Digital Commons Network^™

Eco-Efficiency: Assessing The Impact Of Sustainable Retrofit Upgrades On Energy And Water Consumption In Sarasota’S Non-Profit Organization Sector, Ashley Petsanghan

Theses & ETDs

This thesis evaluates the environmental, operational, and financial impacts of sustainable retrofit upgrades implemented through the GoodUse program by Southface Institute on three Sarasota-based non-profit organizations: Lee Wetherington Boys & Girls Club of Sarasota and DeSoto Counties, Suncoast Blood Centers, and Easterseals Southwest Florida. By using a mixed-methods approach, this study integrates quantitative data from Energy Star Portfolio Manager with qualitative insights from oral, on-site interviews. Analysis from quantitative data examines changes in electricity use, water consumption, and utility costs before and after implementation of retrofit upgrades, with attention to seasonal patterns and Florida’s climate-driven variability. Qualitative findings explore how …

The Differences Between Corrections, Police, And The Military: An Academic Exploration And Internship Experience., Tatiana Jackson

Theses & ETDs

This senior project combines academic research with field experience as an intern at a correctional facility in South Florida. It examines the roles of corrections, policing, and the military and how each contributes to maintaining safety and order within society. Although all three systems share the common goal of protecting the public, they carry out that responsibility in different ways. Police officers focus on maintaining order and responding to incidents within communities, the military is responsible for defending the nation from external threats, and correctional systems manage individuals involved in the criminal justice process while also emphasizing supervision, structure, and …

Strengthening Cyber Resilience In Critical Infrastructure: Lessons From Major Attack Case Studies, Jodi Barnes

Data Science Undergraduate Honors Theses

This comparative case study research paper analyzes the Colonial Pipeline attack, the Oldsmar Water Treatment Plant attack, and related case studies to identify past and current gaps in cyber resilience in critical infrastructure.  It provides insights into the importance of cybersecurity and opportunities to enhance protection in an increasingly digital world.  Findings include unsecure practices, limited communication between sectors, outdated technology, and weaknesses in security processes and employee training. These vulnerabilities are interconnected and are largely driven by limited funding within critical infrastructure systems, which restricts the ability to address them effectively.

A Response To Executive Order 14321, Latonya L. Agard

North Carolina Civil Rights Law Review

No abstract provided.

More Than Just An "Atypical" Hardship: How Courts Are Missing The Mark On Solitary Confinement, Kyra Goins

North Carolina Civil Rights Law Review

No abstract provided.

Burnout Among Wisconsin Career Firefighters: An Examination Of Shift Schedules, Sleep Disturbances, And Organizational Factors, Nickolas R. Pridgeon

Leadership Education Capstones

Occupational burnout among career firefighters represents a growing crisis with serious consequences for individual health, public safety, and fire department sustainability. This study investigates the factors contributing to burnout among career firefighters in Wisconsin, with a focus on three primary areas: shift schedules, sleep disturbances, and organizational culture. Using a concurrent mixed-methods design, the research combines an online quantitative survey with semi-structured qualitative interviews to examine how these factors interact to produce burnout in the fire service context.

The quantitative component employs the Copenhagen Burnout Inventory and the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index alongside measures of organizational factors, targeting a sample …

An Exploration Of Aviation Safety Culture In Nigeria, Ernest N. Ogbozor, Jules Yimga, Nicholas Degarmo, Hana Marz, Kathrine Lopez, Michael Chrisman, Cedric Leon, Joao Souza Dias Garcia, Mariateresa Sestito, Harrison Debrah, Albert Obi, Chidinma Chidoka

International Journal of Aviation, Aeronautics, and Aerospace

Despite sustained regulatory reforms, infrastructural development and capacity-building initiatives, Nigeria, one of Africa’s largest economies and a key regional aviation market, continues to experience significant safety deficiencies. This study examines how national cultural norms shape safety practices and performance in Nigeria’s aviation sector. Using an exploratory mixed-methods approach, it combines a systematic literature review, structured safety culture surveys, and semi-structured expert interviews to analyze interactions among regulatory frameworks, organizational practices, and human factors. Findings show that deeply embedded norms, particularly authority gradients, rule adherence, reporting behavior, and accountability, significantly influence safety outcomes. Although leadership commitment and safety awareness appear relatively …

