Digital Commons Network^™

Interview With Carlson Cousins, Bailie Jansons

Gordon and Dorothy Carlson Commemoration

No abstract provided.

Suny Cortland Handbook 2024, State University Of New York College At Cortland

SUNY Cortland Handbook

No abstract provided.

Drones And Ai In Modern Warfare: A Security Analysist, Tze Fung Kao

Rwanda: Post-Genocide Restoration and Peacebuilding

Abstract

Artificial intelligence’s (AI) rapid development and integration into drone systems is reshaping modern warfare, with significant implications for international security. As seen in the 2022 Russo-Ukrainian and the 2023 Israel-Hamas war, AI-enabled drones are increasingly employed for intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance (ISR), loitering munitions, and swarm formations. The use of AI for autonomous target identification and decision-making raises both operational advantages and ethical concerns, particularly concerning accountability and the potential for unintended escalation. This paper explores the capabilities of AI drones, focusing on their implication for global security and stability and the growing challenge of regulating such systems. The proliferation …

Complete Genomes Of Two Cluster Ak Arthrobacter Phages Isolated From Soil Samples In Newburgh, Ny, United States, Veronique A. Delesalle, Mariah King, Tabitha Rozario, Noah Wolf, Connor Stewart, Luke Demato, Kevin Trafford, Saiman Adhikari, Van Dinh

Biology Faculty Publications

Two phages belonging to Arthrobacter phage cluster AK were isolated from soil samples collected in Newburgh, NY in 2021. Both are lytic with a genome organization typical of siphoviruses except for two genes encoding minor tail proteins with pyocin-knob domains found early in the genome, before the terminase gene.

Biology (Nucleo)Tidings- Fall 2024, Biology Department Staff

Biology (Nucleo)tidings

News from the Biology Department at Northeastern Illinois University

Effects Of Acute Pain With Cold Water Limb Submersion On Cognitive Performance Of Simple Span Tasks, Kyle J. Miller

Honors Theses

Pushing through aches and pain is a ritual for many. It is often overlooked that pain is a physical as well as mental phenomenon. It is well established that chronic pain increasingly affects performance the longer the duration and the higher the intensity. Performance in acute pain is less established for complex and simple span tasks. Previous research suggests only complex tasks are negatively affected by painful stimuli. This study seeks to confirm previous literature on complex span tasks and test if simple span tasks are affected by performance and pain intensities. 34 participants completed either the digit span test …

Profiles Of Academic Majors - 2024, Office Of Institutional Research And Effectiveness

Profiles of Academic Majors

The Profiles of Academic Majors (PAM) is an annual publication that provides a ten-year longitudinal snapshot of enrollments, degrees awarded and student demographics arranged by fall term or academic year as appropriate

Fy2025 Salary Report - All Tabs, Clemson University

Salary Reports

No abstract provided.

Habitat And Oviposition Site Preference Of Glass Frogs (Anura: Centrolenidae) On Río Antón In El Valle De Antón, Coclé, Panamá, Sienna Williams

Panama: Tropical Ecology, Marine Ecosystems, and Biodiversity Conservation

Amphibians are the most threatened vertebrate class, with global populations declining at unprecedented rates, largely due to chytridiomycosis, a disease caused by chytrid fungus Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis. Neotropical regions, particularly in Central and South America, host the highest density of amphibian species, many of which are endemic but heavily impacted by this disease. El Valle de Antón in Panama has experienced significant chytridiomycosis-related declines, yet some species, such as glass frogs (Centrolenidae), have persisted. While detailed research exists on behavior, breeding biology, habitat preference, and oviposition site selection of certain glass frog species, there is limited knowledge about Cochranella granulosa, Hyalinobatrachium …

Coral Reef Health Assessments At Four Reefs Near Isla Colón And Isla Bastimentos In Bocas Del Toro, Panama, Rose Clarke

Panama: Tropical Ecology, Marine Ecosystems, and Biodiversity Conservation

Coral reefs are crucial marine ecosystems in the Caribbean Sea, but they are in decline and facing increasing threat from local and global anthropogenic stressors. This study employed a collection of reef health indicators to develop a holistic view of the health of four reefs in the Bocas del Toro archipelago of Panama. Photo and video transect methodology were used to survey fish assemblages, benthic cover, coral bleaching, and coral disease in two reefs exposed to the open ocean and two reefs sheltered in a semi-enclosed bay. Results revealed that the health of sheltered reefs surveyed was generally better than …

Understanding How Vegetation And Container Availability Relates To The Spatial Distribution Of Aedes Aegypti And Aedes Albopictus Mosquitoes: Implications For Disease Transmission Risk In Bethania, Panama City, Panama, Lucy Fremont-Smith

