Digital Commons Network^™

Art Against The Wall, Scott Nichol

Border Wall / Border Security Documents

No abstract provided.

Walling Off Our Southern Deserts, Scott Nichol

Border Wall / Border Security Documents

No abstract provided.

Opinion: We Need A Movement!, Stefanie Herweck

Border Wall / Border Security Documents

No abstract provided.

Will Ciro Rodriguez Stop A New Round Of Border Walls?, Scott Nichol

Border Wall / Border Security Documents

No abstract provided.

Reproducing Advantage: Inequality In Ncaa Leadership Programming, Jessica K. Brougham, Elizabeth A. Taylor

Journal of Issues in Intercollegiate Athletics

Leadership programming in NCAA Division I athletics is designed to support holistic athlete development, including career readiness, financial literacy, and personal growth. However, participation in selective initiatives like the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) is often limited, raising concerns about equality and access. Through the theory of social reproduction, our study examines how these programs reflet and reinforce structural inequalities. Interviews with athletic staff reveal selection procedures (or lack thereof) privilege athletes who already possess social and cultural capital and therefore reproduce existing hierarchies rather than serve as a developmental tool. The findings highlight the importance of transparent selection criteria, intentional …

Chrononutrition: A Beginner’S Guide For Mental Health Professionals, Jerrod Brown Phd, Ma, Ms, Ms, Ms, Ms, Ms, Jeremiah Schimp Phd, Ma, Lpcc, Leanne Skehan Dcn, Msacn, Mph, Mba, Shelley Mydra Dmft, Lmft, Jonathan Ward Dc, Phd(C), Ms, Dibcn, Kelly Rain Collin Ed.M.

Nutritional Neurocriminology Today

Chrononutrition focuses on how nutritional timing influences biological rhythms (Castro-Mata et al., 2025; Kim et al., 2025; Raji et al., 2024). This includes examining how dietary patterns (e.g., timing, frequency, and regularity) affect the circadian system and metabolic health (Cart & Pauling, 2025; Juliana et al., 2023; Negri et al., 2025). Sleep schedule, shift work, substance use, malnutrition, and other external factors, which will be discussed in this article, can disrupt the circadian rhythm. This disruption increases the risk for serious mental health problems (Baron & Reid, 2014; Castro-Mata et al., 2025; Franzago et al., 2023). Alternatively, consistent and nutritious …

Ncaa’S Mental Health Best Practices Still Need Coaching: Perceptions Of Division I Student-Athletes On Strategies And Support Offered By Their Universities, Christopher C. Boyer, Jason Bocarro, Corey Johnson, Austin Thompson-Spain, Lulu Black

Journal of Issues in Intercollegiate Athletics

The NCAA has recognized the growing mental health crisis among student-athletes over the last decade and responded by publishing best practices, passing related legislation, and conducting surveys with student-athletes and coaches regarding mental health. This qualitative study explored the perceptions and insights of 22 Division I student-athletes on current strategies and resources designed to provide the best mental health support to them, along with what they perceive as the barriers or resource deficiencies related to seeking help. This applied research was done in the context of the best practices outlined in the NCAA’s Interassociation Consensus Document: Mental Health Best Practices, …

Game Without A Voice: College Athletes’ Symbolic Participation In Institutional Decisions, Eric G. Kramer, Karina Jolly, Chris Corr, Sarah Stokowski

Journal of Issues in Intercollegiate Athletics

This study examined decision-making by student-athlete advisory committee (SAAC) members within a hegemonic characterization of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA). Findings revealed that athletes prioritized decisions with tangible, immediate impact – such as mental and physical health and peer support – over broader systemic issues like NCAA legislation. While athletes actively participated in select areas, their perceived influence remained low, particularly within athletic department policy decisions, where findings indicated the greatest gap between participation and desired influence. Such findings reflect a systemic power imbalance that limits athlete agency, reinforced by fears of retribution and structural exclusion from meaningful governance. …

