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Hurdles To Retirement Security: Exploring Race, Religion, And Savings Behavior, Mamoud A. Jalloh, Sedefka Beck Apr 2026

Hurdles To Retirement Security: Exploring Race, Religion, And Savings Behavior, Mamoud A. Jalloh, Sedefka Beck

Midwest Social Sciences Journal

Retirement savings have become increasingly central to household financial security as defined contribution plans replace traditional pensions. Using nationally representative data from the 2019 Panel Study of Income Dynamics, this study applies a double‑hurdle model to examine the distinct factors shaping participation in retirement plans and contribution intensity. Results reveal persistent racial and ethnic inequalities: Hispanic, Black, and Mixed‑Race workers are significantly less likely to save and contribute markedly less than White workers, even after accounting for income, wealth, and employment characteristics. Religious affiliation also influences savings behavior, with Jewish contributors saving more and several other groups saving less than …


Reviewers And Referees Apr 2026

Reviewers And Referees

Midwest Social Sciences Journal

No abstract provided.


Rising Numbers, Rising Risks: Population, Growth, And Natural Disasters, Sophia Becker-Toro, Yu Ouyang Apr 2026

Rising Numbers, Rising Risks: Population, Growth, And Natural Disasters, Sophia Becker-Toro, Yu Ouyang

Midwest Social Sciences Journal

How does population size and growth affect the risk of natural disasters? On October 7, 2024, before Hurricane Milton makes landfall in the Tampa Bay area, Tampa Mayor Jane Castor issues a dire warning to affected citizens: “I can say without any dramatization whatsoever. If you choose to stay in one of those evacuation areas, you’re going to die.” While there is an extensive literature which focuses on the impact of climate change and/or natural disasters, there is a dearth of works on how population affects the risks of natural disasters. As both the frequency and severity of storms and …


Why Publish With Mssj? Apr 2026

Why Publish With Mssj?

Midwest Social Sciences Journal

No abstract provided.


Editorial History Apr 2026

Editorial History

Midwest Social Sciences Journal

No abstract provided.


George C. Roberts Award Recipients Apr 2026

George C. Roberts Award Recipients

Midwest Social Sciences Journal

No abstract provided.


Author Biographical Notes Apr 2026

Author Biographical Notes

Midwest Social Sciences Journal

No abstract provided.


Submission Guidelines Apr 2026

Submission Guidelines

Midwest Social Sciences Journal

No abstract provided.


Simulations Of A High Ozone Episode And Heatwave Day Using A Coupled Multi-Layer Urban Canopy And Chemistry Model, H. Gamarro, W. M. Angevine, B. C. Mcdonald, R. Bornstein, P. Ramamurthy, F. Moshary, L. M. Judd, J. E. González-Cruz Apr 2026

Simulations Of A High Ozone Episode And Heatwave Day Using A Coupled Multi-Layer Urban Canopy And Chemistry Model, H. Gamarro, W. M. Angevine, B. C. Mcdonald, R. Bornstein, P. Ramamurthy, F. Moshary, L. M. Judd, J. E. González-Cruz

Faculty Research, Scholarly, and Creative Activity

Coastal cities face critical challenges in managing ozone pollution because of high population density and complex interactions between urbanization and coastal meteorology. Using New York City (NYC) as a case study, this work examines how urban surfaces influence heatwaves, sea-breeze circulations, and boundary-layer dynamics, and how these processes shape nitrogen dioxide ((Formula presented.)) distributions and ozone formation. Observations from the 2018 Long Island Sound Tropospheric Ozone Study (LISTOS), collected with an airborne high-resolution ultraviolet–visible spectrometer, provide tropospheric (Formula presented.) column densities for evaluating the Weather Research and Forecasting model coupled with Chemistry (WRF-Chem) in multiple urban canopy configurations. Results show …


An Llm-Based Agentic Network Traffic Incident-Report Approach Towards Explainable-Ai Network Defense, Chia Hong Chou, Arjun Sudheer, Younghee Park Apr 2026

An Llm-Based Agentic Network Traffic Incident-Report Approach Towards Explainable-Ai Network Defense, Chia Hong Chou, Arjun Sudheer, Younghee Park

