Symposium Program - Northeastern Illinois University

Northeastern Illinois University and 

The College of Education 

Present 

TWENTIETH ANNUAL 

STUDENT RESEARCH AND 

CREATIVE ACTIVITIES SYMPOSIUM 

April 13, 2012

SYMPOSIUM PROGRAM 

8:00 – 8:30 AM Registration/Coffee 

Student Union, Second Floor 

8:30 – 8:50 AM Program Commencement 

Alumni Hall 

Welcome and Introduction 

Dr. John Albazi, Symposium Coordinator 

Greetings 

Dr. Sharon K. Hahs, President 

Northeastern Illinois University 

The Honorable Daniel Biss 

Illinois State Representative 

Participants 

College of Arts and Sciences 

College of Business and Management 

College of Education 

Graduate College 

University Honors Program 

McNair Scholars Program 

Student Center for Science Engagement 

Symposium Steering Committee Members 

Rachel Adeodu, College of Education 

John Albazi, College of Arts and Sciences 

Lesa Davis, University Honors Program 

Alireza Doestani, College of Business & Management 

Pamela Geddes, College of Arts & Sciences 

Robert Heitzinger, Creative Activities 

Stephanie Levi, Student Center for Science Engagement 

Kimberly Sanborn, Graduate College and McNair Scholars Program 

This year’s Symposium is sponsored by the Office of Academic Affairs, the 

College of Education, and the NEIU Foundation.

CREATIVE ACTIVITIES 

Student Union 115 (Alumni Hall) 

Presiding: Dr. Robert Heitzinger, Music 

Discussants: Dr. William Sieger, Art; Dr. Susan Tang, Music 

9:00 AM “A POETIC AND NARRATIVE AUTOETHNOGRAPHY: AN ANALYSIS OF 

GENDERED REPERCUSSIONS OF BLACK MOTHERHOOD,” Shantez M. 

Tolbut, (Communications, Media, & Theatre), Tony Adams*, Communications, 

Media, & Theatre and Women’s Studies 

9:20 AM “DIVERSITY IN THE WORKPLACE: MANY ROADS, MANY JOURNEYS,” 

Alberto Barrios, Kathy Garrity-Rodinos, and Dawn Stevens (Interdisciplinary 

Studies), Christine Swanson* Interdisciplinary Studies 

WORKSHOP PRESENTATIONS 

Student Union 123 

Presiding: Dr. Huseyin Colak, Educational Inquiry and Curriculum Studies 

Discussants: Dr. Paul Dolan, Physics and Wayne Landerholm, MSTQE 

9:00 AM “SCIENTIFIC INQUIRY ACTIVITIES TO TEACH LIFE SCIENCE AND NATURE 

OF SCIENCE CONCEPTS,” Jessica Garcia, Neelima Kurian, Farrhadoon 

Durrani, Selina Phan, and Brandon Harwell (Secondary Education-Biology), 

Huseyin Colak*, Educational Inquiry and Curriculum Studies/Secondary 

Education–Biology 

10:15 AM “IMPROV FOR THE CLASSROOM COMMUNITY AND BEYOND,” Jeremy T. 

Babcock, (Communication, Media and Theatre), Tony Adams*, Communication, 

Media and Theatre 

11:00 AM Break 

11:20 AM “INTEGRATING INQUIRY-BASED MATH & SCIENCE FOR PRE-SERVICE 

MIDDLE SCHOOL TEACHERS,” Cathie Anderson, Kathleen O’Neill, Jennifer 

Durst, and Kate Tarchala (MSTQE), Paul Dolan*, Physics & MSTQE 

(Presenter is underlined and Faculty Sponsor* is denoted by an asterisk)

RESEARCH PRESENTATIONS 

Section 1 

Student Union 115 (Alumni Hall) 

Presiding: Dr. Robert Heitzinger, Music 

Discussants: Dr. William Sieger, Art and Dr. Susan Tang, Music 

9:40 AM “THE INFLUENCE OF CHIRICO’S METAPHYSICAL PAINTING ON 

ILLUSIONISTIC SURREALIST MOVEMENT,” Maja M. Sokolowska (Art), 

William Sieger*, Art, Lesa Davis*, University Honors Program 

10:00 AM “MULTICULTURAL/INTERNATIONAL EXPERIENCES THAT INFLUENCE 

MULTICULTURAL ATTITUDES” Vanessa Rubio, Christina Cartagena, 

Samantha Shehan, Melanie Wasson (Early Childhood Education), Elizabeth 

Landerholm*, Teacher Education 

10:20 AM “A DEFINED METACOGNITIVE READING STRATEGY: FRAME THE 

FUNCTION AND IDENTIFY ITS VARIABLES,” Jennifer Renée Arnold (TESL), 

William Stone*, TESL 

10:40 AM “POLITENESS LEVELS AND INDIRECT SPEECH ACTS USED BY ESL 

COLLEGE STUDENTS WHEN MAKING REQUESTS,” Tracy Fiddler (TESL), 

Lawrence N. Berlin*, International Programs 

11:00 AM “POLITICAL SCIENCE AS AN ORGANIZATION, VIS-À-VIS HIRSCHMAN’S 

EXIT, VOICE, AND LOYALTY,” Bernard J. Brennan (Political Science), Sophia 

Mihic*, Political Science 

11:20 AM 

“THE CULT OF COURBET AND THE ART OF PUBLICITÉ,” Kirsten J. Kilponen 

(Art), William Sieger*, Art 

Section 2 


Presiding: Dr. Alireza Dorestani, Accounting, Business Law and Finance 

Discussants before break: Dr. Sara Aliabadi, Accounting, Business Law and Finance, and 

Dr. Ai-Ru Yen, Accounting, Business Law and Finance 

Discussants after break: Dr. Sara Aliabadi, Accounting, Business Law and Finance, and 