Panama: Tropical Ecology, Marine Ecosystems, and Biodiversity Conservation

Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus are the two most dangerous vectors of dengue virus (DENV) worldwide, posing substantial threats to global public health. This study aimed to investigate how vegetation density and container availability influence Ae. aegypti and Ae. albopictus distribution and co-existence in Bethania, Panama City, Panama. Additionally, it aimed to assess the implications of this study for DENV transmission prevention and risk. Ovitrap and active surveillance (Bugzooka vacuuming, active larvae search) methods were utilized at six houses over two environmental conditions: high vegetation density and low container availability (Condition 1) and low vegetation density and high container availability …

Exploring Variations In Coral Reef Composition And Fish Community Structure Across Coral Extraction-Affected Sites In Western Guna Yala: A Multi-Method Approach, John Ready

Panama: Tropical Ecology, Marine Ecosystems, and Biodiversity Conservation

Coral extraction in the Guna Yala comarca of Panama is a practice driven by the need for land expansion in response to rising sea levels and growing population pressures. This study investigates the reef fish community structure and benthic composition of coral reef areas that were previously extracted while also exploring the Guna community's perspectives on the practice. The research involved visual censuses of reef fish and benthic substrate surveys at two undisturbed and two extracted sites, along with interviews from 10 community members. Significant differences in live and dead coral cover (p< 0.05) were found between extracted and undisturbed sites. Reef fish communities also varied, with differences in species abundances, diversity, and trophic structure across sites. However, inconsistencies in the data across sites hindered definitive conclusions about the direct impacts of coral extraction. Interviews revealed that while the community acknowledges coral extraction, opinions about its ongoing practice and impacts are mixed. These findings underscore the need for more comprehensive research, including greater site replication and better documentation of coral extraction activities, to fully understand the environmental impact of coral extraction and the Guna community’s perspective on the practice.

Health Of Quercus Spp. In A Rare Neotropical Montane Forest Determined Through A Phenotypic Health Index In Guadalupe, Chiriquí Highlands, Panama, Hannah Hagley

Panama: Tropical Ecology, Marine Ecosystems, and Biodiversity Conservation

Neotropical Quercus forests play a crucial role in fostering biodiversity, enabling water retention, and carbon sequestration; but are increasingly threatened by anthropogenic pressures and climate change. This research characterizes the distribution, health, and oral history of Quercus spp. in a rare neotropical montane forest located in Guadalupe, Chiriquí Highlands, Panama. Phenotypic health assessments were utilized in conjunction with interviews with local community members to understand the oral history and health of rare neotropical forest. The results produced an average health score of 72.79 for Mamecillo individuals and 75.05 for Roblito individuals. The health data suggests that the species exhibit good …

Leks Of Hermit Hummingbirds The Importance Of Understanding The Complicated Mating System, Sophia Springer

Ecuador: Comparative Ecology and Conservation

Many species of the family Phaethornis, commonly known as hermit hummingbirds, engage in a lek mating system, in which males gather in groups to “perform” at a lek with the goal of attracting a female to copulate with. Their performance includes a repetitive song, and often movement of the tail feathers, while sitting on a perch low to the ground. Their success is often influenced by morphology, age, behavioral display, and location of their territory. Little research has been done on the leks of the tawny-bellied hermit, the white-whiskered hermit, and the stripe-throated hermit, three species of Phaethornis that can …

Tracing Transitions: Cartographical Assessment Of Agricultural And Industrial Change In The Ecuadorian Amazon, Sage Mailhiot

Ecuador: Comparative Ecology and Conservation

Industrial presence has increased in the Ecuadorian Amazon over the past several decades, in the form of lucrative monoculture cultivation and petroleum extraction. Simultaneously, large quantities of land have been deforested. Using a combination of GIS and remote sensing tools such as the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index and supervised classification, this study assesses the changes in vegetation, land-use, and petroleum infrastructure in the surrounding area of the Kichwa community of Loma del Tigre, between the years 2011-2024. The interactions and connections between these three landscape factors are also considered. The study region encompasses growing urban areas, African palm plantations, pasture, …

Systems Of Sustainable Chocolate: A Look Into The Effects Of Monocultural Cocoa Farming On Edaphic Macroinvertebrate Diversity In The Amazonian Foothills Of Ecuador, Emma L. Klemmensen

Ecuador: Comparative Ecology and Conservation

Agroforestry has been a recent topic for its regard to both human and environmental health. This is due to the vast benefits, ranging from increased carbon sequestration to food provisions for populations. As we’re beginning to deal with a warming climate and attempting to obtain international food security, it’s important to societally consider our food systems. However, to commit to action regarding more beneficial food systems, it's necessary to first fully understand them on an ecological level. As a step forward, this study explores the differences in macroinvertebrate communities between monoculture and polyculture agricultural systems. To consider biodiversity amongst these …

Thirst For Power: Exploring The Impact Of The 2023 Israel-Gaza War On The Jordanian Water Crisis, Lucas Geromini

