Digital Commons Network^™

The Study Of Torture: Why It Persists, Why Perceptions Of It Are Malleable, And Why It Is Difficult To Eradicate, Erin M. Kearns

Criminology and Criminal Justice Faculty Publications

Why does torture persist despite its prohibition? Scholars, policymakers, and the public have heavily debated this topic in the past decade. Yet, many puzzles remain about the practice of torture. Scholarship on torture spans academic disciplines, which adds diversity in perspectives brought to these questions but also can lead to redundancy and stunted progress in research on the issue as a whole. This article assesses the state of the multidisciplinary literature on torture in counterterrorism with specific focus on why democracies torture despite prohibiting it, how public perception of torture is malleable, and why so few countries are able to …

“She Posted It On Facebook”: Mexican American Adolescents’ Experiences With Technology And Romantic Relationship Conflict, Heidi Adams Rueda, Megan Lindsay, Lela Rankin Williams

Social Work Faculty Publications

We examined experiences with technology and dating conflict among Mexican American (MA) adolescents (ages 15-17 years) using mixed qualitative methodologies. Focus groups, divided by three levels of acculturation and gender (N = 20), and videotaped observations of couples (N = 34), found that technology (i.e., cell phones, social media) afforded adolescents increased visibility of their partners’ day-to-day peer interactions. Feelings of romantic jealousy resulted in text message harassment and the expectation of immediate technology-facilitated contact. Females were more flirtatious as well as emotionally affected by jealousy resulting from social media sites, and males set rules regarding other-sex texting. …

Notes From The Tuesday December 23, 2014 Release Of State Population Estimates As Of July 1, 2014 By The U.S. Census Bureau, David J. Drozd

Archived Publications

The Census Bureau estimates the population of Nebraska as of July 1, 2014 to be 1,881,503. This is an increase of 12,534 from the July 1, 2013 estimate, or an increase of 0.67 percent. Nebraska’s most current annual growth is slightly (about 1,000) less than the gain of 13,482 or 0.73 percent in the prior year. Nebraska has now gained population for 27 straight years, with the last annual population loss occurring in 1987, amid the “farm crisis”.

Digital Democratic Voices: Intersecting Student Research, Twitter, And Presidential Debates, Adam W. Tyma

Communication Faculty Publications

Courses: Mass Communication and Public Opinion, Political Communication

Objectives: Often, there are media events (e.g., local and national elections, the Super Bowl) that match up with what we hope to accomplish in a particular class. The purpose of this semester-length project for students was threefold: (1) to read and comprehend literature related to communication studies, media, and political strategy; (2) to collect and analyze data; and (3) to participate in civic engagement by taking part in Presidential DebateWatch events, both as an audience member and through the use of Twitter.

Penny For Your Thoughts? The Protective Effect Of Youths’ Attitudes Against Drug Use In High-Risk Communities, Emily M. Wright, Abigail A. Fagan, Gillian M. Pichevsky

Criminology and Criminal Justice Faculty Publications

Individual-level attitudes about drugs are strong predictors of substance use among adolescents, and aggregate-level community norms regarding deviancy and drug use may influence youth attitudes as well as their drug use. This study examined the direct effects of neighborhood norms about deviance, disadvantage, immigrant concentration, and residential stability on youths’ attitudes about drug harmfulness as well as their variety of past month substance use. The moderating effect of community norms on the relationship between youth attitudes and drug use was also examined. Results suggest that community norms favorable to deviance and drug use reduced youth’s attitudes that drugs were harmful. …

Geochemistry Of Mineral Dust In The Mcmurdo Dry Valleys Region, Antarctica, Kelly M. Deuerling, Ethan Baxter, Jeremy Inglis, William Berry Lyons

Geography and Geology Faculty Proceedings & Presentations

The transport and deposition of windblown materials are major processes in the ice-free areas of polar regions. The deposition of aeolian material provides connectivity within the ecosystems of these regions and is integral in understanding geochemical balances and exchanges between landscape units. We have analyzed materials deposited on glacier and permanent lake-ice surfaces as well as geomorphological features formed by aeolian processes in the largest ice-free area in Antarctica, the McMurdo Dry Valleys (~78 °S) in order to determine the source of this sediment. This presentation will focus on the materials collected from the glacier and lake surfaces. The bulk …

