Digital Commons Network^™

Us Government’S Genocide Determination For Sudan And The Us Treasury Department Sanctions, Us Government Press Releases & Responses

The Journal of Social Encounters

No abstract provided.

Sudan: A Nation Divided, A People Displaced, Talmiz Ahmad

The Journal of Social Encounters

Sudan’s civil war nears its second year, with 150,000 dead and 12 million displaced. Yet, the prospects for peace remain bleak and distant.

Introduction: The Continuing Saga Of Darfur And Sudan, Mawa Mohamed, Ron Pagnucco

The Journal of Social Encounters

No abstract provided.

Profiles Of East Frisian (German) Pioneers Who Settled The Prairie In Turner County, South Dakota, Derek M. Heeren

Genealogy Resources

Summary

Hundreds of East Frisian Pioneers from northwest Germany came to the Lennox-Chancellor East Frisian settlement in southeastern South Dakota at the end of the nineteenth century. Their ethnic heritage and pioneering spirit are illustrated with stories of the Plucker, Carlson, DeNeui, and Heeren families. The events of the 1870s, 1880s, and 1890s are highlighted with a focus on the Pioneer Generation (born between 1840 and 1869). This genealogy paper is written primarily for descendants of East Frisians who are studying family history, but it may be of interest to anyone who wonders what life was like for the Pioneers …

Empowerher:A Digital Mosaic Celebrating Six Black Feminist Icons, Jessica M. Mcguire

SACAD: Scholarly Activities

Abstract

EmpowerHer: A Digital Mosaic of Six Black Feminist Icons is a research project that explores the lives and work of Angela Davis, Patricia Hill-Collins, bell hooks, Sojourner Truth, Audre Lorde, and Anna Julia Cooper. This digital project expands our knowledge of feminist theory beyond the women's words to encompass information about their education, work, motivations, and areas of focus. It also expounds on why they are important and highlights their accomplishments. This project was completed by researching these women’s lives, primarily with the use of biographies, journal articles, and online resources. In addition to the narrative provided for each …

The Curious Case Of Japanese Denim, Aaron Francis Ward

Japanese Society and Culture

From its humble beginnings as wholly utilitarian workwear in the 19^th century, to its modern rise to high-fashion, the ubiquity of denim, particularly in the form of jeans, has had a fascinating journey in its little-over-150-year history (Beazley, 2015). Of note has been the recent rise in popularity of Japanese denim. Since the end of the Second World War, Japan seems to have had an insatiable demand for Americana (Marx, 2023). Yet, if considered in the sociohistorical context of Japanese-American relations, this ought to be highly improbable. The current paper examines the sociological nature of Japanese denim from semiotic …

Exploring The Growth And Impact Of Contemporary Mindfulness Programs In Japanese Society, Shreya Wagh

Japanese Society and Culture

In today's fast-paced world, mindfulness practice offers a peaceful way to enhance awareness and find clarity in the mind. This practice, rooted in Hindu and Buddhist traditions, aims to achieve spiritual enlightenment. In the late 20th century, mindfulness was adapted into secular, evidence-based therapeutic interventions in the West, leading to its widespread inclusion in healthcare, education, and corporate settings globally. The Westernized version of mindfulness has also been reintroduced to its countries of origin. Japan is no exception. The purpose of this article is to comprehend the rise and growth of mindfulness programs in Japan by analyzing existing literature, particularly …

Tourism Resource Development Of Railway Heritage - A Case Study Of Blue Train Taragi, Muneharu Yasumoto

Japanese Society and Culture

The purpose of this thesis is to examine the utilization of railway heritage for tourism, using the example of Blue Train Taragi in Taragi Town, Kumamoto Prefecture. Railway fans are individuals who hold an interest and curiosity in the components necessary for railway operations, including vehicles, tracks, structures, and stations. The experiences of railway fans, who often venture beyond their daily surroundings, can be considered as part of tourist activities. To utilize railway heritage that no longer serves as a transportation service as a tourism resource, it is crucial to create content that allows visitors to experience how it was …

