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The Effects of Immigration on Law Enforcement
Get PDFThis paper examines the effects of immigration on law enforcement, focusing on the challenges and opportunities faced by police agencies in increasingly diverse communities. As immigrant populations grow, law enforcement must navigate the complexities of balancing a healthy relationship, crime prevention, community safety, and the protection of individual rights. This paper explores concerns such as the potential for complications between immigrant communities and police if trust is not established. At the same time, it highlights the positive contributions immigrants can make to public safety, such as lower crime rates and enhanced community cooperation. Based on case studies and research, this paper advocates strategies such as community policing, implicit bias training, and building healthy relationships. The findings suggest that while immigration can present unique challenges for law enforcement, proactive training and community-based strategies can enhance trust and cooperation, leading to improved public safety outcomes. This paper argues that, based on the findings, law enforcement should prepare for the effects of immigration on their local communities.LEMI
Enhancing Resilience in the Healthcare Supply Chain: Lessons from IV Fluid Shortages in the Wake of Natural Disasters
No full textThe resilience of the healthcare supply chain is a crucial factor in the US’s ability to respond effectively to medical crises. This resilience is being tested, particularly in the wake of natural disasters such as hurricanes, fires, and flooding – which scientists expect to worsen in the coming decades (NCEI). Disruptions in our supply system can have immediate and severe consequences, impeding the availability of essential medical supplies such as intravenous (IV) fluids, which are critical for patient care across a wide range of medical contexts. The supply chain’s vulnerabilities became especially evident during hurricanes Maria (September 2017) and Helene (September 2024), when the shutdown of key manufacturing facilities—such as those operated by Baxter International in Puerto Rico and North Carolina—led to nationwide shortages. These events underscored how reliance on a few centralized production sites created systemic risks, making it clear that alternative strategies must be considered to bolster resilience. Scholars such as Chopra and Sodhi (2014) and Sheffi (2015) emphasize that over-concentrated supply chains are inherently fragile and may be highly susceptible to large-scale disruptions, reinforcing the necessity for diversification and redundancy
Emerging Threats Against Urgent Care Centers
No full textUrgent care centers have become an essential aspect of everyday life in our modern society. Securing this critical healthcare infrastructure is, naturally, of paramount importance. This report sheds light on some potentially insidious emerging threats of the next decade as they pertain to small and medium-sized businesses. In particular, Urgent Care Centers in Texas and the country. To this end, data has been collated using cyber security threat reports published by industry (Deloitte, CrowdStrike, Cisco, IBM, Verizon, Google, etc.) and government agencies (White House, NIST, Homeland Security, CISA, etc.) to put forth an educated guess on the nature and severity of cyberattacks that may plague this health-care sector of small and medium-sized businesses in the subsequent decade. In developing this report, the authors have considered nascent, upcoming technologies that are destined to become mainstream in the coming years. These include, but are not limited to Artificial Intelligence (AI), Generative AI, and Large Language Models, Cloud, Internet of Things, and the ever-changing geopolitical landscape of the world. Several physicians are drawn to the (lucrative) field of starting an urgent care center and while the cyber climate is favorable, everything seems rosy. It’s only when a breach, or cyber-attack wreaks havoc do the urgent care proprietors begin to realize the dangers of an insecure cyber infrastructure. Unfortunately, in many instances, this realization may be too late. To illustrate the gravity of these threats, the report also includes a graphic that captures the evolution and diversity of these attacks and the devastating impacts of such an attack on a typical urgent care center. This is done to impress upon the proprietors that while defense may cost some resources, being unprepared may be prohibitively expensive. The authors also briefly discuss cyber inequity and the impact of cybersecurity trends on society and economies in general in this context. This section of our report is also devoted to a brief discussion on regulatory mechanisms, risk management, assessment, and disaster recovery protocols.
Having identified this set of potential threats, the authors then outline tangible steps and measures that an urgent care SMB might proactively implement to insulate themselves against these threats. This report can serve as a prophylaxis against these upcoming threats. While not comprehensive, our intention is to help bolster health care centers against the most probable threat scenarios rather than all possible attacks. This is done with cost and time-efficiency in mind. Since most centers do not possess the means to devote substantial resources towards security, this report only includes options that can produce the most gain for their resources invested.
In summary, our report aims to inspire urgent care centers in Texas and around the country (that play a pivotal role in our modern society) to be mindful of the rapidly evolving landscape of cyber threats and attacks. This report brings to light our best forecast and predictions on the nature of cyber threats facing them in the next decade using reports from a diverse set of sources. Lastly, being proactive, this report will serve as a guide to be prepared and protected against some of these projected trends in threats and attacks for the next decade
The Evaluation of the Combined Use of UV-Vis Microspectrophotometry and Plane-Polarized Light Microscopy for the Forensic Examination and Discrimination of Textile Fibers
Get PDFWhile microscopical and instrumental analysis methods are used to determine the composition of recovered textile fibers, comparative examinations rely heavily on the discriminating abilities of an adopted analytical scheme with color and colorant components being key features in the forensic examination of textile fibers. This analysis is equally important when the composition of a fiber is relatively homogeneous typical of nylon, acrylic, and other man-made fibers, as it is when the composition of a fiber is heterogeneous typical of cotton, wool, and other natural fibers. However, these types of analyses often come with a few difficulties, including small sample sizes, the need for non-destructive techniques, the analysis of both pale and densely colored fibers, and the complexity of both archaic and modern dye compositions.
