Digital Commons Network^™

External Financing, Governance, And Infrastructure Development: Evidence From Sub-Saharan Africa, Afees Oluwashina Noah, Oladipo Olalekan David

CSID Journal of Infrastructure Development

Infrastructure development in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) requires diversified financing strategies to address a significant funding shortfall that cannot be met by domestic resources alone. This research evaluates the contributions of external financing—namely Official Development Assistance (ODA), Foreign Direct Investment (FDI), and Private Participation in Infrastructure (PPI)—in complementing domestic efforts to advance infrastructure in SSA. It examines their influence, alongside governance, on the development of physical and social infrastructure components. Employing methodologies such as Panel-Corrected Standard Errors (PCSE) and System Generalized Method of Moments (SGMM) across 43 SSA economies from 2000 to 2022, the analysis reveals that FDI substantially enhances physical …

Digital Twin And Cybersecurity In Additive Manufacturing, Lidong Wang

Journal of Cybersecurity Education, Research and Practice

Additive manufacturing (AM) has been applied to automotive, aerospace, medical sectors, etc., but there are still challenges such as parts’ porosity, cracks, surface roughness, intrinsic anisotropy, and residual stress because of the high level of thermal gradient. It is significant to conduct the modeling and simulation of the AM process and achieve quality products. Digital Twin (DT) can help AM with forecasting defects/errors through simulation and real-time process monitoring. DT is a concept of Industry 4.0, and its digital structure reflects the real-time behaviors of a cyber-physical or physical system. This paper introduces the progress of DT applications in AM, …

Impact Of Logistics Factors On Procurement Of Construction Materials In Lokoja, Kogi State, Muhammed Etudaiye Ohida, Isa Imam, Araoye Olarinkoye Ajiboye

CSID Journal of Infrastructure Development

This study investigates the influence of logistics factors on the procurement of construction materials in Lokoja, Kogi State, aiming to identify and rank the critical elements affecting material procurement in building projects. A total of 250 questionnaires were distributed across nineteen neighborhoods in Lokoja using a random sampling technique. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, while the T-test assessed the significance of identified logistics factors. The findings revealed that seventeen logistics factors influence material procurement, with seven factors emerging as the most significant: on-time delivery, transportation challenges, material misdelivery, delivery inaccuracies, order processing, storage capacity limitations, and ineffective information flow. …

Perceptions Of Black Women’S Portraits Of Beauty In Essence Magazine, Dr. Rachel Mingo

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Historically, beauty standards in the United States were rooted in White ideals, influencing media portrayals of Black women to align with White features like lighter skin and straightened hair. Although recent studies suggest a slow shift toward a more diverse representation of Black beauty, depictions in magazines still predominantly reflect mainstream Western beauty ideals, leading to potential negative impacts on Black women’s self-esteem and body image. The purpose of this generic qualitative study was to explore how young Black women, ages 18–25, perceive portrayals of Black beauty in Essence magazine. Black feminist thought constituted the theoretical basis for this study. …

Composite Materials And Filaments Composed Of The Same For Printing Three Dimensional Articles, Jing Wang, Vishvajitsinh Kosamiya

USF Patents

Described herein are composite materials composed of ceramic particles coated with a surfactant incorporated within a polymer matrix, methods of making same, filaments composed of the same, and articles printed using the filaments. The composite materials and articles described herein have desirable electronic and thermal properties for use in radio frequency (RF) and millimeter wave devices and demonstrate reliable performance at elevated humidity levels.

System And Method For Online Multivariate Anomaly Detection And Localization, Mahsa Mozaffari, Keval Doshi, Yasin Yilmaz

USF Patents

A system and method for real-time detection of anomalies in high-dimensional systems. Various embodiments detect anomalies quickly and accurately to allow adequate time for appropriate countermeasures to be implemented. The sequential and multivariate anomaly detection method scales well to high-dimensional datasets using a nonparametric and semi-supervised approach that trains only on nominal data.

