Digital Commons Network^™

From Source To Sip: Exploring South Dakota’S Water Values, Sushant Mehan, Robert E. Dalton, Jeremiah Bergstrom, Kayode Adebayo, Kellie Kolb, Peggy Schlechter

Journal of Contemporary Water Research and Education

Water guides South Dakota’s economy, ecosystems, and quality of life, yet there is limited empirical evidence on how residents understand water issues, what concerns they prioritize, and how they assign responsibility for water protection. This study examines public water knowledge, key water concerns, preferred management actions, and perceptions of responsibility for safeguarding water resources in South Dakota. We administered the South Dakota Water Resources Survey from July 2024 to August 2025, with responses from 461 adults across rural and urban communities. The instrument captured demographic characteristics and perceptions related to water knowledge, concerns, actionable items, and responsible parties. We analyzed …

Private Equity For All: The Paradoxical Push To Democratize Private Markets, William W. Clayton, Elisabeth De Fontenay

Duke Law Journal

The recent push to open private equity and other private assets to retail investors represents one of the most profound changes to U.S. capital markets in decades. This "retailization" effort is often framed as an overdue democratization of superior investment opportunities. Indeed, private equity has long been viewed as special, both for its market-beating returns and its success in making companies more profitable. Yet it has historically been off-limits to retail investors.

This Article argues that the push to democratize private equity is subject to a glaring paradox: Expanding access to private equity undermines the very benefits that access aims …

Access In Teaching Stem Subjects To The Blind, Ashley E. Neybert

Journal of Science Education for Students with Disabilities

There are still many gaps in the literature regarding the difficulties faced by instructors of students who are blind and low vision and who teach Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) subjects. We surveyed 26 K-12 STEM teachers about accessible materials they are aware of versus which accessible materials they use in their classrooms, their thoughts on how common challenges identified in the extent literature affect them in their teaching, and their perspective on how much extra time may be required for blind and low vision students (if any) to effectively learn STEM subjects.

Transforming Military Spectrum Management With Spectrack, Rachel Mccoy, Rafa Gould, Abby Fornadel

James Madison Undergraduate Research Journal (JMURJ)

The U.S. military faces operational and financial challenges due to inefficient electromagnetic spectrum
management. This poster and accompanying research statement introduce our minimum viable product, SpecTrack, which we created in response to a challenge presented by the U.S. Department of Defense's Joint Spectrum Agency. SpecTrack centralizes and visualizes spectrum requests to offer insights, streamline communication, and reduce costs. It integrates with current tools like Spectrum XXI and HUNSWDO while enhancing usability through a visual Common Operating Picture (COP). Our user-centered design process included stakeholder interviews and site visits to Germany. The result: a scalable platform that modernizes and simplifies military …

Using Digital Engagement Methods To Balance Democracy And Efficiency In Public Decision Making, Catherine Zietse

PNHA Review

At the bedrock of our democratic society is the active participation of everyday people in shaping public affairs. Local governments seek to build inclusive and democratic processes for decision making, while at the same time being good stewards of scarce resources to efficiently address immediate needs of the community. This paper explores the role of digital engagement in balancing democracy and efficiency in public decision-making by looking at both theory and practice. Academic literature and case studies from the field show that technology and digital engagement platforms do not circumvent the risks of traditional engagement methods but provide both opportunities …

Fitness Standards For Police, Kam Robles

PNHA Review

This research addresses the inherent stressors within police work and the health and wellness problems prevalent among law enforcement officers. Police officers are at a higher risk of many of the health concerns currently plaguing the population of the already unhealthy United States. Of particular note is that back injury and pain stands out as potentially the most prevalent among the health issues experienced by law enforcement personnel. Worsening this fact is the recent trend of law enforcement administrators shying away from the issue of the unhealthy employees of law enforcement agencies. The solution of implementing widespread voluntary physical fitness …

Social Innovation As A Catalyst To Achieving The United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (Sdgs), Patricia Okolo

PNHA Review

This research explores the re-shaping role of social innovation in advancing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), developed by the United Nations in 2015. In the midst of global challenges such as poverty, inequality, and climate change, this research examines social innovation as an important mechanism for achieving sustainable development. The article highlights the significant contributions of social innovation across various sectors, emphasizing its ability to address unmet social needs, promote environmental sustainability, and foster economic development. It identifies critical factors for the success of social innovation, including community involvement, scalability, access to resources, and supportive policy environments, and highlights the …

