Digital Commons Network^™

D1) Sacred Tattoos And Pilgrimage Tourism As Spiritual Identity, Rossana Salerno

International Religious Tourism and Pilgrimage Conferences

Pilgrimage tourism and sacred tattoos represent unique intersections of cultural heritage, spirituality, and personal identity. Pilgrimage tourism involves journeys to sacred sites, often for religious or spiritual reasons, and has evolved into a global industry. Sacred tattoos, deeply embedded in various cultural and religious practices, symbolize a connection to the divine or mark significant life events.

This study explores the evolving role of sacred tattoos in the context of pilgrimage tourism, where travelers seek not only physical journeys to sacred destinations but also spiritual transformations through body art. Sacred tattoos often serve as markers of identity, protection, or devotion, integrating …

D2) Montserrat: A Millennium Of Faith, Pilgrimage, And Cultural Heritage, Silvia Aulet, Dolors Vidal-Casellas

International Religious Tourism and Pilgrimage Conferences

In 2025, Montserrat (in Catalonia) is celebrating the millennium of the foundation of the monastery, an event that will mark a thousand years of history, faith and culture in this emblematic sanctuary. This anniversary represents an extraordinary opportunity to promote religious and spiritual tourism, reinforcing Montserrat as a destination for pilgrimage.

Montserrat is a point of reference for millions of visitors annually, both for its religious importance and for its natural and historical heritage. The combination of faith, culture and nature makes this a unique destination for pilgrims, hikers and tourists from all over the world. The millenary is an …

C3) From Ritual To Heritage: Mountain Pilgrimages And The Transmission Of Practices In Corsica, Angelina Antonetti

International Religious Tourism and Pilgrimage Conferences

In Corsica, mountain pilgrimages serve as a key vector for the transmission of the sacred and a marker of collective identity. Rooted in popular religiosity, these practices intertwine ritual performance, oral tradition, and spatiality, shaping a unique relationship between faith and territory. The study of these pilgrimages offers a means to examine the processes of sacralization of mountain spaces and their role in the transmission of religious practices, as well as the question of their heritage status.

This study focuses on three mountain pilgrimages in Corsica: Sant'Alesiu di Sermanu, Sant'Alesiu d'Alisgiani, and San Bertuli d’Orezza. Based on ethnographic fieldwork, it …

C4) Rewriting Pilgrimage Narrative For A Young Audience In Love From Mecca To Medina, Dorothy Lane

International Religious Tourism and Pilgrimage Conferences

In my latest scholarship, I focus on fictional texts that incorporate and yet challenge the conventional pilgrimage narrative, and the nexus of spiritual, personal, and professional elements involved in travel to sites of sacred significance, often tracing traditional pilgrimage routes. In this paper, I will revisit that diasporic element in SK Ali's young adult novel Love from Makkah to Madinah (2022), which again transgresses definitions of genre, incorporating a pilgrimage narrative, a romance of two young adult Westernized Muslims, and a focus on grounded (sand) and simultaneously transcendent (stars) travel through sacred space and text.

My study integrates dialogue with …

Fostering An Inclusive Environment For New Students Through The South Pacific Division Community Support System At The Adventist International Institute Of Advanced Studies: An Appreciative Inquiry, Anasa Tabua

Adventist Human-Subject Researchers Association

This study uses Appreciative Inquiry to explore how the South Pacific Division (SPD) community support systems at the Adventist International Institute of Advanced Studies (AIIAS), grounded in Social Capital Theory, foster inclusivity for new students. It examines existing systems, identifies strengths, and explores enhancement strategies. The findings offer implications for other AIIAS communities and Adventist institutions seeking to enhance support systems and foster inclusive environments.

Belief In The Pre-Advent Judgment And The Local Resonance Of Global Misinformation Issues, Mennen Pearl C. Talibong, Ray Opao

Adventist Human-Subject Researchers Association

Concerns about misinformation among Adventist students were significantly linked to belief in the Pre-Advent Judgment, unlike among faculty. This study highlights that theological conviction may influence sensitivity to information suppression. Findings suggest that theological education could promote discernment and reduce vulnerability to conspiracy thinking.

