Social and Behavioral Sciences Commons^™

Chat Reference: To Schedule Or Not To Schedule?, Michael Mungin

Libraries

Students in distance programs often have no way of visiting the physical reference desk to seek assistance from and engage in a reference interview with a librarian. Lack of access to this crucial research resource presents a major challenge to distance education. Luckily, chat reference services, available through various products and software, are becoming an increasingly common service offered by libraries. This technology allows the students and librarians to work together in real time to achieve the back and forth dialogue required in reference interviews. Unfortunately, the literature on creating and providing a chat reference service does not delve deeply …

Understanding The Use Of Prodders In Mine Detection, Andy Smith

The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction

Can prodding reliably detect mines? Though it may seem obvious to many in humanitarian mine action (HMA) that prodding alone cannot safely and reliably detect mines, recent accidents show that some expatriate newcomers to HMA do not know the risks involved in prodding or that prodding to a depth of 30 cm (12 in) is impossible.

Meeting Pm/Wra’S New Director Col. (Ret.) Stanley L. Brown, Alexandra Berkowitz

The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction

Continuing the funding for conventional weapons destruction programs remains a primary objective for Stan Brown, the new director of the Office of Weapons Removal and Abatement in the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Political-Military Affairs (PM/WRA). This interview introduces the director, provides a snapshot of his past experience and shares his hopes for the future of humanitarian demining.

Guide To Mine Action 2014, Gichd

Global CWD Repository

Mine action is developing at a rapid pace and the sector has evolved in recent years with a continuous improvement of methodologies, the adoption of new approaches and a broadened scope.

The fifth edition of the Guide to Mine Action, published by the Geneva International Centre for Humanitarian Demining (GICHD), addresses these developments. The publication aims to provide readers with an understanding of mine action (what it is, how it is regulated and how it has evolved over the years) as well as to describe how its components are managed in practice by the different actors in the sector. Given …

Ddasaccident833, Hd-Aid

Global CWD Repository

On the 15th of January 2014 at [International demining organisation] task CBU 849, an uncontrolled detonation of a US M series M42 or M46 sub-munitions occurred while International demining organisation] searcher [Victim No.1] was cutting the vegetation and led to an injury with him and the site supervisor [Victim No.2].

[Victim No.1] sustained injuries from fragmentations of the detonated submunition in the head, in both eyes and in the right jaw. Whilst The supervisor [Victim No.2] got injuries from the fragmentations in the left thigh, elbow of the left hand [arm] and small fragments in the left eye.

Based on …

Helping The Community From The Bottom Up: Distributing Diapers To The Williamsburg Community, Constance A. Hull, Caroline Kelsey

VA Engage Journal

There is a great need for a sustainable supply of clean diapers for low-income residents of Williamsburg since this region is without a diaper bank. Being unable to afford diapers can have a myriad of negative consequences from being unable to send children to child care to increased health risks involved in leaving a baby in a soiled diaper. Our model of a diaper bank differs from most because we mail diapers directly to families, eliminating transportation needs. We hope to partner with community agencies and The College of William & Mary to expand our services and create a more …

Meaningful International Service Learning Experiences: Looking At The Reciprocal Nature Of Reflection And Group Connection, Emily M. Neer

VA Engage Journal

International service learning trips can provide meaningful and deep experiences where students are impacted and challenged by these experiences. In order to maximize the experience, one must understand the reciprocal relationship between reflection and group connection. In this critical reflection I will explore the ways in which reflection and group connection reciprocate each other in an international service-learning context. I discuss three concepts that I believe play crucial roles in this reciprocal relationship and their roles in three different contexts of the service immersion experience. These three concepts are reflection, stability, and vulnerability. They are explained within the contexts of …

Cluster Munitions: A Banned Weapon, Icbl-Cmc

Global CWD Repository

Cluster Munitions: A Banned Weapon

Community-Campus Partnership Effectiveness For Nursing Faculty Curricula In Rural Virginia, Adriana Myers

