Digital Commons Network^™

State Oversight And Local Government Savings: An Analysis Of Illinois County Fund Balance Politics, Lashonda Stewart, John Hamman, Brian Curtis Chapman

The Simon Review (Occasional Papers of the Paul Simon Public Policy Institute)

This paper assesses Illinois county government policies pertaining to the size, use, and replenishment of unreserved funds. As political forces push for reductions in taxes and in government itself, incentives for local governments to use less transparent means for managing finances increase. A better understanding of the impact which fund balance policies have on the amount of financial slack local governments keep on the one hand, and how counties use the funds on the other, is of increasing importance. This work expands on previous analyses of budgetary uncertainty and the possibility of using slack to stabilize service provision through times …

Digital Preservation Practices Among Midwestern Four-Year Public Colleges And Universities, Matthew J. Gorzalski

Articles

This article is the result of a study to survey the landscape of digital preservation practices and infrastructure at midwestern four-year public colleges and universities. It summarizes the staffing, tools, policy, and procedural characteristics of the survey population, compares these results to previous studies, and questions if a model for a successful program has emerged. The article concludes by arguing that instead of measuring digital preservation program development to existing ideal models, resource-strapped archives will better assess progress using a matrix linking reasonably achievable infrastructure and workflows with corresponding, categorized levels of financial, technical, and human resources

Extensive Crispr Rna Modification Reveals Chemical Compatibility And Structure-Activity Relationships For Cas9 Biochemical Activity, Keith T. Gagnon

Publications

CRISPR (clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeat) endonucleases are at the forefront of biotechnology, synthetic biology and gene editing. Methods for controlling enzyme properties promise to improve existing applications and enable new technologies. CRISPR enzymes rely on RNA cofactors to guide catalysis. Therefore, chemical modification of the guide RNA can be used to characterize structure-activity relationships within CRISPR ribonucleoprotein (RNP) enzymes and identify compatible chemistries for controlling activity. Here, we introduce chemical modifications to the sugar-phosphate backbone of Streptococcus pyogenes Cas9 CRISPR RNA (crRNA) to probe chemical and structural requirements. Ribose sugars that promoted or accommodated A-form helical architecture in …

Design Of Scalable Hardware-Efficient Compressive Sensing Image Sensors, Stefan Leitner, Haibo Wang, Spyros Tragoudsa

Articles

This work presents a new compressive sensing (CS) measurement method for image sensors, which limits pixel summation within neighbor pixels and follows regular summation patterns. Simulations with a large set of benchmark images show that the proposed method leads to improved image quality. Circuit implementation for the proposed CS measurement method is presented with the use of current mode pixel cells; and the resultant CS image sensor circuit is significantly simpler than existing designs. With compression rates of 4 and 8, the developed CS image sensors can achieve 34.2 dB and 29.6 dB PSNR values with energy consumption of 1.4 …

When Care And Conscience Conflict: Compelled Speech In The Amendment To The Illinois Health Care Right Of Conscience Act, Victoria Fuller

Southern Illinois University Law Journal

In Illinois, under the amended Healthcare Right of Conscience Act (“the Act”), health care providers will be required to refer patients for services they may find morally objectionable.  This could include controversial services such as abortion, sterilization, and providing emergency contraception.  The amended Act arguably compels health care providers to provide information they may not have given because of a conscientious objection.  Senate Bill 1564 (“SB 1564”) amended the Act.

As amended, the Act requires health care providers who refuse to perform a service to refer the patient to a facility that may offer the service.  Opponents of SB 1564 …

Subscribe Here For More: Analyzing The Video Privacy Protection Act In The Mobile Era, Katherine Yuhas

Southern Illinois University Law Journal

Today, the majority of videos are obtained online, rather than in a video rental store.  Nonetheless, understanding the Video Privacy Protection Act (VPPA) is more crucial today than it was nearly 30 years ago.  This is because online video service providers and third-party data collectors have a greater ability to track, monitor, and identify users in significant detail through a process known as reverse engineering.  Despite these precautions, two computer scientists uncovered the identities of numerous Netflix subscribers by linking the released data profiles to customer reviews visible on the Internet Movie Database.  The resulting data breach exposed sensitive user …

A Ding To The Head: How Concussions And Domestic Violence Impact The Nfl In The Next Cba, Spencer Jackson