A Spatial Analysis Of Streetlights In The City Of Sugar Land, Samuel J. Trout

Data Science Undergraduate Honors Theses

The purpose of this paper is to analyze patterns between public safety and streetlighting for the City of Sugar Land, TX so that they may better protect their citizens.  The data involved come from the City of Sugar Land’s public works division and include type and location for all the attributes. The method of doing so involved visualizing the patterns of streetlights and their closest light readings to visualize which streetlights are underperforming using the Shiny package in R. Statistical tests were also used to quantify the association between lighting, crime occurrence, and crosswalks. From this, and the literature review, …

Campus Chronicle - 50th Anniversary Edition, Jayden Park, Andy Langager

Campus Chronicle

Celebrating 50 years!

The Unfairness Of Fairness: Legal Architecture For Polarized Media, Alim Ulbashev

Loyola of Los Angeles Entertainment Law Review

No abstract provided.

Artificial Intelligence And Facial Recognition Technology Are Rewriting The Olympic Playbook's Security Infrastructure: An Examination Of The Paris Games And The Prospective Los Angeles Games, Ani Tarakchyan

Loyola of Los Angeles Entertainment Law Review

No abstract provided.

Ncite Research Report Summary The Drivers And Consequences Of Child Recruitment By Violent Non-State Actors, Chris Faulkner

Reports, Projects, and Research

Child recruitment by violent non-state actors (armed groups that are not governments) remains widespread, and the number of children exposed to recruitment risk is growing as conflict zones expand and vulnerable youth populations remain within reach of armed groups. This analysis examines why these groups recruit children and how doing so shapes their operational behavior, especially terrorism. It combines cross-national data on 266 armed groups with case studies of Al-Shabaab and Boko Haram, drawing on datasets about child soldiering and terrorism as well as United Nations and other reporting. Child recruitment is common, often coercive, and associated with greater use …

The Nature Of Violence: Exploring How Community And Incident Characteristics Influence The Likelihood That Gun Crimes Become Multi-Victim Events, Kathleen Hillman

Masters Theses and Doctoral Dissertations

Gun crime continues to represent a substantial threat to public safety in the United States. Firearms are disproportionately involved in most crimes of violence, particularly murder (Collins et al., 2017; Cook & Pollack, 2017; Goldsmith et al., 2022; Johnson et al., 2021), and firearm-related offending is more pronounced in the U.S. than any other industrialized nation (Carson et al., 2022). A large body of literature has examined the extent to which characteristics of communities, place, victims, and offenders contribute to the likelihood and frequency of gun violence. Yet the vast majority of these works have restricted their analyses to single-offender, …

Salary Report, 2026 May, Eastern Michigan University

EMU Salary Reports

No abstract provided.

Permit Management Guide For Sanitation Projects In Rural Alaska, Cooper Arend

Student Projects for Graduate Degrees

This project examines the permitting management process currently used for rural sanitation infrastructure projects executed by the Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium (ANTHC) Division of Environmental Health and Engineering (DEHE). These projects are large-scale, federally funded projects requiring numerous permits from federal, state and local agencies with varying requirements and timelines. Despite this complexity, the permitting process relies heavily on informal, experience-based knowledge rather than any formal documentation. A qualitative research approach was used to examine the existing ANTHC workflows, review past project documentation, analyze regulatory materials, and incorporate staff interviews and feedback. Findings from this project indicated that while …

Fear Of Crime, Intolerance Of Uncertainty, And Trait Worry: A Mediation Model Of Perceived Risk And Victimization Concerns, Nicholai N. Chasseau

Theses and Dissertations

This study examined psychological vulnerability and fear of crime in 538 adults from Trinidad and Tobago. Perceived risk was the strongest predictor of fear, while prospective intolerance of uncertainty predicted fear directly. Mediation was supported among Afro-Trinidadians but not Indo-Trinidadians, suggesting sociocultural differences in cognitive pathways linking vulnerability to fear.