Dr. Andy (Hong) Chen, Accounting, Business Law and Finance 

9:00 AM “VALUE RELEVANCE OF CHANGES IN CASH FLOW,” Scott J. Lark 

(Accounting), Alireza Dorestani*, Accounting, Business Law and Finance 

9:20 AM “THE STOCK MARKET VALUATION OF EARNINGS, BOOK VALUES, AND 

MARKET RISK IN THE MANUFACTURING INDUSTRY,” Ilian I Nenchev 



9:40 AM “CASINOS, CRIME AND EMPLOYMENT IN ILLINOIS,” Harry Bergman, Jacob 

Connor, Kyle Gundlach, Jacob Connor and Luis Trani (Economics), Michael 

Wenz* and Ryan Gallagher*, Economics 

10:00 AM “THE EFFECTS OF SFAS NO. 159 ON COMMERCIAL BANKS: AN 

EMPIRICAL ANALYSIS OF MARKET VALUE AND FAIR VALUE 

DISCLOSURES,” Erin M. Schaeffer (Accounting), Alireza Dorestani*, 

Accounting, Business Law and Finance 

10:20 AM “IFRS VS. US GAAP: ACCOUNTING QUALITY,” Nataliya Mancheva 


10:40 AM “LEGAL RESPONSIBILITIES OF AUDITORS: RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN 

FAILURE TO FULFILL RESPONSIBILITIES DUE AND THE RESULTING 

INCREASE IN RESPONSIBILITIES,” Muhammad S. Khan (Accounting), Alireza 

Dorestani*, Accounting, Business Law and Finance 


11:20 AM “DEVIATIONS IN BEHAVIORAL BIASES AND ITS EFFECT ON FINANCIAL 

DECISIONS DURING THE CURRENT FINANCIAL CRISIS,” Marvin E. Moreno 

(Finance), Qiumei (Jane) Xu*, Finance 

11:40 AM “XBRL AND POLITICAL ACCOUNTABILITY,” Jonathan R Swanson 


12:00 PM “ACCOUNTING AND AUDITING IN 21ST CENTURY” Iwona Popowska 


12:20 PM “CPA EXAM: CHANGES AND CHALLENGES,” Courtney Viamille (Accounting), 

Alireza Dorestani*, Accounting, Business Law and Finance 

12:40 PM “HOUSEHOLD WEALTH IN THE LATINA/O COMMUNITY,” Marla A. Mojica 

(Accounting), Gabriel Alejandro Cortez*, Educational Leadership and 

Development 

1:00 PM “VALUE IN POLITICAL AND ECONOMIC MARKETPLACES: HOW SOCIAL 

VALUES ARE REFLECTED IN INSTITUTIONAL FRAMINGS” Matthew J. 

Reardon (Philosophy/Economics), Michael Wenz*, Economics. 


Section 3 

Student Union 103 (Golden Eagles Room) 

Presiding before break: Dr. Suzanne Gaskins, Psychology 

Discussants before break: Dr. Lisa Hollis-Sawyer, Psychology, and Dr. David Farmer, Jr., 

Psychology 

Presiding after break: Dr. Maureen Wang-Erber, Psychology 

Discussants after break: Dr. Linda Rueckert, Psychology, and Dr. Amanda Dykema- 

Engblade, Psychology 

9:00 AM “WHAT DO PEOPLE DO IN THE LIBRARY: AN OBSERVATIONAL STUDY,” 

Valerie Williams, Luis Gonzalez and Hira Bokhari (Psychology), Maureen Wang- 

Erber* and Terry Schuepfer*, Psychology 

9:20 AM “AN EXPLORATORY, QUALITATIVE STUDY OF EVERYDAY CREATIVITY 

AND EGO STRENGTHS AMONG CENTENARIANS: AN ERIKSONIAN 

PERSPECTIVE,” Atika S. Jilani (Gerontology), Saba Ayman-Nolley*, 

Psychology 

9:40 AM “SERVICE LEARNING WITH SPECIAL GIFTS THEATER,” Jonathan Miskevics, 

Lawaysha Moore, and Shannon Walker (Psychology), Maureen Wang-Erber* 

and Terry Schuepfer*, Psychology 

10:00 AM “JUST WHISTLE WHILE YOU WORK: MAINTAINING HAPPINESS AND TASK 

PERFORMANCE,” Anca Barsan and Helene Wineberg (Psychology), Maureen 

Wang-Erber*, Psychology 

10:20 AM “THE EFFECTS OF IMMIGRATION ON IDENTITY ACHIEVEMENT AND ITS 

CORRELATION TO DEPRESSION: A COMPARISON OF BOLIVIAN 

IMMIGRANTS IN ARGENTINA AND MEXICAN IMMIGRANTS IN THE UNITED 

STATES,” Victoria Neiman (Psychology), Christopher Merchant*, Psychology, 

Lesa Davis*, University Honors Program, Kim Sanborn*, McNair Scholars 

Program 

10:40 AM “THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN LEVELS OF EDUCATION AND CULTURAL 

ASSIMILATION WITH INTERNALIZED RACISM IN COLLEGE LATINOS,” 

Juliana Padilla (Psychology), Saba Ayman-Nolley*, Psychology 


11:20 AM “TRANQUILITY FOR ALL? EXPAND THE O’HARE NOISE CONTOUR,” Ana C. 

Jimenez, Tameka Sheppard, and Ruby Zaragoza (Psychology), Maureen Wang- 

Erber* and Terry Schuepfer*, Psychology 


11:40 AM “THE INFLUENCE OF LEADER MEMBER EXCHANGE ON EMPLOYEE 

PERFORMANCE, JOB SATISFACTION AND TURNOVER INTENTIONS,” 

Daisy A Bautista (Psychology), Amanda Dykema- Engblade*, Psychology 

12:00 PM “WHAT WOULD YOU DO IF… PREPARING FOR AN EMERGENCY,” Tiffany 

A. Drebenstedt, Kenan Pojskic, and Jessika Dagons (Psychology), Maureen 

Wang-Erber* and Terry Schuepfer*, Psychology 

12:20 PM “THREE PERSPECTIVES OF THE FYE PEER MENTORING PROGRAM,” Sarah 

Kosmin, Regina Hale, and Eliana Lopez (Psychology), Maureen Wang-Erber* and 

Terry Schuepfer*, Psychology 

Session 4 


Presiding before break: Dr. Shahrzad Mahootian, Linguistics 

Discussant before break: Dr. Ingrid Stockburger, Linguistics 

Presiding after break: Dr. Timothy Libretti, English 

Discussant after break: Dr. Ryan Poll, English 

9:00 AM “EXPLORING COMMUNICATIVE INTENT,” Lizeth Tello (Linguistics), Shahrzad 

Mahootian*, Linguistics 

9:20 AM “POSITIONING AND IDENTITY: A CASE STUDY OF THE ARAB SPRING OF 

EGYPT,” Mohammed Al Shakhouri (Linguistics), Judith Kaplan-Weinger*, 

Linguistics 

9:40 AM “THE DEBATES AND ACTIONS OF THE ANIMAL RIGHTS MOVEMENT: A 

CRITICAL DISCOURSE ANALYSIS OF THE VARIOUS APPROACHES TO 

THE ANIMAL RIGHTS DEBATE AND THE ETHICS INVOLVED,” Regina M. 

