Digital Commons Network^™

Taser Use In Law Enforcement: Examining Effectiveness, Medical Consequences, And Ideal Scenarios, Benjamin Smyers

Themis: Research Journal of Justice Studies and Forensic Science

The methods police officers use to detain resisting subjects have changed over time. One addition to their methods is the Thomas A. Swift Electric Rifle (TASER), which hinders subjects using electric shock. This paper examines the effectiveness of the TASER, the potential risk of injury for suspects, and scenarios where its use is most likely to succeed. Since its adoption, the TASER has reduced the likelihood of injury to officers and suspects and is more effective against heavy-set and intoxicated individuals. Although extremely unlikely to result in death, injuries are more likely when used against mentally disturbed people and in …

“Kenough”: What Greta Gerwig’S Barbie Film Has To Teach Us About Social And Distributive Justice Related To Masculinity And Positive Masculine Qualities, B.D. White

Themis: Research Journal of Justice Studies and Forensic Science

Beyond Barbie’s feminist messages, the academy award winning film gently nudges the viewer to consider “male fragility,” prompting a deeper exploration of male role norms (MRNs) and masculine expression among cisgendered, American men. Conforming to these norms is linked to societal issues such as higher rape myth acceptance, homophobia, transphobia, and gender role strain. This analysis underscores the necessity of challenging traditional male norms for a more just society. This paper redefines MRNs, arguing that they are not a blueprint for healthy masculinity but a distortion rooted in a culture that restricts men's experiences. Norms are scrutinized, offering definitions, social …

Understanding Cadaver Dogs, Carlyn Sampson

Themis: Research Journal of Justice Studies and Forensic Science

The exploration of cadaver dogs as an accuracy and reliability tool in the field of forensic science. Due to limited research on cadaver dogs, this paper will illustrate the main factors that are crucial to making reliable and accurate scent detection dogs. It also highlights the olfactory system of dogs, which sets them apart from other mammals and enables them to detect scents with a high degree of accuracy. It will dive into the research on the genetics of canine olfaction, and the role of olfactory receptor genes in scent identification. It is demonstrated that different dog breeds are comparable …

Deconstructing Drugs: Addressing The Stigma, Harm Reduction, And Policy Solutions, Charlotte Theriault

Themis: Research Journal of Justice Studies and Forensic Science

Black and homeless people who struggle with substance use disorder (SUD), especially opioid use disorder (OUD), have experienced unique obstacles due to inequalities relating to their social determinants of health (SDOH). Historical context and peer-reviewed research were used to evaluate racial bias and expand upon the factors that contributed to the opioid crisis, the effects of COVID-19 on drug overdoses, and the presence of fentanyl in illicit drug supplies. Various studies combat the stigma surrounding substance use disorder (SUD) by acknowledging the disease as a chronic health condition. Research showed that the most effective way to combat these inequalities and …

Examining The Historical Evolution And Contemporary Significance Of Human Rights, Ailing Lu

Themis: Research Journal of Justice Studies and Forensic Science

This paper delves into the complex concept of human rights, examining its historical evolution and contemporary significance through the perspectives of Lynn Hunt's "Inventing Human Rights," Michelline R. Ishay's "The History of Human Rights," and Samuel Moyn's "The Last Utopia." Hunt's work explores the 18th-century Enlightenment, highlighting the political foundations of natural, equal, and universal rights. Ishay provides a comprehensive account spanning ancient civilizations to modern globalization, emphasizing the dynamic nature of human rights struggles. Moyn challenges conventional views, asserting the mid-20th century emergence of contemporary human rights amidst the Cold War and failed utopian visions. While each historian offers …

Child Pornography: A Growing Threat For Forensic Science In The Digital Age, Nadia Palomares

Themis: Research Journal of Justice Studies and Forensic Science

In the United States, child pornography is any visual portrayal of people under the age of eighteen in sexually explicit circumstances. Child pornography can be found in multiple forms. With each advancement in visual technology, there is a new form in which sexual content, including child pornography, can be depicted. Photographs, films, videos, and live streaming are all popular modern forms, while artwork and the written word were popular forms before the invention of the camera in 1816. Unfortunately, the rate of these advancements in technology has far surpassed the rate of those in forensics. The use of outdated techniques …

Turning Points: An Evaluation Of Formal And Informal Interventions In The Life Of Ex-Offenders, Kapil Sharma

Themis: Research Journal of Justice Studies and Forensic Science

In life course criminology, turning points and how they relate to the desistance process have received considerable attention. Scholars have proposed that significant events in people's lives, such as employment, marriage, and parenthood, strengthen their social ties and cause them to refrain from committing crimes. This study uses data from the Record Clearance Project of San Jose State University to identify concrete, significant "turning points" in the lives of ex-offenders. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate specific "turning points" events in offenders' life courses that compelled them to stop anti-social behavior and develop a pro-social identity, as well as the …

