RETAP training materials for EPA P2 tools and calculators

Includes presentation slides for training on use of EPA P2 calculators and RETAP internal guidance for how they use the tools during the site assessment process

Effects of time passage and web searches on naive internet users' perceived reliability of web information

This study examined how time passage and web searches affect naive internet users' perception of web information reliability. We surveyed 285 participants via crowdsourcing, who read four articles on identity cards and data breaches. Participants rated each article's reliability after reading. We divided the participants into four groups using a between-subjects design. Groups 1 and 3 conducted web searches after reading the articles. Groups 1 and 2 answered the questionnaire immediately after reading, while Groups 3 and 4 waited two weeks before responding. We formulated two hypotheses: First, based on previous studies of sleeper effects—where less credible information appears more reliable over time—we predicted that Groups 3 and 4 would assess low-credibility articles as more reliable compared to other groups. Second, we hypothesized that Groups 1 and 3 who conduct web searches would perceive low-credibility articles as less reliable and high-credibility articles as more reliable compared to the other groups. Our results supported the first hypothesis, confirming the sleeper effect. The second hypothesis was partially supported, as only high-credibility articles were perceived as more reliable after web searches. Content analysis further revealed that time passage and web searches influenced other factors related to how naive internet users assess perceived reliability of web information. While more research is needed on factors like article types and search relevance, our findings offer insights for developing long-term strategies to combat misinformation, enhancing information literacy education, and improving task designs to increase the quality of open-source information

Household financial advice generation using retrieval-augmented generation

This study aims to enhance the quality of automated financial advice generation based on large language models (LLMs) by constructing a Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG) system from expert-written texts on household income and expenditure data. The construction of the RAG involves scraping financial planning (FP) consultation articles from the web, extracting not only the consultation text but also basic information such as the gender and family composition of the consulter, household account book images, and the advice provided by the FP. Next, income and expenditure data are extracted from the household account book images, and vector data are generated from Pinecone based on the consultation content and income and expenditure data. More accurate financial advice is generated by inputting the expanded consultation content into the LLM through the constructed vector database. In this paper, the implementation and verification of the proposed method for generating financial advice using RAG on OpenAI are discussed, exploring the applicability of RAG-based financial management support using text and tables

FROM SONG TO TUBA: THE MÉLODIES OF ERNEST CHAUSSON SET FOR SOLO TUBA AND PIANO

This project presents an edited collection of twelve mélodies and one aria by Amédée�Ernest Chausson transcribed for solo tuba (euphonium, bass tuba, and contrabass tuba) and piano. It not only expands the repertoire for tuba, but brings together linguistic, pedagogical, and historical considerations to create a comprehensive performance practice resource. The study explores the connection between phonetics and brass playing, highlighting the impact of text on phrasing and articulation. Each transcription includes English translations and diction-based articulation suggestions grounded in the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA). Phonetic distinctions are applied directly to articulation strategy, aligning French consonants with brass technique to enhance clarity and precision. A progressive sequence of study, calibrated by technical difficulty, register, and expressive content, supports both student development and pedagogical application. A brief historical framework situates the original pieces within the artistic context of Symbolist poetry, Wagnerian influence, and Parisian intellectual life to facilitate historically informed performance decisions. Integrating transcription, IPA-informed pedagogy, and a flexible learning model, this project establishes a nuanced approach for adapting vocal works to low brass

Testing, Analysis, and Load Rating of Precast Prestressed Concrete Deck Beams with Transverse Cracks

