Digital Commons Network^™

Best Practices For Performance Measurement In Transportation Operations And Maintenance, Bryan Gibson, Rachel Catchings, Chris Van Dyke, Steve Waddle, Doug Kreis

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

Public agencies benefit from measuring their performance as it helps to focus employee and organizational activities. State departments of transportation have become more performance-oriented over the past two decades and routinely collect data on highway safety, infrastructure condition, system operations, project delivery, winter maintenance, transit, bicycle and pedestrian facilities, and customer service. While the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC) use performance measures in a variety of areas, the agency wants to adopt new metrics related to mobility and the responsiveness of maintenance operations. This report documents performance measurement strategies used at state transportation agencies throughout the country and proposes new performance …

Labor And Employment—Not Waiting For Superman: Collective Bargaining As An Affirmation Of Teachers' Value, Christopher Yeatman

University of Arkansas at Little Rock Law Review

No abstract provided.

An Investigation Of Open Government Data Utilization And Impact : Influential Factors And Stakeholders, Xiaoyi Yerden

Legacy Theses & Dissertations (2009 - 2024)

Since 2009, increasing numbers of countries have started their open data development. Through these efforts, they aim to improve government transparency, advocate innovation in public services and business, boost economic development and improve quality of life. In order to achieve these values of Open Government Data (OGD), just making the data open is not enough; OGD has to be actually used by people. Among previous research, there is a limited discussion on the actual utilization of OGD and the generation of OGD impact. Focused on OGD utilization and impact generation, this dissertation is designed 1) to identify research status, gaps …

Human Rights Due Diligence, Joanna Kulesza

William & Mary Bill of Rights Journal

Due diligence is a well-recognized, deliberately flexible standard in international law. It has been introduced to complement the system of state responsibility and the international liability framework of commitments. The latter has provided more detail to the understanding of due diligence. Together, these two systems allow for a comprehensive reading and implementation of due diligence in international law.

Two international legal regimes dictate due diligence requirements: the law on international liability and that of the law of state responsibility. These two regimes have been the focus of the United Nations' (UN) International Law Commission (ILC) since 1947, resulting in two …

"A Novel And Controversial Technology." Artificial Face Recognition, Privacy Protection, And Algorithm Bias In Europe, Andrea Pin

William & Mary Bill of Rights Journal

R (Bridges) v. Chief Constable of South Wales Police's Court of Appeals ruling... showcases the variety and the thickness of the legal, ethical, and political considerations that lie underneath the deployment of [Artificial Face Recognition]-based police tools and its ramification within Europe and beyond. More broadly, the topic of "[f]acial recognition technologies provide[s] a useful case study of the complex and unpredictable ways that norms of procedural fairness, equality, and privacy interact when the state deploys machine-learning tools to draw inferences from otherwise unilluminating data." This Article uses Bridges as a proxy to sketch out the main legal issues …

Can Procedure Take?: The Judicial Takings Doctrine And Court Procedure, Rebecca Hansen

University of Chicago Law Review

In considering the value of the judicial takings doctrine, this Comment argues that we should look to a new area of law: procedure. Courts often have the authority to set procedure, and they use this authority for substantive ends. This Comment argues that applying the Takings Clause to procedure demonstrates the value of the judicial takings doctrine. It argues that the Takings Clause, rather than the Due Process Clause, is the appropriate framework for certain forms of procedure. Under the Takings Clause, we can recognize the judiciary’s authority to use procedure for substantive ends while also offering “just compensation” to …

What The Pandemic Taught Us: The Health Care System We Have Is Not The System We Hoped We Had, William M. Sage

Faculty Scholarship

The United States spends nearly twice as much per capita on medical care as any other country. The United States has the world’s most advanced biomedical technologies, sophisticated hospitals, and skilled health professionals. The United States has a national public health body, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), that is generally considered the world’s leader in infectious disease detection and response. Nonetheless, the United States suffered among the world’s worst COVID-19 disease burdens and outcomes, inflicting largely avoidable harm on patients, health professionals, and the broader community.