Privatized Immigration Detention In California And The Opportunity For Reform, Natalie Lager

Themis: Research Journal of Justice Studies and Forensic Science

The expanding literature on “crimmigration” law has turned academic attention toward the state of carceral immigration detention in the U.S. Immigration detention has increasingly become a private enterprise, which raises new concerns for immigrant rights and the political legitimacy of privatizing carceral institutions. California’s private detention centers have an alarming record of Constitutional violations, and detention corporations are seldom penalized for violating immigrants’ rights. In response, the California legislature passed AB 32 to ban private prisons and detention centers. In Geo Group v. Newsom (2020), the Ninth Circuit Court struck down the ban. Laws that dismantle private detention, such as …

Police Dogs: A Useful Tool Or Expensive Legal Nightmare, Madeline Hoyt

Themis: Research Journal of Justice Studies and Forensic Science

This article critically evaluates the arguments for and against the continuing use of police dogs. Arguments against the continuing usage of police dogs include the high level of variability in success rates due to different traits of the dogs, differing training styles, and the various types of drugs that the dogs are trained to detect. Arguments against the continuance of police dogs also include the legal issues related to the use of police dogs; health implications, job-related injuries incurred by the dogs, and the expenses related to the purchasing, training, and care of the working dogs. The arguments in favor …

Bibliometric Insights Into Indian Artificial Intelligence Research In Library And Information Science, Khadeeja Mohammed Nizam Ansari, Dr. Sunil Bhatt

Library Philosophy and Practice (e-journal)

The study aims to evaluate the research productivity of Indian researchers on artificial intelligence (AI) in the Library and information science (LIS) field. The study employed a bibliometric approach to analyze the yearly growth, prolific authors, organization, country, pattern of Authorship, keyword analysis, and most cited papers on AI in LIS. The researcher used the Web of Science database to retrieve literature related to Indian AI researchers in LIS between 1995 and 2023. Four hundred forty publications were downloaded and analyzed using MS Excel, Biblioshiny, and Vosviewer software. The study reveals that Indian researchers published 440 publications and 6227 citations …

Revolutionary Applications Of Generative Ai In Higher Education Institutes (Heis) And Its Implications, Arvind Sahu, Atul Sahu

Library Philosophy and Practice (e-journal)

In recent decades, there has been a notable transformation in educational procedures due to technological breakthroughs, particularly in artificial intelligence (AI). In recent times, there has been a noteworthy advancement and acceptance of generative artificial intelligence (AI) models, specifically exemplified by the emergence of Generative Pre-trained Transformers (GPT). Within the overarching category of Generative AI, various AI tools and technologies facilitate the production of computer-generated text, images, and other forms of digitized media. This paper comprehensively analyzes the concepts and implications of the discourse surrounding Generative AI. By adopting a position that advocates for the acceptance rather than the opposition …

Effect Of Library Orientation On Students: The Case Of Federal University Of Petroleum Resources, Effurun (Fupre)., Ngozi Ojeabulu (Mrs), Enite A. Urhefe-Okotie (Phd)

Library Philosophy and Practice (e-journal)

Abstract

This study was carried out to find out if students’ low library visit in FUPRE is a result of ineffective library orientation and the author proffered suggestions on how the programme can be made more robust to truly impact the students in their library use. The study was guided by three objectives and the survey research design was adopted for the research. The population of the study comprises 1000 registered students out of which 69 were purposely selected as a sample through a convenient sampling technique. The researcher sent out eighty-two(82)questionnaires and sixty-nine(69) were returned. Data was gathered with …

The Perceptions Of A Nurse-Led Telehealth Discharge Program On Continuity Of Care For Pediatric Rheumatology Patients, Adrienne Ramirez

Doctoral Projects

When pediatric rheumatology patients are discharged from a hospital, they are given a complex discharge plan which involves responsibilities in self-managing their care at home. This creates an overwhelming time for patients and families who may have questions or concerns during this time. In order to address this care gap and provide continuity of care, this quality improvement project implemented a nurse-led telehealth discharge visit intervention to 15 pediatric rheumatology patients during the transition from hospital discharge to outpatient care. This quality improvement (QI) project also aims to describe the patients’ perceptions of the nurse-led telehealth discharge intervention on continuity …

Mobile Library Sustainability In Public Libraries: A Panacea For Effective Information Services Delivery To Rural Dwellers In Nigeria, Angela Chiwendu Nweke (Cln), Okesanya Roseline Omoadoni (Cln), Ademola Ferdinand Omosekejimi (Cln)

Library Philosophy and Practice (e-journal)