System Of And Method For Predicting And/Or Casting A Vote Via Brain Activity, Rupal Agarwal, Marvin Andujar

USF Patents

Described herein relates to a system of and method for predicting and/or casting votes via a brain-computer interface. The voting system may be configured to allow at least one user to input and/or cast a vote using their brain activity. Additionally, the voting system uses a machine learning and/or classifying algorithm for classification of the brain data and prediction of the vote of the user. The voting system is also configured to synchronize brain activity to the at least one user, such that each vote may be correctly tallied to the at least one user, eliminating fraudulent voting via false …

3d Printed Heart Model With Simulated Cardiac Stroke Volumes, Fadi Matar, Jonathan Michael Ford, Summer Joy Decker

USF Patents

Disclosed herein is a 3D printed heart model with simulated cardiac stroke volumes. It involves an inner membrane conforming to the shape of the inner lining of the ventricle. This results in the creation of a compression pouch with a potential space (compression sac) bordered by the inner surface of the simulated ventricle and the outer surface of the inner membrane. The inner membrane also defines a neo-ventricular chamber that is in contact with blood simulating fluid. A pulsatile flow pump can serve as a hydrodynamic driver for inflow and outflow into and out of the compression sac. This can …

Glucose-Lowering Agents Developed In The Last Two Decades And Their Perioperative Implications, Basavana Goudra, Geno Merli, Michael Green

Department of Anesthesiology Faculty Papers

The last two decades have provided far more options f both patients and their physicians in the treatment of diabetes mellitus. While dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitors (DPP-4is) and glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RAs) have been approved for nearly two decades, sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors (SGLT-2is) are relatively new. Of interest to perioperative physicians, these drugs present specific perioperative concerns, prompting many societies to issue guidelines. Retained gastric contents due to slow gastric emptying is a significant drawback of GLP-1RAs, increasing the risk of aspiration. Recommendations include withholding GLP-1RAs for a predefined period of time, performing gastric ultrasound to evaluate gastric …

Gender Equity And Coffee Agroforestry: The Environmental And Social Impacts Of Commodity Production In Latin America, Suzanna Lloyd

Student Theses 2015-Present

This paper addresses the environmental and social implications of coffee growth and production in Latin America. Women contribute significantly to the ownership of coffee farms and labor of coffee production; however, there is a lack of resources and financial compensation for their work. Chapter One provides both quantitative and qualitative data on the environmental impacts of coffee plantations compared to agroforestry methods of coffee production in Latin America. This chapter defines basic terms, differentiates coffee species and mode of production, and explains the ecosystem services of biodiverse, tropical farms. Chapter Two highlights the patriarchal nature of Latin American agriculture systems …

Order Confirming Disclosure Statement And Disclosure Statement

Catholic Dioceses in Bankruptcy

No abstract provided.

The Importance Of The Pontificate Of The Pope John Paul Ii In International Relations, M. Manuel Azevedo

Global: Jurnal Politik Internasional

This work analyses Pope John Paul II’s contributions and attitudes as an international relations Actor. In this context, the research question that guides this work is as follows in terms of global governance, how did the conduct carried out by Pope John Paul II strengthen him as a Model Power? John Paul II inaugurated a new phase of the Vatican’s foreign policy. His diplomacy in mediation and conflict resolution stands out as a fundamental pillar of his pontificate, contributing to the fall of the communist regime in Poland and many other conflicts such as the mediation of the Holy See …

An Ontology-Based Approach For Understanding Appendicectomy Processes And Associated Resources, Nadeesha Pathiraja Rathnayaka Hitige, Ting Song, Steven J Craig, Kimberley J Davis, Xubing Hao, Licong Cui, Ping Yu

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Background: Traditional methods for analysing surgical processes often fall short in capturing the intricate interconnectedness between clinical procedures, their execution sequences, and associated resources such as hospital infrastructure, staff, and protocols.

Aim: This study addresses this gap by developing an ontology for appendicectomy, a computational model that comprehensively represents appendicectomy processes and their resource dependencies to support informed decision making and optimise appendicectomy healthcare delivery.

Methods: The ontology was developed using the NeON methodology, drawing knowledge from existing ontologies, scholarly literature, and de-identified patient data from local hospitals.

Results: The resulting ontology comprises 108 classes, including 11 top-level classes and …

Muqarnas In Damascus: A Forgotten Treasure’S History, Inception And Geometry, Nahed Jawad Chakouf

All Works

The architecture of the Islamic world encompasses both religious and secular buildings that are unified by the use of a common architectural language, which includes architectural elements such as minarets, domes and arches, ornamental details, and vaulting with the use of muqarnas. The study provides a broad overview of the development of Islamic architecture, focusing on Damascus, the early Islamic period, the mid-Islamic period and the late Islamic period. The late Islamic period includes Ottoman art, with architecture influenced by Byzantine, Persian, Armenian, and Mamluk artefacts, but differs from their predecessors. The researcher undertook a geometric analysis of the muqarnas …

Perceptions Of Early Childhood System Partners On Career Pathways, Melissa Larson Busby

