Digital Commons Network^™

Guns, Bombs, And Pollution: Unraveling The Nexus Between Warfare, Terrorism, And Ecological Devastation In Iraq, Hogr Tarkhani

The Journal of Social Encounters

Iraq's environment has experienced significant pollution and degradation, earning it the dubious distinction of being one of the most polluted and degraded regions globally, according to the Globe Pollution Review. The past three decades of armed conflict have exacted a heavy toll on the country, resulting in widespread human suffering, including countless fatalities, injuries, and a massive displacement of people. Amidst this death and destruction, the ecosystem has also endured severe damage, and its decline carries long-lasting implications.

The environmental crisis in Iraq has been worsened by the presence of extremist groups such as the Islamic State (ISIS) and various …

On Dialogue And Beyond: Positive Environmental Peacebuilding In Palestine, Elsa Barron

The Journal of Social Encounters

In Palestine, environmental management has been used as a tool of military occupation and oppression. Yet even within that context, many community-based organizations have established programs relating to environmental peacebuilding. Of these initiatives, environmental dialogue programs have received significant attention and resources, even more so since the war in Gaza began in October, 2023. However, a deeper interrogation of these programs reveals the danger that dialogue and collaboration devoid of a critical analysis of power and injustice further perpetuates systemic oppression. Moving these programs into the realm of positive environmental peacebuilding requires a willingness to engage in this structural analysis. …

Islam And The Environment, Jon Armajani

The Journal of Social Encounters

This is a transcript of a presentation at the Thirty-Fourth Annual Peace Studies Conference at the College of St. Benedict and St. John’s University on September 18, 2023. The presentation provides (1) some background information about Islam; (2) related ideas about Christianity; (3) a discussion of some verses in the Quran, which relate to the environment, and some Islamic interpretations of them; (4) an analysis of Ibrahim Abdul-Matin’s ideas on Islam and the environment; and (5) a tribute to Father Rene McGraw, OSB.

Benedictine Life And Care For The Environment, John Klassen O.S.B.

The Journal of Social Encounters

In this presentation I want to show in simple terms how monastic life provides spiritual practices for our community to live the Gospel in a way that is responsive and respectful to the environment. Consequently, I organize my presentation around four words or phrases from the Rule of Benedict (RB). The first one is the community of goods. The second is stability. Thethird is frugality, and the fourth is a contemplative stance. These four words or phrases provide the frame for this presentation and are central to spirituality of the Rule of Saint Benedict.

Environmental Peacebuilding: Yesterday, Today, And Tomorrow, Ken Conca

The Journal of Social Encounters

The field of environmental peacebuilding emerged as a counter to the idea that violent conflict was an inevitable byproduct of environmental change. Two decades ago, my colleague Geoffrey Dabelko and I published a book, Environmental Peacemaking, sketching the argument that ecological interdependencies could be instrumentalized as a force for peace (Conca & Dabelko, 2002). Other early works from this period focused on the peace opportunities in biodiversity conservation (Matthew et al., 2002) and transboundary protected areas (Brock, 1991; Ali, 2007). Since that time, a substantial community of research and practice has emerged around these ideas. In this essay I discuss …

Opening Remarks For The 34th Annual Peace Studies Conference, Dr. Brian Bruess

The Journal of Social Encounters

No abstract provided.

Introduction: The Environment: Issues In Justice, Conflict And Peacebuilding, Ronald Pagnucco

The Journal of Social Encounters

No abstract provided.

Sauron: Weirdly Sexy, Robert T. Tally Jr.

