Digital Commons Network^™

Advancing The Rights Of Nature: Lessons From Sauk-Suiattle V. City Of Seattle, Harry S. Katz

American Indian Law Journal

Advocates for the “rights of nature” seek recognition of legal rights for natural elements such as mountains, rivers, and non-human species as a means of protecting the environment. In the United States, Tribal Nations have been at the forefront of this nascent movement. In a 2022 Washington state case, the Sauk-Suiattle Indian Tribe sued the City of Seattle, alleging that the City’s hydroelectric dams on the Skagit River infringe upon the rights of salmon. Those rights, they claim, include the salmon’s rights to exist, flourish, regenerate, and evolve. The case, known as Sauk-Suiattle Indian Tribe v. City of Seattle, …

Native History Is United States History: How United States History Censorship Leads To Passive Acceptance Of Racial Discrimination And Furthers The Decline Of Tribal Sovereignty, Nickolasa A. Jackson

American Indian Law Journal

Native stories are embedded in the United States Constitution, property law, and the nation’s legal and political framework, but education frequently omits these truths. Such erasure perpetuates misunderstanding, invisibility, and hostility toward Native communities, obscuring the reality that the United States was built through the dispossession, coercion, and suffering of Indigenous Peoples. Whitewashing history has allowed the nation to claim moral virtue and industriousness while denying the foundational role of Indigenous Peoples. The Article emphasizes that Native rights, whether land, water, or other treaty-protected entitlements, as well as inherent rights such as tribal sovereignty, are not charitable or discretionary; they …

Toward A New Era Of American Indian Scholarship: An Introductory Essay For The American Indian Law Journal, Matthew L.M. Fletcher

American Indian Law Journal

No abstract provided.

A Neutrosophic Homological-Gröbner Framework For Ai-Driven Media Education Evaluation, Mona Gharib, Hafiz Muhammad Athar Farid, José M. Merigó, Muhammad Riaz

Sustainable Machine Intelligence Journal

The integration of artificial intelligence (AI) with media technologies has transformed teaching in Journalism and Communication, introducing new challenges for quality evaluation. Traditional assessment methods fail to capture the uncertainty, inconsistency, and incompleteness inherent in modern educational data. This paper proposes a Neutrosophic Homological–Gröbner Framework, which unifies three perspectives: neutrosophic sets to encode uncertain evidence, homological algebra to analyze structural coherence, and Gröbner bases to systematically simplify interdependent evaluation rules.

Within this framework, diverse evidence is encoded into neutrosophic triplets, daggregate into course-level indicators, and organized into neutrosophic chain complexes, where Betti indices reveal coherence and fragmentation. Educational policies are …

High-Performance Deep Learning Techniques For Plant Disease Detection: Performance Analysis, Validation, And Applications, Doaa El-Shahat, Ahmed Elmasry

Sustainable Machine Intelligence Journal

The early detection of plant diseases is an indispensable task to improve crop yields and production quality. Crop disease observations by experienced pathologists are difficult and might take a long time. Therefore, deep learning (DL) techniques have been utilized to present an automated detection technique that could accurately and timely detect plant diseases. Several DL models in the literature were proposed, but no paper conducted a comparative study between those models to determine which of them was the best alternative for this task. Therefore, twenty-one DL models are compared in this review paper to show which of them could achieve …

Rf-Et-Ann: Hybrid Machine Learning Model For Forecasting Short-Term Photovoltaic Power Production, Walid Abdullah, Ahmed Ismail Ebada, Mohamed Abouhawwash

Sustainable Machine Intelligence Journal

Accurately forecasting photovoltaic (PV) power generation is a challenging problem due to the non-linear and highly variable characteristics of solar data, which is strongly influenced by several interdependent factors, such as environmental conditions, system characteristics, and technical aspects. In this study, a newly proposed machine learning (ML) technique based on integrating random forest (RF), extra trees (ET), and artificial neural networks (ANN) is presented to tackle this problem with better predictive accuracy, ensuring that solar energy is used more consistently, effectively, and economically; this model is dubbed RF-ET-ANN for short. Hybridization of these three models will help capture non-linear aspects …

Gnmsa: An Accurate Parameter Estimation Of Semi-Empirical Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cells Model Using A Hybrid Artificial Intelligence–Based Optimization Approach, Dina Atef, Doaa El-Shahat, Hafiz Burhan Ul Haq, Zaka Ur Rehman, Muhammad Nauman Irshad

