Digital Commons Network^™

Interview With Early Career Librarian Seyvion Scott, Rebecca Mccall

Information Literacy Collab

No abstract provided.

Identifying Barriers, Challenges And Opportunities Of Implementing Retrofitting Strategies In Existing Buildings In The Uae, Ahmad Ghalib Masri

Thesis/ Dissertation Defenses

The UAE’s built environment significantly impacts sustainability due to its high energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions, necessitating effective retrofitting strategies to improve the efficiency and performance of aging buildings. This research aims to identify the barriers, challenges, and opportunities associated with implementing retrofitting strategies in the UAE, providing insights to guide policymakers and stakeholders toward sustainable practices. A mixed-method approach was adopted, including comprehensive literature reviews, stakeholder surveys, and interviews. The results reveal significant barriers such as high upfront costs (reported by 68% of respondents), limited awareness among building owners (54%), and fragmented regulations, including inconsistencies in thermal insulation …

Youth Participation In Local And National Development In Ghana, Ca. 1620–2013, Ransford Gyampo, Franklin Obeng-Odoom

Journal of African Policy Studies

While there has been a long tradition in development studies on analyzing types of participation and their effectiveness, the idea that participation is not stationary, but that it can evolve with variegated experiences, is relatively unexplored. This paper takes up the challenge of showing how participation in development planning can change, the role of underlying institutions, and the implications of evolutionary participatory development for policy making. It uses a critical postcolonial approach and zooms in on the role of the youth in development planning in Ghana. It knits together the diverse processes and dynamics of youth participation in postcolonial Ghana …

Foreign Investment And Repression In Lesotho, Amir Azarvan

Journal of African Policy Studies

According to neoliberal theory, foreign direct investment enhances socioeconomic conditions in host countries, which in turn leads to democratization and greater protection of human rights. The structuralist theory, in contrast, holds that, in interaction with domestic unrest, foreign investment fosters repression. Lesotho serves as a fitting laboratory in which to test these competing theories. In 1995, the country had experienced a huge surge in foreign direct investment. In the period leading up to and during this increase, Lesotho was among the most impoverished countries in the world, and had a relatively poor human rights record. This confluence of factors makes …

The Impact Of Trade Liberalisation On Agricultural Productivity In South Africa: An Empirical Study, Ravinder Rena, M. Y. Teweldemedhin, H. D. Van Schalkwyk

Journal of African Policy Studies

This study attempts to examine the empirical relationship between trade and total factor productivity (TFP) in the agricultural sector using both cross-sectional (across nine agricultural commodities) and time-series analysis. The ordinary least square (OLS) results from the cross-sectional analysis confirm that export shares and capital formation were found to be positive and significant, whereas import shares and real exchange rate were found to be related negatively. However, the net effect of export and import shares had a positive effect. This implies that trade liberalisation causes productivity gains. Moreover, the time-series analysis goes in the same direction as the cross-sectional results, …

The Politics Of Nigeria And The Development Of The Niger Delta Region, Andrew O. Efemini

Journal of African Policy Studies

The paper argues that Nigeria's underdevelopment cannot be adequately explained and appreciated unless we come to terms with the bad politics and faulty democratization processes it has pursued as a country. The Niger Delta Region is singled out as one region where Nigeria's bad politics manifest so negatively. The region suffers from dependency of the central government and other regions on the oil resources from the region. The Nigerian State has not been able to reposition itself as a truly democratic State with fair and just basic institutions. Institutions that are truly federal in character and promote citizenship rights are …

Economic Integration As A Contribution To Sustainable Development In The Horn Of Africa, Mengsteab Tesfayohannes, Hany Besada

Journal of African Policy Studies

The Horn of Africa is one of the most geopolitically important regions of the world, with great human and natural resource potential. Unfortunately, the region is notorious for its crises and instability. This is due to internal and external destabilising factors related to ethnicity, tribalism, resource sharing, poverty, superpower rivalry, porous borders and hegemonic desires. Although it differs slightly between countries, the average per capita gross domestic product (GDP) of the region is less than $200. Gender disparity in education and economic activity is prevalent in the region at all levels. Over 75% of the labour force is engaged in …

The Global Economic And Financial Crisis: An Overview Of The Effects On African Countries, Oluwole Owoye