Self-Evolvability—The Ability To Utilize Artificial Intelligence—Definition, Validity, And Policy Implications, Koichi Kume, Hiroyuki Chuma

Japanese Society and Culture

To make full use of the potential of new technologies, including artificial intelligence, it is necessary to switch to a way of thinking and working that is friendly to technology. In this regard, this study examines the concept of “self-evolvability,” which is defined as a mixture of meta-cognition, "informating" everything, and pursuing a shared benefit and desire for self-change. Using survey results in Japan and the United States., we construct a self-evolvability variable and confirm unique features that differ from existing measure, and quantitatively analyzed the relationship between self-evolvability, acceptance of new technologies, provision of personal data, and approval or …

Green Urban Planning In Tokyo: Managing Natural Spaces For Sustainable Development, Gilberto Mejía Salazar

Japanese Society and Culture

The main purpose of this research is to highlight the relevance of the Green Plan in Japanese society, with special emphasis on its application in the city of Tokyo. This plan is positioned as a priority that not only focuses on the aforementioned metropolis, but is also available to its inhabitants, generating a positive impact. It is important to highlight that the fundamental purpose of this research is to understand the relevance of the so-called Green Plan in the creation and implementation of new green areas, as well as the associated strategies for the preservation of nature in the context …

Attorney Perceptions Of Plea-Bargaining, Sarah K. Edelen

Undergraduate Theses

The purpose of this study is to gain a deeper understanding of how criminal prosecutors and defense attorneys describe the negotiation process of plea-bargains, and the roles and discretion they exercise during it. Additionally, plea-bargaining is not well understood by many members of the public, so this research allows the public to gain insight and knowledge into the process. This study consisted of in-depth, qualitative interviews with both prosecutors and defense attorneys. The results of the study were analyzed through a content analysis. Overall, it was found that the way the plea-bargaining process is described through the existing literature differs …

Desistance, Emancipation, Empathy, And Pedagogy: The Incarcerated Teaching Artist’S Approach To Poetry, Ghostwrite Mike

Journal of Prison Education Research

The Art of Recovery and Therapy (ART) leisure time activity group at Valley State Prison (VSP) in Chowchilla, California, is a resident-led arts and humanities-based self-help forum that has been available to carceral state residents for more than a decade and is administered in collaboration with full-time, non-custody, civil servant facility staff (CDCR site, n.d.). ART is among the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation’s (CDCR) longest running and most autonomous creator habitats founded and facilitated entirely by resident practitioners. ART wields a codified state regulatory authority to function and fundraise (Cal. Code Regs. § 3233-3237, 3240) as well as …

Dissemination And Implementation Approach To Increasing Access To Local Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (Prep) Resources With Black Cisgender Women: Intervention Study With Vlogs Shared On Social Media, Mandy J Hill, Laurenia Mangum, Sandra J Coker, Tristen Sutton, Diane M Santa Maria

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Background: Black cisgender women account for only 2% of pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP)-eligible people in the United States who use PrEP to prevent HIV. Owing to the low PrEP use, Black cisgender women continue to contract HIV more frequently than women from every other racial group. Intervention efforts that can bridge the link between knowing that PrEP prevents HIV and support with access to PrEP are necessary for Black cisgender women.

