Digital Commons Network^™

Designing For Relay-Tional Co-Becoming, Alexandra Harder Lindek, Mathias Poulsen

Nordes Conference Series

This paper explores how the relay conversation approach can facilitate designerly co-becoming in rural communities working towards emerging futures. Building on relational perspectives in design research, we engage with the idea that participation in design is not merely about including diverse voices but about fostering conditions for mutual becoming. We examine how this approach unfolds through ongoing engagements and situated moments, where designers and communities navigate uncertainty and collectively shape new potentials. Rather than treating design as a predefined problem-solving activity, the relay conversation approach works with the evolving dynamics of place, social relations, and ecological entanglements. Through autoethnographic reflections, …

The Relational Becoming Of A Participatory Design Commoner, Sanna Marttila, Frederick Van Amstel, Joanna Saad-Sulonen, Andrea Botero, Giacomo Poderi, Maurizio Teli, P.D. Commoner

Nordes Conference Series

This research expands the understanding of the collective designer behind Scandinavian Participatory Design with the Latin American notion of relational ontology, which posits a worldview where everything and everyone are mutually constituted through evolving relationships. Drawing from three thematic workshops with design practitioners and scholars that explored intersections between commoning and designing, this research unveils the relational becoming of a participatory design commoner. This includes the production of a shared subjectivity—the collective designer—as integral to commoning design and designing commons. Specifically, we explore the role of participatory designers in commoning through their subjectivity in their infrastructuring actions and affective engagements …

Lost In Generation: Illustrating Stable Diffusion Ai’S Colonial Bias In Representing South African Communication Design, Kyle Rath, Fatima Cassim, Adrie Haese

Nordes Conference Series

Generative AI (gAI) image models are increasingly being used as tools for conceptualisation and visualisation in design. These models are, however, not neutral owing to training datasets that prioritise Western aesthetics. Consequently, an emergent challenge is that AI-generated images tend to disregard nuanced representations. Li et al. (2024) echo this critique, acknowledging AI’s inability to comprehend cultural complexity, a critical issue in South Africa’s given its colonial and apartheid past. Accordingly, we use a relational design lens to critically examine how Stable Diffusion fails to engage with South Africa’s diverse cultural makeup; we present a qualitative content analysis of AI-generated …

Rethinking Self-Diagnosis: Bridging Doctor And Patient Perspectives, Melis Dursun Ugras, Guzin Sen, Asli Gunay

Nordes Conference Series

The rise of digital health technologies has reshaped the patient’s role in healthcare, enabling greater autonomy in managing health and making medical decisions. Self-diagnosis tools, including AI-driven applications, symptom checkers, and online health platforms, allow individuals to assess symptoms and explore potential conditions before consulting a healthcare professional. While these tools offer increased access to health information, they also raise concerns about misinformation, misinterpretation, and their impact on patient-provider relationships. This study examines how both patients and healthcare professionals perceive self-diagnosis, identifying tension points and shared concerns that shape its role in healthcare interactions. To explore these perspectives, we conducted …

Attending To Right Relations In Design: Lessons From Foraging, Serina Tarkhanian

Nordes Conference Series

Despite recognizing the profound relevance of Indigenous knowledges to the relational turn, few posthuman design researchers elaborate on the considerations and implications of working from these rich sources of insight for material practice. In this paper, I develop an attention to the Indigenous relational framework of Right Relations in design from the perspective of studentship, considering how Indigenous ethical frameworks might be engaged with from the position of a non-Indigenous person. Building on insights from my own research experience in foraging for design materials, I use narratives to exemplify part of what attending to Right Relations in design implies. I …

Design Facilitation Skills: Discrepancies Between Research Focus And Industry Needs In Us Job Postings, Wenqi Zheng, Mauricio Mejia, Catalina Cortes