Journal of African Policy Studies

In the wake of the global economic and financial cnsts, experts and analysts agreed that the initial effects on African financial sectors would be minimal because of the limited exposure to the international financial markets. However, African countries are more integrated than before with the world economy through the following transmission channels: international trade, foreign direct and portfolio investments, foreign aid flows, private remittances, and tourism; and since they are predominantly primary commodity exporters, their economies was negatively affected by the recession in many developed countries due to the sharp decline in world demand for commodities and in their prices. …

Public Policy Formulation And Implementation In A Democratic Nigeria: Insights From Anti-Poverty Initiatives, J. Shola Omotola

Journal of African Policy Studies

This paper has undertaken a critical analysis of public policy formulation and implementation in Nigeria, with graphic illustrations from anti-poverty policies since 1999 most notably the Poverty Alleviation Program (PAP), The National Poverty Eradication Program (NAPEP) and National Economic Empowerment and Development Strategy (NEEDS). As a condition of deprivation that impedes human development, poverty represents a policy major problem in Nigeria. The pervasiveness of poverty today, despite these policy interventions, attests to the failure and ineffectiveness of the new environment of democracy, despite its promise, to improve the policy process. The may not be unconnected with the deep-rooted undemocratic legacies …

Fostering Constructive Public And Private Sector Linkages For Agricultural Research And Development In Sub Saharan Africa, Kefasi Nyikahadzoi, Adewale Adekunle

Journal of African Policy Studies

Investing in agricultural research and development is critical for improving livelihoods of the resource poor in Sub Saharan Africans and also for the conservation of natural resource. While on the global level, the contribution of public sector to agriculture research and development investment is declining; the private sector is coming in to fill the gap. In Sub Saharan Africa, private sector involvement in agriculture research and development is still very limited. This paper uses secondary data and information coming out of the Sub Saharan Africa Challenge Programme to discuss the constraints that inhibit private sector involvement in agriculture research and …

Democracy And Poverty: The Nigerian Experience, Tonyesima Furro

Journal of African Policy Studies

This study examines the plight of the poor within the new democratic rule in Nigeria. Since the inception of democracy in 1999, there has been a sustained prosperity in terms of oil windfall that swells government's revenues on the order of over $30 billion annually. For the first time in over 20 years, the GDP growth rate is 7.5 percent. The nation has accumulated an impressive foreign exchange reserve of $60 billions. This reserve is the highest ever in sub-Saharan Africa. However, this financial outlay has not resulted in improved standard of living of the broad majority of the people. …

Preliminary Study: Minimizing The Gap Between Pre-And Post-Spaceflight, Caleb E. Scheideger, Louis A. Diberardino

Aurora

Long-duration space missions pose significant challenges to astronaut health, primarily due to the detrimental effects of microgravity on musculoskeletal and cardiovascular systems. This research proposal aims to address the critical gap between pre- and post-spaceflight physiological conditions, focusing on the marked decline in muscle mass, bone density, and cardiovascular function. Existing countermeasures, such as resistive exercise, are insufficient to prevent muscle atrophy and bone demineralization, highlighting the need for novel solutions. Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation (NMES) emerges as a promising intervention, capable of eliciting muscle contractions to maintain function and mitigate atrophy. By integrating NMES into existing exercise regimens, we hypothesize …

The Search For Common Ground: Analyzing Language Commonly Used For Individuals With Intellectual And Developmental Disabilities, Hannah L. Friend

Aurora

Respect and acceptance of individuals within a society can start simply from the language used to refer to them, especially those with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). With debates of researchers and professors using either Identity-first language (IFL) or Person-first language (PFL) within their teachings and findings, no consistent standard for usage has emerged and not much has been said on what is generally being used. Using an exploratory survey, this research explores the language used on a college campus when referring to individuals with IDD. Variations of IFL, PFL, and Slang (or outdated language) were analyzed in terms of …

Praxly: An Online Ide For The Praxis Cs Test Pseudocode, Benjamin Saupp

James Madison Undergraduate Research Journal (JMURJ)

No abstract provided.