VA Engage Journal

Nursing schools state that faculty shortages caused by low faculty salaries are a primary reason for nursing shortages. In a Shenandoah University graduate survey, many nurses wanted to teach but could not leave their higher-paying clinical jobs. Shenandoah University’s Graduate Program in Winchester, VA received funding from the Virginia Health Workforce Development Authority to use rural community-campus partnerships to plan a nursing faculty residency program to increase the number of nursing faculty. The program’s planning partners were economic development, business, academic, and philanthropic organization leaders in seven rural planning districts. Community Based Participatory Research was used to assess the effectiveness …

The Dimensions Of Library Service Quality: A Confirmatory Factor Analysis Of The Libqual+ Instrument, Jody Condit Fagan

Libraries

The LibQUAL + instrument has been widely adopted by libraries to evaluate user perceptions of library service quality. Studies combining groups (e.g., Lane et al., 2012) have shown high correlations between two factors, suggesting the possibility that a two-factor model may fit as well as the three-factor model theorized by the developers. Also, previous studies have not closely examined residuals to analyze local misfit in the context of theory but instead have often correlated error terms to improve model fit. This study uses LibQUAL + responses from undergraduates at a public, comprehensive university to test three-factor, two-factor, and one-factor models …

Apopo Annual Report 2014, Apopo

Global CWD Repository

APOPO is an organization geared for positive social impact through the energy and dedication of our people. In 2014, with over 800 staff we nurtured and supported new, diverse and passionate talent from all over the world. As Chairwoman of APOPO I am pleased to introduce you to them, as well as share with you the news of our successes and challenges.

Sustainability is integral to our work and we aim to improve people’s lives by breaking down the barriers to development. Testament to this is almost two and half million square meters of mine-free land we handed back in …

Stigma: The Political Costs Of Using Cluster Munitions, Icbl-Cmc

Global CWD Repository

The movement to end the suffering caused by cluster munitions succeeded not only in establishing a legal ban in the form of the 2008 Convention on Cluster Munitions (CCM), but also in decisively reshaping the global perception of these weapons. Over the past decade, the awareness-raising and political mobilization surrounding cluster munitions have led to an understanding among states that any use would be associated with unnecessary human suffering and would most certainly provoke considerable international criticism. In other words, the political movement and legal ban have created a powerful stigma associated with the use of cluster munitions, a stigma …

The Suitability Of Web Analytics Key Performance Indicators In The Academic Library Environment, Jody C. Fagan

Libraries

As the demand for library assessment grows, academic libraries are becoming more interested in Web analytics. Data are automatically gathered and provide information about a wide variety of online interactions. Libraries have long used simple counts such as visits and page views, but have more recently begun to choose strategic benchmarks, also known as key performance indicators (KPIs). Many common KPIs were created for commercial websites and are challenging to adapt for libraries. However, the underlying concepts are sufficiently valuable that libraries should explore their use. By evaluating the validity of web metrics, libraries can further the development of standards …

An Evaluation Of Pharmacogenomic Information Provided By Five Common Drug Information Resources, K.T. L. Vaughan, Kelly L. Scolaro, Heidi N. Anksorus, Mary W. Roederer

Libraries

No abstract provided.

Role Of A Required Information Literacy Competency Exam In The First College Year, Kathy E. Clarke

Libraries

James Madison University has had required information literacy competency exam situated within the first year of University’s General Education Program for over a decade. This test, previously the Information Seeking Skills Test (ISST) and now, Madison Research Essentials Skills Test (MREST) is directly mapped to the Association for College & Research Libraries’ (ACRL) Information Literacy Standards for Higher Education. For many years, the only data regularly gathered noted if the students were passing, passing at the advanced level or not, and how the students performed on each objective. With this paper, the author explains how the test data is currently …

Beyond The Big House: Making The Transition To Life After Prison, Kelsey Brewster, Paula Sorrentino, Mina Hailemariam

VA Engage Journal

As the cost of imprisonment climbs, overcrowding in correctional facilities proves to be a major concern. The Virginia Department of Corrections spends an average of $24,380 per inmate annually (VADOC, 2013). The burden of recidivism puts strain on the state budget due to the steady increase in inmate population. Without proper resources and support, released inmates will likely face health, financial, and social barriers, forcing many to revert back to criminal behavior. There is ample evidence to suggest pre- and post-release programs can reduce criminal behavior and aid offenders in their transition back into society. This article summarizes the current …

Solidarity In Action: Norwegian People's Aid Annual Report 2014, Npa

Global CWD Repository

Our vision

Solidarity in action is the vision of Norwegian People’s Aid. Our efforts are based on cooperation

between equal partners – not charity.

