Digital Commons Network^™

The Determinant Of Islamic Bank Profitability And Stability In Malaysia, Asmah Mohd Jaapar, Nur Ain Abdul Hamid, Nurhatiah Ahmad Chukari

International Journal of Management, Finance and Accounting

This study examines the determinants of profitability and stability of 14 Islamic banks in Malaysia using secondary data from 2018 until 2022. Hausman and Breush-Pagan's tests indicate that the fixed effect panel model is the best model to predict the relationships. The final fixed effect model for the profitability of Islamic banks shows that capital adequacy ratio (CAR), Z-score, and gross domestic product (GDP) have significant relationships with return on assets (ROA). CAR has a negative effect, while Z-score and GDP positively affect ROA. On the other hand, the final fixed effect model for the stability of Islamic banks shows …

Purdue Stars Performance Analysis, Kayla Gurganus, Lynne Dahmen

Institute for a Sustainable Future Documents

This Sustainability Performance Analysis (SPA) report reviews Purdue’s past and present sustainability performance as captured through STARS reporting to understand sustainability actions and to clearly and objectively identify where Purdue excels and how it might improve performance through the next STARS 3.0 submission.

Blockchain Technology For Efficient Zakat Management In India: An Exploratory Study, Arfan Ghouse Mohiuddin, Ibrahim M.S Abolola

Journal of King Abdulaziz University: Islamic Economics

This review explores how blockchain technology can revolutionize Zakāh management in India, addressing persistent transparency and trust issues. Zakāh, a core Islamic practice aimed at reducing socioeconomic inequality, often falls short of its potential due to inefficiencies and a lack of accountability in the current system. By analyzing secondary sources, this study highlights how blockchain and smart contracts can transform Zakāh collection and distribution. The proposed model promises greater transparency, trust among donors, and more efficient fund allocation, which could boost formal contributions and significantly reduce poverty in the Indian Muslim community. A critical insight is the lack of research …

Leveraging Community Partnerships And Resources To Address Food Insecurity In A Rural County During The Covid-19 Pandemic, Kristen Johnson, Amy Elizer, Karen L. Franck, Soghra Jarvandi

Journal of Extension

Extension professionals are skilled at connecting with community partners and community members to identify needs and address challenges. This paper outlines how Extension professionals quickly responded to address rising rates of food insecurity in a rural Tennessee County during the COVID-19 pandemic. Through an extensive network of state, regional, and local partners, Extension professionals and partners planned and implemented mobile food distributions through the United States Department of Agriculture’s Farmers to Families program. These Extension-led efforts resulted in sustainable, community-driven initiatives to improve food insecurity. Lessons learned can help Extension professionals respond to emerging needs.

Promoting Equity: Embracing Food Justice In The Transformation Of The Food Systems For Bipoc Communities, Frank Yeboah Adusei

Journal of Extension

The food justice movement addresses systemic food inequities impacting BIPOC communities, rooted in civil rights and environmental justice movements. It advocates for fair access to culturally relevant food, combating food deserts, and promoting food sovereignty. Recognizing intersectionality, it emphasizes collaboration to dismantle systemic barriers. This study aims to understand BIPOC communities' challenges and effective strategies, stressing the importance of collaborative efforts for lasting systemic change. Extension professionals face challenges but can contribute through equity-focused strategies, community engagement, and partnerships, advancing food justice and fostering inclusive food systems.

Building Community In Counselor Education Doctoral Programs: A Grounded Theory, Ellise Nolan, Madeline Clark, Rachel Mattingly, Sahar Sheikh, Jennifer Rio

Journal of Counselor Preparation and Supervision

The researchers utilized a grounded theory methodology to study the process of community building in counselor education doctoral programs. Researchers found, throughout their program, students have a series of catalytic experiences during which they either experience program supports or barriers, leading to outcomes which influence student sense of community, wellness, and retention.