A2) Motivations For Religious Tourism And Pilgrimage: Spirituality Or Modern Tourism, Razaq Raj, Kevin Griffin

International Religious Tourism and Pilgrimage Conferences

Religious tourism and pilgrimage represent vital dimensions of global travel, deeply embedded in cultural, spiritual, and economic frameworks. This paper examines the definitions, motivations, and statistical insights surrounding these faith-based journeys, highlighting their enduring significance. Religious tourism encompasses visits to sacred sites, participation in religious events, and engagement in spiritual retreats, while pilgrimage specifically refers to journeys undertaken to fulfill religious obligations or seek divine enlightenment.

The motivations driving religious tourism and pilgrimage are multifaceted. They range from spiritual fulfillment and cultural exploration to communal participation and personal transformation. Key pilgrimage sites such as Mecca, Vatican City, and Varanasi draw …

B1) Integrating Spirituality And Culture In Visitor Experience: The Case Of The Cathedral Of Barcelona, Silvia Aulet, Anna Vilanova

International Religious Tourism and Pilgrimage Conferences

Sacred sites such as the Barcelona Cathedral have a significant symbolic role and act as guardians of tradition, being an example of the convergence between tangible and intangible heritage. Tourism management must take this duality into account to offer an enriching experience to visitors. The Cathedral of Barcelona, with more than 1,700 years of history, is a sacred space that has stood testimony to the deep connection between human beings and religious faith. This temple is not only a cultural centre, but also a cultural and tourist reference that attracts an important part of the visitors who arrive in the …

A1) Preserving The Sacred: Combating Vandalism In Religious Monuments, Polyxeni Moira, Dimitrios Mylonopoulos

International Religious Tourism and Pilgrimage Conferences

Acts of vandalism against monuments have been recorded since antiquity. According to the German historian Gregorovius, the habit of travelers carving their names onto monuments is as ancient as human vanity itself. In the Egyptian Thebes, Greek and Roman travelers covered the Colossus of Memnon with inscriptions. Vandalism as an act began to be scientifically studied during the 1970s and 1980s by researchers from various disciplines, such as sociology, psychology, criminology, law, architecture, and others. The documentation of acts of vandalism in tourism has been noted by researchers, although the phenomenon has not received significant attention in academic study. The …

B3) Tourism Asset Management In Religious Cities: A Study Of Religious Resources In Japanese Sacred Sites, Shin Yasuda

International Religious Tourism and Pilgrimage Conferences

The flourishing of the religious tourism industry worldwide has created opportunities for the development of various religious products and services at sacred sites. Indeed, the expansion of commercial spaces on the periphery of holy sites demonstrates that contemporary sacred sites can be analysed in terms of not only their religious significance and the religious motivations of visitors but also their economic dimensions, including commercial activities and property management in such places.

In previous studies, Shackley (2001) and others have emphasised the concept of management at sacred sites, highlighting the importance of analysing commercial spaces surrounding these sites, as well as …

A4) Religious Tourism And Religiosity Among Generation Z From A Postsecular Context, Elzbieta Bilska-Wodecka, Justyna Liro

International Religious Tourism and Pilgrimage Conferences

Due to historical conditions and the social-cultural changes in the twentieth and twenty-first centuries among other factors, and despite secular processes, remarkably, religious and spiritual motives still continue to be common among travellers around the world. Therefore, the popularity of religious and spiritual travel cannot be simply explained by the growth in the religiosity of societies. It should be emphasized that this is postmodern phenomenon, reflecting one of the indirect aspects of post secularization, especially in European societies, and a way for individuals to affirm their faith. In contemporary societies, religiosity of Europe is experiencing profound transformations, especially among young …

Shared Autonomy Open Logistics Systems: Definitions, Examples, And Related Literature, Jennifer Pazour

International Material Handling Research Colloquium

No abstract provided.