Impact Of Minimum Wages On Employment: Evidence From China, Jinlan Ni, Guangxin Wang, Xianguo Yao

Economics Faculty Publications

This article examines the impact of the minimum wage on employment in China using data from 2000 to 2005. The effect of the minimum wage on employment levels was found to be mixed. Overall, minimum wages have no significantly adverse effect on employment. In particular, the results in the eastern region of China indicate few significant negative effects, which is consistent with the minimum wage theory in the competitive market. In contrast, the central and western regions experience few significantly positive effects, which is consistent with the theory in the monopsony model. The results are robust regardless of ownership (non-state-owned …

Design, Assessment, And In Vivo Evaluation Of A Computational Model Illustrating The Role Of Cav1 In Cd4+ T-Lymphocytes, Brittany D. Conroy, Tyler A. Herek, Timothy D. Shew, Matthew Latner, Joshua J. Larson, Laura Allen, Paul H. Davis, Tomáš Helikar, Christine E. Cutucache

Biology Faculty Publications

Caveolin-1 (CAV1) is a vital scaffold protein heterogeneously expressed in both healthy and malignant tissue. We focus on the role of CAV1 when overexpressed in T-cell leukemia. Previously, we have shown that CAV1 is involved in cell-to-cell communication, cellular proliferation, and immune synapse formation; however, the molecular mechanisms have not been elucidated. We hypothesize that the role of CAV1 in immune synapse formation contributes to immune regulation during leukemic progression, thereby warranting studies of the role of CAV1 in CD4⁺ T-cells in relation to antigen-presenting cells. To address this need, we developed a computational model of a CD4^{+ …}

Students’ Understanding Of Diagrams For Solving Word Problems: A Framework For Assessing Diagram Proficiency, Apryl L. Poch, Delinda Van Garderen, Amy Scheuermann

Special Education and Communication Disorders Faculty Publications

A visual representation, such as a diagram, can be a powerful strategy for solving mathematical word problems. However, using a representation to solve mathematical word problems is not as simple as it seems! Many students with learning disabilities struggle to use a diagram effectively and efficiently. This article provides a framework for supporting special educators’ use of diagnostic assessment as a means of understanding and identifying areas of need for students with learning disabilities in order to promote diagram proficiency for solving mathematical word problems.

Nebraska Department Of Correctional Services Reentry Initiative Vocational & Life Skills Program Grant Announcement - Application For Funding, Uno Nebraska Center For Justice Research

Reports

The NDCS Reentry Initiative involves a systemic approach for individuals to return to their communities. Reentry is not a “program”, it is an intentional mind-set; it is a method of facilitating the incarcerated and/or supervised individual’s return to his/her community as a productive and law abiding citizen.

Successful reentry:

 Provides increased public safety by reducing the number of victims

o This is achieved by reducing the likelihood of continued criminal behavior, essentially lowering the recidivism rate

 Provides a plan for assessing and addressing risks and needs

o This plan involves a reentry-focused case management system from first contact …

Reading And Math Outcome Equity Of Students, By Language, Ethnicity, And Gender Conditions, Required To Participate In An Attendance Court Program Based On Excessive School Absences, Kenneth E. Defrank

Student Work

The purpose of this study is to determine the reading and math outcome equity of students, by, language, ethnicity, and gender conditions required to participate in the Grand Island Public Schools Attendance program based on third-grade through eighth grade excessive school absences in the 2010–2011 school year. The data presented in the study indicates that overall the Grand Island Public School Attendance program improved attendance of students who were involved in the attendance program. In the third-grade 77% of students involved in the attendance program improved their attendance. In the fourth-grade 83% of students involved in the attendance program improved …

Educator Mindset: Perceptions Of Economic Inequality And Awareness Of Poverty On Student Potential, Cindy B. Copich

