Digital Commons Network^™

Nutrition Education As A Tool Of Empowerment, Claire Devries

Masters Projects

This study investigates the nutrition education programs implemented by organizations that operate Fresh Markets in Grand Rapids, Michigan, with the goal of connecting empowered nutrition education to a food justice context. A review of scholarly literature reveals that there has been limited published work within the last three decades that integrates empowered nutrition to a food justice context. Analysis of interviews conducted with the four organizations indicates that nutrition education is used as a tool of empowerment in a food justice framework. However, this study reveals that nutrition education cannot be used alone as a tool of empowerment, rather it …

Teaching And Learning Music Technologically, Esteban Molina Cordovez

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Since the beginning of the Covid-19 pandemic, multimedia technology has transformed all educational paradigms. In this mixed-methods study, the researcher shows the effects of inspiring instructional technologies on assimilating musical knowledge and developing performance concepts. Thus, assisted- technology learning is the foundation of inspiration to induce music performance and theory, hardening self-esteem as the core subject of this study. The researcher measures time and skills gathered over two years by a group of high school music students, assessing them with two variables: first, traditional conservatory instruction, and second, the MusicLab method. In addition, the researcher quantifies how technological tools intervene …

The Bucksport Community Progress Report: Updated Fall 2022, Cacy Allen, Noah Baran, Anastasia Doyle-Bruce, Jacqueline Dunnigan, Victoria Jeffreys, John Loicono, Nina Mccoy, Hannah Mead, Cameron Mewhirter, Colin Mey, Madelyn Norris, Madeline Rhoda, Caleb Smith, Major Warner, Takiah Anderson, Cate Bauer, Kalina Faulks, Max Hall, Jairan Parker, Katelyn Zimmerman

Goal 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions

No abstract provided.

The Black Male Triumph Story: Successfully Achieving Graduate Degrees, Albert Charles Furlow Iii

Theses & Dissertations

Research Focus. In post-baccalaureate education, Black males have historically and continuously been underrepresented and misrepresented; however, this research was focused on abstracting the positive characteristics that were similar among successful post-baccalaureate Black male graduates. My research looked at the post-baccalaureate attainment of 16 Black male participants in a nuanced way by pinpointing the common positive attributes of the successful scholars. Specifically, I explored the importance of informing educators about necessary tools that contributed to the success of Black males in graduate school. The goal of my study was to target policymakers in education, present and future researchers, practitioners, and faculty …

Tragedies Of The Cultural Commons, Etienne C. Toussaint

Faculty Publications

In the United States, Black cultural expressions of democratic life that operate within specific historical-local contexts, yet reflect a shared set of sociocultural mores, have been historically crowded out of the law and policymaking process. Instead of democratic cultural discourse occurring within an open and neutral marketplace of ideas, the discursive production and consumption of democratic culture in American politics has been rivalrous. Such rivalry too often enables dominant White supremacist cultural beliefs, values, and practices to exercise their hegemony upon law’s production and meaning. The result has been tragedy for politically disempowered and socioeconomically excluded communities.

This Article uses …

Appraising Rufaidah Al-Aslamia, First Muslim Nurse And Pioneer Of Islamic Nursing: Contributions And Legacy, Mustafa M. Bodrick, Mutlaq B. Almutairi, Fatma S. Alsolamy, Hisham M. Alfayyadh

Jurnal Keperawatan Indonesia

Global advancement in nursing is attributed mainly to western pioneers with negligible recognition of Rufaidah Al- Aslamia, who was the first Muslim nurse, and pioneer in Islamic nursing more than 1,400 years ago in Madinah (Medina, Saudi Arabia). She responded to the need for the provision of organized nursing care to injured soldiers in the Islamic battles during the time of Prophet Mohammed (Peace & Blessings Upon Him). The paucity of focus on Rufaidah Al-Aslamia triggered this scientific study to appraise her contributions and legacy as the pioneer of Islamic nursing. A qualitative, historical research inquiry was conducted using a …

Impact Of Coalition Building To Promote Maternal Infant Health Equity In The District Of Columbia, Maryland, And Virginia, Sydney J. Turner

Capstone Experience: Master of Public Health

The health of women and babies is critical to creating a healthy world. Stratified data shows the overwhelming rates at which Blacks are affected more than Whites. Literature has shown that leveraging partnerships and community engagement are critical components of decision-making and can positively impact the health of communities. Through a direct observational study, the Community Coalition Action Theory was used to analyze the current structure of the March of Dimes Maternal Infant Healthy Equity Coalition. The study aimed to identify strengths and gaps and subsequently provide recommendations to advance the coalition work and promote maternal and infant health equity …

Program Planning On Social Determinants Of Health For Rural Nebraska, Maria H. Cantu Hines

Capstone Experience: Master of Public Health

Social determinants of health (SDOH) are non-health factors that impact health in both direct and indirect ways. Research into SDOH and their effects has been extensive in recent years and has been further documented by the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite the wealth of the literature on the SDOH, awareness of these important factors is not prevalent among community residents. Rural communities are as subject to the impact of SDOH just as their urban counterparts and experience additional complexities related to geography and topography.

