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Perceptions And Realities Of The Irish Republican Army During The Second World War, L.B. Wilson Iii

Master's Theses

This thesis investigates the British and German perception of the IRA and claims that the organization represented an insurmountable obstacle to the progress of both German intelligence and British counter-intelligence. The IRA was also the primary contributor to the political troubles oflrish neutrality during World War II. It examines the perceived threat of the IRA in the minds of the Irish Prime Minister Eamon de Valera and British Prime Minister Winston Churchill and those ministers' respective governments. The thesis looks at official debates in the British Parliament and the Irish Dail as well as interwar newspapers and official records. Additionally, …

December 2012: Volume 2 Issue 2, Dacus Library

Dacus Developments

In this Issue:

Nunc Scripsi Totum The Medieval Manuscript Collection
Dacus Library of Winthrop University
Friends of Dacus Library Endowment Fund Launched!

Reducing In-Stent Restenosis Through Novel Stent Flow Field Augmentation, Eoin Murphy, Fergal Boyle

Articles

In-stent restenosis (ISR), manifested as a re-narrowing of the arterial lumen post-implantation of a stent, is a detrimental limitation of stent technology. Understanding and consequently devising ways of reducing the frequency of ISR has been a continuing goal of research into improved stent designs. The biological processes that can lead to ISR have been found to be partially flow dependent with the local hemodynamics at the arterial wall of crucial importance. This paper investigates these biological processes and their instigating factors. Furthermore, the history and theory behind three stent technologies which endeavour to reduce ISR rates through stent flow field …

Building Fabric Design : Thermal Performance Standards, Joseph Little

Articles

This is the first of a series of articles using content from the new RIAI Building Fabric Design CPD which explores a range of themes of central importance to designing buildings that are highly energy efficient, genuinely compliant and perform to their design intent and specification. As the articles are short and the themes are often complex, they can be at best a short introduction to the issues raised. In this article we will look at the new minimum building fabric standards: these are far more onerous than much of the Industry understands.

Investigation Of The Physical And Molecular Properties Of Asphalt Binders Processed With Used Motor Oils, Mohyeldin Ragab, Magdy Abdelrahman

Civil, Architectural and Environmental Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

In this work we investigated the performance aspects of addition of used motor oils (UMO) to neat and crumb rubber modified asphalts (CRMA) and related that to the change of molecular size distribution of modified asphalt’s fractions; asphaltenes, saturates, naphthene aromatics, and polar aromatics. Based on the results of temperature sweep viscoelastic tests, addition of crumb rubber modifier (CRM) alone or with UMO results in the formation of internal network within the modified asphalt. Based on the results of short and long term aged asphalts, the utilization of combination of UMO and CRM enhanced the aging behavior of asphalt. Bending …

Statistical Modelling Of The Coupled Effect Of Mix Design And Rebar Spacing On Restricted Flow Characteristics Of Scc, Yahia Ammar, Khayat H. Kamal, Sayed Mohammed

Civil, Architectural and Environmental Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

Self-consolidating concrete (SCC) is designed to exhibit high deformability and stability to maintain homogenous suspension of coarse aggregate particles in the mortar during flow to ensure adequate passing ability of the concrete through restricted areas and the filling of the formwork without any consolidation. Proper deformability and uniform suspension of coarse aggregate particles in the matrix are key parameters to ensure successful casting and adequate in situ performance. the required flow properties of concrete are affected by the rheological properties of the mixture and the characteristics of the cast element, including the level of reinforcement. the mixture proportioning of SCC …

Quantifying The Effect Of Nanoparticles On As(V) Ecotoxicity Exemplified By Nano-Fe2o3 (Magnetic) And Nano-Al2o3, Ji Hu, Demin Wang, Brett E. Forthaus, Jianmin Wang

Civil, Architectural and Environmental Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

Nano-Fe₂O₃ (magnetic) and nano-Al₂O₃ are increasingly used in biomedical fields for cellular labeling and drug delivery, and in the industry as catalysts. However, they may also serve as carriers of toxic contaminants and negatively impact the environment and human health. in the present study, Ceriodaphnia dubia was used to assess the toxicity of these nanoparticles (NPs) with and without the presence of background arsenic(V) (As[V]). the results showed that although these NPs alone did not exhibit significant toxicity in the experimental concentration range, they could significantly enhance the toxicity of As(V). the accumulation of …

Structural And Message Based Private Friend Recommendation, Bharath K. Samanthula, Wei Jiang

Computer Science Faculty Research & Creative Works

The emerging growth of online social networks have opened new doors for various business applications such as promoting a new product across its customers. Besides this, friend recommendation is an important tool for recommending potential candidates as friends to users in order to enhance the development of the entire network structure. Existing friend recommendation methods utilize social network structure and/or user profile information. However, these techniques can no longer be applicable if the privacy of users is taken into consideration. in this paper, we propose a two-phase private friend recommendation protocol for recommending friends to a given target user based …