Sustainable Machine Intelligence Journal

The PEMFC parameter estimation problem has recently piqued the interest of several researchers due to its significance in reaching better PEMFC modeling. However, existing PEMFC parameter estimation algorithms encounter significant difficulty in solving this problem because of its complex and highly nonlinear nature. Therefore, this paper presents a new hybrid approach, termed GNMSA, for addressing this problem more accurately. This hybrid approach combines the exploration operator of the generalized normal distribution optimization with the exploitation operator of the mantis search optimization (MSA), resulting in this strong variant that has high abilities to alleviate stagnation in local optima and expedite convergence …

An Enhanced Optimization Algorithm For Estimating Pem Fuel Cells Parameters: Performance Comparison And Real-World Applicability, Ibrahim Alrashdi, Karam M. Sallam

Sustainable Machine Intelligence Journal

Accurate modeling is critical for the efficient design, control, and optimization of a proton exchange membrane (PEM) fuel cell. This problem is regarded as a multi-modal, multi-variate, non-linear optimization problem, and several methods in the literature have been presented to tackle it. However, those methods still suffer from either being stuck into local optima or a slow convergence rate. To solve this problem more accurately in terms of final results and convergence speed, this study proposes a hybrid optimization algorithm based on enhancing the recently proposed crested porcupine optimizer (CPO) using two new optimization methods, namely ranking-based optimization and exploration-exploitation …

Deep Learning In Precision Agriculture: A Systematic Review Of Methods, Datasets, And Applications, Mariam Ahmed

Sustainable Machine Intelligence Journal

With the growing demand for food and water for the world population. Deep learning is one of the most powerful approaches for smart agriculture, offering the capacity for accurate and fast data manipulation and decision-making. To this end, this study contributes to the body of knowledge as follows. We present a comprehensive review of deep learning methods commonly applied in precision agriculture, categorized into three main categories: discriminative, generative, and hybrid models. Given the data-driven nature of DL, we provided a structured overview and tabulation of available datasets in precision agriculture, by categorizing them according to modality to guide dataset …

Vigilante Violence, The Rise Of The New Right, And The Persistence Of The Texas Farmworkers, 1975–1980, Brent M. S. Campney, Tim Bowman

History Faculty Publications

This study charts the ineffective vigilante violence perpetrated by growers in the Rio Grande Valley of Texas to suppress farmworker activism from the mid-to-late 1970s and their abrupt shift in tactics with a 1980 strike in Hereford, Texas, toward the adoption of strictly nonviolent and tediously legalistic new methods associated with the neoconservative backlash. It does so in two major sections. In the first, grower violence is chronicled in detail that underscores both its rage and ineffectiveness. The second section shows how the New Right usurped the longstanding usage of physical violence against ethnic Mexicans in Texas, prompting conservatives to …

Securing U.S. Leadership In Agentic Ai Literacy And Adoption: U.S. Vs Chinese Government Policies And Initiatives, Satyadhar Joshi

Harrisburg University Other Works

This paper conducts a comparative analysis of U.S. and Chinese frameworks for AI literacy and adoption, with focus on agentic AI and Artificial General Intelligence (AGI) systems capable of autonomous reasoning and execution. We examine national policies, educational integration, governance structures, and technological roadmaps, employing both qualitative review and quantitative modeling. Mathematical formulations include multi-dimensional literacy scoring, Bass diffusion models for adoption dynamics, risk assessment functions, regulatory effectiveness indices, competitiveness metrics, and optimization frameworks for resource allocation. Our analysis reveals divergent paradigms: the U.S. Favors decentralized, innovation-driven approaches with emphasis on interoperability and public-private collaboration; while China pursues centralized, state-led …

Where The Government Steps Back, Business And Philanthropy Can Step Forward Together, Emily Brenner, Tory Martin, Anneliese Orr

Research, Reports, and Publications

No abstract provided.

Innovation And Survival: The Charitable Sector Is Looking For New Ways To Work, Jeff Williams

Research, Reports, and Publications

No abstract provided.

Employee Well-Being At Risk During Times Of Hyper Disruption, Jill Roof, Anneliese Orr, Mandy Sharp Eizinger

Research, Reports, and Publications

No abstract provided.

The Impact Of Awareness Of Campus Health Services On Utilization Of Medical Care Among Residential Students At Liberty University, Catherine Pandagade

Masters Theses

College students represent the most prominent group of individuals when considering their lifestyles throughout aging. Therefore, this age group serves as a good opportunity for health education that could build positive health behaviors for life. Existing literature have said that the 18-25 year olds tend to have fewer resources and be often uninsured and have the highest rates of preventable diseases.2 Objective: The aim of this research is to investigate the impact of awareness and its subsequent effect on utilization of available health resources on campus among the student population of Liberty University. Additionally, the purpose of the research through …

Medulloblastoma Stem Cell Programs: Molecular Roadmaps Of Disease Progression, Tamra E Werbowetski-Ogilvie