Torres (Linguistics), Judith Kaplan-Weinger*, Linguistics 

10:00 AM “THE PHONOLOGICAL DEVELPOMENT OF A ROMANIAN-ENGLISH 

BILINGUAL CHILD,” Alla Bukatovych Dinu (Linguistics), Shahrzad Mahootian*, 

Linguistics 

10:20 AM “LANGUAGE USE AND LANGUAGE MAINTENANCE: A CASE STUDY OF 

TWO ROMANIAN–ENGLISH SPEAKING BILINGUAL CHILDREN,” Ariana 

Bancu Palazzolo (Linguistics), Shahrzad Mahootian*, Linguistics 

10:40 AM “THE RESIGNIFYING LAUGH: AFRICAN-AMERICAN WOMEN, LITERATURE, 

AND CULTURE IN THE 20 TH AND 21 ST CENTURIES,” Negin Ahmadi (English), 

Ryan Poll*, English 



11:20 AM “A HOT TEMPER LEAPS O’ER A COLD DECREE”: DECODING MALE SAME- 

SEX DESIRE IN THE MERCHANT OF VENICE,” Mark C. Gunter (English), 

Bradley Greenburg*, English 

11:40 AM “THE SENTENCE OF MARRIAGE, SALUTARY ANXIETY, AND THE HAPPY 

ENDING IN MEASURE FOR MEASURE,” Michelle S. Cross (English), Bradley 

Greenburg*, English 

12:00 PM “SHAKESPEARE’S ‘VENUS AND ADONIS’ & THE INVENTION OF THE 

TRAGIC EQUATION,” Jayna Leipart Guttilla (English), Bradley Greenburg*, 

English 

12:20 PM “JUST IN TIME FOR THE SESQUICENTENNIAL: ALLEGORICAL RELATIONS 

IN CONSTANCE FENIMORE WOOLSON'S "CROWDER'S COVE: A STORY 

OF THE WAR," Joan N. Shapiro Beigh (English), Timothy Scherman*, English 

12:40 PM “U.S. DISASTER LITERATURE: REBUILDING THE BROKEN,” Aaron J.Leiva 

(English), Ryan Poll*, English 

1:00 PM “TRANSMEDIA STORYTELLING AND VIDEO GAMES: CREATING MEANING 

ACROSS MEDIA,” Jonathan Gronli (English Literature), Ryan Poll*, English 

Section 5 


Presiding: Dr. John Kasmer, Biology 

Discussants before break: Dr. Melinda Merrick, Geography & Environmental Studies, and 

Dr. Stephanie Levi, Student Center for Science Engagement 

Discussants after break: Dr. Mary Kimble, Biology, and Dr. Carrie Andrew, Biology 

9:00 AM “LOWERING THE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT OF FUNERALS: AN 

EXAMINATION OF FACTORS INFLUENCING AN INDIVIDUAL’S 

WILLINGNESS TO CONSIDER A “GREEN BURIAL,” Amanda Nieves 

(Environmental Studies), Abhijit Banerjee* and David Jones* Geography & 

Environmental Studies 

9:20 AM “THE CERRO GRANDE WILDFIRE OF LOS ALAMOS, NEW MEXICO: 

MODELING FIRE BEHAVIOR IN AN ERA OF CLIMATE CHANGE,” Nina E. 

Roberts (Geography and Environmental Studies), Monica Mihir*, Geography and 

Environmental Studies 

9:40 AM “EPHEMERAL POND IDENTIFICATION USING REMOTE SENSING 

TECHNIQUES IN SOUTHEASTERN WISCONSIN’S VARIED LANDSCAPE,” 


Justin R. Chappelle (Geography and Environmental Studies), Monika Mihir*, 

Geography & Environmental Studies 

10:00 AM “ILLINOIS RESIDENTS’ KNOWLEDGE OF AND PREPAREDNESS FOR A 

TORNADO,” Nicole Fields (Environmental Studies), David Jones*, Geography 

& Environmental Studies 

10:20 AM “PLACEMENT OF RESIDENTIAL DRIVEWAYS AND OBSERVED EFFECTS 

ON LOCAL PEDESTRIAN TRAFFIC: A CASE STUDY OF CHICAGO 

METROPOLITAN NEIGHBORHOODS,” Jason D. LaBrosse (Geography & 

Environmental Studies), David Jones*, Geography & Environmental Studies 

10:40 AM “PETROLOGY AND GEOCHEMISTRY OF THE RATTLESNAKE HILLS 

ALKALIC IGNEOUS INTRUSIVE COMPLEX,” Cindy S. Calderon (Earth 

Science), Justin E. Mackey (Earth Science), Genet Ide Duke*, Earth Science 


11:20 AM “ANALYSIS OF EFFECTS OF VARYING LEVELS OF FOLIC ACID ON THE 

BEHAVIOR OF MICE,” Hemal K. Punjabi (Biology), Mary Kimble* and Terrence 

Puryear*, Biology, Lesa Davis*, University Honors Program 

11:40 AM “DIFFERENTIAL AFFECTS OF FOLIC ACID ON EMBRYONIC 

DEVELOPMENT AND BEHAVIOR IN D12 ICR MICE,” Rodrigo Javier, Holly 

Hattaway, Todd St. Hill, Adrian Zamora, and Angelica Marconi (Biology), Mary 

Kimble* and Terrence Puryear*, Biology 

12:00 PM “ETHANOL CAUSES ADVERSE EFFECTS ON ZEBRAFISH DEVELOPMENT,” 

Jonathan Sacks (Psychology), Shannon Saszik*, Psychology 

12:20 PM “ETHANOL EFFECTS IN EMBRYONIC ZEBRAFISH,” Stefanie N. Miller 

(Psychology), Shannon Saszik*, Psychology 

12:40 PM “THE EFFECT OF FEEDING-BASED ENRICHMENT ON COPROPHAGY 

RATES IN CAPTIVE CHIMPANZEES,” Michelle A. Marquart (Biology), Kari 

Galvan*, Biology 

Section 6 


Presiding: Dr. Pamela Geddes, Biology 

Discussants before break: Dr. Emina Stojkovic, Biology, and Dr. Aaron Schirmer, Biology 