A fiber examination typically begins with light microscopy. The determination of whether the fibers are natural (e.g., cotton or wool) or man-made (e.g., viscose, polyester, acrylics, or nylons) is established. Polarized light microscopy is used to study the optical properties of man-made fibers. Color, dichroism, and fluorescence are important features used during comparative examinations. It is then recommended that visible microspectrophotometry (Vis-MSP) and/or UV-Vis microspectrophotometry (UV-Vis MSP) be used, which may be followed by other methods such as thin layer chromatography (TLC).
Determining the most efficient methodology for the application of different variations of microspectrophotometry (MSP) to the forensic differentiation of textile fibers was examined throughout this research. The goal was to gain a better understanding of the strengths and limitations of the classical analytical sequences of light microscopy and visible MSP, together with ultraviolet radiation (UV) and plane-polarized light (PPL). Additionally, the use of micro-Raman spectroscopy, Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) and TLC were also utilized in a few contexts. These methods were applied, where appropriate, to characterize and differentiate three different collections of textile fibers containing both darkly colored (black) fiber samples as well as dyed (colored) textile fiber samples of various types of fibers including both man-made and natural fibers. The results showed that incorporating both the UV and plane-polarized light unequivocally contributed to differentiating these fiber sample sets.
The goal of this research was to evaluate the differences in the discriminating abilities offered by the various applications of MSP in the characterization and differentiation of fiber sample sets containing darkly colored (black) fibers and both natural and synthetic fibers of various colors. Second, to complement existing studies in determining to what extent Vis-MSP expanded into the UV region in conjunction with plane-polarized light influenced the differentiation of textile fiber sample sets for forensic purposes
On Eosinophils: the Structure, Organization, and Hypothetical Use of Specialized White Blood Cells
Get PDFUndergraduate Honors ThesisThe human body is a complex network of cells that cooperate in the interest of achieving one common goal - survival. Each of these unique cells preforms a specific function, or a series of functions, to facilitate this goal. Within the human bloodstream, there are nearly a dozen different types of blood cells consisting of around 25 billion individuals. These cells are typically erythrocytes, however around 0.01% of the cells in human blood are a special type of white blood cell called an eosinophil.
First discovered in the 19th century, eosinophils function in the body primarily to defend against specific threats - allergens and blood parasites being two of the most common stimuli these cells are programed to destroy. However, despite their ability to dismantle these threat actors, much of the current research on these cells consists only of their ability to act as a diagnostic for other infections, diseases, or imbalances. As such, this research paper seeks to further the study of these cells in their own right, and aims to highlight the potential of eosinophils beyond a diagnostic method. The hypothetical uses of these cells are covered in relation to many areas such as allergies, sepsis, and even cancerous tumors. However, the primary goal of this thesis is to delve into the potential of these cells to act as a lifesaving supplemental treatment for the world’s most notoriously fatal blood parasite - malaria.
