Digital Commons Network^™

Agonistic Design In Practice: Introducing Agonism To Interaction Design Pedagogy, Robert Collins, Anjuli Tushar Acharya, Tom Van Wijland, Hanxiong Zhang, Johan Redström, Marco C. Rozendaal

Nordes Conference Series

In an increasingly technology-mediated world, agonistic design seeks to support agency over convenience in an attempt to give the user more determination over the technologies which may adversely affect them. This paper explores the experimental integration of agonistic design principles into an Interaction Design Masters course to address the emerging harms of algorithmic decision systems (ADS). Conducted with Interaction Design Master’s students at a Swedish University, the intervention introduced agonistic design through a seminar, tutorials, and projects which move from ideation, to prototyping, ending with public exhibition and reflection exercise. Drawing on frameworks supporting democratic design and constructive disagreement, the …

A Conversation Between Octavia Butler's Kindred And Angela Davis's Are Prisons Obsolete?: Brutality, Misogynoir, And Haunting, Sydney Guntharp

Venture: The University of Mississippi Undergraduate Research Journal

Octavia Butler’s Kindred and Angela Davis’s Are Prisons Obsolete? textually parallel one another in vital ways that mirror the lack of linear separation between the socalled historical past and modern conditions of racialized oppression, confinement, and brutal treatment. Through tandemly analyzing these texts, the modes of misogynoiristic control potently exacted on the enslaved/imprisoned Black woman’s body are clearly rendered across time. The presence of the plantation, as it follows Butler’s fictional characters through the literal medium of time travel, haunts the modern prisonindustrial complex, which Davis extrapolates through a detailed history of racialized punishment within the United States. Both texts …

Prisoner Re-Entry Into Society And Criminal Justice Social Work Practice, Aleeyah S. Norvell

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

This study explores the challenges faced by social workers in supporting the successful reintegration of formerly incarcerated individuals. Social workers play a critical role in the U.S. criminal justice system, yet they often encounter systemic barriers that limit their ability to meet clients’ basic needs, such as housing, employment, and healthcare. Using a generic qualitative research design, the study was conducted using semi-structured interviews with a sample of eight licensed social workers, using open-ended questions to gather rich, detailed accounts of their experiences. Guided by social learning theory and using thematic analysis, the findings reveal significant obstacles in adapting to …

October 7 And International Police Cooperation: The Silence Of Interpol, Mathieu Deflem

Faculty Publications

Aim: The aim of this study is to explore the background and interpretation of Interpol’s silence following the terrorist attacks committed by Hamas against Israel on October 7, 2023. The author examines the international policing im-plications of the events, with special attention to why the world’s largest police organization failed to issue any substantive response.

Methodology: The research is based on asociological analysis combining ahistorical and institutional overview of Interpol’s counterterrorism activities with the examination of the organization’s communications and institutional decisions. It relies on qualitative sources and an interpretive, case study-based approach using public documents, records, and statements.

Findings: …

The Parthenon, August 06, 2025, Baylee Parsons, Kaitlyn Fleming, Ashton Pack, Nate Harrah, Soleil Woolard

The Parthenon

No abstract provided.

Correctional Officers’ Perceptions Of Personal Safety Equipment Effectiveness, Tiffany Haigler-Sion

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

The United States has the largest correctional system and the highest incarceration rate in the world. Within this system, correctional officers (COs) serve as the primary point of contact with inmates. Existing literature suggests that the nature of inmates’ offenses often influences COs’ perceptions. Moreover, safety equipment plays a critical role in maintaining security within prison environments. Understanding COs’ experiences and perceptions regarding their safety equipment is therefore essential. The research problem is that little is known about COs’ lived experiences with and perceptions of the safety equipment they carry to keep safe from inmate severe assault. The purpose of …

Identifying Key Factors In Global Human Trafficking Using Factor Analysis, Nike Joy Alawode

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The study aimed to examine key factors influencing human trafficking trends through quantitative analysis of historical archival data from trafficking cases. Using a comprehensive dataset, the factor analysis design assessed variables associated with human trafficking, including age, gender, methods of control, types of labor, types of sexual exploitation, and recruiter-victim relationships. Through descriptive and inferential analyses, this study identified demographic and situational patterns linked to trafficking, uncovering how age and gender intersect with exploitation types, and how different means of control were applied across contexts. Findings may illuminate recruiter-victim dynamics, particularly regarding how relationships impact victim targeting and recruitment methods. …

A Quantitative Examination Of School Psychologists And The Relationships Between Work-Life Balance, Burnout, And Turnover Intentions, Brittany Leigh Storti

