Digital Commons Network^™

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 …

Care Here-And-There: How Transnational Family Networks Are Created And Endure Between Tunisia And Italy, Clare Corson

Tunisia and Italy: Politics and Religious Integration in the Mediterranean

Migration continues to be a highly relevant topic in Tunisia, the Maghreb, and Mediterranean regions in general. Tunisia and Italy are two countries with a specific, historical relationship of circular migration. With more and more Tunisian families living across borders, transnationalism and family networks are subjects that require more research. At their intersection is my research on how economic and social remittances come together to form the basis of transnational care networks. How do families and individuals navigate living both here and there? Using survey data and ethnographic interviews with individuals in both Tunisia and Italy, I explored questions of …

Women Serving In Special Operation Forces: Practical Recommendations For Mental Health Providers, Kashvi Khanna, Jessica Salaz, Nicholas Boyd, Alexandra Reeves, Kaethe Hoehling

School of Leadership and Education Sciences: Faculty Scholarship

Women have faced limited access to needed and appropriate services in many professional and societal conditions. Military Special Operations Forces (SOF) is one of these domains. However, despite recent changes that have allowed the inclusion of women into these units, they continue to endure cultural and systemic barriers as well as several subsequent mental and physical health issues. Experiences of gender discrimination, sexual harassment, nonacceptance, and the unique demands of SOF roles can create various health concerns for women in SOF, including PTSD, depression, trauma, and reproductive health issues. These significant concerns highlight the need for clinical and practical recommendations …

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 …

Regional Awareness Of Historical And Ecological Impacts Of Invasive Species : A Case For Highlighting Government Resources For Local History Research, Guillermo Corona, Shannon Pensa

University Library Publications and Presentations

Historically the lower Rio Grande Valley of Texas has relied on agriculture for economic development as well as travel and tourism given its proximity to Mexico. UTRGV University Library Special Collections & Archives compiles research guides to facilitate access and discovery of relevant information and resources among our collections. Our Invasive Plant & Insect Species Research Guide is also intended to raise regional awareness of the historical impacts of invasive species on the local environment and agriculture, including the transformation of ecological landscapes, endangerment of native species, economic harms, and threats to human safety and border security. You may access …

Dobbs And The Destabilization Of Clinical Trials, Allison M. Whelan

Vanderbilt Law Review

This Article explores an important yet overlooked collateral consequence of the U.S. Supreme Court’s elimination of the constitutional right to abortion in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization: the destabilization of clinical research. Specifically, this Article focuses on the harms to pregnant persons, persons capable of pregnancy, and persons of color that may transpire as a result of new barriers to clinical research in the aftermath of Dobbs. By hindering clinical research, these new obstacles will exacerbate existing health disparities experienced by these populations, which have historically been excluded from or exploited by the American healthcare and research systems.

This …

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 …

Understanding Customer Loyalty In The Automobile Industry: The Case Of Ford Motors In The State Of Virginia, Jared Nichols

Research Awards

The automobile industry is marked by intense competition and relatively stable demand, making customer retention highly essential for business survival in the sector. This research explores the factors and contextual conditions influencing customer loyalty among Ford vehicle owners in Virginia. By exploring these factors and their impact on loyalty decisions, the study aimed to provide insights into the drivers of customer loyalty and propose a model that auto manufacturers can adopt to attract and retain loyal customers more effectively. A mixed methods approach combining qualitative interviews, a focus group, and a survey of 105 participants was employed to analyze loyalty …

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 …

Bridging Boarders: Ngo Involvement With Moroccan Immigrants In Andalusia, Stephen Allgeier

Global Studies Senior Capstone

This paper examines the cultural, economic, and political barriers that legal and documented Moroccan immigrants experience throughout their assimilation journey and analyzes the various roles NGOs play to help them navigate these challenges to integration. Furthermore, it will attempt to explain the limitations that these NGOs encounter as well as offer suggestions to better their efforts in supporting Moroccan immigrants in Andalusia.

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 …

From Conflict To Classroom: The Impact Of The Anglophone Crisis On Displaced Students' Education In Yaoundé, Sitota Therese Blomquist

Cameroon: Development and Social Change

The Anglophone Crisis in Cameroon has caused significant disruption to the education of students from the Northwest and Southwest regions, leading to displacement and resettlement in Francophone areas such as Yaoundé. This study explores the educational experiences of displaced Anglophone students aged 18+ in secondary education in Yaoundé, focusing on the challenges they face in adapting to a Francophone education system, their coping mechanisms, and the support they receive from schools, local organizations, and the government. Employing a qualitative methodology, the research conducts in-depth interviews with displaced students and key stakeholders, revealing that language barriers, cultural differences, and financial constraints …

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 …

The Ideological State Apparatus Of Cameroon: Molding Consciousness, Ethan Levine

Cameroon: Development and Social Change

The ideological state apparatus is a concept introduced by French Marxist philosopher Louis Althusser that refers to the body of institutions–educational, cultural, religious, and communications–that shape the popular class’ values, beliefs, and political ideas to legitimize and reproduce the conditions of production. This framework is essential for my research because it offers a material basis–the economic foundations–of the institutions that mold consciousness. Simply put, the education and media in Cameroon, as in every state, are guided by the underlying logics of their mode of production. Using this framework, my research explores the political consciousness of the working class in Yaoundé …

