Digital Commons Network^™

Beyond The Boom: Integrated Approaches To Managing Weeds And Brush, M. L. Treadwell, D. Burson

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

William Bray stated in his 1904 report, The Timber of the Edwards Plateau of Texas, "This struggle of the timberlands to capture the grasslands is an old warfare....it spreads like infection.” This trend is true today and especially pronounced in the Great Plains, where only 1/4 of the Great Plains’ original grasslands remains intact. Species like honey mesquite, honey locust, black locust, sumac, dogwood, post oak, winged elm, Siberian elm, salt cedar, huisache, Eastern redcedar, Ashe and redberry juniper, pricklypear, sericea lespedeza, and many other species represent alarming rates of spread and rapid establishment throughout Great Plains grasslands. Although, these …

Local Competition, Multimarket Contact, And Product Quality: Evidence From Internet Service Provision, Kyle Wilson

Pomona Faculty Publications and Research

I investigate the effect of competition on quality in the internet service provision industry: I examine both local competition within markets and multimarket contact among firms across markets. This industry offers an ideal setting, as quality is both objective and measurable. I use data from speedtest.net from 2008 to 2014 to estimate a reduced-form model of the effects of local competition and multimarket contact on realized consumer download speeds. I find that increased multimarket contact leads to decreased download speeds, which is consistent with the mutual forbearance hypothesis. I also find that duopolies lead to faster download speeds than do …

Unique Challenges In State Defense Force Chaplaincy, J. Todd Smith

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

As the impact and effectiveness of traditional ministry wanes in this current culture, the influence of chaplaincy is expanding and making new inroads into numerous fields, including business, sports, health care, and the military. Chaplaincy’s commitment to pluralism and emphasis on spirituality instead of denominationalism makes it the perfect vehicle for ministry to this seemingly secular population still searching for meaning, purpose, and connection. These chaplains must be well trained for these serious moments in time and the lives of individuals. State Defense Forces are the nation’s least-known uniformed service and, therefore, lack the resources and funding of other services …

Introducing Just Competition Theory: Christian Realist Strategic Risk Management In Great Power Competition, Jason A. Byrd

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

How can a Christian Realist approach shape United States security policy to manage strategic risk during Great Power Competition? This work finds that Just War Theory, in particular jus in bello (behavior in war), is a common method used by Christian Realists to determine actions and manage consequences in war; however, it is not optimal for the challenges posed in Competition. A complementary structure uniquely applicable to actions below the threshold of armed conflict is needed. This argument is manifested through Just Competition Theory or jus in contentione. In a complex environment of Great Power Competition, principles of jus in …

Only A Matter Of Time: The Battle Of Cold Harbor 28 May-12 June 1864, Nathan Lee Provost

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

On 3 June 1863, Ulysses Grant launched his final assault of the Overland Campaign, hoping to break Lee's army at the Battle of Cold Harbor. Grant had reason to believe the indomitable Army of Northern Virginia would break, but the well-entrenched Confederate army repulsed the attack. Nevertheless, the Army of the Potomac did not retreat and managed to press the dug-in Confederate forces, forcing them on the offensive and losing significant casualties and casualties they could ill afford. The Union men did not give up hope even after the bloody repulse of 3 June and maintained relatively high morale. This …

Understanding The Non-Traditional Security Dimensions: Cyber Threat Landscape In Pakistan, Minhas Majeed Khan

CBER Conference

The research analyzes the vulnerabilities and consequences of cyber-attacks on essential infrastructure sectors such as energy, telecommunications, and finance, which are vital for the country’s stability and development. It also evaluates the economic, political, and social effects of cyber incidents on the country’s governance and society. Moreover, the research assesses the current cyber security measures and frameworks in Pakistan and identifies the gaps and opportunities for improvement.

Handel's "Messiah"

Bailey School of Music Concert Programs

Jana Young, Soprano; Cynthia Skelley-Wohlschlager, Alto

Todd Wedge, Tenor; Lucas Gray, Bass-Baritone

KSU Choirs & Symphony Orchestra

Nathaniel F. Parker & Erika Tazawa, Conductors

Improving Cellphone-Based Bio-Imaging Technique For Fluorescence Detection, Erteza T. Efaz

LSU Master's Theses

The research presented in this thesis focuses on the design, development, and evaluation of a fluorescence detection system. The system is implemented primarily as an Android application, Auto Camera, which leverages smartphone cameras to capture and analyze fluorescent images. The application provides a user-friendly interface with some configurable features like exposure time, ISO speed, and storage limit; as well as defining detection thresholds and setting acquisition intervals. This study begins with the architectural framework of the Android application, which is written in Java using Android Studio. The API compatibility is set to version 33, and users are prompted to grant …

The Cowl - V. 88 N. 24 - November 16, 2023

The Cowl

The Cowl - student newspaper of Providence College. Vol. 88 No. 24 - November 16, 2023. 16 pages.

