Digital Commons Network^™

Technology Is Not Your Friend: How One Mobile App Harms Asylum Seekers, Alexandra Kepler

California Western International Law Journal

No abstract provided.

A Rising Pride Lifts All Boats: Canada Should Accept U.S. Transgender Asylum-Seekers And Codify Gender Identity As A Protected Ground For Asylum, Benjamin Decarlo

California Western International Law Journal

No abstract provided.

The Exceptional Unfairness Of The “Exceptional And Extremely Unusual Hardship” Test, Bin Mohsin, Momin

Santa Clara Journal of International Law

Legislators often face criticism for introducing ambiguous terms into law. The "exceptional and extremely unusual hardship" (EEUH) standard in U.S. immigration law is one such prominent example. Delving into a historical analysis, the article tracks the evolution of the EEUH standard from its incorporation in the Immigration and Nationality Act of 1952 to its current applications. Through a comprehensive survey across different jurisdictions such as the UK, Canada, and Australia, the paper exposes the inadequacies of the EEUH standard, emphasizing its obsolescence. Advocating for a paradigmatic reassessment, it proposes the replacement of the EEUH standard with the “best interest of …

Keynote Speech By John Knox, Former U.N. Special Rapporteur For Human Rights And The Environment, John Knox

Case Western Reserve Journal of International Law

No abstract provided.

Climate Change And Internal Displacement In Colombia: Chronicle Of A Tragedy Foretold?, Camila Bustos

Case Western Reserve Journal of International Law

One of the key challenges stemming from climate change will be climate displacement, as sudden and gradual events disrupt livelihoods and force millions to leave their homes. Despite the existing scholarship’s focus on cross-border movement, the majority of climate displaced people will move internally instead of or before seeking refuge outside their nation’s borders. What obligations do states owe to their citizens when those states have historically not been emitters but have still failed to protect domestic populations from displacement related to environmental disasters and climate change impacts? Through exploring the disaster management framework in Colombia and conducting a case …

2023 Klatsky Endowed Lecture In Human Rights: The Forgotten Crime: Forging A Convention For Crimes Against Humanity, Leila Nadya Sadat

Case Western Reserve Journal of International Law

No abstract provided.

In Vitro Assessment Of The Anti-Biofilm Effectiveness Of Copper And Zinc Enhanced Borate Bioactive Glass Using Processed Microscopic Images, Sarah Fakher, David J. Westenberg

Biological Sciences Faculty Research & Creative Works

The escalating burden of nosocomial infections presents a formidable challenge to healthcare systems worldwide, leading to increased morbidity, prolonged hospital stays, and elevated healthcare costs. These infections are often resistant to conventional antibiotic therapies due to their association with biofilms which contribute to the persistence and resistance of pathogens. In addressing the challenge of biofilm-associated nosocomial infections, borate bioactive glasses (BBGs) have emerged as promising biomaterials. Doping these glasses with antimicrobial metals could potentially harness their antibacterial properties to prevent biofilm formation. This study undertakes a rigorous evaluation of the anti-biofilm efficacy of copper and zinc-doped BBGs by employing processed …

Creatures Who Advocate: An Ecocritical Reading Of Jubilate Agno, Min Wild

School of Law, Humanities and Social Sciences

For I pray God for the ostriches of Salisbury Plain, the beavers of the Medway and silver fish of Thames"(Jubilate Agno, B153): species extinction in Christopher Smart s unique poem is the focal point of this essay. That the poem s ecstatic scope offers a leveling care for the nonhuman has been acknowledged, but here I argue that it speaks out of abjection: The poet is the supplicant, asking all Earth s creatures to advocate for him before God. Additionally, focusing particularly on the figure of the beaver, I highlight the medieval animal fable as a valid mode of understanding …

Assimilation As A Tactic For Cultural Genocide: Tibetan Children In Boarding Schools, Naeyong Choedon

Emory International Law Review

No abstract provided.