Navigating Reentry: A Life Course Inquiry Into The Structural And Personal Dimensions Among Returning Citizens, Julie Chowdhury

Theses, Dissertations and Culminating Projects

This qualitative study explores how returning citizens experience incarceration and reentry across the life course, focusing on the interplay of structural conditions, relational contexts, and human agency. Guided by Life Course Theory (LCT), reentry is conceptualized not as a discrete post-release transition but as a developmental process shaped by cumulative disadvantage, institutional stratification, and linked lives. Data were drawn from in-depth semi-structured interviews with formerly incarcerated adults in the northeastern United States and analyzed using reflexive thematic analysis. Findings show that incarceration and reentry are experienced as relational and multigenerational processes embedded within family systems and constrained opportunity structures, rather …

The Role Of Public Administration And Hrm In Promoting Guardian-Oriented Policing In Michigan, Sara L. Cowling

Master of Public Administration Capstone Papers

This capstone paper examines how public administrators and human resource management (HRM) practices in Michigan local law enforcement agencies can influence the adoption of a guardian-oriented approach to policing. Using a qualitative case study method and document analysis, this study integrates peer-reviewed literature on guardian and warrior policing models with public administration and HRM frameworks. Findings indicate that due to the centralized structure of the Michigan Commission on Law Enforcement Standards (MCOLES) and standardized academy training, local agencies have limited control over recruit socialization during initial training. Thus, recruitment and hiring practices, specifically recruitment messaging, applicant self-selection, interviewing, organizational fit …

Student Affairs Year End Report 2025-2026, Student Affairs Committee

Student Affairs Committee

No abstract provided.

Where Do We Go: Rethinking Public Libraries, Emma Jouppi

Interior Design Capstones

The purpose of this study is to examine the factors contributing to the decline in public library visits and to identify practical strategies for increasing community engagement with library spaces. Public libraries have long served as accessible, inclusive environments for learning, technology access, and social connection. However, recent years have shown a decline in visitation, raising important questions about public perception, awareness, and accessibility. This research seeks to better understand how these factors intersect and what can be done to strengthen the role of libraries as vital third spaces within their communities.

This study aims to bridge the gap between …

The Role And Professional Obligations Of Crown Attorneys In Disposition Hearings For Not Criminally Responsible Accused At Provincial Review Boards, Andrew Flavelle Martin

Dalhousie Law Journal

Crown attorneys perform several different roles, each accompanied by a set of professional obligations. R v Boucher makes it clear that the role and professional obligations of the Crown attorney at trial are to pursue justice, not to win. Much less clear are the role and professional obligations of Crown attorneys at review board disposition hearings for not criminally responsible (NCR) accused under Part XX.1 of the Criminal Code. In this article, I do two things. First, I canvass and synthesize the case law, legislative proceedings, and literature to identify the correct role of Crown attorneys at disposition hearings. I …

Demolition By Intent: Evaluating Charleston's Red X Placard Procedures, Enforcement Practices, And Communication Methods In The Loss Of Historic Structures, Jessica Stech

All Theses

This thesis examines whether the procedures, enforcement practices, and communication methods associated with the placement of Red X placards in Charleston, South Carolina, contribute to the demolition-by-intent of historic structures. Red X placards, also known as unsafe placards, are placed on the front façade of structurally unsafe structures by the Charleston Fire Department to inform first responders in the event of a fire or other emergency. Although these placards serve as a life-safety tool, they may influence how vacant structures are perceived by family or developer owners and the public.

Through using a qualitative approach, this thesis analyzes the outcomes …

Understanding The Relationship Between Property Neglect And Subjective Well-Being: How Redevelopment Can Strengthen Community Identity In Anderson, South Carolina, Andrew Karriem

All Theses

Neglected and abandoned properties do more than just harm the physical appearance of urban cities. They contribute to the decline in emotional well-being among the residents that live near them.