Why this happened is clearly important. But that it happened is …

Chasing Target Zero: Contributing Factors Of Fatal Crashes In South Carolina, Matthew Stanley

All Theses

South Carolina consistently ranks in the top-10 in fatal crashes per 100,000 capita and 100 million vehicle miles traveled. This thesis summarizes an analysis of contributing factors for fatal crashes in South Carolina. A primary objective of this thesis is to investigate differences in contributing factors for fatal crashes as compared to all crashes in South Carolina. 2018 South Carolina fatal crashes (N=970) and all crashes (N=152,973) were analyzed and compared using classic Venn diagrams to compare differences in contributing factors between fatal crashes and all crashes. Fatal, non-fatal, and all crashes were aggregated into one of seven possible contributing …

Is More Always Better? A Look At Visitation And Recidivism, Teriin Lee

Dissertations and Theses

The body of literature on prison visitation provides empirical support that visitation may influence the likelihood of recidivism. However, the literature is limited in both size and geographic representation, as more than half of studies originate from samples in Florida or Minnesota. Moreover, inconsistency in the use of measures further complicates generalizability of the findings. The following study utilizes data collected from the Oregon Criminal Justice Commission to examine the relationship between visitation and recidivism in Oregon. Using a sample of 29,312 adults in custody (AICs) who were released between 2011 and 2017, we test the associations of seven distinct …

Exploring Service Provider Perspectives On Facilitators And Barriers To Needle Exchange Program Participation By Females Who Inject Drugs., Tammi Alvey Thomas

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

As the opioid epidemic lingers on across the country, many areas have set up harm reduction strategies such as needle exchange programs (NEPs) to combat the long-term consequences of injection drug use (IDU). Males and females face a plethora of health issues associated with injection drug use such as human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and hepatitis C. While males comprise the largest portion of the injection drug use population, most research is gender neutral, which makes it difficult to discern issues specifically related to females inhibiting our ability to design interventions and procedures targeted to address their needs. Females require varying …

Planning For Evacuation And Sheltering Of Vulnerable & Medically Fragile Populations During The Post-Vaccine Period Of A Compound Hurricane-Pandemic Threat: After-Action Report (Aar) Summarizing Results Of A Workshop Hosted On September 27, 2021, Wie Yusuf, Converge Covid-19 Working Group, Old Dominion University, University Of South Florida

School of Public Service Faculty Publications

From the Executive Summary:

The CONVERGE COVID-19 Working Group’s Workshop on Planning for Evacuation and Sheltering of Vulnerable and Medically Fragile Populations during the Post-vaccine Period of a Compound Hurricane-Pandemic Threat was held virtually on September 27, 2021. The 137 workshop participants represented federal, state, and local governments, the nonprofit sector and advocacy organizations, businesses, and academic institutions. Participants primarily represented functional areas of emergency management, planning, and public health. Geographically, the workshop participants came from 20 states, primarily along the Eastern seaboard plus the U.S. Virgin Islands and Canada.

The Effects Of A Tactile Display On First Responder Performance, Michael Schwartz

Electronic Theses and Dissertations, 2020-2023

Firefighting is a dangerous and difficult task. Simulation affords researchers and practitioners the ability to examine performance and training in adverse conditions while preserving life, offering repeatable scenarios, and reducing costs. Multiple Resource Theory is used in this study as a model for assessing alternate sensory channels for information delivery when the optimal channel is not available. Specifically, this study tests the influence of a waist-worn vibrotactile display to assist navigation when visibility is reduced in a firefighter simulation. The present study measures participants' objective performance and self-reported workload while navigating a simulated fireground. Results from 70 research participants revealed …

The Role Of Berberine, A Clinically Relevant Plant Derived Alkaloid, In T Cell-Mediated Immunosuppression, Alexandra Adorno Vita

Dissertations

The primary focus of this research was to determine the effect of berberine (BBR), a clinically relevant plant-derived alkaloid, on follicular T helper (Tfh) cell activation and differentiation, with implications for the generation of T cell-dependent humoral responses. This research revealed a novel function of BBR as a suppressor of Tfh cell proliferation in secondary lymphoid organs of BBR-treated mice that underwent immunization for arthritis induction in a collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) mouse model. Tfh cells provide signaling to B cells that is crucial for the generation of T cell-dependent humoral responses, such as affinity maturation, isotype class switching, and the …

Airspace Integration Of New Entrants And Safety Risk Management Models, Fadjimata Issoufou Anaroua