B4) Transforming The Sacred Space Into A Historical Place: The Case Of Paco Cemetery In Manila, Philippines, Jerome Ong

International Religious Tourism and Pilgrimage Conferences

Paco Park, a peaceful modern-day recreational garden, is situated in the heart of Manila, Philippines. It was originally used as a municipal cemetery, primarily for the wealthy Spanish families during the colonial era. Then known as Cementerio Genreral de Dilao o simply Paco Cemetery, it was initially built by the Dominican friars in 1807 that became the burial ground for cholera-stricken victims during the 1820s. During the Spanish regime, a number of renowned Filipino heroes and personalities were interred at the Paco Cemetery at the onset, including the country’s national hero Dr. Jose Protacio Rizal and the three martyred priests …

A3) Faith, Culture, And Transformation: A Case Study Of Visitors To The Tumane Monastery, Marija Bratic, Danijel Pavlovic

International Religious Tourism and Pilgrimage Conferences

This study examines the experiences of visitors to the Tumane Monastery, one of the most significant Serbian religious and pilgrimage sites. Located in a peaceful natural setting, the Tumane Monastery is known for its spiritual importance, rich history, and connection to miraculous events, making it a key religious and cultural destination in the Branievo District of Eastern Serbia. The unique combination of the monastery's religious heritage and natural beauty attracts pilgrims and tourists seeking spiritual and cultural enrichment.

Using a survey methodology, this research analyses the demographic characteristics, motives, behaviours, and perceptions of visitors (believers, pilgrims, and tourists), as well …

B2) Local Governance And Community Regeneration: A Case Study In The North Of Portugal, Carlos Fernandes, Isilda Leitão

International Religious Tourism and Pilgrimage Conferences

Our Lady of Peace is one of the several titles attributed to the Blessed Virgin Mary in the Roman Catholic Church. The main theme of Our Lady’s messages is the call to peace and reconciliation obtained only through prayer. Our Lady of Peace churches and shrines may be found throughout the world. One is a Marian shrine and pilgrimage site in a remote mountain village in Ponte da Barca, in the North of Portugal This paper aims to disseminate the story of a small religious shrine and examines the local governance and development initiatives being taken to stimulate visitation.

The …

Exploring The Link Between Physicians’ Familiarity And Biosimilar Prescribing In Thailand, Ekapong Kachai, Chaoncin Sooksriwong, Wanruchada Katchamart, Tuangrat Phodha

The Thai Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences

Background: Despite the availability of various biosimilars in Thailand, the link between physicians’ familiarity and biosimilars prescribing practice remains still unclear.

Objectives: This study aimed to find the association between physicians’ familiarity and biosimilars prescribing practice among physicians in Thailand.

Methods: This research adopted an extended analysis framework, utilizing survey data from a pilot study on the surveillance of Thai physicians regarding biosimilar uptake. The familiarity with biosimilars among respondents was evaluated.

Results: The result showed that 82 respondents were included in the study. There was 79.3% of respondents indicated prescribing biosimilars. Overall, most respondents (75.6%) showed an “adequate” level …

Where Do I Belong? What Should I Call Home?, Viplav Bhaskar Subramanian

Deliberately Queer Journal

Employing autoethnography, this reflection explores the contestations of home-place for queer racialized identities. Tony Adams asserts the vitality of such an embodied investigation when speaking about intersectionally assembled marginalized communities and identities through stating, “I turned to writing stories that others could use in times of relational distress […] by doing and living autoethnography” (Jones et al., 2013, p. 21). In this piece, I delve into my lived experiences, chartering conceptions of belonging while integrating personal stories and theoretical discourses. Such an embodiment, as expressed by Ellingson (2017), considers the body as “simultaneously physical and affective, social and individual, produced …

Pinterest Can Help Teachers Cook A Casserole, But What About Lgbtqia+ Affirming Lesson Plans For Students Of Color?, Denise Villarrial Nealon

Deliberately Queer Journal

We have learned to be crafty homemakers, small space decorators, and even teachers through the eye-catching appeal of sites like Pinterest or Teachers Pay Teachers (TPT). The accessibility and ease of searching for a preset lesson saves time, and in a society where teachers are paid far less than what they are worth and asked to work longer hours than they are paid for, this makes sense. Using the theoretical frameworks of CRT, QueerCrit, and CRP, along with the concepts of intersectionality, can build learning tools for new teachers to disrupt previous exclusionary practices that prevent LGBTQIA+ students of Color …

