School of Public Policy Capstones

Newly arrived immigrant students, commonly referred to as “newcomers,” represent a notable portion of the English Learner (EL) population in California’s K–12 public schools. As of Fall 2023, the California Department of Education reported that newcomers comprised 3.27% of total student enrollment. Although enrollment is projected to decline in the near term, the potential for future increases highlights the need for sustainable, evidence-based support systems. This study examines how California K–12 public schools with large EL populations provide academic and trauma-informed support services to newcomer students, with a particular focus on early intervention in grades K–5. Using the Bardach policy …

Quantifying Provider Relief Fund Allocation Trends: A Descriptive Analysis Of Rural And Urban Hospitals, 2014-2023, Wendell C. Mcclurg

MUSC Theses and Dissertations

Rural hospitals operate on thin margins, have limited access to capital, and face a heightened risk of closure. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the Provider Relief Fund (PRF) distributed more than $170 billion to health care providers to offset revenue losses and preserve access to care. Most evaluations of PRF have focused on profitability, which may overstate financial resilience by overlooking liquidity. Using Hospital Cost Reports for hospitals from 2014-2023, we examined trends in Days Cash on Hand (DCOH), operating margin, total margin, and PRF funding intensity by rurality and ownership. Liquidity rose sharply during 2020-2021, coinciding with the peak of …

Measuring Multimodal Equity In Resource-Challenged Mpos, Christopher Ferrell, David Reinke, John M. Eells

Mineta Transportation Institute

Ensuring transportation investments are equitable across different populations and travel modes is a priority for many agencies, yet existing tools often make these assessments difficult, especially for smaller and resource-constrained organizations. To address this gap, this report provides the findings of Phase II of our study on reviewing and developing transportation equity metrics. The Phase I project investigated transit equity metrics and provided recommendations on advancements in quantitative methods. Building on Phase I recommendations, this study investigates low-cost methods for comparing the equity between auto (roadway) and transit performance or investments for low resource transportation agencies. A literature review revealed …

“We're Human. We Are Just Human”: Experiences Of Trans And Two-Spirit Individuals In The Midwest, Gwen Avery Donner

Honors Thesis

In the United States today, gender can be a hot button topic, seemingly controversial and assigned as political, and within conservative regions the topic of gender becomes more taboo. Unfortunately, this view can lead to the stigmatization and discrimination of individuals who fall outside of the socially constructed gender binary. In order to explore how living in the conservative landscape of the Midwest impacts individuals who reside outside of the gender binary, 11 semi-structured, qualitative interviews with Trans and/or Two-Spirit individuals were conducted in which they were asked about their lived experiences. The findings of the interviews revolved around two …

Transformational Leadership In Higher Education, Dr. Jewel Hale, Jr., Kristi Apostel

Tapestry: Journal of Research in Education

A crisis can highlight the critical need for resilient leadership within higher educational settings. Educational leaders encounter extraordinary difficulties, ranging from different learning options to prioritizing the well-being of both staff and students, necessitating flexible and innovative methods. By exploring how school leaders apply transformational techniques in actual educational environments, this article addresses the impact of the four I’s of transformational leadership, idealized influence, inspirational motivation, intellectual stimulation, and individualized consideration, on building educator resiliency, sustaining school effectiveness, and promoting student achievement in higher education.

Fierce Leadership-Perspectives Of Black Women Educational Leaders: A Transcendental Phenomenological Study, Janice Taylor, Dianne Reed

Tapestry: Journal of Research in Education

The authors of this transcendental phenomenological study aimed to describe the lived experiences of Black women based on their perceptions, values, and beliefs about the complexities of leadership and the kind of leadership required to succeed in their respective roles, as educational leaders. This study was framed by the adaptive leadership theory. Adaptive leadership recognizes the need for leaders to stay flexible and resilient in fast-paced environments (Nelson & Squires, 2017). The three Black women leaders in this study were fierce adaptive leaders. The information acquired from this study is significant and highlights how Black women educational leaders developed the …

Research Literacy And Research Production Skills As Core Competencies In Leaders, Kk O'Byrne

Tapestry: Journal of Research in Education

No abstract provided.

Research Review: "Understanding Women’S Transitions From Military To Department Of Veterans Affairs Care", Institute For Veterans And Military Families At Syracuse University

Institute for Veterans and Military Families

Over the past two decades, increasing numbers of women have served in the military, with women now comprising 17.3% of active-duty personnel and 21.4% of National Guard and reserves. During military service, women often incur painful musculoskeletal (MSK) injuries related to carrying heavy loads and wearing ill-fitting gear. While women may receive initial care for these injuries under the auspices of the Department of Defense (DoD), these injuries often linger and further treatment in required as women transition to Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) care. However, little is known about this transition process, and whether women are given adequate information …