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Research for the past twenty-five years has documented that there is a national shortage of school psychologists across the United States. It is vital to study the magnitude of school psychologists working in the educational field and the impact of work-life balance has on burnout and turnover intentions. The study surveyed 75 school psychologists who work in a brick-and-mortar, hybrid, and virtual setting across the United States to compare the relationships and to determine if there is a difference between turnover intentions based on work setting. A moderation analysis and an ANOVA determined that the research failed to reject the …

The Perception Of The Quality Of K-12 Education Through The Lens Of Black Male Students: A Phenomenological Study, Roylin Petties Iii

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this hermeneutic phenomenological study was to explore the lived experiences and perceptions of the academic quality of K-12 education for Black male students at a small community college in western Pennsylvania. The theory guiding this study is critical race theory, which supports an understanding of the United States’ systems and how these systems affect the lives of Black students. The central research question is: What are the lived experiences and perceptions of Black male community college students regarding the academic quality of their K-12 education? A qualitative hermeneutic phenomenological research design was chosen for the study, given …

A Comprehensive Review Of Frugal Artificial Intelligence: Challenges, Applications, And The Road To Sustainable Ai, Nancy Girdhar, Aditya Raj, Deepak Sharma, Vinay Singh, Antoine Doucet, Matthias Renz

School of Engineering, Computing and Mathematics

Artificial Intelligence (AI) has demonstrated its transformative impact in creating learning models, processing extensive datasets, and executing intricate calculations rapidly. Nevertheless, achieving optimal performance with AI models demands substantial investment in powerful and expensive high-end hardware. The learning models running on the hardware are complex, requiring massive data and huge training time. However, the race to achieve higher accuracy and computational limitations of AI further poses a threat to the environment and thus provides motivation to develop AI technology that is cost-effective, scalable, and suitable for resource-constrained environments, Frugal Artificial Intelligence, or Frugal AI. The objective of this paper is …

Formerly Incarcerated Women, Adverse Childhood Experiences, And Resilience: A Qualitative Descriptive Study, Patricia Celina Simms

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this qualitative descriptive case study was to explore how formerly incarcerated females who have experienced adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) perceived their participation in rehabilitation programs while incarcerated and its influence on their resilience and reintegration into society in Virginia. This study is based on the Community Resiliency Model (CRM) by Miller-Karas (2015), which explains how individuals and communities manage trauma and build resilience. The CRM emphasizes self-regulation, social connections, and internal resource development, reflecting participants’ transformative journeys. The model suggests that structured programs in supportive communities aid emotional stabilization and long-term resilience. Participants did not mention the …

Examining Literacy Habits, Reading Attitudes, And Literacy Perceptions Of College-Educated Black Men: A Case Study, Turkesshia D. Moore

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this multiple-case qualitative study was to explore the literacy attitudes, reading habits, and literacy perceptions of college-educated Black men in North Carolina. The theory guiding this study is Freire’s Critical Literacy Theory (CLT). CLT supports educators in providing critical pedagogy, which includes critical thinking and critical text analysis. Participants in this study viewed literacy as a valuable life skill. They felt they would have had more positive literacy experiences during their K-12 schooling if they received culturally relevant and culturally responsive instruction. The central research question for the case study was: How do college-educated Black men describe …

Vulnerable Student Populations’ Understanding Of Title Ix, Campus Support, And Supportive Resources: A Hermeneutical Phenomenological Study, April Lynn Wright

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This hermeneutical phenomenological study examined how vulnerable student populations on college campuses perceived Title IX, campus support, and campus resources. The theory guiding this study is Homans’s social exchange theory, which connects the three pillars of rules, resources, and social relationships. The connection between the theory and the study is that while Title IX has guidelines established to support students after a campus sexual assault, the guidelines do not mean much if a student who has experienced a campus sexual assault is unsure of the support and resources that are available to them. While social exchange theory highlighted the rules, …

Review Of Alcohol Use Among Aboriginal And Torres Strait Islander Peoples: Patterns, Impacts And Community-Led Responses, Teagan J. Weatherall, Ks Kylie Lee, Annalee Stearne, Monika Dzidowska, Nicole Hewlett, Lynette Bullen, Taleah Reynolds, Summer Loggins, James H. Conigrave

Journal of the Australian Indigenous HealthInfoNet

This review provides an overview of alcohol use among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples using the latest research available. It has been designed to update the evidence published since the previous review conducted in 2018 on this topic (Review of the harmful use of alcohol among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people by Prof Dennis Gray, Dr Annalee Stearne and colleagues) (Gray et al., 2018).

