Digital Commons Network^™

Blue Peace, Mengxuan Huang

Theses

In the face of escalating environmental degradation, the oceans stand as a testament to the profound impact of human activity on the natural world. This abstract delves into the transformative potential of visual design in communicating the changes wrought by human actions upon the oceanic ecosystem, while concurrently fostering public engagement and awareness to drive conservation efforts. Visual design emerges as a dynamic medium for elucidating the multifaceted impacts of human intervention on ocean health. Through innovative techniques such as data visualization, infographic storytelling, and immersive digital experiences, designers can distill complex scientific findings into digestible narratives that vividly illustrate …

First-Time Market Lamb, Ashley Longmore, Cheyenne Reid

All Current Publications

This fact sheet is 4-H youth who are thinking about or have recently purchased their first 4-H lamb. This fact sheet is a simple outline providing more information on selection, feeding, housing, basic care, and grooming.

Dispersion Of Artificial Tracers In Ventilated Caves, Claudio Pastore, Eric Weber, Frédéric Doumenc, Pierre-Yves Jeannin, Marc Lütscher

International Journal of Speleology

Artificial CO₂ was used as a tracer along ventilated karst conduits to infer airflow and investigate tracer dispersion. In the karst vadose zone, cave ventilation is an efficient mode of transport for heat, gases and aerosols and thus drives the spatial distribution of airborne particles. Modelling this airborne transport requires geometrical and physical parameters of the conduit system, including the cross-sectional areas, the airflow and average air speed, as well as the longitudinal dispersion coefficient which describes the spreading of a solute. Four gauging tests were carried out in one mine (artificial conduit) and two ventilated caves (natural conduits). …

How To Become A Teacher, Linsey Riggins

Scholars Week

A list on how to become a teacher in an easy eight step program using inspiration from education students and current teachers.

The Secret Lives Of Environmental Rights, Sonya Ziaja

Pace Environmental Law Review

Do constitutional environmental rights change hearts and minds? How could they? This Essay describes three possible hypotheses of the relationships among constitutional environmental rights, meaning, and behavior: The Separate Domains Approach, The Constitutive Approach, and The Mutually Constitutive Approach. The theories underlying these hypotheses, and explored in this Essay, may provide some insight into constitutional environmental rights and how they may evolve throughout generations.

State Constitutions In The Woods, Quinn Yeargain

Pace Environmental Law Review

Before the adoption of environmental rights provisions beginning in the 1970s, most state constitutions did not contain provisions that protected the natural environment from degradation. Instead, to the contrary, many constitutions—especially in western states—contained policies that have long entrenched carbon-intensive infrastructures and have favored extractive industries. But starting in the early 1900s, a handful of states began amending their constitutions to incorporate environmental policy provisions. These additions helped preserve forested lands by giving state governments the power to respond to uncontrolled forest fires and adopt policies to prevent deforestation. Other amendments established fish and game commissions as constitutional entities, safeguarding …

Some Lessons For Crafting A State Constitution-Based Right To A Clean Environment, Heidi Gorovitz Robertson

Pace Environmental Law Review

While New York most recently added an environmental rights amendment to its constitution, Pennsylvania and Montana have had these amendments in their constitutions since the seventies. Hawaii, Rhode Island, Illinois, and Massachusetts have enacted weaker iterations of rights to a clean environment. Other states, like Maine, have faced challenges that blocked an amendment’s passage. This Article provides an initial analysis of the state environmental rights amendments currently in place, examining their origins, language, placement in the constitutions, and the major judicial decisions impacting their interpretation. It concludes by comparing the existing environmental rights amendments to the proposed amendment that failed …

Indigenizing The Right To A Healthy Environment, Elisabeth Parker, Heather Tanana

Pace Environmental Law Review

The most severe impacts resulting from environmental degradation are experienced by already-vulnerable populations, including Indigenous peoples. A growing number of countries are formally recognizing the basic human right to a healthy environment, which can help realize environmental and climate justice for these communities. On July 28, 2022, the United Nations General Assembly passed a landmark resolution formally recognizing the human right to a clean, healthy, and sustainable environment. The adoption of this resolution represents a pivotal moment in the understanding and implementation of a human rights-based approach to protecting the environment. However, it is important to recognize that historically, Indigenous …

Green Amendments, Land Use, And Transportation: What Could Go Wrong?, Michael Lewyn

Pace Environmental Law Review

As more states amend their constitutions to include a green amendment, the vague nature of these amendments leaves a concerning amount of interpretative power to courts. This article examines how some courts have interpreted green amendments and how these interpretations risk the misuse of green amendments. Additionally, this article examines how such misuse may be avoided.

