Digital Commons Network^™

The Indian Fourth Branch: Developing A New Institutional Morality, Abhinav Ravi

National Law School Journal

Contemporary discourse on democratic decline in India has often emphasised the need for stronger fourth branch institutions to safeguard constitutional democracy. However, fourth branch institutions are marked by a fundamental tension. They are deeply embedded in the very political contexts that they are designed to resist. The operational independence of fourth branch institutions is not merely a function of their design (that is, their structural independence), but also of the political climate, institutional leaders, and informal organisational factors.

Similar design features can produce divergent outcomes across time and contexts, with institutions displaying distinct phases of assertiveness and accommodation. While institutional …

The Procedural Architecture Of Climate Justice: Comparative Lessons From Regional Human Rights Courts, Indira Boutier

National Law School Journal

Climate change, once narrated through scientific data and economic costs, is now unavoidably framed as a question of rights and justice. This article examines how litigation before the African, European, and Inter-American human rights courts makes the procedural dimensions of climate justice visible. Procedural justice here is understood capaciously and includes not only rules of access, standing, and evidence, but also the recognition of corporations as duty bearers in transnational accountability regimes. A comparison of the three regions shows how colonial legacies, institutional architectures, and political economies shape the channels through which communities can contest climate harm. Litigation emerges less …

Operationalising The Social Licence To Operate Along The Belt And Road: The Case For A Mediation-Focused Approach, Mark Mclaughlin

Research Collection Yong Pung How School Of Law

This article examines the intricate dynamics of community representation and stakeholder influence in the realm of international investment law. More specifically, it considers the most effective method by which to operationalise the concept of the ‘social licence to operate’ when attempting to resolve investor-state disputes. By utilising disputes relating to China’s Belt and Road Initiative as a case study, it is shown that the social impact of foreign investment projects is often a catalyst for arbitration claims. Community interests are insufficiently represented at the stage of procurement or admission of investment, which has led to violent clashes between investors and …

The Impact Of Instructional School Design: The 6–12 School Model As A Strategic Response To Increase Black Boys Self-Efficacy, Xavier E. Edwards

Education Doctoral

This dissertation investigated the impact of the 6–12 instructional school design on the self-efficacy of Black boys, utilizing the theoretical frameworks of Bandura's self-efficacy model and Yosso's community cultural wealth model. The research explored how this specialized school structure supports Black boys' academic achievement, aspirations, and resilience—addressing longstanding disparities in educational and social outcomes. Through qualitative interviews with Black male alumni of 6–12 school models, the study identified factors within the design that positively influence self-efficacy both within and beyond the classroom. Findings indicated that sustained relationships with supportive teachers, a keen sense of brotherhood among peers, and consistent engagement …

Trophy, Fidel E. Perez Pujols

Digressions: Literary & Art Journal

Artist Statement

"'Trophy' explores the cycle of death and evolution. This piece reflects on the identities we shed yet still carry within us, symbolizing transformation and reawakening. Through its eerie yet captivating form, it invites viewers to consider how loss shapes who we become."

Hearing Things, Fidel E. Perez Pujols

Digressions: Literary & Art Journal

Artist Statement

"'Hearing Things' explores nostalgia and childlike whimsy, infused with a dark undertone. It emphasizes the sense of hearing and the feeling of alienation. This piece embodies transformation, evoking both curiosity and unease through its surreal expression. Rooted in personal and societal narratives, it invites viewers to reflect on identity, change, and the masks we wear."