This study focused on understanding the impact of transverse cracks on the residual capacity and load rating analysis of in-service precast prestressed concrete (PPC) deck beams. Two decommissioned (33 × 36 and 21 × 36) PPC deck beams were tested under four-point bending loads to assess the impact of transverse cracks on the structural performance of the beams. Finite element and theoretical cracked section analyses were also performed to investigate the capacity of the as-built and cracked PPC deck beam. Transverse cracks reduced the load rating capacity of the 33 × 36 beam by almost 34%, which subsequently reduced the capacity-based load rating factor by 22% under the HS-20 truck load. The experimental investigation of the 21 × 36 PPC deck beam showed that the load required to induce visible cracks in the beam was 95.5% of its AASHTO live load capacity. The load rating of the cracked 21 × 36 beam was 73.6% lower than its as-built capacity, exhibiting a severe reduction in its load-bearing capacity. A parametric study was conducted to understand the effect of the influencing parameters, like the beam geometry and material properties, on the damaged beams’ behavior. For PPC deck beams with rectangular voids, the statistically significant parameters were span length, strand diameter, and skew angle. In the parametric study, the inventory load rating factor of the prestressing strands in tension was predicted to decrease linearly for a crack width up to 0.64 mm, while the capacity inventory rating factor was predicted to decrease up to 73.8% for a crack width of 0.64 mm.IDOT-R27-22

WORLD PERCUSSION PEDAGOGY APPLICATIONS FOR STUDIO PERCUSSION TEACHERS

This scholarly essay provides recommendations for studio percussion teachers on incorporating world music pedagogy and world percussion instruments into their curriculum. Percussion pedagogy texts by Michael Udow, Gary Cook, and Cort McClaren serve as the basis for a critical analysis of the pedagogy of core percussion instruments. Concepts of world music pedagogy by Patricia Shehan Campbell, Michael Bakan, and Howard Spring are examined alongside my experience studying numerous world music styles. Numerous examples from each pedagogical tradition are explored and considered in their ability to heighten student cultural awareness, appreciation for percussion as a field, and serve as effective percussion training exercises. Recommendations for percussion studio teachers include sample lesson vignettes demonstrating how to modify, integrate, and create “high cultural connectivity” in their lessons. World percussion instruments explored include Afro-Cuban percussion, Iranian tombak, Korean janggu, Spanish flamenco cajón, Middle Eastern riq, and Brazilian pandeiro. World music styles referenced include: Cuban rumba, batá drumming, salsa, bembé, son, Brazilian choro, and Spanish flamenco

Report on the Megacity Alliance for Water and Climate Europe and North America Region (MAWAC-ENAR) Working Group — 2nd Water Research and Innovation Workshop

This report documents the outcomes and broader impacts of the Second Water Research & Innovation Workshop for the Megacities Alliance for Water and Climate, supported by an NSF travel grant. The workshop convened U.S. researchers from Chicago, New York, and Los Angeles alongside European experts from London and Paris to address pressing global challenges related to water systems in urban environments. The report serves as both a summary of key insights and a foundational reference for future research, collaboration, and innovation in urban water management.NSF #234828

AEMS News and Reviews: Fall 1998 (Vol. 1, No. 2)

This issue of AEMS News and Reviews (Vol. 1, No. 2, Fall 1998) features reviews of educational media including "Hello! From Around the World!: Bali," "Japanese: The Spoken Language," "Fish is Our Life!," "The Confucian Tradition," "China: The PBS Series," "On Common Ground: World Religions in America," "Between Two Worlds: A Japanese Pilgrimage," and "Inside Burma: Land of Fear," each offering insight into language, culture, religion, and daily life across Asia and beyond.Center for East Asian and Pacific Studie

State Department of Transportation Support for Operationalizing Transit Signal Priority