A Combinatorial Solution For Scheduling Spatial Multiplexing In Mimo-Based Ad Hoc Networks, Maggie Cheng, Quanmin Ye

Computer Science Faculty Research & Creative Works

In a MIMO-Based ad hoc network, the conflict relation between transmissions is fundamentally changed due to the multiple packet reception capability of MIMO nodes. a MIMO node can receive from multiple data streams at the same time, which significantly increases data throughput. to fully utilize the additional spectrum capacity enabled by the MIMO technology, it is important that transmissions from different nodes are coordinated. the coordination scheme needs to consider both data stream multiplexing and transmission time scheduling for a maximum performance gain. in this paper, we use an optimization framework to jointly consider MIMO link spatial multiplexing and scheduling …

Fabrication Of Cao-Nao-Sio2/Tio2 Scaffolds For Surgical Applications, A. W. Wren, A. Coughlan, K. E. Smale, S. T. Misture, B. P. Mahon, O. M. Clarkin, Mark R. Towler

Chemical and Biochemical Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

A series of titanium (Ti) based glasses were formulated (0.62 SiO₂-0.14 Na₂O-0.24 CaO, with 0.05 mol% TiO₂ substitutions for SiO₂) to develop glass/ceramic scaffolds for bone augmentation. Glasses were initially characterised using X-ray diffraction (XRD) and particle size analysis, where the starting materials were amorphous with 4.5 μm particles. Hot stage microscopy and high temperature XRD were used to determine the sintering temperature (̃700 °C) and any crystalline phases present in this region (Na₂Ca₃Si₆O₁₆, combeite and quartz). Hardness testing revealed that the Ti-free control (ScC- …

Rounding Of A First-Order Quantum Phase Transition To A Strong-Coupling Critical Point, Fawaz Hrahsheh, Jose A. Hoyos, Thomas Vojta

Physics Faculty Research & Creative Works

We investigate the effects of quenched disorder on first-order quantum phase transitions on the example of the N-color quantum Ashkin-Teller model. By means of a strong-disorder renormalization group, we demonstrate that quenched disorder rounds the first-order quantum phase transition to a continuous one for both weak and strong coupling between the colors. In the strong-coupling case, we find a distinct type of infinite-randomness critical point characterized by additional internal degrees of freedom. We investigate its critical properties in detail and find stronger thermodynamic singularities than in the random transverse field Ising chain. We also discuss the implications for higher spatial …

Disordered Bosons In One Dimension: From Weak- To Strong-Randomness Criticality, Fawaz Hrahsheh, Thomas Vojta

Physics Faculty Research & Creative Works

We investigate the superfluid-insulator quantum phase transition of one-dimensional bosons with off-diagonal disorder by means of large-scale Monte Carlo simulations. For weak disorder, we find the transition to be in the same universality class as the superfluid-Mott insulator transition of the clean system. The nature of the transition changes for stronger disorder. Beyond a critical disorder strength, we find nonuniversal, disorder-dependent critical behavior. We compare our results to recent perturbative and strong-disorder renormalization group predictions. We also discuss experimental implications as well as extensions of our results to other systems.

Attracting Wildlife For Pest Control On Farmland, Terry Messmer

All Current Publications

Native predators will rarely completely eliminate a pest problem, but can be part of a multifaceted solution to pest control. Using wildlife to help control pests can cut down on pesticide use, improve water quality, save time, supply important habitat, and provide viewing enjoyment. The structures outlined in this document are ideal for farmland, but can also be used in parks, golf courses, large gardens and yards, and other open areas.

Early Experience Can Change The Structure Of The Body, Beth Burritt

All Current Publications

Why do animals eat certain foods and live in certain locations? Your first thought might be that they are born that way or it’s in their genes. While it is true that every animal is born with a set of genes that helps determine how it looks and what it needs to survive, genetics are only part of the story.

Immersion Research Education: Students As Catalysts For International Collaboration Research, Kathryn H. Anderson, Marie-Luise Friedemann, Andreas Buescher, Julita Sansoni, Donna R. Hodnicki

Nursing: Faculty Publications

Background:  This paper describes an international nursing and health research immersion program. Minority students from the USA work with an international faculty mentor in teams conducting collaborative research. The Minority Health International Research Training (MHIRT) program students become catalysts in the conduct of cross-cultural research.

Aim:  To narrow the healthcare gap for disadvantaged families in the USA and partner countries.