Discussants after break: Dr. Jennifer Slate, Biology and Dr. Kara Nuss, Biology 

9:00 AM “THE FIRST ANALYSIS OF THE ERG IN PRAYING MANTISES,” Barbara 

Popkiewicz, and Robert Theis (Biology), Aaron Schirmer* And Frederick R. Prete*, 

Biology 


9:20 AM “CRYSTALLIZATION AND PRELIMINARY X-RAY CRYSTALLOGRAPHIC 

ANALYSIS OF A COMPLETE PHOTOSENSORY MODULE OF A 

BACTERIOPHYTOCHROME FROM STIGMATELLA AURANTIACA,” Hardik K. 

Patel (Chemistry), Svetlana E. Kovaleva and Nicole C. Woitowich (Biology), Emina 

A. Stojkovic*, Biology 

9:40 AM “NANOSCALE ANALYSIS OF BATERIOPHYTOCHROMES USING AFM AND 

STM,” Peter A. Carrizales 1 , Lara A. Milenkovic 1 , Sarah M. Vorpahl 1 , Alexandra C. 

Sakols 1 , Blaire Sorenson 1 , Daniel Wescott 2 , Ralph Tobias 1 , Umesh Chaudhary 1 , 

Nicole C. Woitowich 2 , Emina A. Stojkovic* 2 , Stefan Tsonchev* 1 , Kenneth T. 

Nicholson* 1 . 1 Chemistry, 2 Biology 

10:00 AM “REVERSED-PHASE LIQUID CHROMATOGRAPHY ANALYSIS OF IMATINIB 

MESYLATE AND IMPURITIES/DEGRADANTS IN RAW MATERIAL,” Taral J 

Patel (Chemistry), John Albazi*, Chemistry 

10:20 AM “LOSS OF CALCIUM BUFFERING LEADING TO TANGLE FORMATION MAY 

EXPLAIN SELECTIVE VULNERABILITY OF BASAL FOREBRAIN 

CHOLINERGIC NEURONS IN ALZHEIMER’S DISEASE,” Ravand Samaeekia, 

David Riascos* and Changiz Geula*, Cognitive Neurology and Alzheimer’s 

Disease Center, Northwestern University 

10:40 AM “A FRESH APPROACH TO UNDERGRADUATE CHEMISTRY LABORATORY 

USING MASTERY LEARNING MODEL,” Ngan Tran, Thach Nguyen (Chemistry), 

Ana Fraiman*, Chemistry 


11:20 AM “THE EFFECTS OF EUROPEAN BUCKTHORN AND RESTORATION ON 

MICROBIAL METABOLIC PROCESSES AND FUNGAL COMMUNITIES IN AN 

OAK WOODLAND CHRONOSEQUENCE,” Dayani S. Pieri 1, 2 , Louise E. 

Warburton*², Andrew Wilson*², Daniel Larkin*², Jennifer Slate*, Biology. 

¹University Without Walls (Honors Program), ²Chicago Botanic Gardens, Glencoe, 

IL 

11:40 AM “FIELD TO LAB AND BACK: MOLECULAR TECHNIQUES TO IDENTIFY 

INVASIVE CATTAILS,” Salina D. Wunderle, Jennifer Shaier, and Astudillo-Scalia 

Yaiyr (Biology), Pamela Geddes*, Joel Olfelt*, and Aaron Schirmer*, Biology 

12:00 PM “RELATIONSHIPS OF NORTH AMERICAN RHODIOLA SPECIES USING DNA 

SEQUENCE DATA,”, Will A. Freyman, Maria J. Rios, and Brian J. Teichert 

(Biology), Joel Olfelt*, Biology 

12:20 PM “OBJECT RECOGNITION IN TWO UNUSUAL SPECIES OF MANTIS,” Taylor 

Slapinski, Wil Bogue, and Robert Theis (Biology), Frederick R. Prete*, Biology 


Section 7 


Presiding before break: Dr. Rachel Adeodu, Teacher Education 

Discussants before break: Dr. Eleni Makris, Educational Inquiry and Curriculum Studies 

Presiding after break: Dr. Saba Ayman-Nolley, Psychology 

Discussants after break: Dr. Breckie Church, Psychology and Dr. Masami Takahashi, 

Psychology 

9:00 AM “INTRINSIC MOTIVATION IN GIFTED INDIVIDUALS LITERATURE REVIEW,” 

Karen S. Syverson, Michele Kane*, Ed.D. and Rima Binder*, Special Education 

– MAGE Program MA in Gifted Education 

9:20 AM “GENDER INEQUITY IN THE IDENTIFICATION AND PARTICIPATION IN 

GIFTED PROGRAMS,” Danai Deligeorgi, Rima Binder* Special Education, 

Gifted Education 

9:40 AM “POSITIVE PSYCHOLOGY INTERVENTIONS TO DEVELOP RESILIENCY IN 

CHILDREN AT-RISK,” Angela M. Anderson, Michele Kane*, Special Education 

10:00 AM “SELF-ESTEEM WITHIN MUSLIM ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS,” Afeefa F. 

Alikhan (English-Secondary Education), Eleni Makris*, Educational Inquiry and 

Curriculum Studies 

10:20 AM “SCHOOL LOANS AND DEBT,” Edyta Kulik (Justice Studies), Loretta 

Capeheart*, Justice Studies 

10:40 AM “IMPLICATIONS OF PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT AND TRAINING ON 