Transit signal priority (TSP) systems have become an integral part of regional intelligent transportation systems integration. They modify signal operations to facilitate faster transit through intersections, improve transit service reliability, reduce delays, and enhance overall transit operational efficiency. Agencies are planning and implementing next-generation TSP systems. However, multifaceted challenges complicate TSP implementation, particularly in urban regions with high traffic density and multiple stakeholders. Exploring these challenges can help develop more efficient deployment strategies and improve system performance. This study’s researchers, therefore, examined TSP implementation challenges in the metropolitan Chicago area and interviewed stakeholders and experts from Illinois and other states to identify successes and obstacles in TSP deployment. They applied a thematic analysis and a non-negative matrix factorization method to identify key barriers. To prioritize these challenges, they developed a survey using the fuzzy analytic hierarchy process framework and had experts directly involved in TSP operations in the Chicago region participate in this survey. Study findings indicated that organizational factors—such as interagency coordination issues and labor shortages—are significant challenges. Regulatory and policy constraints, including the absence of standardized regional guidelines and concerns over equipment compatibility, further hinder TSP deployment. Financial constraints, particularly the reliance on fragmented funding sources, create uncertainty in project execution. Technological limitations, such as integration difficulties with legacy traffic control systems and the high costs of infrastructure upgrades, also impede implementation.IDOT-R27-25

Trends Analysis for Selected Water Quality Constituents in the Illinois Coastal Management Zone