Student Work

Due to growing economic inequality and the increase of child poverty rates within the U.S., teachers today are more likely to work with students and families with increasingly complex and diverse economic needs. This study examines the significance of the relationship between educators’ awareness of poverty, perceptions of economic inequality, and mindset about talent and intelligence. The participants (N = 71) were adult students attending a Midwestern metropolitan public university’s summer educational leadership graduate course. Survey results revealed that only two of the 71 study participants had a growth mindset. Individuals with a growth mindset generally believe that through effort, …

The Impact Of The Gradual Release Of Responsibility On Graduate Teacher Education Candidates’ Self-Efficacy With Ipads, Wendy L. Loewenstein

Student Work

Keeping up with technological innovations is a challenge for educational intuitions as they strive to prepare students to be competitive in a future workforce. This is an overwhelming task for educational leaders that extends beyond which technological device to purchase. This study examines the barriers to iPad integration in education and how the gradual release of responsibility method of instruction can be used to increase participants’ self-efficacy with iPads. The participants (N = 41) were teacher education graduate candidates enrolled in a Children’s Literature course in which they were provided access to iPads. Survey results revealed that candidates’ efficacy prior …

An Exploration Of High School Engagement Factors And Their Relationship To College Completion Rates, Tamela J. Wegener

Student Work

Today our global economy is demanding a work force that is highly educated and skilled; yet many of our students entering college are not college ready despite all the assessments, increased requirements and state standards work this country has undertaken. The bridge between high school and post-secondary education needs to be built in order for this nation to move forward. This research investigates the predictors of college success. The findings indicate five critical components: (1) academic preparation; (2) demographic characteristics; (3) local and total scholarship amounts; (4) parent engagement; and (5) student engagement as measured by high school participation in …

Fact Book 2014, Uno Office Of Institutional Effectiveness

Fact Book

The Fact Book presents important campus information in data tables and charts. Included are details regarding students, faculty, staff, and alumni. Generally, data are broken out by college, rank, level, gender, age and ethnicity for both spring and fall semesters, past to present. There are a few academic year tables that include information on tuition & fees, student credit hours by program, and degrees conferred. We wish to thank the many individuals and departments at the University for their contributions to the Fact Book.

Attributes Of Successful Communities For Metropolitan And Nonmetropolitan Nebraskans, Rebecca Vogt

Archived Publications

Both the Nebraska Metro and Rural Polls asked residents how essential or necessary various characteristics are in order for them to have a high quality of life.

2014 Population Estimates Table 1, United States Census Bureau

Archived Publications

Table 1. Annual Estimates of the Resident Population for the United States, Regions, States, and Puerto Rico: April 1, 2010 to July 1, 2014

Rankings Of Poverty Data By Race And Ethnicity For The 100 Most Populated Metro Areas At The Time Of The Data Release: 2000 Census, 2006‐10 American Community Survey, And 2009‐13 American Community Survey, David Drozd

Archived Publications

Summary: The long form of the 2000 Census collected income information from which poverty data are calculated. The long form was sent to a sample of households, with about 1 in 6 households across the United States receiving the long form. The 2000 Census had full (100%) nonresponse follow‐up with those households that did not return the long form questionnaire.

Rankings Of Poverty Data By Race And Ethnicity For The 100 Most Populated Metro Areas At The Time Of The Data Release: 2000 Census, 2006‐10 American Community Survey, And 2009‐13 American Community Survey, David J. Drozd

Archived Publications

The long form of the 2000 Census collected income information from which poverty data are calculated. The long form was sent to a sample of households, with about 1 in 6 households across the United States receiving the long form. The 2000 Census had full (100%) nonresponse follow‐up with those households that did not return the long form questionnaire.

Nebraska Legislative Planning Committee 2014 Report: Policy Briefs, Center For Public Affairs Research (Cpar)

Archived Publications

The Nebraska Legislature's Planning Committee was created in 2009 with the passage of LB 653 in order to help establish a process of long-term state planning with the Nebraska Legislature. The committee was created to assist state government in identifying emerging trends, assets and challenges of the state and the long-term implications of the decisions made by the Nebraska Legislature.