2025 Furman University Scholarship Reception Program, Madeline Eastergard, Kathie Sloan

Libraries Institutional Records

On February 14, 2025, the Libraries and the Office of the Provost hosted the Furman University Scholarship Reception. The reception showcased scholarly publications, creative works, and professional accomplishments of Furman faculty or staff from the 2024 calendar year. It highlighted Furman faculty and staff who completed a degree, received a grant from an external funding source totaling more than $1,000, and/or published books, book chapters, journal articles, exhibits, recordings, performances, films, or other works. The following Furman presenters provided four-minute speeches about their scholarly or creative works:

• Liz Bouzarth, Professor of Mathematics
• John Harris, Professor of Mathematics
• Kevin Hutson, Professor …

Getting “Out In The Woods” With Students: Intergenerational Work Centering Learners As Creators Of Sustainable Futures, Kate Southerton-Castillo, Emily Southerton

Sustainability Research & Practice Seminar Presentations

Kate Southerton-Castillo, student, M.S. in TESC, and Emily Southerton, Ph.D. Learning Sciences present on "Getting “Out in the Woods” with Students: Intergenerational Work Centering Learners as Creators of Sustainable Futures".

Book Review: After Sex, Anya Metzer

Journal of International Women's Studies

No abstract provided.

Frameworks For Measuring Regenerative Tourism: Supply And Demand Indicators With A Dynamic And Holistic Approach, Asif Hussain

Journal of Sustainability and Resilience

This paper examines regenerative tourism as a holistic approach that goes beyond sustainability by actively restoring and enhancing social-ecological systems. Recognizing tourism’s interconnectedness with economic, social, cultural, and environmental systems, it presents regenerative tourism as a dynamic model integrating supply and demand perspectives to promote innovation, resilience, and renewal. On the supply side, regenerative tourism emphasizes ecological restoration, sustainable practices, economic stability with minimal environmental harm, and authentic experiences. On the demand side, it aligns with the rising preference for ethical, participatory, and immersive tourism, involving tourists as active contributors to destination well-being. The paper highlights the importance of multidimensional …

Nh Stormwater Manual 2025, Unh Stormwater Center, Comprehensive Environmental Inc., Nh Department Of Environmental Services

UNH Stormwater Center

No abstract provided.

Girl Innovation, Research, And Learning (Girl) Center: Innovation Hub Overview 2025, Population Council

Girl Innovation, Research, and Learning (GIRL) Center

The GIRL Center, established in 2017 at the Population Council, envisions a gender-equitable world, where adolescents, especially girls make a healthy and safe transition into adulthood and reach their full potential. This brief provides an overview of the GIRL Center, an innovation hub of the Population Council.

The Jamaica Now Leadership Council: A Study Of Stakeholder Participation In The Revitalization Of Downtown Jamaica, Queens, Melva M. Miller

Dissertations, Theses, and Capstone Projects

Urban revitalization in the United States has often been characterized by uneven community development, where marginalized communities bear the costs while receiving limited benefits. This dissertation examines how the dynamics of stakeholder participation impacts the practice of Community Economic Development (CED), focusing on the Jamaica Now Leadership Council (JNLC) as a case study. Formed to oversee the Jamaica Now Neighborhood Action Plan, the JNLC represents a model of inclusive, stakeholder-driven urban development aimed at addressing historical disinvestment and promoting equitable economic growth in Downtown Jamaica, Queens.

The study explores how power dynamics, stakeholder histories, and role expectations shape participation in …

Gphy 466.01: Environmental Planning, Thomas J. Sullivan

University of Montana Course Syllabi, 2021-2025

No abstract provided.

What Tackles Vehicle Ghg Emissions In California: Regional Plan Adoption Or Local Leadership?, Ahoura Zandiatashbar, Serena Alexander, Branka Tatarevic

Faculty Research, Scholarly, and Creative Activity

The California Senate Bill No. 375 (SB 375) serves as a model policy for reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by integrating transportation and land-use planning through regional and local policies. The 18 California Metropolitan Planning Organizations (MPOs) are tasked with developing Sustainable Communities Strategies (SCS) to guide emissions reductions, often implemented locally through Climate Action Plans (CAPs). However, CAPs are voluntary, and misalignment with SCS objectives can undermine their effectiveness. This study examined 25 California cities using content analysis and regression modeling to explore whether independent local actions, supported by community engagement, activist strategies, and leadership, are more effective than …

Graduate School Newsletter Winter 2024-2025, Sandra Spiroff, Martha Caroline Helms

Newsletters of the Graduate School

No abstract provided.