Methods:  Faculty from the USA, Germany, Italy, Colombia, England, Austria and Thailand formed an international research and education team to explore and compare family health issues, disparities in chronic illness care, social inequities and healthcare solutions. USA …

Altered Hemodynamics, Endothelial Function, And Protein Expression Occur With Aortic Coarctation And Persist After Repair, Arjun Menon, Thomas J. Eddinger, Hongfeng Wang, David C. Wendell, Jeffrey M. Toth, John F. Ladisa

Biomedical Engineering Faculty Research and Publications

Coarctation of the aorta (CoA) is associated with substantial morbidity despite treatment. Mechanically induced structural and functional vascular changes are implicated; however, their relationship with smooth muscle (SM) phenotypic expression is not fully understood. Using a clinically representative rabbit model of CoA and correction, we quantified mechanical alterations from a 20-mmHg blood pressure (BP) gradient in the thoracic aorta and related the expression of key SM contractile and focal adhesion proteins with remodeling, relaxation, and stiffness. Systolic and mean BP were elevated for CoA rabbits compared with controls leading to remodeling, stiffening, an altered force response, and endothelial dysfunction both …

The Effect Of Cone Opsin Mutations On Retinal Structure And The Integrity Of The Photoreceptor Mosaic, Joseph Carroll, Alfredo Dubra, Jessica C. Gardner, Liliana Mizrahi-Meissonnier, Robert F. Cooper, Adam M. Dubis, Rick Nordgren, Mohamed Genead, Thomas B. Connor Jr., Kimberly E. Stepien, Dror Sharon, David M. Hunt, Eyal Banin, Alison J. Hardcastle, Anthony T. Moore, David R. Williams, Gerald Fishman, Jay Neitz, Maureen Neitz, Michel Michaelides

Biomedical Engineering Faculty Research and Publications

Purpose.

To evaluate retinal structure and photoreceptor mosaic integrity in subjects with OPN1LW and OPN1MW mutations.

Methods.

Eleven subjects were recruited, eight of whom have been previously described. Cone and rod density was measured using images of the photoreceptor mosaic obtained from an adaptive optics scanning light ophthalmoscope (AOSLO). Total retinal thickness, inner retinal thickness, and outer nuclear layer plus Henle fiber layer (ONL+HFL) thickness were measured using cross-sectional spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) images. Molecular genetic analyses were performed to characterize the OPN1LW/OPN1MW gene array.

Results.

While disruptions in retinal lamination and cone mosaic structure were observed …

Diffusion Tensor Imaging And Tractography In Brown-Sequard Syndrome, A. Vendatam, Michael B. Jirjis, Brian D. Schmit, M. D. Budde, J. L. Ulmer, Mei Wang, S. N. Kurpad

Biomedical Engineering Faculty Research and Publications

This report illustrates the utility of DTI and DTT in delineating regions of cord injury in two patients with traumatic Brown-Sequard syndrome. Our results indicate that DTI provides clinically relevant information that supplements conventional MR imaging for patients with acute SCI.

Differential Lung Uptake Of 99mtc-Hexamethylpropyleneamine Oxime And 99mtc-Duramycin In The Chronic Hyperoxia Rat Model, Anne V. Clough, Said H. Audi, Steven Thomas Haworth, David L. Roerig

Biomedical Engineering Faculty Research and Publications

Noninvasive radionuclide imaging has the potential to identify and assess mechanisms involved in particular stages of lung injury that occur with acute respiratory distress syndrome, for example. Lung uptake of ^99mTc-hexamethylpropyleneamine oxime (HMPAO) is reported to be partially dependent on the redox status of the lung tissue whereas ^99mTc-duramycin, a new marker of cell injury, senses cell death via apoptosis or necrosis. Thus, we investigated changes in lung uptake of these agents in rats exposed to hyperoxia for prolonged periods, a common model of acute lung injury. Methods: Male Sprague–Dawley rats were preexposed to either normoxia (21% O …

Quantification Of Thoracic Aorta Blood Flow By Magnetic Resonance Imaging During Supine Cycling Exercise Of Increasing Intensity, Laura M. Ellwein, John F. Ladisa, Stacy Leibham, Sheila M. Schindler-Ivens, Margaret M. Samyn

Biomedical Engineering Faculty Research and Publications

No abstract provided.

Library Organizational Charts

Library Organizational Charts (1995-2018)

No abstract provided.

President's Newsletter, Brooks Keel

President's Newsletter

No abstract provided.

