Digital Commons Network^™

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 …

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 …

Low Hunting Costs In An Expensive Marine Mammal Predator, Laia Rojano-Doñate, Jonas Teilmann, Danuta M. Wisniewska, Frants H. Jensen, Ursula Siebert, Birgitte I. Mcdonald, Siri L. Elmegaard, Signe Sveegaard, Rune Dietz, Mark Johnson, Peter T. Madsen

Faculty Research, Scholarly, and Creative Activity

Many large terrestrial mammalian predators use energy-intensive, high-risk, high-gain strategies to pursue large, high-quality prey. However, similar-sized marine mammal predators with even higher field metabolic rates (FMRs) consistently target prey three to six orders of magnitude smaller than themselves. Here, we address the question of how these active and expensive marine mammal predators can gain sufficient energy from consistently targeting small prey during breath-hold dives. Using harbor porpoises as model organisms, we show that hunting small aquatic prey is energetically cheap (<20% increase in FMR) for these marine predators, but it requires them to spend a large proportion (>60%) of time foraging. We conclude that this grazing foraging strategy on small prey is viable for marine …

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 …

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 …

Saturn's F Ring Is Intermittently Shepherded By Prometheus, Jeffrey N. Cuzzi, Essam A. Marouf, Richard G. French, Carl D. Murray, Nicholas J. Cooper

Faculty Research, Scholarly, and Creative Activity

One of the stranger planetary rings is Saturn's narrow, clumpy F ring, lying just outside the main rings, in a region disturbed by chaotic orbital dynamics. We show that the F ring has a stable "true core"that dominates its mass and is confined into discontinuous short arcs of particles larger than a few millimeters in radius. The more obvious micron-size particles seen in images, outlining and obscuring the true core, contribute only a small fraction of its mass. We found that these arcs of large particles orbit Saturn in a specific corotational resonance with the nearby 100-kilometer diameter ringmoon Prometheus, …

Spartan Daily, May 9, 2024, San Jose State University, School Of Journalism And Mass Communications

Spartan Daily, 2024

Volume 162, Issue 43

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

Spartan Daily, 2024

Volume 162, Issue 42

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 …

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.

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

Cultural Immersion In Gaming: Ethiopian Influences In Horizon Forbidden West, Henoch Tilahun

ART 108: Introduction to Games Studies

This paper examines the immersive incorporation of Ethiopian culture in the video game "Horizon Forbidden West," focusing on visual, narrative, and thematic themes. It explains how the game represents Ethiopian legacy and custom by examining architectural design, landscape portrayal, mythological integration, and character representation. The paper uses different academic works and gaming articles and emphasizes the game's ability to inspire empathy, curiosity, and enthusiasm for cultural diversity, as well as cross-cultural appreciation and understanding. It also investigates the importance of ethical and responsible game production approaches in ensuring accurate cultural portrayal. Finally, this paper examines the transformative power of cultural …

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 …

Effects Of Group Visits On Self-Care Management For Veterans With Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus, James Nwaizugbu

Doctoral Projects

Individuals diagnosed with type two diabetes mellitus (DM2) can be overwhelmed by daily choices, leading to self-care neglect. Self-care is vital to DM2 management to avoid chronic complications. This project utilized group visits to increase self-care management and improve outcomes among veterans with poorly controlled DM2.

This evidence-based practice (EBP) project used a single-group quasi-experimental pretest-posttest design to evaluate a self-care management program for US veterans with poorly controlled DM2 who were enrolled a clinic within the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), Northern California Healthcare System (NCHCS). The study facilitator provided education on DM2, medication, diet, and exercise. Participants (N …

Primary Care Access In San Luis Obispo County- Primary Care Practitioner’S Perspectives, Jessica Peckham

Doctoral Projects

This study investigates healthcare access and utilization among Primary Care Providers (PCPs) in SLO County, utilizing a mixed-methods approach. Survey responses from PCPs when applied to Levesque’s Theoretical Framework reveal variations in provider approachability and acceptability, alongside significant wait times for both new and established patients, indicating barriers in healthcare reaching. Qualitative interviews further illuminated dimensions of healthcare access, including socioeconomic disparities and provider burnout. These underscore the complexities of ensuring equitable access to primary care services. The relationship between provider and consumer dimensions, such as work-life balance, workload, and the role of advanced practice providers, highlight the intricate dynamics …

From Young To Old: The Effects Of Information Presentation Type, Multimodal Display, And Age On Situation Awareness And Processing Time In Automated Vehicles, Kimberly D. Martinez, Gaojian Huang

Faculty Research, Scholarly, and Creative Activity

Research has revealed that conditionally automated vehicles can adversely affect situation awareness, a crucial factor in ensuring a safe transition of driving control during takeover, particularly for older adults. The objective of this study was to design and test more complex multimodal interfaces capable of delivering critical real-time road information, including obstacle locations, statuses, and lane availability, to effectively assist drivers who may experience age-related cognitive and physical declines, when navigating complex automated systems. This study investigated the effects of displays (single tactile, and visual and tactile combined), information presentation type (instructional, informative, baseline), and age (older and younger adults) …

