Digital Commons Network^™

Let The Sun Shine In: Promoting Civic Engagement With Sunshine Week, Cindy Pierard, Josefine Smith, Caitlin Wells

University Libraries & Learning Sciences Faculty and Staff Publications

Sunshine Week is a national effort to promote the importance of open government and freedom of information. Although originally begun as a news media initiative, it has grown to include community groups, libraries, schools, governments, and others who are committed to civic engagement and access to information. For academic libraries, Sunshine Week offers opportunities for forge collaborations with campus and community partners, and to connect programming with broader student learning goals. This chapter makes the case for Sunshine Week as a mechanism for bringing together campus and community groups around issues of common concern, either as a standalone effort or …

Thermo-Catalytic Methane Decomposition: A Review Of State Of The Art Of Catalysts, Ahmed A. Ibrahim, Ahmed S. Al-Fatesh, Wasim Ullah Khan, Moustafa A. Soliman, Raja L. Al-Otaibi, Anis H. Fakeeha

Chemical Engineering

The catalytic methane decomposition to produce carbon oxides–free hydrogen and carbon nanomaterial is a promising method feasible for larger production at a moderate cheap price. The produced hydrogen is refined and can be employed straight in fuel cell and in petrochemical industries to produce ammonia and methanol. Auto-thermal reforming of natural gas, partial oxidation, steam reforming are the conventional techniques for hydrogen production in industry, though these processes incur excessive costs for the purification of hydrogen from producing carbon oxides. Current research work on thermo-catalytic methane decomposition has concentrated on promoting the catalytic activity and stability for simultaneous production of …

Protecting River Flows For Fun And Profit: Colorado's Unique Water Rights For Whitewater Parks, Reed D. Benson

Faculty Scholarship

Since 2001, Colorado has recognized a special type of water right for whitewater parks, which are constructed within a river channel to provide play features for kayakers and other boaters. These water rights, called "recreational in-channel diversions, " are unique to Colorado, even though whitewater parks exist in several western states. This Article addresses some of the underlying reasons that recreational in-channel diversions were established in Colorado, and traces the controversy surrounding their recognition by that state's courts and legislature. Over the last decade, however, the controversy has largely died away, and whitewater park rights have now become an accepted …

Introduction, David Ketai, Xochitl Torres Small

Natural Resources Journal

No abstract provided.

Landscape Shifting Paradigm For The Endangered Species Act: An Integrated Critical Habitat Recovery Program, Sam Kalen

Natural Resources Journal

This article explores how the designation of critical habitat under the Endangered Species Act provides an opportunity for landscape-level planning to conserve species. The Act’s requirement to designate critical habitat has generated considerable controversy. Some question its utility, including even those who aggressively pursue species conservation. Other industry and local communities challenge the economic analyses accompanying designations. For many years, designating critical habitat only occurred after litigation, well after the Act suggests designation. The general malaise surrounding the program, therefore, is well documented. Yet policy-makers and scholars shy away from crafting innovative proposals for resolving the principal issues hovering around …

China's Obligation To Conduct Transboundary Environmental Impact Assessment (Teia) In Utilizing Its Shared Water Resources, Nadia Sanchez Castillo, Yongmin Bian

Natural Resources Journal

New water development projects in China threaten the environment of international rivers. Chinese law, however, does not require developers to assess the effects of proposed projects on the environment outside China’s borders. Nevertheless, examples of transboundary cooperation and international agreements provide a basic legal foundation that allows China to implement transboundary environmental impact assessments (TEIA) as a standard practice. This article explores China’s customary law obligation to conduct TEIA by examining relevant treaties and instances of joint action. The article finds that a basic legal structure is already in place to support carrying out environmental impact assessments in a transboundary …

An Econometric Test Of Water Market Structure In The Western United States, Kristiana Hansen, Richard Howitt, Jeffery Williams

Natural Resources Journal

Water markets form differently across the western United States, depending on the relative importance of water supply uncertainty and impediments to water transfers. In many locations, trades take the form of short-term leases of water, allowing the underlying property rights to remain unaffected. In other regions, water right transfers predominate. We quantify the relative effects of economic, hydrologic, and state-level institutional variables on a water agency’s decision whether to lease or purchase water rights. Econometric analysis of 3,806 transactions reported in the Water Strategist over 1990 supports the conclusion that market structure varies across states in accordance with local hydrologic …