Nordes Conference Series

In design, designers often act as facilitators, helping cross-functional teams capture, evaluate, and integrate diverse ideas to create improved products. While the broader application of facilitation has been extensively explored, the specific demand for design facilitation in the industry remains understudied. This study bridges the gap by exploring the call for design facilitation in the U.S. job market. Through a content analysis of job postings and a novel approach for tracking skill trends over time, we identify key design facilitation-related skill employers seek, uncovering four patterns. We also discuss implications for design education, proposing curriculum changes to better prepare students …

An Adventure With Ai: A Relational Techno-Life Design Approach, Yue Zou, Shenhuan Lu, Yile Zhang

Nordes Conference Series

The integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into ecosystems necessitates a paradigm shift in design thinking, moving beyond anthropocentric models to embrace relational frameworks. This paper proposes relational techno-life design, an approach to reconceptualize AI as co-constitutive agents within socio material networks and broad ecological system. Through speculative case studies—LOVOT, LO, and AquaGuardian—we analyze how relational techno-life design can foster symbiotic relationships across human, nonhuman, and AI. An eco-cultural-techno framework reveals the potential for AI to mediate ecological resilience, cultural practices, and ethical co-evolution, while critiquing anthropocentric hierarchies and dualisms. The study contributes to relational design theory by advocating for nondualist …

Co-Creating The Good Life Through Food-Based Inquiry, Danielle Wilde, Leena Naqvi, Mary Karyda

Nordes Conference Series

Food and eating (re)connect humans daily with worlds within and beyond us. From the trillions of microorganisms that help make us who we are; through the socio-culturally and tangibly graspable people, animals, plants, fungi and algae that we cohabit with; to decreasingly relatable systems of food production and provisioning across the planet, food stitches us together. We provide four mini cases to consider how using food as a methodology for experimental design research can build relations towards ensuring ‘the good life.’ We explore what the good life is, why relationality sits at its heart, and provide a framework for using …

In The Relational Sandbox: Deep Democracy And Technology, Alma Leora Culén, Nicholas Sebastian Stevens, Jasmin Niess, Sisse Finken, Jason Miklian, Kristian Hoelscher

Nordes Conference Series

Designing for democracy often emphasizes values but underestimates the role of relationships in shaping civic life. This workshop explores how relationality - our social ties, political agency, and economic conditions - affects grassroots democratic design experiments and the technologies they inspire. Grounded in deep democracy and participatory approaches, we engage in small-scale experiments using Relational Sandbox to explore how new technologies that support democratic values can reshape power dynamics and how locally rooted, tailored designs can counteract capital-driven technological development. By experimenting with relational civics, we will collectively imagine new design strategies that prioritize meaningful technologies for deep democracy over …

The Birth Of Tragedy And The Genealogy Of Morals, Friedrich Wilhelm Nietzsche

Hannah Arendt Marginalia - All

Garden City, N.Y., Doubleday, 1956

Call #: B3312.E5 G6 1956

Contains marginalia, underlining and marginal lining.

PDF Information: 76 pages – 32.3mb

Compromising Consent: A Peer-Led Ethnographic Exploration Of Sexual Assault On A Small College Campus, Scott London, Mae Rohlk

Proceedings of the annual meeting of the Southern Anthropological Society

This study explores the persistent issue of campus sexual assault through an ethnographic lens, utilizing peer-led interviews conducted at a small liberal arts college. By focusing on three key themes—the interplay of alcohol, sex, and consent; peer responses to sexual assault accusations; and technology-facilitated sexual violence—the study offers a nuanced understanding of the normalization of sexual violence. Findings reveal that alcohol is frequently cited as a mitigating factor in assault narratives, perpetuating gendered power imbalances and undermining the effectiveness of consent education. Peer responses often rely on enduring rape myths, which reinforce victim-blaming and discourage reporting. Technology, while providing opportunities …

