Digital Commons Network^™

Enhancing Evacuation Warning Responsiveness: Exploring The Impact Of Social Interactions Through An Agent-Based Model Approach, Alessandro Toledo Salazar, Matthew Medrano, Mathias Duque Medina, Julio Roa, Jorge E. Pesantez

Mineta Transportation Institute

Evacuations are the preferred response to human- or natural-caused disasters. The process often involves people deciding when and how to evacuate based on messages from local authorities. However, diverse opinions of the affected people may influence their decision to evacuate or to stay and see how the situation unfolds. This project applies an opinion dynamics concept to model the opinion and decision-making of people threatened by wildfire. To demonstrate how individual opinions evolve with time, the model applies an agent-based approach that includes the interaction between an agency sending an evacuation message and the affected population. There are three sources …

Examining Transit Service Improvements With Internet-Of-Things (Iot): A Disparity Analysis, Shailesh Chandra, Robert Valencia, Vamsi Krishna Oruganti

Mineta Transportation Institute

Literature shows that poor service reliability of transit often leads to uncertain waiting times at transit stations, diminishing their popularity and usage, and this particularly affects low-income populations more likely to rely heavily on transit. This research delves into an in-depth analysis of the inequality assessment of the Los Angeles (LA) Metro Rail lines, with a particular focus on evaluating the potential impacts of integrating Internet of Things (IoT) technology. This study investigates how IoT could influence service connectivity, accessibility, and the existing disparities in transit services. The primary goal of this study is to assess how the implementation of …

Experimental Evolution Studies In Φ6 Cystovirus, Sonia Singhal, Akiko K. Balitactac, Aruna G. Nayagam, Parnian Pour Bahrami, Sara Nayeem, Paul E. Turner

Faculty Research, Scholarly, and Creative Activity

Experimental evolution studies, in which biological populations are evolved in a specific environment over time, can address questions about the nature of spontaneous mutations, responses to selection, and the origins and maintenance of novel traits. Here, we review more than 30 years of experimental evolution studies using the bacteriophage (phage) Φ6 cystovirus. Similar to many lab-studied bacteriophages, Φ6 has a high mutation rate, large population size, fast generation time, and can be genetically engineered or cryogenically frozen, which facilitates its rapid evolution in the laboratory and the subsequent characterization of the effects of its mutations. Moreover, its segmented RNA genome, …

Intra- And Interannual Variation In The Foraging Behavior Of Common Murres (Uria Aalge) In The Central California Current, Sean Gee, Pete Warzybok, Michael E. Johns, Jaime Jahncke, Scott A. Shaffer

Faculty Research, Scholarly, and Creative Activity

Seabirds modify their behavior during the breeding season as they transition from incubation (self-feeding) to chick-rearing (self-feeding + chick provisioning) periods, which affects parental foraging patterns and distribution. However, it is less clear how much flexibility parents have to modulate their behavior when environmental conditions are unusually poor. Using GPS loggers and time depth recorders, we examined the foraging flexibility of common murres (Uria aalge) at Southeast Farallon Island as adjustments were made between breeding phases and across consecutive years (2019 and 2020) with contrasting oceanographic conditions (i.e. prominent marine heatwave in 2019). Foraging trips were longer during the incubation …

Lower Extremity Joint Kinetics During Walk-To-Run And Run-To-Walk Transitions, Li Jin, Michael E. Hahn

Faculty Research, Scholarly, and Creative Activity

Lower extremity joint kinetic factors are thought to modulate walk-to-run transition (WRT) and run-to-walk transition (RWT). This study aimed to investigate joint stiffness and energetic patterns during the WRT and RWT processes and identify whether gait transitions occur within a single step or not. Ten healthy subjects participated in treadmill WRT (1.8–2.4 m/s) and RWT (2.4–1.8 m/s) tests. We investigated two steps before transition (S–2, S–1), two steps after transition (S1, S2) and the transition step (S0). We found significant differences between S2 and S–2 for ankle joint stiffness during WRT and RWT (p < 0.001); for hip joint stiffness, we found significant differences between S1 and S–1 during WRT and RWT (p ≤ 0.001). Additionally, stance phase mechanical energy generation was observed to transfer from proximal to distal joints at S0 during WRT, and from distal to proximal at S0 during RWT. Transition step ankle kinematic and kinetic patterns were similar to the target locomotion task gait format in both WRT and RWT. Moreover, RWT required longer adaptation time compared with WRT. These findings indicate that WRT and RWT were modulated before and after the actual transitions, not within a single step. Redistribution of joint mechanical work generation was related to gait transition triggers, which modulate the WRT and RWT processes.

