Digital Commons Network^™

Insights Into Rising Pension Costs In Illinois Municipalities, Andy Blanke, Norman Walzer

Reports, Whitepapers, Articles, and Other Publications

This article examines the funding status of downstate (which includes suburban) Illinois police and fire pension funds in relation to professional recommendations, the numbers of participants, benefits, actuarial assets and liabilities. In addition, relationships between municipal characteristics and changes in funding rations are analyzed to provide insight into the factors associated with changes in funding ratios. This article concludes with a discussion of potential approaches for addresses rising pension costs with possible implications for Illinois.

Iba Newsletter [December 2018], Communications Department, Iba

IBA News

No abstract provided.

Project Proposal: The Jentay Group, Edward Vasquez

CUP Undergraduate Research

The following document contains material that connects to the emergency preparedness side of homeland security. The Jentay Group is a small company that brings advanced composites to the industrial market. Their work can be seen in the aerospace and unmanned vehicle industry, the automotive industry and the medical industry (Jentay, 2018). The team of 11 works out of a 4500 ft building located in Beaverton, Oregon. Beaverton is located in the Portland metropolitan area, which boasts a population of approximately 2.4 million (Beaverton Oregon, 2018). These statistics place the headquarters in a heavily populated area, which could bring good business …

How Do Communication Modalities Influence Intergenerational Communication?, April Pierce, Candace Payne

Concordia Journal of Communication Research

This cross-sectional study analyzes the rapidly developing landscape of online communications. In particular, it studies the modalities used by three generations, which include baby boomers, Gen X, and Gen Y/millennials. In addition to analyzing their preferred methods, researchers also studied the conflicting views on other generations. This was done through data collected from an online survey administered via email and social media posts. It was hypothesized that the gaps in communication styles between different generations would be significantly different than the other generations mentioned. Researchers found that while generational differences are still present among the three demographics studied, a significant …

Female Athlete Triad: Strategic Plan, Kaitlyn Savard, Carly Theriault, Polina Weinstein, Mayra Zerpa Calderon

Physical Therapy Administration

The following is a blueprint for creating a screening and educational program focused on the Female Athlete Triad. Our program intends to promote awareness, encourage women to take action regarding their health needs, and reduce the stigma surrounding this underdiagnosed and undertreated health issue. Created during the Fall 2018 semester of the Physical Therapy Administration course, this strategic plan contains all values, rationale, and strategies for reaching the target population and addressing this health issue.

Female Athlete Triad: Presentation, Kaitlyn Savard, Carly Theriault, Polina Weinstein, Mayra Zerpa Calderon

Physical Therapy Administration

Presentation created to summarize a strategic plan and screening program focused on the Female Athlete Triad. Program intends to promote awareness, encourage women to take action regarding their health needs, and reduce the stigma surrounding this underdiagnosed and undertreated health issue.

The Use Of Theory-Based Formative Research To Design Suicide Prevention Messaging For U.S. Veterans In Midlife., Elizabeth Karras, Cara M. Stokes, Sara C. Warfield, Heather Elder, Brady Stephens, Robert M. Bossarte

Clinical and Translational Science Institute

Background. Communication campaigns offer a viable mechanism to promote suicide prevention and reinforce mental health for U.S. veterans in midlife, a group with a high suicide burden. However, little empirical investigation of this type of messaging has been conducted, with formative campaign research conspicuously missing from the limited literature. Aims. Using the theory of planned behavior as a guide, formative research was conducted to inform the design of suicide prevention messaging by (a) describing and measuring several theoretical constructs among our audience and (b) modeling associations between constructs and intentions to seek help for suicidal behaviors and mental health more …

Oxygen-Induced Leakage Of Spin Polarization In Overhauser- Enhanced Magnetic Resonance Imaging: Application For Oximetry In Tumors, Artem A. Gorodetskii, Timothy D. Eubank, Benoit Driesschaert, Martin Poncelet, Emily Ellis, Valery V. Khramtsov, Andrey A. Bobko