Constructing A Professional Identity: Non-Native Speakers As Teachers In College Freshman Composition Classes In An American University, Marcela Hebbard

Theses and Dissertations - UTB/UTPA

This study is a qualitative, quantitative investigation of how non-native speakers of English construct a professional identity as teachers of English composition and rhetoric in freshman classes in an American University and how their students perceived such identity. A sample of 4 participants teaching ENG 1301 Rhetoric and Composition classes were recruited. Data were gathered through personal interviews, questionnaires, class observations, and students' anonymous survey at the end of their course to measure course satisfaction and their perception of their non-native speaker instructors. The investigation revealed that in order to develop a Professional Teacher Identity, non-native speakers of English need …

Ciliary Neurotrophic Factor Signaling In The Magnocellular Neurosecretory System : Mechanisms Of Neuronal Survival And Sprouting, Jason Michael Askvig

Theses and Dissertations

While it is well-known that ciliary neurotrophic factor (CNTF) promotes the survival of a myriad of neuronal phenotypes, little is understood on the specific CNTF-induced neuroprotective mechanisms in the central nervous system (CNS). Elucidation of these mechanisms may provide insight that would assist in the development of future therapeutic strategies. Therefore, the goal of my research is to determine the mechanisms underlying the neuroprotective effects of CNTF within the rat magnocellular neurosecretory system. The central hypothesis of my research is that CNTF acts as both a neuronal survival and sprouting factor for hypothalamic magnocellular neurons in vitro and in vivo. …

Extension's Evolving Alignment Of Programs Serving Families And Youth: Organizational Change And Its Implications, Marc T. Braverman, Nancy K. Franz, Roger A. Rennekamp

Journal of Extension

Extension is experiencing a trend toward closer alignment of its programs serving families and youth, notably Family and Consumer Sciences and 4-H Youth Development. Projects are more multidisciplinary and comprehensive than in the past, and, in many states, FCS and 4-HYD are also becoming more administratively integrated. Several reasons for this shift are recent developments in social science intervention theory, Extension budget reductions, and land-grant universities' long-term organizational strategies. We discuss implications for Extension faculty and the need to track and understand the restructuring process. Overall, the emphasis on collaboration and comprehensiveness provide opportunities for more effective Extension programming.

Moving Forward With Founders: Strategies For Change In Volunteer Organizations, Paula Rgers Huff, Sue Pleskac

Journal of Extension

Founder's Syndrome can create barriers to change in Extension programs. As a result, Extension staff have experienced challenges in effecting organizational change where Founders are present. 4-H Youth Development staff in Wisconsin applied a variety of strategies to move forward with 4-H programming, despite the influence of the Founders. Staff development has focused on three strategies with regard to Founders: Staff Awareness and Understanding, Training and Support, and Teaching Tools. A comprehensive educational approach that includes multiple strategies is likely to yield the most benefit to Extension staff dealing with Founder's Syndrome in volunteer organizations.

Global 4-H Network: Laying The Groundwork For Global Extension Opportunities, Jennifer Major, Rhonda Miller

Journal of Extension

A descriptive study examining 4-H programs in Africa, Asia, and Europe was conducted to provide understanding and direction in the establishment of a Global 4-H Network. Information regarding structure, organizational support, funding, and programming areas was gathered. Programs varied greatly by country, and many partnered with other 4-H organizations around the world. Few content areas offered by the surveyed countries aligned with their major agricultural commodities, even though content areas were available in the United States 4-H Program. The Global 4-H Network has the potential to fill these holes and provide additional opportunities to global programs.

Characteristics Of Innovations: Lessons Learned From A Statewide Mandatory Implementation Of The Animal Health Network, Lori L. Moore, Theresa Pesl Murphrey, Shannon H. Degenhart, Tom A. Vestal, Shavahn Loux

Journal of Extension

The Animal Health Network is designed to connect state veterinarians with Extension partners and local feed retailers to deliver timely, relevant animal disease-related information to non-commercial livestock and poultry owners. The study reported here explored perceptions of key opinion leaders related to the characteristics of the Network as an innovation. Qualitative interviews conducted with13 stakeholders involved in the implementation of the Network revealed that the relative advantage, complexity, and compatibility of the Network were readily apparent to participants, while trialability and observability were not as pervasive. Findings can assist those attempting to diffuse a concept or idea with similar characteristics.

Extension Efforts To Restore Bottomland Oaks Requires Knowledge Of Both Trees And Soil, David Mercker, Ryan Blair, Don Tyler, Arnold Saxton, Joshua Smith

Journal of Extension

Bottomland oak restoration projects have been marginally successful because professionals often recommend conventional tree planting procedures that prove problematic in saturated soils. A reliable method of matching oak species to bottomland sites is needed prior to planting. In the study reported here, bottomland oaks were matched to hydric soils based on soil mottling. The findings suggest that as soil drainage improves, species diversity expands. Natural Resource Extension professionals should consider "active" methods of direct technical assistance and field demonstrations and "passive" methods of newsletters, publications, and pamphlets, as delivery methods to educate both landowners and professionals about this subject.

Mobile Learning And The Visual Web, Oh My! Nutrition Education In The 21st Century, Ellen Schuster

Journal of Extension

Technology is rapidly changing how our program participants learn in school and for their personal improvement. Extension educators who deliver nutrition program will want to be aware of the technology trends that are driving these changes. Blended learning, mobile learning, the visual Web, and the gamification of health are approaches to consider using in programming in the near future to meet learners' expectations.