Efforts during the first two years of the committee focused on the development of a database. The goals and benchmarks included in the database were developed and approved by the Legislature's Planning Committee to present a common-sense and data-driven assessment …

Selected Characteristics For Nebraska Legislative Districts From The 2009-2013 American Community Survey, Center For Public Affairs Research (Cpar)

Archived Publications

On December 4, 2014, the U.S. Census Bureau released five‐year American Community Survey (ACS) estimates for the combined years of 2008 through 2012, making available social, economic, housing and demographic statistics for Nebraska’s Legislative Districts. Also available are estimates for every community and county in Nebraska and the nation.

The charts and tables in this report are based on the Legislative District boundaries for the 103rd Legislature that were approved by the Legislature in 2011 and were based on data from the 2010 Census. Because of changes in Legislative District boundaries, the charts and tables in this report are not …

Uno Website: Business And Finance - Code Of Professional Ethics, Uno Business And Finance University Of Nebraska At Omaha

Business/Finance/Operations

No abstract provided.

Facilitating Natural Conversational Agent Interactions: Lessons From A Deception Experiment, Ryan M. Schuetzler, Mark Grimes, Justin Scott Giboney, Joesph Buckman

Information Systems and Quantitative Analysis Faculty Proceedings & Presentations

This study reports the results of a laboratory experiment exploring interactions between humans and a conversational agent. Using the ChatScript language, we created a chat bot that asked participants to describe a series of images. The two objectives of this study were (1) to analyze the impact of dynamic responses on participants’ perceptions of the conversational agent, and (2) to explore behavioral changes in interactions with the chat bot (i.e. response latency and pauses) when participants engaged in deception. We discovered that a chat bot that provides adaptive responses based on the participant’s input dramatically increases the perceived humanness and …

December 2014 Commencement, Student Names And Hometowns, Organized By Hometown, University Of Nebraska At Omaha

Commencement Lists

No abstract provided.

December 2014 Commencement, Student Names And Hometowns, Organized By Last Name, University Of Nebraska At Omaha

Commencement Lists

No abstract provided.

Hispanic Entrepreneurship In Nebraska: Trends And Economic Profile, Lissette Aliaga-Linares

Latino/Latin American Studies Policy Briefs

The growth of the Hispanic population in Nebraska was accompanied by a significant increase in Hispanic entrepreneurship at the beginning of the 2000s. From 2002 to 2007, the 3,065 Hispanic-owned businesses constituted a small but dynamic and resilient segment of business growth in the state. Did participation in self-employment decrease for Hispanics after the economic crisis of 2008? What are the characteristics of Hispanic-owned businesses and Hispanics business-owners in Nebraska? Do some of these characteristics reveal social or economic barriers that could prevent these businesses from succeeding?

Analyzing Shakespeare’S Plays In A Network Perspective, Vikas Thotakuri

Student Work

Networks are popular models for representing interactions between entities in systems, such as in sociology, bioinformatics, and epidemiology. The entities in the networks are represented as vertices and their pair-wise interactions are represented as edges [1]. Many network metrics such as degree centrality (number of connections of an entity) and betweenness centrality (number of shortest paths passing through the entity) have been developed to rank the entities according to their importance [7] [10].Social networks are generally modeled on only one type of relation. Groups are open-ended, which means the number of participants and the time frame are not finite. Time …

Modeling And Tracking Relative Movement Of Object Parts, Praneeth Talluri

Student Work

Video surveillance systems play an important role in many civilian and military applications, for the purposes of security and surveillance. Object detection is an important component in a video surveillance system, used to identify possible objects of interest and to generate data for tracking and analysis purposes. Not much exploration has been done to track the moving parts of the object which is being tracked. Some of the promising techniques like Kalman Filter, Mean-shift algorithm, Matching Eigen Space, Discrete Wavelet Transform, Curvelet Transform, Distance Metric Learning have shown good performance for keeping track of moving object.

Most of this work …

Uno Code Of Professional Ethics, Uno Compliance Office

Employee-Related

The UNO Code of Professional Ethics, updated December 2014.

Library Education And Development Newsletter, Volume 8, Issue 2, Uno Library Science Education

Library Education and Development (L.E.A.D.)

This issue of the Library Education and Development Newsletter features Advice from the Frontlines from Krystal Spilgers, a Student Spotlight of Jen Prasch, Announcements, and Professional Development.