Clinical and Translational Science Institute

Overhauser-enhanced Magnetic Resonance Imaging (OMRI) is a double resonance technique applied for oxygen imaging in aqueous samples and biological tissues. In this report, we present an improved OMRI approach of oxygen measurement using the single line “Finland” trityl spin probe. Compared to a traditional approach, we introduced an additional mechanism of leakage of spin polarization due to an interaction of a spin system with oxygen. The experimental comparison of the new approach with an oxygen-dependent leakage factor to a traditional approach performed in phantom samples in vitro, and mouse tumor model in vivo, shows improved accuracy of determination of oxygen …

Quasi-Linearization Method With Rational Legendre Collocation Method For Solving Mhd Flow Over A Stretching Sheet With Variable Thickness And Slip Velocity Which Embedded In A Porous Medium, M. M. Khader

Applications and Applied Mathematics: An International Journal (AAM)

The quasi-linearization method (QLM) and the rational Legendre functions are introduced here to present the numerical solution for the Newtonian fluid flow past an impermeable stretching sheet which embedded in a porous medium with a power-law surface velocity, variable thickness and slip velocity. Firstly, due to the high nonlinearity which yielded from the ordinary differential equation which describes the proposed physical problem, we construct a sequence of linear ODEs by using the QLM, hence the resulted equations become a system of linear algebraic equations. The comparison with the available results in the literature review proves that the obtained results via …

Similarity Analysis Of Three Dimensional Nanofluid Flow By Deductive Group Theoretic Method, Hemangini Shukla, Hema C. Surati, M. G. Timol

Applications and Applied Mathematics: An International Journal (AAM)

The objective of this paper is to obtain similarity solution of three-dimensional nanofluid flow over flat surface stretched continuously in two lateral directions. Two independent variables from governing equations are reduced by applying deductive two parameter group theoretical method. Partial differential equations with boundary conditions are converted into ordinary differential equations with appropriate boundary conditions. Obtained equations are solved for temperature and velocity. The effect of nanoparticles volume fraction on temperature and velocity profile is investigated.

Fractional Order Thermoelastic Thick Circular Plate With Two Temperatures In Frequency Domain, Parveen Lata

Applications and Applied Mathematics: An International Journal (AAM)

The present investigation is concerned with thermomechanical interactions in the fractional theory of thermoelasticity for a homogeneous isotropic thick circular plate in the light of two-temperature thermoelasticity theory in frequency domain. The upper and lower surfaces of the thick plate are traction free and subjected to an axisymmetric heat supply. The solution is found by using Hankel transform technique and a direct approach without the use of potential functions. The analytical expressions of displacement components, stresses, conductive temperature, temperature change and cubic dilatation are computed in transformed domain. Numerical inversion technique has been applied to obtain the results in the …

Thoracic Epidural Abscesses: A Systematic Review., Benjamin A. Howie, Iyooh U. Davidson, Joseph E. Tanenbaum, Markian A. Pahuta, Avery L. Buchholz, Michael P. Steinmetz, Thomas E. Mroz

Orthopedics Articles

Study Design: Systematic review.

Objectives: Past research has demonstrated increased speed and severity of progression for spinal epidural abscesses (SEAs) of the thoracic level, specifically, when compared with SEAs of other spinal cord levels. Untreated, this infection can result in permanent neurological sequelae with eventual progression to death if inadequately managed. Despite the seriousness of this disease, no articles have focused on the presentation, diagnosis, and treatment of SEAs of the thoracic level. For this reason, specific focus on SEAs of the thoracic level occurred when researchers designed and implemented the following systematic review.

Methods: A query of Ovid-Medline and …

Perché Non Mi Aiuti? (​Why Won't You Help Me?​), Hailey Hibbard

Tutor's Column

Writing center tutors often have difficulties navigating tutoring sessions with EnglishLanguage Learner students and are not able to meet their unique needs. This paper reports the emotional and academic needs of these students, and how writing center tutors can best address and meet those needs.