National Space Forum 2007: Towards A Theory Of Spacepower, Charles D. Lutes

Space and Defense

Institute for National Strategic Studies, National Defense University Eisenhower Center for Space and Defense Studies Colorado Springs, Colorado, January 2007

The Spacepower Theory Project seeks to gain insight into human behavior in outer space. The project’s overall objective is to develop a theoretical framework that helps to define, categorize, explain and anticipate ways in which “spacepower” may be pursued, how the various facets of spacepower connect to each other, and how they relate to the other instrumentalities of power that state and non-state actors may seek to achieve or retain.

The History Of United States Weapons Export Control Policy, Taylor Dinerman

Space and Defense

All nations regulate Arms sales, but the United States (U.S.) has traditionally gone further than most. After World War I, a conspiracy theory made its way into popular culture that blamed the war, and specifically the U.S. intervention in 1917, on the so called “merchants of death.” Ever since, this has been a powerful and enduring theme in politics and culture throughout the world. Yet, nowhere have the effects of this theory been more enduring than in U.S. policy and law.

Establishing Space Security: A Prescription For A Rules-Based Approach, Theresa Hitchens, Michael Katz-Hyman

Space and Defense

The question of what constitutes the proper military uses of space is not just a debate over space weapons and attacks on satellites. It is a debate that sheds light on the fundamental decisions that states and their citizens will have to make over the next century as we both explore and exploit space for its scientific, strategic, and economic value. Furthermore, the context of this debate changes year to year as the physical and political environment of space changes.

An Inchoate Process For The International Regulation Of Military Activities In Space, Baker Spring

Space and Defense

As the breadth and depth of military activities in space expand, demands are growing to regulate these activities at the international level. In some cases, these demands stem from the recognition that broader national security operations in space are moving away from a legacy of being dominated by secret intelligence activities and in the direction of more open military activities.1 In other cases, they are driven by the efforts of arms control advocates to roll back the “weaponization of space.”2 Regardless of the underlying motivations, the demands for international regulation are going to grow, and the debate will turn increasingly …

Viewpoint: Space Law And The Advancement Of Spacepower, Peter L. Hays

Space and Defense

The opinions, conclusions, and recommendations expressed or implied in this paper are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the United States Air Force, Department of Defense, or United States Government. The author thanks David Koplow, Phil Meek, and Michael Saretsky for their extremely helpful comments on previous versions of this article.

Space law has and should continue to play an essential role in the evolution of spacepower. Testing the principle of “freedom of space” and helping establish the legality of satellite overflight were primary objectives of NSC- 5520, the first U.S. …

A Good Starting Point For Deterrence, Dean Cheng

Space and Defense

A central focus for much of the Cold War was determining what would deter the Soviet Union; this was a topic upon which many of the West’s best and brightest labored to determine. In order to deter the former Soviet Union, a huge intellectual edifice was erected, which helped guide a variety of military programs, including not only the American strategic triad of land-based and sea-based missiles and manned bombers, but tactical nuclear weapons, hardened command and control, and space-based early warning systems. It also incorporated concepts, such as “extended deterrence,” “escalation dominance,” and “mutual assured destruction.”

Space Deterrence: The Delicate Balance Of Risk, Roger G. Harrison, Deron R. Jackson, Collins G. Shackelford

Space and Defense

The United States has created a military structure that is heavily satellite-dependent, without making corresponding improvements in the survivability of its space systems. The result is a classic opportunity for asymmetric, preemptive attack. The central question of this study is how to structure a strategy of deterrence to persuade potentially hostile actors that the costs of attack will nevertheless outweigh the benefits.

Strategic Communications With China About Space, Joan Johnson-Freese

Space and Defense

In 2006, I published an article entitled “Strategic Communication with China: What Message About Space?”1 The article pointed out that difficulties encountered in trying to convey its message regarding the Global War on Terror to a global audience had convinced the United States, or at least the Defense Science Board, that it needed to use strategic communications more effectively. From there I extrapolated, “If one believes that big problems are best tackled in small bites, ‘space’ perhaps offers an area where the United States can begin to understand and tackle some of the strategic communication issues it faces.”2 Communication mishaps …

Space And Sino-American Security Relations, Peter L. Hays

Space and Defense

China’s emphasis on space exploration and its development and use of space capabilities are prominent and tangible expressions of its emergence as a great power and make space an increasingly important dimension of Sino-American relations. In October 2003 China independently launched and recovered its first taikonaut, becoming just the third member of an elite spacefaring club with Russia and the United States. Then in January 2007 China first successfully tested a kinetic energy anti-satellite (ASAT) weapon and again joined Russia and the United States as one of only three states known to have demonstrated this capability. China’s growing power and …

Speech For The 2008 National Space Forum, Wayne Allard

Space and Defense

Good afternoon. It is a pleasure to be here with all of you today at the National Space Forum, and it is an honor to be here with so many industry experts and leaders. I thank our sponsors, the Eisenhower Center for Space and Defense Studies at the U.S. Air Force Academy and also the Center for Strategic and International Studies, for hosting this important event and for giving me an opportunity to speak to you today. In the Senate I have long supported the Center for Space and Defense Studies, and I am pleased to see the Center executing …

Too Many Beasts: The Fiction And Reality Of Child Soldiers, Adam Moore

Ohio Northern University International Law Journal

No abstract provided.