Faculty Research, Scholarly, and Creative Activity

Traditional intrusion detection systems for IoT networks achieve high classification accuracy but lack interpretability and actionable incident-response capabilities, limiting their operational value in security-critical environments. This paper presents a graph-based multi-agent framework that integrates ensemble machine learning with Large Language Model (LLM)-powered incident report generation via Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG). The system employs a three-phase architecture: (1) a lightweight Random Forest binary pre-detection, achieving 99.49% accuracy with a 6 MB model size for edge deployment; (2) ensemble classification combining Multi-Layer Perceptron, Random Forest, and XGBoost with soft voting and SHAP-based feature attribution for explainability; and (3) a ReAct-based summary agent that …


Statement From The Indiana Academy Of The Social Sciences And Board Of Directors Apr 2026

Statement From The Indiana Academy Of The Social Sciences And Board Of Directors

Midwest Social Sciences Journal

No abstract provided.


Art Battle: Perceptions Of Criminality In Rap Vs. Stand-Up Comedy, Abiodun A. Akinseye, Fabiana Alceste, Ashley N. Peters Apr 2026

Art Battle: Perceptions Of Criminality In Rap Vs. Stand-Up Comedy, Abiodun A. Akinseye, Fabiana Alceste, Ashley N. Peters

Midwest Social Sciences Journal

Applied research on perceptions of rap music shows that it is viewed more negatively than other musical genres, such as rock or country (e.g., Dunbar et al., 2016). This is in part due to associations between rap and Blackness, including stereotypes about Black people in general and about rappers specifically (e.g., Reyna et al., 2009). In the United States, prosecutors will sometimes present a rapper’s lyrics as a form of confessionary evidence in the courtroom (e.g., State of New Jersey v. Vonte Skinner, 2012). The practice of using art as criminal evidence appears to be unique to the musical genre …


Intrinsic Motivation In The General Education Classroom, Rachel E. Deaton Apr 2026

Intrinsic Motivation In The General Education Classroom, Rachel E. Deaton

Honors Theses

This research is investigating how to increase intrinsic motivation within the general education classroom using classroom lessons and procedures. Research was gathered using One Search on the University of Mississippi library website. After narrowing down the research, I used information to inform the making of my Unit by Design and procedural guide. Through research we found that in order to support intrinsic motivation that students need three psychological needs to meet: relatedness, competency, and autonomy. The best ways to meet these needs in classroom gamification, teacher motivation, and movement integration. There are things that you can do to help support …


Administrative Burden: The Hidden Costs Associated With Participating In The Department Of Veterans Affairs’ Disability Compensation Process, Christopher Anthony Campagno Apr 2026

Administrative Burden: The Hidden Costs Associated With Participating In The Department Of Veterans Affairs’ Disability Compensation Process, Christopher Anthony Campagno

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has characterized the Appeals Modernization Act (AMA) as a procedural success, citing reductions in remand rates and increases in grant rates. However, VA’s reporting on AMA performance has generally focused on adjudicatory outcomes and has not addressed the administrative burden costs veterans incur while navigating the disability compensation process. Although current scholarship documents administrative burden in other public programs, little empirical work has examined how it manifests in VA’s disability compensation process. The purpose of this general qualitative study was to examine how veterans describe the learning, psychological, and compliance costs they experienced …


Prefatory Matter And Table Of Contents Apr 2026

Prefatory Matter And Table Of Contents

University of Miami Law Review

No abstract provided.


Backstory And Conflicts Of Character Development, Kayla Smith Apr 2026

Backstory And Conflicts Of Character Development, Kayla Smith

Masters Theses

This thesis explores the role of character development and its effects on the characters in the story. Through detailed research into literary works, this study will identify key factors that contribute to backstories and conflicts that keep the audience engaged. By comparing characters who have experienced trauma, the research will show how character development is affected by supporting characters, cultural background, and the illnesses they have experienced. The findings will suggest that character development is important and can change throughout the story. The thesis aims to provide insight to create characters that will make a difference in the story and …


A Culturally Informed Response To Grief And Loss (Cirgl): A Single Case Study Of Anti-Racist And Culturally Responsive Program Development And Evaluation, Leticia Villarreal Sosa, Mostafa Adel Hanafy, Rodney Hopson, Susanna Bohun Apr 2026