In this updated review, we discuss the historical context and scope of alcohol use among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, impacts on individuals and whole communities, relevant national policies and strategies, present …

Under Pressure

Journal of Social Care

No abstract provided.

Transitioning To Adulthood From A Life In Care: An Important Milestone For Young People, Kate Cooley Ms, Margaret Linehan Prof, Judith Butler

Journal of Social Care

No abstract provided.

Acquisitions Unit Annual Report 2024-2025, Andrée J. Rathemacher

Technical Services Reports and Statistics

Annual Report of the Acquisitions Unit, University Libraries, University of Rhode Island for FY2025. Covers personnel, work flow, special projects, and serial, monograph, and e-resource acquisitions. Supplemental files include data on library materials expenditures by a number of variables as well as important working documents from the year.

Examining The Active Ingredients In An Anti-Stigma Intervention For Individuals With A Criminal History, Kaylee Cook

Electronic Theses and Dissertations Archive

Obtaining employment is key to successful reintegration for people who have been incarcerated. However, employers are often hesitant to hire formerly incarcerated persons due to general negative attitudes toward them and concern that they will not exhibit positive work behaviors. Interventions to reduce general types of stigma exist, with primary strategies involving education and/or contact. Most research examining the effectiveness of stigma-reducing strategies largely focus on reducing identity-based stigma (e.g., race, mental illness), with limited research on reducing choice-based stigma, such as those with criminal histories. However, regardless of targeted stigma, there is no consensus regarding which intervention format (i.e., …

Predictors Of Sanction Length Following Correctional Disciplinary Hearings: The Role Of Individual Characteristics, Misconduct Type, And Placement In Segregation, Jade Renee Horton

Electronic Theses and Dissertations Archive

Misconduct by incarcerated individuals is a significant threat to institutional safety. While research has highlighted discrepancies in who engages or who is reported as engaging in misconduct and suggests staff biases may impact disciplinary decisions, available research tends to narrowly focus on the use of disciplinary segregation as an outcome and often neglects other potential disciplinary outcomes that are less serious and the predictors of those outcomes. The current study examined predictors of the seriousness of outcomes, measured in length (weeks) of imposed sanction, of disciplinary hearings. It was hypothesized that those who are identified as Black, with a serious …

Understanding Hispanic Cultural Strengths Through Parents’ Voices: Insights For Interdisciplinary School Personnel, David Moran, Johana Rocha, Kristy Carlisle

Journal of Human Services Scholarship and Interprofessional Collaboration

Examining the strengths of Hispanic cultural values among K-12 school students is a generally understudied concept, and from their parents’ perspective specifically. This study sought to take a qualitative approach toward the exploration of Hispanic parents’ perspectives on how their cultural values promote strengths within their school-aged children. Hispanic parents (N = 8) participated in bilingual (i.e., Spanish and English) focus groups, with the results providing content that can inform culturally responsive prevention and intervention strategies to support the roles of interdisciplinary school personnel who regularly interact with the children. Findings pointed to (a) interaction with peers and school …

Indirect Dna Transfer To Duct Tape Rolls Stored In Cars, Yuching Chung

Student Theses

This project investigated the accumulation of DNA on duct tape rolls stored in cars. Specifically, we analyzed samples recovered from three areas (the inside, outside, and flat sides) of unused duct tape stored under the driver's seat and trunk of cars for seven days. Twelve volunteers were recruited, resulting in 64 DNA samples from 12 cars. We evaluated DNA quantities and STR genotyping outcomes after amplification with the GlobalFiler™ kit. On average, the DNA yields from under the driver's seat were higher than from the trunk, but the difference was not significant. The inside of the tape roll yielded significantly …

African American Men's Perceptions Of Law Enforcement, Dr. Dedrie Reshell Leonard-Francis

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

African American Black men are more likely to report unreasonable, unnecessary, and unwarranted experiences with U.S. law enforcement than men of other racial groups, and they higher mistrust toward law enforcement than any other racial group. These experiences have been described as unjustifiable due to the level of force used by police. In some cases, excessive force by law enforcement has resulted in the death of Black men. The purpose of this phenomenological study was to explore Black men’s perceptions of law enforcement and to understand their distrust. The study centered on the facilitators and barriers to Black men trusting …