The Conundrum Of The Essential Security Exception: Can The Wto Resolve The Gatt Article Xxi Crisis And Save The Dispute Settlement Mechanism?, Stephen Kho, Yujin Mcnamara, Sarah Kirwin, Brooke Davies

American University International Law Review

The continued blocking of Appellate Body members to the World Trade Organization’s dispute settlement mechanism has thrown the multilateral trading system’s most important governing body into an existential crisis. As a precondition for resuming the WTO’s dispute settlement functions, the United States has insisted that WTO Members agree that the “essential security exception” under Article XXI(b) of the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade of 1994 is wholly self- judging and thus nonjusticiable. This article argues that the U.S. position is unsupported by the text, context, object and purpose, and negotiating history of Article XXI. Moreover, the U.S. position poses …

Repurposing The United Nations Trusteeship Council To Govern The Establishment Of Outer Space Settlements, Andrew Wulf

Northwestern Journal of International Law & Business

Current existing international law and treaties on outer space do not address or regulate private actors’ property claims or human settlements in outer space. American companies such as SpaceX and Blue Origin, as well as countries like the United States, Russia, and China, are seeking to create colonies on the Moon and Mars. However, there is no international legal authority to allow or regulate this. In order to legitimize and control this impending outgrowth of human settlements, this paper proposes that the U.N. Trusteeship Council be repurposed to govern non-state actors’ claims of outer space property.

First, this paper explains …

Do Ndcs Submitted By The Parties Under The Paris Agreement Imply Binding Commitments? A Legal Analysis, Sharaban Tahura Zaman

American University International Law Review

NDCs submitted by State Parties under the PA genuinely do not represent commitments and intentions from the author State to be legally bound by the pledges they’ve communicated within their submitted NDCs. While NDCs reflect the political will and aspirations of nations, tied to their socio-economic realities, they lack concrete, enforceable domestic mitigation standards. This dilemma poses pressing questions: If NDCs are primarily political declarations and domestic courts don’t hold states accountable for their submitted mitigation targets, how can we ensure states fulfill their pledges for mitigation? Can NDCs genuinely drive state behavioral change for energy transition? Furthermore, there is …

Failed Dreams Of Transformative Legal Education: The (Non)-Americanization Of East Asian Lawyers, Jedidiah J. Kroncke

Fordham International Law Journal

No abstract provided.

Optimizing Uav-Assisted Data Collection In Iot Sensor Networks Using Dual Cluster Head Strategy, Keiwan Soltani, Federico Coro, Sajal K. Das

Computer Science Faculty Research & Creative Works

The proliferation of the Internet of Things (IoT) has significantly impacted the integration of digital and physical realms, with Wireless Sensor Networks (WSN s) playing a crucial role. However, these sensor nodes often face challenges related to battery constraints and deployment in inaccessible terrains. The advent of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) presents a transformative solution, particularly for data collection from remote IoT devices. This work explores the application of UAV s to improve data collection in dense IoT sensor networks. We propose a novel approach called optimizing UAV-assisted data collection in IoT sensor networks using Dual Cluster Head (UAVDCH) that …

A Hypergraph Approach To Deep Learning Based Routing In Software-Defined Vehicular Networks, Ankur Nahar, Nishit Bhardwaj, Debasis Das, Sajal K. Das

Computer Science Faculty Research & Creative Works

Software-Defined Vehicular Networks (SDVNs) revolutionize modern transportation by enabling dynamic and adaptable communication infrastructures. However, accurately capturing the dynamic communication patterns in vehicular networks, characterized by intricate spatio-temporal dynamics, remains a challenge with traditional graph-Based models. Hypergraphs, due to their ability to represent multi-way relationships, provide a more nuanced representation of these dynamics. Building on this hypergraph foundation, we introduce a novel hypergraph-Based routing algorithm. We jointly train a model that incorporates Convolutional Neural Networks (CNN) and Gated Recurrent Units (GRU) using a Deep Deterministic Policy Gradient (DDPG) approach. This model carefully extracts spatial and temporal traffic matrices, capturing elements …

Warmonger Attack: A Novel Attack Vector In Serverless Computing, Junjie Xiong, Mingkui Wei, Zhuo Lu, Yao Liu

Computer Science Faculty Research & Creative Works

We debut the Warmonger attack, a novel attack vector that can cause denial-of-service between a serverless computing platform and an external content server. The Warmonger attack exploits the fact that a serverless computing platform shares the same set of egress IPs among all serverless functions, which belong to different users, to access an external content server. As a result, a malicious user on this platform can purposefully misbehave and cause these egress IPs to be blocked by the content server, resulting in a platform-wide denial of service. To validate the effectiveness of the Warmonger attack, we conducted extensive experiments over …

Mitigating Intensive Care Unit Noise: Design-Led Modeling Solutions, Calculated Acoustic Outcomes, And Cost Implications, Emil E. Jonescu, Benjamin Farrel, Chamil E. Ramanayaka, Christopher White, Giuseppe Costanzo, Lori Delaney, Rebecca Hahn, Janet Ferrier, Edward Litton