Mathematica Program To Compute Klein Gordon Equation For Generic Black Holes, Brant Smith

Physics Capstone Projects

The goal of this project is to develop a program that will compute the Klein Gordon equation for generic Black Holes through the program Mathematica. This program will be available on Utah State websites for public usage. This project focuses on an understanding of General Relativity and more concretely on theoretical aspects of Black Holes. Developing the program begins with computing the Laplace equation in flat space to understand what it means to have empty space without a Black Hole. The Klein Gordon equation for a Schwarzschild Black Hole is then solved to show what happens once a static, non-rotating …

December 2018, Nova Southeastern University

OTD News

No abstract provided.

Gender Essentialism And Responses To Candidates’ Messages, Meredith Meyer

Psychology Faculty Scholarship

People often form negative attitudes against those who deviate from gender norms. Within the political realm, this has the potential to translate into effects on perceptions of candidate likability and traits. Female candidates who tend to focus on issues stereotypically thought of as feminine are generally more positively evaluated than those who focus on stereotypically masculine domains. The current studies investigate whether these effects vary depending on the extent to which people endorse gender essentialism, which is the tendency to attribute gender differences to relatively more intrinsic, innate, and immutable factors versus believing that gender differences are largely due to …

Two Can Keep A Secret, Maggie Mason Smith

Publications

No abstract provided.

A Content Analysis Of Visuals In Elementary School Textbooks, Daibao Guo, Katherine Landau Wright, Erin M. Mctigue

Literacy, Language and Culture Faculty Publications and Presentations

Although visual complexity is increasing and graphics are essential to support readers’ comprehension of disciplinary texts, visual literacy receives scant attention. Research suggests that effectively instructing students to interpret discipline-specific graphics would yield better comprehension. However, before this line of inquiry can be enacted, we must determine the characteristics of graphics in contemporary content textbooks. Therefore, this content analysis evaluated graphics within third- and fifth-grade science and social studies textbooks. We coded 3,844 graphics by type and function and compared findings between disciplines using chi-square and post hoc comparison tests. Overall, graphics were coded into 9 major types (photographs being …

Modeling: Online Students Need Demonstrations, Too, Matthew Barclay

The International Institute for Innovative Instruction Blog

How many times have you seen children pretending to be their sports heroes while playing basketball or soccer? How many teens or adults have you seen wearing a movie star’s hairstyle or adopting the clothes of another favorite celebrity? How often have you observed people mimicking media personalities in voice, gestures, sayings, etc.? Have you ever found yourself doing something because someone else did it and you thought it was a great idea? Of course you have. Whether it was beneficial or damaging in the long run, you have most likely done something only because someone you esteemed did it.

Naomí Ramírez Díaz. The Muslim Brotherhood In Syria: The Democratic Option Of Islamism. New York: Routledge, 2018., Aliaksandr Filipau Ph.D.

Journal of International and Global Studies

Book review.

Bajoghli, Narges And Moosavi, Amir (Eds.). Debating The Iran-Iraq War In Contemporary Iran. Routledge: London & New York, 2018., Autumn Cockrell-Abdullah Ph.D.

Journal of International and Global Studies

Book review.

Ali, Muna. Young Muslim America: Faith, Community, And Belonging. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2018., El-Sayed El-Aswad Ph.D.

Journal of International and Global Studies

Book review.

Using Learning Express-Ways In Special Education Teacher Preparation: Developing Student-Faculty Relationships As A Path To Partnership, Heather Haynes Smith, Anthony Sanchez, M. Peterson-Ahmad, C. Woodbury, B. B. Mitchell

Education Faculty Research

This paper explores the effects of implementing Learning Express-Ways as an instructional communication tool between students and faculty in courses that are part of a special education teacher preparation program and apprenticeship. Findings suggest that using Learning Express-Ways contributed to the development of learning relationships with faculty and this instructional communication tool may be helpful in creating a partnership-focused approach in special education teacher preparation program.

Exploring Photo Privacy Protection On Smartphones, David Darling

Computer Science and Computer Engineering Undergraduate Honors Theses

The proliferation of modern smartphone camera use in the past decade has resulted in unprecedented numbers of personal photos being taken and stored on popular devices. However, it has also caused privacy concerns. These photos sometimes contain potentially harmful information if they were to be leaked such as the personally identifiable information found on ID cards or in legal documents. With current security measures on iOS and Android phones, it is possible for 3rd party apps downloaded from official app stores or other locations to access the photo libraries on these devices without user knowledge or consent. Additionally, the prevalence …

Wet Markets And Avian Influenza: Public Policy Decisions In Hong Kong, Shawn C. Smallman Ph.D.

