Digital Commons Network^™

Understanding Populism In Spain: Root Causes, Political Impacts, And Containment Strategies, Yuliu Huang

Independent Study Project (ISP) Collection

This paper investigates the rise of populism in Spain, examining its root causes, political consequences, and potential strategies for democratic resilience. Spain presents a unique case of simultaneous left-wing and right-wing populist surges, embodied by the Podemos and V ox parties, respectively. Through a mixed-methods approach that includes a literature review and semi-structured interviews, the paper identifies economic inequality, political corruption, and cultural anxieties as the primary drivers of populist sentiment. It analyzes how these movements have reshaped Spain’s political landscape, such as dismantling the PSOE and PP duopoly in parliament, altering public policy priorities, and exacerbating political polarization. The …

Crime, Corruption, And Construction: Exploring The Impact Of The “Construction Mafia” On Public Infrastructure Development, Sada Kalbach

Independent Study Project (ISP) Collection

Recent government policies and a state-led focus on “radical economic transformation” have spawned a range of business forums, colloquially known as the “construction mafia,” seeking to capitalize on economic reform. However, competition for construction contracts have led to the widespread use of intimidation, violence, and government corruption within the eThekwini Municipality. This research seeks to understand how the construction mafia in eThekwini impacts the local government’s ability to develop public infrastructure, as well as the extent to which government responses enable or hinder organized criminal networks in the construction industry. Utilizing a qualitative method of semi-structured one-on-one interviews and notes …

The Impact Of Neurological Diseases In Kisumu, Kenya: Case Studies At Jootrh And Kcrh, Jack F. Dunham

Independent Study Project (ISP) Collection

Introduction: The burden that neurological diseases put on health systems is high, and growing across the globe, especially in Low- and Middle-Income Countries (LMICs) like Kenya. For this reason, our study sought out to study the burden and impact of neurological diseases at Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital (JOOTRH) and Kisumu County Referral Hospital (KCRH), which are in Western Kenya.

Methods: Utilizing data from handwritten patient records spanning 23 months, our study collected said data and analyzed the prevalence, incidence, distribution, and outcomes of different neurological diseases as they impact the Kisumu community.

Results/Discussion: Comparing …

Socioecological Assessment Of Birds In Ngezi-Vumawimbi Nature Forest Reserve, Eli Taub

Independent Study Project (ISP) Collection

Effective management of natural resources requires consideration of the environment through both a physical and a sociological lens. In this study, the birds in Ngezi-Vumawimbi Nature Forest Reserve were examined through both a biological mist-net survey and a socioecological series of interviews with people living in the surrounding villages. The mist-net survey compared the understory species in undisturbed and disturbed area of the forest, as well as analyzing birds caught for biologically meaningful information on subspecies and sexual dimorphism. While the mist-net survey was largely unsuccessful, highlighting the need for alternative bird capture methods in Ngezi, it found a decrease …

Beyond The Binary: Analyzing Transgender Legislation In Spain And Its Implications For Equality And Rights, Stephanie Hernandez

Independent Study Project (ISP) Collection

Spain is considered one of the leading countries in LGBT+ acceptance and rights with their progressive laws, gaining a name for itself as a haven for those within the community. In this research paper, I investigate the evolution of transgender legislation in Spain into the current day and how it impacts the public perception and gender affirmative care available to trans people. Focusing primarily on the passage of Trans Ley 4/2023 and the windows it opened in Trans rights. Looking into the improvements made in Trans laws, from Ley 3/2007 to current day. Additionally, this paper will look into attempted …

Empoderamiento De Las Mujeres De La Organización Chaski Warmikuna, Iliana Sarai Barnes Diaz

Independent Study Project (ISP) Collection

Este artículo examina el trabajo de la organización de mujeres indígenas Chaski Warmikuna, conocidas como “mujeres mensajeras” en kichwa, en la región de Saraguro, Ecuador. El grupo organiza apoyo a mujeres para aprender herramientas y estrategias que les permitan salir de la violencia y sanar sus traumas. A través de entrevistas con mujeres, revelan la prevalencia y normalización de la violencia en algunas comunidades, pero también iluminan el fortalecimiento y empoderamiento que estas mujeres han experimentado para liberarse de la violencia. Además, se señala que la violencia frecuentemente es transmitida de generación en generación en las familias y la sociedad, …