Agricultural Extension In An Urban Informal Settlement During Covid-19: The Effectiveness Of The “Tanimang Bayan” Initiative In Sitio San Roque, North Triangle, Quezon City, Patrice Bianca R. Yapjoco

CSID Journal of Infrastructure Development

The COVID-19 pandemic exposed deep inequalities in food access, particularly in urban informal settlements. This study examines the effectiveness of the “Tanimang Bayan” initiative, an urban agriculture project implemented in Sitio San Roque, Quezon City, as a form of agricultural extension during the pandemic. The research adopts a qualitative approach, drawing on data from key informant interviews, participant observation, and secondary sources. Findings indicate that the initiative provided a localized response to food insecurity by enhancing access to fresh produce and promoting community-led production. It also supported collective action and self-organization among residents, strengthening their autonomy in navigating structural limitations. …

The Meaning And Essence Of Depression And Loneliness In Widowhood: Discovering The Healthy Construct Of Self-Efficacy, Christine M. Ward

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this phenomenological study will be to describe the lived experience of widows aged 65-80 who lost their husbands within the past five years in one of three counties in Washington State: Pierce, Kitsap, or Mason. The two theories guiding this study will be Bowlby’s Attachment Theory and Bandura’s Social Learning Theory, (SLT), as they relate to post-loss identity and mourning. Both serve as vital tools for surviving and recovering from the impact of losing a spouse. When these affectional attachments are lost, a widow’s quality of life can be lessened or even damaged. A widow will go …

Pretty And Problematic: The Use Of Music In Guadagnino's 'Call Me By Your Name', Brandon L. Foskett

Deliberately Queer Journal

Tension in the reception of the American-Italian film Call Me by Your Name (dir. Guadagnino, 2017)—as a beautiful film that implicitly condones a problematic narrative—is shaped in part by its compilation soundtrack. Already lauded as a timeless masterpiece in cinematography, sensuality, and music, the film also receives steadfast criticism regarding its portrayal of homosexuality and alleged condoning of interage desire between Elio, a 17-year-old Italian-French boy, and Oliver, a 24-year-old American man. In this paper, I analyze five musical episodes from the film, including The Psychedelic Furs’ “Love My Way,” Ravel’s Une barque sur l’océan, and Sufjan Stevens’s “Mystery …

Wmu Board Of Trustees Formal Session Thursday June 26, 2025, Wmu Board Of Trustees

WMU Board of Trustees Meetings

Acceptance of the Agenda
Approval of the Minutes (April 17, 2025 and April 23, 2025)
Remarks by the Chair of the Board
Remarks by the President
Updates by the Faculty Senate President
Updates by the Western Student Association President
Updates by the Graduate Student Association President
Western Michigan University Employee Graduates
Montgomery Essential Needs Program Presentation
Public Comments Regarding Action Items

Action Items

• Academic Tenure and Promotion
• Student Housing and Meal Rates 2025/26
• Fall 2025 Differential Tuition Rates
• Fall 2025 Tuition and Required Fee Rates
• General Fund Fiscal Year 2025/26 Operating Budget
• President Emeritus Status for Edward Montgomery

Consent Items …

U.S. Young Adults’ Family-Building Intentions In The Event Of Infertility And Knowledge Of Associated Costs, Jean Marie Place, John Horowitz, Minh Nguyen, Maya Guinn, Brennan Peterson

Marriage and Family Therapy Faculty Articles and Research

Introduction: Infertility affects approximately 8.5% of married women in the United States, yet there is limited understanding of how young adults anticipate and prepare for potential barriers to biological parenthood. As reproductive planning increasingly intersects with social, medical, and financial considerations, it is important to examine how emerging adults perceive and approach family-building options. This study aims to explore college students' intentions regarding childbearing, their openness to non-traditional family-building methods, and their awareness of the associated financial costs.

Methods: A cross-sectional survey was administered to undergraduate students (mean age = 20) at a Midwestern public university. Most participants had not …

Key Job Demands And Resources In The Digital Environment Of Publishing Employees, Małgorzata Libuda

Studia i Materiały Wydział Zarządzania Uniwersytet Warszawski

Purpose: The main objective of this article is to discuss the results of a study of the key requirements and work resources of ICT-intensive people in the Polish publishing environment.