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

Over the last decade, an unprecedented number of sequencing studies have characterized the molecular landscape of pediatric brain cancers, including the highly heterogeneous tumor medulloblastoma (MB). Extensive MB profiling has enabled a much deeper understanding of the primitive neurodevelopmental programs that are hijacked during tumor progression. However, we have yet to successfully target and fully eradicate the putative stem and early progenitor cells that drive MB tumorigenesis. This goal will require better human models that faithfully recapitulate oncogenic events, a deeper understanding of the mechanisms governing cell fate decisions in the primary and metastatic compartments, and comprehensive validation studies of …

Go On Take Everything, Take Everything, I Want You To: Corporate Cash Accumulations, Broken Promises, And The Failure Of The Accumulated Earnings Tax, Meredith R. Conway

Seton Hall Law Review

No abstract provided.

Africa's Global Influence, Faez Al-Haq - Abidemi Salami

Masters Theses

This thesis believes in the design and production of an interactive kids' coloring book on Africa's extensive influence on world cultures, history, economies, and artistic heritage. In a bid to reverse centuries of misrepresentation and large-scale miseducation regarding Africa within early childhood textbooks, this work aims to design an interactive, kid-friendly guide that informs young readers about the central role Africa plays in today's world. Informed by thorough literature review and referencing case studies of successful education and culture intervention, the proposal positions Africa's global reach, spanning from its precolonial trading networks, philosophic structures, diaspora contributions, art heritage, and cultural …

Black Girl Magic Is Real, Bethany M. Duff

Masters Theses

This thesis began with an inquiry into the state of representation of Black women authors within the fantasy fiction genre. The artist statement delves into the development of a fantasy story with a Black young woman protagonist written by a Black woman. The story serves as a vehicle for the author to continue the authorial legacy begun by Black women authors decades before. The critical research paper operates as a literature review of five books within the fantasy fiction genre, written by Black women. It discusses the themes of: the connection between race and the narrative, race and the magic …

Investigating The Reliability And Validity Of The Social Connectedness Instrument Among U.S. Adults, Blake A. Fraser

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Growing evidence shows that poor social connectedness is becoming a public health threat, with rising prevalence and connections to poor mental and physical health across the lifespan. Therefore, there is an urgent need to develop feasible and effective social connectedness interventions. There is limited evidence for the effectiveness of current interventions, with studies recommending tailoring the intervention to an individual’s specific social connection needs. However, previous measures of social connectedness provide little information about potentially modifiable contributors of poor connection. Thus, the Social Connectedness Instrument (SCI) was developed to fill in this gap by proposing two novel latent constructs of …

Experiences Of Victim Advocates Serving Military Sexual Assault Victims In The State Of New York: A Phenomenological Study, Neisha Louhar

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this phenomenological study is to describe victim advocates’ (VAs’) experiences serving victims of sexual assault (SA) in the State of New York. Current researchers emphasize experiences in the areas of professional satisfaction, development of new skills, and work relationships. The theories guiding the current research are Maslow’s hierarchy of needs and social cognitive theory (SCT). Maslow’s hierarchy of needs suggests that individuals are motivated to meet their needs in a specific order. Social cognitive theory’s observational learning shapes decision-making factors. have an important role in supporting victims of SA emotionally. Understanding victims’ experiences can provide awareness of …

Women, Religion, And Education In North Carolina: How The Feminization Theory Applies From The Nineteenth Century To Present Day, Jennifer Lauren Walker

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

In the state of North Carolina southern traditions run deep. The strong foundation of religion and family have been a constant in this state. However, not everything about this state’s history has been equal or fair, especially in the case of women and education. It would take the Progressive era for the feminization of southern life and culture to work its way into the lifestyle found amongst North Carolina residents. Women across the state would lay witness to the changes that both feminization and religion brought into their lives. Education would be one major factor that played into the equation …

Vietnam Music Education For Professional Careers In The Music Industry, Dylan Bao Nguyen

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Vietnam, a country in Southeast Asia, holds a rich cultural heritage and diverse musical traditions that span more than four thousand years. The country began commercializing its music industry around 1997 and expanded it into a significant national sector by 2015. Even with this expansion, Vietnamese music remains largely unfamiliar to global listeners, creating an urgent need for strong music education programs that support the industry’s development. To understand why Vietnamese music struggles to achieve global visibility in the age of globalization, researchers must examine the current conditions of music education and identify the specific factors that limit its international …

The George-Anne Daily, Georgia Southern University

George-Anne Media Group: Newsletters & Magazines

No abstract provided.

