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Tolkien, Tabletop, and Orcs: The Impact of Participatory Neomedievalisms on Authority
Full text linkDifferent medieval and fantasy works have utilized race in different ways. Medieval Europe used race as a structural relationship to morally and religiously other certain people groups. J.R.R. Tolkien used race in a similar way, othering the fantasy races like orcs as a way to give the audiences clear antagonists. Direct film and video game adaptations of Tolkien uphold him as the authority on fantasy race, using orcs as antagonists and glorifying violence against them. The table-top role-playing game Dungeons and Dragons initially held up the antagonistic portrayal of orcs, but through different editions, the restrictions placed on orcs have lessened. This development is due to games like Dungeons and Dragons being a participatory neomedievalism, which allows for greater audience participation. An audience’s participation weakens the power of fixed fantasy archetypes and tropes because the authority shifts from a sole author to a wider audience
Ad-hoc Implementation of an Acute Psychiatric Intensive Care Unit in an Inpatient Psychiatric Care Setting as an Intervention for Violent Patients
Full text linkAbstract
Nurses in psychiatric facilities frequently experience violence from patients, resulting in an increase in burnout and a decrease in job satisfaction. This quality improvement project proposes implementing an acute Psychiatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) to reduce incidents of patient aggression toward nursing staff in an inpatient psychiatric hospital. This initiative employs a specialized team, which includes the Behavioral Emergency Response Team (BERT) staffed within the PICU. Research indicates that PICUs, supported by BERTs, can effectively decrease rates of violence. This project outlines a protocol for the safety of nurses regarding activating BERT for instant transfer to the PICU when patients’ aggressive episodes are suspected or when patients require immediate psychiatric interventions. During the past 13 months, the psychiatric hospital has experienced 145 staff injuries from January 2024 to January 2025, with an average of 11.2 monthly injury occurrences. Nurses are experiencing at least one violent occurrence from patients every 2.5 days. Workplace violence is on the rise, with 40% of injuries reported in the last 5 months between September 2024 and January 2025. The implementation of BERT and PICU in psychiatric hospitals could significantly reduce workplace violence and increase the safety of nursing staff in psychiatric settings.
Keywords: Psychiatric Intensive Care Unit, Behavioral Emergency Response Team, Workplace Violence, Psychiatric Nurse
Evaluation of Lead Migration at a Public Shooting Range in Arkansas
No full textOne of the primary criticisms of shooting sports is the detrimental impact of lead on the environment and human health. An approach to reduce the impact of lead more broadly on the environment is to use specific areas to concentrate and sequester the lead (i.e., shooting ranges).The Environmental Protection Agency has published a brochure (last updated 2005) outlining the ‘best management practices’ that can be used to mitigate lead erosion from shooting ranges. While there are many practices and mitigation approaches included in the brochure, it is necessary to adapt principles to each specific shooting range location. In typical surface conditions lead generally oxidizes quickly to hydrocerussite (Pb3(CO)3(OH)2), which tends to be insoluble. While insoluble, the lead can still be transported via mechanical transport as water erodes surface materials. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the lead migration in the soil at a shooting range. The study site is a public shooting range, that has adapted the EPA management strategies. Soil samples (n=100) were collected in a grid pattern at the base of the soil berms, additional samples were taken of the drainage/erosion channels, catchment pond and beyond. Lead concentrations were measured using a portable X-Ray Fluorescence Analyzer. Preliminary results indicate that lead had been carried beyond the shooting range and catchment pond
From Crisis to Cohesion: How Different Disasters Influence Community Solidarity
Full text linkDisasters, whether natural, like hurricanes and tornadoes, or human-made, like industrial accidents and terrorist attacks can bring people together, but not always in the same way. This study explores how different types of disasters affect community solidarity and collective action. Specifically, it asks: How do community solidarity and collective action differ in response to natural versus human-made disasters?
To answer this question, the study will use interviews with adults who have personally experienced a disaster. Participants from different backgrounds will share their experiences, helping to identify common patterns in how communities come together (or don’t) after a crisis. The study will look at key factors like leadership, media coverage, and cultural and economic differences to understand what influences community responses.