Southern Illinois University Law Journal

The National Football League (NFL) had its darkest year in 2014.  First, Ray Rice, former a running back with the Baltimore Ravens, assaulted his girlfriend, and lost his job only after the surveillance video surfaced.  Further, the surveillance video was troubling for the FBI to conduct an independent investigation into the NFL’s handling of Ray Rice’s situation.  Second, Greg Hardy, formerly a defensive end with the Carolina Panthers, was convicted of assaulting and threatening to kill his ex-girlfriend at his apartment.  Finally, despite the NFL’s attempts to make the game safer, head injuries remain the biggest threat to the future …

The Failed Application Of Just War Doctrine To Cyberwarfare, Dalton E. Runyon

Research Papers

Just War Theory has not followed with the most recent evolution of warfare. The last iteration of Just War Theory was created by Michael Walzer following the evolution of the tools of war in World War II. The current status of jus ad bellum and jus in bello are only applicable to conventional warfare, as this paper will show. Many current problems exist when attempting to analyze cyber attacks including the necessity of a proper definition, the determination of use of force, and how cyber attacks can be addressed in the future. These problems must be addressed so states can …

Do Social Media Theories Actually Work? An Analysis Of Three Social Media Theories Implemented In An Active Nonprofit Campaign, Hannah Erickson

Research Papers

Social media has become an important part of donor and public relations for nonprofit organizations. But with various social networking platforms available, millions of potential viewers and countless theories and techniques, it can be challenging for these organizations to know what works in real-life situations. This study looks at three popular social media theories and how they are implemented into a live, nonprofit, social media campaign. These theories of dialogic communication, emotional appeals, and attitude formation are found to be greatly beneficial to both the daily maintenance of nonprofit social media pages, and for specific fundraising campaigns. This case study …

Media Framing Of Drug Crises In The United States, Rebecca Bolinski

Research Papers

No abstract provided.

Our Veterans In The Criminal Justice System: What Is Being Done To Decrease Their Involvement?, Tiffinee Hamlin

Research Papers

As the number of United States military veterans reaches above 20 million, the number of serious mental and emotional problem diagnoses, substance use disorders, as well as personal issues are also on the rise. With these diagnoses and struggles, the probability of veterans being involved in the criminal justice system increases. Currently United States veterans account for 9% of the United States population, while also accounting for 8% of the prison and 7% of the jail population.

The Department of Veterans Affairs has several programs and services available to veterans, programs established to promote overall well-being and to serve veterans …

Navigating Identities In The Classroom: International Graduate Teaching Assistants' Perspectives, Crystle Lacroix

Research Papers

In this project, I centerr the narratives and experiences of international graduate teaching assistants (IGTAs) to explore how the triumphs and challenges that they experience may create pedagogical im(possibilities). My work is guided by two primary research questions: 1) how do international Graduate Teaching Assistants communicate about their identities in the classroom? And 2) how am I, as a U.S. American, white instructor, able to practice critical communication pedagogy in ways that differ from international GTAs?

Modelling Of A Megavoltage Linear Accelerator Using Egsnrc Software To Perform Monte Carlo Simulations, Daniel Mckinney

Research Papers

No abstract provided.

Scholarly Program Notes To Accompany A Graduate Flute Recital, Alex Carpenter

Research Papers

The purpose of this paper is to provide scholarly program notes for a graduate flute recital performed on April 21, 2018. The composers and pieces examined in this paper are respectively Gabriel Fauré’s Fantaisie, Op. 79, Mario Pilati’s Sonata for flute and pianoforte, Otar Taktakishvili’s Sonata for flute piano, and Edgard Varèse’s Density 21.5. Each chapter provides a brief biographical section and an analysis with performance practice commentary.

