Digital Commons Network^™

Development And Application Of Self-Supervised Machine Learning For Smoke Plume And Active Fire Identification From The Fire Influence On Regional To Global Environments And Air Quality Datasets, Nicholas Lahaye, Anastasija Easley, Kyongsik Yun, Hugo Lee, Erik Linstead, Michael J. Garay, Olga V. Kalashnikova

Engineering Faculty Articles and Research

Fire Influence on Regional to Global Environments and Air Quality (FIREX-AQ) was a field campaign aimed at better understanding the impact of wildfires and agricultural fires on air quality and climate. The FIREX-AQ campaign took place in August 2019 and involved two aircraft and multiple coordinated satellite observations. This study applied and evaluated a self-supervised machine learning (ML) method for the active fire and smoke plume identification and tracking in the satellite and sub-orbital remote sensing datasets collected during the campaign. Our unique methodology combines remote sensing observations with different spatial and spectral resolutions. With as much as a 10% …

Jessica "Decky" Alexander, Oral History Interview, 2025, Kat Hacanyan

Oral Histories

Decky Alexander is a professor of drama and theater education and the Director of Engage@EMU. Alexander has become a well known community member across Washtenaw County through her theater education programs and work with organizations like the Jewish Federation of Greater Ann Arbor. She is the founder of CloseUp theater troupe and has been another long time supporter and board member of the Center for Jewish Studies at EMU. In this interview, Alexander talks about her Jewish upbringing in Chicago, the strengths of a good community network, and why having a center like this is especially important at EMU.

The Significance Of The Malvinas Issue In The Politics Of President Javier Milei, Reagan Mccain

Honors Theses

This research investigates the Malvinas (Falklands) issue within contemporary Argentinian political discourse, focusing on the rhetoric of Javier Milei, the recently elected president. Known for his populist and provocative style, Milei has surprisingly adopted a more moderate approach to the Malvinas, raising questions about how this aligns with his broader political agenda.

This study analyzes public statements from Milei from the presidential campaign to the present, analyzing them in the context of Argentinian politics and his political ideology. Javier Milei reframes Argentina’s sovereignty claim over the Malvinas by shifting public frustration away from the territorial dispute and toward criticism of …

Hedging Energy Transition: Green Hydrogen, Oil, And Low-Carbon Resilience As State Strategy In Namibia, Meredith J. Deboom

Faculty Publications

Policy frameworks increasingly portray energy transition as a mechanism for achieving a range of resilience- related goals, including socio-economic development and energy security. Energy transition is often character ized as a particularly important resilience strategy for lower-income states in the Global South, which face the simultaneous challenges of decarbonization and development. Yet these states, many of which have fossil fuel resources, face distinct constraints and risks in navigating energy transition, including the possibility that promised funding for low-carbon energy projects will never come to fruition or that global decarbonization will be deferred or abandoned completely. This article uses the case …

The Lived Experiences Of Rural Nurses In The Post-Covid-19 Era, Amy Schultes

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Approximately 60 million people, or one in five Americans, live in rural areas across the United States. Despite this, there is a lack of information about the experiences of critical access nurses working in rural hospitals that serve small towns and rural areas. The goal with this research was to gain a deeper understanding of the experiences of rural nurses in the post-COVID-19 era. Using hermeneutic phenomenology and rural nursing theory, the lived experiences of eight nurses working in critical access hospitals in Iowa were explored through semi-structured interviews. The qualitative data was analyzed using the hermeneutic circle for phenomenological …

Successful Leadership Strategies Hotel Managers Use To Reduce Employee Turnover, Sean Reid

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Employee turnover remains a significant challenge in the hotel industry, impacting service quality and increasing operational costs. Hotel managers are particularly concerned with this issue as it affects their ability to maintain a financially sustainable business. Grounded in the transformational leadership theory, the purpose of this qualitative multiple case study was to explore successful leadership strategies hotel managers use to reduce employee turnover. The participants comprised four hotel managers from four different hotels in the Caribbean. Data were gathered from semistructured interviews, interview notes, and a review of documents provided by the participants. Four themes emerged from the use of …

Another Gap On The Rota: A Scoping Review Of Attrition From Specialty Training In Secondary Care, Hannah Gillespie, Megan E.L. Brown, Nicola Brennan, Bryan Burford, Gillian Vance

Peninsula Medical School

Background The healthcare workforce is in crisis. Despite a competitive selection process, a substantial number of doctors leave specialty training (ST) programmes prematurely. This attrition causes increased costs for the National Health Service, exacerbates workforce shortages and threatens quality and safety of care. It also increases pressure on trainees who remain, further compounding the risk of attrition. There is an urgent need to understand why doctors leave ST in order to find ways to maintain the training pipeline from ST to consultant. Objectives We aimed to understand what is known about why doctors choose to leave ST programmes in secondary …