Percepciones De Las Tecnologías En Los Centros De Rehabilitación Y El Efecto En El Bienestar De Los Usuarios, Según Los Profesionales De La Salud En Arica, Chile, Liam Fleck

Independent Study Project (ISP) Collection

Physical disability is a prominent problem throughout Chile, affecting 17% of the total population (Ministerio de Desarrollo Social y Familia, 2022). In Chile, the health system has two main sectors: public and private. Each sector has different physical rehabilitation centers, which often have large differences in the resources available, such as medical technologies, which could possibly affect the quality of care their respective users receive. The objective of this study is to learn the perceptions of different medical professionals, such as kinesiologists, occupational therapists, and nurses, about the impact of these medical technologies and how it may affect their patients. …

What Soil Is Worth: A Cost-Benefit Framework Analysis Of Syntropic Farming, Aubrey Kettley

Independent Study Project (ISP) Collection

Syntropic farming, a type of regenerative agriculture, models its farming system after a forest. This type of farming prioritizes soil health while also providing a varied yield of crops. Because it is a fairly new system globally, little research has been done on the economic impacts of syntropic farming, and therefore the feasibility of scaling up regenerative systems like this. This study aims to analyze the economic feasibility of this system through a literature review and a cost-benefit analysis framework. The results highlight the applicability, environmental advantage and economic feasibility of the system. Based on the presented framework, the short …

Independent Study Project: The Impact Of Digitization And Payment On Community Health Promoter (Chp) Motivation And Effectiveness In A Peri-Urban Community In Kisumu, Kenya., Fiona Yohannes

Independent Study Project (ISP) Collection

Community Health Promoters (CHPs) in Kenya are the liaison between the community and higher levels of healthcare. As CHPs’ responsibility in the country has grown, stipends started being distributed, and digitization efforts have begun to support them. This ISP paper aims to investigate how recent digitization and payment of CHPs impact their motivation and effectiveness in a peri-urban community in Kisumu, Kenya. The project includes data analysis on CHP performance data from 2016 to 2021 and analyses of interviews with CHPs and CHAs in April of 2024. It was found that time was positively related to CHP performance. It was …

Beyond Blood: Informal Adoption And Family Dynamics In Yaoundé, Cameroon. Examining The Social, Traditional, And Family Values Associated With Informal Adoption, Elizabeth Greenberg

Independent Study Project (ISP) Collection

Although formal adoption exists in Cameroon, it is governed by colonial systems that directly contrast with the values and traditions of the citizens the laws are meant to protect. For this reason, informal adoption is the most prominent method of child circulation. This informal movement of children occurs for various reasons, many of which reflect the sociocultural context in which the children live. The intention of this study was to determine how adoption processes demonstrate Cameroonian notions of family, how individuals perceive the concept of family, and how informal adoption impacts family dynamics. Informal observations and interviews informed the conclusion …

Career Readiness: A Study Of Vietnamese University Students' Views On Post-Graduation Prospects, Tobias Amstutz

Independent Study Project (ISP) Collection

This study examines Vietnamese university students' perceptions and attitudes towards post-graduation job prospects, which could serve as an economic indicator. Utilizing survey data from over 200 students across institutions and disciplines, the research investigates how factors such as confidence in educational preparation, chosen field of study, and perceived job readiness relate to demographic characteristics and intentions to pursue the same academic path.

The most significant findings of the study reveal that English language confidence and major fields of study were influential factors in shaping students' perceptions and attitudes. Students with higher English confidence had statistically significantly higher levels of job …

Exploring Diasporic And Local Perspectives: Overseas Vietnamese’S Relationship With Their Homeland’S Culture, People, And Development, Amanda Le

Independent Study Project (ISP) Collection

Given its global presence and decades-long history of migration, the Vietnamese diaspora is a unique cultural, social, and economic phenomenon. Thus, examining the nuances of Vietnam’s diaspora-homeland connections can contribute to broader knowledge about transnational relationships. While past research has delved into the diaspora’s historical contexts, cultural ties, and contributions to Vietnam's development, contemporary studies often overlook the personal interactions and perspectives that are formed between diaspora members and locals. This study compares perceptions from both Vietnamese locals and Overseas Vietnamese on diasporic engagement with Vietnamese culture, people, and development. A mixed-method study was conducted using qualitative and quantitative methods: …