Consumer Profiles Of Protein Supplement Users, Freya M. Block

Research Papers

In America, the advertisement and product availability of high protein foods, food products, and supplements is ever increasing. The associated benefits of a higher protein diet range from higher levels of satiety to increased athletic performance and recovery. Although the majority of previous studies focus on athletic performance and recovery it is important to have an understanding on the growing market to other consumers. This study will attempt to understand and determine the consumer profiles and characteristics of those who consume protein supplements. Socio-demographic and physical activity variables of consumers using supplements from the Centers of Disease Control National Health …

Optimizing Procedural Tov-112 Ovarian Carcinoma Cell Transfection Via Initial Seeding And Pbabe/Pei Jet Ratio Variations, Cassondra Walker

Honors Theses

Cell transfection is an exemplary tool in protein analysis and examining transcription factor activity. While general procedures are commonly followed, each cell line requires slight differentiation in pBABE/PEI JET ratios and initial cell count for optimal transfection results. This research focusses on determining a successful procedure for TOV-112 carcinoma cells for future work with 2-methoxyestradiol and NFkB. 2-methoxyestradiol is an angiogenesis inhibitor believed to decrease inflammatory processes. NFkB promoter controls the luciferase gene on the MetLuc plasmid and is pro-inflammatory. The objective of this experiment is to modify the variables until successful results at 24 and 48 hours are observed. …

Investigating The Determinants And Endogenous Influences Of Environmental Reputation, Young Soo Shim

Dissertations

AN ABSTRACT OF THE DISSERTATION OF Young Soo Shim, for the Doctor of Philosophy degree in Accountancy, presented on 03/10/2017, at Southern Illinois University Carbondale. TITLE: INVESTIGATING THE DETERMINANTS AND ENDOGENOUS INFLUENES OF ENVIRONMENTAL REPUTATION MAJOR PROFESSOR: Dr. Royce D. Burnett This study investigates (1) the determinants of a firm’s environmental reputation and (2) the impact of this reputation on employee productivity and financial performance. I extend existing work in this area by focusing on both the endogenous and exogenous benefits of the reputation. The endogenous benefits refer to positive impacts of the reputation on employee morale and employee productivity, …

Siu Alumni, Siu Alumni Association

SIU Alumni Magazine

No abstract provided.

Evaluating The Compounding Effects Of Weight Loss And Weight Gain In Choosing To Exercise, Courtney Wilson

Theses

The present study used healthy questionnaires to evaluate the compounding effects of weight loss and weight gain in choosing to exercise. The questionnaire was distributed to 31 participants via social media outlets. Demographic information was also recorded such as height, weight, ethnicity, and income. The height and weight recorded was used to correlate the BMI with the AUC values. This data did not show a strong correlation between body mass index with high or low AUC values, these values were evenly distributed between underweight, normal/average weight, and overweight participants. . The questionnaires designed to assess how people view exercise and …

Evaluating The Effect Of Contextual Variables On Discounting Of Health Related Behaviors, Jessica Hubrich

Theses

The present study used a discounting task with differing contextual variables to examine how variables effect discounting between studies and future health related behaviors. Thirty nine participants completed two discounting questionnaires, each included hypothetical food choices paired with a weight loss or stable weight. Participants were instructed to complete each survey based on either their current weight or a gain of 75 pounds, and each survey included two identical hypothetical menu options. One menu incorporated low calorie foods, while the other incorporated moderately healthy foods, and participants were instructed to select the menu they preferred based on weight loss/no weight …

Effect Of Ppo-Inhibiting Herbicides On Male-To-Female Sex Ratio Of Amaranthus Palmeri, Mafia Mahabub Rumpa

Theses

TITLE: EFFECT OF PPO-INHIBITING HERBICIDES ON MALE-TO-FEMALE SEX RATIO OF AMARANTHUS PALMERI Background: Amaranthus palmeri S. Wats. (Palmer amaranth) is a dicotyledonous, dioecious species having separate male and female plants that forces outcrossing, ensures genetic diversity, and is recognized as one of the most noxious, invasive agricultural weed pests in the Mid-West. It can be characterized by extended emergence periodicity, aggressive growth habit, high fecundity, and high water use efficiency as well as high competitive ability. Fisher (1930) predicted 1: 1 primary sex ratios after the period of parental investment, but initial field studies indicated that A. palmeri populations were …

Parent-Child Interaction Therapy For Children With Autism, Tiffany Thomas

Theses

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a pervasive lifelong developmental delay with a prevalence of 1 in 68 children. This growing epidemic occurs for unspecified causes and researchers continue to explore evidence-based treatments available. Parent–child interaction therapy (PCIT) is a parent training program, initially developed for implementation with typically-developing children. PCIT has shown effectiveness in increasing child compliance, minimizing disruptive problem, improving parent-child relationship satisfaction, and communication. The present study investigated the efficacy of PCIT as an evidence-based practice (EBP) for children with ASD by implementing a non-concurrent multiple baseline design across three participants. Results indicated socially significant increases in child …

Marketing A Masters Of Healthcare Informatics (Mhi) Degree Program, Robert C. Rados, Brittany Clemmons, Ladeja Dean, Brooke Griffin, Azideen Hajissa

ASA Multidisciplinary Research Symposium

This proposal for survey research, is intended include Health Care Management student researchers, to gather information to better identify potential MHI students, and utilize specialized techniques and electronic methods to promote student enrollment.