Methodology: The process was carried out through qualitative research, i.e. semi-structured interviews conducted with managers managing teams in different departments and divisions.

Results: Based on the interviews, key (a) resources were identified, i.e. factors that account for employees’ willingness to use technology, treating it as a support in their daily work, and (b) work requirements that are considered to be major impediments during task completion.

Limitations: …

Fostering Belonging: A Transcendental Phenomenological Study Of Nontraditional Students In Higher Education, Gina M. Bolin

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this transcendental phenomenological study was to describe the sense of belonging for nontraditional students in online higher education environments. The conceptual framework that guided this study was the CoI, which emphasized the importance of social, cognitive, and teaching presence to foster a supportive and positive student experience. The central research question was: How do online nontraditional students in higher education describe their experiences of academic and social belonging within their learning communities? This study employed a transcendental phenomenological design. Participants included 15 nontraditional students enrolled in fully online degree programs at various U.S. institutions. Data collected through …

Investigating The Retention And Persistence Of Black Undergraduate Students At Hbcus And Pwis: A Multiple Case Study, Tamika L. Lindsay

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this instrumental, multiple-case study was to gain a comprehensive understanding of the lived experiences, perceptions, and challenges faced by Black undergraduate students at Predominantly White Institutions (PWIs) and Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). I ultimately aimed to propose viable strategies to help close the retention and persistence gap for Black undergraduate students at PWIs. The theories guiding this study were Bourdieu’s Social Reproduction Theory and Tinto’s Model of Institutional Departure as they examine the issues surrounding the retention and persistence of Black undergraduate students. The central research question was: How do the unique experiences and support …

Detective And Family: The Representation Of Same-Sex Family In Holmes & Moriarity By Josh Lanyon, Kanokwan Wichiansri, Thosaeng Chaochuti

Journal of Letters

This paper aims to study the questioning of in heteronormativity in early detective fiction by investigating the representation of homosexual family in the crime fiction series Holmes & Moriarity by Josh Lanyon. The study finds that the representations of the male detective and homosexual family are influenced by heteronormative standards. The selected texts raise questions about the conventions of early detective fiction that usually offer stereotypical representations of the male detective. The male detective in early detective fiction typically prefers a life of solitude and refuses to start a family. The selected texts, however, portray a protagonist who is able …

Collegiate Music Recruiting: Using Athletic Recruiting Best Practices To Transform The Industry, Larry Jay Giddens Jr.

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The recruitment of new students is vital to every music program and can have a tremendous impact on its success. As technology evolves and the needs of the world change, so do the methods of student recruitment and retention in music departments, music schools, and colleges of music. This study covers the perspectives of collegiate music unit recruiters and compares current and potential strategies. Using a mixed methods approach, this research employs surveys to identify current music unit recruiting trends and challenges. Online recruiting, scholarship availability and facilities/staff emerge as themes within the small body of existing literature and personal …

Flourishing: A Plan To Strengthen Public Legal Education And Information, The Bc Plei Ecosystem Project, Catherine Dauvergne, Aara Johnson, Shannon Srivastava

All Faculty Publications

The Public Legal Education and Information (PLEI) Sectoral Planning Project, headed by Dr. Catherine Dauvergne, K.C., was commissioned by the Law Foundation of British Columbia with the goal of making recommendations about how to improve public legal education and information in the province. The project was co-sponsored by the Law Foundation and the province’s Ministry of the Attorney General. We have come to understand this constellation of resources and organizations as the “public legal education and information ecosystem.” There is a wide array of high-quality, easily accessible, clearly written, legal information available in British Columbia. Ecosystem leaders are at the …

Apologetics Curriculum In A Chinese International School, William Kiel Nation

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Christian schools face the challenge of engaging students whose biblical views are being secularized by a culture that is individualistic and materialistic. At International Christian School Hong Kong, in response to such secular challenges, the overreliance on classical and evidential apologetics in the Bible curriculum has led to student disengagement, as these methods often fail to address the presuppositions of secular youth. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of a presuppositional apologetics curriculum, grounded in Tim Keller’s Making Sense of God, compared to the traditional classical approach grounded in Keller’s The Reason for God, to determine which method better …