Review Of The Second Charged-Particle Transport Coefficient Code Comparison Workshop, Lucas J. Stanek, Alina Kononov, Stephanie B. Hansen, Brian M. Haines, S. X. Hu, Patrick F. Knapp, Michael S. Murillo, Liam G. Stanton, Heather D. Whitley, Scott D. Baalrud, Lucas J. Babati, Andrew D. Baczewski, Mandy Bethkenhagen, Augustin Blanchet, Raymond C. Clay, Kyle R. Cochrane, Lee A. Collins, Amanda Dumi, Gerald Faussurier

Faculty Research, Scholarly, and Creative Activity

We report the results of the second charged-particle transport coefficient code comparison workshop, which was held in Livermore, California on 24-27 July 2023. This workshop gathered theoretical, computational, and experimental scientists to assess the state of computational and experimental techniques for understanding charged-particle transport coefficients relevant to high-energy-density plasma science. Data for electronic and ionic transport coefficients, namely, the direct current electrical conductivity, electron thermal conductivity, ion shear viscosity, and ion thermal conductivity were computed and compared for multiple plasma conditions. Additional comparisons were carried out for electron-ion properties such as the electron-ion equilibration time and alpha particle stopping power. …

Validation Of Satellite-Based Cloud Phase Distributions Using Global-Scale In Situ Airborne Observations, Dao Wang, Ching An Yang, Minghui Diao

Faculty Research, Scholarly, and Creative Activity

Understanding distributions of cloud thermodynamic phases is important for accurately representing cloud radiative effects and cloud feedback in a changing climate. Satellite-based cloud phase data have been frequently used to compare with climate models, yet few studies validated them against in situ observations at a near-global scale. This study aims to validate three satellite-based cloud phase products using a compositive in situ airborne data set developed from 11 flight campaigns. Latitudinal-altitudinal cross sections of cloud phase occurrence frequencies are examined. The Cloud–Aerosol Lidar and Infrared Pathfinder Satellite Observations (CALIPSO) show the most similar vertical profiles of ice phase frequencies compared …

Pdrs4all: Iv. An Embarrassment Of Riches: Aromatic Infrared Bands In The Orion Bar, Ryan Chown, Ameek Sidhu, Els Peeters, Alexander G.G.M. Tielens, Jan Cami, Olivier Berné, Emilie Habart, Felipe Alarcón, Amélie Canin, Ilane Schroetter, Boris Trahin, Dries Van De Putte, Alain Abergel, Edwin A. Bergin, Jeronimo Bernard-Salas, Christiaan Boersma, Emeric Bron, Michael Kaufman, For Full Author List, See Comments Below

Faculty Research, Scholarly, and Creative Activity

Context. Mid-infrared observations of photodissociation regions (PDRs) are dominated by strong emission features called aromatic infrared bands (AIBs). The most prominent AIBs are found at 3.3, 6.2, 7.7, 8.6, and 11.2 µm. The most sensitive, highest-resolution infrared spectral imaging data ever taken of the prototypical PDR, the Orion Bar, have been captured by JWST. These high-quality data allow for an unprecedentedly detailed view of AIBs. Aims. We provide an inventory of the AIBs found in the Orion Bar, along with mid-IR template spectra from five distinct regions in the Bar: the molecular PDR (i.e. the three H2 dissociation fronts), the …

Pdrs4all Ii. Jwst’S Nir And Mir Imaging View Of The Orion Nebula, Emilie Habart, Els Peeters, Olivier Berné, Boris Trahin, Amélie Canin, Ryan Chown, Ameek Sidhu, Dries Van De Putte, Felipe Alarcón, Ilane Schroetter, Emmanuel Dartois, Sílvia Vicente, Alain Abergel, Edwin A. Bergin, Jeronimo Bernard-Salas, Christiaan Boersma, Emeric Bron, Michael Kaufman, For Full Author List, See Comments Below

Faculty Research, Scholarly, and Creative Activity

Context. The James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) has captured the most detailed and sharpest infrared (IR) images ever taken of the inner region of the Orion Nebula, the nearest massive star formation region, and a prototypical highly irradiated dense photo-dissociation region (PDR). Aims. We investigate the fundamental interaction of far-ultraviolet (FUV) photons with molecular clouds. The transitions across the ionization front (IF), dissociation front (DF), and the molecular cloud are studied at high-angular resolution. These transitions are relevant to understanding the effects of radiative feedback from massive stars and the dominant physical and chemical processes that lead to the IR …

Pdrs4all: Iii. Jwst's Nir Spectroscopic View Of The Orion Bar, Els Peeters, Emilie Habart, Olivier Berné, Ameek Sidhu, Ryan Chown, Dries Van De Putte, Boris Trahin, Ilane Schroetter, Amélie Canin, Felipe Alarcón, Bethany Schefter, Baria Khan, Sofia Pasquini, Alexander G.G.M. Tielens, Mark G. Wolfire, Emmanuel Dartois, Javier R. Goicoechea, Michael Kaufman, For Full Author List, See Comments Below

Faculty Research, Scholarly, and Creative Activity

Context. JWST has taken the sharpest and most sensitive infrared (IR) spectral imaging observations ever of the Orion Bar photodis-sociation region (PDR), which is part of the nearest massive star-forming region the Orion Nebula, and often considered to be the 'prototypical'strongly illuminated PDR. Aims. We investigate the impact of radiative feedback from massive stars on their natal cloud and focus on the transition from the H II region to the atomic PDR -crossing the ionisation front (IF) -, and the subsequent transition to the molecular PDR -crossing the dissociation front (DF). Given the prevalence of PDRs in the interstellar medium …