Digital Commons Network^™

2024-12-04 Edible Campus Brings Fresh Produce And Educational Opportunities To Seattle U, Keagen Brooks-Torres

The Spectator Online

No abstract provided.

Breaking The Yoke: A Systematic Unmasking Of Challenges To Sustainable Rural Development In South Sudan, Gai Chol Paul

Journal of Sustainable Social Impact

South Sudan, a young nation grappling with the legacy of protracted conflict, faces significant challenges in fostering sustainable rural development. While the immense potential of its vast agricultural lands remains largely untapped, the persistent triple threat of insecurity, deficient infrastructure, and the absence of robust government policy actively hinders progress. The ongoing armed conflict, characterized by inter-communal violence and sporadic attacks, casts a long shadow over rural areas in South Sudan. Thus, I developed this mixed-method multiple-case study, grounded in the sustainable livelihoods framework, to explore challenges that hinder sustainable rural development in South Sudan. I collected data through document …

Sustainable Eco-Friendly Packaging, Kyla Barrett

Sustainable Supply Chain Management

Plastic pollution is one of the most pressing environmental challenges today, threatening marine ecosystems and global environmental health. With 8 to 10 million metric tons of plastic entering our oceans annually, the urgency to implement sustainable practices in packaging has never been greater. This chapter explores the environmental impact of single-use plastics and highlights innovative alternatives like bioplastics and compostable materials. Lessons from global leaders, like Japan's cultural approach to waste management, the European Union's Circular Economy Action Plan, and Costco's efforts in bulk buying and sustainable design, the chapter identifies actionable strategies for industries to adopt eco-friendly practices. Concluding …

Optimising Public-Private Partnership Adoption For Housing Delivery In Oyo State, Nigeria: A Narrative Review, Mojisola H. Akinola, Funmilayo M. Adedire, Oluwafemi K. Akande

Journal of Sustainable Social Impact

The increasing global demand for housing and budgetary constraints have led governments in several developed and developing countries to seek new ways of providing housing. Among the several options adopted by many governments is to establish partnerships with the private sector, usually referred to as public–private partnerships (PPPs). In Nigeria, substantial gaps in the housing market still exist because housing delivery systems have not effectively satisfied the housing demands of the country’s low-income population. Despite the Nigerian government’s efforts to ease the housing shortage, the adoption of PPP has not been holistically embraced for the delivery of public housing projects, …

Chagos Archipelago, Claire Collins, David J. Curnick, Tom Letessier, Joanna Harris

School of Biological and Marine Sciences

No abstract provided.

Aligning Artificial Intelligence With Climate Change Adaptation In Egypt, Lara Mohamed Abdelrazik Ms.

Future Journal of Social Science

Abstract:

One of the frequently witnessed barriers to accelerating action on climate change is related to the construction of data bases, variables, and models as well as data extraction. According to the Grantham Research Institute on climate change and the environment, several subfields of Artificial Intelligence identify patterns to support the completion of specific tasks towards combating climate change such as; gathering, completing, and interpreting large, and complete datasets by making it possible to enhance data-driven decision-making for climate action. However, the negative side of AI was also recognized.

Learning algorithms to understand how AI’s climate impact goes beyond its …

The Impact Of Student Engagement Activities On Future Climate Change Adaptation: The Case Of Student Simulation Models, Bassel Mostafa Elkalaf

Future Journal of Social Science

This paper explores the critical role of student engagement in addressing the growing challenges of climate change, with a focus on the Model United Nations (MUN) as a case study. As climate-related security threats increase globally, educational platforms that prepare youth for effective leadership in climate politics are more essential than ever. MUN, a widely practiced student activity simulating global policy-making, provides a valuable opportunity for students to deepen their understanding of the interconnectedness between climate change, peace, and security. By participating in MUN simulations, students engage in debates, develop innovative solutions, and practice diplomatic skills, all while exploring the …

Leveraging Green Strategies Within Blockchain Technology For Climate Justice And Displacement Management In Developing Countries: A Comparative Study Between Egypt And Germany (2010-2024), Alaa Owis Seddik Ms

Future Journal of Social Science

Climate change is a significant global issue of the 21st century, disproportionately affecting

developing countries despite their minimal contribution to greenhouse gas emissions. This

discrepancy has brought climate justice to the forefront as an important concept, emphasizing

equitable support and protection for vulnerable populations. Concurrently, blockchain

technology, combined with green strategies, offers potential solutions to enhance transparency,

efficiency, and accountability in various sectors, including climate justice and displacement

management. This research hypothesizes that the integration of blockchain technology with

green strategies can lead to enhanced climate justice, and more effective displacement

management, and provide a model for developing countries like …

Case Study On Seney National Wildlife Refuge: How The Upper Peninsula Led Wildlife Conservation In The Beginning Of The Twentieth Century, Holly A. Galligan