Journal of International and Global Studies

After the emergence of H5N1 avian influenza in 1997 Hong Kong implemented a sophisticated system to regulate live poultry markets. While this system is well implemented and thorough, it also has limitations. The rise of H7N9 avian influenza (which is typically acquired through contact with poultry, including in live markets) makes this an appropriate time to revisit the ethical and practical issues related to this trade. Based on data from field observations of live markets in Hong Kong, and interviews with experts in the field, this paper recommends that the government of Hong Kong create a committee to examine the …

Financial Media And The Politics Of Difference: Argentine Histories Of The Greek Debt Crisis, 2010-2015, Marcos Mendoza Ph.D., Emily Warner

Journal of International and Global Studies

This article examines financial media discourses and representations of the Greek debt crisis from 2010 to 2015. The analysis is based on financial media texts published by six major news outlets in the United States and the United Kingdom. This paper argues that the AngloAmerican media generated a financial discourse of the Greek debt crisis based on an analogical framework to contemporary Argentina. The discussion highlights three aspects of this media discourse: the classification of the unfolding crisis type (liquidity, solvency, or political), the use of Argentine financial histories to understand the crisis type and predict its possible futures, and …

Voting In The Un General Assembly: Will It Affect The Aid From The United States?, Max Ratnikov Ph.D.

Journal of International and Global Studies

The aim of this article is to test the theory that the United States considers the policies of countries in need of international aid when deciding whether to provide economic or military aid to those countries . To test this hypothesis, this study statistically analyzes the votes cast in the UN General Assembly for the period of 2005 to 2014. On the basis of this analysis, some conclusions are drawn regarding the Ukraine’s attempt to receive assistance and probable causes as to why the theory may not hold for short time periods.

The Educational Convergence Of The U.S. And Mexico: Challenges And Possibilities, Javier C. Tapia Ph.D., Carla Dorn

Journal of International and Global Studies

Globalization and NAFTA led to a greater economic and social integration between the U.S. and Mexico. This integration led to continued Mexican migration to the U.S. contributing to Hispanic growth in the U.S. with resulting shortages in bilingual professionals. Building from public anthropology, we developed exchange projects in education and health between the two countries to meet the needs of the Mexican population and foster greater understanding between the two societies. Notwithstanding current strained political relations between the two countries, we expect NAFTA to survive in a revised form continuing the economic and social interdependency for this region of North …

A Need For Occupational Justice: The Impact Of Racial Microaggression On Occupations, Wellness, And Health Promotion, Emily Grullon, Carlneshia Hunnicutt, Melisa Morrison, Olandria Langford, Mirtha M. Whaley

OCCUPATION: A Medium of Inquiry about Health through Occupation

“Ism,” in general terms describes a practice that denotes oppression of a group based on the characteristics of its members: racism, sexism, and ageism, are the three types most commonly identified. “Isms” often impose limits on people, and while we have been aware of those limits at the macro level, we have been less aware of acts that happen at the level of the individual, the micro level. These acts, which are frequently heard and seen in the media, have personal, occupational, and health implications for those affected by them. The purpose of this paper is to raise awareness about …

Graphene Oxide Membranes For Enhancing Water Purification In Terrestrial And Space-Born Applications: State Of The Art, Chris Beulke, Ali Alshami, James Casler, Jeremy Lewis, Maram Al-Sayaghi, Michael A. Hickner

Chemical Engineering Faculty Publications

We present a compendious review of the literature and state-of-art of the research into graphene oxide (GO) membranes for both terrestrial and space-born water purification applications. The performance of GO membrane is compared to polyamide composite properties broadly used in today's desalination plants as well as to other membranes composed of various polymeric materials. An in-depth comparison is also conducted between GO membranes and the water reclamation system onboard the International Space Station (ISS). Based on empirical data from the literature, GO membranes have the potential to reduce the specific energy consumption in both RO facilities and the ISS by …