The Illinois Coastal Management Zone (ICMZ), managed by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR), encompasses Lake Michigan’s shoreline, harbors, open waters, and adjacent landward areas within the Lake Michigan watershed. Covering approximately 1,500 square miles of lakeward territory and 110 square miles of landward zones, the ICMZ faces challenges from urban development, engineered drainage systems, and invasive species. The Illinois Coastal Management Program (ICMP) prioritizes restoring aquatic habitats, improving stormwater management, and reducing pollution to meet Clean Water Act (CWA) objectives. This report updates the Illinois Coastal Zone Water Quality Database (ICoastalDB), a centralized repository of water quality data, and analyzes trends for 14 constituents critical to assessing water quality status and the efficacy of management strategies. An extensive exploratory data analysis (EDA) of water quality data from 314 monitoring sites (84 inland and 230 Lake Michigan assessment units) over a 25-year period (1998–2022) revealed significant variability in data availability and trends. Water quality parameters selected by the project advisory group—total phosphorus, chloride, fecal coliforms, dissolved oxygen, and nitrogen species—mostly aligned with those parameters in Illinois’ 303(d) List of impaired waters in the ICMZ. Derived parameters, such as total nitrogen and organic/inorganic nitrogen, provided additional insights into nutrient dynamics. Key sites with robust data suitability for trend analysis included grab sample locations like North Shore Channel at Touhy Ave (NS9) and Little Calumet River at Indiana Ave (LC4), as well as automatic sampling sites such as North Shore Channel at Church St (NS4) and South Fork South Branch Chicago River at 36th St (BC1). These sites consistently provide reliable data across multiple timeframes, enabling comprehensive trend assessments. Based on data suitability analyses, 1,532 annual and seasonal trend evaluations were completed across three periods (5-, 10-, and 25-year) for selected water quality constituents. Total phosphorus trends showed stability in recent 5-year periods, while mixed decreases and increases were observed over 10- and 25-year spans. Seasonal analyses indicated winter declines but variability in spring, summer, and fall, suggesting seasonal factors like runoff and temperature may have influenced phosphorus loading. Long-term improvements in phosphorus levels appear to be plateauing, highlighting the need for targeted interventions. Recent (5-year) chloride trends in the ICMZ show localized increases, notably at Grand Calumet River (GC1). Long-term (25-year) trends generally indicate rising chloride levels, though some sites, like GC1, exhibited decreases in certain seasons. Seasonal analyses revealed varied trends: winter and spring were mostly stable with isolated increases, while summer showed both significant recent increases and long-term decreases. Overall, chloride levels demonstrated complex, site-specific changes over time, highlighting the need for targeted management strategies. Long-term rising trends could be attributed to the growing impact of road salt application for de-icing. The different forms of nitrogen constituents displayed complex dynamics. Nitrate plus nitrite (NNN) trends were highly variable annually and seasonally, with no consistent improvement. Total Ammonia Nitrogen (TAN) stabilized or declined at most sites but increased at Grand Calumet River at Burnham Ave (GC1), signaling localized pollution. Total Kjeldahl Nitrogen (TKN) generally declined over longer periods but saw recent upticks at GC1. Inorganic (TIN) and Total Nitrogen (TN) trends diverged, with increases at Little Calumet River at Halsted St (LC6) and GC1 contrasting with declines at South Fork South Branch Chicago River at Archer Ave (BC2). Analysis of fecal coliform levels revealed complex trends, with long-term data generally indicating decreases, while shorter-term (5- and 10-year) trends showed more variability. The Chicago River Main Stem at Wells Street (CR8) consistently exhibited an increasing trend across multiple timeframes and seasons, suggesting a persistent contamination source, while the Little Calumet River at Halsted Street (LC6) also demonstrated recent increases. Seasonal variations showed minimal winter trends, with spring, summer, and fall generally exhibiting decreasing levels, but CR8 remained an exception. Dissolved oxygen (DO) data revealed a positive trend, with both annual and seasonal analyses indicating increases, particularly over longer timeframes. While some sites exhibited stable levels, most showed significant improvements. However, the Chicago River at Michigan Ave. (CR4) demonstrated a concerning decrease in minimum DO over the recent 5 years. The overall positive trend towards higher DO signifies enhanced water quality, crucial for supporting aquatic life, although localized variations and specific problem areas like CR4 necessitate continued monitoring and targeted interventions. Specific conductance trends presented a mixed picture, with short-term increases, such as at Little Calumet River at Halsted St. (LC5), and decreases, such as at Little Calumet River at C&W Indiana Harbor Belt RR (LC2). However, longer-term trends generally indicated stability, with some sites, like North Branch Chicago River at Division St. (NB11), showing a shift from increasing to decreasing conductance. Over the 25-year period, North Branch Chicago River at Addison St. (NB6) displayed increasing seasonal trends except in winter. The overall trend suggests localized variations in salinity and dissolved ion concentrations, requiring site-specific monitoring to understand the underlying causes. The ICMZ’s water quality trends reflect complex interactions between natural processes and anthropogenic impacts. Total phosphorus and chloride remain critical concerns, with seasonal and long-term trends underscoring the need for adaptive management strategies. Nitrogen dynamics vary widely, with sites like GC1 and LC6 signaling localized pollution hotspots requiring targeted nutrient management. Fecal coliform variability highlights seasonal influences, while dissolved oxygen improvements validate ongoing restoration efforts but necessitate sustained monitoring. The specific conductance trends may indicate the need to address road salt use and urban runoff. These findings collectively stress the importance of integrating data-driven insights into policy and management to address persistent impairments. To enhance water quality monitoring and management in the ICMZ, sustained monitoring at key sites—such as NB6, BC1, and LC5—is critical. Expanding automatic monitoring networks will provide real-time data for parameters like dissolved oxygen and specific conductance. Targeted strategies should prioritize reducing road salt applications, implementing nutrient management plans at nitrogen hotspots, and strengthening stormwater controls to mitigate fecal coliform and phosphorus loads. Data integration efforts, including regular updates to the ICoastalDB and the use of machine learning models, will improve trend predictions and allow identification of pollution sources. Finally, leveraging these findings to refine the 303(d) List and Total Maximum Daily Loads (TMDLs) will ensure compliance with CWA goals and enhance the ecological resilience of the ICMZ. This report provides exploratory data analysis and trend evaluations for selected water quality constituents, informing decision-making towards better management of aquatic ecosystems in the ICMZ. By addressing persistent impairments through targeted interventions and adaptive management, stakeholders can enhance the resilience of coastal waters, ensuring their ecological and recreational value. Sustained collaboration across agencies, coupled with strategic investments in monitoring and technology, will be essential to achieving long-term water quality goals and preserving the health of waterbodies in the ICMZ.llinois Department of Natural Resources - Grant Code D501