The Psychology Of Healthy Aging: A Blend Of Cognitive And Behavioral Aspects For Staying Healthy, Esther B. Noah

PNHA Review

Human life expectancy has increased in most parts of the world with a noticeable demographic shift toward a larger population of older adults. This increase and shift have created an unexpected gap in our healthcare system and society. With these changes, how can older adults be guaranteed increased longevity, quality of life, and a healthy life span? This article explores the psychology of healthy aging, emphasizing that proactive health management plans and positive health behaviors contribute to healthy aging among the older adult population. While primary data collection through interviews was conducted to support the study, the analysis primarily relies …

From The Editor-In Chief, Richard W. Jelier

PNHA Review

No abstract provided.

A New Age Of Leaders: Examining The Empowering Effect Of Collaborative Leadership In Nonprofit Organizations, Colton C. Hyble

PNHA Review

In the changing environment in the nonprofit sector, leaders are under increasing pressure to satisfy stakeholders and bring change to their communities. The collaborative leadership style, proposed and built upon by various authors in the twentieth century, is one potential solution. A theoretical analysis was conducted to understand the collaborative style, its strengths and weaknesses, and its applicability to the nonprofit sector. Results showed overwhelmingly positive findings in the impact on the organization, highlighted by increased organizational performance, a positive workplace environment, and superb employee job satisfaction. Few drawbacks and potential pitfalls exist in slowness, the possibility of a narrow …

Director’S Message, Neal Buckwalter

PNHA Review

No abstract provided.

Front Matter, Pnha Review

PNHA Review

No abstract provided.

A More Comprehensive Response: Collaboration Between Nonprofit Organizations, Abigail J. Punt

PNHA Review

Collaboration between nonprofit leaders and organizations has gained increasing attention as a potential solution to the challenges of funding and program design nonprofits experience in the face of complex social issues. Could collaborative arrangements between nonprofits create more innovative solutions and unlock access to greater resources in an increasingly competitive environment? While much attention has been paid to the role of resource dependency in driving organizations to collaborate, there are additional aspects of these arrangements that must be considered. While the benefits of collaboration are typically shared collectively by partnering organizations and the communities they serve, the costs associated with …

Makers And Small-Scale Manufacturing In Cities: Strategies For Fostering Place, Urban Production, And Economic Growth, Charles Steven Hively

PNHA Review

This paper seeks to answer whether incentivizing makers and small-scale manufacturing has any effect on the economic development or economic growth of a region. Currently, no research exists indicating a causal link between economic growth and incentivizing makers and small-scale manufacturing. Much of the previous conversation from economic development focuses on place-making and revitalization of distressed areas. This paper attempts to link three observations together to infer a positive correlation with economic growth: that higher productivity cities have higher levels of wages and employment; that incentivizing or promoting small-scale manufacturing increases their number and success; and that these small businesses …

Mental Health Standards In Michigan Juvenile Detention Facilities: At Odds With Best Practice And State’S Own Public Health Code, Jessica M. Montgomery

PNHA Review

This paper details the current standards and qualifications established for mental health providers in Michigan juvenile justice system (JJS) detention facilities. The state policies regulating JJS detention facilities are compared with Michigan’s Public Health Code Act (1978) and best-practice recommendations published by national mental health and juvenile justice authorities. This paper finds that Michigan policies regulating JJS detention facilities fall below both national best-practice recommendations and the state Public Health Code (1978), and effectively establish a standard of mental health care for youth in JJS detention facilities that is below what is established for youth in the general public. It …

Transforming Healthcare With Ai: The Illusion Of Control, Garrett L. Heaney

PNHA Review

Artificial intelligence is a new technology that has paved a path into the future for our healthcare sectors. This technology uses machine learning methods and big data to conduct its intended purpose within its designated parameters; however, researchers and consumers have experienced unintended outcomes. Artificial intelligence is deployed throughout our daily lives, so our society looks at this immense responsibility superficially. As organizational leaders experience short-sighted tunnel vision and push for innovative artificially intelligent programs, they do not realize the potential severe dangers.