The Promise Of Indian Water Leasing: An Examination Of One Tribe's Success At Brokering Its Surplus Water Rights, Justin Nyberg

Natural Resources Journal

After reaching water rights settlements, a number of Native American tribes find themselves with rights to more water than their reservations or pueblo communities presently need. As climate change exacerbates drought conditions in the western United States and demand for water increases, some tribes have leased these surplus water rights to public and private, non-Indian, users. Theoretically, this could be a boon for tribes, although the extent of the economic impact of water leasing is difficult to assess without an examination of each individual water lease. This paper attempts to illustrate the economic impact of Indian water rights leasing anecdotally, …

Toxic Communities: Environmental Racism, Industrial Pollution, And Residential Mobility By Dorceta E. Taylor, Alan Barton

Natural Resources Journal

No abstract provided.

Bulletin And Handbook Of Policies, 2015-2016, University Of New Mexico School Of Law

Bulletin and Handbook of Policies

This Bulletin and Handbook of Policies, 2015-2016 reflects the current policies of the University of New Mexico School Of Law and is intended as a source of information for questions concerning the rules and regulations of the Law School and other matters pertaining to a students law school career.'

Exploring The Extent To Which English Lis Masters Programs In The Uae And Qatar Meet The Skills And Knowledge Needs Of Employers In The Library And Information Studies Field, Nicole Johnston, Judith Mavodza, Jassim Mohammed Jirjees

All Works

The aim of this paper is to discuss the degree to which English Library and Information Science (LIS) Masters Programs in Qatar and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) meet the skills and knowledge needs of employers in the library and information studies field. The development of two Masters degrees are outlined including the historical perspective, the reasons for developing these courses, the content of the courses and the current situation regarding associations and accreditation. This paper also reports on the results of surveys and research that has been conducted to assess what courses, skills and knowledge employers and employees require …

Brief For The Albuquerque Peace And Justice Center, Hispano Round Table De Nuevo Mexico, Los Jardines Institute, Martin Luther King Memorial Center, New Mexico Forum As Amicus Curiae For Youth In Community, New Mexico League Of Latin American Citizens, New Mexico Old Lesbians Organized For Change, And Southwest Organizing Project In United States Of American V. The City Of Albuquerque, Alfred Dennis Mathewson

Faculty Scholarship

The United States Department of Justice released a Findings Letter in connection with its investigation of the use of force by the Albuquerque Police Department from 2009 to early 2013. It found that APD had engaged in a pattern or practice of using excessive force, both lethal and non-lethal. The parties reached an agreement on October 31, 2014 and the Complaint and Settlement Agreement were filed in the United States District Court for the District of New Mexico for approval. This amicus brief was filed on behalf of The Albuquerque Peace and Justice Center, Hispano Round Table De Nuevo Mexico, …

Laguna Pueblo History Revisited, Richard Flint

New Mexico Historical Review

No abstract provided.

Full Issue, New Mexico Historical Review

New Mexico Historical Review

No abstract provided.

New Mexico Statehood And Political Inequality: The Case Of Nuevomexicanos, Phillip B. Gonzales

New Mexico Historical Review

No abstract provided.

Book Reviews

New Mexico Historical Review

No abstract provided.

Planning For Digitization Of University Libraries In Ghana: Challenges And Prospects, Perpetua Sekyiwa Dadzie, Thomas Van Der Walt

Library Philosophy and Practice (e-journal)

The study investigates the availability of strategic plans or policies for the development of digital libraries in selected universities in Ghana. A case study approach was adopted and interviews were held with three university librarians to determine their views on planning and budgeting for digitization. The findings reveal that all three university libraries have strategic plans, though some are outdated and therefore, rely on policies to ensure that digitization activities are enhanced. Budgetary support for digitization activities range from 16.6% - 50% of the total library budget. The study recommends that the libraries should have an up-to-date strategic plan which …

Demographic Variables And Ict Access As Predictors Of Information Communication Technologies’ Usage Among Science Teachers In Federal Unity Schools In Nigeria, Kolawole Akinjide Aramide Dr, Sunday O. Ladipo Rev., Ibitayo Adebayo Mr