Dynamic Analysis And Control Of A Quadruped Robotic System Based On Newton-Euler Formulation, Vyshak Sureshkumar

Thesis/ Dissertation Defenses

Despite advancements in legged robotics, comprehensive dynamic analyses remain limited in the literature. This research presents kinematic and dynamic modeling of a quadruped robot using the Newton-Euler approach to improve computational efficiency in high degree of freedom systems. The formulation leverages system over-constraints with assumed ground reaction forces and focuses on simulating two primary gait patterns: static walking and dynamic trotting. The research explores reaction wheel-based roll stabilization for a quadruped with 8 actuators, omitting the conventional Hip Abduction/Adduction (HAA) joints. This approach addresses roll control limitations by compensating for the reduced actuation. This research presents a brief overview of …

The Roles Of Human Capital And Infrastructure On Fdi Inflow: Empirical Evidence From Sub Saharan Africa, Alemu Aye Mengistu

Journal of African Policy Studies

This paper analyzes the impacts of physical infrastructure and human capital on FDI inflow in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). Towards this effect a panel data of 960 observations of 32 countries from 1975 to 2004 have been analyzed using alternative panel estimation methods. Accordingly, the study revealed that human capital and infrastructure are indeed the key determinants for enhancing inward FDI. However, the evidence shows that the level of human capital and infrastructure are below the threshold level in SSA to play a positive role in attracting FDI and materialize a structural change in the economy. Thus, investment on education and …

Finance For Development And Developing Countries: The Preconditions Revisited, David E. Amadasu

Journal of African Policy Studies

Increasing the rate of inputs- private foreign direct investments to accelerate development in LDCs or developing countries has not been attained over the years. The reason is that more poverty stares the faces of the people in these countries. This is the problem. The literature has said that accelerating development through the rate of inputs has preconditions of friendly environment, sound macroeconomic policies, absorptive capacity, competitiveness of the market, capital accumulation, technology assistance, etc, for private investment to strive. But the situation has not changed much. Do we not need to revisit the preconditions? Consider the non-economic, i.e., personality traits, …

Information, Public Policy Analysis And Sustainable Development In Nigeria, Joseph E. Imhanlahimi, M. O. Ikeanyibe

Journal of African Policy Studies

Information and public policy analysis are critical factors in adequate public policy formulation, implementation and evaluation if the public good is to be achieved in Nigeria. This paper has carried out a critical examination of the interface between information and the public policy process and the effect on public policy analysis and has found that there is a crucial interrelationship among them in order to promote sustainable development. The paper found that the interrelationship is however, seriously interfered with or obstructed by a variety of dominant constraints. The constraints include inadequate human capital, financial resources, large-scale secrecy in government business, …

2025 Conference Program, Georgia Southern University

GS4 Student Scholars Symposium

No abstract provided.

A New Model For Non-Relativistic Quantum Particles Interacting With Immsepm And Imsskpm In 3d(Nr)-Ncps Symmetries: Eigensolution And Thermodynamic Properties, Abdelmadjid Maireche

Yanbu Journal of Engineering and Science

Using two physical models, we investigate the three-dimensional deformed Schrödinger equation (3D-DSE) in the context of three-dimensional non-relativistic noncommutative quantum phase-space (3D(NR)-NCPS) symmetries. The Mobius square potential is what they have in common. The first is the improved modified Mobius square plus Eckart potential (IMMSEPM), and the second is the improved Mobius square plus screened-Kratzer potential (IMSSKPM). This study solves the 3D-DSE in the 3D(NR)-NCPS regime using the well-known generalized Bopp’s shifts method and conventional perturbation theory. For the homogeneous (K2 and H2) and heterogeneous (LiH, HCl, HF, DF, and CsO) diatomic molecules, the new non-relativistic energies equations and eigenfunction …

Homonuclear Bimetallic Fe(Ii) Or Co(Ii) Complexes For Selective Oligomerization Process, Bijal Kottukkal Bahuleyan

Yanbu Journal of Engineering and Science

Synthesis of tetrakis-bisimino pyridine ligand based Fe or Co complexes [(MeAr2Py-N2)2M2Cl4, M = Fe/Co, Ar = -C6H3, Py = -C5H2N] and their application towards ethylene oligomerization with the cocatalysts, ethyl aluminium sesquichloride and methylaluminoxane, were studied. Ligands were characterized by 1H, 13C NMR and elemental analysis. The complexes were characterized by elemental analysis and mass spectra. Both the complexes were active towards ethylene oligomerization. Fe complex showed better activity than its Co analogue to form oligomers C6 (Fe complex) and C4 (Co complex) as major products. Cooperative mechanism of the two adjacent metal centers during the reaction was observed. Cooperative …

Friction Stir Welding In Aircraft Structures: Current And Future Prospects, W. M. Shewakh, Ahmed Abu-Oqail, T. S. Mahmoud, Mohamed Abu-Okail