Assessing Radon And Radon Progeny Deposition On Simulated Lung Filter System: Effects Of Cigarette And E-Cigarette Use Based On The Icrp Model, Manuela Isabel Arenas Alvarez

Miners Solving for Tomorrow Research Conference

This project investigates the potential interaction between radon exposure and e-cigarette aerosols, focusing on how radon progeny deposit in the lungs under combined conditions. An experimental system was developed to simulate regional lung deposition based on the International Commission on Radiological Protection (ICRP) model. The setup uses a filter-based design and a custom modular atomizer to generate stable aerosols, with four commercial plastic filters evaluated. Initial results demonstrate reproducible filtration behavior and a total deposition pattern matching ICRP predictions within 21% error. Ongoing work aims to improve agreement with regional deposition curves and enable combined radon–aerosol exposure experiments. This platform …

Measuring The Influence Of Ai Decision Support On Organ Procurement Coordinators’ Workflow, Amaneh Babaee

Miners Solving for Tomorrow Research Conference

Approximately 30% of deceased-donor kidneys remain unused, representing missed opportunities for transplantation. One potential solution is identifying hard-to-place kidneys earlier in the allocation process to reduce late-stage reassessment and allocation inefficiencies. Over a four-year project, our team developed an artificial intelligence (AI) algorithm that provides Organ Procurement Organization (OPO) coordinators with an AI score indicating the likelihood that a kidney will be transplanted. This study evaluates the impact of this AI score on kidney placement decisions. Using a pre–post experimental design, participants will first evaluate four donor kidneys without AI support. After watching a training video explaining the AI score, …

Preventive Maintenance Scheduling Using Artificial Intelligence And Decision Support Agent, Samiksha Aryal

Miners Solving for Tomorrow Research Conference

Preventive Maintenance models have traditionally relied on a time-based maintenance model, which uses fixed statistical distribution to represent the time-to-failure (TTF). The requirement of data-driven models and automated decision-making systems have become essential for modern manufacturing systems. The use of fixed statistical distribution limits the ability of existing models in producing solutions in real-time. Our model overcomes these limitations by implementing an empirical distribution to represent TTF. The empirical distribution is generated using a neural network which eliminates noise from the raw maintenance log. Renewal Reward Theorem (RRT) is implemented to efficiently provide maintenance threshold in real time. The use …

Robustness Of Fuzzy Artmap To Adversarial Attacks And Progressive Adversarial Training For Streaming Learning, Shane Cairns

Miners Solving for Tomorrow Research Conference

Incremental learners deployed on streaming data must remain robust to evolving adversarial perturbations, yet most adversarial-robustness studies assume offline multi-epoch training with repeated access to historical data. We investigate adversarial robustness in Fuzzy ARTMAP, a prototype-based Adaptive Resonance Theory model that supports single-pass learning without replay. We propose WB-Softmax, a differentiable relaxation that aggregates category-level activations into class-level scores for gradient-based attacks. WB-Softmax PGD achieves 89–100% attack success on vanilla models, exceeding transfer and query-based baselines. We then study adversarial training under true streaming constraints by comparing offline versus online adversarial example generation and standard versus selective updates. Offline adversarial …

2nd Annual Miners Solving For Tomorrow Research Conference - Graduate Schedule, Antai Dong, Connor Bell, Dennis Dadzie, Joshua Gary, Adebayo Olayinka Oke, Deeshani Mitra, Yejun Kim, Josiah Mcdermott, Samiksha Aryal, Nicholas Benner, Timothy Ennis, Maryam Sharifi Paroushi, Sujan Maharjan, Md Saiduzzaman, Hari Dhital, Manuela Isabel Arenas Alvarez, Eyuel A Getahun, Lucas Greiner, Amaneh Babaee, Shane Cairns, Nazish Khalid, Joseph Walton, Jie Shi, Ehsan Asheghianamiri, Mariam Elazhary, Makuach James Makeny Panther Athach, Rasman Mubtasim Swargo, Shiva Kumar Goud Kasani, Pablo Jara, Sara Mccauley, Hartzell Weston, Al Mojahid Afridi, Matik Heskin, Nima Mahmoudzadeh, Effat Eskandari, Amitav Sen, Rabin Pandey, Amirhossein Habibi, Nuzaer Omar, Mizanur Rahman Jewel, Nathan Tibbetts, Manoj Twarakavi, Farhana Bristy, Akhrorbek Narmatov, Mahnaz Asgari Sooran, Yafang Hei, Nathan Roberts, Khosro Ghorbani Zadeh