A Labor Of Love: Wall-E'S Redemption, Rosamund M. Gammie

Journal of Religion & Film

Inaugurated into the Criterion Collection in 2022 this paper re-examines some of the initial responses to the 2008 Disney-Pixar animated film, WALL-E. The movie received a mixed reception, largely celebrated (but occasionally viewed as “too leftist” by others) for its environmental, anti-capitalist message by many public critics, yet disparaged or dismissed as being superficially empty, shallow, and hollow in academic circles. Labor has been the focus of some academic criticism of the film, particularly as it relates to commoditisation, but this paper recontextualises labor not with capitalism, but with love. By viewing the film through the dynamic of labor and …

Securing The Future Of Ai: A Deep Compliance Review Of Anthropic, Google Deepmind, And Openai Under Soc 2, Iso 27001, And Nist, Ramkumar Bharathan

Defensive Publications Series

As foundation models like Claude, Gemini, and OpenAI become integral to enterprise AI solutions, the need for rigorous, standards-aligned security evaluation grows. This paper presents an expert-level comparative audit of the SOC 2 controls implemented by Anthropic, Google DeepMind, and OpenAI, drawing from public attestations, model cards, and technical documentation. Going beyond traditional compliance, the assessment incorporates frameworks from ISO 27001, NIST, and AI-specific risk models to benchmark each provider’s security maturity across five domains: organizational governance, infrastructure controls, operational security, data protection, and AI-specific safeguards.

Key findings indicate that Google demonstrates enterprise-grade maturity with advanced automation, zero-trust architecture, and …

Decolonizing Memory And Examining The Naga Identity In The Works Of Easterine Kire, Paloma Chaterji

Kritika Kultura

Colonization can be twofold: external and internal. For a socio-geographic space like Nagaland, a state in the Northeast of India, colonialism has presented itself through Britain, and even India itself; these multiple faces of colonialism have influenced and destabilized this hilly state. It was the British who had the maximum influence on Nagaland. India, even after its independence from the British in 1947, implemented certain strategies that smelt of British imperialism, whichultimately affected Nagaland and Northeast India as a whole. Thus, referencing the novels by the Naga woman writer, Easterine Kire, namely, Sky is My Father: A Naga Village Remembered …

Decolonizing Memory: Omnibus Life Writing In Post-1989 Romania, Ioana Luca

Kritika Kultura

This essay conceptualizes omnibus life writing—collective autobiographical volumes—as a means of decolonizing memories of communism and the transition in Romania. I argue that omnibus life writing offers a viable framework for challenging entrenched postcommunist narratives and fostering a relational and intersectional model of remembering the recent past. Through an analysis of Ioana Pârvulescu’s Și eu am trăit în communism [I’ve Also Lived under Communism, 2015], Dan Lungu and Amelia Gheorghiţă’s Cărţi, filme, muzici şi alte distracţii din communism [Books, Movies, Music, and Other Entertainment under Communism, 2014] and Cartea copilăriilor [The Book of Childhoods, 2016], and the Prima dată series …

Alaála: Tropical Memory, Christian Jil R. Benitez

Kritika Kultura

This essay considers a moment in José Rizal’s novel El Filibusterismo (1891)—namely, the substitution of the Spanish figure of “black King Melchor” with the folk “King of the Indios,” Bernardo Carpio, in the eyes of a native coachman—with a critical attention to how such an instant of comparison unfolds. The essay first ruminates on the crucial phrase deployed by Rizal to signify the moment, pensar naturalmente, which has been interpreted differently across various translations of the novel, but specifically rendered here as alaála or remembering. Through a brief philological examination of the latter Filipino word, regarding it as a material …

“Ghosts At The Banquet”: The Kenyan Mau Mau In Global Memory, Christian Alvarado

Kritika Kultura

In the decades since Kenyan independence from British rule, scholarship regarding memory of the Mau Mau Uprising has been bound by its nationalisms. “Nationalism” in the plural is apt because of the ways of remembering Mau Mau. It has investigated pressing issues in both Kenya and Great Britain itself. This article engages both foundational and recent scholarship in this vein in order to identify the set of assumptions that has shaped these debates and point toward new ways of thinking beyond them. In pursuance of new avenues in the study of global memories of Mau Mau, it also attempts a …

Deleuze’S Concept Of Islands And Archipelagic Ontology, Alex Taek-Gwang Lee

Kritika Kultura

This article explores the philosophical significance of islands through the lens of Gilles Deleuze’s geophilosophy, reframing their role in shaping planetary perspectives. Deleuze’s essay “Desert Islands” transcends geographical interpretations, positioning islands as metaphysical entities that embody the tension between separation and renewal. This duality, characterized by a longing for isolation and the utopian desire for reinvention, informs his broader philosophical framework. Islands, for Deleuze, serve as spaces of resistance and innovation, challenging dominant political and social structures. Deleuze’s distinction between continental and oceanic islands operates as a metaphor for contrasting modes of thought and governance, tying his conceptualization of geography …