Doctoral Dissertations and Master's Theses

In recent years, the demand for airspace access of Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) increased significantly and is continuously increasing for different altitude-types UAS. A similar evolution is expected from Commercial Space Operations (CSO) in the next years. These aviation/aerospace systems will need to be seamlessly integrated into the National Airspace System (NAS), at their operational altitude levels, and accounted for from all perspectives, including proactively addressing their safety hazards. This thesis captures the requirements for the new entrants’ integration, and then identifies and analyzes the safety risks added to the NAS operations by its new entrants, the future omnipresent UAS …

Fraud Law And Misinfodemics, Wes Henricksen

Utah Law Review

During the COVID-19 pandemic, many on whom the public depended for truthful information purposefully or recklessly spread misinformation that put thousands at risk. The term “misinfodemic,” coined in 2019, describes such events where misinformation facilitates the spread of a disease or causes some other health-related outcome. Though the term was only recently defined, the recent misinfodemic was not a new or novel phenomenon. False information is spread to the public all the time. This often results in harm to public health. False claims are communicated by corporations seeking to mislead the public to make more money, by politicians to gain …

Commercial Transportation, Madeline E. Mcneeley, Sarah L. Adle, Elizabeth M. Brooks, Joshua H. Dorminy, Stephen G. Lowry

Mercer Law Review

Commercial transportation involves all the significant forms of passenger and freight transportation across the United States. This Article surveys significant judicial, regulatory, and legislative developments in Georgia commercial transportation law from June 1, 2020, through May 31, 2021.

Examining The Relationship Between Lep Status And Delinquency Amongst High Schools Across America, Adrian Jesus Campos

Dissertations (2016-Present)

This research is intended to examine the relationship between the enrollment of Limited English Proficient (LEP) students in American high schools and the rate of delinquency on campus. While the stigma and general belief that immigrants and criminality are correlated has existed throughout American History, empirical research findings have generally indicated the inverse to be true and often find that immigrants engage in lower rates of delinquency in comparison to their non-immigrant counterparts. Previous work in the field has primarily identified immigrants by legal or technical categorization, primarily nativity and immigrant status. Fewer are the studies who identify this group …

Gaze, Volume 10, Number 6

Gaze, 1979-1990

Co-Editors: Allen Cook, John Stilwell. Staff Writers: Bob Dumais, Susan McKenzie, Vincent Astor, Ken Horton, Becky Caperton. Typesetting and Layout: Allen Cook, Bob Dumais, John Stilwell, Vincent Astor. Circulation: Cecil McLeod, John Stilwell, Bob Dumais. Advertising: Bob Dumais, Vincent Astor.

Special thanks to Rhodes College and the Paul Barret Jr. Library for providing initial scanning of this collection.

Gaze, Volume 11, Number 7

Gaze, 1979-1990

Co-Editors: Allen Cook, John Stilwell. Staff Writers: Vincent Astor, Ken Horton, Becky Caperton. Typesetting and Layout: Allen Cook, John Stilwell, Vincent Astor. Circulation: Cecil McLeod, John Stilwell. Advertising: Vincent Astor.

Special thanks to Rhodes College and the Paul Barret Jr. Library for providing initial scanning of this collection.

Institutionalizing Identity: Examining The Louvre In Revolutionary And Napoleonic France, Emma Balda, Amy Woodson-Boulton

Honors Thesis

With the collapse of the French monarchy in 1789, France sought to solidify their sense of national identity in the wake of revolution. Since the late eighteenth century, museums have long been used to foster nationalism and belonging through the institutionalization of historical narratives-- the opening of the Louvre in 1793, and its transition from a royal palace to a palace of the people, served as a physical metaphor of the complete political transformation that occurred during the French Revolution. Existing literature examines the revolutionary nationalization of the Louvre as it relates to the concept of the modern museum and …

Annual Report, Fiscal Year 2020/2021, Tennessee. Department Of Safety & Homeland Security.

Annual Report

No abstract provided.

Racial/Ethnic Disparities In Mental Health Diagnosis Of Maltreated Youth, Shadie Burke

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Racial/ethnic marginalized youth are more likely to receive a misdiagnosis of a mental health disorder than their White peers. Misdiagnosis contributes to existing disparities for racial/ethnic marginalized groups by leading to longer durations of untreated and worsening mental health symptoms. For maltreated youth, receiving a misdiagnosis can lead to a failure to connect with appropriate mental health services, medication regimens, therapeutic foster homes, and academic and developmental resources. To date, very few empirical studies have identified disparities in mental health diagnosis among racial/ethnic marginalized maltreated youth. The present study examined two key research questions: (1) what racial/ethnic disparities in diagnoses …

War & The Constitution: Chemical Agents And The Rights Of Protestors, Yomidalys GüIchardo Morel

Cardozo Law Review

No abstract provided.