HS 390 Primary Research Papers

The research presented in this paper will weave together the story of how the Upper Peninsula became a crucial hub for wildlife conservation in the first half of the twentieth century. Seeking to answer the question of how and why this occurred, as well as why it is distinct from the social movement of the 1960s, the research is based on public awareness, photographic research developments, and the concept of the national system for conservation. Hunting played the main role in the motivations for this movement therefore, it is also heavily discussed throughout. The previous research on this subject emerged …

Physiological Positioning And Its Effects On Seated Vs. Standing Workers, Carlos Gautreaux

Theses & Dissertations

In the digital era, distractions in the working environment significantly impede professionals’ ability to maintain attention during the workday. Recent studies underscore the benefits of adjustable desks that allow for transitions between sitting and standing, highlighting improvements in workers’ physical and psychological health. Specifically, it has been noted that standing enhances cognitive function, focus, and mental acuity while alleviating stress. Despite these insights, research has yet to systematically explore the impact of standing while working on attentional performance. Moreover, the effect of standing while working may vary between on-site and remote working environments due to differences in ambient distractions. This …

Environmental Views On The Rural To Urban Continuum, Sydney Fisk, Jessica D. Ulrich-Schad

Utah People and Environment Poll (UPEP)

As climate change and other environmental issues continue to worsen in Utah and worldwide, understanding Utahns’ top concerns and their opinions about political leaders’ efforts to address these environmental issues is increasingly important. In the 2023 Utah People and Environment Poll (UPEP), a representative statewide sample of respondents were asked how concerned they were about a myriad of environmental problems in Utah including drought, the drying of the Great Salt Lake, poor air quality, population growth, climate change, and wildfires. Survey respondents were also asked to rate how well they believe politicians are addressing the same environmental issues. Looking at …

Assessing Kulpmont Borough's Greenhouse Gas Inventory, Zane Hensal

Student Project Reports

No abstract provided.

Wofford Today Winter 2024, Wofford College. Office Of Marketing And Communications

Wofford Today

No abstract provided.

Estimating Medium-Term Regional Monthly Economic Activity Reductions During The Covid-19 Pandemic Using Nighttime Light Data, Ma Flordeliza P. Del Castillo, Toshio Fujimi, Hirokazu Tatano

SOSE Affiliate: Manila Observatory

Economic impact estimates of the initial lockdowns due to the COVID-19 pandemic showed a significant reduction in economic activities globally. However, the succeeding impacts and their spatiotemporal distribution within countries remain unknown. Studies showed that nighttime light data (NTL) has effectively revealed the spatiotemporal dimensions of the economic effects of COVID-19. Thus, this study used NTL data to determine the medium-term regional monthly economic impacts of the pandemic in the Philippines in terms of the Economic Activity Reduction (EAR) index. We generated a spatial error model, regressing pre-pandemic NTL on mean temperature, maximum rainfall, and built-up area. This model explained …

Exploring Keebet Von Benda-Beckmann's Legal Pluralism In Slum Transformation: An Ethnographic Study Of Urban Revitalization In Indonesia, Imam Koeswahyono, Diah Pawestri Maharani, Nadyah Maylika Rahmawati, Ika Ismudyahwati

The Indonesian Journal of Socio-Legal Studies

Slum areas in Indonesia present a significant challenge, with government programs such as the National Slum Upgrading Program (NSUP) aiming to address urban poverty and improve living conditions. Despite the implementation of formal policies, the interplay between legal frameworks and local practices often determines the success of such initiatives. Drawing on Keebet von Benda-Beckmann’s theory of legal pluralism, this research examines the transformation of slums into productive and sustainable zones, focusing on Kampung Jodipan, Kampung Heritage Kajoetangan, and Kampung Kreatif Dago Pojok. These case studies reveal how formal legal systems interact with informal norms and community-driven practices in achieving urban …

Net Evaporation-Induced Mangrove Area Loss Across Low-Lying Caribbean Islands, Isamar M. Cortés, Jorge Lorenzo-Trueba, Andre S. Rovai, Robert R. Twilley, Mark Chopping, Temilola Fatoyinbo

Faculty Publications

Although mangroves provide many beneficial ecosystem services, such as blue carbon storage and coastal protection, they are currently under threat due to changes in climate conditions, such as prolonged drought exposure. Under drought conditions, evaporation exceeds precipitation and high soil salinities can lead to stunted growth and die-back. To quantify this interplay, we developed a database for low-lying and uninhabited mangrove islands in the Caribbean under various evaporation and precipitation regimes. We extracted physical and biological information from each island using remote sensing techniques and coupled it with a process-based model. We used this database to develop a model that …

Broadband Access And Digital Skills Case Studies Project, Lionel J. Beaulieu, Anna M. Kleiner, Roseanne Scammahorn, John J. Green

Digital Access

No abstract provided.