TEACHERS’ ATTITUDES TOWARD STUDENTS WHO ARE GIFTED AND 

TALENTED,” Jamie Kanas, Michele Kane* and Rima Binder*, Gifted Education 


11:20 AM “THE EFFECT OF NARRATIVE MATERIALS ON VISITOR ENGAGEMENT IN 

A CHILDREN’S MUSEUM,” Emily Canares, Izeta Causevic, Davette Franklin, 

Robert Goulding, Sharifah Hasan, Laura Hernandez, Angel Martinez, Melissa 

Orellana, and Carie Slowinski (Psychology), Suzanne Gaskins*, Psychology 

11:50 AM “PARENTS, CHILDREN, & ENGAGEMENT: DO GOALS IN EXHIBITS 

MATTER?” Brittany Cain, Kathryn Cherry, Jessika Dagons, Farwa Datoo, 

Patrice Gordon, Ariana Guzzardi, Amy Kuffel, Jennifer Peters, Tameka 

Sheppard, Marta Shyriy, and Laquetta Tournage (Psychology), Suzanne 

Gaskins*, Psychology 

12:20 PM “INFLUENCES OF AGE AND TASK ON PARENTAL ENGAGEMENT IN A 


CHILDREN’S MUSEUM,” Jennifer Gonzalez, Esther Krystal, Eliana Lopez, 

Veronica Medina, Madely Melendez, Elena Ramos, Christina Ropp, Sthela 

Saldana, and Theresa Trejo (Psychology), Suzanne Gaskins*, Psychology 

12:50 PM “THE EFFECTS OF CROWDING ON ENGAGEMENT AT A CHILDREN’S 

MUSEUM,” Winnetta Boyce, Farwa Datoo, Tiffany Drebenstedt, Kenan Pojskic, 

Melody Ruffin, Martin Sandoval, Agata Szufnarowskia, Brian Tripp, and Valerie 

Williams (Psychology), Suzanne Gaskins,* Psychology 

Session 8 


Presiding: Dr. Kim Sanborn, McNair Scholars Program and the Graduate College 

Discussants before break: Eilleen Rollerson, McNair Scholars Program and Theophilus 

Okosun, Justice Studies 

Discussant after break: Dr. Jade Stanley, Social Work 

9:00 AM “JUVENILE DETAINEE PERCEPTIONS AND ATTITUDES REGARDING 

REHABILITATIVE SERVICES AND TRANSITIONING PROGRAMS,” Dollisha 

Benion (Justice Studies), Keith Atterberry*, Justice Studies 

9:20 AM “HOW DOES THE INDUSTRY OF PRISON LABOR AFFECT SOCIETY AND 

ECONOMY IN THE UNITED STATES?” Alicja Rozycka (Justice Studies), 

Loretta Capeheart*, Justice Studies 

9:40 AM “PATHWAYS TO NONVIOLENCE: FACTORS THAT LEAD TO THE 

DEVELOPMENT OF NONVIOLENT BOYS AND MEN,” Aaron L. Schlessman 

(Justice Studies), Shelley Bannister*, Justice Studies and Women’s Studies 

10:00 AM “COMMODIFICATION OF SERVICES PROVIDED BY WOMEN’S NONPROFIT 

ORGANIZATIONS AND CHALLENGES TO COLLABORATION,” Andrea M. 

Yetzer, (Sociology), Aneta Galary*, Sociology 

10:20 AM “UNVEILING ‘THE VEIL:’ IDENTIFICATION AMONG MUSLIM WOMEN IN THE 

U.S.,” Bilal Hussain, (Sociology), Barbara A. Sherry*, Sociology, Kim Sanborn*, 

McNair Scholars Program and the Graduate College 

10:40 AM “DECRIMINALIZING SEX WORK: EXAMINING GRASSROOTS TACTICS FOR 

GAINING WORKERS’ RIGHTS THROUGH A WHITE, MIDDLE CLASS LENS,” 

Nicole Maldonado (Sociology), Aneta Galary*, Sociology 


11:20 AM “RACE AS A RISK FACTOR FOR HOMELESSNESS AMONG FEMALE 

VETERANS,” Eugene Slaughter (Social Work), Angel Resto*, Social Work, Kim 

Sanborn*, McNair Scholars Program and the Graduate College 


11:40 AM “EXPLORING PARENTING STRATEGIES AMONG IMMIGRANT LATINO 

PARENTS,” Perla L. Lόpez (Social Work), Francisco Gaytan*, Social Work, Kim 

Sanborn*, McNair Scholars Program and the Graduate College 

12:00 PM “SOCIETAL GENDER INEQUITIES IN THE CONTEMPORARY U.S.: AN 

ANALYSIS OF STRATEGIES AND COPING MECHANISM THAT ENABLE US 

‘TO OVERCOME THESE DIFFERENCES,’” Maria Lazic (Interdisciplinary 

Studies), Susan Auman*, Social Work 

12:20 PM “POLAND’S TRANSITION FROM AUTHORITARIAN REGIME TO 

DEMOCRACY IN 1989,” Anna Roguska (Political Science), David Leaman*, 

Political Science 

12:40 PM “ANALYSIS OF STUDENT REFLECTIONS: 2 WEEK STUDY TOUR IN 

HARIPURUM INDIA,” Patty Arroyo, Tina Bonarirgo, Melissa Drouganis, Ginny 

Gilbert, Casey Hickman, Amie Reese, Nura Shadid, Tecia Spires, Kimberly 

Tiilford,(Social Work), Jade Stanley*, Social Work 

1:00 PM “FUNDRAISING PROJECT IN HARIPURUM INDIA - LESSONS LEARNED,” 

Melissa Drouganis and Ginny Gilbert (Social Work), Jade Stanley*, Social Work 

Session 9 


The Structure of Crow 

Presiding: Dr. John P. Boyle, Linguistics 

Discussant: Dr. Lewis Gebhardt, Linguistics 

9:00 AM “SYLLABLE STRUCTURE IN CROW,” Ryan M. Kasak (Linguistics), John P. 

Boyle*, Linguistics 

9:20 AM “THE ORDERING OF VERBAL SUFFIXES IN CROW,” Irene Ronin, 

(Linguistics) John P. Boyle*, Linguistics 

9:40 AM “CATEGORIZING MODAL VERBS IN CROW,” Claire T. Wuellner (Linguistics), 

John P. Boyle*, Linguistics 

10:00 AM “THE SYSTEM OF MOTION VERBS IN CROW,” Jeff Davis (Linguistics), John 

P. Boyle*, Linguistics 

10:20 AM “NEGATION IN CROW,” Metab Alhoody (Linguistics), John P. Boyle*, 

Linguistics 

10:40 AM “APPROXIMATIVES IN MISSOURI VALLEY SIOUAN,” Christine Ellasos 

(Linguistics), John P. Boyle*, Linguistics 



11:20 AM “THE ACOUSTIC CHARACTERISTICS OF MANDAN VOWELS,” Jonnia Torres 


11:40 AM “STRUCTURE AND SCOPE OF MEDIAL CLAUSES IN CROW,” Zachary 

Gordon (Linguistics), John P. Boyle*, Linguistics 

12:00 PM “CROW NOMINAL STRUCTURE,” Courtney L. Molina (Linguistics), John P. 