This study reviewed literature on mobile library sustainability in public libraries as the solution to effective information services delivery to rural dwellers in Nigeria. The study reviewed relevant literature on issues bothering the concept of mobile library, an overview of mobile library services in Nigeria, types of mobile libraries, mobile library resources, mobile library services, goals and objectives of mobile libraries, status of mobile libraries in Nigeria, relevance of mobile libraries to information services delivery among rural dwellers in Nigeria, strategies that can be adopted to sustain mobile libraries in Nigeria, as well factors militating against the deployment of mobile …

Information Needs, And Sources Of Information, Of Art And Design Students In Diploma Awarding Institutions In Uganda., David Musiimaami, Constant Okello-Obura, David Luyombya

Library Philosophy and Practice (e-journal)

Access to relevant information is crucial for Art and Design students to meet their information needs and achieve their educational goals and expand their knowledge base. This paper explores the information needs, and sources of information, of Art and Design students in diploma – awarding institutions in Uganda. This is part of a PhD study that investigated the information-seeking behaviour of Art and Design students in diploma-awarding institutions in Uganda. The study population comprised Art and Design diploma students in the four Art and Design diploma-awarding institutions in Uganda, library heads in the same institutions, and directors at National Council …

Perception And Utilization Of Electronic Databases By Undergraduate Students In Universities In Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria, Inemesit Udom Udoh, Glory E. Ekpenyong Mr., Mfon Etefia Ekanem Mrs.

Library Philosophy and Practice (e-journal)

The study investigated the perception and utilization of electronic databases by undergraduate students in universities in Akwa-Ibom State, Nigeria. It adopted a descriptive survey design with a study population of 1,116 registered undergraduates-users of Akwa Ibom State University (AKSU) Library and Ritman University Library, out of which 224 undergraduates-users were sampled using the proportionate stratified sampling techniques. Data was collected using a combined instrument of observation checklist, structured questionnaire and unstructured interview. 224 copies of the questionnaire were distributed, but 186 (83%) were retrieved with valid information. Analysis of data was done using frequency count, simple percentage, mean scores and …

Spartan Daily, May 8, 2024, San Jose State University, School Of Journalism And Mass Communications

Spartan Daily, 2024

Volume 162, Issue 42

Finding And Developing The 21st Century Scientific Pioneer, Brent Roberts, Gregory Feist, Rodica Ioana Damian, Rodrigues Fabretti, Nathan Kuncel, Gregory Crawford, Cosima Crawford, Ernst Fehr

Faculty Research, Scholarly, and Creative Activity

Research on the personality of creative scientists is revisited using the Neo-Socioanalytic model of personality psychology as an organizing framework. Past research shows that creative scientists, largely from the 20th century, were distinguished by high levels of openness to experience, dominance, ambition, intelligence, and low levels of agreeableness. Contradictory findings for environmental influences highlighted the potential importance of both supportive and adverse diversifying experiences. Developmental trends also run contrary to the likelihood of scientific creativity occurring later in life, which is consistent with the life span models of creativity. Based on this review, we highlight much needed updating to the …

Making Library Services Smarter And More Effective Through Qr Codes Sharing Of Experiences, Sarwesh Pareek

Library Philosophy and Practice (e-journal)

In the last decade, people have witnessed a steady growth in commercial and business-oriented usage of QR codes with the advent of smart and web-capable mobile phones. However, the movement toward using QR codes in the LIS field is still in its primary stage. The paper explains the use of QR codes in library resource and service awareness activities and highlights all possible implementations to maximize the use. It also suggests various freely available tools to generate QR codes. It also attempts to explain the use of QR codes in school libraries, with special reference to QR code implementations in …

Spartan Daily, May 7, 2024, San Jose State University, School Of Journalism And Mass Communications

Spartan Daily, 2024

Volume 162, Issue 41

Navigating The Virtual Realm: Unveiling The Crucial Role Of Libraries In Open Distance Learning, Abraham Christopher

Library Philosophy and Practice (e-journal)

This study explores the critical role that libraries play in the field of open distance learning, especially in light of the way that e-learning technologies are changing educational environments. By examining the difficulties, advantages, and tactics related to library assistance in distance learning, the research highlights the vital connection between libraries, technology, and open distance learning. The study highlights the importance of libraries in providing remote learners with fair access to knowledge. It also emphasises the need to use technology to improve educational outcomes in the virtual environment and fortify library services.