Objective: The purposes of the vlogs through the campaign were to share information about ways to prevent HIV using PrEP and fact-based education and provide access to PrEP resources with …

Progressing Gender Equity In Senior Leadership: A Systematic Literature Review, Michelle Gander, Fleur Sharafizad

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Purpose: This study aim to review and compile the latest research in women’s leadership internationally and across multiple sectors and industries to understand how to fast-track gender equality. As an outcome of this review, this paper presents an actionable universal framework for organisations to use to bolster their gender equity efforts. Design/methodology/approach: A systematic literature review methodology resulted in 36 articles dedicated to research on women in senior leadership interventions across countries and organisational types. Thematic analysis identified a series of enablers and barriers that influence women’s progression into senior roles. Findings: Research since 2020 has shown a significant shift …

Benefits Of Psychobiography Training To The Professional And Personal Development Of Psychology Graduate Students, Joseph G. Ponterotto, Dinesh Sharma, Yuki Yamazaki

The Qualitative Report

In recent decades, psychobiography has witnessed a resurgence of activity and publication across many subdisciplines in psychology internationally. One area of recent research has been to evaluate the benefits of training in psychobiography to students’ professional development as perceived by professors and mentors in psychobiography. The present study extends this recent line of research by surveying the perceived impacts of psychobiography training among doctoral students in applied psychology. Twenty-five doctoral students who completed training and research in psychobiography in a summer course over three consecutive years, responded to an open-ended (free response) survey on the impact of conducting psychobiographies on …

Understanding Tourist Behavior In Heritage Hotels: A Netnographic Analysis Through The Lens Of The C-A-C Model, Narayan Prabhu, Naresh P. Nayak, Chuyen T. Nguyen, Gunveen Kaur Walia

The Qualitative Report

Tourist behavior in heritage hotels significantly impacts guest experiences and loyalty. This study explores tourist perceptions of Rajasthan's heritage hotels, a prime location due to its numerous converted historical structures. Employing a netnographic approach, the research analyzes online reviews from 2020 to mid-2023 on Google Reviews. Findings reveal a combination of positive and negative comments across cognitive (infrastructure, environment, history, architecture), affective (service experience, ambiance), and conative (revisit intentions, recommendations) factors. While guests expressed strong positive cognitive and affective responses, some management practices received negative feedback. High revisit intentions and recommendations suggest an overall positive experience. The study adds to …

Is There A Relationship Between Drug Addiction And Incarceration?, Lindsey M. Lopez

SACAD: Scholarly Activities

The connection between drug addiction and incarceration has been widely debated. Many individuals who struggle with substance abuse will end up in the criminal justice system, mainly due to drug-related crimes or offenses committed under the influence like DUI’s. This study examines whether incarceration is effective in solving substance abuse issues or if alternative approaches such as rehabilitation, offer better results. The analysis explores the balance between punishment and treatment programs to determine what the most effective strategy is in reducing recidivism and addressing why drug addiction is high in the justice system.

Comparing The Effects Of Square, 4-7-8, And 6 Breaths-Per-Minute Breathing Conditions On Heart Rate Variability, Co2 Levels, And Mood, Joshua Marchant

Theses and Dissertations

Background and Hypotheses: Square and 4-7-8 breathing are popularly promoted by psychotherapists but have little empirical support. We hypothesized that breathing at 6 breaths per minute (bpm) would improve HRV, reduce blood pressure, and improve mood more than either square or 4-7-8 breathing. We also hypothesized square and 4-7-8 breathing would increase end-tidal CO2 (PETCO2). Methods: Eighty-four college students (60% female) had HRV measured at baseline and during 1) square breathing, 2) 4-7-8 breathing, 3) 6 bpm with a 4:6 inhale-to-exhale ratio, and 4) 6 bpm with a 5:5 ratio. We used a 3-lead electrocardiogram to measure HRV and a …

Creaciones En La Cocina Para Comer Juntos En Familia, Celina Wille, Lacee Jimenez, Casey Coombs, Heidi Leblanc, Lea Palmer, Jocelin Gibson

All Current Publications

Esta publicación, basada en la guía nutricional del programa SNAP-Ed, ofrece consejos prácticos y recetas culturalmente relevantes para promover una alimentación saludable y fortalecer los lazos familiares durante las comidas. Incluye conceptos básicos de planificación, un menú de muestra, guías de MiPlato e información para fomentar la participación de los niños en la cocina.