Net Evaporation-Induced Mangrove Area Loss Across Low-Lying Caribbean Islands, Isamar M. Cortés, Jorge Lorenzo-Trueba, Andre S. Rovai, Robert R. Twilley, Mark Chopping, Temilola Fatoyinbo

Department of Earth and Environmental Studies Faculty Scholarship and Creative Works

Although mangroves provide many beneficial ecosystem services, such as blue carbon storage and coastal protection, they are currently under threat due to changes in climate conditions, such as prolonged drought exposure. Under drought conditions, evaporation exceeds precipitation and high soil salinities can lead to stunted growth and die-back. To quantify this interplay, we developed a database for low-lying and uninhabited mangrove islands in the Caribbean under various evaporation and precipitation regimes. We extracted physical and biological information from each island using remote sensing techniques and coupled it with a process-based model. We used this database to develop a model that …

Wine-Rs Or Losers: Assessing Socio-Economic Impacts Of Eu Regulations On Climate-Exacerbated Plant Diseases And Pests Within Northern Italian Viticulture, Kyley N. Fishman

Undergraduate Honors Theses

As climate change furthers weather events and unprecedented hot and wet seasons, European farmers are amongst those challenged by these threats. Balancing sustainable and traditional practices while maintaining socio-economic stability can be difficult, especially under European Union (EU) agricultural regulations. A key area of concern for some agro-regulations is viticulture, or grape growing, which is amongst the most climate-sensitive agricultural sectors. These agro-regulations address multiple goals, including sustainability, exports, and cultural heritage protection. Yet, to what extent EU climate-driven agricultural regulations influence regional wine-growing operations’ socio-economics remains unclear, particularly in managing climate-aggravated pests and plant diseases. My thesis aims to …

Legitimacy And Transparency: Building Trust Through The Sec's Climate Disclosure Rule, Cassidy Sky Meyer

Standard Theses

This paper examines stakeholder reactions to the climate disclosure rule from the Security Exchange Commission (SEC) to understand how investors see government mandated disclosure as a legitimizing force. It analyzes a subsample of 230 original comments from various stakeholders and sorts them into themes. The themes and sentiments shared in the comments are viewed through the lens of legitimacy theory. It reveals that the informational requirements for legitimacy have shifted amongst some stakeholders to the point that voluntary climate disclosures are not sufficient. Government disclosures like the one from the SEC are seen by some as more transparent and trustworthy. …

The Integration Of Environmental Concerns And Philosophy Into Business Strategies, Johann Thorne

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

My thesis focuses on how a business can better integrate environmental philosophies and principles into their business model without detracting from the business's primary objectives, specifically that of generating profit. However, this thesis also seeks to extend the business's objectives to include the environment using these environmental philosophies, arguing that the business should have some obligation to the environment in terms of morality, as well as social obligations. This is an evolution of some common ethical theories used within the business world, but I argue they do not suffice to protect the environment. Instead, I develop an ethical pluralist framework …

Napa Valley Certified Organic Viticulture Napa Valley Vineyards Go Green: Transitioning To Organic Cultivation, Eric E. Tapia

Undergraduate Honors Theses

The shift to sustainable agriculture in Napa Valley necessitates certified organic vineyards among wine industry stakeholders to facilitate systemic change. Nonetheless, numerous impediments—such as fiscal constraints, inadequate access to information, and agricultural education—are intended to address these barriers for fostering an environmental stewardship program focused on innovation and sustainability. The methods employed to investigate the transition to organic vineyards include qualitative and quantitative approaches, such as interviews with vintners and data analysis of annual crop yields and the economic impact of certified organic vineyards in Napa Valley. The investigation reveals that vineyard proprietors face significant early challenges, including a steep …

Biosense: An Automated Sensing Node For Organismal And Environmental Biology, Andrea Contina, Eric Abelson, Brendan Allison, Brian Stokes, Kenedy F. Sanchez, Henry M. Hernandez, Anna M. Kepple, Quynhmai Tran, Isabella Kazen

School of Integrative Biological & Chemical Sciences Faculty Publications

Automated remote sensing has revolutionized the fields of wildlife ecology and environmental science. Yet, a cost-effective and flexible approach for large scale monitoring has not been fully developed, resulting in a limited collection of high-resolution data. Here, we describe BioSense, a low-cost and fully programmable automated sensing platform for applications in bioacoustics and environmental studies. Our design offers customization and flexibility to address a broad array of research goals and field conditions. Each BioSense is programmed through an integrated Raspberry Pi computer board and designed to collect and analyze avian vocalizations while simultaneously collecting temperature, humidity, and soil moisture data. …