The Influence Of Demographic Information On Public Attitudes Towards Individuals Who Commit Sexual Offenses, Emily Bogdan

Student Theses

Research exploring the factors that shape public attitudes towards individuals who commit sexual offenses is needed to inform policy and reduce stigma that these individuals face as they reenter society. Prior research has explored demographic factors of those who offend and have been victimized, but few have studied how these variables may interact with one another to shape attitudes toward people who commit sexual offenses. The current study explores whether offender gender, victim gender, and victim age shape the public’s attitudes towards these individuals. Participants were presented with a vignette describing the offense and then they were asked to respond …

Waiting To Tell: Factors Associated With Delays In Reporting Sexual Violence, Lahiz P. Tavarez

Student Theses

In the United States (U.S.), 20% of women have experienced completed or attempted rape and 43.6% of women have experienced some form of contact sexual violence. Many instances of sexual violence go unreported to law enforcement – only 34% are reported to the police. Reporting can lead to more favorable outcomes for survivors since it is likely to increase access to medical care and mental health services and is an important step in order to hold perpetrators accountable, prevent future victims, and reduce the likelihood of longer psychological distress for the survivor. Delays in reporting are more prevalent in cases …

Syringe Exchange Program Outreach, Jael Bucio

Capstone Projects and Master's Theses

It is estimated that 1 in 5 people infected with HIV are unaware that they are infected and most of the new sexually transmitted HIV infections in the US originate from HIV-infected persons who are unaware of their infection. Access Support Networks (ASN), is a community based nonprofit organization whose mission is to provide support to neighbors and loved ones living with HIV or Hep C. ASN offers harm reduction and prevention education to reduce the increase in HIV rates in Monterey County. The contributing factors affecting the increase in HIV cases in Monterey County are attributed to people’s socioeconomic …

Paso Robles Police Department Shooting Range Electrical Installation, Shelby I. Prosch

Construction Management

The Paso Police Department has a shooting range for police officers to practice and master using firearms. A shooting range is a crucial part of police officer training to ensure public safety and correct and accurate usage of safety weapons. The construction for the shooting range began in the spring of 2021 by Cal Poly students where they laid the foundation. I became involved to further the progress of the shooting range by installing an electrical system. For that phase to begin, I completed a pre-construction package that details the materials and steps for installation. The package includes a scope …

Analyzing Racial And Economic Disparities In The United States’ Pretrial Detention Policies, Mariela Hollines

Undergraduate Honors Theses

Racial injustices and economic inequalities are evident throughout the criminal justice system. These are attributed to many factors such as the pretrial and detention process. The foundation of bail and pretrial policies in colonial times began the cycle of racial and economic disparities in the justice system. To reduce these disparities, currently practiced pretrial policies must be analyzed and adjusted to combat these insecurities that develop. The purpose of this study is to suggest pretrial policies that reduce racial and economic insecurities in the criminal justice system because these negatively impact the lives of people of color in the United …

Overparticipation: Designing Effective Land Use Public Processes, Anika Singh Lemar

Fordham Law Review

There are more opportunities for public participation in the planning and zoning process today than there were in the decades immediately after states adopted the first zoning enabling acts. As a result, today, public participation, dominated by nearby residents, drives most land use planning and zoning decisions. Enhanced public participation rights are often seen as an unqualified good, but there is a long history of public participation and community control cementing racial segregation, entrenching exclusion, and preventing the development of affordable housing in cities and suburbs alike. Integrating community engagement into an effective administrative process requires addressing the various ways …

Ai And The Future Of Work: What We Know Today, Steven M. Miller, Thomas H. Davenport

Research Collection School Of Computing and Information Systems

To contribute to a better understanding of the contemporary realities of AI workplace deployments, the authors recently completed 29 case studies of people doing their everyday work with AI-enabled smart machines. Twenty-three of these examples were from North America, mostly in the US. Six were from Southeast Asia, mostly in Singapore. In this essay, we compare our findings on job and workplace impacts to those reported in the MIT Task Force on the Work of the Future report, as we consider that to be the most comprehensive recent study on this topic.