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 …

Overcoming Barriers To Sustainable Fashion In Australia: Insights From Clothing Producers And Consumers, Britain Polk

Australia: Sustainability and Environmental Action

The fashion industry is one of the world's most polluting sectors, contributing approximately 10% of global carbon emissions and 20% of global wastewater. Despite growing awareness of fashion's environmental impact, sustainable practices face significant adoption challenges in Australia, where the majority of clothing is imported and fast fashion remains dominant. This study aimed to identify and analyze the key barriers preventing both producers and consumers from fully engaging in sustainable fashion practices in Australia, with a particular focus on New South Wales and the Gold Coast regions. The study employed a mixed-methods approach combining qualitative and quantitative data collection. Eight …

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, …

The Barriers And Motivations To Recycling Behaviors In The Byron Shire, John Pearl

Australia: Sustainability and Environmental Action

This research investigates the key factors influencing recycling behaviors in the Byron Bay area, focusing on barriers and motivations within the community. The study aimed to identify perceptions and practices around recycling, with particular attention to confusion, social norms, and infrastructure. Data was collected through a survey of 62 local residents, supplemented by interviews with waste management professionals Findings revealed that confusion over recycling rules was a significant barrier, with 42% of survey participants reporting it as a challenge. Despite this, 97% expressed confidence in knowing what can and cannot be recycled, indicating a gap between perceived and actual knowledge. …

Exploring Sustainable Strategies For Businesses In Byron Bay, Jackson Davies

Australia: Sustainability and Environmental Action

The presence of sustainability within business is a rapidly growing concept. As public awareness of sustainability grows, businesses need to adapt to fulfill the wants of their customers. However, the implementation of sustainability is accompanied by many hardships. This research paper aims to understand the presence of sustainability within the businesses of the Byron Bay area, analyze how sustainable efforts may be working or failing within these businesses, and theorize how sustainability may be better implemented in the businesses in ways that can not only make the business more environmentally friendly but also generate revenue. To properly accomplish this task, …

Crime, Corruption, And Construction: Exploring The Impact Of The “Construction Mafia” On Public Infrastructure Development, Sada Kalbach

Independent Study Project (ISP) Collection

Recent government policies and a state-led focus on “radical economic transformation” have spawned a range of business forums, colloquially known as the “construction mafia,” seeking to capitalize on economic reform. However, competition for construction contracts have led to the widespread use of intimidation, violence, and government corruption within the eThekwini Municipality. This research seeks to understand how the construction mafia in eThekwini impacts the local government’s ability to develop public infrastructure, as well as the extent to which government responses enable or hinder organized criminal networks in the construction industry. Utilizing a qualitative method of semi-structured one-on-one interviews and notes …

Seizing The Moment: Climate Mainstreaming In The Ethekwini Municipality And Lessons On Leveraging Major Events, Xenia Ellis

Independent Study Project (ISP) Collection

Abstract

With the significant threat that climate change poses to societies across the world and specifically those in the Global South such as the eThekwini municipality, urgent and comprehensive action is necessary to mitigate and adapt to the devastating effects of climate change. Climate mainstreaming, which is the process of integrating climate strategies into all policies, plans, investments, decisions, and implementation in a government, is essential to addressing the issue. Existing literature has emphasized this importance, however, there has been minimal study of the process within the eThekwini municipality. This study aims to fill that gap and build an understanding …

Harvesting Connections: A Creative Documentary On Sustainable Food Practices & Community In The Byron Shire, Abigail Wadkins-Daub

Australia: Sustainability and Environmental Action

This research explores the intersection of sustainable food practices and community connection in the Byron Shire, New South Wales Australia. This study specifically focuses on how practices such as composting, organic agriculture, farmers markets, and shared meals encourage both environmental well-being and social bonds. This project is presented as a 21 minute documentary titled Harvesting Connections, which included five semi-structured interviews with community members, including local farmers, home gardeners, market managers, and community garden leaders. Interviews were conducted over a five week period in November 2024, with participants including Sharon Gibson, Dave Forrest, Sue Mangan, Allie Godfrey, and Ahbi. These …

2025 Western Australian Crop Sowing Guide, Stacey Power, Brenda Shackley, Blakely Paynter, Mark Seymour, Harmohinder Dhammu, Bronte Wackett

Bulletins 4000 -

The 2025 Western Australian Crop Sowing Guide has been compiled by officers of the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development. It provides information to support variety decisions for each of the major crops for the upcoming season.

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) …

Using Machine Learning To Predict State Compliance With International Legal Obligations For Registration Of Space Objects: Comparative Performance Of Logistic Regression And Dense Neural Network Models, Jonathan K. Sawmiller

Student Publications

Approximately 12% of satellites and other objects launched into outer space have not been registered with the United Nations (UN) as required by international law. To predict whether States will register a launched space object and understand what factors influence a registration decision, data from a UN online index of space objects was used to train and select the best machine learning model. After preparation, the dataset had 1938 datapoints with 11 features, with categorical features simplified and converted to binary.

Multiple variations of classical logistic regression models were compared to multiple variations of dense neural network models. The best …

Fs Personnel Committee Minutes 2024-10-01, Northern Illinois University

Faculty Senate Archives

No abstract provided.