This capstone project aims to raise awareness, provide education, and assist with tools and resources, to empower rural …

The Relationship Between Grit, Perceived Social Support, And Educational Gains In The Adult Basic Education Classroom, Jennifer D. Shearon

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Adult Basic Education (ABE) is a critical part of the educational landscape in the United States; its aim is to improve the basic reading, writing, and numeracy skills of the very diverse population of adults in America who lack proficiency in these skills, and more often than not, a high school graduation credential (U.S. Department of Education, 2021a). Each program year, federal funding for ABE state administrated programs under the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA, 2014) is tied to percentages of participants who make measurable skills gains (MSGs). One type of MSG is Educational Functioning Level (EFL) gains, which …

Evaluating The Transition To Zero-Emission Vehicles And The Impact On Clean Electricity Demand Under The Effects Of Climate Change In San Francisco, Tamara Totah

Master's Projects and Capstones

California is considered a global leader in environmental policy relating to climate change and greenhouse gas emission mitigation. The state has implemented policies to limit greenhouse gas emissions and phase-out the use of fossil fuels in transportation. The transportation sector is one of the major emitters of greenhouse gasses in California. In 2020, Executive Order N-79-20 established the goal of having 100% of in-state sales of new light-duty passenger vehicles and trucks to be zero emission by 2035. The use of electric vehicles has reduced greenhouse gas emissions from transportation, but we need to be able to power these vehicles …

A Promising Place-Based Collaborative Impact Investing Fund Strengthens Community And Informs Philanthropic Practice, Benjamin Kerman, Clara Miller

The Foundation Review

A recent evaluation of the Western New York Impact Investment Fund adds to the proof-of-concept literature regarding “doing good and doing well” while pointing to experience-based best practices in philanthropic impact investing. Born of a collaboration between regional and national philanthropies, the fund brings together corporate, individual, and philanthropic investors to deliver an inclusive impact investment mechanism. Founded in 2017, the fund evolved from concept to operating entity, focusing on mitigating capital gaps, longterm economic decline, and wealth divides.

Evaluation at Year 5 describes how the professionally managed, collaboratively governed fund has attracted and deployed capital, contributing to ecosystem improvements …

A Collaborative Autoethnography: Your Passport To Immigrant Women Of Color Leader's Stories Of Identity Exploration And Leadership Barriers And Possibilities, Fraylanie Adan Aglipay

Doctoral Dissertations

The study of the personal and career narratives of immigrant Women of Color can lead to more appropriate standards in mainstream work environments and to the expansion of professional leadership opportunities for immigrant Women of Color. The experiences of immigrant Women of Color leaders are varied and complex, with each leader’s experience offering unique perspectives on their leadership journey. Additionally, it is important to analyze their identities because they contain multiple layers, serving as the foundation that has shaped them into the authentic leaders they are today. As scholars, researchers, and activists, we have a duty to address the lack …

Indigeneity In Space Governance Discussions: Centering Indigenous Knowledges Beyond Earth, Erin Edwards

Theses and Dissertations

Space policy and space law are expanding fields given the recent boom of commercial space flight, yet we hear less about space governance. These conversations are happening, but the discussions generally replicate western democratic practice with little input from other knowledge traditions, despite recent socio-political strain seen in senior democracies.This work focusses the discussion on missing voices. Those of the many Indigenous cultures that have routinely been silenced from terrestrial governance discussions. These voices, however, reflect thousands of years of collective knowledge of managing societies in a holistic manner. Some of these societies have developed in areas considered extreme environments …

Wellness Practices’ Contribution To Social Sustainability: A Review Of The Literature, Zeina Mazloum

BAU Journal - Creative Sustainable Development

Despite being emphasized as one of the main pillars of global sustainable development, social sustainability has been vastly neglected in research, and its importance has been undervalued. This paper aims to highlight the important role that wellness practices play in enhancing social sustainability by uplifting individuals and progressing communities. In turn, social sustainability strengthens the circular economy, resulting in global sustainable development. The paper also raises questions about future sustainable communities, quality of life, and wellness programs, which open up new avenues for future research and implications.

