A Mixed Finite Element Approximation of pre-Darcy Flows

In this paper, we consider the pre-Darcy flows for slightly compressible fluids. Using Muskat's and Ward's general form of Forchheimer equations, we describe the fluid dynamics by a nonlinear system of density and momentum. A mixed finite element method is proposed for the approximation of the solution of the above system. The stability of the approximations are proved; the error estimates are derived for the numerical approximations for both continuous and discrete time procedures. Numerical experiments confirm the theoretical analysis regarding convergence rates

Editorial Introduction - Addressing the Elephant in the Room: The Impact of AI and Society Today on Communication Centers

Introduction to the 10th volume of the Communication Center Journa

Note on decomposition of ordered semigroups

Different kinds of decompositions for semigroups and ordered semigroups have beenstudied by several authors. In this note, we define and study a kind of such a decomposition forordered semigroups called right o-ideal decomposition. Some properties of it are obtained

Mathematical Approaches of Modeling Obesity Trends

The prevalence of obesity has drastically increased over the past several decades and has caused strain within the healthcare system, as obesity puts individuals at an increased risk for a variety of diseases and conditions. This project develops multiple mathematical models for obesity trends in the United States. We first used linear regression to model how the overall trends of obesity have changed over time. Linear regressions enabled us to gain insight into the relationship between obesity and societal factors such as poverty and food insecurity and enabled us to gain insight into the relationships seen in the data. Further, the rise in obesity levels has been theorized to mimic the spread of an infectious diseases. Since infectious diseases are often studied using SIR-models, we next developed an SIR model to study and analyze their effectiveness in modeling obesity. This enabled us to gain an understanding of the population level dynamics however might be overly complex. Finally, we used agent-based modeling strategies to create a probabilistic model of obesity trends. The use of agent-based models is supported by the theory that one’s social community may also impact the likelihood of becoming obese. The agent-based model was relatively simple but modeled the population level dynamics well. Developing these and similar models could enable the investigation of various intervention strategies to reduce obesity levels within the United States

Resisting the Notion of "Proper Literacy" as the Standard for Speaking Well

It has become increasingly clear that we as communication center professionals must confront the deeply rooted linguistic assumptions and traditions that underlie notions of speaking well. In this essay, we argue that one place to start is to look closely how and why conceptions of speaking well have come to rest on an unquestioned ideal of what has been termed "proper literacy." We analyze an array of speaking center tip sheets, videos, and web pages and discuss the ways in which the standard of proper literacy functions to shackle the performative potential of our rhetorical spaces, narrowing or even erasing the multitude of possibilities for producing and performing effective oral messages and unintentionally reinforcing aspects of white privilege and exclusion in the academy. We offer the possibility of a return to the rhetorical tradition of techne as one approach to begin to resist the confines and dangers of written “propriety” in our spoken discourse

Micro-Geographies as Pedagogy: Space, Bodies and Practice

We offer as praxis—at the intersection between theory and practice—an essay examining what we are calling the micro-geography of the communication center. Specifically, we challenge communication center practitioners to think about the ways in which everyday practices and “bottom-up” efforts in our centers can work to counter or decolonize top-down decisions and managerialism, particularly around efforts operating under the umbrella, or perhaps guise, of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). A theory of micro-geography provides a framework with which to contemplate how our cultural values of diversity and community are organized and reproduced in the everyday landscape of the center, and how peer-consultants navigate their way toward unique pedagogies that welcome and respond to the needs of the speakers who use the center. Ultimately, we work toward enabling practices and processes from “below,” allowing for critical self-reflection among the communication center staff in order to deepen the center’s overall pedagogy

Mathematically Forecasting Stock Prices with Geometric Brownian Motion

Predicting the progression of an unsteady stock market appears to be an impossible task due to the volatile nature of investment portfolios. However, principles such as Geometric Brownian Motion account for random occurrences in a way that can be translated to modeling the stock market. This paper analyzes the Reddy-Clinton equation, a difference equation derived by Krishna Reddy and Vaughan Clinton, with the primary intention of modeling stock price movement over time by utilizing existing metrics. The Reddy-Clinton equation incorporates both a certain and uncertain component to generate a figure which effectively depicts the volatility of the stock market. However, this paper aims to clarify the extent of the unpredictability being accounted for by specifically adjusting ε, the variable representing stochasticity, through an adjusted bell-curve model. Additionally, the model is calculated over multiple iterations, with the resulting values collectively averaged to increase accuracy. The adapted model was applied to the following five stocks of varying sectors: AAPL, OXY, PYPL, MCD, and SPG, and resulted in a MAPE of merely 6.87% over a 6-month period. Overall, the paper proposes an altered rendition of the Reddy-Clinton equation to better account for volatility and output an accurate model of a stock’s performance over a period of time

Creating an Integrated Coaching Culture In Higher Education

In higher education, it is a common ask to do more with less while delivering high-quality, holistic service to students. Coaching has been shown to produce significant gains in strengthening self-efficacy, improving GPA, and increasing retention through graduation (Alzen et al., 2021; Capstick et al., 2019; Catchings, 2014; Grover & Furnham, 2016; Losch et al., 2016), therefore making it a logical program to target for growth. To expand the impact of the University of Kentucky’s academic coaching program, in 2020, leadership modified the Appreciative Academic Coaching framework (Bradley & Reynolds, 2021) into Integrated Success Coaching with the intent to build a coaching culture across campus. This modification created a two-pronged approach to serving students, faculty, and staff across our campus: (a) training for professionally certified International Coaching Federation (ICF) coaches across six domains, including academic life, career, finances, wellness, leadership, and identity (e.g., First Gen) to directly serve students, and (b) training in foundational coaching skills for faculty, staff, and student leaders to incorporate into their daily practice. The evolution of this coaching model has allowed for holistic support of students and immersive coaching values and practices for faculty, staff, and student leaders that have led to improved retention and better GPA outcomes for students on probation and a culture of coaching care among faculty, staff, and students

Mentoring New Faculty: An Appreciative Approach

During this period of dramatic social and institutional change in higher education, positive induction and ongoing support for early-career and faculty members new to the campus community is essential. Disparities remain in the recruitment, development, retention, and promotion of diverse faculty, in large part because of the lack of mentoring. The purpose of this article is to enhance approaches for supporting early-career and otherwise new faculty members. Based upon the principles and processes of Appreciative Inquiry, the Appreciative Mentoring Model is presented. Each of the Appreciative Inquiry “D-phases” is described in detail together with research-based best practices that can be employed in mentoring. Prompts, questions, and specific examples designed to support the growing need for a more collaborative, fluid, dynamic, and transformative approach to mentoring are provided.

Storytelling and Identity: The Developmental Role of Stories in Communication Centers

This article examines the role of storytelling in shaping identities and promoting growth within communication center consultants at academic institutions, particularly colleges and universities. Through an examination of these centers and the experiences of a communication consultant, the research explores how the act of storytelling transforms both consultants and students, facilitating a unique exchange that enhances self-understanding and peer relationships. The sharing of stories or personal experiences between consultants and consultees enables consultants to identify commonalities with their clients, thereby fostering empathy and a sense of belonging that contributes to more effective learning experiences (Gee, 2000; Ward & Schwartzman, 2016). Such findings argue for the integration of storytelling into consultant training and communication centers, highlighting its potential to create empowering spaces that prioritize personal connection and consultant identity development. By embracing storytelling, consultants can contribute to the personal and professional growth of individuals within communication centers.