Exploitative Labor In Los Angeles' Fashion Industry: A Path Towards Ethical Supply Chains, Magali Rodriguez

Sustainable Supply Chain Management

This chapter explores exploitative labor practices within Los Angeles' fashion industry and proposes pathways toward ethical supply chains. The fashion industry, particularly in Los Angeles, relies on labor-intensive production, which often leads to low wages, unsafe conditions, and systemic inequality. The complexity of global supply chains, power imbalances, and consumer demand for cheap clothing contribute to the persistence of exploitative practices. More than half of garment contractors in Los Angeles fail to meet minimum wage standards. The chapter emphasizes the importance of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and ethical sourcing, which includes accountability, transparency, and respect for human rights. It examines …

Research Overview On Urban Heat Islands Driven By Computational Intelligence, Chao Liu, Siyu Lu, Jiawei Tian, Lirong Yin, Lei Wang, Wenfeng Zheng

Faculty Publications

In recent years, the intensification of the urban heat island (UHI) effect has become a significant concern as urbanization accelerates. This survey comprehensively explores the current status of surface UHI research, emphasizing the role of land use and land cover changes (LULC) in urban environments. We conducted a systematic review of 8260 journal articles from the Web of Science database, employing bibliometric analysis and keyword co-occurrence analysis using CiteSpace to identify research hotspots and trends. Our investigation reveals that vegetation cover and land use types are the two most critical factors influencing UHI intensity. We analyze various computational intelligence techniques, …

Fpga-Based Sensors For Distributed Digital Manufacturing Systems: A State-Of-The-Art Review, Laraib Khan, Sriram Praneeth Isanaka, Frank Liou

Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

The combination of distributed digital factories (D2Fs) with sustainable practices has been proposed as a revolutionary technique in modern manufacturing. This review paper explores the convergence of D2F with innovative sensor technology, concentrating on the role of Field Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs) in promoting this paradigm. A D2F is defined as an integrated framework where digital twins (DTs), sensors, laser additive manufacturing (laser-AM), and subtractive manufacturing (SM) work in synchronization. Here, DTs serve as a virtual replica of physical machines, allowing accurate monitoring and control of a given manufacturing process. These DTs are supplemented by sensors, providing near-real-time data to …

Indigenous Ecocinema: Decolonizing Media Environments, Salma Monani

Gettysburg College Faculty Books

Introducing the concepts of d-ecocinema and d-ecocinema criticism, Monani expands the purview of ecocinema studies and not only brings attention to a thriving Indigenous cinema archive but also argues for a methodological approach that ushers Indigenous intellectual voices front and center in how we theorize this archive. Its case-study focus on Canada, particularly the work emanating from the imagineNATIVE Film + Media Arts Festival in Toronto--a nationally and internationally recognized hub in Indigenous cinema networks--provides insights into pan-Indigenous and Nation-specific contexts of Indigenous ecocinema.

This absorbing text is the first book-length exploration foregrounding the environmental dimensions of cinema made by …

Sustainability Hub Newsletter - December 2024, Margaret Saville, Neyda Gilman, Jennifer Embree, Ashley Maurad

Library Sustainability Resources

Happy December Bearcats! In this issue, read about sustainable initiatives on campus, a guide for avoiding overconsumption during the holidays, and more sustainable tips and tricks! I wish you all the best luck on finals, and hope everyone has a restful break!

Climate Change In New England: The Influence Of Soil Warming And Nitrogen Enrichment On Forest Carbon Cycling, Thomas Joseph Muratore

Doctoral Dissertations

Forests, the largest active cycling reservoir of carbon (C) in the terrestrial biosphere, mediate the exchange of CO2 between the atmosphere and the biosphere in large enough quantities to affect Earth’s climate. Presently, forests are significant C sinks and mitigate one-third of all anthropogenic C emissions by storing more C in biomass and soils than they exchange with the atmosphere. Anthropogenic activities and climate change disrupt the balance between forest C uptake and loss. This raises concerns about the sensitivity of the forest C sink. Traditionally, forest C exchange between trees and soils under climate change has been studied separately, …

Permanence Collection, Justine Vandenberg

A Midwestern Review: A Magazine of the Arts and Issues at DePauw University

Justine Vandenberg is an Environmental Fellow student at DePauw University majoring in Sustainability Science and Environmental Studies. She is also a writer, poet, and photographer who is passionate about using artistic forms to advocate for the health of ecosystems and human communities. She finds beauty in hiking, gardening, and mountain life.