Digital Commons Network^™

International Arbitration, Sergey Petrachkov, Daryna Hrebeniuk, Oksana Karel, Jeffrey Rosenthal, Katerina Wright, Keara A. Bergin, Christopher P. Denicola, Brendan Clancy, Patrick Roche, Marcus Walsh, Caoimhe Clarkin, Peter Ashford, Kate Felmingham, Antonio Canales, Marianne Chao, John Cooper, Michael P. Daly, Mercedes Fernandez, Carla Gharibian, Melissa Stear Gorsline, Haifeng Huang, Elie Kleiman, Annie Leaks, Fernando F. Pastore, Maria I. Pradilla Picas, Iris Sauvagnac, Cristina Perez Soto, Johannes Willheim, Joyce Fong, Christina Nitsche, Dan Perera, Anthony Lynch, Héctor Scaianschi Márquez, Preeti Bhangnani, Eric Lenier Ives, Fernando Navarro, Tom Pearson

The Year in Review

No abstract provided.

Life Sciences & Health Law, Adalberto López López, Yevgeniya Ocheretko, Carly M. Toepke, Arina Zadorozhna, José Alan Zamarripa Miramontes

The Year in Review

No abstract provided.

International Art And Cultural Heritage Law, Lois E. Wetzel, Jacqueline Chezar, David Bright, Kevin Ray

The Year in Review

No abstract provided.

International Tax, Joshua Bamfo, Paul D. Carman, Alessandro Farris, André Gomes De Oliveira, Zaynab Hisaund, Tianlong Lawrence Hu, Shigeki Minami, Jackie Peart, Roger Smith, Liudmila Titova

The Year in Review

No abstract provided.

International Antitrust, Miguel Del Pino, Elizabeth Avery, Rebecca Mahony, Bruno Drago, Paola Pugliese, Milena Mundim, Adam S. Goodman, Peter Wang, Yizhe Wang, Peter Camesasca, Laurie Anne Grelier, Naval Satarawala Chopra, Aman Singh Sethi, Shigeyoshi Ezaki, Vassili Moussis, Kiyoko Yagami, Naoki Uemura, Youngjin Jung, Maria Hajiyerou, Eun Hee Kim, Lara Granville, Neil Cunninghame, Lisl Dunlop

The Year in Review

No abstract provided.

International Contracts, Martin E. Aquilina, Max Deleon, Stuti Murarka, Willem Den Hertog, Anders Forkman, William P. Johnson, Samuel G. Wieczorek

The Year in Review

No abstract provided.

Cross-Border Real Estate, Timur Bondaryev, Tetiana Storozhuk, Anton Rekun

The Year in Review

No abstract provided.

South Asia/Oceania & India, Kavita Mohan, Amy Tolbert Harris, Aseem Chawla, Sumit Khadaria, Austin J. Pierce, Namrata Patodia Rastogi, Sanjay Notani, Arunabh Choudhary, Aditi Joshi, Amit Gupta, Mansi Kukreja, Vidhi Goel, Ronjini Ray

The Year in Review

No abstract provided.

China, Gary J. Gao, Ronnia Zheng, Yanling Zheng, Li Wang

The Year in Review

No abstract provided.

Mexico, Kelsey Quigley, Christopher Munoz, Cesar Conde, John Walsh, Sara Maldonado, Judith Wilson, Pedro Fernando González Maldonado, Estefania Diaz González, Bruce Greenberg, Mariano Carrizo, Karen Andrea Ortega Cajiga, Vanessa Romero-Rocha, Susan Burns, Rene Alva, Ernesto Velarde

The Year in Review

No abstract provided.

Canada, Jordan Goodman, Jeremiah Kopp, Julia Webster, Sam Levy, Jacob Mantle, Ashley Paterson, Tim Heneghan, Ramneet Sierra, H. Scott Fairley, Margarita Dvorkina, Adam Mauntah, Jacqueline Bart, Daniel O.W. Smith

The Year in Review

No abstract provided.

Best Practices For Spatial Composition For A Pacing Curve In Combat Design, Alan Lemerande

Level Design Theses and Dissertations

This thesis explores the best practices for adjusting the level of pacing experienced by players within video games using terminology defined by Mark Davies: threat, tension, tempo, and movement impetus. Using the Dying Light editor, the researcher created a single-player video game level in which pacing was developed following a curve. The goal of creating this level was to demonstrate the success and proper implementation of the best practices identified through research.