Early findings suggest that natural disasters often unite people for longer periods because they affect everyone regardless of background. In contrast, human-made disasters can divide communities, especially if blame is involved. Other factors, such as government response, media influence, and existing community ties, also shape how people come together after a disaster. The results of this study can help improve disaster response efforts by providing insight into the social side of recovery
Emergency Preparedness in Arkansas Institutions of Higher Education: A Resource Based Analysis
Full text linkAbstract: This study examines the availability of emergency management and campus safety resources in Institutions of Higher Education (IHEs) in Arkansas. The research examines the question: What emergency management and campus safety resources are available in IHEs in Arkansas? Using a quantitative research design, the study analyzes secondary data from 58 university websites. The IHEs were stratified into four categories: Four-Year Public Universities, Two-Year Public Colleges, Other Higher Education Institutions, and Private Colleges & Universities. The resources assessed include having public safety department, office of emergency management, campus alert system, emergency management plan, emergency operations guide, and training programs. Descriptive statistics were employed to analyze the data. The findings indicate that of the 58 IHEs examined, 47 had a designated public safety department, and 26 had an office of emergency management. Likewise, 43 IHEs had emergency management plans, 39 had campus alert system, 41 had an emergency operations guide, and 33 IHEs offered some form of emergency management or campus safety training. Additionally, the findings reveal that four-year public universities and two-year public colleges have the most extensive emergency management and campus safety resources, while other higher education institutions have the least resources. This research discusses these findings and advances the understanding of campus preparedness while also providing recommendations for strengthening preparedness and resilience in institutions of higher education
Charge-to-Mass Ratio of the Electron
Full text linkWe measured the charge-to-mass ratio (q/m) of the electron via a method similar to that used by J.J. Thomson in 1897. Our calculated value is q/m = (1.752 +/- 0.046) x 10^11 C/kg, which agrees with the textbook value of 1.759 x 10^11 C/kg within an error of 0.36%. This confirms the viability and accuracy of Thomson\u27s approach for determining the electron\u27s q/m ratio. Observed uncertainties are attributed to variations in the magnetic field within the Helmholtz coil apparatus and fluctuations in current over time
PEP Manned Electric Boat
Full text linkA team of five engineers took on the challenge of designing, building, and testing a single-person electric boat for the Promoting Electric Propulsion (PEP) competition. From the start, our team focused on maximizing efficiency and performance by carefully selecting and refining each part of the system—everything from the hull and shaft to the propeller, motor, and battery setup. We repurposed an old hull, repaired it, and outfitted it with a new custom-designed shaft and a well-matched propeller to improve handling and propulsion. Power came from a custom-built LiFePO₄ battery pack, paired with a reliable battery management system to keep everything running safely and efficiently. A GPS speed sensor and touchscreen display gave the driver real-time performance feedback. Along the way, our team navigated technical challenges and tight budget limits, but our hard work paid off. The finished boat performed with impressive speed and control, securing second place in the competition and proving the strength of our design and teamwork
Volume 1, Issue 1
Full text linkNebo, Volume 1, Issue 1 (Spring 1983), marks the beginning of a new era for Arkansas Tech University’s literary journal, as it transitions from its former identity as The Five Cent Cigar to Nebo. Published biannually by the English Department, Nebo takes its name from both the Chaldean god of writing and the iconic Arkansas landmark, Mount Nebo, symbolizing the journal’s dedication to creative expression and literary excellence.
This inaugural issue showcases poetry and fiction from both emerging and established writers, featuring works by Howard Nemerov, Dana Gioia, and Lily Peter, among others. With this transition, Nebo affirms its commitment to curating thought-provoking literature that explores identity, memory, relationships, and the complexities of the human experience. As the journal moves forward under its new name, it continues to serve as a vital platform for literary voices, embracing a legacy of storytelling and artistic innovation
Volume 5, Issue 2
Full text linkThis issue of Nebo: A Literary Journal represents a dynamic collection of poetry, fiction, nonfiction, translations, and visual art, showcasing a diverse range of voices from emerging and established writers. Originally archived as Volume 5, Issue 2, this issue is actually Volume 9, covering Fall and Spring of the 1990-1991 academic year. As part of the ongoing archival process, some volume and issue numbers in the digital collection may not correspond with those printed in the original journals. Despite these variations, the commitment of Nebo to fostering literary excellence and supporting the creative arts remains unwavering. This issue features contributions from Arkansas Tech University students alongside nationally recognized writers, reflecting the journal’s longstanding mission of championing literary and visual arts
Volume 8, Issue 2
Full text linkThis issue of Nebo: A Literary Journal is a remarkable showcase of poetry, fiction, nonfiction, and literary criticism, highlighting a diverse range of voices and themes. Originally archived as Volume 8, Issue 2, this issue is actually Volume 13, Issue 1, covering Fall 1994. Due to necessary metadata adjustments in the digital archiving process, some volume and issue numbers in the online collection may not match those printed in the original journals.
This issue features a special section dedicated to New Formalism, a poetic movement that sought to reintroduce traditional meter and narrative structures into contemporary poetry. Notable contributors include Annie Finch, Richard Alan Bunch, Siv Cedering, and Len Krisak, whose works reflect this formalist resurgence. The fiction selections in this issue explore themes of memory, war, and loss, as seen in Grace Cash’s My Brother Julian , a poignant historical narrative, and Jean C. Thomas’ The Yard Sale, which examines themes of identity and materialism. The book review section provides critical insight into Western poetry and contemporary literature, adding further depth to this issue’s engagement with literary traditions