Change Management Effects On Library’S Personnel Performance In Kogi State College Of Education Ankpa Kogi State Nigeria, Ogbole Ibrahim

Library Philosophy and Practice (e-journal)

The purpose of this study is to examine the change management effect on Library’s Personnel Performance In Kogi State College Of Education ANKPA, kogi state .The population of the study was made up of 109 staff. The data was analysed using simple percentage, descriptive statistics, mean, standard deviation and correlation analysis was used to test the hypotheses. The findings revealed that there is a positive relationship between leadership change, communication and technological change on personel performance. The conclusion was that change management had significant and positive effect on the personnel performance of library personnel. Recommendation made include that, the change …

Transforming The Discharge Conversation Through Support And Structure: A Scoping Review, Marie Haverfield, Gisselle De Leon, Angelica Johnson, Victoria L. Jackson, Geetali Basu, Jane Dodge

Faculty Research, Scholarly, and Creative Activity

Background: System level demands and interpersonal barriers can disrupt nurse delivery of high-quality information at discharge, which can contribute to a lack of caregiver preparedness to manage care of the patient and ultimately affect patient health.

Objective: To synthesize evidence on effective nurse communication with informal caregivers during hospital discharge of adult patients with cognitive decline or Alzheimer's disease and related dementia.

Design: A scoping review of inpatient nurse communication with informal caregivers.

Methods: Collected research (published between 2011 and 2023) from three databases (MEDLINE, PsycINFO, and CINAHL), along with a separate search for gray literature …

Information Literacy And Utilization Of Mobile Technology For Enhanced Postgraduate Students’ Academic Performance In Federal Universities In North Central Nigeria, Kate Agbo, Gabriel Keghtor Ubwa

Library Philosophy and Practice (e-journal)

Abstract

The study explored information literacy and utilization of mobile technology for enhanced Postgraduate students’ academic performance in federal universities in north central Nigeria. It recognizes the importance of mobile devices in accessing information and fostering communication, especially in regions where their use is increasing among educators and students. The study highlights the potential of mobile technology to offer immersive learning experiences and access to resources, but it also acknowledges challenges such as inconsistent internet connectivity and the digital divide. The research also investigated various aspects related to mobile technology and information literacy among postgraduate students, including mobile device …

Spartan Daily, May 2, 2024, San Jose State University, School Of Journalism And Mass Communications

Spartan Daily, 2024

Volume 162, Issue 40

Spartan Daily, May 1, 2024, San Jose State University, School Of Journalism And Mass Communications

Spartan Daily, 2024

Volume 162, Issue 39

Scientific Frontiers In Game Studies, Prthvi Kapilavai

ART 108: Introduction to Games Studies

Video game studies as a dynamic field has benefited from this synthesis of the scientific method and critical theories that, together, enrich our understanding of video games as both technological artifacts and cultural products.(Girina and Jung, 2019). More than a mere shadow-boxing between disciplinary echo chambers, this kind of integration enriches our understanding of video game form and experience while projecting a more informed path forward into game design and game scholarship. It demonstrates how findings from psychology and cognitive science describe or explain video games’ enticement or their potential for learning, and how theories of media from the humanities …

Does California High-Speed Rail Promote Accessibility For Station Cities?: Case Study Of Fresno And Merced, Chih-Hao Wang, Na Chen

Mineta Transportation Institute

California High-Speed Rail (CHSR) will largely change transportation cost across the state after it starts operating. Past studies show that only Fresno and Merced among station cities in the Central Valley would attract more future activities with the CHSR. The establishment of active CHSR also implies a new daily living sphere for all the station cities, and, therefore, accessibility to work and residential amenities should be reviewed to inform planners of future land-use and transportation developments. A research framework has been developed better to understand the impact of CHSR on job and amenity accessibility by driving, transit, and walking in …

Traffic Sign Extraction From Mobile Lidar Point Cloud, Yushin Ahn, Riadh Munjy, Ziyuan Li

Mineta Transportation Institute

The extraction of traffic signs from Mobile Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) point cloud data has become a focal point in transportation research due to the increasing integration of LiDAR technologies. LiDAR, a remote sensing technology, captures detailed three-dimensional point cloud data, offering a comprehensive view of the surrounding environment. Mobile LiDAR systems mounted on vehicles enable efficient data collection, particularly for large-scale road networks. This study aims to develop and refine techniques for extracting traffic signs from Mobile LiDAR point cloud data, essential for enhancing road safety, navigation systems, and intelligent transportation solutions. By leveraging LiDAR technology, new possibilities …

Utilization Of The Reproductive Justice Framework In Contraceptive Counseling With Black And African American Women: A Comparison Of Patient Satisfaction And Provider Knowledge, Simranjeet K. Tagore

Doctoral Projects

Current practice in contraceptive counseling is characterized by great variation in both content and implementation. The literature indicates that African American women desire contraceptive counseling based in respect, trust, and equity. Conducted over 8 weeks, this quality improvement project compared satisfaction in African American and Black patients receiving contraceptive counseling by a provider trained in the Reproductive Justice Framework (RJF) versus those receiving contraceptive counseling by a provider not trained in the Reproductive Justice Framework. This project also evaluated the effects of Reproductive Justice Framework training on clinician knowledge. Inclusion criteria for the patients included identifying as Black and/or African …