The Impact Of Artificial Intelligence On Quality Of Higher Education, Pragati K. Rouniyar

Honors Thesis

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is redefining higher education, captivating scholars with its promise to personalize learning and streamline institutions. However, underneath this assurance exists a network of ethical challenges, disparities in equity, and inquiries regarding academic integrity that require our focus. In pursuit of this goal, this research employs a mixed-methods strategy—through the implementation of surveys and semi-structured interviews—to investigate the transformative effects of AI on higher education, concentrating on its repercussions for teaching techniques, learning results, and institutional processes. This study’s findings indicate that AI can personalize educational experiences to meet individual needs, ease course administrative workload, and assist with …

Group Dynamics Of Solution-Oriented Virtual Teams In Indonesian Startups: A Thematic Analysis, Tri Astuti, Avin Fadilla Helmi, Bagus Riyono

The Qualitative Report

The relationship between employees is currently undergoing quite significant changes. Initially, relationships were formed through direct interaction in traditional teams. However, in recent decades, relationships have not only occurred directly but can also occur because technology and networks, such as virtual teams, mediate them. The change from traditional teams to virtual teams results in changes in relationship dynamics. With this change, the question asked in this study is, how are group dynamics formed in virtual teams? Through this question, the purpose of the study was identified, namely, to develop a theory of virtual team group dynamics in startup companies. The …

Reliability And Validity In Qualitative Research Revisited And The Role Of Ai, Prokopis A. Christou

The Qualitative Report

The evolving nature of research and the integration of new technologies, such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), introduce new challenges and threats, necessitating a re-examination of the key criteria of reliability and validity. In this paper, I revisit these concepts in the context of qualitative research, highlighting their evolving meanings and significance. I begin by defining reliability and validity and explaining their importance. Following this, I discuss strategies for establishing these criteria within qualitative studies and offer guidelines for maintaining rigor in the current research landscape. While emphasizing the need for human oversight, intervention, and interpretation, I underscore how to ensure …

A Guiding Resource In The Field Of Qualitative Enquiry: A Review Of Kathleen Demarrais, Kathryn Roulston, And Janie Copple’S Qualitative Research Design And Methods: An Introduction, Solomon Terfasa Dinka

The Qualitative Report

In my review of Qualitative Research Design and Methods: An Introduction by Kathleen deMarrais, Kathryn Roulston, and Janie Copple (2024), I found that the book is an essential resource for both new and experienced researchers interested in qualitative studies. The authors provide an in-depth framework for understanding different qualitative research methodologies, seamlessly combining theoretical concepts with practical applications. They also include helpful examples that illustrate how these methodologies can be applied in real-world settings. These are remarkable aspects of the book that I particularly valued in my review.

Gender-Targeted Substance Use Interventions For Young Cisgender Women And Transgender Women – A Scoping Review (Preliminary Results), Stephanie A. Nairn, Jason D. Phillips, Thomas Jones, Carolina Rodriguez, Debbie Schmill

Faculty Scholarship and Creative Works

Abstract Polysubstance use among young people has recently become the focus of popular media, public health interventions, and research due to alarming increases in polysubstance use-related morbidity and mortality in younger age groups in North America. Research also suggests that gender is an important factor to consider when trying to understand polysubstance use and to develop effective interventions for substance use in young people.

Cisgender and transgender women's experience of polysubstance use is contextualized by intersecting structural, social, and individual-level factors. For example, young cisgender women are more likely to be the victims of rape, incest, childhood sexual and emotional …

Breast Cancer Diagnoses Are Increasing Among Racial And Ethnic Minority Women In The U.S., Esther Oshaji

Population Health Research Brief Series

Breast cancer is the second most common cancer and a leading cause of cancer deaths among women in the United States. This data slice uses data from the Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results Program (SEER) Incidence Database to examine trends in breast cancer incidence rates among women by race and ethnicity in the U.S. from 2000 to 2021. The author finds that, while incidence rates remain highest among non-Hispanic White women, the largest increases in diagnoses have been among American Indian/Alaska Native Asian/Pacific Islander women.