Miners Solving for Tomorrow Research Conference

No abstract provided.

Assessing The Effects Of Scale-Dependent Representation Of River Networks On Hydrologic Prediction, Hari Dhital

Miners Solving for Tomorrow Research Conference

Accurate hydrologic prediction at relevant spatial scales is essential for flood risk management. This study explores how spatial scale affects model parameters and simulation outcomes in the Hillslope Link Model (HLM). This was motivated by HLM implementation within the Next Generation Water Resources Modeling (NextGen) framework for the U.S. National Water Model. Since NextGen alters HLM's spatial scale from hillslopes to catchments, we assess how this change affects runoff generation and routing. We implement HLM at both scales using identical, predetermined parameters without calibration to isolate spatial discretization effects. Using approximately ten years of precipitation and streamflow data from watersheds …

Evaluation Of National Water Model Long-Range Streamflow Forecasts In Missouri, Sujan Maharjan

Miners Solving for Tomorrow Research Conference

Long-range river stage forecasts are increasingly used to support barge scheduling along the Missouri and Mississippi River navigation corridor. The reliability of these forecasts over extended lead times remains uncertain, particularly in regulated systems influenced by upstream dam operations. This study evaluates the lead-time-dependent performance of National Water Model long-range forecasts at eleven U.S. Geological Survey stations from Rulo to Thebes during 2019–2024. Results show that forecast skill does not decline smoothly with time but exhibits station-specific dips at lead times corresponding to hydraulic travel from major control structures. These periods coincide withstage bias and dispersion, indicating elevated operational uncertainty. …

Evaluation Of Channel Routing Module In The Nextgen National Water Model, Md Saiduzzaman

Miners Solving for Tomorrow Research Conference

The Next Generation Water Resources Modeling (NextGen) framework has a modular structure that enables the integration of multiple hydrologic models with channel routing processes. Within NextGen, the T-Route model performs channel routing using vector-based river networks and supports a hybrid routing approach within a single watershed. This study evaluates the hydraulic diffusive wave routing method implemented in T-Route and compares its performance with the operational Muskingum-Cunge routing used in the National Water Model. The primary objective is to assess the operational capability of streamflow data assimilation across different routing methods using an extensive network of streamflow observations. The routing models …

Controlled Gelation Of Co₂-Resistant Polymer Systems For Improved Conformance In Co₂-Eor, Maryam Sharifi Paroushi

Miners Solving for Tomorrow Research Conference

This presentation introduces a CO₂-resistant hydrogel developed to control fluid movement and improve CO₂ injection performance in subsurface reservoirs for Enhanced Oil Recovery (EOR) and Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS). Conventional polymer gels often lose strength in CO₂-rich environments, resulting in weak plugging, early breakdown, and ineffective flow control. To address this limitation, a sulfonated HPAM-based gel system crosslinked with chromium was developed. The effects of polymer concentration, molecular weight, crosslinker ratio, ionic strength, and pH were investigated to better understand gelation behavior and performance. The formulation exhibited controlled gelation, strong resistance to temperature and CO₂, and minimal shrinkage over …

Empirical Evaluation Of Policy-Based Reinforcement Learning For Dynamic Service Control In An M/M/1 Queue, Joseph Walton