A Culturally Informed Response To Grief And Loss (Cirgl): A Single Case Study Of Anti-Racist And Culturally Responsive Program Development And Evaluation, Leticia Villarreal Sosa, Mostafa Adel Hanafy, Rodney Hopson, Susanna Bohun

School of Social Work Faculty Publications

This paper provides a case study analysis of the Culturally Informed Responses to Grief and Loss (CIRGL) Professional Development Program, which equips school-based social workers and other professionals with skills and critical consciousness to support minoritized students in navigating grief and loss. By detailing the CIRGL program’s development, implementation, and culturally responsive evaluation (CRE), the paper outlines the process for developing anti-racist and culturally responsive approaches in social work. The case study draws on the evaluation data including quantitative surveys of participants at the start and near the end of the program, qualitative interviews with a sample of participants near …


Richard Henry Lee: His Life And Legacy As An American Founder And Ways He Reflected Christian Perspectives And Enlightenment Thought, Sarah Lee Beemer Apr 2026

Richard Henry Lee: His Life And Legacy As An American Founder And Ways He Reflected Christian Perspectives And Enlightenment Thought, Sarah Lee Beemer

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This doctoral dissertation examines the life of Richard Henry Lee, serving as a biography while also looking more closely at the ways Christianity and Enlightenment thought were reflected in Lee’s life and work. Given that Lee is less well known than many of the other American Revolutionaries and founders, this dissertation aims to create a greater awareness of the significant contributions that Lee made in the early history of the United States. In addition to serving as a military leader in Virginia during the American Revolutionary War, he served in a political capacity for decades, including in Virginia’s legislature and …


A Multiple Case Study: Communicating Uncertainty In Intelligence Community Analytic Judgments, Donald S. Terry Jr. Apr 2026

A Multiple Case Study: Communicating Uncertainty In Intelligence Community Analytic Judgments, Donald S. Terry Jr.

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

U.S. Intelligence Community (IC) analysts face incessant challenges in expressing and explaining uncertainty (dependent variable) when communicating analytic judgments to their clients. IC analysts theorize and apply estimative language and levels of confidence in their analysis, and then it is received by decision-makers, ultimately having an impact on policy making. Historic case studies of the pre-war intelligence assessment of Iraqi WMD, the operational and diplomatic outcome of the 2011 raid on UBL, and the intelligence surprise of COVD-19 reflect the impact that uncertainty has on strategic analysis. Data is collected from primary sources, coded, and interpreted to survey ideas and …


A Qualitative Study – The Effect Of Technology Through Social Media On Christian Young Adult’S Self-Image And Moral Development, Claudia Sosa Apr 2026

A Qualitative Study – The Effect Of Technology Through Social Media On Christian Young Adult’S Self-Image And Moral Development, Claudia Sosa

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

With technology usage growing among adolescents and much research conducted around the impact social media has on their development and mental wellbeing, there is little research that has been conducted to explore the lived experiences of social media on Christian young adult’s self-image and moral development and what role their faith plays in it. Through a qualitative study via a phenomenological approach and using semi structured interviews, this study sought to understand how Christian young adults ages 18-25 years old experience and describe a shared phenomenon and how they create common meaning on how they believe social media has impacted …


That Of God In Everyone: The Importance Of Indiana And Ohio Quakers In The Abolition Of Slavery In America, 1787-1865, Ryan P. Dreibelbis Apr 2026

That Of God In Everyone: The Importance Of Indiana And Ohio Quakers In The Abolition Of Slavery In America, 1787-1865, Ryan P. Dreibelbis

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Traditional conceptions of the abolition of slavery in America revolve around notions of the Underground Railroad thriving as a Northern operation, significantly in states such as Indiana and Ohio. While it operated extensively in Northern states, albeit not exclusively, due to the criticality of those states, it is important to understand why it existed in the manner it did in those states. Understanding this requires an analysis of the major proponents of the antislavery movement, the activities abolitionists organized and participated in, the beliefs on which they founded their efforts, the lengths they were willing to go to ensure African …


Green Synthesis And Characterization Of Silver Nanoparticles Using Dadap Serep (Erythrina Lithosperma) Leaves Extract As A Bioreductor, Fairuz Hammad Albahi, Suyatno Sutoyo, Tukiran Tukiran Apr 2026