Using Object Density To Modulate Tension Responses, Yidi Edith Wang

Level Design Theses and Dissertations

This thesis investigates the connection between object density and player tension in video games. Expanding on Canny Yuan’s work, “Using Spatial Composition to Influence Player Tension”, the researcher introduced a quantitative approach to measuring room density and posits that increased navigable space can lower player tension. To test this hypothesis, the researcher developed a custom single-player level, “Veylmoor”, in The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim. The level is composed of rooms with systematically varied spatial layouts and navigable areas, allowing for controlled analysis of spatial density. The researcher quantified room density using four methodologies implemented through custom C# scripts. The …

What’S In A Name? Policing, Juliet., Shanée Brown

SMU Law Review Forum

“Child welfare” and “child protection” are misnomers. These terms do not accurately depict the investigatory nature of the system purported to help families, or at the very least, save endangered children. Contrary to public opinion, the “child welfare system” comprises of state actors who police parents and children. It is the naming of this system that convinces the public that these agencies are excised from the category of law enforcement, persuading many that the agencies engage in social work and not police work. Calling the system what it really is—family policing—is a step toward achieving justice for families adversely impacted …

Holy Mother: The Sacred And Subversive Wisdom Of Motherhood And Ministry, Kathryn Collins

Doctor of Ministry Projects and Theses

This dissertation investigates the intersections of ministry and motherhood as a method to unmask the added benefits of both vocations for their congregations and families. Western Christian culture has traditionally elevated the intersections of fatherhood and ministry, while tales of motherhood within ministry are hidden or surrounded by scandal. Mothers, like Ann Marbury Hutchinson, have been expelled from their communities or put on trial for teaching and preaching to groups consisting of men and women. Despite their vicious critics, mothers, like Jarena Lee and Catherine Booth, have continued preaching, fueled denominations, and sent forth disciples while also educating their children …

Courage In Context: An Ethic Of Leadership In A Changing Church, Maximilian Zehner

Doctor of Ministry Projects and Theses

It is my belief that the Church universal, and the United Methodist Church in particular, are both living within a very vulnerable period. Increasingly, reports suggest that there are more people who consider themselves non-religiously affiliated than there are members of religious groups. More specifically, the United Methodist Church has been experiencing a slow decline in membership since its creation. And perhaps worse than church members losing their religion, some younger clergy are leaving the ministry, while other younger church members are resisting a potential call to ministry in the first place. Meanwhile, the average age of United Methodist clergy …

Revisiting Dr. King's Beloved Community As An Ecclesial Response To Systemic Injustice In The 21st Century, Shamra Atchison Hodge

Doctor of Ministry Projects and Theses

As a womanist and practical theologian, I am resolute in my conviction of God’s sovereignty and the integrity of His written word. Despite uncertainty and the prevalence of systemic injustice in the world, the Bible has remained a steadfast source from which I have gained insight, guidance, and strength. From a theological perspective, the Bible is the manifestation of my faith seeking understanding. It is the foundation upon which practical theology is built, the embodiment of biblical teachings, beliefs, creeds, traditions, and rituals enacted by individuals within faith institutions and in community. However, it is through a womanist lens that …

If You Cannot Afford An Attorney, None Will Be Appointed For You: Exploring Rates Of Representation By Counsel In Texas Misdemeanor Courts, Andrew L. B. Davies, Shelby Sirivore, Victoria M. Smiegocki

Deason Center Reports

All misdemeanor defendants in the United States have the right to be represented by a lawyer if they are facing the possibility of incarceration. Yet implementation of that right is often left to local policymakers, and rates of non-representation (defendants proceeding without lawyers) vary enormously. Through an examination of data from Texas counties in 2019, we find non-representation rates were highest in the state’s poorest and most rural counties. But we also find signs that local policy choices matter. Counties with public defender offices, and those with less restrictive policies on financial eligibility for indigent defense services, appointed lawyers to …

Real Money On Virtual Games: The History And Potential Ways Forward For Esports Gambling Regulation, Roger Davis-Jahnel

The International Law Review Association Student Forum

Electronic sports, “esports,” is a rapidly growing industry throughout the world. The global gaming market was valued to be worth approximately 221.24 billion USD in 2024 and is expected to reach 424.23 billion USD by 2033. It is expected that as technology continues to improve and there are less barriers to access gaming, such as cloud gaming which allows players to access games without expensive hardware, the market for games will continue to grow. In addition to technological advancements, investments the esports industry, such as teams, media rights, and sponsorship deals are expected to help drive growth in the gaming …

Rulemaking Behind Closed Doors: Governor Abbott’S Secret Rulemaking. Worse Yet, All State Agencies Are Colluding With The Governor, Ronald Beal

SMU Law Review Forum

In 2019, the Texas Legislature granted the Governor new powers to review the rulemaking process for certain state agencies. Since then, the Governor has apparently extended this authority of review over the rulemaking process to more agencies than he was authorized to. Some journalists and scholars, including this Author, have attempted to access the proposals and comments submitted to the rulemaking process by the Governor’s Office—and yet the records are withheld by the Texas Attorney General under claimed exceptions to the Texas Public Information Act. Despite the Attorney General’s claims, this Author and others maintain that any records of these …

Transnational Accountability For Space Debris As A Precursor To Maintaining Peace In Outer Space, Bella Alonzo

The International Law Review Association Student Forum

Beginning with the Space Age in the 1950s, space exploration has accelerated exponentially as humans on Earth are continuously drawn to the mystery and opportunity that lies in outer space. The United States (“U.S.”) and the Soviet Union led the charge in space discovery throughout the “Space Race,” and once other countries saw the value in developing the technology to utilize space as a resource, multiple nations followed suit. While the U.S. and Russia retain the most dominant presence in outer space, other global superpowers like China, India, and Japan have exhibited competitive capabilities.

