Digital Commons Network^™

Super-Groups: Legal Empowerment And “Public Law”, Matthew B. Lawrence

Faculty Articles

Not all interest groups are created equal. Some groups are created by or with the help of law. Law can confer political power on groups through wealth, rents, concentrated interest, and durability, creating synthetic factions that use their state-given influence to dominate lawmaking. Deregulatory and progressive traditions in public law have long thought differently about laws that empower. A deregulatory tradition sees legal empowerment as a democratic pathology that counsels against lawmaking, citing empowerment concerns as a perennial rhetorical point against consumer protection, environmental protection, and social welfare programs, among others, for fear they will lead to “capture.” At the …

Moral Panic Or Public Health Crisis? Lessons From Drugs And Gambling For “Addictive” Design, Matthew B. Lawrence, Haomin (Kevin) Yan

Faculty Articles

In her important book, Unwired: Gaining Control Over Addictive Technologies, Gaia Bernstein illustrates the value of a comparative approach, drawing lessons from fights around the regulation of tobacco and ultra-processed food for the regulation of social media. Building on Bernstein’s work, this symposium contribution aims to draw additional insight from experience with drug and gambling regulation for the regulation of social media, video games, AI, and other potentially-addictive technologies.

Specifically, after introducing Bernstein’s book and the foundation it lays, we draw six lessons from the study of psychoactive drugs and gambling. As we elaborate below: Lesson one is that …

Extramural Absolutism, Deepa Das Acevedo

Faculty Articles

As battles over academia escalate, an area of intensifying concern is the speech faculty engage in outside their professional functions—what is often called “extramural” speech. Professors have been criticized, disciplined, pressured to resign, and even terminated for extramural speech that is deemed offensive by individuals inside and outside university communities. And yet, academics generally remain committed to a principle that this Article identifies as extramural absolutism.

The Article explains extramural absolutism’s unpopularity outside academia as a reasonable consequence of the way supporters have presented and justified it. Contrary to widespread scholarly portrayal, extramural absolutism is not a moderate concession justified …

Epilepsy: Etiology And Treatment Methods, Avital Nightingale

The Science Journal of the Lander College of Arts and Sciences

Epilepsy is a common neurological disorder that is caused by abnormal electrical activity in the brain. Due to the evolution of our understanding of epilepsy and its causes, a variety of therapeutic options have been developed to modulate seizures and limit their occurrence rate. Medication, diet and surgery have been the traditional treatments offered to individuals suffering from epilepsy but the latest advancements in neurotechnology have given patients with drug resistant epilepsy hope by providing options other than surgery. While the disorder is a complex one and its pathogenesis not yet fully understood, recent research has provided insight into the …

Mild Traumatic Brain Injury: Signs, Symptoms, And Intervention, Shoshana Levin

The Science Journal of the Lander College of Arts and Sciences

Mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) is a specific type of brain injury, often referred to as a concussion. Relying on existing research, this paper will collect the data that is available on concussions, numerous methods of treatment, and the complications of repeated injury. mTBI precipitates a host of cognitive, physical, and emotional symptoms, all of which can severely affect one’s daily life if left untreated. This paper will also address a range of possible treatment methods, including but not limited to acupuncture, cognitive behavioral therapy, and physical therapy. The efficacy of a multifaceted approach to treatment is emphasized, combining opinions …

Full Issue: Volume 18, Number 2, Spring 2025

The Science Journal of the Lander College of Arts and Sciences

Complete .pdf file of Volume 18, Number 2 of The Science Journal of the Lander College of Arts and Sciences. Published Spring 2025.

Environmental Racism In America: Minority Communities As Dumping Grounds For Environmental Waste, Shelly Taylor Page, Patricia A. Broussard

Southern Illinois University Law Journal

This Article explores the systemic and disproportionate burden of environmental hazards placed on minority communities in the United States. It examines the historical and contemporary practices of environmental racism, where Communities of Color, particularly Black, Indigenous, and Latino populations, are more likely to live in areas with high levels of pollution, hazardous waste sites, and industrial facilities. The Article highlights the intersection of race, class, and environmental policy, showing how socio-political and economic factors contribute to the marginalization of these communities. It underscores the urgent need for comprehensive policy changes that address the immediate health risks and the long-term environmental …

High-Yield Or Nothing? Investor Preferences For Riskier Bonds In Thailand, Thamon Chongkwanyuen

Chulalongkorn University Theses and Dissertations (Chula ETD)