Dynamics Of Nodes: Adaptation Of Interior Places In A Historic Waterfront Community For Sustainability, Thanapan Laiprakobsup, Narongpon Laiprakobsup

Interiority

This study aims to investigate environmental interiority and urban conditions which promote adaptations of nodes as foci of place in the historic, suburban waterfront community. Nodes, existing as strategic places as public activity settings, on the other hand, have been barely examined in terms of the dynamic transition of interior places among urbanisation. The study argues that nodal adaptations taking up dynamic development play crucial functional roles in sustaining a waterfront community in connection with the implementation of place resources and accessible opportunities of new transportation networks. Nodal adaptations lead to the emergence of new functions and place identity in …

Montana Kaimin, January 23, 2025, Students Of The University Of Montana, Missoula

Montana Kaimin, 1898-present

Student newspaper of the University of Montana, Missoula.

Aligning Audience Needs With Scientists’ Information In The Complex Harmful Algal Bloom Outreach To Engagement Continuum, Erica Clites, Heather Triezenberg, Diane Doberneck

Journal of Contemporary Water Research and Education

Algae, an important foundation of aquatic ecosystems, can become a nuisance or harmful when it grows in excess. Many government agencies have a role in monitoring, responding to, and confirming a harmful algal bloom (HAB). HAB scientists have important information to share, however, given the complexities of HABs, which often involve decoupled drivers from observed impacts, presents challenges to outreach and engagement. Understanding key audience information needs can help scientists prioritize key science communication and engagement opportunities to maximize the impact of such efforts. Scientists may need additional science communication training or support for scientist-community partnerships. This will be evermore …

Exploring Urban Growth Drivers In Heritage Areas Using Machine Learning: The Case Of Gharb Sohail, Aswan, Mohamed E. Elattar

Architectural Engineering

Heritage areas are increasingly threatened by rapid urban expansion, driven by population growth and insufficient planning measures. These areas are vital as they preserve cultural identity, social cohesion, and economic vitality, making their preservation essential. This study investigates the drivers of urban expansion in Gharb Sohail, Aswan, a culturally and historically significant heritage area. Employing Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and advanced machine learning models, including the Land Change Modeler (LCM) and Multi-Layer Perceptron (MLP) neural networks, the research identifies key factors shaping urban growth and simulates future expansion scenarios. The findings indicate that urban sprawl within the study area is …

Massachusetts Community Mediation Center Grant Program Fiscal Year 2024 Report And Evaluation, Madhawa Palihapitiya, Karina Zeferino

Massachusetts Office of Public Collaboration Publications

In FY2024, the Commonwealth allocated $3,213,465 to the CMC Grant Program, supplemented by $149,674 carried over from FY2023, for a total of $3,363,139. Of the total funding, $2,542,100 (76%) was awarded to Centers in grants and technical assistance, with Centers leveraging these funds to secure an additional $2,199,813 from private foundations and other state, local, and federal sponsors. These grants supported Centers’ participation in CMC Grant Program related statewide programs, including the Housing Mediation Program (HMP), Reentry Mediation Program (ReMAp), Youth Conflict Resolution and Restorative Practices Program (Youth Program), and DEI organizational capacity-building initiatives. These grants bolstered staffing infrastructure, enabling …

Professional Civility And Problematic Relationships In The Workplace, David Deiuliis, Sarah Flinko

Communication Research Trends

No abstract provided.

Successful Strategies Used By Black Female Entrepreneurs To Establish Wellness And Alternative Medicine Businesses, Ruth Corfah

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Black female entrepreneurs in the Gulf Coast region face systemic barriers and require successful strategies to establish a successful wellness and alternative medicine business post-COVID. Without addressing these challenges, many businesses may fail, resulting in lost economic opportunities and reduced access to culturally responsive wellness services for underserved Black communities. Grounded in the resource-based view theory, the purpose of this qualitative pragmatic inquiry project was to explore the successful strategies used by Black female entrepreneurs to establish a successful wellness and alternative medicine business post-COVID within the Gulf Coast region. The participants were six Black female entrepreneurs who used successful …

Successful Strategies Used By Black Female Entrepreneurs To Establish Wellness And Alternative Medicine Businesses, Ruth Corfah

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Black female entrepreneurs in the Gulf Coast region face systemic barriers and require successful strategies to establish a successful wellness and alternative medicine business post-COVID. Without addressing these challenges, many businesses may fail, resulting in lost economic opportunities and reduced access to culturally responsive wellness services for underserved Black communities. Grounded in the resource-based view theory, the purpose of this qualitative pragmatic inquiry project was to explore the successful strategies used by Black female entrepreneurs to establish a successful wellness and alternative medicine business post-COVID within the Gulf Coast region. The participants were six Black female entrepreneurs who used successful …

Reproductive Care — “Right” Here And “Wrong” There, Sonia Suter

Journal of Health Care Law and Policy

No abstract provided.