Latino Representation In Telemundo Chicago News, Manuel Perez Venegas

Research Papers

In the last decades the population in United States with Hispanic roots, comprised of many different races, such as Cubans, Puerto Ricans, Mexicans, Peruvians, and Spaniards, with also including individuals who either speak Spanish as native language or whose families or ancestors are native to countries in Latin America, have increased exponentially to reach 54.1 million people in 2014. By 2050, United States is expected to become the largest Spanish speaking country in the world, will constitute 30%, and Hispanics the majority group within the country. (Rojas and Pinon, 2014). More than 35 million Latinos claim to speak Spanish at …

Contest And Concordance: Hewillnotdivide.Us And Challenges To Resistant Discourses In Performance Art, Alex Lockwood

Kaleidoscope: A Graduate Journal of Qualitative Communication Research

In my response to this year’s special call (of overcoming divisive discourses), I examine the case of LaBeouf, Rönkkö, and Turner’s HEWILLNOTDIVIDE.US art installation, and the discourses that have emerged in response to this piece in the months since its opening. After identifying five discourses that seem to compete over the meanings and intent of the installation, I examine the ways in which these discourses might become more openly engaged in dialogic and transgressive encounters through an application of applied Bataillean abjection.

The Embodiment And Discourses Of A Taboo: #Brelfie, Sarah Beach

Kaleidoscope: A Graduate Journal of Qualitative Communication Research

#brelfie is an online social media trend that seeks to normalize public breastfeeding through exposure. “Brelfies” are “breastfeeding selfies”—in which a mother uploads an image of herself breastfeeding to social media. It is controversial even within the trend itself, as women disagree on how it potentially pressures women to perform motherhood. Much of Western culture views the female breast as a sexual organ, and thus creates norms about how breasts should be functioned and displayed in public. Yet, many others would argue that breastfeeding is the only legitimate use of the female breast and is therefore permissibly exhibited in public. …

Culturally Responsive Graduate Teaching Instructors: Lessons On Facilitating Classroom Dialogues On Racial, Ethnic, And Cultural Injustices, Nancy Maingi

Kaleidoscope: A Graduate Journal of Qualitative Communication Research

Graduate teaching instructors (GTIs) have the unique opportunity of learning to be both scholars and teachers at the same time. This juxtaposition between teacher and student presents distinctive challenges that are seldom captured in existing research. One such challenge is the task to facilitate classroom dialogues on issues of race, ethnicity, and culture. While GTIs are charged with the labor of instructing university classrooms full of diverse student populations, it is common for them to instruct these courses without ever having instructional training on culturally responsive teaching. It is also possible that GTIs are not comfortable discussing issues of race, …

Kneeling But Still Singing: Threshold Identity, Disidentification, And Invitation In U.S. American National Anthem Protest, Michael L. Forst

Kaleidoscope: A Graduate Journal of Qualitative Communication Research

Driven by a desire to transcend current divisive political and social discourse, this article analyzes Denasia Lawrence’s 2016 U.S. national anthem performance and Black Lives Matter protest. Lawrence knelt while performing the anthem to protest biased policing practices in the U.S. In engaging Lawrence’s actions and statements about this event through rhetorical criticism, I employ theories of intercultural hybridity (threshold identity and disidentification) and invitational rhetoric to demonstrate the inherent potentials for political activism in her act. I assert that Lawrence’s embodied performance invites viewers to re/consider the multilayered implications of her protest, and to hopefully engage with differences more …

Front Matter

Kaleidoscope: A Graduate Journal of Qualitative Communication Research

No abstract provided.

Memory Care Residents And Indoor Ecotherapy, Robert C. Rados, Jun Kim

ASA Multidisciplinary Research Symposium

The positive benefits of this study support the use of “indoor ecotherapy” as an intervention, and as an alternative to use of medications, for resident residing in a memory care facility.