Who Do I Want To Become?: Validating Identity As A Key Component Of A Teacher Leadership Framework, Denae Kizys

Theses and Dissertations

Historically, teaching has been a solitary profession within a hierarchy, where educators work in isolation and their roles are primarily focused on instruction. However, as education has evolved, especially post COVID-19, there is a shift towards a need for a more collaborative, ecosystem-based approach, where teachers are not only in their classrooms but acting as teacher leaders within this ecosystem. This research aims to understand the development of teacher-leader identities through the use of the proposed, Ecosystem of Teacher Leadership Framework, which uses elements of self-leadership, recognition, and the ecosystem. Through both qualitative and quantitative methods, a survey-like interview was …

Separate But Not Equal: A Sequential Explanatory Mixed Methods Study Of Adjunct Structural Empowerment, Experiences, And Perceived Needs In A Midwestern Community College, Shauna Sowga

Theses and Dissertations

Higher education institutions are increasingly reliant on contingent or gig-based labor in the form of adjunct faculty. Adjunct faculty make up the majority of community college faculty, yet they tend to receive the least support, resources, and training investments from colleges. This is no different at Metro Community College, a large, urban college in the Midwest. The problem of practice for this study revolves around Metro Community College social sciences adjunct faculty’s needs for support, resources, and training to do their jobs effectively. This sequential explanatory mixed methods study examined these adjuncts’ structural empowerment, experiences, and perceived needs for support …

Cultivating Smiles On The Frontier: The Making Of Brazil’S Soybean Capital And Community Building In Sorriso, 1980-2020, Nathalia Francio Cocenza

Theses and Dissertations

This dissertation explores the transformation of Sorriso, a small municipality in Mato Grosso, Brazil, into one of the world's leading soybean producers, placing its local history within the broader context of global agricultural and economic shifts from 1980 to 2020. Sorriso represents the unique convergence of local, regional, and international forces that reshaped Brazil's agricultural landscape. This study critically examines the political, environmental, and social dynamics that positioned Sorriso at the forefront of soybean production, illuminating the town's transition from a remote frontier settlement to a global agribusiness hub.

Through a detailed analysis of previously unstudied archival sources, interviews with …

Unique Architecture: In Praise Of Paradox Persistence, Odaly Plancarte

Theses

This thesis explores how bold and unconventional architectural designs are first rejected and later embraced by the public. Through a comparative study of the Sydney Opera House, the Louvre Pyramid, and the Walt Disney Concert Hall, it examines how public opinion shifts over time. Using media reports, interviews, and public comments, the study tracks emotional responses (positive, neutral, or negative) assigned a score to measure change over the years. The research applies Everett Rogers’ Diffusion of Innovation Theory to explain this shift in five stages: knowledge, persuasion, decision, implementation, and confirmation. Each building faced early backlash, but eventually became a …

Different Ways To Broker: School Social Workers, Resource Distribution, And Equity For Immigrant Students, Benjamin J. Roth, Leticia Villarreal Sosa, Tasha Childs, Sophia Rodriguez

School of Social Work Faculty Publications

This study uses quantitative methods to explore the role of school social workers (SSWs) in promoting education equity for immigrant students. We focus on how SSWs act as resource brokers, connecting immigrant students to valuable resources both in schools and the wider community. Our analysis is based on data from a national survey of SSWs (N = 324). Through regression and multivariate analyses we find that a significant number of SSWs actively facilitate resource access for immigrant students. This often involves bridging the gap between teachers and immigrant parents. Notably, SSWs were more likely to engage in these brokerage …

The Schools, Saint Mary's College Of California

Undergraduate Academic Catalog

No abstract provided.

Core-Designated Courses, Saint Mary's College Of California

Undergraduate Academic Catalog

No abstract provided.

Undergraduate Academic Regulations, Saint Mary's College Of California

Undergraduate Academic Catalog

No abstract provided.

2025-2026 Academic Catalog, Saint Mary's College Of California

Undergraduate Academic Catalog

No abstract provided.

Light & Faith: July 2025, Taylor University

Light & Faith

No abstract provided.

