Mathematical Magic: A Study of Number Puzzles

Within this paper, we will briefly review the history of a collection of number puzzles which take the shape of squares, polygons, and polyhedra in both modular and nonmodular arithmetic. Among other results, we develop construction techniques for solutions of both Modulo and regular Magic Squares. For other polygons in nonmodular arithmetic, specifically of order 3, we present a proof of why there are only four Magic Triangles using linear algebra, disprove the existence of the Magic Tetrahedron in two ways, and utilizing the infamous 3-SUM combinatorics problem we disprove the existence of the Magic Octahedron

School-Based Restorative Justice: Lessons and Opportunities in a Post-Pandemic World

The COVID-19 pandemic has deeply affected schools and the people within them. The move to remote schooling forced practitioners of school-based restorative justice to adapt and innovate, as theory and practice had almost exclusively focused on in-person instruction. In this paper, I first review some of the challenges, adaptations, and lessons during the pandemic. I then argue that restorative justice in schools offers new and unique potential to address needs of educational communities and the students, educators, and staff within them as in-person instruction returns. Specifically, I suggest it could contribute to rebuilding social connection and community, bolstering mental health, and addressing inequities. Finally, I end with limitations and future directions for considering these extensions and evaluating their impact. School-based restorative justice alone cannot be a panacea for these issues, but could be integrated into other supports and services to address the stark needs of school communities and of the young people whose lives have been so deeply impacted by COVID-19

Relationships between Executive Functions, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), Comorbid Disorders, and Familial History in a Nonclinical Population

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is typically characterized by impulsivity, inattention, and hyperactivity and often lasts into adulthood. Depression, anxiety, and bipolar disorder are often diagnosed as comorbid disorders with ADHD. Adults with ADHD may also display executive functioning deficits. The current study sought to identify whether symptoms of executive functioning were related to symptoms of ADHD in adults. It also identified comorbid disorders in the participants. Questionnaires assessing executive functioning, ADHD, depression, anxiety, and bipolar spectrum disorders were given to participants. Demographics were obtained regarding their own background and comorbid disorders in their first-degree relatives. Results indicated that symptoms of executive functioning and ADHD were significantly related. Both ADHD and executive functioning symptoms were associated with depression and anxiety

Implementation of a Self-Management Program for Hispanic Patients with Chronic Non-Cancer Pain

Background: Chronic non-cancer pain (CNCP) is a major public health issue that affects over 100 million Americans. From January 2019 to September 2021, the number patients seen at a Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) was 41, 974 of these 40.12% were Hispanic. Of the total patient population at this FQHC, 904 patients had preexisting opioids prescriptions for CNCP. The Hispanic population represents 41.15% of the preexisting prescriptions. Nonopioid alternatives to manage CNCP have been shown to decrease pain and improve functioning similarly to opioids. Purpose: To implement a CNCP SMP at a FQHC in the Northeast. This quality improvement (QI) project aimed to educate Hispanic patients about non-opioid alternatives and assess their quality of life (QoL) and pain levels. Setting and Methods: Due to COVID-19, participants attended the SMP via zoom. Participants included Hispanic patients who experience CNCP and were prescribed opioids. The Defense and Veterans Pain Rating Scale (DVPRS) was used to assess pain prior to implementing the project. A post-event satisfaction survey was developed by the DNP project leader where participants were asked four questions to gather qualitative data. Results: Six patients participated in the SMP with one patient attending all sessions. The pre-implementation DVPRS pain rating mean score for interference with usual activity was 7.63 and the last post-implementation assessment mean was 6.69. All participants agreed they felt supported knowing they were not alone experiencing CNCP. Conclusion: Implementation a CNCP SMP at a FQHC in the Northeast benefitted patients thus improving their QoL and pain management skills

Envisioning the Caucus Community: Online Newspaper Editors Conceptualize Their Political Roles

This paper explores how local newspaper editors, as they move online and develop increasingly comprehensive and sophisticated Web sites, conceptualize the ways in which they might take advantage of the opportunities afforded by this new medium. To do so, it considers five caucus-specific sites in light of the notion of a potentially reinvigorated public sphere. The results suggest that despite the participatory nature of the medium, local newspapers' efforts to facilitate formation of an online democratic community remain tentative. Online editors recognize interactivity as a key attribute of the Web, but most are only just beginning to explore ways to move beyond their traditional role as information providers to create a space for meaningful political discourse