Jordan: Refugees, Health, and Humanitarian Action

This study examines the impact of the 2023 Israel-Gaza War on Jordan’s escalating water crisis, a challenge compounded by rapid population growth, climate change, and regional geopolitics. Jordan, one of the most water-scarce countries in the world, relies heavily on transboundary water-sharing agreements, particularly with Israel. However, the war has intensified tensions between the two countries, disrupting existing agreements and exposing Jordan’s vulnerability to Israel’s hydro-hegemony. Through qualitative research, including interviews with Jordanian experts in water policy, environmental studies, and geopolitics, the study explores three key themes: Israel’s dominance over regional water resources, the domestic and international pressures constraining Jordan’s …

Applying Data-Limited Assessment Methods To Charter Logbook Length Data, Brett Crisafulli, Sybrand Alex Hesp, David Fairclough, Emily A. Fisher, Paul D. Lewis, Jeffrey V. Norriss, Corey B. Wakefield, Fabian Trinnie, Stephen J. Newman

Fisheries Research Reports

Marine waters along the Western Australian coastline are characterised by low ecosystem productivity and high species diversity of fishes. With over 3,000 known species comprising estuarine, nearshore, demersal and pelagic fishes in the region, many contribute to important commercial and recreational fisheries (Lenanton et al. 1991; Molony et al. 2011; Newman et al. 2018). As it is logistically and economically infeasible to conduct intensive monitoring and high-level stock assessments of all exploited fish species in Western Australia, indicator species are used to assess the sustainability of suites of species of biological and ecological similarity, for optimal use of available resources …

Water Quality Of Silver Creek, A Buried Urban Stream, Nick Bultje, Valerie Krause, Rebecca Nulty

Student Papers and Reports

There are many sources of pollution that can affect a watershed. These pollutants can impact the water's pH, temperature, conductivity, and dissolved solids. Escherichia coli is a specific pollutant that comes from waste products of humans and animals. High levels of E. coli cause serious health problems. This study examines Silver Creek, a tributary within the Plaster Creek watershed. Silver Creek runs mostly underground and has storm drainage systems that flow into the creek. The goal was to explore the effects of the underground section of Silver Creek on water quality and E. coli levels. The water quality and levels …

The Hidden Atrocity Of The Kafala System: Addressing The Domestic And Sexual Abuse Against Female Migrant Workers In Qatar, Sarah Lee

Global Studies Senior Capstone

The Kafala System is a labor sponsorship program in the Gulf Cooperation Council, Jordan, and Lebanon, originally created to be beneficial for migrant workers by providing a legal framework that provides advantages for both foreign workers and their local sponsors. However, this program has turned into an avenue for human trafficking, with different forms of exploitations increasing through it. This paper focuses on this system in the context of Qatar, discussing the history, nature of the Kafala System, as well as it’s impact on female migrant workers. Female migrant workers face a different set of struggles compared to their male …

Gender In Tanzania: People’S Perceptions On Changing Female Gender Roles In Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania, Samantha Rice

Tanzania: Wildlife Conservation and Political Ecology

Traditional gender roles have existed in Tanzania for centuries and are only now beginning to change as the country becomes increasingly globalized and more immersed in the global scene. Many studies in Tanzania focus on the lived experiences of women and women’s equality from an outsider’s perspective. Few focus on the general population’s perception of the state of gender roles and how they are changing. The city of Dar Es Salaam is uniquely exposed to external influences, being a large commercial city growing more rapidly than most cities in Africa. By using a questionnaire and the general population of Dar …

Seeds Of Dependency: How Neocolonialism Acts‬ ‭ As A Barrier To Sustainable Agriculture In Cameroon’S Centre Region, Joseph Caltagirone

Cameroon: Development and Social Change

This paper aims to answer how neocolonialism has acted as a barrier to sustainable agriculture in the Centre region of Cameroon. This research draws on primary data from interviews with government officials, NGO employees, and farmers, as well as observations conducted in the village of Sa’a, and a review of literature on Cameroon’s colonial history and agricultural practices. It reveals that the barriers to sustainable agriculture are rooted in entrenched economic incentives driven by foreign investors and multinationals, with the complicity of the Cameroonian government, domestic NGOs, and producers. Findings uncovered that these financial incentives in turn encourage export driven …

Assessing Insect Functional Diversity Across Land-Use Types In The West Usambara Mountains, Tanzania, Neil Grube

Tanzania: Wildlife Conservation and Political Ecology

This study was conducted in the West Usambara Mountains, specifically the Mgwashi Ward in northern Tanzania, in November 2024. With insect biodiversity declining globally and the lack of research on insect populations in the West Usambara, this study aimed to assess insect functional diversity and abundance across three land uses: protected area, mixed cropping, and agroforestry. Data were collected over four days using cup traps and pan traps to sample winged and ground- dwelling insects. Purposive sampling techniques were used to select study sites, and systematic random sampling was used to place study plots, transects, and traps. Two 30m x …