Green Synthesis And Characterization Of Silver Nanoparticles Using Dadap Serep (Erythrina Lithosperma) Leaves Extract As A Bioreductor, Fairuz Hammad Albahi, Suyatno Sutoyo, Tukiran Tukiran

Chimica et Natura Acta

Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) had been widely applied in various fields such as health, food, environment, catalysts, optics, and electronics. The synthesis of silver nanoparticles can be carried using a bottom-up method using by bioreductants derived from natural extracts (green synthesis). This study aims to describe the green synthesis of silver nanoparticles using a bioreductants from dadap serep (E. lithosperma) leaves extract and to determine its characteristics. The synthesis was carried out by varying the volume ratio of dadap serep leaves extract to silver nitrate solution at ratios of 1: 1, 1: 2, 1: 3, and 1: 4, followed by optimization …


The Chemistry Profile Of Essential Oil Of The Roots, Stems, And Leaves Of The Plant Litsea Firma (Blume) Hook F., Rafiunisa Rafiunisa, Rini Muharini, Erlina Erlina Apr 2026

The Chemistry Profile Of Essential Oil Of The Roots, Stems, And Leaves Of The Plant Litsea Firma (Blume) Hook F., Rafiunisa Rafiunisa, Rini Muharini, Erlina Erlina

Chimica et Natura Acta

Indonesia, as an agrarian country rich in natural resources, holds enormous potential in the essential oil industry. There are approximately 150–200 species of essential oil-producing plants worldwide, 40 of which are found in Indonesia, including those from the Lauraceae family. The genus Litsea within the Lauraceae family is known for producing essential oils, with Litsea cubeba being the most popular. However, high demand for Litsea’s essential oils encourages the exploration of essential oils from other Litsea species, such as Litsea firma. This study used gas chromatography-mass spectrometry to look at the chemical profile of essential oils from the roots, stems, …


Correlation Between Ftir Fingerprint Spectra And Inhibition Of Α-Glucosidase Activity Of Andrographis Paniculata Using Partial Least Squares Regression Analysis, Mohamad Rafi, Stevanus Stevanus, Zuhelmi Aziz, Retti Hanggia Anggela, Agus Saputra Apr 2026

Correlation Between Ftir Fingerprint Spectra And Inhibition Of Α-Glucosidase Activity Of Andrographis Paniculata Using Partial Least Squares Regression Analysis, Mohamad Rafi, Stevanus Stevanus, Zuhelmi Aziz, Retti Hanggia Anggela, Agus Saputra

Chimica et Natura Acta

Andrographis paniculata has been used empirically by people as traditional medicine to treat diabetes. In this study, we correlated the FTIR spectra and α-glucosidase inhibition by using chemometrics analysis to obtain a functional group from the metabolite present in A. paniculata herb exhibited α-glucosidase inhibitory activity. A. paniculata herb powder was extracted using water, ethanol, ethyl acetate, and n-hexane using ultrasonication method. The dried extract obtained was then measured for its FTIR spectra and determined for α-glucosidase inhibitory activity. Absorbance data from the FTIR spectra of A. paniculata herb extracts were used as a principal component analysis (PCA) variable for …


Evaluation Of Thrombotic Markers In Diabetic Septic Foot: A Study Of Coagulation And Hematological Parameters In Khartoum State, Anwar S. Alhussan, Sahar Elbagir, Sarah O. Alsawmhi, Hassn Pyar Apr 2026

Evaluation Of Thrombotic Markers In Diabetic Septic Foot: A Study Of Coagulation And Hematological Parameters In Khartoum State, Anwar S. Alhussan, Sahar Elbagir, Sarah O. Alsawmhi, Hassn Pyar

Chimica et Natura Acta

Diabetes mellitus is a globally prevalent chronic disease. It is characterized by a metabolic dysregulation in insulin secretion, resulting in persistent hyperglycemia. Uncontrolled HbA1c levels may lead to various complications, including diabetic Septic foot (DSF), which in severe cases can progress to lower limb amputation. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate coagulation profiles and hematological parameters as potential thrombotic and inflammatory markers associated with diabetic foot infections. Preventive measures, patient education, and proper diabetic foot care remain the cornerstone strategies for reducing the risk and progression of such complications. The Total of 120 participants were divided into three groups by …