Journal of Tolkien Research

A popular meme depict Galadriel and Frodo admitting that Sauron is "weirdly sexy," a humorous allusion to The Rings of Power’s Halbrand. The show's controversial revelation of Halbrand as Sauron highlights the differences between Tolkien’s construction of Second and Third Age Sauron as an attractive or admirable leader compared to Peter Jackson’s portrayal of him as a monster or disembodied fiery eyeball. This, in turn, has implications for the geopolitical order of Middle-earth in which many people legitimately might wish to be on Sauron’s side. Acknowledging Sauron's "sexiness" may allow us to see Tolkien's world system in a new …

Prenatal, Perinatal And Postnatal Risk Factors Associated With Autism Spectrum Disorder In Palestine: A Case-Control Study, Mustafa Ghanim, Mariam Al-Tell, Samaa Staiti, Maha Rabayaa, Johnny Amer, Malik Alqub, Sameeha Atout, Nihad Al-Othman, Marwa Ismail

An-Najah University Journal for Research - B (Humanities)

Background: Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a multifactorial neurodevelopment disorder. Several prenatal, perinatal, and postnatal factors are suggested as risk factors for ASD. This study aimed to correlate prenatal, perinatal, and postnatal factors in a limited number of ASD cases in Palestine. Methods: A case-control study involved 120 children (60 typically diagnosed with ASD and 60 healthy matched with the ASD group). The parents of the children in both groups were asked to fill out the questionnaire. Results: The study showed a higher male-to-female ratio in the ASD group. A family history of ASD was reported in 38.3% of the …

Economic Efficiency Role In Sustainable Water Development Of Retail Water Providers In The West Bank And Gaza Strip In Palestine, Fuad Yousef Rammal, Bouchta Alkhazzan

An-Najah University Journal for Research - B (Humanities)

It’s widely recognized that within the water sector, economic efficiency can affect the inputs and outputs of the water supply and sanitation service facility. However, based on an interactive situation that requires adjusting the inputs based on the targeted outputs and compared to counterpart facilities, which may create price restrictions that affect the economic sustainability within the water sector. Hence, this study aimed at revealing the economic efficiency role in sustainable water development, for the major water service providers in the West Bank and Gaza Strip in Palestine. The research adopted a combined approach (i.e., quantitative and qualitative) by analyzing …

The Attitudes Of Islamic Educational Teachers' Towards E-Learning In Light Of Corona Pandemic In The District Of Education At Al-Qasr Region: Karak Governorate, Zeyad Ahmad Limoun

An-Najah University Journal for Research - B (Humanities)

The study aimed to identify the attitudes of Islamic educational teachers towards E-learning in light of the Corona pandemic in the Directorate of Education at Al-Qasr region, and the effects of the following variables (Gender, Academic Qualification, and Years of Experience). To achieve the study’s objectives, the researcher followed the technique of descriptive approach. The sample consisted of (100) teachers. The study tool consisted of (30) items were built to measure trends towards E-learning. The validity and reliability were verified. The results of the study indicated that, the attitudes of Islamic education teachers towards E-learning in light of the Corona …

The Reciprocal Effect Between The Musical And Poetic Compositions In The Palestinian Arabic Songs: Fadwatuqan As A Case Study, Khalifa M. Jadallah

An-Najah University Journal for Research - B (Humanities)

This study aims at investigating the reciprocal effect between the musical and poetic compositions in the Palestinian Arabic songs with FadwaTuqan as a case study. The study undertakes the development of poetic composition and what the words and the music of the song represent. Some examples from Tuqan’s sung poems are examined. To achieve the aims of the study, the researcher examined the following hypotheses and aims: Introducing Tuqan, the Palestinian poet; her biography and the dark and the shiny semiotic aspects of her poetry. Introducing Tuqan’s sung poems and the music composer and knowing the reciprocal effect between the …

The Relationship Between Psychological Capital And Self-Compassion Among Yarmouk University Teachers, Mai Ahmad Muheidat, Mohammad M. Al-Anqara

An-Najah University Journal for Research - B (Humanities)

This study aimed to find out the relationship between psychological capital and self-compassion among Yarmouk University teachers. The study sample consisted of (104) teachers from Yarmouk University who were selected randomly. To achieve the objectives of the study, the two researchers used the psychological capital scale and the self-compassion scale. The appropriate random design was used for the sample, and the results showed a positive correlation between psychological capital and self-compassion and also revealed a negative correlation between the two dimensions of isolation and excessive autism with psychological capital among Yarmouk University teachers. The study recommended the need to implement …

Humor And School Culture In Special Education Schools, Saied Hussein Bishara

An-Najah University Journal for Research - B (Humanities)

Recently there have been discussions about the importance of incorporating humor, particularly in subjects such as mathematics, languages and more. The aim of integrating humor into the educational context stems from the need to mitigate the learning atmosphere that is seen as serious and boring, especially in special education schools. Therefore, the aim of the current research is to study the relationship between the integration of humor in teaching and learning and school culture in special education schools. Humor can have a positive impact on the school, as it stimulates students' interest and memory, and leads to interaction based on …

The Role Of Symbolic Resistance In The Permanence Of Islamic Forms, Riyam Rajab Fanjan Rr.