This paper argues for a graded approach to studying and implementing artificially intelligent machines in healthcare. Our …

High Times Or Hazy Horizons? Michigan’S Cannabis Market As A Rural Economic Development Tool, Jakob L. Bigard

PNHA Review

Since legalizing cannabis for adult use in 2018, Michigan’s (recreational) cannabis market has become the second largest in the nation. As the state’s market sees rapid maturity, it serves as a model for other states with ongoing legalization efforts. Michigan’s actions, and others like it, have begun to impact movement at the federal level, with multiple cannabis-related bills being introduced in Congress to President Biden signing the first standalone marijuana reform bill earlier this month. As Michigan’s cannabis market continues to mature and grow, it deserves attention from economists and academics alike. Using traditional economic development metrics, this paper evaluates …

From The Editor-In-Chief, Richard Jelier

PNHA Review

No abstract provided.

Director’S Message, Raymond J. Higbea

PNHA Review

No abstract provided.

Front Matter, Pnha Review

PNHA Review

No abstract provided.

Differences In Mental Toughness Among Mixed Martial Artists And Physically Active Individuals, Savannah M. Calleja, Soleil Ramos, Victoria Potvin, Anthony A. Ricci, Gabriel J. Sanders, Corey A. Peacock

Journal for Sports Neuroscience

Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) is a physiological and psychological demanding sport. While the majority of the literature conducted in MMA regards physiological health and risk of injury, researchers are beginning to assess the psychological profiles of MMA athletes. Previous studies have evaluated mental toughness (MT) within MMA; however, no study has examined MT in MMA athletes at the professional division. Therefore, the primary purpose of this research was to evaluate the difference in mental toughness between professional MMA athletes and physically active individuals. Secondary aims are to evaluate potential variations in mental toughness within the professional level between champion and …

Business Writing Performance And Instructional Practices Under English Medium Instruction: A Multisite Mixed-Methods Study Of Diploma Students In Saudi Arabia, Shaykhah Saeed Raffaa

UB Journal for Humanities

Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 treats English Medium Instruction (EMI) as a central instrument in vocational colleges, on the assumption that delivering content in English develops the professional literacies, business writing among them, that the labour market demands. This study examined business writing performance and the instructional practices associated with it among diploma students in Marketing and Business Administration at five Saudi public applied colleges, using a convergent mixed-methods design that combined a writing performance task (N = 130), a perceptions and affective-beliefs questionnaire (N = 130), semi-structured instructor interviews (N = 18), and structured classroom observations (N = 10). Because …

Expression Of Follicle Stimulating And Luteinizing Hormone Receptors In Porcine Testes After Timing The First Vaccination For Immunocastration, Sayamon Srisuwatanasagul, Rungrueang Yodsheewan, Amornthep Archawakulathep, Suvaluk Seesupa, Kongkiat Srisuwatanasagul, Atthaporn Roongsitthichai, Siriluck Juntautsa

The Thai Journal of Veterinary Medicine

This study aimed to examine the expression of follicle stimulating hormone receptor (FSHR) and luteinizing hormone receptor (LHR) in the testes of male fattening pigs based on the timing of the first immunocastration dose. A total of 24 male pigs were randomly assigned to 3 groups: C (n=8) consisted of only intact pigs, T1 (n=8) contained those immunocastrated at 15 and 19 weeks of age, and T2 (n=8) was composed of those immunocastrated at 9 and 19 weeks of age. The expression of FSHR and LHR was evaluated using H-score from immunohistochemistry and protein band intensity from Western blotting. Immunohistochemistry …

Modeling Urban Heat Island Mitigation Strategies In Egyptian Cities Using Envi-Met, Islam M. Gaber, Abbas M. Hassan, Tarek Elkashef, Ola A. Gad, Ahmed M. Abdo, Abdelrazek Elkomy

HBRC Journal

Mitigation techniques for urban heat islands (UHI) have emerged as a critical concern for global urban environmental sustainability. Passive cooling employing cool materials and/or urban greening has shown to be the most effective strategy for mitigating the impacts of UHI. This latter method, however, is relatively new in the literature of urban environmental studies, and research on it is still limited, particularly for cities in hot-dry climatic zones. This study aims to investigate the possibility of improving albedo rates and adopting urban greening measures, such as greening building roofs, roadways, and walkways, in several Egyptian cities located in various climatic …

Discourse Of Open Party Contestation In Jemaah Tarbiyah In Indonesia, Gili Argenti, Caroline Paskarina, Nani Darmayanti, Nandang Alamsah Deliarnoor