Factors Influencing Digital Technology Adoption And Use Among Msmes In Indonesia, Andry Manodotua Panjaitan, Niko Sudibjo, Cahya Pulupi Meilani

DLSU Business & Economics Review

The purpose of this study is to see how attitudes toward behavior, subjective norms, and digital technology literacy affect adoption intentions and their impact on digital technology usage behavior in small and medium enterprises in Indonesia. This study used 532 MSME samples and tested them using SEM PLS analysis. The test findings showed that eight proposed hypotheses were accepted, and one was rejected. Digitally literate MSME owners and leaders can increase market awareness and set clear digital transformation goals for their companies. Furthermore, with government support for technology in MSMEs, digital technology is expected to be used not just for …

Basic Statistical Concepts On Neutrosophic Soft Sets, Siva Naga Malleswari V, Amarendra Babu V, Bhagya Lakshmi K

Neutrosophic Sets and Systems

No abstract provided.

Sociodemographic Influences On Substance Use In Psychosis In An African Cohort, Megan L. Campbell, Raymond Odokonyero, Dickens Akena, Melkam Alemayehu, Lukoye Atwoli, Lori B. Chibnik, Bizu Gelaye, Stella Gichuru, Symon M. Kariuki, Karestan C. Koenen

Internal Medicine, East Africa

Background: Substance use is common among individuals with psychotic disorders, but limited research exists on the variations in substance use across countries in Africa. This study aims to investigate the frequency of alcohol, tobacco, cannabis, and khat consumption in individuals with bipolar disorder (BD) and schizophrenia (SCZ) across four African countries: South Africa, Ethiopia, Kenya, and Uganda.

Methods: We utilized data from the Neuropsychiatric Genetics of African Populations-Psychosis project, a large case-control study which will soon have genetic data on over 42,000 participants, half with psychosis. Information on substance use was collected using the Alcohol, Smoking and Substance Involvement Screening …

Putting Police Body-Worn Camera Footage To Work: A Civil Liberties Evaluation Of Truleo's Ai Analytics Platform, Farhang Heydari, Max Isaacs, Katie Kinsey, Barry Friedman, Christopher Slobogin, Alissa M. Heydari

Vanderbilt Law School Faculty Publications

This Article summarizes findings from a civilliberties evaluation of Truleo, an Al-powered analytics platform designed to automate thereviewofpolice body-worn camera (BWC) footage. It includes a summary of how Truleo's platform works, policy choices made by the company, and our assessment ofsafeguards and risks of the platform from a civil liberties perspective. This Article also offers a series of recommendations for policymakers considering the adoption of Truleo or similar technologies. These indude the necessity for independent testing of claimed benefits, democratic authorization for deployment, and ongoing transparency and public input around the platform's design and operation. Importantly, this Article argues that …

Putting Police Body-Worn Camera Footage To Work: A Civil Liberties Evaluation Of Truleo's Ai Analytics Platform, Christopher Slobogin, Farhang Heydari, Max Isaacs, Katie Kinsey, Barry Friedman, Alissa Marque Heydari

Vanderbilt Law School Faculty Publications

This Article summarizes findings from a civilliberties evaluation of Truleo, an Al-powered analytics platform designed to automate thereviewofpolice body-worn camera (BWC) footage. It includes a summary of how Truleo's platform works, policy choices made by the company, and our assessment ofsafeguards and risks of the platform from a civil liberties perspective. This Article also offers a series of recommendations for policymakers considering the adoption of Truleo or similar technologies. These indude the necessity for independent testing of claimed benefits, democratic authorization for deployment, and ongoing transparency and public input around the platform's design and operation. Importantly, this Article argues that …

Artificial Intelligence And Humanoid Robotics: Bioethical Implications Of Replacing Human Agency In Healthcare And Beyond, Sara Feizyab, Gabriele Bonetti, Maria Chiara Medori, Cecilia Micheletti, Immacolata De Luca, Kevin Donato, Jan Miertuš, Mehmet Sait Dundar, Miroslava Vráblová, Gary Henehan, Richard Brown, Robert Marks, Stanislav Miertus, Lorenzo Lorusso, Gianluca Martino Tartaglia, Munis Dundar, Sandro Michelini, Stephen Thaddeus Connelly, Ariola Bacu, Tommaso Beccari, Ornela Gordani, Xhilda Dhamo, Eglantina Kalluci, Dominika Vešelényiová, Iveta Dirgová Luptáková, Jiri Pospíchal, Matteo Bertelli