Miners Solving for Tomorrow Research Conference

While reinforcement learning has been increasingly applied to stochastic control, limited work examines policy-based methods in queuing environments modeled as semi-Markov decision processes (SMDP). This study investigates how policy-based reinforcement learning (RL) algorithms perform when applied to service rate control in an M/M/1 queue, a common queuing model for manufacturing and service systems. The problem is formulated as an SMDP in which decisions occur at each new service, allowing an agent to select different service rates from a finite set of speeds, aiming to minimize an objective function that manages system congestion and energy costs. Three policy-based reinforcement learning algorithms, …

Structural Analysis On Iron Phosphate Glasses After Dechlorination Of Mixed Chloride Waste Forms, Lucas Greiner

Miners Solving for Tomorrow Research Conference

Molten salt reactors (MSRs) require durable waste forms for immobilizing halide-rich salts. This study examines iron phosphate glasses derived from a simple salt mixture (SSM), focusing on the effect of Fe₂O₃ additions (2.5–10 wt%) on structure and phase stability. Intermediates were processed at 300–600 °C and vitrified at 1050 °C. Raman spectroscopy and HPLC show that increasing iron content depolymerizes the phosphate network, shifting from Q² toward Q¹ species and reducing chain length. XRD confirms amorphous behavior for ≤7.5 wt% Fe₂O₃, while 10 wt% shows crystallization, with KFeP₂O₇ observed in samples processed at 400 °C. Despite reduced connectivity, iron enhances …

The Border Wall Will Be An Environmental Disaster In South Texas, Scott Nichol

Border Wall / Border Security Documents

Article by Scott Nichol argues that the 2006 border fence will severely damage South Texas ecosystems by destroying wildlife habitat, threatening endangered species, and disrupting migratory birds. It also criticizes federal laws that waive environmental protections, allowing the fence to be built with little oversight or public debate.

No Border Wall Coalition Letters To Elected Officials, Scott Nichol, No Border Wall Coalition

Border Wall / Border Security Documents

No abstract provided.

Statewide Data Sharing: How Kansas Unified 105 Counties For Better Transparency & Efficiency, Ryan Janzen

GIS/ValuationTechnologies Conference 2026

Kansas established a platform combining data from all 105 counties, enabling seamless parcel information sharing, including residential, commercial, and sales data. This powerful tool enhances consistency, transparency, and efficiency, providing a model for improving data sharing and valuation processes across multiple jurisdictions. Learn how to implement, optimize, and benefit from a statewide data-sharing system.

Gis And Assessment - Where Do You Fit?, Linda Foster Pls, Gisp

GIS/ValuationTechnologies Conference 2026

This session will summarize the findings of the "GIS Technology Survey for Assessment Professionals," which was a collaborative effort between IAAO and Esri. Keeping up with the changes in technology in the assessment industry is an important task for all assessment offices and an area IAAO continues to work on to assist members. The first update since 2018, with expanded technology topics relevant to the assessor, the survey results will provide a current picture of how assessors are leveraging geospatial technology in their current operations.

Two Cool Cats: The Ocelot And The Jaguarundi In South Texas And Northeastern Mexico, Karen Chapman

Border Wall / Border Security Documents

Few South Texans have ever seen an ocelot, let alone a jaguarundi, but these beautiful, smaller cousins of leopards and jaguars are native to the Lower Rio Grande Valley and northeastern Mexico. They are extremely endangered on both sides of the Rio Grande. Environmental Defense is working with private landowners and other partners to restore the specialized habitat these two highly threatened species require if they are to avoid extinction. Our main tool in preserving and reestablishing the habitat is our innovative Landowner Conservation Assistance Program (LCAP), designed to make habitat restoration a win-win proposition for endangered species and for …

Changes In 25(Oh)D Concentration, Bone Resorption Markers And Physical Performance Due To Sun Exposure, Diet And Training Load Among Professional Women Handball Players During The Half-Year Training Season, Sorin Dacian Buhas, Zbigniew Jastrzębski, Paul Florian Dragos, Marius Alin Marinau, Maria Skalska, Mirela Stef, Joanna Jastrzębska, Mihai Sandra, Dana Ioana Cristea