“Njangi Never Dies”: The Social Impacts And Non-Financial Benefits Of Njangis In Batoufam And Yaoundé, Cameroon, Georgia Schaefer-Brown

Independent Study Project (ISP) Collection

Rotating Credits and Savings Associations (ROSCAs) are present in much of the developing world and are incredibly common in Cameroon. The financial impacts of ROSCAs have been researched extensively, but there has been less research on the social impacts and non-financial benefits. This research aims to fill this gap and add to the discussion of ROSCAs in Cameroon (called njangis), as well as demonstrate how njangis are social institutions. This project is in the specific context of njangis in Batoufam and Yaoundé, Cameroon. Interviews and observations informed the conclusion that there are extensive social impacts and non-financial benefits within the …

La Crisis Contemporánea Y Los Cuidados: Respuesta Gubernamental Al Trabajo De Cuidado Feminizado Y La Pandemia / The Contemporary Crisis And Care: Government Response To Feminized Care Work And The Pandemic, Iris Diez

Independent Study Project (ISP) Collection

Este proyecto investiga cómo las respuestas gubernamentales al trabajo no remunerado de cuidado realizado por mujeres, durante la época de la crisis socioeconómica de la pandemia, impactan el uso del tiempo en trabajo no remunerado doméstico de cuidado por parte de mujeres en Argentina. Basándose en la teoría feminista y en las ideas de Verónica Gago, Lucí Cavallero y Tithi Bhattacharya, este proyecto busca crear una perspectiva critica de las interaciones entre genero, economia, deuda y el trabajo reproductivo. El método de análisis sigue descripciones de las respuestas gubernamentales con respecto del trabajo de cuidado y también presentaciones de datos …

Darija's Dilemma In Defining Moroccan Identity, Amina Anshasi

Independent Study Project (ISP) Collection

The relationship between language and national identity has become increasingly significant in the context of globalization, where nations grapple with the complexities of cultural diversity and collective belonging. Language serves as a powerful tool through which shared values, traditions, and historical narratives are transmitted and preserved, shaping the formation of national identity and influencing government policies. In Morocco, the linguistic phenomenon of Darija exemplifies the intricate interplay between linguistic diversity and national identity, reflecting centuries of historical interactions, conquests, and power dynamics. As a conglomerate of Arabic, Amazigh, French, and Spanish influences, Darija embodies Morocco's multicultural heritage and serves as …

Diaspora As A Cultural Hearth: A Case Study Of The Amazigh In Morocco, Maximo Ellis

Independent Study Project (ISP) Collection

Diaspora consists of a group of people who reside in a location different from their imagined homeland. Despite the growing prevalence and prominence of diasporas around the world as contact between cultures becomes more frequent, there is relatively little consensus regarding the nature of diaspora communities and their identity construction. This paper uses the case study of the Amazigh diaspora to reveal some of the nuances and aspects that affect both the creation and spread of identity within diasporas. The Amazigh diaspora differs from other diasporas because it is a historically marginalized and oppressed group within their countries of origin, …

How Can Morocco’S Crisis Management And Disaster Response Be Optimized? Lessons From The Al Haouz Earthquake Response, Clara Normand

Independent Study Project (ISP) Collection

Morocco’s disaster management strategy has evolved in reaction to historical crises. On September 8th, 2023, the Al Haouz region of Morocco was struck by a 7.2 magnitude earthquake. The area was especially vulnerable to such a disaster due to its underdeveloped infrastructure, remote location, and lack of services. As the last phase of the disaster management cycle is unfolding, seven months after the earthquake, this research assesses the successes and challenges of the response and establishes areas of improvement to implement in national policies to optimize future crisis management across all four stages of the disaster management cycle.