Our foundation

Norwegian People’s Aid is the labour movement’s humanitarian organisation for solidarity.

Our mission

We work both nationally and internationally to improve the living conditions of vulnerable groups and to contributeto a just society. We support people so that they may protect and promote their own interests.

Our reach

Norwegian People’s Aid is active in 40 countries. We work with development cooperation through partner organisations. In Norway, we work with refugee and integration issues, and …

Norwegian People's Aid Humanitarian Disarmament Strategy, Npa

Global CWD Repository

Beginning in 1992, Norwegian People’s Aid (NPA) has implemented mine action programmes in more than 40 states and territories. The strategy presented here builds on our experience, accomplishments, and lessons learned. It identifies new directions and priorities, and expands our work from mine action to broader areas of humanitarian disarmament. By ‘humanitarian disarmament’ we mean all operations and advocacy which aim to reduce and prevent harm to civilians from the impacts of weapons and ammunition. It is disarmament motivated and guided by humanitarian and development imperatives, rather than strategic national interests and international stability, and where civil society plays a …

Itf Enhancing Human Security Annual Report 2014, Itf-Enhancy Human Security

Global CWD Repository

ITF Enhancing Human Security (ITF) is a humanitarian, non-profit organization devoted to the elimination of threats from post-conflict and disruptive challenges, including landmines, explosive remnants of war (ERW) and the illicit ownership and use of small arms and light weapons (SALW), in South East Europe and other affected regions in the world.

As the impact from landmines and unexploded ordnance (UXO) in South East Europe becomes less severe, there is a growing need to address other post-conflict and disruptive challenges, to support Conventional Weapons Destruction (CWD), Security Sector Reform (SSR) and Disarmament, Demobilization and Reintegration (DDR) programs, and to combat …

International Campaign To Ban Landmines-Cluster Munition Coalition Annual Report 2016, Icbl-Cmc

Global CWD Repository

In 2016, the International Campaign to Ban Landmines and the Cluster Munition Coalition (ICBL-CMC) played a vital role in universalizing and promoting the implementation of the Mine Ban Treaty and the Convention on Cluster Munitions. Progress was achieved through systematic and clear articulation of state-by-state challenges and advocacy at the national and international levels, and through regular support to campaigns members by staff.

With a strong focus on reinforcing the stigma associated with the use of antipersonnel landmines or cluster munitions, the ICBL-CMC tracked the useof these weapons, providing the evidence needed to support an international outcry against instances of …

International Cooperation And Assistance Under The Convention On Cluster Munitions, Icbl-Cmc

Global CWD Repository

Some countries that have remained outside the Convention on Cluster Munitions have argued that joining the Convention would be too much of a financial burden, and that they would have difficulty meeting their legal obligations in a timely manner. Joining the Convention, however, will provide them with better access to financial, technical and material support to help them carry out their obligations in a timely and efficient manner.

Bombs Under The Rubble: Study Of Awareness Of Explosive Remnants Of War Among The Population Of Gaza, Hi

Global CWD Repository

This baseline assessment was undertaken by Handicap International in October 2014 in all five governorates of Gaza. The focus of the survey was to collect baseline data related to the knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding Explosive Remnants of War (ERW) contamination in communities impacted by the recent conflict.

The survey consisted of two parts: quantitative data collection comprising 459 individual questionnaires and qualitative data collection of 4 focus groups. The questionnaire targeted men, women, and children over 10 years old, while the focus groups targeted adults with disabilities, children, and adolescents. Quotas based on the age and gender in the …

Report On The Field Test Of The Nvesd-Developed Underwater Explosives Sensor “Hammerhead” At Ordnance Reef, Hawaii, Marc D. Woodka