Effective Community Development In Informal Settlements Through Analysis Of The Kibera Slum In Kenya, Chloe Powell

Undergraduate Theses

Many people have a heart for those living in poverty, but very few have a mind for how to fight poverty well, according to Harvard University Professor Michael Fairbanks. The Kibera slums in Kenya is no exception to the plethora of challenges informal settlements face concerning development, including a lack of security of tenure, corruption, an unhealthy business environment, and a lack of jobs. Kibera has been the subject of numerous studies and development efforts throughout the years and has faced a long history of failed government interventions. In 2020, Kenya received almost $4 billion from the U.S. in official …

Spaces To (Re)Imagine Community Consciousness For Students In Detroit, Lakya Goss

Michigan Reading Journal

Sustaining spaces that foster community consciousness inside and outside of traditional public school settings is important for school/community ties. African-centered education and community-centered learning spaces are two examples of spaces that foster community consciousness for students in Detroit.

The Ecosystem Of Racial Inequalities In Discipline In Early Childhood Education, Alexandra Aylward, Rachel Garver, Catherine Kramarczuk Voulgarides, Christine Hodgson

Perspectives on Early Childhood Psychology and Education

Preschool children are suspended and expelled at a rate greater than school-aged youth, and exclusionary discipline practices are further inequitable across racial and ethnic groups. Denied the documented benefits of early childhood education, Black students are disproportionately excluded from US educational institutions beginning in early childhood, effectively preserving and reproducing racial inequities. Black students, especially boys, are the most likely to lose access to schooling due to exclusionary discipline. The disparities are dehumanizing and detrimental to students’ opportunities to learn, as early educational experiences greatly influence development and future outcomes. Although there is a plethora of evidence concerning the significant …

Chancellor’S Cabinet Updates 2022-11-21, Dr. Karen Carey

Chancellor's Cabinet Updates

No abstract provided.

Enlightenment Of Biosphere Reserve To Establishment And Management Of National Park In China, Jinhong Du, Ning Liu, Yijie Xian, Ding Wang, Wei Wang

Bulletin of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Chinese Version)

China has officially established the first batch of national parks in 2021 and such construction is entering a high-speed stage. National parks of the country basically originate from existed protected areas, and face series of long-standing problems and challenges, such as over simplified administration, low community participation, and prominent contradictions between ecological conservation and social development. The Man and the Biosphere (MAB) Programme is the first flagship project of United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) for biodiversity and cultural diversity conservation, biosphere reserve is its implementation platform, which has accumulated a lot of useful experience in biodiversity conservation, …

Reducing Liver Cancer Risk Through Dietary Change: Positive Results From A Community-Based Educational Initiative In Three Racial/Ethnic Groups, Lin Zhu, Ellen Jaeson Kim, Evelyn González, Marilyn A. Fraser, Steven Zhu, Nathaly Rubio-Torio, Grace X. Ma, Ming-Chin Yeh, Yin Tan

Publications and Research

Dietary behaviors and alcohol consumption have been linked to liver disease and liver cancer. So far, most of the liver cancer awareness campaigns and behavioral interventions have focused on preventive behaviors such as screening and vaccination uptake, while few incorporated dietary aspects of liver cancer prevention. We implemented a community-based education initiative for liver cancer prevention among the African, Asian, and Hispanic populations within the Greater Philadelphia and metropolitan New York City areas. Data from the baseline and the 6-month follow-up surveys were used for the assessment of changes in dietary behaviors and alcohol consumption among participants. In total, we …

A Tale Of Two Migrations: A Medical Library Case Report, Lisa Palmer, Tess Grynoch, Sally Gore

Medical Institutional Repositories in Libraries (MIRL)

Launched in 2006, the eScholarship@UMassChan institutional repository has been an important digital platform at UMass Chan Medical School, hosting faculty research, student research, and unique original publications and scholarship. In June 2021, UMass Chan’s Lamar Soutter Library decided to migrate eScholarship@UMassChan from the bepress Digital Commons platform to two separate hosted platforms. Most content – over 25,000 items representing faculty and staff publications, theses and dissertations, conference proceedings, and departmental and project collections – moved to Open Repository, a DSpace repository platform hosted by Atmire. The Janeway publishing platform became the new home for the open access, peer-reviewed journals and …

Sustaining Communities Through Transformative Justice, Casey Bohrman

Sustainability Research & Practice Seminar Presentations

Professor Casey Bohrman, Graduate Social Work - Sustaining Communities through Transformative Justice

Community Support For 2022 Social Venture Innovation Challenge, Sustainability Institute

Sustainability Institute Blog

No abstract provided.