Immigration Related Stress As A Social Determinants Of Health Among Immigrants In Santa Cruz County, Jose Manuel Martinez

Capstone Projects and Master's Theses

Immigration related stress is a major public health issue for undocumented immigrants and mixed status families. That is linked towards the social determinants of health associated with mental health, stress, and disparities. This capstone project was implemented at Santa Cruz County Immigration Project, a program within the Community Action Board in Watsonville, California, that provides legal assistance and support towards the community. The purpose of this project was to evaluate & analyze collected data from clients feedback through bilingual surveys & intake forms that were distributed in person, email, text, and QR code. A total of 50 surveys were collected, …

Breaking The Cycle: Identifying Reentry Barriers For Prop 47 Clients In Monterey County, Julissa Aldaco-Ambriz

Capstone Projects and Master's Theses

Jail recidivism is a persisting problem in California. Formerly incarcerated individuals face barriers such as limited access to treatment, housing instability, and lack of consistent reentry support. This capstone project was conducted at the Monterey County Public Defender’s Office, specifically within the Proposition 47 rapid response and mental health diversion programs, which serve primarily low-income, minority, and immigrant populations in Monterey County. The purpose of this research project was to evaluate how Proposition 47 programs are impacting recidivism outcomes. Qualitative methods, including interviews with attorneys, were used to identify barriers to reentry, as well as potential improvements. Findings showed that …

From Custody To Community: Improving The Release Experience Through The Monterey County Reentry Initiative, Diana M. Yanes

Capstone Projects and Master's Theses

This project examines the challenges faced by individuals reentering the community after incarceration in Monterey County, with a focus on housing instability, limited access to behavioral health services, and gaps in coordinated reentry support. It explores the Monterey County Reentry Initiative, a program designed to support individuals transitioning from custody as well as community members in need of recovery and social services. The purpose of this study is to understand how the program is structured, how it has evolved into a broader outreach and recovery model, and how it connects with other systems such as the Public Defender’s Office. Information …

Addressing Jail Recidivism In California: A Comparison Of Holistic Defense Models In Two Public Defenders' Offices, Karissa Castrejon

Capstone Projects and Master's Theses

This Capstone Project addressed the issue of jail recidivism rates in California. The project consisted of a comparative analysis of Holistic Defense models implemented in two different Counties’ Public Defenders Offices. A qualitative approach that included interviews with key informants was used to understand how social work teams operate in Monterey and Santa Clara Counties. These two counties were selected because both use Proposition 47 funds to implement programs intended to reduce recidivism. The interviews took place at the Public Defender’s Office and courts in Salinas, as well as in Santa Clara County. Key activities included court observations, a site …

Improving Reentry Outcomes Through Phone Access: A Program Proposal For The Monterey County Public Defender’S Office, Jeralyn Molina

Capstone Projects and Master's Theses

This capstone project addresses the issue of limited phone access among individuals reentering the community after incarceration, a barrier that contributes to communication challenges, missed court appearances, and difficulty accessing essential services. The project was conducted at the Monterey County Public Defender’s Office, specifically within the Mental Health Diversion and Proposition 47 programs, which serve individuals facing legal, mental health, and substance use challenges. The population served by these programs consists of low-income, justice-involved individuals in Monterey County, many of whom experience homelessness, mental health conditions, and limited access to resources. The purpose of this project was to develop a …

Mobility, Access, & Aging: A Community Needs Assessment Of Transportation Disparities Among Older Adults, Kailey M. Manning Shannon

Capstone Projects and Master's Theses

Too few seniors in Monterey County have means of transportation that are reliable and accessible especially in rural areas where transportation disparities are greater. Transportation is the number one need for seniors in our area. Independent Transportation Network Monterey County implemented a community needs assessment to determine transportation barriers and needs of rural South Monterey County. 20% of the population of Monterey County are seniors. The purpose of this project is to determine the prevalence of the lack of transportation in rural Monterey County and how Independent Transportation Network Monterey County can work towards addressing and overall reduction of the …

Streamlining Client Information For Post-Conviction Relief In Monterey County, Selena Lopez Arizmendi

Capstone Projects and Master's Theses

This capstone project addresses barriers to record clearing services that impact recidivism and reentry outcomes in California. Individuals with criminal records often face challenges in securing employment, housing, and stability, increasing the likelihood of continued justice system involvement. The Clean Slate Program at the Monterey County Public Defender’s Office provides post-conviction relief services to help reduce these barriers. Although Proposition 47 funding ended in February 2026, program services have continued. This project identified a need for a standardized, client-friendly informational resource, as key information has historically been communicated verbally, limiting understanding and retention. To address this gap, a concise Clean …