Los Determinantes Sociales Y El Acceso A La Salud De Las Mujeres Migrantes: Desde La Perspectiva De Las Usuarias Y Los Trabajadores De Salud, Vanessa Gutiérrez

Independent Study Project (ISP) Collection

For the past few years, Chile has developed laws and programs, such as the Program for Access to Healthcare for Immigrants, Decree N° 67, and recently Law N° 21.235, to improve the access that migrants have, however, there has been a failure to comply with these regulations. In this qualitative and descriptive investigation, the main objective is to find out how accessible, adequate, and effective the health resources offered by clinics are for migrant women. In order to carry out the investigation, eight semi-structured interviews were held with five primary healthcare workers who frequently work with the migrant population and …

Emprendimiento, Informalidad Laboral Y Vulnerabilidad De Los Migrantes Venezolanos En La Economía Ecuatoriana, Destiny Carlisle

Independent Study Project (ISP) Collection

La movilidad humana, particularmente la movilidad interregional en América Latina, guarda una estrecha relación con el incremento de emprendimientos informales en la ciudad de Cuenca, Ecuador. Diversos factores y condiciones vulnerables impulsan la iniciativa de emprendimiento y la informalidad laboral entre la comunidad venezolana en Cuenca, destacando especialmente el rol de la violencia de género, la explotación laboral y la xenofobia, entre otros aspectos. En este contexto, dicha comunidad ha propiciado la creación de nuevos mercados que benefician tanto al sector formal como informal. Las organizaciones extranjeras han desempeñado un papel de particular importancia en el respaldo a la comunidad …

Transmitir Lastesis: Hacia Una Conciencia Feminista A Través Del Arte En Valparaíso, Chile, Alena Rooney

Independent Study Project (ISP) Collection

No abstract provided.

The Influences, Experiences, And Sentiments That Create Indonesian Identity, Jack Wood

Independent Study Project (ISP) Collection

This research delves into the multifaceted and complex concept of Indonesian identity. Indonesia is a large archipelago nation with a populace who employ a varied and diverse collection of associations with their Indonesian identity. The notion of cultural pride, its expression across different backgrounds within the Indonesian populace, and the experiences that help create this sense of Identity are the main inquiries of this research. Through focusing on these questions, this paper seeks to understand what it means for individuals to take pride in their Indonesian identity and how this sentiment varies among Indonesians of diverse backgrounds, encompassing distinctions such …

Acceso A La Salud De Mujeres Migrantes Venezolanas En La Ciudad Autónoma De Buenos Aires (2024) / Female Venezuelan Migrants’ Access To Healthcare In Autonomous City Of Buenos Aires (2024), Karen Gonzalez

Independent Study Project (ISP) Collection

Esta investigación se enfoca en indagar y describir el acceso al sector de salud en la población de mujeres migrantes venezolanas con trabajos como monotributistas que residen en la Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires (CABA). En la última década, Venezuela se ha enfrentado a una crisis económica y humanitaria. Esta crisis ha provocado una ola de migración sin precedentes por todo el mundo. Dentro del Cono Sur, Argentina se cataloga como el sexto país receptor de migrantes venezolanos. Considerando las leyes de migración y el sistema de salud universal en Argentina, me propuse describir las barreras de acceso a la …

Anuran Diversity And Abundance Across Two Sites With Varying Levels Of Light Pollution In El Valle De Antón, Coclé, Panamá, Jackson Dray

Independent Study Project (ISP) Collection

The impact of artificial light at night (ALAN) on anuran populations has been a subject of growing concern in ecological research. Anurans are particularly susceptible to the impacts of artificial light due to their nocturnal nature and an extensive exposure throughout various stages of life histories. Exposure to artificial light has been shown to impact the larval development and reproductive behavior of anurans. The impacts on anurans juvenile populations suggest a relationship between light pollution and anuran abundance. This study aimed to investigate the hypothesis that ALAN negatively affects the abundance and diversity of anurans. Field surveys were conducted in …

El Derecho A La Interrupción Voluntaria Del Embarazo A Inicios Del Gobierno De Javier Milei (Argentina, 2024) / The Right To The Voluntary Interruption Of Pregnancy At The Beginning Of The Government Of Javier Milei (Argentina, 2024), Willa Rudel

Independent Study Project (ISP) Collection

El objetivo de esta investigación fue entender las realidades del activismo en relación con el derecho al aborto en Argentina en el período después de la aprobación de la ley 27.610 del derecho a la interrupción voluntaria del embarazo, particularmente en 2020 y durante el gobierno actual de Javier Milei. Para responder la pregunta que articula la presente investigación, realicé seis entrevistas con activistas procedentes de una variedad de formaciones y con distintos tipos de participación en el movimiento. Primero describo la historia del activismo a favor del aborto en Argentina hasta la aprobación de la ley y el estado …