Jurnal Wacana Politik

Factionalization in Indonesian political parties is commonly explained by elite rivalry, coalition choices, or clientelistic interests, leaving intra-party conflict over the meaning of ideology less well explained. This article asks how the discourse of an open party constructs and reveals ideological contestation within Jemaah Tarbiyah and how that contestation contributed to the emergence of the Gelora Indonesia Party. Using Teun A. van Dijk's critical discourse analysis (CDA), the study integrates textual analysis, social cognition, and social context. The empirical material consists of in-depth interviews with 20 purposively selected actors from PKS, GARBI, Gelora, and related Tarbiyah networks, together with party …

Toxic Plants In Zimbabwe: The Lantana Camara Species, Frank Kapungu, Cecilia Masvingwe

Poisonous Plant Research (PPR)

Lantana camara is a major invasive plant species in Zimbabwe. Its toxic effects pose a threat to livestock production, biodiversity, and development. A survey was carried out throughout the country to investigate the distribution of L. camara in Zimbabwe and assess the extent of its spread. Identification was done by toxicologists with the support of an experienced botanist from the National Herbarium of Zimbabwe. The location of the plants was identified using a portable Garmin eTrex® 10 Handheld GPS navigation device., and the coordinates were recorded. Quantum Geographic Information System (QGIS) was used to plot the map. L. camara was …

Expression Analysis Of Ferroptosis-Related Genes Gpx4 And Acsl4 In Iraqi Patients With Ulcerative Colitis: Association With Disease Activity, Abbas Ali Manshd

Muthanna Medical Journal

Background: Although ferroptosis has been identified as a key process in the pathophysiology of ulcerative colitis (UC), there is still little clinical data on ferroptosis-related gene expression. This study examined the expression of GPX4 and ACSL4 in peripheral blood from UC patients in Iraq and assessed their correlation with disease activity. Methods: In this case-control study involving 50 UC patients and 50 healthy controls, the 2^{-ΔΔ Ct} technique assessed relative GPX4 and ACSL4 mRNA expression via quantitative real-time PCR. Disease activity was quantified using the Mayo Clinic Score, with ESR and CRP serving as inflammation indicators. …

Securitisation Without Consent: Digital Dissent And State Power In Kenya’S 2024 Protests, Dudley M. Gaciku, Arfin Sudirman, Irman G. Lanti

Jurnal Wacana Politik

This paper examines how digitally mediated dissent is securitised in hybrid regimes using Kenya's 2024-2025 protest cycle as a case study. Although the Copenhagen School gives precedence to audience acceptance in determining the success or failure of a securitising move, the paper critiques this viewpoint drawing on contemporary securitisation scholarship. Through a qualitative case study approach, the research draws on official state communications, social media content, media reports, human rights documentation, and the researcher's reflexive observations during the protests. The findings illustrate that although the #RejectFinanceBill movement was framed by the state as a threat to national stability, public safety, …

Hybrid Deep-Machine Learning For Butterfly Species Image Classification, Maha A. Rajab, Wisal Hashim Abdulsalam, Firas A. Abdullatif, Tole Sutikno

Baghdad Science Journal

Classifying butterfly species is crucial in biodiversity studies and environmental monitoring. However, manual classification is often a laborious process that requires specialized expertise and is prone to error, especially when species have similar visual characteristics. To address these drawbacks, this paper presents a hybrid approach that combines machine learning with deep learning for feature extraction. To enhance the visibility of important features, preprocessing techniques such as background removal and binarization are applied to butterfly images. Feature extraction was performed using the SqueezeNet convolutional neural network, pretrained on the ImageNet dataset. By discarding the final classification layer, the network produced discriminative …

Deepfinsec: Advancing Online Financial Fraud Detection Via Structural Similarity-Based Graph Embedding, Diksha Sharma, Robin Prakash Mathur, Manmohan Sharma

Baghdad Science Journal

The frequent use of digital technology has significantly increased the use of online transactions. Most financial activities are conducted electronically. Financial fraud involves deceiving individuals or businesses for monetary gain. The proposed graph node embedding technique, FA-Struc2vec, is applied to the financial transaction network to extract graph node features based on their structural similarity and generate node embeddings. The node embeddings serve as input to DeepFinSec, which classifies transactions into desired classes. DeepFinSec is a proposed DL-based model that is a hybrid of CNN and LSTM. CNN processes transaction data and extracts local and high-level abstract features while LSTM captures …