Boyle*, Linguistics 

12:20 PM “AN ANALYSIS OF FOCUS PRONOUNS IN CROW,” John F. Clarkson 


12:40 PM “CROW NARRATIVE STRUCTURE AND THE LABOVIAN MODEL,” Tania D. 

Moaton (Linguistics), John P. Boyle*, Linguistics 

1:00 PM “HOW CAN A CROW PASS THROUGH A NEEDLE’S EYE?” Mateusz Szulc 


Session 10 


Syntax and Discourse Analysis 

Presiding: Dr. Judith Kaplan-Weinger, Linguistics 

Discussant: Dr. Richard Hallett, Linguistics 

9:00 AM “EASTERN AND WESTERN PERSPECTIVES ON SELF AND OTHER: A 

SOCIOLINGUISTIC LOOK AT FOOD-BASED TRAVEL SHOWS,” Amber 

Worrick and Diana Juarez (Linguistics), Richard Hallett*, Linguistics 

9:20 AM “WH MOVEMENT IN VIETNAMESE: EVIDENCE AGAINST UNSELECTIVE 

BINDING,” Jayson H. Nguyen (Linguistics), Lewis Gebhardt*, Linguistics 

9:40 AM “VIETNAMESE CLASSIFIERS: DEFINITENESS/INDEFINITENESS,” Binh Ngo 

(Linguistics), Lewis Gebhardt*, Linguistics 

10:00 AM “IS THE WRITTEN PAST PARTICIPLE SLOWLY DISAPPEARING?” Janile S. 

Hill (Linguistics), Lewis Gebhardt*, Linguistics 

10:20 AM “LINGUISTIC DISCRIMINATION IN THE UNITED STATES: A SOCIO- 

HISTORICAL TOOL OF OPPRESSION,” Ashley Elizabeth Beyer (Linguistics), 

Judith Kaplan-Weinger*, Linguistics, Lesa Davis*, University Honors Program 


10:40 AM “A RELATABLE TALE OF SEMANTIC DRIFT,” Peter T. Sipes (Linguistics), 

Richard Hallett*, Linguistics 


11:20 AM “ANTI-DISCRIMINATION AND FREEDOM OF EXPRESSION – A CASE 

STUDY ON THE LGBT COMMUNITY IN ROMANIA,” Ariana Bancu Palazzolo 

(Linguistics), Judith Kaplan-Weinger*, Linguistics 

11:40 AM “THE FUNCTION OF ARGUING IN THE CONSTRUCTION OF SELF AND 

OTHER,” Claire T. Wuellner (Linguistics), Judith Kaplan-Weinger*, Linguistics 

12:00 PM “LANGUAGE AND GOLF – IS IT GENDER OR IS IT STYLE?” Isabel L. Imseeh 


12:20 PM “OCCUPY WALL STREET RHETORIC: OVERALL EFFECTIVENESS OF 

POSITIONING THROUGH MASS MEDIA ON THE OUTCOME OF A UNIFIED 

MESSAGE,” Lisa T. Minch (Linguistics), Judith Kaplan-Weinger*, Linguistics 

12:40 PM “DISCOURSE ANALYSIS OF IMMIGRANT IDENTITY: A FIRST 

GENERATIONAL LOOK THROUGH INTERPRETATION OF FAMILY 

STORIES,” Danijela Acamovic, Stephanie A. Demas, and Ilbra Arkis 


POSTER PRESENTATIONS 

LOBBY IN FRONT OF AUDITORIUM 

10:00 to 11:00 am (Set-Up Period) 

11:00 to 1:20 pm (Presentation Period) 

Presiding: Dr. John Albazi, Chemistry 

1. “EFFECTS OF ACUPUNCTURE ON RELAXATION AS MEASURED BY 

ELECTROENCEPHALOGRAPHY,” Alexander M. Popko (Psychology), Gregory L. 

Dam * , Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, Northwestern University 

2. “FACTORS THAT INFLUENCE APPLICANT SELECTION AND EVALUATION,” Alexis 

Aguilar and Chelsea Kos (Psychology), Amanda Dykema-Engblade*, Psychology 

3. “COMPETITION, SUSTAINABILITY AND PRESERVATION: OBJECTIVES OF THE EU 

TOURISM SECTOR,” Angela A. Olah (Economics), Edward F. Stuart*, Economics 

4. “DESIGN OF AN INFRARED FLUORESCENT MARKER FOR IN VIVO TISSUE 

IMAGING IN MAMMALS,” Angela E. Varela, Anna W. Baker and John T. M. Kennis 

(Biology), Aaron E. Schirmer* and Emina A. Stojkovic *, Biology 


5. “THE INFLUENCE OF TIMBRE BETWEEN ELECTRIC AND ACOUSTIC GUITARS IN 

DETECTING FREQUENCY DIFFERENCES,” Beth, A, Mckee, Artem, A, Abakumov, 

Morgan, C, Brown, and Giovanni, R, Bravo (Psychology), Shannon Saszik*, Psychology 

6. “CHARACTERIZATION OF A UNIQUE BACTERIAL PHOTORECEPTOR IN THE 

LIGHT-ADAPTED STATE USING ATOMIC FORCE MICROSCOPY,” Alexandra C. 

