Publication Type: Conference Paper/Unpublished Manuscript
Review Method: Peer Reviewed
Abstract: This paper reports preliminary evidence of an association between mothers’ child abuse potential and the quality of young children’s home environment as a context for cognitive and social development. Sixteen mothers with infants or toddlers who were beginning participation in an intergenerational learning program targeting low-income families completed the Child Abuse Potential Inventory (CAPI; Milner, 1986) when they initially enrolled in the program. A family worker associated with the program visited each family’s home during the same week and administered the Infant-Toddler HOME Inventory (Caldwell & Bradley, 1984), a 45-min interview and observation system that assesses the quality of the home environment as a context for children’s cognitive and social development. Total scores from the CAPI and HOME Inventories were inversely associated (r = .67), as were several of the subscales from the two measures. Results indicate that the degree to which mothers endorse beliefs that typify physically abusive parents is associated with the type of parenting, predictability of care, and cognitive stimulation that their young children experience at home.

Publication Type: Conference Paper/Unpublished Manuscript
Abstract: Law enforcement officers are faced with a myriad of decisions in the execution of their duty to uphold and enforce the laws. One of these duties may require the officer to utilize deadly force. Therefore, ensuring that individuals, both present and future, who choose to become law enforcement officers learn the proper information for compliance with the appropriate federal and state laws governing the use of such force is an area of vital concern. Indeed, there are federal and state laws that govern when an officer is legally entitled to use such force. Following the mandates of these laws will insulate the officers from criminal liability.
However, where there is a distinguishing feature in the state law that does not quite rise to the level of protection afforded under the federal law, an officer may be subjecting himself or herself to the potential for civil liability. Such is the perceived problem with Pennsylvania’s current law as it relates to the use of deadly force by law enforcement. Moreover, this civil liability may also attach itself to the municipal body that employs that particular officer.
The purpose of this study is to assess the potential for minimizing law enforcement officers from civil liability in situations where the officers may have to elect to use deadly force in the course of their job duties. The study seeks to determine whether law enforcement officers following the Pennsylvania Crimes Code will be provided with the same level of protection from civil liability that would be extended under the United States Supreme Court case of Tennessee v. Garner.

Publication Type: Abstract
Abstract: Diagnostic agents capable of accurately identifying a causative bacterial pathogen would allow clinicians to more rapidly provide appropriate treatment to patients. Such diagnostic agents would decrease unnecessary use of broad-spectrum antibiotics and allow a more tailored approach to treatment. We propose the development of radiolabeled bacteriophage that would specifically identify the causative bacterial agents. Bacteriophage (phage) are viruses that infect bacteria exclusively, showing no affinity for mammalian cells. Our work involved radiolabeling bacteria-specific phage. Our hypothesis is that Tc-99m-labeled phage with the correct specificity could be utilized as a valuable diagnostic aids via nuclear medicine imaging, in cases where bacterial infections were suspected. Objectives: to show 1) that Tc-99m-MAG3 could be used to label a phage of interest; 2) that the labeled phage could differentiate between different bacteria in-vitro; and 3) that a radiolabeled phage could specifically bind bacteria in-vivo. Methods: Escherichia coli (strains ER2537 and 25922), Staphylococcus aureus (strain 29213) and Salmonella typhimurium were used as targets for M13KE and P-22 phage. S-acetyl NHS-MAG3 was conjugated to the phage, then radiolabeled with Tc-99m. Experiments were performed to assess in-vitro specificity of the phage, stability of the radiolabel in serum, and the biodistribution of radiolabeled phage in mice. Results: Radiolabeled phage displayed selectivity in bacterial binding in-vitro, stability in serum, and their biodistribution revealed selectivity of uptake in infected versus inflamed tissue, though liver uptake was also noted. Implications: Radiolabeled phage may be useful tools for in-vivo identification of bacteria

Publication Type: Session Presentation
Abstract: Presenters will examine current and upcoming distance-learning technologies, including selected applications of technology useable within a traditional classroom to expand students’ access to real-time language and culture. Standards for assessing the use of technology in language learning will be discussed. Input from the audience will be solicited and discussed.

Publication Type: Proceeding
Abstract: Eminent domain is arguably the greatest demonstration of government power municipalities can exert over property owners. In June, the Supreme Court ruled in Kelo v. City of New London that ¡§promoting economic development is a traditional and long accepted function of government¡¨ (2005). Therefore, the court concluded that economic development is a legitimate public purpose satisfying the requirements of the Fifth Amendment¡¦s takings clause. In the wake of the Supreme Court¡¦s ruling, debate at the national and state levels has centered on possible interventions to prevent abuse of eminent domain.

Although the popular press has focused on the plight of the homeowners in the Kelo case and other similar cases, municipal leaders and economic development advocates point to successful outcomes from condemnation of private property for economic development such as Baltimore¡¦s Inner Harbor project. However, legislative leaders have clearly been moved by the arguments of private property owners.

This paper investigated the legislative changes since the Kelo decision and the possible implications of both the decision and the subsequent legislation. While eminent domain was an issue appearing frequently on state legislative agendas pre-Kelo, since the decision, every state has considered eminent domain reform legislation. In most states, some form of eminent domain legislation was successfully passed by the legislature, although the degree of reform varies greatly from state to state. Contrary to the predictions of anti-eminent domain interest group leaders post-Kelo of rampant seizures for economic development, I conclude that the legislative changes and the significant increase in public attention to the eminent domain issue will make it more difficult to seize property for economic development in the future.


On June 23, 2005, the United States Supreme Court issued its decision in the landmark eminent domain case, Kelo v. City of New London. In a 5-4 decision, the justices held that economic development could be considered a public use under the Takings Clause of the Fifth Amendment to the Constitution. Prior to Kelo, the court had never directly addressed takings for the purpose of economic development, although they had made decisions related to urban revitalization and eminent domain. Lower court decisions on the issue were primarily based on earlier Supreme Court cases that addressed the question of public use as well as state constitutions and statutory law.

Despite the predictions of property rights advocates that seizures for economic development would occur unchecked after the Kelo decision, the state and federal legislative reaction to Kelo may make it more difficult to seize property for potential transfer to private entities than before the decision was issued. For this paper, I investigated the status of eminent domain law related to economic development in the United States. How will Kelo shape city governments¡¦ ability to assemble land for new development? In nearly every state legislature, new laws have been introduced to attempt to mitigate the affects of Kelo. This legislation differs greatly from state to state, with some states making very minor changes and others effectively barring takings for economic development or for transfer to private entities.

I begin with a brief description of the status of case law prior to 2005 related to the use for eminent domain for revitalization or economic development and discuss the Kelo case in greater detail. I then describe the findings of my research into the actions by state legislatures and the U.S. Congress in response to Kelo. Concluding the paper is a discussion of potential implications for municipal leaders resulting from the actions by the court and by legislators.