Research Outputs: 2025-Present

The integration of advanced artificial intelligence (AI) and humanoid robotics into healthcare represents a critical evolution in biotechnology with profound societal implications. This review explores the bioethical implications of these technologies, and their potential to displace human agency in life-critical decisions. It adopts an interdisciplinary approach encompassing ethics, law, and technology. The review examines how innovations in AI and robotics might shift autonomy from humans to machines, and addresses the accountability challenges inherent in such transitions. We synthesize discussions on the ethical management of AI and robotics, underscoring the importance of maintaining human oversight and integrating ethical standards in technology …

Decomposing Crowding Out Effect In The Philippines: Leveraging Fiscal Policy To Drive Inclusive Growth, John Paolo R. Rivera, Mary Grace R. Agner, Viory Yvonne T. Janeo, John Angelo F. Cristobal

DLSU Business & Economics Review

Fiscal stimulus programs have substantively kept the Philippine economy afloat during crises and in facilitating recovery. In pursuing steeper growth, there is a tendency to harness fiscal policy at the expense of crowding out private investment and consumption, which defeats the ultimate purpose of such policy. Using time series analysis, we assess the degree of crowding out effect in the Philippines and its implications for the effectiveness of fiscal policy as a macroeconomic stabilization and growth driver tool. Although scholarly literature has used aggregate government spending in probing the existence of a crowding out effect on aggregate investment and consumption …

Multifaceted Skepticism: A Comprehensive Approach In Auditing Practice, Ida Ayu Budhananda Munidewi, Unti Ludigdo, Ali Djamhuri, Wuryan Andayani

DLSU Business & Economics Review

This research uses a modified grounded theory approach to understand the behavior of auditors in Indonesia who have an Eastern cultural background in applying professional skepticism. The research results reveal that auditor behavior in practice applies multifaceted skepticism. Multifaceted skepticism refers to the idea that professional skepticism in auditing is not a one-dimensional approach. That recognizes the complexity of the audit environment and the need for auditors to consider various factors when applying their skepticism. Multifaceted skepticism brings us to a less simplistic view of professional skepticism, which until now has only been seen as an on-or-off switch. Instead, this …

Social Message In Advertising And Social Change: An Empirical Investigation Of Relationships, Iqra Manzoor, Zia- Ul-Haq

DLSU Business & Economics Review

This study was carried out to investigate consumer behavior toward advertisements that convey social messages. Not many studies have focused on the social message in ads and the subjective well-being of customers regarding such ads. To study this gap, the paper examined the relationship between (a) the attitude towards the ad with a social message and the purchase intention of the consumer and (b) the purchase intention of the consumer and their subjective well-being. Structural equation modeling (SEM) was used to study the interrelationships within the proposed model. The data was collected through an experiment and qualitative survey among university …

Perencanaan Investasi Hijau Pada Usaha Menengah Besar Di Provinsi Jawa Tengah, Avi Budi Setiawan, Maulida Dewi Pangestika, Putri Patria Kusuma, Mochammad Yusuf

Jurnal Ekonomi dan Pembangunan Indonesia

This study aims to analyze green investment planning in medium and large enterprises in Central Java Province. This study employs several analytical tools, including regression with quadratic variables, Klassen Typology Analysis, and Analytic Network Process (ANP). The research locus is 35 districts/cities in Central Java Province. The results of the study show that industries in Central Java contribute significantly to economic transformation, but also harm environmental quality, the regression results show the Pollution Haven Hypothesis in several main industries in Central Java. The sectors that have potential to reduce the quality of the environment are oil and gas mining, textiles, …

Positioning Justice: A Legal Cascade Of Sexual Violence Cases In Mombasa, Kenya, Melanie Olum, Gerald Githinji, Abigael Kenga, Abel Nyabera Mokua, Morris Kiio, Nawal Aliyan, Iqbal Khandwala, Celina Kithinji, Saida Wanjiku, Marleen Temmerman

Centre of Excellence in Women and Child Health

Introduction: Seeking legal redress for sexual violence (SV) is a daunting process for survivors. They must navigate their personal trauma societal stigma, and flawed systems, creating an arduous path to justice. This study was conducted to assess patterns of SV within Mombasa County, Kenya, and details the legal follow-up post-SV care.