Teaching Law Through Art: On Magic, Emotions, And Resistance, Hamsini Marada

Socio-Legal Review

This is an auto-ethnographic article in which the author reflects on her research in art and law, the legal academic culture, and the ways in which her art practice (painting and photography) informs her teaching pedagogy. The author uses theoretical works of scholars like Paulo Friere and bell hooks as foundational texts to address how an emotional and care-based approach to teaching can be developed through engagement with art in law classrooms. This theory is substantiated with anecdotes from the author's experience of teaching electives on art and law and core courses like Criminal Law and Intellectual Property Rights. By …

The Challenges Faced By Postrelease Offenders In Rural Mississippi, Whitney Starks

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Reintegration after incarceration has long been a subject of scholarly inquiry, particularly regarding barriers to employment, housing, and mental health services. However, limited research addresses the reintegration experiences of postrelease offenders in rural regions, where access to essential resources is often restricted. This qualitative single case study is an exploration of the challenges and service needs of formerly incarcerated individuals living in rural Mississippi. Using purposive and snowball sampling, six participants were selected based on residency in rural counties, a nonviolent criminal history, and at least one year of successful community reentry. The conceptual framework was guided by the assess, …

Reducing The School-To-Prison Pipeline Through Restorative Practices And Culturally Responsive Teaching, William Clifford Banks Iii

Masters Projects

Research has shown there is a growing trend that students of color end up becoming incarcerated due to the school-to-prison pipeline. Students of color are being targeted by exclusionary policies at a higher rate than their white counterparts. School districts must reevaluate their discipline measures and adopt new policies that work to build positive relationships and communities within them. This project provides the groundwork for implementing restorative practices and culturally responsive teaching in schools, with the hope of building stronger community ties and reducing exclusionary discipline policies. The project provides research that supports the implementation of restorative practices and culturally …

Jane Smith Sanders

African American Funeral Programs

Jane_Smith_Sanders.pdf - Funeral program for Jane Sanders

Relationship Between Processing Speed And Perceptual Reasoning Index Scores In Contact Vs Noncontact Child Sex Offenders, Mylena Smith

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Child sexual offending remains a critical societal issue with complex psychological and behavioral underpinnings. Although prior research has emphasized recidivism and risk assessment, there is limited information regarding neurocognitive functioning and its potential role in terms of differentiating contact versus noncontact offender subtypes. This quantitative cross-sectional study involved examining whether cognitive functioning, measured using the Processing Speed Index (PSI) and Perceptual Reasoning Index (PRI) via the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale predicted offender subtype among 90 adult males who completed psychosexual evaluations. Additionally, the study involved testing whether age moderated the relationship between cognitive indices and offender subtype classification. Guided by …

The Treatment Experiences Of Female Domestic Violence Offenders Who Have Completed Court-Mandated Counseling Programs, Chelsea S. King

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Domestic violence is a significant societal problem. However, aspects of domestic violence (DV) perpetrated by women are often overlooked or inadequately addressed in existing counseling and intervention programs, leaving counselor educators ill-equipped to effectively train counselors to treat this specific population. The research question addressed the treatment experiences of female DV offenders who completed court-mandated counseling programs. Given the limited current research on female domestic violence offender treatment, Heidegger’s hermeneutic phenomenological methodology was employed to further understand the perspectives of participants, potentially identifying areas of improvement and addressing the needs of female program participants. Semistructured interviews were completed with six …

Lived Experiences Of Police Officers With Vicarious Sexual Trauma, Resiliency, And Departmental Support, Joseph Schreiner

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

This qualitative study involved addressing lived experiences of police officers who investigate sex crimes. Vicarious sexual trauma experienced by officers can lead to both short- and long-term issues for these individuals, particularly if they are left unaddressed. The constructivist self-development and resiliency theories were used to examine these experiences. Specifically, this study involved investigating how police officers perceived vicarious sexual trauma and viewed the accessibility and practicality of mental health and wellness resources provided by their departments. It was guided by two research questions, which were addressed through 12 semistructured interviews, which were thematically analyzed and interpreted. Five themes emerged …

Minority Female Political Representation In Westchester County Politics: A View From Minority Female Elected Office Holders, Dwanita Michelle Crosby

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

African American women have historically been underrepresented in political leadership, a disparity largely attributed to the persistent absence of structured support systems—particularly mentorship—that promote advancement across federal, state, and local levels. Existing literature highlights gender and racial disparities in political trajectories but often overlooked the specific role of mentorship in shaping leadership outcomes for African American women at the municipal level. This gap was particularly critical given the increasing civic engagement and influence of African American women in local governance. The purpose of this general qualitative study was to examine how mentorship shaped the political journeys of African American women …