Sakols*, Blaire Sorenson*, Daniel Westcott**, Sarah M. Vorpahl*, Emina A. Stojkovic**, 

Stefan Tsonchev*, Kenneth T. Nicholson*, *Chemistry, **Biology 

7. “UNDERSTANDING CHILDREN’S CONCEPT OF FRIENDSHIP ACROSS 

DEVELOPMENTAL CHALLENGES: AN EXAMINATION THROUGH THEIR 

DRAWINGS,” Brittany Cain (Psychology), Saba Ayman-Nolley*, Psychology 

8. “THE EFFECTS OF EMERGING ADULTHOOD ON STRESS AND DEPRESSION,” 

Christine Cusack (Psychology), Christopher Merchant*, Psychology, Lesa Davis*, 

University Honors Program 

9. “VARIATION OF SOIL PHYSICAL PROPERTIES WITHIN A SOIL SERIES ACROSS 

PRAIRIE AND WOODLAND ECOSYSTEMS,” Colleen Schwartz, Patricia Jaimes, and 

Yesenia Herrera (Earth Science), Laura Sanders*, Ken Voglesonger* and Jean 

Hemzacek*, Earth Science 

10. “STROOP TEST AND TIME EFFECT,” Erika, E., Morales, Agatha, M., Obrecki, Daniela, 

J., Penaloza, and Danijela Travar (Psychology), Shannon Saszik*, Psychology 

11. “CHARACTERINZING THE QUATERNARY STRUCTURE OF RED-LIGHT 

PHOTORECEPTORS USING SCANNING TUNNELING MICROSCOPY,” Fernando 

Tobias and Umesh Chaudhary (Chemistry), Emina A. Stojkovic**, Stefan Tsonchev*, 

Kenneth T. Nicholson*, *Chemistry, **Biology 

12. “THE EFFECT OF GESTURE ON ADULTS’ DELIBERATION ON A CRIMINAL TRIAL,” 

Jackie A. Schwartz and Steve Jacobs (Psychology), Breckie Church*, Psychology 

13. “THE EFFECTS OF TAI CHI ON COGNITIVE FUNCTION AND STRESS,” Jean L. 

Matelski 1 , Lyz Krieger 2 , Gregory Dam* 3 , Ph.D. 1 Psychology, NEIU, 2 Dr. Lesa Davis, 

University Honors Program, NEIU, 3 Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, 

Northwestern University 

14. “IMPACT OF PATERNAL ABSENCE ON THE SCHOOL OUTCOMES, DELINQUENCY 

AND DRUG AND ALCOHOL USE AMONG AFRICAN AMERICAN ADOLESCENT 

MALES,” Jeremy Carter (Social Work), Angel Resto*, Social Work 

15. “THE EFFECTIVENESS OF EMPLOYMENT SERVICES AT SEGUIN SERVICES INC. 

IN CICERO ILLINOIS IN THE SEARCH OF EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES FOR 


PEOPLE WITH DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES,” Joel Irizarry (Social Work), Angel 

Resto*, Social Work 

16. “THE IMPLICATIONS OF ECONOMIC HARDSHIP ON HOMELESSNESS FACED BY 

VICTIMS OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE,” Johnnie Williams (Social Work), Angel Resto*, 

Social Work 

17. “THE TASTE OF SUGAR: FINDING THE SWEETNESS THRESHOLD,” Kaitlin R. 

Sacco, Ashley L. Curescu, Mara M. Curescu, Thayanne T. Meirelles, and Lindsey N. 

Bartlett (Psychology), Shannon Saszik*, Psychology 

18. “SOCIAL COGNITION IN DRAWING: CAN CHILDREN WITH AUTISM IMPROVE 

THROUGH THEATER EXPERIENCE?” Kotaro Tanaka (Psychology), Saba Ayman- 

Nolley*, Psychology 

19. “EFFECTS OF INSTRUCTION TYPE ON CHILDREN’S FRUSTRATION LEVEL 

DURING LEARNING,” Lisa M. Emmons, Luis G. San Roman, Regina R. Hale and Diana 

Hernandez (Psychology), Breckie Church*, Psychology 

20. “IMPLICATIONS OF FORMERLY INCARCERATED AFRICAN AMERICAN MALES 

AND THEIR ABILITY TO SECURE EMPLOYMENT,” Lizahira Navarro (Social Work), 

Angel Resto*, Social Work 

21. “ADULT ATTACHMENT STYLE AND FORGIVENESS OF INFIDELITY IN ROMANTIC 

RELATIONSHIPS” Luis G San Roman (Psychology), Maureen W. Erber*, Psychology 

22. “THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN INCOME LEVELS AND SCORES ON THE ACT 

TEST AT A CHICAGO SUBURBAN HIGH SCHOOL,” Marco Gasca (Social Work), 

Angel Resto*, Social Work 

23. “DEVELOPMENT OF A SENSORY ROOM AS A TOOL TO MANAGE AGGRESSIVE 

TANTRUM AMONG INDIVIDUALS WITH INTELLECTUAL DISABILITIES,” Martha 

Bohorquez (Social Work), Angel Resto*, Social Work 

24. “DEVIATIONS IN BEHAVIORAL BIASES AND ITS EFFECT ON FINANCIAL 

DECISIONS DURING THE CURRENT FINANCIAL CRISIS,” Marvin E. Moreno 

(Management), Qiumei (Jane) Xu*, Finance 

25. “GRANULAR STUDIES: MEASURING AXIAL SEPARATION AS A FUNCTION OF 

PLATONIC OBJECTS,” Max Hansen (Chemistry), Paul Dolan*, Physics 

26. “IMPLICATIONS OF THE SOCIAL & EMOTIONAL SUPPORT TEAM TO ACADEMIC 

ACHIEVEMENT FOR AT-RISK STUDENTS AT WELLS COMMUNITY ACADEMY IN 

CHICAGO,” Melina Angeles (Social Work), Angel Resto*, Social Work 


27. “CHILD MORTALITY RATES WITHIN CHICAGO’S CZECH POPULATION AS 

INFERRED FROM GRAVES FROM THE BOHEMIAN NATIONAL CEMETERY,” 

Michelle Marquart (Anthropology), Martin Giesso*, Anthropology 

28. “REVERSED-PHASE LIQUID CHROMATOGRAPHY ANALYSIS OF 

THIOCOLCHICOSIDE AND IMPURITIES/DEGRADANTS IN RAW MATERIAL,” Monika 

Pacek (Chemistry), John Albazi*, Chemistry 

29. “THE TOPOLOGY OF THE HARMONIC INFINITE BROOM,” Nancy R. Gullo 

(Mathematics), Nancy Wrinkle*, Mathematics 

30. “THE CORRELATION BETWEEN LIQUOR STORE DENSITY IN URBAN AREAS AND 

ITS IMPACT ON URBAN RENEWAL, REVENUE, RETENTION AND INVESTING,” Ollie 

Harris (Social Work), Angel Resto*, Social Work 

31. 