This study investigates the determinants of investor demand for high-yield corporate bonds in Thailand's primary market between 2014 and 2024, focusing on whether investors exhibit reach-for-yield behavior and how they respond to past issuance patterns. Utilizing panel regression, with the Take-Up Ratio serving as the key measure of investor participation, the findings reveal that investor behavior is highly conditional. In normal or tightening monetary periods, high nominal yields and credit spreads are generally associated with lower subscription rates, suggesting investors interpret elevated returns as a signal of greater credit risk. However, this risk aversion is reversed during accommodative monetary conditions …

Comparative Analysis Of Gut Microbial Diversity In Early Decomposition Stages Of Human Cadavers In Thai Population, Ameer Muhammad Khan

Chulalongkorn University Theses and Dissertations (Chula ETD)

Abstract:The human gut microbiome undergoes pronounced shifts following death; however, its early postmortem dynamics remain insufficiently understood. This study characterizes microbial diversity in cecal samples collected from Thai cadavers during the early postmortem interval (PMI) to establish foundational data for forensic applications. Samples obtained within two PMI ranges (1-6 hours and 6-12 hours) were subjected to 16S rRNA gene sequencing targeting the V3–V4 regions on the Illumina MiSeq platform. Microbial communities were evaluated using taxonomic profiling, alpha and beta diversity analyses, and differential abundance testing via LEfSe. Distinct microbial succession patterns were observed between PMI groups: Agathobacter was significantly enriched …

ความสัมพันธ์ระหว่างการรับรู้ความสามารถของตนด้านการเรียนกับผลสัมฤทธิ์ทางการเรียนออนไลน์ในหลักสูตรอบรมออนไลน์วิชาภาษาอังกฤษของพนักงานโดยมีอารมณ์เชิงบวกเป็นตัวแปรส่งผ่าน และการรับรู้ข้อมูลย้อนกลับเชิงบวกเป็นตัวแปรกำกับ, วรรณชนก อยู่ถมยา

Chulalongkorn University Theses and Dissertations (Chula ETD)

การวิจัยครั้งนี้มีวัตถุประสงค์เพื่อทดสอบความสัมพันธ์ระหว่างการรับรู้ความสามารถของตนด้านการเรียนกับผลสัมฤทธิ์ทางการเรียนออนไลน์ โดยมีอารมณ์เชิงบวกเป็นตัวแปรส่งผ่าน และการรับรู้ข้อมูลย้อนกลับเชิงบวกเป็นตัวแปรกำกับ กลุ่มตัวอย่างคือพนักงานอายุ 18 ปีขึ้นไป ที่เข้าร่วมการอบรมหลักสูตรออนไลน์วิชาภาษาอังกฤษแบบสอนสด จำนวน 120 คน เครื่องมือที่ใช้คือแบบสอบถามออนไลน์ วิเคราะห์ข้อมูลด้วยสถิติพรรณนา การวิเคราะห์สหสัมพันธ์ และการวิเคราะห์ถดถอยพหุคูณโดยใช้โปรแกรม Process Macro ผลการวิจัยชี้ให้เห็นว่า การรับรู้ความสามารถของตนด้านการเรียนมีความสัมพันธ์ทางบวกกับอารมณ์เชิงบวก และอารมณ์เชิงบวกมีความสัมพันธ์กับผลสัมฤทธิ์ทางการเรียนออนไลน์ อย่างไรก็ตาม ไม่พบอิทธิพลทางตรงของการรับรู้ความสามารถของตนด้านการเรียนต่อผลสัมฤทธิ์ทางการเรียนออนไลน์ อีกทั้งไม่พบอิทธิพลส่งผ่านของอารมณ์เชิงบวกภายใต้เงื่อนไขของการรับรู้ข้อมูลย้อนกลับเชิงบวก กล่าวคือ การรับรู้ข้อมูลย้อนกลับเชิงบวกไม่ได้ทำหน้าที่เป็นตัวแปรกำกับที่ช่วยเพิ่มความสัมพันธ์ระหว่างการรับรู้ความสามารถของตนด้านการเรียนและอารมณ์เชิงบวก แต่เมื่อวิเคราะห์แบบไม่รวมตัวแปรกำกับ พบว่าอารมณ์เชิงบวกมีบทบาทเป็นตัวแปรส่งผ่านอย่างสมบูรณ์ ผลการศึกษาสะท้อนว่า อารมณ์เชิงบวกเป็นปัจจัยสำคัญที่ส่งเสริมผลสัมฤทธิ์ทางการเรียนออนไลน์ แม้ว่าการรับรู้ข้อมูลย้อนกลับเชิงบวกในบริบทการเรียนออนไลน์อาจยังไม่สามารถเพิ่มอิทธิพลของกลไกการส่งผ่านได้อย่างมีนัยสำคัญ ข้อค้นพบนี้สามารถนำไปประยุกต์ใช้ในการออกแบบกิจกรรมการเรียนรู้ที่มุ่งเสริมสร้างการรับรู้ความสามารถของผู้เรียน กระตุ้นอารมณ์เชิงบวก และพัฒนาการให้ข้อมูลย้อนกลับ เพื่อยกระดับผลสัมฤทธิ์ทางการเรียนออนไลน์ในหลักสูตรอบรมพนักงาน