The Value Of Constitutional Environmental Rights And Public Trusts, John C. Dernbach

Pace Environmental Law Review

As part of the modern environmental movement of the 1970s, five states (Hawaii, Illinois, Massachusetts, Montana, and Pennsylvania) adopted constitutional amendments recognizing a right to a quality environment, a public trust for public natural resources, or both. Half a century later, there is a renewed interest in constitutional environmental rights, inspired in no small part by the failure of existing laws to adequately address the climate crisis. A sixth state (New York) recognized a constitutional right to a quality environment in 2021, and more than a dozen states are considering such amendments. Still, the great majority of environmental protection at …

130 Years And Counting Into Forever — New York's Forever Wild Constitutional Amendment And Lessons For Modern Green Amendments, Timothy E. Cox

Pace Environmental Law Review

In the 135 years of New York’s Forever Wild Amendment’s existence, it has been challenged by a range of court cases and thereby interpreted by courts throughout New York. The results of these cases frequently have upheld the heart of Forever Wild: to protect New York’s Forest Preserve land. This Article provides a history of the Forever Wild Amendment, an analysis of the courts’ and New York Attorney General’s interpretations of the Amendment, and a discussion of how this information can guide the future of New York’s Green Amendment.

Administering Environmental Justice: How New York’S Environmental Rights Amendment Could Transform Business As Usual, Rebecca Bratspies

Pace Environmental Law Review

Since New York became the latest state to pass an environmental rights amendment, there has been a great deal of analysis regarding how the judi- ciary will interpret the Green Amendment; however, state and local officials need not wait for the courts to enforce the Green Amendment. This Article explores the authority state and local officials have to carry out the purpose of the Green Amendment. Additionally, it discusses what the passage of the Green Amendment means in practice and how, and why, state officials such as the Attorney General should implement the Green Amendment.

Introduction, Marisa Barber

Pace Environmental Law Review

Introduction

Human Rights In The News, Joseph Thorpe

Honors Program Theses and Projects

This honors thesis contains thirteen hard news stories that focus on human rights issues in the United States. The United Nations defines Human rights as including, but not limited to, “the right to life and liberty, freedom from slavery and torture, freedom of opinion and expression, the right to work and education, and many more.” Human rights, the U.N. continues, “are essential for making life worth living and are the basis for a just and fair society.”

Smokejumper Obituary: Bordelon, Mike (Fairbanks 1976), National Smokejumper Association

Smokejumper Obituaries

No abstract provided.

Medically Complex Child: Best Practice Toolkit For Improving Coordination Of Care Between Parents, Providers, And Support Systems, Karen Schwartz

Student Scholarly Projects

Children with special health care needs face multiple challenges within the educational realm due to missing school days from illness. The purpose of this paper was to explore an electronic toolkit that would allow for improved communication and care coordination between teachers, principals, social workers, school nurses, parents, and healthcare professionals to maximize in classroom learning opportunities. The project was guided by the following PICOT question, for interprofessional staff supporting the medically complex child (P), how does the development of a best practice for coordination of care toolkit (I) compared to no structured program strategy (C) influence the efficacy of …

Policy Review And Recommendation: Full Practice Authority For Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioners In Georgia, Shantelle Coe

Student Scholarly Projects

Citizens of the state of Georgia, particularly those in rural or underserved communities, experience a lack of mental health resources. Extensive research evidence underscores the urgent need for enhanced access to mental health services, especially in rural areas where individuals face significant barriers such as limited provider availability and long travel distances. Through a thorough review of existing policy related to scope of practice, this scholarly work advocates for policy changes related to the practice authority of Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioners (PMHNPs). Advancement of legislative priorities to promote full practice authority for PMHNPs in the state of Georgia empowers …

Decreasing Influenza Vaccination Disparity Rates By Utilization Of Hotspot Deployments Of A Mobile Health Vehicle, Geneveve Deasis Tejada

Student Scholarly Projects

Practice Problem: Influenza vaccination for Black/African American patients is historically lower than White patients across all healthcare organizations (Quinn, 2018). In the organization’s 2022 performance, only 13.98% of Black/African American patients ages 19 and older were vaccinated compared to 27.81% of White/Caucasian patients.

PICOT: The PICOT question that guided this project was for Black/African American patients ages 19 and older receiving care from primary care clinics in Southeast San Diego (P), what is the impact of adding access to influenza vaccinations through hotspot-driven MHV deployments (I) compared to usual vaccination delivery in the medical office building (MOB) (C) on influenza …

Use Of Restrictive Housing In The Juvenile Justice System, Caleb D. Purvis, April Terry

SACAD: Scholarly Activities

In recent years, the term solitary confinement was replaced with restrictive housing (RH) as it had a less negative tone. However, the terms both represent the same process of isolating individuals in cells with nearly no contact with others. Restrictive housing has many negative effects, including, but not limited to deteriorating mental health and increased rates of recidivism. Such practices are not limited to the adult system as incarcerated youth are also subjected to various forms of restrictive housing (e.g., protective custody, disciplinary and administrative segregation). While those who oppose the use of RH call this cruel and unusual punishment, …

Implementation Of A Healthy Skin Committee And Education On The Number Of Hospital Acquired Pressure Injuries, Laura Viana

SACAD: Scholarly Activities

Abstract

Over the years, hospital-acquired pressure injuries (HAPI) have emerged as a significant challenge in the healthcare industry. Despite significant advancements in healthcare, pressure injuries continue to be a persistent global healthcare issue, closely linked to the safety of patients, affecting patient outcomes, and increasing healthcare costs (Gaspar et al., 2019). HAPIs are associated with increased morbidity and mortality rates. HAPIs are likely to experience longer hospital stays, increased risk of infections, higher treatment costs, and potentially more significant health complications. HAPIs commonly occur in the hospitalized patient and are costly and preventable. Given the implications of HAPIs, there is …