Avian Diversity And Abundance Among Agricultural Land, Forested Land, And Their Ecotone In Guadalupe, Cerro Punta, Chiriquí Province, Republic Of Panamá., Stella Rae Kinard

Independent Study Project (ISP) Collection

As the human population increases, finding the balance between modifying land use for resources and protecting areas to preserve species that are threatened by anthropogenic disturbance is an ever growing problem. Guadalupe is a town in the Western Highlands of Panamá that struggles in this balance as its primary income source is agriculture, but it is located on the border of two protected areas, Parque Nacional La Amistad and Parque Nacional Volcán Barú. By understanding the unique ways in which avifauna utilize distinct vegetative landscapes, recommendations can be made for management styles of farms in Guadalupe to implement practices that …

Community Opinions On Environmental Action On Isla Porvenir And Whichub Walla In The Guna Yala Comarca, Sofia Houts

Independent Study Project (ISP) Collection

The Guna Yala Comarca is the autonomous, self-governed territory of the Guna people, one of seven Indigenous groups in Panama. The Comarca is located on Panama’s eastern Caribbean coast and includes 365 coral islands. Forty nine Guna communities and roughly 32,000 individuals live in the territory. The Guna General Congress is the highest authority, and each community has a local congress. As a low-lying coastal region, Guna Yala is especially vulnerable to climate change and is already impacted by sea level rise, biodiversity loss, and changing precipitation patterns. Sub-national, national, and international forms of governance and environmental action are crucial …

Community Knowledge Of Shark Ecology, Abundance, And Species Composition In Wichubwala, Nalunega, And Porvenir Communities In The Guna Yala Comarca, Panamá, Kayley Jane Porter

Independent Study Project (ISP) Collection

Sharks play a critical role in marine ecosystems as apex predators that exert top-down control of lower trophic levels. In recent decades, global shark populations have declined to unprecedented levels, triggering a cascade effect that threatens ecosystem functioning and, therefore, coastal community livelihoods that rely on marine resources for food and income. It is known that shark populations are vulnerable and on the decline due to anthropogenic stressors such as fishing and coastal development, but shark species composition and abundance are difficult to monitor due to the evasive nature of sharks, the often remote and inaccessible location of certain shark …

The Reconfiguration Of The Spanish-Moroccan Border Regime: The Impact Of The 2021 Diplomatic Border Crisis, Shayra Nunez

Independent Study Project (ISP) Collection

The paper focuses on the relationship between Morocco and Spain, particularly those affecting migration control at the border in the autonomous cities of Ceuta and Melilla. The research question is: how do the events of May 2021 (the unauthorized opening of the border by Morocco) impact migration control practices in Ceuta and Melilla, and what are the implications for Spanish-Moroccan operational cooperation? The unauthorized opening of the border is conceptualized as a “diplomatic border crisis,” which is also a main contribution of this paper. The study analyzes this incident, which has impacted the border regime and led to changes in …

Interpretative Representation And Justice: The Effects Of Inadequate Translation On The Human Rights Of Migrants In The Justice System In Spain, Danielle E. Libby

Independent Study Project (ISP) Collection

Across the world there is an increasing human rights issue regarding the improper treatment of immigrants in the justice system. Fundamental human rights are protected by Spanish and European Union law, which includes the right to interpretative representation. Adequate interpretation and translation are recognized by many individuals in academia and law as crucial for adequate communication. The right to interpretative representation is essential to address the cross-linguistic and cross-cultural needs of migrants when entering a state that does not standardize their native tongue institutionally. When inadequacies appear with interpretation throughout the justice system, improper communication often occurs, causing issues for …

Vascular Epiphyte Population Dynamics Within Human-Modified Landscapes Of Guadalupe, Cerro Punta, Chiriquí, Panamá, Lucine Tashjian

Independent Study Project (ISP) Collection

Epiphytes are plants that grow on other plants non-parasitically, and globally, epiphytes compose a very large and diverse group. They are especially abundant and species-rich in the tropics- particularly, in tropical montane forest ecosystems. Human population growth in the tropics, however, has resulted in significant declines in forest cover with land being converted largely for agricultural purposes. Studies on epiphytes have traditionally been undertaken in pristine, undisturbed forest ecosystems, yet terrestrial land conversion has increased the need to understand the value of human-modified ecosystems for epiphytic populations and biodiversity conservation. This study sought to understand the relationship between human modification …