Legitimacy As Politico-Cultural Integration, Chase Plante

Proceedings of the annual meeting of the Southern Anthropological Society

Since the social sciences first began considering the concept of political legitimacy, or people’s acceptance and support of authority, the field has struggled to effectively define the concept in terms it can operationalize. This paper uses Talcott Parsons’ model of societal subsystems to advance a theorization of political legitimacy as the integration of the polity and culture subsystems. For society to function, all four subsystems (economy, societal community, culture, polity) must integrate. This research demonstrates that legitimacy is a process of politico-cultural integration by examining legal compliance. I argue that formal norms (laws) must be translated into informal norms, representing …

Introduction, Kiley E. Molinari

Proceedings of the annual meeting of the Southern Anthropological Society

No abstract provided.

The Aga Khan University In Pakistan Heralding New Era Of Higher Education

University press releases and calendars

No abstract provided.

Kinetics Of Adsorption Of Copper And Nickel Ions Using A Rice Husk-Based Sorbent, Aziza A. Maksudova, Shukhrat A. Mutalov, Klara M. Adilova

CHEMISTRY AND CHEMICAL ENGINEERING

The aim of this study is to investigate the adsorption kinetics of Cu(II) and Ni(II) ions from aqueous solutions using an adsorbent obtained by treating rice husk with a solution of monoethanolamine. The experiments evaluated the influence of contact time on the efficiency of metal ion removal and calculated the adsorption capacity. To analyze the adsorption process kinetics, pseudo-first-order and pseudo-second-order kinetic models were applied. The results demonstrated that the adsorption process follows the pseudo-second-order kinetic model. Thus, monoethanolamine-modified rice husk can be considered an effective, environmentally friendly, and economically viable sorbent for the removal of heavy metal ions from …

Full Issue, Kritika Kultura

Kritika Kultura

Brina (2016), Chhorii (2021), and Jayeshbhai Jordaar (2022).

Occupational Therapy In Adolescent And Young Adult Oncology: An Educational Guidebook, Bailee N. Fleming, Lesley Khan-Farooqi

Summer 2025 OTD Capstone Symposium

Adolescent and young adult (AYA) cancer patients, typically aged 15 to 39, face numerous physical, emotional, and psychological challenges during and after treatment, which can significantly affect their quality of life and ability to engage in daily activities. While occupational therapy has proven effective in addressing these challenges, its integration into AYA cancer care remains underutilized. This project aimed to bridge the gap by developing a comprehensive guidebook for AYA oncology patients and their oncology care teams, providing an in-depth understanding of the impact of cancer and its treatments on occupational performance, and promoting the role of occupational therapy in …

Helping Children Cope With Sensory Overstimulation At Theme Parks: An Educational Video Series For Parents, Ashley M. Garcia, Steven M. Gerardi Phd, Otd, Mss, Otr

Summer 2025 OTD Capstone Symposium

Parents of children with sensory processing challenges often feel overwhelmed and unprepared when visiting high-stimulation environments such as theme parks. Loud sounds, bright lights, crowded walkways, and unpredictable routines can contribute to sensory overload, creating distress for both children and caregivers. Although theme parks aim to provide joyful family experiences, they may not fully account for the needs of neurodivergent children, including those with autism spectrum disorder, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, or sensory processing disorder. Parents of children with debilitating sensory issues are unsure and uncertain on how to prepare to assist their child to cope with the overwhelming sensory stimuli at …

Snap Benefits In A Recession: Mountain West State Projections, Olivia K. Cheche, Caitlin J. Saladino, William E. Brown Jr.

Health

This fact sheet presents data on simulated recession impacts to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) in the Mountain West. The Urban Institute’s “How Would a State Cost Share Affect SNAP in a Recession?” report provides recession projections based on the current SNAP policy – which allows SNAP to automatically expand in the event of a recession – as well as a 10% cost share scenario, for all 50 U.S. states and the District of Columbia. This fact sheet focuses on recession projections for the five Mountain West states of Arizona, Colorado, Nevada, New Mexico, and Utah.