Emirates Journal for Engineering Research

The Islamic forms reflect a symbolic content and spiritual and ideological dimensions. Between their resistance to change and their response to the formal transformations resulting from technology and contemporary techniques, new ideas and forms are generated. This puts the Islamic form in a challenge that could lead to its emptying of its symbolism and semantic expressions and between its flexible transitions across time and space. Therefore, the research raises the concept of resistance (symbolic-formal) that is known as the interconnected relationship between form, meaning, symbol, and spiritual values. Therefore, the research problem appears " The variation and formal diversity of …

Predicting Gratitude Based On Personality Traits: A Meta-Analysis, Nancy Frye, Selenay Aytac, Michele M. Dornisch

Post Library Faculty Publications

Research demonstrates benefits of gratitude, ranging from health to behavior. Interventions can increase it, but gratitude also has trait-like properties. Although investigations of gratitude control for personality, the relationship of gratitude and other personality traits can provide insight into the nature of gratitude. We systematically searched PsycINFO, PsycArticles, PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science according for empirical articles published in English prior to February 8, 2024. Out of 43 included studies, we examined thirty published studies that included correlations between gratitude and the dimension of the Big Five. Confidence intervals computed across studies suggest that gratitude is related with each …

Ua12/2/1 College Heights Herald: Inventing Yourself On The Hill, Wku Student Affairs

WKU Administration Documents

Magazine edition of the College Heights Herald for the period January 29 - March 3, 2024.

• Anderson, Alexandria. Letter from the Editor
• Costellow, Ali. Passions Provide Outlets for Self-Expression – Nathan Neal, Chase Winemiller, Gracie Silvia, Nico Silverthorn
• Reed, Bailey. Chinese Music Club Brings New Sound to the Hill
• Historic Building Makes for Unique Apartments – Columns, Bowling Green High School
• Parks, Adin. Inside the Bowling Green Warming Centers – Homeless
• Murray, Debra. Kentucky Museum Exhibits Curator Details Research on Women’s Culture – Tiffany Isselhardt
• Anderson, Alexandria. Who Owns WKU’s Dorms – Student Life Foundation, Hilltopper Hall
• Coppinger, Carrington. Forensics …

The Development Of 2 Clonally And Histologically Distinct Subtypes Of Extranodal B-Cell Lymphomas In The Brain And Skin In 1 Individual, Daniel Joffe, Thomas Z. Rohan, Jenna Mandel, Jayson Suriano, Lauren Banner, Alexander Valiga, Pierluigi Porcu, Jerald Z. Gong, Jason B. Lee, Onder Alpdogan, Neda Nikbakht

Department of Dermatology and Cutaneous Biology Faculty Papers

No abstract provided.

Briefing Note: 45th Meeting Of The Wipo Standing Committee On Copyright And Related Rights, Sean Flynn

Joint PIJIP/TLS Research Paper Series

This analysis provides a historical and legal overview of the principle agenda items to be discussed at the 45th meeting of the Standing Committee on Copyright and Related Rights.