Heterotopos Of Desert Island, Woosung Kang

Kritika Kultura

This essay attempts to elucidate the uniqueness of the concept of desert island in Gilles Deleuze’s thinking, juxtaposing it with Carl Schmitt’s idea of struggle between the land and the sea. Especially, Deleuze’s notion of “desert island” is to be reread and revisited in terms of archipelagic literality of islands themselves. Deleuze’s concept of “desert island” is different from other conceptualizations of island in two critical aspects. Firstly, it does not metaphorize something other than island itself; its desertedness has nothing to do with utopian or apocalyptic representation of what the continent lacks. Secondly, it does not feed on the …

Better Safe Than Sorry: Brown V. City Of Inglewood Should Not Be Game Over For Elected Officials' Whistleblower Protection Within California Local Governments, Aidan Winter

California Western Law Review

No abstract provided.

Sustainable Pavement Design, Evan Antonius, Matthew Graham

General Engineering

This thesis proposes a transformative vision for highway infrastructure, prioritizing sustainability, resilience, and innovation. Concentrating on California's Interstate 80, a vital freight and commuter corridor that is vulnerable to climate variability and structural issues, this research introduces an innovative pavement design. This design seeks to address the system's ongoing challenges while aligning with California's ambitious climate and infrastructure objectives.

Utilizing cutting-edge materials and design techniques, this solution incorporates a comprehensive three-layer Warm Mix Asphalt (WMA) system designed for durability and high performance. The top layer features an Open-Graded Friction Course (OGFC), enhanced with 3.5% Styrene-Butadiene-Styrene (SBS) to improve permeability, mitigate …

Faculty Authors 2025: College Of Arts And Sciences, Erin Sheffner

Faculty Authors and Sponsored Grant Recipients Reception Bibliographies

An annotated bibliography compiled by the University Library of the publications featured by the College of Arts and Sciences Faculty at the annual Faculty Authors and Creators Reception at Governors State University.

The Evolution Of Education Policy In Missouri, Ivy Shen

Missouri Policy Journal

K-12 education policy refers to the laws, regulations, and guidelines that govern elementary and secondary education. It plays a critical role in shaping the quality and accessibility of learning for students. This paper examines the development of such a policy in Missouri. Specifically, the paper explores the governance and finance of public K-12 institutions, teacher preparation, and education for African American students. The paper concludes with key legislative issues that will likely shape Missouri education policy in the future.

Determinants Of Wealth Inequality In Central America: A Panel Data Analysis Of Socioeconomic And Institutional Factors, Jose Manuel Fernandez Pou

Empirical Economic Bulletin, An Undergraduate Journal

This study applies a non-linear panel threshold regression model to examines the factors of economic development in Central America, with an emphasis on institutional and socioeconomic factors. Using data acquired between 2000 and 2023 the research evaluates how different variables like trade openness, FDI, financial development, education spending, inflation and population growth impacts the growth of GDP at different levels of institutional quality. The results demonstrate that institutional quality levels create a distinct threshold effect when trade openness and FDI fail to promote growth in weak institutional settings while inflation volatility strongly hinders growth. FDI and financial development show positive …

A Phenomenological Study To Understand How Military Identity In Women Veterans, Enrolled As Community College Or University Students, Impacts Their College Experience After Leaving The Military Service, Jessica M. Bradley

Doctor of Education (EdD)

Women veterans represent the fastest-growing demographic among military veterans and are increasingly pursuing higher education after their service. However, their experiences as student veterans remain underrepresented in academic research. This phenomenological study investigates how military identity influences the college experiences of women veterans enrolled in community colleges and universities in Oregon. Through in-depth interviews with women veteran students, the research explores the complex layers of identity influenced by military service, gender, and higher education.

Key findings reveal several themes, including resilience and adaptability during the transition from military to civilian life, the intricate connection between military identity and personal and …

Artificial Intelligence: Ethics, Jobs, And Governance In The Age Of Ai, Todd Bruns

Bruns 2024

No abstract provided.