Challenges And Issues In Child Care Centers Participating In The Child And Adult Care Food Program, Kristi L. Lewis Phd, Rdn, Shellie R. Hubbard Ma

Institute of Child Nutrition, Applied Research Division

The Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) plays a critical role in supporting the provision of nutritious meals and snacks in child care settings. Understanding the challenges experienced by CACFP operators is essential for developing resources, training, and technical assistance that support effective program implementation. This study examined the challenges and issues faced by child care centers and other CACFP operators participating in the program.

Using a mixed-methods and participatory research approach, researchers conducted a literature review, consulted subject matter experts, and developed a national rapid response survey. The final survey assessed challenges related to food procurement, training, facilities …

Healing Communities With Police Divestment: Seeking Abolition Through Transformative Reform And Community-Government Collaboration, Jessica E. Gillson

Undergraduate Honors Theses

Concerns about the efficacy and sustainability of the U.S. carceral system have persisted throughout the country’s history, recently fueling renewed activism and bipartisan calls for reform. However, proposed solutions remain divisive. This thesis first defines the current status of our prison systems, then explores collaborative alternatives to incarceration and policing that support communities and break cycles of incarceration.

Focusing on partnerships among local governments, community organizations, justice-involved individuals, and law enforcement, this study examines holistic approaches to crime prevention, reentry, and reintegration. Using an interdisciplinary framework incorporating restorative justice, community resilience, and systems theory, it investigates how community-based strategies can …

Occupational Therapy’S Role In Enhancing Awareness And Treatment Of Pelvic Floor Dysfunction In Women’S Health, Nicole Gentry

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Background: There are a variety of reasons that pelvic floor dysfunction can occur in women throughout their life, however, pelvic floor therapy is a minimally invasive and a holistic treatment option that can make significant differences (Cozean & Cozean, 2016; Moody & Fashokun, 2021; Wallace et al., 2019). Pelvic floor therapists can treat and provide interventions to help women manage symptoms associated with pelvic floor dysfunction. Currently, there is limited research on the correlation between pelvic floor dysfunction and recurrent vaginal and urinary infections. However, research suggests that recurrent infections can lead to inflammation, high muscle tone, increased tissue sensitivity, …

Web Of Exploitation: The Psychological Need For Comprehensive Federal Law To Combat Cyber Sexual Abuse, Sarah E. Bahrenburg

Journal of Race, Gender, and Ethnicity

Cyber sexual abuse inflicts deep and lasting psychological harm on victims, often exacerbating the trauma of traditional sexual abuse due to the permanence and reach of digital content. Survivors may experience depression, anxiety, PTSD, and suicidal ideation as intimate images, videos, or messages resurface indefinitely online. Despite the severity of its impact, current state and federal legal protections are limited and inconsistent, leaving many victims without adequate criminal or civil remedies. This article argues for the creation of comprehensive federal legislation specifically targeting cyber sexual abuse. Such laws would not only provide clearer paths to justice and accountability but also …

Building Design - Bsc App Tools For Light, Color, Vision, Daylight And Artificial Light, Jens G. Pohl

Architecture

Relationship to Building Science (BSc) App: In the domain of Building Science (BSc), this paper focuses on natural and artificial lighting concepts and design principles that should be considered during the early stages of building design. It provides direct access to a BSc App that offers more than 420 calculation and information functions (https://research.chobugroup.com/buildingscience/analyzer /) in the entire range of building science areas, comprising daylighting, artificial lighting, noise control, room acoustics, climate and thermal comfort, solar energy, and structural systems.

Information Content: The paper briefly explains the principles of physics that underlie light, color and vision at a level that …

The Community College Library: A Historical Literature Review, Samantha Minnis

Books and Contributions to Books

Community college libraries are busy places, where no two days are the same. In the midst of the busyness of the day-to-day work, there is value in taking time to reflect. The act of writing this chapter is one way of taking time to reflect on the literature produced by community college library professionals over the last thirty years. It is the author’s hope that this review will produce a picture of some of the stories of community college libraries and how they strive to serve their students.