Applied Leadership Principles In Multiracial/Multiethnic Churches, Steffon Arrington

Doctor of Ministry Projects and Theses

We would all be a lot wiser, and a lot smarter if we had a looking glass to see what life holds in store every five to ten years. Upon reflection on our lives, we can discern the transformations, and in some instances, we may recognize the guiding influence of God’s providence. I’m often reminded of the words from the prophet Jeremiah: “For I know the plans I have for you, says the LORD, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope” (Jeremiah 29:11). As I look back on my life, I see …

Commercial Development Utilizing Faith And Business Innovation, Sandra Moon

Doctor of Ministry Projects and Theses

In the evolving landscape of business and commerce, the intersection of faith and business innovation has become a topic of debate, particularly in a world that increasingly values efficiency, scalability, and profit. This dissertation examines the role of spirituality in business leadership. We will explore how Christian values, servant leadership, and heart-mind coherence contribute to a more sustainable, ethical, and community-driven business model. Through the lens of my family’s business, Sam Moon Group, I will explore how faith-based leadership can coexist with success and serve as its very foundation. The early journey of Sam Moon Trading Company, from a small …

Solving The Public Defense Crisis In Kansas, Malia N. Brink, Pamela R. Metzger

Deason Center Reports

Kansas has a constitutional obligation to provide counsel to any arrested person who cannot afford to hire a private attorney. But attorney shortages in Kansas threaten this core constitutional right. According to the American Bar Association, there are an average of four attorneys per 1,000 people nationwide. However, only six of Kansas’s 105 counties have two or more attorneys per 1,000 people. In 44 counties, there is just one attorney or fewer per 1,000 residents. The situation is particularly worrisome in rural Kansas. In 2023, nearly half of Kansas’s population lived in rural counties, but 80% of its lawyers lived …

Enhancing Inquiry-Based Science Instruction: The Role Of Professional Learning Communities And Instructional Coaching For Elementary Science Teachers, Marc T. Sager, Karen Pierce, Jessica Murillo

Publications

Inquiry-based science instruction fosters critical thinking, problem-solving, and scientific literacy by engaging students in exploration, questioning, and reflective learning. However, implementing inquiry-based practices presents significant challenges for elementary teachers, who often balance multiple subjects and may feel less confident facilitating open-ended investigations. This study examines how school-based coaching and professional learning communities (PLCs) support teachers in adopting inquiry-based science instruction. Grounded in distributed cognition theory of learning, this research draws on qualitative data from classroom observations and artifacts from coaching sessions and PLC meetings. Using a multiple case study design, this study identifies four case studies to illustrate varying levels …

Sacrosanct Or Sacred: Creating A Theological Framework To Undergird Church Design, Aaron Farmer

Doctor of Ministry Projects and Theses

This paper aims to ascertain whether a Theology of Architecture—a theological framework for planning and constructing church buildings—can be identified within the Biblical narrative or through the historical practices of ecclesial design. The research begins with an examination of the biblical architecture of the Old Testament, primarily described in narratives rather than corroborated by archaeological evidence. A review of historical periods of ecclesial design follows, aiming to identify phases where ecclesial design exhibited patterns analogous to those found in the Old Testament. The study uncovers a consistent pattern in both testaments wherein architecture represents divine work within specific timeframes and …

Front Matter

Journal of Air Law and Commerce

No abstract provided.

Front Matter

Journal of Air Law and Commerce

No abstract provided.

Reframe: A New Interpretive Framework For Non-Governmental Entity Responsibility In Outer Space, Steven E. Bartz

Journal of Air Law and Commerce

The mainstream interpretation of State responsibility for Non-Governmental Entities (NGEs) with respect to their commercial operations in outer space may hinder the further development of the commercial space industry. Specifically, that interpretation produces broad responsibility for nation-states (States) under international law and derivative consequences for States and NGEs, but the international space community might avoid the otherwise harsh practical consequences that are likely to hamper the continued growth of commercial activities by NGEs in outer space by reexamining and reinterpreting a few aspects of existing law. This article (1) examines mainstream interpretations of State responsibility for NGEs with respect to …

Space Agriculture, Biotechnology, And Terraforming: Rethinking The Paradigm Of Harmful Contamination, Francesca Giannoni-Crystal

Journal of Air Law and Commerce

As humanity transitions from sporadic exploratory space missions to permanent settlements on celestial bodies (like the Moon or Mars), agriculture biotechnology, and, potentially, terraforming projects will be essential for establishing self-sustaining settlements.

These activities raise critical issues concerning the interpretation of the principle of harmful contamination under Article IX of the Outer Space Treaty (OST) and its implementation through the Committee on Space Research’s Policy on Planetary Protection (COSPAR Policy) referred together in this article as the “Planetary Protection Framework,” which is primarily oriented toward exploration with scientific integrity rather than permanent habitation.

The challenge lies in the fact that …