Births In The Mountain West, 2023, Lara Karaalp, Yashesvi Sharma, Caitlin J. Saladino, William E. Brown Jr.

Demography

This fact sheet details data from a National Vital Statistics report on the number of births within the Mountain West in 2023. This report, offered through the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), includes data on the race/ethnic demographics of mothers of American Indian and Alaska Native, Asian, Black, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander, white, and Hispanic descent. This fact sheet explores birth data for the Mountain West states of Arizona, Colorado, Nevada, New Mexico, and Utah, by the mother’s place of residence.

Identifying And Addressing Maternal Health Needs: Using Occupational Therapy To Empower, Educate, And Support Mothers, Anne K. Lyles

Department of Occupational Therapy Entry-Level Capstone Projects

There is a critical need for extended maternal support, particularly when viewed through the lens of occupational therapy. This capstone project aimed to address this gap by conducting a needs assessment using the Maternal Occupational Therapy Health & Environment Risk Screening (MOTHERS) to gain a deeper understanding of the challenges mothers face during the prenatal and postpartum periods. Findings from the needs assessment informed the development of practical, evidence-based resources—including digital products, social media content, educational flyers, and a virtual course—designed to support postpartum mothers in a format that is both accessible and empowering.

Musicologist Joins Department Of Music, Andrea Drummond

University of Mississippi News

OXFORD, Miss. – The University of Mississippi Department of Music has hired musicologist and researcher Sarah Koval as an assistant professor of music.

Microbiome–Immune Interaction And Harnessing For Next-Generation Vaccines Against Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza In Poultry, Yongming Sang, Samuel N. Nahashon, Richard J. Webby

Food and Animal Sciences Faculty Research

Highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) remains a persistent threat to global poultry production and public health. Current vaccine platforms show limited cross-clade efficacy and often fail to induce mucosal immunity. Recent advances in microbiome research reveal critical roles for gut commensals in modulating vaccine-induced immunity, including enhancement of mucosal IgA production, CD8+ T-cell activation, and modulation of systemic immune responses. Engineered commensal bacteria such as Lactococcus lactis, Bacteroides ovatus, Bacillus subtilis, and Staphylococcus epidermidis have emerged as promising live vectors for antigen delivery. Postbiotic and synbiotic strategies further enhance protective efficacy through targeted modulation of the gut microbiota. Additionally, artificial …

Integrating Occupation-Based Activities And Habit Training To Support Independence In Senior Living Facilities, Jamie Spangler

Department of Occupational Therapy Entry-Level Capstone Projects

This doctoral capstone project was completed at Seaside at Fort Myers, a senior living facility encompassing Independent Living (IL), Assisted Living (AL), and Memory Care (MC) settings. The primary objective was to promote independence among older adults through two occupational therapy-informed initiatives: the development and facilitation of a structured habit training program and the creation of a practical activity planning checklist for staff. The 4-week habit training program focused on supporting daily routine development using analog tools such as calendars, checklists, and simulated planning tasks. These sessions targeted cognitive functions commonly impacted by aging, including task initiation, planning, and consistency. …

Enhancing Oral Absorption Of An Ester Prodrug By Coating Drug Crystals With Binary Lipid Systems And Evaluating The Influence Of Compositions, Xiaowei Dong, Tao Zhang, Hellen L. Moreno Sanchez, Jaylen C. Mans, Sung Hun Bae, Liangqiao Bian

Pharmacy Faculty Scholarship

Background/Objectives: Prodrug strategies are a vital aspect of drug development, with ester prodrugs particularly notable for modifying parent drug properties through ester functional groups to enhance oral absorption. However, ester prodrugs are prone to hydrolysis by water and enzymes, making stability in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract prior to absorption a key challenge. Few formulation strategies effectively address this degradation issue. We recently introduced binary lipid systems (BLS), comprising a lipid and a water-soluble surfactant only that form stable microemulsions. This study aimed to explore the application of BLS for enhancing the oral absorption of ester prodrugs by coating drug crystals …