Mosque Architecture In Contemporary Popular Cultures: A Critical Perspective, Mona Helmy

Architectural Engineering

This research paper claims that among important phenomena of several forms of contemporary mosques, there is a blurring of a clear distinction between their related popular/low cultural and formal/high-cultural status. For many centuries, high cultural mosques that are following what so called “formal architectural aesthetics” exist, which shaped by specific sets of well-established design principles and elements, trends, styles, tastes, designs, etc. Parallel to that, mosques in a context of popular cultures are shaped by folkloric signals, signs, and symbols, producing what can be called “Informal aesthetics”.

The popularization of mosque architecture in various contexts of cultural communities has different …

Using Gis-Based Land Use Strategies To Minimize The Impacts Of Urbanization On Agricultural Land And Forest Cover: Case Study Of The City Of Limbe, Cameroon, Lucy Ebude Deba Enomah

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Urbanization is one of the most dominant phenomena of the 21st century; it is propelled by natural growth and rural-to-urban migration. This latter is typically a product of rural residents moving to urban centres in search of economic opportunities. This phenomenon is accompanied by immense land use and cover changes – predominantly agricultural and forest lands to urban land uses such as buildings and infrastructure. The goal of this research was to contribute to efforts to minimize the impacts of urbanization on agricultural land and forest cover in Limbe, Cameroon, and to develop GIS-based strategies to allocate suitable land for …

Surviving A Broken System: Synergies Between Solidarity Economies And Sustainable Development Goals, Julie Beach

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Capitalism has created problems including wealth polarization, rapid depletion of natural resources, and pervasive systemic societal issues. Hard work is not enough to solve the unequal distribution and barriers preventing access to necessities. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) were created to remedy the harsh reality of global inequities and negative environmental impacts by working towards a more just and equitable future for all. Solidarity Economies (SE) offer an alternative framework to achieve these goals.

This research used multiple qualitative methods to investigate the synergies between SE and SDGs in a growing urban environment. St. Petersburg, FL struggles with affordable housing, food …

Critical Civic Engagement: Creating Yards And Building Community At Predominately White Institutions, Heather Moore Roberson

Journal of Research Initiatives

This article details the journey of a Black Greek professor who created yards on a predominately white campus. This piece of scholarship challenges the historical narrative of the civic engagement movement and considers equity and inclusion with existing civic engagement literature. Specifically, this research contends that civic engagement scholarship must consider the historical legacy of historically Black Greek letter organizations, their commitment to service, and undergraduate education. The construction of “yards” is a civic engagement initiative that builds meaningful connections between college campuses and local communities.

Utah Growing Water Smart: The Water-Land Use Integration Guidebook, Kelly Kopp, Joanna Endter-Wada

Utah Growing Water Smart

The Utah Growing Water Smart workshops bring together teams of key community staff and water and land use planning decision makers to help build a more resilient and sustainable water future. The workshops use a range of public engagement, planning, communication, and policy implementation tools to help community teams realize their water efficiency, smart growth, watershed health, and water resiliency goals.

This 1^st edition of the Utah Growing Water Smart curriculum guidebook was prepared for the inaugural Utah workshop focused on Wasatch Front communities and held at the Wheeler Historical Farm in Murray, Utah on November 15-17, 2022. This …

A History Of Ecofeminist: Socialist Resistance To Eco-Crisis In India, Gowri Parameswaran

Wagadu: A Journal of Transnational Women's & Gender Studies

This article traces the history of women's environmental activism in India after independence. The earliest organizing efforts came from women from indigenous communities who wanted to collectively push back against government and private encroachments into communal lands. From the 1970s to the late 1980s, ecofeminism became a dominant paradigm to analyze and respond to environmental issues globally. Indian feminists adapted the model to analyzing ecological issues locally while also pushing back against its essentialism and its blindness to social and economic inequities. Indian eco(feminist) socialists demanded a centering of the voices of the most vulnerable communities in environmental movements. In …

From A Tabula Rasa To The Governor’S Award For Historic Preservation, Roseann Bacha-Garza, Juan L. Gonzalez, Christopher L. Miller, Russell K. Skowronek

History Faculty Publications

Prior to 2009, South Texas was essentially an archaeological tabula rasa, largely unknown in the academic, public, or grey literature due to its location far from research universities, the state historic preservation office, and cultural resource management firms. Here, we relate how a consortium of anthropologists and archaeologists, biologists, historians, geologists, and geoarchaeologists have embraced a locally focused, place-based STEAM research approach to tell the story of a largely unknown region of the United States and make it accessible to K–17 educators,¹ the public, and scholars with bilingual maps, books, exhibits, films, traveling trunks, and scholarly publications. The efforts …