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Objectives, Purpose, or Aim: The study aimed to decrease noise levels in the ICU, anticipated to have adverse effects on both patients and staff, by implementing enhancements in acoustic design. Background: Recognizing ICU noise as a significant disruptor of sleep and a potential hindrance to patient recovery, this study was conducted at a 40-bed ICU in Fiona Stanley Hospital in Perth, Australia. Methods: A comprehensive mixed-methods approach was employed, encompassing surveys, site analysis, and acoustic measurements. Survey data highlighted the importance of patient sleep quality, emphasizing the negative impact of noise on work performance, patient connection, and job satisfaction. Room …

Music As A Determinant Of Health Among First Nations People In Australia: A Scoping Narrative Review, Brigitta Scarfe, Kristy Apps, Naomi Sunderland, Phil Graham, Brydie Leigh Bartleet, Glenn Barry, Darren Garvey, Rae Cooper, Clint Bracknell

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Issue Addressed:

While social determinants frameworks are still popular in research about First Nations health in Australia, a growing body of research prefers cultural determinants of health models. Cultural determinants models provide a holistic, strength-based framework to explain connections between health and contextual factors, including the potential role of music and its impact on social and emotional well-being. Given the growing international recognition of links between music, health, and wellbeing through bodies such as the World Health Organisation, this article examines whether and how music practices are acknowledged in First Nations determinants of health literature.

Methods:

We conducted a scoping …

Secure Location-Based Authenticated Key Establishment Scheme For Maritime Communication, Saurabh Agrawal, Anusha Vangala, Ashok Kumar Das, Neeraj Kumar, Sachin Shetty, Sajal K. Das

Computer Science Faculty Research & Creative Works

Maritime communication helps vessels and ports plan their movements, exchange environmental information, and communicate among themselves. The vessels' movement and changing location are critical to keep them secure from data interception and data tampering by unauthorized parties during transmission. To secure maritime communication, we propose a novel lightweight authentication scheme sensitive to the current ship location. We assess the effectiveness of the proposed protocol in defending against a range of security threats while keeping communication and computation costs low and meeting the desired security and functional requirements of anonymity and untraceability. The detailed security analysis using the widely accepted Scyther …

The Heart Is Never In Question (Collected Poems), Michael Issac Bethel

Writing Beyond the Prison Living Archive

Poetry on Identity/Self-determination

Hoodies In The Halls Of Power: A Rhetorical Materialist Critique Of Professional Decorum In The United States Senate, Ryan Cheek, Samuel T. Allen

English and Technical Communication Faculty Research & Creative Works

This brief paper explores the controversy surrounding Senator John Fetterman's sartorial choices of casual attire in the hyper-professionalized space of the United States Senate. Fetterman's clothing choices transcend mere fashion; they embody a statement of class identity and challenge the established power dynamics within the Senate. His attire reflects Pittsburgh's industrial and labor-oriented history, in contrast to the conventional, affluent image most associated with politicians. Although controversial, Fetterman's white male privilege minimized the consequences of his indecorous behavior. The reactions to Fetterman's attire highlight the debate over what constitutes appropriate professional decorum, unveiling the underlying biases and demonstrating how something …

Endorsing A Biophychosocial Perspective Of Pain In Individuals With Chronic Pain: Development And Validation Of A Scale, Maria Kleinstäuber, Eric L. Garland, Brittany L. Sisco-Taylor, Mathias Sanyer, Julia Corfe-Tan, Antonia Barke

Psychology Faculty Publications

Objectives:

Patients' beliefs about pain play an important role in their readiness to engage with chronic pain self-management. The central aim of this study was to validate a self-report instrument to assess a specific set of pain beliefs, patients' endorsement of a biopsychosocial model of chronic pain (PEB).

Methods:

Interdisciplinary experts in the field of pain were involved in creating an instrument, the PEB Scale, to operationalize patients' endorsement of a biopsychosocial pain model. A sample of 199 patients with chronic pain was recruited to evaluate the factorial structure (principal axis factoring), the internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha), the convergent …

Genetic Risk For Alzheimer’S Disease Alters Perceived Executive Dysfunction In Cognitively Healthy Middle-Aged And Older Adults, Sarah A. Evans, Elizabeth R. Paitel, Riya Bhasin, Kristy A. Nielson

Psychology Faculty Research and Publications

Background:

Subjective cognitive complaints (SCC) may be an early indicator of future cognitive decline. However, findings comparing SCC and objective cognitive performance have varied, particularly in the memory domain. Even less well established is the relationship between subjective and objective complaints in non-amnestic domains, such as in executive functioning, despite evidence indicating very early changes in these domains. Moreover, particularly early changes in both amnestic and non-amnestic domains are apparent in those carrying the Apolipoprotein-E ɛ4 allele, a primary genetic risk for Alzheimer’s disease (AD).