Native-Borns And Migrants Do Not Contribute Equally To Domestic Co2 Emissions, Carlo Andrea Bollino, Marzio Galeotti

Fondazione Eni Enrico Mattei Working Papers

While population growth is a known driver of CO2 emissions, prevailing models often treat “population” as a homogeneous factor. This study addresses a critical gap, providing the first comprehensive empirical analysis to disaggregate the contributions of native-born and migrant populations to domestic CO2 emissions. Using an extended STIRPAT model for 172 countries (1990-2022), separated by OECD and non-OECD blocs, we uncover two novel insights.First, native-born populations consistently exhibit a substantially higher emissions elasticity than migrants in both country groups. Second, a dynamic shift occurred in OECD countries: migrants’ initially higher per capita emissions impact steadily declined over time, becoming lower …

Maternal Mortality In Zambia: Associations With Health Services Utilization, Birth Spacing, And Province, Selina Mubwanga

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Maternal mortality remains one of the leading public health issues in Zambia characterized by elevated maternal mortality rates among women of reproductive age. This research study investigated the effect of birth spacing, province type and location, and maternal health services utilization on maternal deaths among women in the Lusaka, Eastern, Central, and North-Western provinces of Zambia. The theoretical underpinning of this investigation drew upon the social-ecological systems framework. Using secondary data from the 2018 Zambia Demographic and Health Survey (ZDHS) of 1,868 women aged 15–49 years, the study adopted a quantitative, descriptive, cross-sectional research design. Binary logistic regression analysis revealed …

Prisoner Re-Entry Into Society And Criminal Justice Social Work Practice, Aleeyah S. Norvell

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

This study explores the challenges faced by social workers in supporting the successful reintegration of formerly incarcerated individuals. Social workers play a critical role in the U.S. criminal justice system, yet they often encounter systemic barriers that limit their ability to meet clients’ basic needs, such as housing, employment, and healthcare. Using a generic qualitative research design, the study was conducted using semi-structured interviews with a sample of eight licensed social workers, using open-ended questions to gather rich, detailed accounts of their experiences. Guided by social learning theory and using thematic analysis, the findings reveal significant obstacles in adapting to …

Don't Say You Love Me, Breanna Dunwell

Masters Theses

Teen dating violence is a silent epidemic that is not talked about enough or taken seriously. This shows that age does not matter when it comes to any type of abuse or harassment – physical, emotional, sexual, stalking, etc. The household that the victim lives in, race, parents marital status, and financial situation do not play a role into who is a victim versus someone who is not. The perpetrator does not care about those kinds of details. They only care about needing to be in control of the other person. Even though this is a snippet, the story shows …

Feasibility And Preliminary Efficacy Of A Lymphedema And Fibrosis Self-Management Program For Head And Neck Cancer Survivors: A Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial, Jie Deng, Barbara Murphy, Lucy Andersen, Erin Mcmenamin, John Lukens, Joy Cohn, Karthik Rajasekaran, Ryan Quinn, Bryan Spinelli, Alexander Lin

Department of Physical Therapy Faculty Papers

OBJECTIVES: Survivors of head and neck cancer (HNC) are at high risk for developing lymphedema and fibrosis (LEF). Once diagnosed with LEF, survivors must engage in a lifelong program of self-care to minimize long-term adverse effects. However, evidence-based LEF self-management (SM) programs are lacking. To fill this void, we developed and pilot-tested a LEF-SM program for HNC survivors.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: The LEF-SM Program was developed using the Information-Motivation-Behavioral Skills model of health behavior change as a framework. The program was pilot tested in a three-group randomized controlled trial evaluating feasibility and preliminary efficacy. Fifty-nine participants were randomized to: Usual …