Spatial And Seasonal Dynamics Of Mosquito Species In Harris County, Texas, Highlight Risk Of Arbovirus Introduction And Transmission, Morgan Jibowu, Maximea Vigilant, Andre Luis Costa-Da-Silva, Alisa Nelson, Heather T Essigmann, Eric L Brown, Sarah M Gunter

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Mosquito-borne diseases pose a significant public health threat, particularly in densely populated urban areas. Climate change, urbanization, and global connectivity have fueled the expansion of mosquitoes and their associated pathogens, increasing the disease burden. Harris County, Texas, is among the most vulnerable regions in the United States for mosquito-borne disease outbreaks, underscoring the critical need for localized insights into mosquito population dynamics to inform vector surveillance and control strategies. This study provides a comprehensive analysis of the population dynamics of mosquito species in Harris County by exploring their species composition, spatial distribution, and seasonal patterns. Our findings reveal the extensive …

College Outcomes For Young Adults With And Without Learning Disabilities And Adhd: Formal-Disability-Programming And Informal-Disability-Supports, Dara R. Shifrer, Rachel Springer, Hannah Sean Ellefritz, Ned Tilbrook

Sociology Faculty Publications and Presentations

Inequalities by disability status in college outcomes contribute to inequalities throughout adulthood in multiple domains. As the share of students with learning disabilities and/or ADHD increases on college campuses, research is needed on how best to support these undergraduates, both through formal and informal means. We integrate the social and medical models of disability with data on nearly 17,000 young adults in the US, who typically finished high school in 2013, and find that formal-disability-programming relates negatively to college enrollment but has no apparent bearing on college persistence. Among youth with similar sociodemographic backgrounds and comparable end of high school …

Gender, Parenthood, And Crime: What People Expect When You’Re Expecting, Madelyn Blaser

Honors Thesis

Decades of research have underscored the importance of personal demographics on criminal sentencing outcomes. Race and gender have gained increasing attention within this area, while parental status, particularly expectant parenthood, has largely been neglected. The current study seeks to examine the influence that an offender’s gender and parental status have on how they are viewed by the public. Using a vignette-style survey of American adults, this paper examines how gender and parental status influences public perception of an offender’s character. The survey also highlights the impacts that gender and parental status have on perceptions of a fair correctional outcome. Results …

Every Grain Of Sand: 2024 Changes To The Scope Of Higher Education Unionization, William A. Herbert, Joseph Van Der Naald, Jacob Apkarian

Publications and Research

In this research note, we supplement the findings presented in the National Center’s 2024 Directory of Bargaining Agents and Contracts in Institutions of Higher Education. We aggregate and analyze data on changes in academic collective bargaining relationships for faculty, postdoctoral scholars, and graduate and undergraduate student employees in the year 2024. Our findings demonstrate that the growth in academic collective bargaining over the past decade that we documented in the 2024 Directory has continued. However, we find some significant contractions in faculty unionization through institutional closures and the revocation of bargaining units in the state of Florida. The research …

Community-Oriented Policing In A Majority-Black Neighborhood: In Search Of A Local Solution To A National Problem, Nasaskyia R. Hicks, Shanada Mcfadden, Natallia Sianko

Transforming Communities

Few issues loom larger today than how the United States can rehabilitate its criminal justice system. Although justified and undoubtedly timely, the national focus often shifts attention away from local, interpersonal, and community processes that shape how criminal justice is administered and experienced differently in communities across the country. Our goal is to contribute to the national conversation on community-oriented policing and social innovation to improve police-community relations and increase public trust in majority-Black neighborhoods. This article offers a call to action for the scientific and policy communities to reflect on effective practices that bring the voices of local stakeholders …