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Researchers have found high-quality early childhood teachers are crucial to high-quality programs for young children. Despite this, there is a significant need for more highly qualified teachers in a southwestern state. The purpose of the qualitative study was to explore the perceptions of early childhood education (ECE) systems partners in one southwestern state regarding the current systems, structures, and policies related to career pathways through the high school, community college, and university levels. The conceptual framework for this study was based on von Bertalanffy’s general systems theory and systems thinkers such as Senge, who detail the complex interactions between systems …

Geneseo Authors Celebration 2024, Milne Library

Geneseo Authors Celebration

Milne Library began a tradition of celebrating faculty authorship in 2009 with a series of workshops and a celebration in collaboration with the Teaching and Learning Center. Over the years it has evolved to more accurately reflect on the variety of academic and creative work done here at Geneseo. The annual Geneseo Authors Celebration is an opportunity for the Library and the campus to celebrate the faculty and truly acknowledge the time and effort that faculty have invested into creating exceptional works that contribute to the scholarly discussions taking place in their disciplines.

In late fall 2024, when the Geneseo …

Perceptions Of Early Childhood System Partners On Career Pathways, Melissa Larson Busby

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Researchers have found high-quality early childhood teachers are crucial to high-quality programs for young children. Despite this, there is a significant need for more highly qualified teachers in a southwestern state. The purpose of the qualitative study was to explore the perceptions of early childhood education (ECE) systems partners in one southwestern state regarding the current systems, structures, and policies related to career pathways through the high school, community college, and university levels. The conceptual framework for this study was based on von Bertalanffy’s general systems theory and systems thinkers such as Senge, who detail the complex interactions between systems …

Hiring, Training, And Retaining Mental Health Professionals At Rural Wisconsin Correctional Facilities, Jessica Kallenbach

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Correctional facilities in rural Wisconsin have noted a shortage of trained mental health professionals to provide care. Common barriers to providing mental health services in rural areas are the availability and accessibility of mental health professionals. Due to limited access to financial and career benefits, mental health professionals tend to avoid working in these areas. The purpose of this qualitative phenomenological study was to explore the lived experience of mental health professionals, administrators, and supervisors in hiring, training, and retaining staff in rural Wisconsin correctional facilities. Bandura’s social learning theory was used to guide the study. Data was collected from …

Corporate Social Responsibility, Economic, Ethical-Legal, And Philanthropic Performances In Ghanaian Banks Using Big Data Analytics, Mohammed Alhassan Adams

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Corporate social responsibility (CSR) is becoming increasingly essential for Ghanaian banks to reconcile financial growth with ethical, legal, and civic obligations amid escalating societal expectations. The specific research problem was that the extent to which Ghanaian banks employed big data analytics (BDA) to boost multidimensional CSR performance encompassing economic, ethical-legal, and philanthropic dimensions was unknown. The purpose of this quantitative correlational study was to examine the potential impacts of BDA use and overall CSR performance on Ghanaian banks’ economic, ethical-legal, and philanthropic dimensions of CSR. Using stakeholder theory and a resource-based view, BDA was applied as a strategic tool for …

Special Education Co-Teachers’ Role In The Adoption Of Information And Communication Technology Tools In Inclusive Classrooms, Amy Hysick

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Co-teaching is a common service delivery model where a general and special education teacher are paired in the same classroom, though little is known about the experiences of secondary special education co-teachers in the adoption and use of information and communication technology (ICT) tools in inclusive, co-taught classrooms. The purpose of this qualitative study was to investigate the experiences of special education co-teachers in the adoption and use of ICT tools. Venkatesh et al.’s unified theory of the acceptance and use of technology was the conceptual framework for the study. The research question focused on the experiences of special education …

Perceptions Of Black Women’S Portraits Of Beauty In Essence Magazine, Dr. Rachel Mingo

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Historically, beauty standards in the United States were rooted in White ideals, influencing media portrayals of Black women to align with White features like lighter skin and straightened hair. Although recent studies suggest a slow shift toward a more diverse representation of Black beauty, depictions in magazines still predominantly reflect mainstream Western beauty ideals, leading to potential negative impacts on Black women’s self-esteem and body image. The purpose of this generic qualitative study was to explore how young Black women, ages 18–25, perceive portrayals of Black beauty in Essence magazine. Black feminist thought constituted the theoretical basis for this study. …

Corporate Social Responsibility, Economic, Ethical-Legal, And Philanthropic Performances In Ghanaian Banks Using Big Data Analytics, Mohammed Alhassan Adams