Perceptions Of Stigma Of Pregnant Individuals Experiencing Substance Use Disorder Receiving Prenatal Care At Magdalene Clinic: A Cross-Sectional Study, Hannah F. Mckinnon, Melissa L. Fair, Jody Teel, Courtney Lubaczewski, Alison Kimura, Kimbley Smith, Kacey Eichelberger

Open Access Fund Publications

Background

Substance use disorder (SUD) is highly stigmatized with pregnant individuals experiencing substance-related stigma at greater levels than the general population due to perceived deviance from societal norms. Pregnant individuals experiencing stigma may be more likely to delay or receive inadequate prenatal care. The purpose of this cross-sectional study was to understand self-reported enacted, anticipated, and internalized stigma of pregnant individuals experiencing SUD receiving prenatal care at Magdalene Clinic, a collaborative, trauma-informed OB-GYN clinic.

Methods

The Substance Use Stigma Mechanism Scale was administered to 226 individuals to measure past, present, and anticipated future experiences of substance use related stigma from …

Improving Mathematical Problem-Solving Performance Through The Use Of Reading Comprehension Strategies, Rebecca Yonan

Masters Projects

Research shows that math problem solving relies on more than arithmetic computation. Word problem solving is a combination of text comprehension and word memory. Being able to successfully solve word problems at the elementary level helps prepare students for algebra, and higher academics. Learning to solve word problems teaches students problem solving techniques that can be applied in their adult lives. This project creates an instructional routine where lessons are built around teaching primarily through word problem solving. Students will receive instruction on text comprehension, math vocabulary building, word memory, and arithmetic computation in order to simultaneously increase their math …

Basil Oil As An Environmentally Friendly Corrosion Inhibitor For Aisi 1010 Mild Steel Pipes In The Cooling Towers, Mohammed Ali Kadhim, Nagam Obaid Kariem, Rasha Al-Saedi

Baghdad Science Journal

One of the most significant industrial problems is the corrosion of construction metals such as mild steel in pipes and storage tanks of cooling towers. Several preventive measures are used to minimize corrosion. One of them uses various corrosion inhibitors, some of which are organic and others inorganic. Most inorganic corrosion inhibitors are environmentally unfriendly materials. These inhibitors, mixed with cooling tower water, are discharged into rivers or seawater. Many of them are toxic and affect biological life through their ingestion by humans and animals or through their entry into the soil. Basil plant oil is suggested as a new …

Design Of Nanomaterial-Based Sensors For Enhanced Halogen Bonding, Ben H. Edelman, Charles W. Sheppard, Lucas A. Chuidian, Arielle Vinnikov, Felix Bevc, Lillian B. Hughes, Carol A. Parish, Michael C. Leopold

Chemistry Faculty Publications

Halogen bonding is a highly directional, noncovalent, intermolecular interaction which has been harnessed for a variety of applications, including sensor design. A halogen bond (XB) is formed between a region of positive electrostatic potential on a halogen atom (X) and electron rich portions of target molecules. The strength of XB interactions relies on shorter XB bond distances and more linear R–X···B bond angles, which facilitate stronger, more negative binding energies. While prior studies have sought to maximize interactions, few have explored or experimentally demonstrated how geometries and bond angles can enhance XB interactions. Herein, fundamental studies are conducted at self-assembled …

Examining The Psychological Impact Of Adverse Childhood Traumatic Experiences In Adult Survivors: Creating A Community Of Awareness And Intervention, Lawanda T. Mobbs

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Childhood trauma encompasses experiences such as abuse, neglect, and household dysfunction, experiences which have profound and lasting effects on an individual’s development and well-being. These behaviors can manifest in many ways. The intricate interplay between childhood trauma, mental health challenges, and maladaptive behaviors creates a complex clinical picture, often requiring specialized and trauma-informed approaches within the community. Understanding the efficacy of interventions tailored to this population is crucial for improving the quality of life and fostering resilience. Despite extensive research, there remain significant gaps in understanding the full scope of these effects and how to mitigate them. This study investigated …

Cattle Drives To Coal Cars: Norfolk & Western And The New South Industrialization Of Tazewell County, Virginia, 1880-1930, Hannah Beth Hensley

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Addressing the impact of the New South gospel of industrialization on Tazewell County, Virginia, this research seeks to examine the county’s shift from a primarily agricultural, barter economy prior to 1880 to one of both industry and agriculture by 1930. It traces Virginia’s early railroads and coal mines, following the creation and collapse of the Atlantic, Mississippi & Ohio Railroad and subsequent birth of the Norfolk & Western Railroad, and details early geographic studies indicating the presence of coal in Southwest Virginia’s mountains. Tazewell County became the gateway to the rich Pocahontas coal fields of West Virginia with the boom …