Community-Engaged Research Projects In School Settings: Science Teachers’ Practices And Reflections, Won Jung Kim

Teacher Education

Community-engaged research (CER) is a justice-oriented research paradigm that emphasizes equitable and reciprocal knowledge co-production with community members and organizations, sharing power, benefits, contributions, and responsibilities among all participants. This study explores nine teachers’ cases of facilitating CER projects in their respective school settings, aimed to support students’ critical consciousness and action for environmental issues and injustices. This study contributes to educational research by adapting an existing framework for CER for environmental justice that can guide K-12 teaching and research on it. By analyzing data from teacher community meetings and individual interviews in the CER framework, this study articulates classroom …

[Excerpt From] Creating & Sustaining Civility In Nursing Education (3rd Ed.), Cynthia Clark

Sigma Publications: Book Excerpts

In this comprehensive, fully revised third edition of the award-winning Creating & Sustaining Civility in Nursing Education, author Cynthia Clark expands her proven, results-focused approach to preventing and addressing the problem of incivility. This guide includes practical, evidence-based solutions that range from principles for broad-based institutional changes to ready-to-use teaching tools and strategies to promote and maintain civility, community, and respect in today’s highly charged work and learning environments.

Considering recent changes in higher education in general and nursing education specifically, expanded areas of focus in this new edition include:

• Online teaching and learning environments
• The contentious political climate and …

Restoring The AhupuaʻA: Community-Based Resource Management And Resilience In KauaʻI, Jeffrey W. Walbridge Jr.

Environmental Studies Senior Theses

This thesis analyzes Kauaʻi’s evolving resource management practices, examining the intersections of historical governance frameworks, modern legal systems, and indigenous knowledge. Utilizing the traditional ahupuaʻa system, Kauaʻi’s approach once promoted holistic stewardship across water, land, and energy resources. However, colonial policies, corporate influence, and economic pressures have gradually shifted this framework toward a market-driven model, often prioritizing tourism and development over ecological resilience. Key policy shifts as they fight to return to an ahupua'a based model – from the Great Mahele’s introduction of private land ownership to water diversions for plantation agriculture – help examine how these changes continue to …

Revitalizing Ritual Performances For Environmental Conservation And Climate Change Adaptation: A Case Study Of Ecotourism In Khaw Nu M’Cung National Park, Myanmar, Salai Vanni Bawi

Forest and Society

Environmental conservation is vital for sustaining biodiversity, ensuring ecosystem services, and mitigating climate change. Despite its importance, a theoretical gap exists in integrating indigenous knowledge with contemporary conservation strategies. Indigenous knowledge, which deeply coexisted with cultural practices, has been marginalized due to colonial histories and religious development. This marginalization neglects valuable ecological insights embedded in traditional rituals and practices. However, ecotourism presents a promising avenue for bridging this gap by leveraging the symbiotic relationship between indigenous communities and their natural environment. The ecotourism centered on indigenous practices fosters environmental stewardship and empowers local communities economically and culturally. Ecotourism can enhance …

Circular Commoning: Sustaining Dayak Bahau Agency Amid Political And Ecological Change, Jonathan Irene Sartika Dewi Max, Nurhady Sirimorok, Yofi Irvan Vivian, Dahri Dahlan, Alamsyah Alamsyah, Bayu Aji Nugroho, Octamarsela Leonela Huan, Vinsensius Ferrer Hilah

Forest and Society

Swidden practices create distinctive agricultural systems deeply situated in local culture, but many of these systems are experiencing transformation and demise around the tropical world. Through varied types of commoning, however, Indigenous groups continue swidden practices as part of their identity and livelihoods. In this article, we explore how the Bahau communities in Indonesia negotiate with the state and private institutions, enabling them to maintain their agricultural traditions as fundamental to their standing as Indigenous People. We apply a commoning framework that prioritizes historical context, adaptation, and collective decision-making in managing the commons. We focus on the Bahau communities residing …