Camera-Based Crime Behavior Detection And Classification, Jerry Gao, Jingwen Shi, Priyanka Balla, Akshata Sheshgiri, Bocheng Zhang, Hailong Yu, Yunyun Yang

Faculty Research, Scholarly, and Creative Activity

Increasing numbers of public and private locations now have surveillance cameras installed to make those areas more secure. Even though many organizations still hire someone to monitor the cameras, the person hired is more likely to miss some unexpected events in the video feeds because of human error. Several researchers have worked on surveillance data and have presented a number of approaches for automatically detecting aberrant events. To keep track of all the video data that accumulate, a supervisor is often required. To analyze the video data automatically, we recommend using neural networks to identify the crimes happening in the …

Discrimination Experiences Among Asian American And Pacific Islander Adults During The Covid-19 Pandemic And Their Association With Mental Health Outcomes: Updated Findings From The Compass Study, Marcelle M. Dougan, Marian Tzuang, Bora Nam, Oanh L. Meyer, Janice Y. Tsoh, Van M.Ta Park

Faculty Research, Scholarly, and Creative Activity

Background: Reports of escalated discrimination experiences among Asian American and Native Hawaiian Pacific Islanders (AANHPI) continue. Methods: Using the original and follow-up surveys of the COVID-19 Effects on the Mental and Physical Health of AAPI (Asian American and Pacific Islanders) Survey Study (COMPASS I and COMPASS II) (n = 3177), we examined changes over approximately a 1-year period in discrimination experiences attributable to being AAPI and factors associated with worse mental health outcomes. Results: Experiences of discrimination remained high in COMPASS II with 60.6% (of participants (compared to 60.2% among the same people in COMPASS I) reporting one or more …

Advanced Thermogravimetric Analyses Of Stem Wood And Straw Devolatilization: Torrefaction Through Combustion, David R. Wagner

Faculty Research, Scholarly, and Creative Activity

Process design critically depends on the characterization of fuels and their kinetics under process conditions. This study steps beyond the fundamental methods of thermogravimetry to modulated (MTGA) and Hi-Res™ (high resolution) techniques to (1) add characterization detail and (2) increase the utility of thermal analysis data. Modulated TGA methods overlay sinusoidal functions on the heating rates to determine activation energy as a function of temperature with time. Under devolatilization conditions, Hi-Res™ TGA maintains a constant mass loss with time and temperature. These two methods, run independently or overlaid, offer additional analysis in which multiple samples at different heating rates are …

Protocol: Street Outreach Conflict Mediation Programs For Reducing Violence, Edward R. Maguire, Cody W. Telep, Thomas Abt, Ericka Adams

Faculty Research, Scholarly, and Creative Activity

This is a protocol for a Cochrane Review (intervention). The objectives are as follows: This systematic review will synthesize the available evaluation research on the effectiveness of street outreach conflict mediation programs. The review seeks to answer the following primary question: Are street outreach worker strategies that use conflict mediation and/or violence interruption strategies effective at reducing violence? Assuming a sufficient number of eligible studies, this review will also address two additional questions: Are there certain program elements that render these strategies more or less effective? Are there certain conditions under which these strategies are more or less effective? As …

Fresno County Afterschool Transportation Education, Christian Wandeler, Felipe Mercado

Mineta Transportation Institute

Transportation is a critical infrastructure, and K–12 students benefit from understanding the industry and how it impacts their lives. This comprehensive report investigates the landscape of transportation education via the lens of the Madera Unified School District's afterschool programs, thus highlighting its crucial role in shaping the futures of students and, consequently, society. It further explores the substantial enhancements in learning, career readiness, and societal awareness that can be achieved through the strategic incorporation of transportation concepts into K–12 education, augmented by the support of afterschool programs and online educational technologies. The study tackles challenges and explores ways to make …

Cyber Loafing And Innovative Work Behavior As Predictors Of Perceived Job Performance: A Nigerian Study, Oluyomi Folorunso, Ruth Okeile

Library Philosophy and Practice (e-journal)

Previous studies on Perceived Job Performance (PJP) have focussed almost entirely on organizational settings different from the library. Furthermore, the studies did not investigate how the pertinent variables of Cyber Loafing (CL) and Innovative Work Behavior (IWB) predict PJP of the organizational workers. This study, therefore, was designed to examine CL and IWB as predictors of PJP of the personnel of some university libraries in Nigeria.

Theories of Reasoned Action and Job Performance anchored the study, while the survey design of correlational type was adopted. The study population comprised the 96 professional librarians and 95 library officers in the 12 …

Use Of Internet Resources Among Mbbs/Bds Students: The Case Of Clinical Students In A Medical School In Nigeria, Samuel Bello

Library Philosophy and Practice (e-journal)

Background: The Internet has been identified as a multipurpose technology that has become the world’s biggest library where information resources can be accessed with a simple mouse click away. The immense contributions of the tool in academia necessitated the efforts of some universities and Colleges to create an enabling environment, such as low or no-cost Internet access, for new students who need an Internet connection to survive on campus. This study investigated the Use of Internet Resources among MBBS/BDS Students: The Case of Clinical Students in a Medical School in Nigeria

Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the use of …

The Management Variables And The Provision F Library Services To The University Undergraduates In South-East, Nigeria, Ngozi Immaculata Ike Dr.