Objective:

This study investigated the role of the ɛ4 allele in the consistency between subjective …

Sexual Minority Behavioral Health Outcomes: The Role Of Identity Authenticity And Self-Regulation., Zane B. Ballard, Debra L. Oswald

Psychology Faculty Research and Publications

No abstract provided.

Listening To Families: Qualitative Analysis Of Family Perspectives On The Impact Of Participating In A Complex Care Program, Jessica L. Schnell, Astrida S. Kaugars, Sarah Johaningsmeir, Sara K. Quates, K. Jane Lee

Psychology Faculty Research and Publications

Background

Complex Care Programs (CCPs) provide care for children with medical complexity (CMC). The broad impact of CCP participation on families is unknown. This study sought to elucidate what families value about participation in a CCP and what additional benefit families hope CCPs will provide.

Methods

Surveys from families of CMC in a CCP were collected over the course of two years. Responses were summarized for two fixed response satisfaction questions. Qualitative responses to two open-ended questions exploring CCP value were analyzed using content analysis.

Results

Most families (95% and 97%) were somewhat or very satisfied with the CCP. All …

Understanding The Role Of Cultural Competence In Peer Mentorship Programs For International Students: A Student Development Theory Perspective, Nikheal Patel, Daniel W. Calhoun, Steven Tolman

Leadership, Technology & Human Development: Faculty Publications

International students often face challenges while pursuing higher education in a foreign country. These challenges can negatively impact their sense of belonging and community, resulting in social disconnection. Examining the role of culturally competent peer mentoring programs for international students can foster a sense of belonging among international students. Peer mentorship may provide international students with a supportive environment and community, helping them navigate university life. In contrast, student development theory can inform the design of programs and services that support international students in their transition to American higher education. These strategies can create a more inclusive and welcoming environment …

Editorial: The Marine Iodine Cycle, Past, Present, And Future, Rosie Chance, Gregory A. Cutter, Dalton S. Hardisty, Anoop S. Mahajan

OES Faculty Publications

In this Research Topic, we bring together ten articles from the diverse research communities interested in the marine iodine cycle, including paleoceanographers, atmospheric chemists, and biogeochemists. The physical chemistry underpinning iodine’s chemical speciation and transformations in the ocean is reviewed by Luther; this paper provides a theoretical basis for the field observations presented in this Research Topic.

Tracking Social Media Conversations On Extreme Weather Discussion: A Longitudinal Analysis, James Chen, Suhong Li

Information Systems and Analytics Department Faculty Journal Articles

With the increasing number of extreme weather events and various disasters, people are paying more attention to environmental issues than ever, particularly global warming. Public debate on it has grown on various platforms, including newspapers and social media. This study examines emotions of the general public on global warming in the context of extreme weather events, how emotions differ by location and the change of emotion on those topics over the time. Topic modeling is used to reveal dominant topics for each type of extreme weather. The results show that discussions on Twitter predominantly focus on floods and drought/heatwaves. There …

Navigating Whiteness: A Critical Autoethnography Of The Lived Experience Of A Black Female Administrator In The Predominantly White Spaces Of Higher Education, Sheila Miranda Russell

Theses & Dissertations

This critical autoethnographic study explored my multifaceted journey of being Black and female in administration within a predominantly white higher education institution. I drew upon personal narratives and reflections from 25 years of experience in higher education. This study explored the intricate intersections of race, gender, and power dynamics that have shaped my navigation of self and belonging. Furthermore, the study is framed in a Black feminist theoretical approach, acknowledging how the interconnectedness of being Black and female can intersect to shape individual experiences within systems of power and privilege. I used a six-step thematic analysis combined with a systematic …

Beyond Selection And Practice: A Phenomenological Inquiry Into The Lived Experiences Of K-5 Literacy Curriculum Leaders In Long Island, Ny, Mary Elizabeth Pettit

Theses & Dissertations

The ongoing cycle of educational reform in America has led policymakers and educational leaders to prioritize test-based results and de-prioritize noncognitive skills, equitable outcomes, and crucial socio-emotional aspects of schooling (Lynch et al., 2009). Despite the equitable goals outlined in previous education policy reforms, intended outcomes have been eclipsed by the toxic policymakers Global Education Reform Movement (GERM), which ultimately influences the curriculum selection and implementation process (Sahlburg, 2012). A literature review uncovers how inequity has been entrenched in the American education system since the 18th century, perpetuating social stratification and hindering efforts for equitable education reform. Drawing from accountability …