Yanbu Journal of Engineering and Science

Friction stir welding (FSW) has significant potential to enhance the efficiency of air transportation systems; however, determining and applying its parameters continues to pose challenges. This article review explores current and future challenges, trends, and practices that facilitate the integration of competitive production into new aircraft structure joints. An overview of friction stir welding techniques used for the design and manufacture of aircraft structures are presented, focusing on product optimization through lightweight and high-strength properties. The implementation of various design solutions and advanced manufacturing technologies can enhance metallic fuselage systems' performance without compromising risk and cost. The paper presents examples …

Chatgpt Didn’T Write This . . . Or Did It? The Emergence Of Generative Ai In The Legal Field And Lessons From Mata V. Avianca, James H. Curlin Iv

Arkansas Law Review

It’s no secret: Artificial Intelligence (“AI”), for better or worse, is revolutionizing the world. The legal field and legal education at large are not immune to this explosion of possible uses for AI technology. However, as with any technological advancement, AI and Generative Language Models bring with them many challenges, including the implications of their use. One such challenge was vividly presented in the case of Mata v. Avianca, often referred to as “The ChatGPT Case.” Mata is a cautionary tale of the potential missteps that can trip up the unwitting user who naively relies on the lofty promises of …

Building Layered Defenses To Reduce Illegal Gun Violence, Samuel Kan

Arkansas Law Review

The government and stakeholders in society must act within their span of control to eradicate excessive and illegal gun violence. It is not surprising that a majority of Americans “say gun violence is a very big problem in the country[,] . . . they expect the level of gun violence to increase[, and] . . . it is too easy to legally obtain a gun” in the United States. This Article tackles this politically charged issue and recommends specific strategies for the government and stakeholders in society to reduce unlawful firearm violence and its harmful effects. At the heart of …

Understanding Physical Therapist Student Defined Success: A Qualitative Study, Katie Graves, Lindsay Gietzen

Pacific Journal of Health

Purpose: To (1) investigate student defined success in physical therapist education, and (2) generate key themes from the students’ perspective related to success to enhance physical therapist and health professions education. Method: A qualitative study was conducted through a series of focus groups with 13 first-year and 13 second-year Doctor of Physical Therapy students. Study participants were asked open-ended questions regarding student success and the associated contextual factors. An inductive coding method with thematic analysis utilizing Dedoose software identified major themes. Results: The use of focus groups allowed for in-depth participant discussion, with sample excerpts presented. Data analysis yielded five …

Executive Committee - Minutes, 5/6/2025, Academic Senate

Academic Senate Minutes

No abstract provided.

Ultralight Aircraft Built By Student Team Takes Flight, Keith Testa

UNH Today Archive

No abstract provided.

Restoration In Slowing Down, Alejandra Montalvo

Bachelor of Architecture Theses - 5th Year

As public community colleges like Kennesaw State University, Marietta Campus, see an increase in admissions due to the rise in higher education enrollment, the social, emotional, and creative well-being of first-year and first-generation students can be at risk. Public community colleges often become overwhelmed with other programs, leading to the neglect or underfunding of resources that genuinely support students. These students often face unique challenges in adapting to academic pressures, new social environments, and balancing personal and cultural expectations.

This thesis proposes the development of a design framework for restorative, neutral third places on public community college campuses. These spaces …

Age Well Spaces: A New Model For Elderly Healthcare Architecture, Will Traylor, Ameen Farooq

Bachelor of Architecture Theses - 5th Year

In America, most try to plan for every aspect of life from birth. The country is home to some of the most advanced education systems in the world and has office buildings that aim to not only prioritize work efficiency, but also worker health. From cradle to Casket, architects challenge themselves with the task of making everyday spaces better. It was my experience and privilege over the past few years to bear witness and assist my grandparents through the last, fragile stages of life. I watched as each of them moved from home life, to assisted living, and then nursing …

From Farmers To Architects To Artists: Who Lived And Worked In The David Adler Estate, Libertyville, Illinois, 1864-2020, Rebecca D. Katz

Honors Capstones

The thesis of this paper investigates the transformation of the David Adler Estate from its creation in 1864 to the COVID-19 pandemic of 2020. The way our communities’ function is based in local histories, yet many individuals fail to see the importance of it. Through research focused on census data, newspapers, and oral histories, a clear timeline was formed in how the David Adler Estate was utilized. By examining the estate’s progression through agricultural, architectural, and artistic phases, this paper shows how a single house can reflect the growth of a region. Grounded in the belief that local history holds …