Interferon-Induced Protein Ifit3 As A Molecular Nexus Of Neuroinflammation In Alzheimer’S Disease And Hiv-Associated Neurocognitive Disorders, Ranjit Kumar Das, Nirakar Sahoo, Deepa Roy, Lauren Nguyen, Hansapani Rodrigo, Asim K. Duttaroy, Jerel Adam Fields, Upal Roy Apr 2026

Interferon-Induced Protein Ifit3 As A Molecular Nexus Of Neuroinflammation In Alzheimer’S Disease And Hiv-Associated Neurocognitive Disorders, Ranjit Kumar Das, Nirakar Sahoo, Deepa Roy, Lauren Nguyen, Hansapani Rodrigo, Asim K. Duttaroy, Jerel Adam Fields, Upal Roy

Health & Biomedical Sciences Faculty Publications

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and HIV-associated neurocognitive disorder (HAND) are significant global health concerns characterized by cognitive impairment and shared pathological features, including chronic neuroinflammation, amyloid deposition, and immune dysregulation. However, the precise molecular connections between these disorders remain unclear. Here, we identify IFIT3 as a critical shared mediator of neuroinflammatory responses in both AD and HAND. Using complementary approaches, including neuronal and microglial cell cultures, the APP/PS1 mouse model, and human postmortem brain tissues, we demonstrate consistent IFIT3 upregulation in response to amyloid-beta (Aβ) and HIV-1 exposure, with notably enhanced expression under combined conditions. Treatment with combination antiretroviral therapy (cART) …


Editorial: Publishing Impact Awarded, Frazer Underwood Apr 2026

Editorial: Publishing Impact Awarded, Frazer Underwood

South West Clinical School Journal

No abstract provided.


The Unsovereign Citizen: The Reconfiguration Of Rights And Belonging In Fascist Italy, Roberta Pergher Apr 2026

The Unsovereign Citizen: The Reconfiguration Of Rights And Belonging In Fascist Italy, Roberta Pergher

Midwest Social Sciences Journal

Modern political thought tends to associate citizenship with democracy, equality, and political participation. This article demonstrates that citizenship can be profoundly important also for authoritarian rule. In Fascist Italy, citizenship remained central to political life, not as a vehicle of democratic participation, to be sure, but as a category through which the regime redefined belonging, hierarchy, and sovereignty. Drawing on citizenship legislation, imperial ordinances, racial laws, police reports, and ministerial commentary between 1912 and 1943, this article shows how the dictatorship hollowed out liberal citizenship within the peninsula, stratified it across imperial territories, consolidated it across diasporic populations, and ultimately …


Development And Feasibility Testing Of A Video-Based Virtual Reality Bullying Safety Skills Intervention For School-Aged Children With Disabilities, Trevor C. Maxfield Apr 2026

Development And Feasibility Testing Of A Video-Based Virtual Reality Bullying Safety Skills Intervention For School-Aged Children With Disabilities, Trevor C. Maxfield

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Virtual reality (VR) technology has emerged as a promising instructional tool for children with disabilities; however, research on using VR to improve safety skills in this population remains limited. The present study employed a 2-phase approach to develop and evaluate a video-based VR bullying safety skills intervention for children with disabilities. In Phase 1, bullying and applied behavior analysis experts reviewed and validated the intervention content, including the response to bullying steps, school-based scenario storyboards, and embedded behavioral procedures, rating the content as valid and technically adequate. Expert feedback informed refinements to the intervention content and the decision to transition …


Family-Owned Small And Medium Enterprises And The Influence Of Social Capital Dimensions On Innovative Performance, Dawn Renee Proctor Apr 2026

Family-Owned Small And Medium Enterprises And The Influence Of Social Capital Dimensions On Innovative Performance, Dawn Renee Proctor

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Family-owned businesses in the United States encounter innovation and performance challenges that may contribute to unsustainable business practices. Owners and managers of family-owned small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) must understand these challenges, as failure to do so may indicate missed opportunities to leverage innovation through dimensions of social capital. The purpose of this quantitative, non-experimental, correlational study was to measure investment levels within social capital dimensions (structural, relational, and cognitive) that impact family-owned SMEs’ innovative efforts and performance capabilities in the West and Midwest regions of the United States. The theoretical foundation was social capital theory. There were four research …