Baltic Journal of Health and Physical Activity

Background: The aim of the study was to demonstrate changes in 25(OH)D concentration, bone resorption indicators and physical fitness in female handball players as a result of their exposure to the sun, diet and exercise load during the six-month training period from mid-March to mid-September, i.e. the time when the sun exposure is the highest during the calendar year. Twenty-two women handball players participated in the study. Due to the random occurrences and exclusion criteria, 20 players completed the project. Biochemical analysis of blood, aerobic capacity, running speed and power tests (Wingate test, squat jump, counter movement jump, etc.) was …

The Hunting Of Leviathan, Samuel Mintz

Hannah Arendt Marginalia - All

Cambridge [England] University Press, 1962.

Call # : B1247 .M5 1962

Contains underlining and marginal lining

PDF Information : 4.3 MB, 12 Pages

There Is Turbulence In The Vuca World: A Path To Learning From The Micro- Environments Of Decision-Makers And Their Leadership Acumen, Bernard L. Simonin, Paul Lambert

Arab Economic and Business Journal

Decision-makers and researchers continue to ponder on how to cope with today’s volatile, uncertain, complex, and ambiguous environments (VUCA). The catch-all expression “it is a VUCA world” has gained popularity while raising some concerns on its applicability. To date, much of the focus has been in association with large-scale events of a negative nature; research has remained mostly conceptual with almost no extensive empirical investigation centered on the fully unpacked VUCA construct. This study examines the interplay between VUCA elements, turbulence, and disruption; it introduces a turbulence diagnostic tool for leadership and explores patterns of variability across types of triggering …

Examining The Influence Of Organisational And Leadership Knowledge On Resilience During Economic Downturns-A Case Study For Sme Success, Dr. Aloma Jayasundera, Dr. Rubhesh Jha

Arab Economic and Business Journal

This study investigates how organisational and leadership knowledge impacts the resilience of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) during economic downturns, focussing on a foreign-owned business processes and Information Consulting (IT) consulting company in Bahrain. This is a mixed-methods approach that integrates qualitative and quantitative data, including thematic analysis and Structural Equation Modelling (PLS-SEM). This study shows that an emphasis on external problems caused the company to disregard important internal challenges. The findings highlight the need for better crisis management and digital strategies to strengthen the organisation from within and create a better workplace culture. This study contributes new insights into …

The Philosophy Of Existence, Gabriel Marcel

Hannah Arendt Marginalia - All

London, Harvill Press [1948]

Call # : B819 .M25

Contains underlining and marginal lining  PDF Information: 6 MB, 6 MB

Anti-Inflammatory And Insulin-Modulating Effects Of Tithonia-Curcuma-Moringa (Tcm) Formulation In Type 2 Diabetes: An Experimental Study In Mice, Rif’Atul Hawani Burhan, Nabila Shafa Yumna Salsabila, Devita Zulfa Pratama, La Tazkia Aulia Wibowo, Yulian Ervin Maulana, Moh Dliyauddin, Noviana Dwi Lestari, Agung Pramana Warih Marhendra, Aris Soewondo, Hideo Tsuboi, Muhaimin Rifa’I

Karbala International Journal of Modern Science

Type 2 diabetes is a chronic metabolic disorder characterized by hyperglycemia and chronic inflammation. This study investigated the anti-inflammatory and insulin-modulating effects of Tithonia-Curcuma-Moringa (TCM) formulation in type 2 diabetes model. Male BALB/c mice were divided into six groups: normal control, type 2 diabetes control, metformin treatment, and three TCM formulation treatment groups with three different dose combinations. Type 2 diabetes was induced using a high-fat diet combined with streptozotocin injection, supported by sucrose administration. After 21 days of treatment, the spleen and pancreas were isolated for flow cytometry analysis. The results showed that the expression levels of …