Basil Bernstein: Code Theory And Beyond: By Brian Barrett. Pp Xix, 122. Cham: Springer. 2024. £39.99 (Pbk). £31.99 (Ebk). Isbn 978-3-031-50743-4 (Pbk), Isbn 978-3-031-50745-8 (Ebk)., Jim Hordern

School of Law, Humanities and Social Sciences

The work of Basil Bernstein has proved generative of some of the most insightful and nuanced sociological studies of education of the last 25 years, including volumes produced following various symposia on Bernstein’s work, some more recent work produced under the auspices of social realism and legitimation code theory (LCT) (both of which draw extensively although by no means exclusively on Bernstein), and contemporary studies of education policy, globalisation and teachers’ work (e.g., articles in Ivinson and Singh, Citation2018). Bernstein’s stature as an imaginative and perceptive sociologist is assured, even if his work has been occasionally misunderstood or disregarded by …

The Art Speaks For Itself: Aura And Corruption In Cuarón’S Children Of Men, Colby Orton

Criterion: A Journal of Literary Criticism

In the world of Alfonso Cuarón’s Children of Men, the audience comes face to face with many scenes and shots that are filled with symbolism that it may become difficult to pick up on all the excellent directional moves made by Cuarón. This essay will closely analyze not only the clever placement of art but the heavy symbolic nature that each of these art pieces possess; furthermore, I will analyze the implications that these symbolic references bring to the film and how these implications complicate the film while furthering the difficult themes proposed by Cuarón. To achieve the highest understanding …

Voices Unheard, Stories Untold: An In-Depth Phenomenological Exploration Of Workplace Bullying Among Indian Primary School Teachers, Mridul M, Aditi Sharma

The Qualitative Report

Workplace bullying adds significantly to toxicity in workplaces. The present phenomenological study aims to unravel the experiences of primary school teachers who have faced bullying at work. Such studies in India are still sparse, and in-depth qualitative examination of the target’s experiences provides deeper insight into their view regarding anomalous behaviours and bullies. Semi-structured interviews of seven teachers were conducted and analyzed using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis. The analysis resulted in three themes: “Workplace dynamics,” “I can tell what their problem is,” and “Coping with the problem.” The identified acts were linked to the extant model (Duluth model) describing the …

“You Take My Place; Let’S Switch!” What It Means To Be A Woman Powerlifter In Parasport, Aaron Carl S. Seechung, Maria Luisa M. Guinto

The Qualitative Report

Gendered disability in elite sport has emerged as a pertinent area of inquiry in sport psychology. However, qualitative research aimed at amplifying the voices of marginalized subgroups is notably sparse. Employing a phenomenological approach, we examined the lived experience of a Filipina para powerlifter, probing the intersection of gender, disability, and socioeconomic status in shaping how the participant made sense of life and identity, both within and outside the realm of sport. Three personal experiential themes were generated from the interview data's interpretative phenomenological analysis: “survival of the fittest,” “the voices in my head did not allow me to give …

Breaking Silence: Women And Men’S Experiences Of Preventing Ipv, Fatmeh Ahmad Alzoubi, Reem Ali

The Qualitative Report

Intimate partner violence (IPV) is a serious problem in all cultures. This study aimed to identify Jordanian men’s and women’s strategies of preventing IPV using focus groups and open-ended questionnaires. Participants identified many strategies to prevent IPV, which fell within three themes: (1) shields of prevention; (2) understanding the triggers of IPV; and (3) resources of prevention. Participants described their opinions on preventing IPV and discussed the role of extended family, financial dependence, triggers of IPV, and coping strategies used by women. Preventing IPV requires substantial changes in the personal characteristics of men and women, communication skills, and law enforcement.

How To Develop A Qualitative Evaluation Plan For A Complex National Intervention: Key Steps And Reflections From The Radx-Up Program, Shelly A. Maras, Josephine Mckelvy, Kelley Milligan, Allyson Kelley, Valerie A. Lucas, Tara Carr, Abisola Osinuga, Leah Frerichs, Gaurav Dave

The Qualitative Report

This article describes the formative process of developing and implementing a Qualitative Evaluation Plan (QEP) for a large-scale, National Institute of Health (NIH) supported program: Rapid Acceleration of Diagnostics — Underserved Populations (RADx-UP). RADx-UP includes over 137 projects in the United States that aim to ensure that all Americans have access to timely, accurate diagnostics for COVID-19, with a specific focus on populations the pandemic disproportionately affects. As part of a comprehensive, mixed-methods strategic evaluation plan, our team developed the QEP. We employed qualitative methods to understand RADx-UP academic and community partners’ experiences implementing community-engaged research strategies, and to understand …