Due to their ability to identify and dispatch blood parasites, this paper hypothesizes that isolating these cells from healthy blood donations, and creating a concentrated solution to be injected into the blood of those with a parasitic infection like malaria, would cause a boost in the subject’s immune system. The hope is that this boost, particularly in those with immunodeficiency disorder or sepsis, and thus a lower absolute count of eosinophils, will increase the patient’s ability to eliminate the infection. Furthermore, an experimental design to test the above hypothesis was formulated and adapted from various sources, and is detailed within this thesis. This paper aims to serve as the basis from which other research might stem with the ultimate goal of furthering understanding in this field of science.College of Science and TechnologyBiolog
The Growing Role of Artificial Intelligence in Tomorrow's Urban Hydrological Infrastructure
Get PDFUrban hydrological infrastructure is vital for sustainable water management in cities, yet it faces significant challenges from climate change, rapid urbanization, and aging infrastructure. These challenges exacerbate water scarcity, increase flood risks, and strain existing infrastructure, underscoring the urgent need for innovative and adaptive solutions. Artificial Intelligence (AI) has emerged as a transformative tool, offering advanced capabilities in predictive maintenance, flood risk modeling, water quality monitoring, and urban planning. This study aims to explore AI's growing role in managing urban hydrological infrastructure. A qualitative approach was employed, utilizing a systematic review and bibliometric analysis to synthesize knowledge and identify trends in the field. Scopus was selected as the primary database due to its extensive coverage of multidisciplinary research. Keywords such as "urban hydrology," "artificial intelligence," "machine learning," "water management," "extreme events," and "flood prediction" were used, yielding a dataset of 2,098 relevant documents. The analysis identified five primary clusters of AI applications within urban hydrological infrastructure. These include AI in flood prediction and early warning systems, AI in urban water demand forecasting, AI in real-time water quality monitoring, AI in optimization of stormwater management systems, and AI in urban flood risk assessment and mapping. The originality of this research lies in its explorative analysis of AI's role in enhancing the efficiency, resilience, and sustainability of urban water systems. Furthermore, it offers practical insights for policymakers, engineers, and urban planners, paving the way for integrating cutting-edge technologies into urban water management. This study also contributes to the growing discourse on sustainable urban development, demonstrating how AI can revolutionize hydrological infrastructure to meet the demands of an increasingly complex and dynamic world
STORIES OF NATIVE AMERICAN HIGHER EDUCATION STUDENTS IN ONLINE LEARNING ENVIRONMENTS
Get PDFAs online learning becomes an increasingly dominant mode of higher education,
Native American students navigate unique challenges and opportunities within these
digital spaces. This dissertation explores the experiences of Native American students in online higher education, focusing on the barriers they face, the support systems they rely on, and the ways in which they maintain cultural identity in virtual learning
environments.
Through qualitative research and firsthand narratives, this study examines the
impact of digital access, institutional support, and culturally responsive pedagogy on
student engagement and success. A key finding reveals that, despite facing systemic
challenges, many Native students take on the role of cultural educators, sharing their
tribal knowledge and perspectives with peers and instructors, often without institutional
recognition or support. Their willingness to contribute in this way highlights both their
resilience and the need for higher education institutions to foster more inclusive and
supportive learning environments.
This research underscores the importance of culturally responsive approaches in
online education and calls for policies that address digital equity, community-based
learning, and Indigenous representation in curriculum and instructional design. By
centering Native voices, this study aims to contribute to a broader understanding of how online learning can better serve Indigenous students and create pathways for success
The Human Element in Critical Infrastructure: Strengthening Workforce Preparedness for Restoration and Resumption After Mass Disruption
No full textCritical infrastructure resilience and cybersecurity hinges not just on physical assets but, more importantly, on the people responsible for managing, restoring, and resuming operations and their related technologies post-disruption. This paper examines how building skills and capabilities that prioritize the human element of critical infrastructure can improve performance during recovery and deliver ongoing benefits during routine ‘blue skies’ operations.
This paper identifies key strategies that strengthen workforce capability across three critical areas: workforce resilience, cross-sector collaboration, and community engagement. By highlighting practical examples and case studies from Texas and New Zealand, this paper advocates for an approach to strengthening workforce capability that not only bolsters crisis response and recovery but also improves ongoing business operations. Preparing infrastructure and cybersecurity workers for mass disruption—and equipping them with the necessary skills for workforce resilience, collaboration, and engagement—positions organizations to thrive in both crisis and blue skies scenarios
Risk of State-Sponsored Intellectual Property Theft and Protection
No full textIntellectual property (IP) is a cornerstone of innovation and economic strength, yet it faces growing threats from state-sponsored theft. This paper explores the significance of IP theft for U.S. national security and economic stability, focusing on the legal frameworks, case studies, and methods used by state actors. It provides actionable recommendations for critical infrastructure owners and advisors to mitigate risks and enhance protections
Assessing Workforce Training Strategies in Critical Infrastructure: Insights and Recommendations
No full textCritical infrastructure sectors face growing risks from evolving threats such as cybersecurity attacks, natural disasters and cascading disruptions. Frontline employees play a pivotal role in mitigating these risks and ensuring operational continuity. However, limited research exists on the adequacy of training strategies tailored to the needs of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) within these sectors. This study addresses this gap by examining existing workforce training approaches and highlighting opportunities for SMEs to enhance workforce training. The research employed a systematic literature review to evaluate current workforce training strategies. Relevant academic journals, industry publications and government reports were identified using targeted search terms such as “workforce training,” “critical infrastructure,” “SMEs” and sector-specific phrases like “energy sector workforce training,” “cybersecurity workforce training,” and “resilience training for SMEs.” Databases including Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar served as primary sources. Six strategies were identified in this review: (1) traditional and core skills training, (2) technology integration and innovation training, (3) emerging threats and risk management training, (4) certification and regulatory compliance training, (5) partnerships with educational institutions and (6) simulation-based and virtual training. This study provides a unique perspective by focusing on the workforce training needs of SMEs within critical infrastructure sectors, an area often overlooked in broader industry discussions. By proposing tailored opportunities for SMEs, the research offers actionable insights that align with the resource constraints and operational challenges faced by smaller organizations