Library Philosophy and Practice (e-journal)

This study investigated the extent to which demographic variables and ICT access predict ICT use among science teachers in FUS in Nigeria. Out of the Four hundred and sixty four (464) copies of questionnaire administered on science teachers in 25 FGUSs only 353 copies were returned with useful responses. The findings of the study revealed ICT accessibility (B = .431), educational qualification (B = -.187), teaching experience (B = -.154), ICT use experience (B = .152), and location of ICT access (B = .144) as best predictors of ICT use among science teachers in FUSs in Nigeria. Also, the study …

The Use And Application Of Open Source Integrated Library System In Academic Libraries In Nigeria: Koha Example, Emeka C. Uzomba Mr., Oluwatofunmi Jesudunni Oyebola Mrs., Anthony Chukwuma Izuchukwu Mr.

Library Philosophy and Practice (e-journal)

This study examined the use of open source integrated library system in academic libraries in Nigeria, with the aim of highlighting the capabilities and potentials of open source software (Koha) and its practical importance to academic libraries across the globe. The study was guided by five objectives and five research questions. A descriptive survey design was adopted in this research, with population of twenty-five (25) staff selected randomly from 25 different higher institutions that uses open source software in Nigeria: 19 universities (federal, state and private), 4 polytechnics (federal and state) and 2 colleges of education. The instrument used to …

Librarians, Research Scientists And Ict Adoption In Research Institutes In Ghana, Kodjo Atiso, Denice Adkins

Library Philosophy and Practice (e-journal)

Since the inception of ICTs, there has been concern about the position of developing nations in relation to the technology. Whilst some studies opine that developing nations would be marginalized, other studies see a real opportunity for explosion through the technology. Indications are the technology can be a potential boon, if well managed or burden if not given the right attention. This study looks at technology adoption among librarians and research scientists in Ghana.

A Critical Examination Of The Librarians Registration Council Of Nigeria Code Of Ethics In The Light Of International Best Practices In Library And Information Science Professions, Florence Enyiema Adejumo Mrs, Peter Olorunleke Oye Mr.

Library Philosophy and Practice (e-journal)

This paper took a critical reflection on the Librarian Registration Council of Nigeria Code of Ethics vis-à-vis international standards. The paper explained that since information professionals play an extremely important role in society by linking society with information heritage, it is critical that they carry out this mission in an ethical manner. The paper noted that towards this end many organizations of information professionals led by the International Federation of Library Association and related institutions (IFLA) including the Librarians Registration Council of Nigeria (LRCN) have adopted codes of professional ethics. The paper analyzed these IFLA and related codes and the …

Day Of The Week Effect In Returns And Volatility Of The S&P 500 Sector Indices, Juan Liu

Masters Theses

"Previous studies have shown that returns associated with the stock market or foreign exchange's futures show variations across the day of the week. On such study, that employs a modified GARCH model for estimation, shows that returns associated with the S&P 500 stock index is highest on Wednesday and lowest returns on Monday. The same study shows that volatility is highest on Fridays and lowest on Wednesdays. In this study we investigate if this day-of-the-week effect on returns and volatility is present in the different sectors that constitute the S&P 500 index. The data set used provides daily returns from …

Developing A Novel Methodolgy And Testbed For Fatigue Analysis Of Metal Specimens, Sai Aravind Palepu

Masters Theses

"A prototype of fatigue testing machine was built to determine the fatigue strength of materials. Proposed testing prototype was displacement controlled magnetic type bend fatigue testing machine. Designed prototype was tuned to operate at or near resonance of the specimen in order to amplify excitation displacement. Low maintenance i.e. zero wear of the parts was achieved, there were no moving components in the prototype machine. Crucial components used to build were: DC power supply, solenoid, Arduino UNO, supports and laser displacement sensor. DC source used to pass current through solenoid producing magnetic field; mosfet and Arduino generated square waves of …

Brougham’S Ghost, Michael S. Ariens

Faculty Articles

In defending Queen Caroline in the House of Lords, Henry Brougham declared, “[a]n advocate, by the sacred duty of his connection with his client, knows, in the discharge of that office, but one person in the world, that client and none other.” Brougham’s ethic of advocacy has been cited repeatedly as stating the American lawyer’s duty of zealous representation of a client. It has often been called the “classic statement” of zealous representation and representing the “traditional view of the lawyer’s role.”