Effect Of Medication Education On Controlled Administration Discrepancies​, Francine Lyon

SACAD: Scholarly Activities

Quality Improvement (QI) projects aim to enhance specific clinical care processes, patient safety, and healthcare operations. This QI project aims to examine the impact of improved education on medication administration safety and to observe the differences in Blue Sight data reports and medication administration discrepancies in a post-surgical setting. To limit medication errors (ME) and administration discrepancies (Bluesight reports) in acute care settings and reduce potential patient harm, healthcare professionals must review the fundamentals of medication safety, including the five-rights of medication administration. This simple step will ultimately lead to shorter hospital stays, less financial strain for patients and hospital …

The Effect Of Simulation On Self-Confidence And Anxiety Related To Clinical Decision-Making In Undergraduate Bsn Students, Vivian Bowman

SACAD: Scholarly Activities

Objective: Nursing students face challenges as they transition to the workplace and juggle the tasks of effective communication, delegation, prioritization, and clinical judgment during stressful situations. Research has shown that simulation is one method to improve clinical decision-making skills, increase confidence, and decrease anxiety. The purpose of this quality improvement project is to measure participants’ perceptions of their levels of self-confidence and anxiety related to clinical decision-making before and after a simulation session at George Washington University (GWU). Method: 21 third-semester Accelerated BSN students enrolled in the Adult-Geriatric Nursing 2 course were recruited for this study. Participants completed the Nursing …

Increasing Medication Administration Simulation To Improve Student Confidence And Performance Skill Level, Jessica Landry-Lyons

SACAD: Scholarly Activities

Objective: Medication errors continue to occur in healthcare settings across the globe impacting patient morbidity and mortality. With nurses being at the forefront of the medication administration process, it is crucial that thorough training and ability to correctly administer medications start early in nursing education. This includes ongoing education and effective utilization of technology and safeguards. Building confidence in medication administration skills is essential for their success in a demanding healthcare environment. If students are able to participate in more MA experiences through simulation, will they feel more confident with the skill? The purpose of this study investigated the potential …

"Growth & Change" Sullivan Voice Studio Recital, Arkansas State University Department Of Music

Performance Programs

No abstract provided.

[Nlw] National Library Week 2024 @ Utrgv Library, Raquel Estrada, William Flores, Gabrielle Hernandez

Library Display Posters

Posters showcasing UTRGV library services, open access resources, and published OER books by UTRGV faculty.

Acknowledgments

D.U.Quark

No abstract provided.

How Much Does It Cost To Operate Tiny Home Villages For People Experiencing Homelessness, Celeste Benitez, Cooper Conway, Declan Maddern

School of Public Policy Capstones

Los Angeles is in a homelessness crisis. Millions of dollars are poured into preventing its causes and curtailing the increased medical costs and crime rates that stem from it. The solutions vary, but one new solution in the form of tiny home villages hopes to provide a cheap and effective way to get people experiencing homelessness off the streets.

In 2021, Los Angeles began opening tiny home villages, also referred to as cabin communities, for unhoused people during the COVID-19 pandemic. There are currently 11 tiny home villages in Los Angeles, operated in a joint effort between the government and …

Thanks For The Muscle Memory, Jerry Zezima

Erma Bombeck Writers' Workshop Blog

I have always believed that exercise and health food will kill you. This explains why I live in deathly fear of broccoli and don’t do anything more strenuous than getting up twice a night to go to the bathroom.

Preliminary Analysis Of Native Bee Community Adjacent To Sorghum And Wheat Fields In Western Kansas, Katelyn Strack, Sarah Elzay

SACAD: Scholarly Activities

Agricultural practices have significant and often negative effects on native bee populations. It is imperative that we understand how current agricultural practices affect native bees. Sorghum (Sorghum bicolor) is cultivated heavily in western Kansas and is grown in rotation with winter wheat. This analysis presents preliminary results from a study conducted in summer 2023 in which pan traps were placed adjacent to two sorghum and two wheat fields in Ellis Co. Kansas. This data is part of a larger study examining the relationship between native bees and sorghum in western Kansas.

Preliminary Analysis of Native Bee Community Adjacent …

Simultaneous Thermal Zoning And Demand Control Ventilation, Jose Rodriguez, Nelson Fumo

Mechanical Engineering Faculty Publications and Presentations

Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning systems play a crucial role in controlling indoor air conditions, including temperature, humidity, and CO₂ concentration, to ensure human comfort and safety. Thermal zoning and demand-controlled ventilation have demonstrated enhancements in comfort and energy efficiency. This study aims to develop a mathematical model for a Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning system employing an estimated state-feedback control algorithm to optimize indoor comfort and energy savings while minimizing sensor requirements. The model encompasses dynamic equations governing CO₂ concentration and temperature in a five-room building. Temperature regulation is achieved by adjusting the airflow from a cooling unit with …