Global CWD Repository

The Night Vision and Electronic Sensors Directorate (NVESD) has recently developed a sensor system, named “Hammerhead,” capable of discriminating between explosives and explosive-related compounds in water at concentrations of 10-100 parts per trillion. The sensor discriminates between different compounds using a biologically inspired fluorescent polymer sensor array, which responds with a unique fluorescence quenching pattern during exposure to various explosives.1 The sensor achieves sensitivities of 10-100 parts per trillion by employing a preconcentrator upstream of the sensor inlet, which traps explosives from water flowing over it, then releases the explosives at elevated concentrations during thermal desorption. NVESD recently packaged this …

Feasibility Study Of Installing Artificial Bathing Platforms At The Northeast Coast Of Malta, Darren Bianco

Masters Theses, 2010-2019

The need to create additional bathing areas at rugged karst rocky shores of the northeast coast of Malta could be met by installing temporary wooden decking platforms, since current sandy beaches are very crowded in the peak summer season. Wooden decking platforms are also an acceptable alternative to beach nourishment projects, where the latter can have permanent negative environmental impacts. The old and eroded concrete platforms which cover large areas of the northeast coast of Malta represent an eyesore to the public. The option of overlaying these concrete platforms with a permanent rock amalgam composed of fiber-reinforced concrete which mimics …

The Integration Of 18th And 19th Century Subsistence Farming Practices Into The Planning And X-Zoning Laws Of The City And County Of Baltimore, Clayton A. Hayes

Masters Theses, 2010-2019

The Industrial Revolution divorced the majority of urban dwellers from the land in the United States. Today, people rely upon industrial food products from global food systems. These systems cause environmental pollution, land degradation, and loss of biodiversity. Additionally, there is unequal food distribution in these systems with poor farmers growing for production and not consumption. The rigid distribution system through grocery stores often leaves poor economic areas without access to fresh, healthy food. The solution to these problems is a return to local food systems, where people can grow or have access to fresh, local food. However, local food …

Assessment Of Seawater Quality: Do Public Perceptions Of Seawater Quality Match Indications Given By Macroalgae?, Angela Bartolo

Masters Theses, 2010-2019

Determination of seawater quality is an essential activity in coastal areas especially in ones that attract bathers. This study aims to investigate whether the Ecological Quality Status (EQS) of seawater in bathing areas in the Maltese Islands differs across sites. The study also aims to investigate the correlation between public perceptions and objective measures of seawater quality as well as factors affecting perception of seawater quality. Another objective of this study is to investigate the public’s knowledge about macroalgae and opinion on macroalgae. The EQS of seawater in six coastal sites in the Maltese Islands is investigated using the EEI-c …

13th Meeting Of The States Parties To The Anti-Personnel Mine Ban Convention (2013), Apmbc

Global CWD Repository

The 13MSP was a formal meeting of the 161 States which have accepted the 1997 Convention on the Prohibition of the Use, Stockpiling, Production and Transfer of Anti-Personnel Mines and on their Destruction. It was held in accordance with Article 11 of the Convention and pursuant to the decisions of the 2009 Second Review Conference and the 2012 Twelfth Meeting of the States Parties (12MSP).

The 13MSP was important because it was the last annual assessment of the application of the Cartagena Action Plan 2010-2014 prior to Convention’s Third Review Conference in 2014. This assessment of challenges encountered and work …

Review: The Information Literacy Game (In Gaming And Gamification Part Ii), Kelly Giles

Libraries

No abstract provided.

Ddasaccident809, Hd-Aid

Global CWD Repository

The four Explosive Ordnance Disposal Marines were clearing the range of unexploded ordnance and consolidating it as part of an annual training exercise, according to a Marine report about the results of the investigation. The Marines moved 40-millimeter rounds into one area surrounding an M60 105-millimeter white phosphorous round that could not be safely moved, the investigation found. They were moving rounds from the consolidation point to the demolition pit when one of the rounds exploded in the demolition pit, causing the other 40- millimeter rounds at the consolidation point and the demolition pit to explode, the investigation found.

Masculinity: The Unseen Barrier In Survivor Assistance, Anne-Sophie Duprat, Lusia Pecak

The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction

Survivors of landmine and explosive remnants of war (ERW) incidents suffer unique consequences from their injuries as a result of their age and gender. As they often have distinct societal roles, survivor assistance needs for women, girls, boys and men differ. Inadequate research on the effects of mine/ERW incidents on men and boys may hinder recovery for male survivors and their families and communities.