In examining the literature, several main themes arose to describe the conversations …

Public Participation Geographic Information Systems (Ppgis) And Understanding User Conflict On The Rogue River, Kim Gaines-Munkvold

Masters in GIS Practicum Reports

This practicum explored the application of Public Participation Geographic Information Systems (PPGIS) to better understand user conflict on the Upper Rogue River, particularly tensions surrounding the use of jetboats. Partnered with Oregon’s Kitchen Table (OKT), who specialize in public engagement within the Hatfield School of Governance at Portland State University, the project supported Oregon state agencies’ effort to gather community input. The practicum consisted of two components - field work and Geographic Information Systems (GIS) analysis. Field work involved traveling to southern Oregon to work as a part of OKT public engagement team at community events and conversations, using a …

You Get The Jury You Get And You Don’T Throw A Fit, Taurus Myhand

Fordham Urban Law Journal

No abstract provided.

Color Development Of Direct Acidified Pork Sausage Containing Alternative Curing And Reducing Agents, Jacob R. Tuell, Harley Francis, Sydney Bentz, Ashley R. Pitti, Morgan L. Denzer, Derico Setyabrata

Animal Science Faculty Publications and Presentations

This study evaluated the inclusion of preconverted alternative cures (celery powder [CELERY], beet powder [BEET]) compared to conventional sodium nitrite (NaNO2 [NITRITE]) formulated to 125 ppm of ingoing nitrite (NO2) in pork sausage acidified with encapsulated citric acid. Formulations included cherry powder (CHERRY) at 1000 ppm as an alternative cure accelerator, conventional sodium erythorbate (ERYTH) at 547 ppm, or no cure accelerator (NONE). The application of a holding period (OVERNIGHT) or not (IMMEDIATE) prior to thermal processing was evaluated. Batches (n = 3) were prepared in a 3 x 3 x 2 factorial arrangement of cures, accelerators, and holding periods. …

Characterization And Leaching Feasibility Studies Of Copper Flue Dust For The Recovery Of Main And Trace Metals, Fardis Nakhaei, Marek Locmelis, Lana Alagha, Michael S. Moats, Carlos Eyzaguirre, Cory Smith

Geosciences and Geological and Petroleum Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

Although copper smelter dust (CSD) is classified as hazardous waste, it also serves as a valuable secondary resource, offering potential for the recovery of critical elements. In this study, CSD samples were collected from the waste heat boiler (WHB) and electrostatic precipitator (ESP) units connected to the flash smelting furnace at a copper smelter. The representative samples were extensively characterized by particle size, and chemical and mineralogical analyses. Following sample characterization, leaching experiments were performed to evaluate the potential extraction of Cu, Fe, As, Zn, Pb, In, Ga, and Ge from the flue dusts. Distilled water, H2SO4, and HCl were …

Designing Robust Quasi-2d Perovskites Thin Films For Stable Light-Emitting Applications, Sharmistha Khan, Reshna Shrestha, Mengru Jin, Doyun Kim, Guan Lin Chen, Ruipeng Li, Yijia Gu, Qing Tu, Namyoung Ahn, Wanyi Nie

Materials Science and Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

Quasi-2D perovskite made with organic spacers co-crystallized with inorganic cesium lead bromide inorganics is demonstrated for near unity photoluminescence quantum yield at room temperature. However, light emitting diodes made with quasi-2D perovskites rapidly degrade which remains a major bottleneck in this field. In this work, It is shown that the bright emission originates from finely tuned multi-component 2D nano-crystalline phases that are thermodynamically unstable. The bright emission is extremely sensitive to external stimuli and the emission quickly dims away upon heating. After a detailed analysis of their optical and morphological properties, the degradation is attributed to 2D phase redistribution associated …

Predictors Of General Education Teachers' Self-Efficacy For Educating Autistic Students: Enactive Mastery Experiences, Vicarious Experiences, Verbal/Social Persuasions, And Physiological And Affective States, Renette Portecop-Prentice

Dissertations

Problem

Autism is a complex neurodevelopmental condition that presents challenges not only for autistic individuals, but also for their families, healthcare providers and school professionals. A significant number of children with autism spend most of their school day in general education classrooms with teachers who may lack autism-specific training and are unfamiliar with evidence-based practices for supporting autistic students. This lack of training or relevant resources specific to autism may impact teacher self-efficacy for educating autistic students, which in turn may affect instructional decisions and student outcomes. Guided by Bandura’s theoretical framework, this study examined the relationships among autism-specific training …

Shattering The Glass Ceiling, Navigating The Glass Cliffs: A Case Study Of Andrea Luxton As The First Woman President Of Andrews University (2016-2023), Maureen Sakshi Pakalahati