32 

“IDENTIFYING NOVEL FLUORESCENT BIO-MARKERS,” Rachael M. St. Peter, 

Svetlana E. Kovaleva, Nicole C. Woitowich, and Cynthia N. Hernández (Biology), Aaron 

E. Schirmer* and Emina A. Stojkovic*, Biology 

“GENDER DIFFERENCES IN AMERICAN AND JORDANIAN CHILDREN’S SCHEMA 

OF AN OLD PERSON AS PORTRAYED IN THEIR DRAWINGS,” Sharifah Hassan 

(Psychology), Saba Ayman-Nolley*, Psychology 

33. “THE ROLE OF REPRESENTATIONAL GESTURES IN TEACHING ARITHMETIC TO 

BILINGUALS,” Theodora Koumoutsakis (Psychology), Breckie Church*, Psychology 

34. “STRATEGIES AND ACTION PLAN TO PREVENT BULLYING BEHAVIORS IN A HIGH 

SCHOOL IN CHICAGO,” Tunisha Rush (Social Work), Angel Resto*, Social Work 

35. “THE IMPACT OF THE SEVEN CHALLENGES PROGRAM ON SUBSTANCE 

ABUSERS AND THEIR ENGAGEMENTS WITH FAMILY AND PEERS,” Yadira Toro 

(Social Work), Angel Resto*, Social Work 

36. “THE IMPACT OF THE ALL-STARS PROGRAM AND ITS RELEVANCE ON YOUTH 

PERCEPTION OF SUBSTANCE USE AT BASS ELEMENTARY,” Yolanda Thomas 

(Social Work), Angel Resto*, Social Work 

37. “THE EFFECT OF MIRACLE BERRY ON SOUR PERCEPTION,” Mehvi Akbar, 

Tamanna Begum, Desmond G. Fenty III, S idrah Khawaja, and Fatima Saifi 

(Psychology), Shannon Saszik*, Psychology 

38. “TASTE THRESHOLD FOR DIET COKE VERSUS COCA COLA,” Ahed M. Abufeelat, 

Lauren G. Flatt, Jamie M. Schmidt, and Meagan M. Swatek (Psychology), Shannon 

Saszik*, Psychology 


39. “METHOD DEVELOPMENT AND VALIDATION FOR DETERMINATION OF 

OXCARBAZEPINE IN RAW MATERIAL AND DRUG PRODUCT BY USING 

REVERSED-PHASED LIQUID CHROMATOGRAPHY,”, Zaid Sadik and Lubna Musa 

(Chemistry), John Albazi*, Chemistry 

40. “CRYSTAL STRUCTURES OF A BACTERIOPHYTOCHROME FROM STIGMATELLA 

AURANTIACA REVEAL AMINO ACIDS THAT MODULATE PHOTOCONVERSION,” 

Svetlana E. Kovaleva, Nicole C. Woitowich and Wesley B. Ozarowski (Biology), Aaron 

Schirmer* and Emina A. Stojković*, Biology 


The Symposium Committee would like to thank the following faculty members 

for serving as Presiders, Discussants, and/or Faculty Sponsors at the Twentieth 

Annual Student Research and Creative Activities Symposium: 

Tony Adams 

Rachel Adeodu 

John Albazi 

Sara Aliabadi 

Carrie Andrew 

Keith Atterberry 

Susan Auman 

Saba Ayman-Nolley 

Abhijit Banerjee 

Shelley Bannister 

Lawrence N. Berlin 

Rima Binder 

John P. Boyle 

Loretta Capeheart 

Mei-Lung Chen 

Breckie Church 

Huseyin Colak 

Gabriel Alejandro Cortez 

Gregory L. Dam 

Lesa Davis 

Paul Dolan 

Alireza Dorestani 

Genet Ide Duke 

Amanda Dykema-Engblade 

David Farmer, Jr. 

Ana Fraiman 

Aneta Galary 

Ryan Gallagher 

Kari Galvan 

Suzanne Gaskins 

Francisco Gaytan 

Lewis Gebhardt 

Pamela Geddes 

Changiz Geula 

Martin Giesso 

Bradley Greenburg 

Richard Hallett 

Robert Heitzinger 

Jean Hemzacek 

Lisa Hollis-Sawyer 

David Jones 

Michele Kane 

Judith Kaplan-Weinger 

John Kasmer 

Mary Kimble 

Wayne Landerholm 

Daniel Larkin 

David Leaman 

Stephanie Levi 

Timothy Libretti 

Shahrzad Mahootian 

Eleni Makris 

Christopher Merchant 

Melinda Merrick 

Sophia Mihic 

Monica Mihir 

Kenneth T.Nicholson 

Kara Nuss 

Joel Olfelt 

Ryan Poll 

Frederick R. Prete 

(Presenter is underlined and Faculty Sponsor* is denoted by an asterisk) 

Terrence Puryear 

Angel Resto 

David Riascos 

Linda Rueckert 

Kim Sanborn 

Laura Sanders 

Shannon Saszik 

Timothy Scherman 

Aaron E. Schirmer 

Terry Schuepfer 

Barbara A. Sherry 

William Sieger 

Jennifer Slate 

Jade Stanley 

Ingrid Stockburger 

Emina A. Stojkovic 

William Stone 

Edward F. Stuart 

Christine Swanson 

Masami Takahashi 

Susan Tang 

Stefan Tsonchev 

Ken Voglesonger 

Maureen Wang-Erber 

Louise E. Warburton 

Michael Wenz 

Andrew Wilson 

Nancy Wrinkle 

Qiumei (Jane) Xu 

Ai-Ru Yen

MESSAGE FROM THE SYMPOSIUM STEERING COMMITTEE 

The committee has several objectives in organizing the Symposium: 

1. To provide undergraduate and graduate students who are engaged in 

research and creative activities an opportunity to interact with each other and 

present their works before an audience of their peers, 

2. To provide a forum for highlighting the research accomplishments and 

creative activities at Northeastern Illinois University. 

3. To encourage students to participate in research and creative activities and to 

pursue graduate study. 

4. To promote and strengthen collaboration in research and creative activities 

among students and faculty. 

5. To enhance communication in areas of student research and creative 

activities among the College of Arts and Science, Business Management, 

Education and the Graduate College. 

The Committee hopes that you will enjoy the Symposium and share in the excitement of 

doing research and creative activities. We hope that you will look forward to 

participating in the 21 st Annual Northeastern Illinois University Student Research and 

Creative Activities Symposium in 2013.

Symposium Program - Northeastern Illinois University

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