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Corporate social responsibility (CSR) is becoming increasingly essential for Ghanaian banks to reconcile financial growth with ethical, legal, and civic obligations amid escalating societal expectations. The specific research problem was that the extent to which Ghanaian banks employed big data analytics (BDA) to boost multidimensional CSR performance encompassing economic, ethical-legal, and philanthropic dimensions was unknown. The purpose of this quantitative correlational study was to examine the potential impacts of BDA use and overall CSR performance on Ghanaian banks’ economic, ethical-legal, and philanthropic dimensions of CSR. Using stakeholder theory and a resource-based view, BDA was applied as a strategic tool for …

Generative Ai In Shariah Advisory In Islamic Finance: An Experimental Study, Muhammad Noman Jokhio, Muhammad Asif Jaffer

Business Review

Islamic banks adhere strictly to Shariah principles in all operations and offerings, creating a demand for experts proficient in Shariah-compliant banking and finance. This study investigates the potential of using generative AI, specifically Large Language Models (LLMs), to provide Shariah advisory in complex Islamic financing scenarios. The research evaluates general purpose public LLMs—such as ChatGPT, Gemini, and Meta AI—on their ability to identify Shariah compliance issues, cite relevant Shariah references, and propose actionable guidance for resolving compliance challenges in complex Islamic financing scenarios. A qualitative approach was used. The experimental study involved creation of complex, realistic financing scenarios requiring Shariah …

Epithelial Barrier Hypothesis: A Systematic Review, Krishna Patel, Peter Lio

Student Publications

Background

The epithelial barriers, which include the skin, the gut, and the respiratory lining, play a crucial role in protecting the body from pathogens and environmental threats. Many harmful toxins are increasingly part of modern life. The increase in usage of these damaging agents in conjunction with the increase in allergic inflammatory conditions suggests that the “epithelial barrier hypothesis”—the concept that damage to the epithelia by external agents can result in dysbiosis, inflammation, and allergy—may explain the rise in these conditions seen in the developed world.

Objective

We sought to assess the evidence for the epithelial barrier hypothesis, with particular …

Non(Belonging) Of Ethnic Minority Communities In Britain: Researcher Reflections, Suparna Bagchi

School of Law, Humanities and Social Sciences

Introduction. There is limited research concerning the experiences of people belonging to ethnic minority communities in predominantly White places (Cline et al., 2002; Garland & Chakraborti, 2006; Scourfield & Davies, 2005). Predominantly White places are those that are inhabited by people from ethnic minority communities with restricted communication with places of worship, cultural institutions and educational norms of their communities, for which they do not feel included (DfES, 2004). In these places, these people not only reside in an invisible state (Bhopal, 2014), but their voices also stay unheard (Chakraborti & Garland, 2004) in official records (Pac-Soo & Taylor, 2023). …

Providing Enhanced Learning In Llms By Associating Data With Role-Based Source Information, Laxmi Mukund, Shraddha S K

Defensive Publications Series

In today's fast-paced world, the rapid introduction of new product features necessitates accurate and timely documentation. Traditional manual documentation methods are inefficient, error-prone, and often result in outdated information. Techniques are presented herein to address these challenges by leveraging Large Language Models (LLMs) to automate the generation of precise and reliable documents by associating data with well-defined role-based source information. The impact of this solution goes beyond generating documentation for new features; it can also be extended to enable targeted stakeholder interactions, to identify speakers in recorded conversations, and to classify unclassified dialogues.

Research Summaries: Access To Education, Erica Jensen

Journal of Nonprofit Innovation

No abstract provided.

Full Issue: Access To Education, Angie Holzer

Journal of Nonprofit Innovation

No abstract provided.

Public Disclosure And Its Impact On Ceo Compensation: Evidence Of Media Influence, Xin Zhao

Journal of Global Awareness

I examine the effect of the AFL-CIO executive paywatch identification on future CEO compensation. My findings indicate that the public disclosure of CEO compensation has a negative impact on subsequent changes in CEO pay. Additionally, I find that CEOs with ex-ante overpayment have experienced changes in their subsequent compensation. This paper contributes to the literature by documenting that firms respond to negative press coverage of CEO compensation, even after controlling for the mean reversion effect associated with high CEO pay.

Assessing State Laws And Regulations On Radon In Us Childcare Centers, Benjamin Poku, Sayed Hussaini

Journal of Global Awareness

In the US, radon is the second most significant contributor to lung cancer, following smoking. Despite this, there is a notable absence of state-level measures and guidelines aimed at managing and mitigating the risks associated with exposure to radon gas. The objective of this research was to investigate whether state-level laws regarding radon in childcare centers have a correlation with the proportion of counties in each state that fall under radon zone 1 (with levels exceeding 4 pCi/L). The research method was secondary analysis. Data was gathered from multiple sources, including the EPA radon website, academic journals, official state government …