This essay challenges these conclusions. Brougham’s rhetoric was neither a classic statement of the duty of loyalty to …

The Texas Rules Of Evidence: Something Old, Something New, And Something Changed, David A. Schlueter

Faculty Articles

On November 19, 2014, the Texas Supreme Court issued an Order amending all of the Texas Rules of Evidence, effective April 1, 2015. In its Order, the Court explained that the amendments were part of an effort to “restyle” the Rules, to make them as consistent as possible with the Federal Rules of Evidence, and to make them easier to understand.

The 2015 amendments to the Texas Rules of Evidence are a commendable step toward making the Rules more user-friendly. It is clear to even the casual reader that the reformatting of the Rules, through the use of consistent and …

Governmental Power Versus Individual Liberty, Vincent R. Johnson

Faculty Articles

Father, Son, and Constitution by Alexander Wohl is a major contribution to legal scholarship. This dual biography focuses on two public figures, each of whom played a leading role in addressing the most challenging legal questions of their day. The subjects of the book are Supreme Court Justice Tom C. Clark and his son Ramsey Clark, the most liberal attorney general in American history. The Clarks’ stories are told against a backdrop of the continuing American struggle to find the proper balance between governmental power and individual liberty.

The public careers of Tom and Ramsey Clark were largely sequential, but …

The Great Charter, Vincent R. Johnson

Faculty Articles

A look at the history and legacy of the Magna Carta elucidates the many ways in which it shaped American jurisprudence and the law of Texas. The Magna Carta is held in high regard because the unknown drafters understood the importance of legal principles, fair procedures, proportional punishment, official accountability, and respect for human dignity. Its unquestionable commitment to the primacy of legal principles and anticipation of the development of judicial ethics significantly influenced and contributed to the construction and content of the Texas Constitution, Bill of Rights, and many Texas cities’ ethics codes. Although it was intensely focused on …

Game Of Bombs: President Barack Obama’S Nuclear Nonproliferation Regime, Jeffrey F. Addicott

Faculty Articles

One of President Barack Obama’s favorite solutions to reducing armed conflict in the world centers around his desire to rid the world of nuclear weapons. While this simplistic formula has certainly been voiced by other occupants of the oval office, the world is, and always has been, an extremely dangerous place, and the machinations of competing spheres of power will always exist in human history. Coupled with an aggressive Russia and China, the dangers associated with the new era of radical Islamic extremism rubricate the need to view the naiveté of President Obama’s vision of a planet without nuclear weapons …

Is Felony Murder The New Depraved Heart Murder: Considering The Appropriate Punishment For Drunken Drivers Who Kill, Dora W. Klein

Faculty Articles

In recognition of the increasing use of felony-murder statutes to prosecute drunken drivers who kill, this Article considers various criticisms and defenses of the felony-murder rule as they apply specifically to felony DWI cases. Part II of this Article discusses several recent precedent setting cases in which drunken drivers who killed were prosecuted under felony murder statutes. Part III explores whether such prosecutions are proper, given the existence of special narrower vehicular manslaughter provisions that a legislature might have intended to be the sole means of prosecuting drunk drivers who kill. Part IV discusses three particular limiting doctrines-merger, inherent dangerousness, …

The Anti-Plaintiff Pending Amendments To The Federal Rules Of Civil Procedure And The Pro-Defendant Composition Of The Federal Rulemaking Committees, Patricia W. Moore

Faculty Articles

For decades, the Civil Rules Advisory Committee (Advisory Committee) has garnered passage of amendments to the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure (FRCP) that have incrementally narrowed discovery in the service of the Advisory Committee's stated effort to combat the alleged "cost and delay" of civil litigation. More of the same are on their way to Congress now. In the classical David-and-Goliath lawsuit brought by an individual person against an institutional defendant, these pending amendments hurt David and help Goliath more than any previous round of amendments to the FRCP. The individual versus institution case, not coincidentally, is the most common …