How Can Generative Ai (Genai) Enhance Or Hinder Qualitative Studies? A Critical Appraisal From South Asia, Nepal, Niroj Dahal

The Qualitative Report

Qualitative researchers can benefit from using generative artificial intelligence (GenAI), such as different versions of ChatGPT—GPT-3.5 or GPT-4, Google Bard—now renamed as a Gemini, and Bing Chat—now renamed as a Copilot, in their studies. The scientific community has used artificial intelligence (AI) tools in various ways. However, using GenAI has generated concerns regarding potential research unreliability, bias, and unethical outcomes in GenAI-generated research results. Considering these concerns, the purpose of this commentary is to review the current use of GenAI in qualitative research, including its strengths, limitations, and ethical dilemmas from the perspective of critical appraisal from South Asia, Nepal. …

The Battle For The Soul Of The Nation: Nationalist Polarization In The 2020 American Presidential Election And The Threat To Democracy, Eric Taylor Woods, Alexandre Fortier-Chouinard, Marcus Closen, Catherine Ouellet, Robert Schertzer

School of Law, Humanities and Social Sciences

This article examines the nationalist rhetoric of Biden and Trump in the 2020 presidential election, focusing on how the candidates represented, and contested, the meaning of American national identity. To do so, we construct a novel analytical framework to undertake a contextual content analysis of Biden and Trump’s campaign tweets (n = 4,321). We demonstrate that the meaning of national identity was a key source of contestation in the election, and that the parameters of this contestation closely tracked a longstanding cleavage in American political culture between civic and ethnic nationalist traditions. Biden largely drew upon the civic nationalist tradition …

Trinity And Creation: Bavinck On The Vestigia Trinitatis, Gayle E. Doornbos

Faculty Work Comprehensive List

Engaging recent scholarship on Bavinck’s revitalization of the vestigia trinitatis and its connection to the organic motif, this essay identifies and examines two aspects of Bavinck’s account that remain underdeveloped with scholarship on this topic. First, it explores the lingering importance triads within Bavinck’s account of the vestigia. Bavinck may have developed a primarily non-numerical account of the vestigia, but he still acknowledges the place of triadic analogies, especially in humanity. Second, it contextualizes Bavinck’s appropriation of the vestigia within his understanding of creation as relative, divine, self-communication in order to illuminate how creation can bear the imprint of the …

Planktonic Marine Fungi: A Review, Xuefeng Peng, Anthony S. Amend, Federico Baltar, Leocadio Blanco-Bercial, Eva Breyer, Gaëtan Burgaud, Michael Cunliffe, Virginia P. Edgcomb, Hans Peter Grossart, Paraskevi Mara, Hossein Masigol, Ka Lai Pang, Alice Retter, Cordelia Roberts, Judith Van Bleijswijk, Allison K. Walker, Syrena Whitner

School of Biological and Marine Sciences

Fungi in marine ecosystems play crucial roles as saprotrophs, parasites, and pathogens. The definition of marine fungi has evolved over the past century. Currently, “marine fungi” are defined as any fungi recovered repeatedly from marine habitats that are able to grow and/or sporulate in marine environments, form symbiotic relationships with other marine organisms, adapt and evolve at the genetic level, or are active metabolically in marine environments. While there are a number of recent reviews synthesizing our knowledge derived from over a century of research on marine fungi, this review article focuses on the state of knowledge on planktonic marine …

Visualizing Voices: Exploring The Use Of Architectural Visualization To Present Complex Qualitative Findings, Oriana Abboud Armaly

The Qualitative Report

In this paper, I discuss the promising use of visual architectural drawings to present findings of qualitative studies, particularly when dealing with a complex, multidimensional human experience. I examine an interdisciplinary integration between qualitative research and architecture that embraces visual elements. I propose using visual drawings borrowed from architecture as a tool to present deep meanings of human experience within a social phenomenon and make the findings visually transparent. The architectural drawings offer distinct views: one provides an overall view of the building, while the other exposes its hidden layers. I employ this visual means to highlight deep meanings obtained …