Dissertations

Problems

Research shows glass ceilings are thicker in faith-based institutions heavily governed by traditional beliefs and dominated by men. Research also shows singlism is on the rise in churches. There is limited research on the lived experiences of single, never married woman who reached the presidency (shattering the glass ceiling) in a faith-based institution. Leadership pundits predict a “great resignation”, which is an era of high presidential turnover, due to mounting challenges in the higher education presidency. Great resignation is a gender-neutral phenomenon, but women presidents are subject to stern criticism and penalties, leading to more disproportionate resignations. Furthermore, the …

Literary Portraits Of World War I Tirailleurs Sénégalais: Lucie Cousturier's Des Inconnus Chez Moi (1920), And Raymond Escholier's Mahmadou Fofana (1928), Kathy Comfort

World Languages, Literatures and Cultures Faculty Publications and Presentations

The literary depictions of the tirailleurs s & eacute;n & eacute;galais, the West African French colonial troops who fought in World War I, in novels published during the conflict and in the interwar years were often little more than racist caricatures. Two works from the interwar period, Lucie Cousturier's Des Inconnus chez moi (1920) and Raymond Escholier's Mahmadou Fofana (1928), based on the friendships the respective authors established with West African troops during the Great War, provide a counterpoint to the degrading portrayals of the tirailleurs. Cousturier, a painter, taught French to soldiers at the hivernage camp next to her …

Judicial Reform From The Inside Out, Daniel Epps, Marin K. Levy

Faculty Scholarship

The Judiciary Act of 1925, the subject of this Symposium, is known as “the Judges Bill” for a reason. The Justices of the Supreme Court, and Chief Justice Taft in particular, produced the Act and persuaded Congress to enact it. To modern eyes, such efforts seem indecorous, perhaps even scandalous. But in fact, Supreme Court Justices and other federal judges have been extensively involved in judicial reform throughout American history. This Essay examines participation by federal judges in judicial reform efforts—what we call judicial reform from the inside out.

We survey examples of judges participating in reform debates from across …

As They Think Best: A History Of The "One Crowded Hour" Autograph Manuscript, Jennifer L. Behrens

Faculty Scholarship

No abstract provided.

Chapter 13: Climate Change, Ageism, And Intergenerational Solidarity, Angela K. Perone, Kaycee Peterman, Katherine Perone, Megan Chan, Lihua Huang

Books and Contributions to Books

It examines disproportional impacts of climate change on healthy aging and their link to systemic and interpersonal ageism. Attention is given to adverse impacts of extreme weather on physiological, psychological, and socioeconomic health of older adults, particularly those who experience multiple inequalities. Intergenerational solidarity and its practical implications are explored.

Effect Of Trauma Type And Trauma Burden On Self-Efficacy For Physical Exercise In Military Veterans, Kaley E. Davis, Meghan M. Bennett, Cecilia J. Hillard, Jeffrey Whittle, Zeno Franco, Rachel E. Bollaert, Jacklynn M. Fitzgerald

Exercise Science Faculty Research and Publications

Introduction

United States (U.S.) military veterans experience significant physical health problems. Lifestyle modifications, such as increasing daily physical activity, are often considered the first course of action in treatment for the general public. However, veterans report low levels of physical activity, often due to perceived barriers to engaging in exercise. Trauma exposure type and cumulative trauma burden may be differentially associated with exercise attitudes and behaviors.

Methods

We surveyed U.S. military veterans on perceived self-efficacy to overcome barriers to engaging in exercise and physical activity levels. Additionally, we explored the relationship between the type of traumatic event exposure and cumulative …

Parallel Inquiries: Investigation Of Social Resource Use In Early Career Stem Teachers And Impacts Of Metal Pollution On Fingernail Clam Microbiome, Emily Hamada

EWU Masters Thesis Collection

No abstract provided.

Evaluating Tropospheric Delay Modeling For Enhanced Geospatial Accuracy, Adeyinka Olaoluwa Olaseinde

Masters Theses

Interferometric Synthetic Aperture Radar (InSAR) is a vital technique for monitoring ground surface deformation across large spatial scales. However, variability in atmospheric water vapor, pressure, and temperature introduces tropospheric delays that can significantly affect measurement accuracy. These delays are often corrected using outputs from numerical weather prediction (NWP) models. RAiDER, an open-source Python package, facilitates this by estimating tropospheric delays using models such as the High-Resolution Rapid Refresh (HRRR). Previous studies have shown that weather model–based corrections can substantially reduce atmospheric noise in InSAR data but also highlight persistent residual errors, especially at spatial scales smaller than the model grid …