Analysis Of Students' Legal Awareness For Bullying Prevention In Surakarta Schools, Triana Rejekiningsih, Maram Taher

Jurnal Civics: Media Kajian Kewarganegaraan

This study investigates the legal awareness of students in Surakarta junior high schools concerning preventing bullying, intending to promote quality education in alignment with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The research explores students' understanding, potential, and awareness of bullying prevention using qualitative and descriptive methods. Bullying encompasses various forms of violence, including physical, verbal, social, and cyber forms, often characterised by intimidation. The findings revealed that 90.99% of students reported experiencing bullying, predominantly verbal, with 53.25% subjected to discriminatory behaviour. Although 70% acknowledged the occurrence of physical and verbal violence, there was a noted deficiency in effective preventive measures, indicating a …

Science Education In The Modern World: A Comparison Of The Classical Christian And Stem Models Of Education, Diane R. Gray

Master of Arts in Classical Studies

Abstract

SCIENCE EDUCATION IN THE MODERN WORLD: A COMPARISON OF THE CLASSICAL CHRISTIAN AND STEM MODELS OF EDUCATION

Diane R. Gray

Southeastern University

As a classical Christian educator and leader and a former professional scientist, this author has fielded questions and concerns from parents who have wondered if classical Christian education (CCE) will provide strong instruction in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). Because parents have expressed concerns about science and math education, and with the growing renewal of classical Christian education, the question addressed in this expository research project is ‘How do the CCE and STEM models of education …

Pajaro River Levee Remedial Design For Climate Resiliency, Anna Krebs, Karina Martin, Olivia Leonardis

Civil, Environmental and Sustainable Engineering Senior Theses

With climate change causing extreme weather events, low-income, underrepresented residents living in Pajaro, California need a more resilient flood mitigation solution because existing infrastructure– the Pajaro River Levee– has recently failed. A hydraulic analysis and overtopping analysis was performed to evaluate potential levee cross sections for a 1.7 mile stretch along the Pajaro River in California. These cross-sections were assessed based on both their material costs and ability to provide sufficient evacuation time.

Issue 463: April 2025, The Local Voice

The Local Voice

Special Issue: 2025, 22nd Juke Joint Festival, April 10-13, Clarksdale, Mississippi

Art And Craft: The Interconnectedness Of Artisans And Fine Arts In Post-Colonial Morocco, Ursula Junker

Morocco: Human Rights, Social Justice, and Cultural Transformation

The purpose of this study is to explore the relationship and overlap between fine arts and traditional crafts in Morocco. The central questions of this study are: how do museums represent, or fail to represent, Moroccan art? What role have traditional crafts, in particular textiles, played in the creation of a modern Moroccan artistic identity, and where do craftspeople see themselves in the canon of Moroccan art? How has colonialism shaped craft, art, and the relationship between them? How do tradition and modernity interact and coexist in art spaces? The study was conducted in Marrakech, Tangiers, and Fes. It consists …

Spatial Narratives: Women’S Roles, Agency, And The Evolving Concept Of Womanhood In Contemporary Morocco, Jazmine Iriqui Sanchez

Morocco: Human Rights, Social Justice, and Cultural Transformation

This study explores how young Moroccan women experience, interpret, and reshape spatial environments in contemporary Morocco, focusing on the capital of Rabat. Using a qualitative methodology that includes semi-structured interviews, anonymous surveys, participant observation, and photographic field notes, I examine how public and private spaces reflect and reinforce gendered expectations. Findings reveal that while women have increased visibility and public life, their presence is often conditional, structured by norms. Findings reveal that while women have increased visibility in public areas, their presence is often conditional, structured by norms that dictate how they should move, communicate, and appear. Across spaces like …

The Healing Power And Commodification Of Gnawa Music And Black Identity In Southern Morocco, Isabel Rodriguez

Morocco: Human Rights, Social Justice, and Cultural Transformation

This project explores the contemporary role of Gnawa music in Morocco through an ethnographic study in the village of Khamlia in the Southeast region of Morocco. Gnawa people are known for their spiritual traditions, specifically their musical rituals. The Gnawa have used music as a tool for healing, remembrance, and expression. This research investigates how Gnawa music is practiced today and how it functions as a form of commodification and racialized tourism. The study draws from both field observations and heavy literature analysis in various fields including research in colonial trauma, Black identity in Morocco, and clinical applications of music …

Changes In The Western Flank Of The North Atlantic Subtropical High Since 1140 Ce: Extremes, Drivers, And Hydroclimatic Patterns, Joshua C. Bregy, Justin T. Maxwell, Scott M. Robeson, Grant L. Harley, Valerie Trouet

Publications

Summer circulation and moisture patterns in the Southeast United States are controlled by the position of the North Atlantic subtropical high. In a warming climate, the subtropical high is projected to strengthen and expand west, but there remains uncertainty regarding its variability and linkages to natural drivers. Here, we use a tree-ring network across the Southeast United States to reconstruct the relative intensity of the pressure gradient across the subtropical high’s western flank over the past 870 years. Variations in the flank’s position and the pressure gradient have been a major driver of the hydroclimate—including creating a Southeast-Caribbean moisture dipole—since …