Assessing The Effects Of Human Settlement Proximity On Tree Health Using Visual Symptoms Of Tree Ill Health In Mgwashi Ward, Tanzania, Ayeesha Fadlaoui

Tanzania: Wildlife Conservation and Political Ecology

This study aimed to assess the impact of human settlement proximity on tree health within the Mgwashi ward of Tanzania using visual indicators of ill tree health. The study was conducted over eight days in November of 2024. Eight transects, each 100 meters apart, were laid within the study area, extending from human settlement boundaries into forested areas. Each transect contained five 10 X 10-meter plots located at 20-meter intervals extending from human settlements into forested areas. Within each plot, the species of each tree was identified, and the health of each tree was analyzed using a set of visual …

A Green Exercise Lifestyle: The Relationship Between Outdoor Exercise, Nature Connection, And Pro-Environmental Behavior, Carolyn Casey

Australia: Sustainability and Environmental Action

This study investigates the hypothesized relationship between green exercise, nature connection, and pro-environmental behavior, exploring how engagement in outdoor exercise influences individuals' environmental attitudes and behaviors. Using a mixed-methods approach, data was collected through surveys, interviews, and personal reflection. Findings reveal that outdoor exercise participants exhibit equal or stronger connections to nature and higher levels of pro-environmental behavior than their indoor counterparts– nature connection scores for outdoor groups were consistently equal to or higher than those of indoor groups, and their pro-environmental behavior scores significantly surpassed indoor groups. Subgroup trends highlighted unique patterns, such as a productivity-driven focus among pool …

An Illustrated, Experiential Field Guide To Melbourne, Elissa Steil

Australia: Sustainability and Environmental Action

This paper documents the creation of a field guide designed to promote sustainability by encouraging connection and understanding of Melbourne's native environment. The guide features illustrations, distribution maps, and descriptions of their physical traits and traditional Aboriginal uses. The guide emphasizes accessibility for diverse audiences, using simple language and a balance of visuals and text to appeal to both beginners and experts in plant identification. Grounded in respect for the Traditional Owners of the land, the Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung and Bunurong/Boon Wurrung peoples of the Kulin Nation, the project integrates traditional ecological knowledge to highlight Aboriginal approaches to environmental stewardship. These …

Exploring Sustainability In The Fashion Industry: A Comparative Study Of Melbourne-Based Brands, Annabel Nemeth

Australia: Sustainability and Environmental Action

As the Australian fashion industry continues to grow, the environmental and social consequences of its rapid expansion are becoming increasingly unsustainable. The “fast fashion” model, driven by overproduction, overconsumption, and disposable culture, has led to significant waste, the depletion of natural resources, and the exploitation of workers in developing countries. In response to these issues, sustainable fashion practices have gained attention as a potential solution. This study investigates the sustainability efforts of four Australian fashion brands: Kara Baker Couture, Par Moi, Kuwaii, and Elk the Label. This study focuses on their use of sustainable materials, ethical production processes, and strategies …

The Competition Between Sustainability And Profitability In Byron Bay, Nsw Businesses, Elise Leroux

Australia: Sustainability and Environmental Action

Byron Bay, NSW is a unique community made up of surfers, hippies, and tourists where both the natural environment and the businesses downtown are central to the area. To be a successful business among these varying lifestyles requires thought into both creating profit and acting sustainably. This paper aims to understand how the culture of the Byron Bay community influences the balance between sustainability and profitability in local businesses. To achieve this goal, I conducted six interviews of businesses that are local to Byron Bay. Businesses in the organics, clothing, beer, and handmade industries were interviewed regarding their sustainability practices, …

Effects Of Litter Removal And Biochar Application On Soil Properties In Urban Forests Of Southern China, Tianyi Yan, Xin Liu, Wende Yan, Junjie Lei, Yuanying Peng, Xiang Zhang, Xiaoyong Chen

Faculty Authors and Creators Reception

Urban forests are crucial components of cities, serving as vital ‘green lungs’ that embody urban civilization and sustainability. Despite their significance in maintaining the urban environment and ecological functions, management practices for urban forests can be unreasonable at times. This study investigated the impact of two common practices, litter removal and biochar application, on soil properties in an urban forest in Changsha city, China. The aim was to understand how these practices affect soil carbon, nutrients, and microbial activity in urban settings. The results showed that soil water content (SWC), pH, available phosphorus (AP), and soil microbial biomass carbon (SMBC) …

Digital Engagement In Combating Mental Health Risks Associated With Ageism, Eh Si Si

Digital Literacy & Scholarship Collection

Infographic about digital engagement as a means of addressing ageism.