Library Philosophy and Practice (e-journal)

This study investigated management variables and the provision of library services to the university undergraduates in federal universities across Southeast Nigeria. The research examined the relationship between planning and organizing, and the extent of library services provided. Three research questions and two hypotheses guided the study. A multiple correlational design was employed. Data collection utilized a 4-point modified Likert rating scale. The population of the study was 19390 comprising librarians and students. This is made up of 19188 students and 202 librarians. The population was made up of all university undergraduate registered library users and librarians within the period the …

Ischool Student Research Journal, Vol.14, Iss.1

School of Information Student Research Journal

Volume 14, Issue 1 of the School of Information Student Research Journal explores the multifaceted impacts of artificial intelligence (AI) on academia, particularly within library and information science (LIS) education and scholarly publishing. Highlighting the proactive measures taken by San Jose State University's iSchool, this issue underscores the necessity of integrating AI competencies, such as data privacy and ethical AI use, into curricula. Through detailed case studies and policy reviews, the issue examines the ethical and societal implications of AI, including biases and inequalities, advocating for adaptive and responsible AI integration.

Odin Halvorson's paper emphasizes the transformative potential of Large …

Book Review: Organizing Women: Home, Work, And The Institutional Infrastructure Of Print In Twentieth-Century America, Christine Pawley, Madelaine Russell

School of Information Student Research Journal

In carefully selected case studies of white and Black middle-class American women, Pawley, a professor emerita at the University of Wisconsin-Madison’s Information School, provides a detailed exploration of the “largely untold history” of women who used their involvement in print-centered organizations to reshape their lives beyond the unpaid domestic sphere (1). The first three chapters of the book trace the histories of primarily domestic women who held active roles in institutions of print culture such as journalism and radio broadcasting while the last three focus on the lives of women whose full-time employment helped to shape the developing public library …

Looking Ahead: Incorporating Ai In Mlis Competencies, Souvick Ghosh, Denise Mccoy

School of Information Student Research Journal

Libraries have long been essential for democratizing knowledge and providing reliable information, extending their services to meet diverse community needs, including educational programs and internet access (Pawley, 2022; Freudenberger, 2022). Librarians, as custodians of information and culture, possess core competencies in information organization, digital literacy, and research skills. The San José State University (SJSU) School of Information (iSchool) aims to educate professionals who significantly impact global communities through high-quality education, research, and technology innovation. This article examines the Master of Library and Information Science (MLIS) program at SJSU iSchool, focusing on the evolution of its 14 core competencies to incorporate …

Into The Unknown: Developing Ai Policies For The Student Research Journal, Marc Hoffeditz

School of Information Student Research Journal

In light of the artificial intelligence (AI) boom in late 2022, policies governing the use and disclosure of artificial intelligence in scholarly journals have occupied editorial boards of all disciplines. The Student Research Journal (SRJ) at San José State University sought to tackle this issue with an inclusive process to better serve our authors and editorial team in uncertain times. This editorial will discuss the work of the SRJ’s AI Policy Working Group in completing a comprehensive review of literature surrounding the topics of AI and scholarly publishing, detail the journal’s first AI disclosure policy in depth, and identify next …

Ai In Academia: Policy Development, Ethics, And Curriculum Design, Odin Halvorson

School of Information Student Research Journal

Artificial intelligence (AI) has emerged as a pivotal force in modern society, significantly impacting various sectors, including academia. This paper examines the broad implications of AI, particularly Large Language Models (LLMs), and their transformative potential across educational institutions. The San Jose State University's iSchool is highlighted as a case study, demonstrating its proactive approach to integrating nascent technologies and revising curriculum competencies to address AI's influence. As AI reshapes library and information science (LIS) education, the development of new competencies, such as data privacy and ethical AI use, becomes essential. Furthermore, the ethical and societal implications of AI, including potential …

Developing And Encouraging The Reading Culture In Africa: The Case Of Ghana, Isaac Owusu Nsiah

Library Philosophy and Practice (e-journal)

No abstract provided.

Current Challenges Of Digital Forensics, Alec Noland

Themis: Research Journal of Justice Studies and Forensic Science

Criminals have access to advanced technology that enables them to carry out malicious activities, often leaving behind digital evidence. Digital forensics is the scientific investigation of digital evidence that aims to uncover criminal activity and prevent further disruption. The increase in cybercrime has made digital forensics an essential aspect of the justice system. However, the field is currently struggling to keep up with the rapidly growing threat of cybercrime due to several challenges. One of these challenges stems from a lack of universal standardization in required qualifications, education, and training, causing discrepancies between agencies and organizations. The pace of technological …

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 …

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 …

The Limitations And Future Of Isotope Analysis In Forensic Anthropology, Kris Weller

Themis: Research Journal of Justice Studies and Forensic Science

This research paper will discuss the applications of isotope analysis in forensic anthropology, focusing on the limitations of this technique and its potential future uses. Isotope analysis is based on the principle that isotope ratios vary across geographic regions and that humans incorporate those unique isotope ratios into their bodies when they eat and drink. Forensic anthropology uses isotope analysis to determine a decedent’s approximate region of origin or residence. It is especially in cases where the remains are partially or highly decomposed, and when other avenues of investigation have been exhausted. In its current form, the applications of isotope …

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 …