Lawfare And Us Economic Supremacy: The Bank Secrecy Act, Fcpa, Usa Patriot Act, And Ofac Sanctions, Cameron Keyani

Ohio Northern University International Law Journal

No abstract provided.

Ford Hall Forum Program List, 1908-1922, Ford Hall Forum

Ford Hall Forum Documents and Photographs

No abstract provided.

Experiential Learning In Computer Engineering Using Basic Logic Design Circuits, Omer Alkelany

Journal of Engineering Research

Abstract- One of the main tracks of research is about Low-cost computing devices in engineering educations. This track face the problem that conventual methods are either too trivial demonstrative educational examples, or too abstracted that it hides away the necessary details students should learn, or too complex industry grade demonstrations. This research targets to utilize lost cost computing devices, and produce multiple step-by-step, educational components for university level. It relies on on the experiential learning methodology via generating multiple level educational components for Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) devices. Two basic design circuits were illustrated in this paper for two …

Preliminary Design Of Reconfigurable Logic Experiential Learning Board For Computer Engineering Research And Education, Omer Alkelany Alkelany

Journal of Engineering Research

Modern research tracks in computer engineering is benefiting from reconfigurable logic hardware. It allows for rapid prototyping of early-stage concepts in hardware and validate its implementation. However, their manufacturers usually offer complex boards, which may offer components not used. Thus, in this research paper, we offer a preliminary design of a basic reconfigurable logic boards, with only basic components, to minimize its cost. This research targets to utilize lost cost Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) devices. A basic printed circuit board design is illustrated in this paper for demonstration purposes. A comparison between comparable board components, and the proposed one …

Provost Presents Faculty Research Series: "Where We Belong: An Academic Book Presentation", Daisy Ocampo Diaz

CSUSB Sound and video recordings

No abstract provided.

Stress Response To Winter Warfare Training: Potential Impact Of Location, Lauren M. Visconti, Andrea C. Givens, Lorraine P. Turcotte, Laura Arrington, Karen R. Kelly

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Winter Warfare Training (WWT) is a critical component of military training to prepare individuals to move effectively in harsh conditions. Moving through snow and heavy terrain increases overall stress to the entire human system. PURPOSE: The purpose of this effort was to quantify the stress response during WWT to determine the level of physiological adaptation to extreme environments. METHODS: Mountain and mobility operators (age: 31.5±1.4 years; height: 71.1±0.5 inches; weight: 192.5±6.6 lbs.; body fat percentage: 18.0±5.0%) were recruited for this effort. Participants engaged in baseline laboratory metrics at their home station located in Colorado (CO) prior to WWT for one …

Chemicals And Creeds: Cbrn Weapon Use And Religious-Based Terrorism, Nikolai Apilado

Governance: The Political Science Journal at UNLV

General theories of terrorism typically focus on economic, social, or political factors that lead to terrorist acts. Conversely, chemical, biological, radiational, and nuclear (CBRN) weapons are rarely spoken of in academic literature. Yet, these weapons are still used by terrorists in some capacity. In this paper, I argue that religion is the primary factor that influences terrorists to pursue CBRN weapons as opposed to more secular-based terrorists. This is due to the fact that religious-based terrorists are not concerned with preserving their reputation or credibility among society, as well as being so blinded by their religion that they are willing …

Building A Diverse Cybersecurity Workforce: A Study On Attracting Learners With Varied Educational Backgrounds, Mubashrah Saddiqa, Kristian Helmer Kjær Larsen1 Helmer Kjær Larsen, Robert Nedergaard Nielsen, Jens Myrup Pedersen

Journal of Cybersecurity Education, Research and Practice

Cybersecurity has traditionally been perceived as a highly technical field, centered around hacking, programming, and network defense. However, this article contends that the scope of cybersecurity must transcend its technical confines to embrace a more inclusive approach. By incorporating various concepts such as privacy, data sharing, and ethics, cybersecurity can foster diversity among audiences with varying educational backgrounds, thereby cultivating a richer and more resilient security landscape. A more diverse cybersecurity workforce can provide a broader range of perspectives, experiences, and skills to address the complex and ever-evolving threats of the digital age. The research focuses on enhancing cybersecurity education …

Agency Theory And Audit Quality, Burim Isa Berisha Bb

International Journal of Business and Technology

Auditing plays a vital role in reducing both: information asymmetry by empirically confi rming the validity of fi nancial statements and agency problems. The principal- agent confl ict illustrated in agency theory, where principal (owner) lack reasons to believe their agents (managers) because of information asymmetries and contradictory motives. Information asymmetry deals with the study of decisions in transactions where one party has more or superior information than other. Agents (either directors or auditors) may be trustworthy without further incentives to align interest or monitoring strategies such as audit or increased regulation. However, the simple agency model would recommend that …

Domicide: Architecture, War, And The Destruction Of Home In Syria By Ammar Azzouz, S Murrani

School of Art, Design and Architecture

No abstract provided.