Methods: A retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted using data from SV survivors attending the Gender-Based Violence and Recovery Centre (GBVRC) at the Coast General Teaching and Referral Hospital (CGTRH) between 2017 and 2023. Data sources include post-rape care (PRC) forms, clinician notes, quarterly reports, police reports, counsellor …

江門市「平安通」安老模式成效研究報告, 嶺南大學亞太老年學研究中心, 江門市恒愛社會工作綜合服務中心, Chak Kwan, Dickson Chan, Kui Wai, Gordon Chick, 雷杰, Silai Dong, Meng Soi, Florence Fong, Ka Chung, Tom Kwong

APIAS Research Report 研究報告

江門市是廣東省老齡化程度較高的城市。江門市政府於2015年通過購買服務，啟動江門市養老助殘平安通項目，該項目運用資訊科技，為有困難的長者群體提供各類服務，以幫助他們居家安老。本次研究旨在瞭解該項目的成效，和探索服務使用長者的感受。

本研究利用深度訪談 (indepth-interview) 的方法，於2024年1月訪問了40名年齡60歲以上的平安通服務使用者，瞭解他們使用平安通服務的原因、情況、感受和建議。

研究發現，長者申請平安通的原因主要是親人和社區人士介紹、求安心、煤氣優惠和覺得平安通服務有用。長者使用的服務種類主要包括：訂購煤氣、維修家電設備、天氣提醒、電話問候、聘請保姆、打掃清潔、預約叫車、預防緊急事故、緊急需要和落樓服務。

研究發現一些長者對平安通設備的使用不熟悉，認為設備不方便攜帶，以及使用有困難。亦有長者表示智慧AI監測裝置作用不大。在平安通服務評價方面，一些長者認為平安通提供的居家安老服務有助於長者居家養老，但另一些則認為提供的服務存在問題，例如轉介服務質量參差不齊，服務缺乏個性化設計。一些長者較少使用平安通服務，主要原因是不想麻煩他人、身體狀況較好而不需要和不瞭解平安通新增服務。長者希望從幾方面改進平安通，包括降低收費、完善資源轉介服務、優化和增加日常協助及居家養老服務，以及改善居家養老環境。

本研究提出幾方面點建議以改善和完善平安通項目：（1）優化平安通設備及手錶服務、（2）宣傳平安通的使用方法及服務、（3）完善長者資訊並定製服務、（4）增加服務站點和擴大服務覆蓋面、（5）降低轉介服務收費並提高質量、（6）改善居家養老環境及建設長者活動場所。

Apathy Or Agency: Exploring Civic Engagement With Ap Psychology Students, Regina Dilley

Theses and Dissertations

Sensing my high school students’ apathy toward civic engagement, I used a community of inquiry framework to address this problem of practice. Through mixed-methods action research, I explored participants’ perspectives on community, civic engagement, and their involvement in both spheres. A community of inquiry framework was the foundation for my research questions, and as I collected data, I launched an intervention based upon my findings. Although the results of this study were not statistically significant and are not generalizable, I collected a wealth of survey, interview, and reflection data from 48 students across two classes. Analysis grounded in my observations …

Smu Celebrates 25 Years Of Its Communityservice Programme During Silver Jubilee Year, Singapore Management University

SMU Press Releases and News

The first university in Singapore to make community service a graduation requirement commemorates another major milestone in its 25th anniversary. SMU has consistently championed community engagement as a cornerstone of its educational mission.