AN ABSTRACT OF THE THESIS OF CHARLES ALAN PAYNE II, for the Masters of Arts degree in Criminology and Criminal Justice, presented on April 29, 2016, at Southern Illinois University Carbondale. TITLE: DOES SOCIAL LEARNING THEORY PREDICT DELINQUNECY DIFFERENTLY ACROSS URBAN, RURAL, AND SUBURBAN AREAS? MAJOR PROFESSOR: Dr. GEORGE BURRUSS The purpose of this study is to examine whether social learning theory predicts delinquency differently across urban, rural, and suburban areas. The lack of research in this area is problematic because while there are known differences between urban, rural, and suburban offending patterns, there is a lack of evidence to suggest why these patterns occur. The results of the study show that differential association, definitions, and differential reinforcement were significant across all three geographic locations. However, when analyzed by geographic location, differential reinforcement was only significant in suburban areas. In fact, differential reinforcement was the strongest predictor of delinquency in suburban areas, when differential association was the strongest in urban and rural.

abstract: At the turn of the twenty-first century, the population of Surprise Arizona exploded, increasing from 31,000 to 100,000 in just eight years. Developers filled acres of former cotton fields and citrus groves with walled neighborhoods of stucco and tile-roofed homes surrounded by palm trees and oleander bushes. Priced for middle-class families and retirees, this planned and standardized landscape stood in stark contrast to that of the town's first decades when dirt roads served migrant farm labor families living in makeshift homes with outdoor privies. This study explores how a community with an identity based on farm labor and networks of kinship and friendship evolved into an icon of the twenty-first century housing boom. This analysis relies on evidence from multiple sources. A community history initiative, the Surprise History Project, produced photographs, documents, and oral histories. City records, newspaper accounts, county documents, and census reports offer further insight into the external and internal factors that shaped and reshaped the meaning of community in Surprise. A socially and politically constructed concept, community identity evolves in response to the intricate interplay of contingencies, external forces, and the actions and decisions of civic leaders and residents. In the case of Surprise, this complex mix of factors also set the foundation for its emergence as a twenty-first century boomburb. The rapid expansion of the Phoenix metropolitan area, the emergence of age-restricted communities, and federal programs reset the social, economic, and political algorithms of the community. Internally, changing demographics, racial and ethnic diversity, and an ever-expanding population produced differing and continuously evolving ideas about community identity, a matter of intense importance to many. For seven decades, Surprise residents with competing ideas about place came into conflict. Concurrently, these individuals participated in official and vernacular events, activities, and celebrations. These gatherings, which evolved as the town grew and changed, also shaped community identity. While attending the Fourth of July festivities or debating city leaders' decisions at town council meetings, Surprise residents defined and redefined their community. / Dissertation/Thesis / Ph.D. History 2012

<p>A methodology is developed to evaluate residential energy cost reduction options in response to increasing concern over rising fuel costs and diminishing energy reserves. Energy use factors such as climate and local geographic features are identified and energy monitoring techniques are proposed.</p> <p> A flexible, computer-based decision and risk analysis tool is developed as a tool for the economic comparison of energy saving options. Single- and multi-variable sensitivity analysis is performed. A multi-criteria optimization method is presented which includes performance and cost factors. An efficient HV AC control program is developed using multiple sensors and fully automatic control.</p> <p> Finally, a case study of two energy saving alternatives is conducted for two cities in different climatic regions. The results show that the desirability of various energy saving options is a function of local climate conditions, rate of energy cost increase and predicted savings attributable to the options.</p> / Master of Science

No longer are suburban towns filled with households made up of large middle-class white families. In recent years, America’s diverse, elderly, and singles have joined this demographic in increasing numbers. The large square footages of homes and properties do not serve smaller households and are not environmentally sustainable. They demand significant heating and cooling and reliance on automobiles for everyday transportation due to the lack of walkability and transit connectivity. These two issues result in a high carbon footprint compared to living in a dense urban environment. Urban design interventions can help these suburbs facing population growth, demographic change, and unsustainable lifestyles. Solutions include a shift towards mixed-use development, densification, greening, and walkability. Implementing these design strategies in a strategic balanced way can help improve sustainability efforts, the health and wellness of the residents, and community engagement.

Background: Research on adolescent mental health suggests that prevalence rates for depressed mood are not uniformly distributed across all populations. This study examined demographic difference in depressed mood among a nationally representative sample of high school adolescents. Methods: The 2003 National Youth Risk Behavior Survey was utilized to examine the association between depressed mood and demographic variables. To examine demographic associations, chi-square and follow-up logistic regression models were created for the sample of high school adolescents (N = 15,214). Results: Caucasians and African Americans were significantly less likely to report depressed mood when compared to Hispanics and Others. Women were also more likely than men to report depressed mood. No significant differences were observed among levels of urbanicity and age. Conclusions: An understanding of the difference in the prevalence and correlates of depressed mood among adolescents of various ethnic/racial and gender groups deserves increased attention. Given the fact that challenges with depressed mood in adolescents can be substantial and relatively unrecognized, there is an increased need to identify these adolescents early and intervene with culturally appropriate interventions.

Recent decades have seen many localities revisiting traditional town center-style development as a response to problems caused by sprawl. In some cases, these more compact developments occur in areas that are otherwise primarily suburban in character. Of the many facets of these developments, parking has one of the largest impacts on the compactness, walkability, and accessibility of those developments, but little information, academic or otherwise, exists to inform the planning of parking for mixed-use projects in an otherwise suburban environment. Many localities rely on zoning-based parking minimums, but a lack of situational parking strategies may limit the benefits of these suburban mixed-use projects. In an effort to ascertain trends or best practices in a suburban context, information on eleven mixed-use developments was collected from planners and developers. In addition, quantitative data related to the mix of uses and amount of parking in similar developments was obtained from Urban Land Institute case studies. The analysis revealed that in general, suburban municipalities do not capitalize on potential parking reductions created by mixing uses, do not truly share parking between uses, and do not implement parking regulation in the form of time limits or pricing. In a few cases, there were exceptions to these general trends, with some developments implementing detailed shared parking plans that have thus far been successful in balancing demand and supply. The related quantitative analysis suggests that the most important strategy as it relates to parking is to have a varied mix of uses in the development, with attention to those that have opposite peak times. Based on the case studies and shared parking analyses, recommendations for effective parking strategies for suburban, mixed-use development include: development of a shared parking plan, the use of ULI\'s Shared Parking as a starting point but not a final determinant in those shared parking plans, the use of proffers to require periodic checks on the shared parking supply, and ongoing local parking studies to better understand local need. / Master of Urban and Regional Planning

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In recent years, there has been a growing recognition regarding the importance of walkability in urban design. Walking, as the most common form of physical activity, has gained recognition for its numerous benefits. While walkability has been extensively studied by urban designers, there is a gap in understanding how to promote and enhance walkability in suburban areas. The United States has historically prioritized car-centric transportation systems, resulting in less developed infrastructure for walking and cycling. Although efforts have been made in recent years to improve conditions for pedestrians and cyclists, there is still much progress needed to elevate the country's standing. The City of Alexandria, Virginia, boasts a diverse population and is known for its unique neighborhood called Old Town. Old Town is widely recognized for its high level of walkability, characterized by streets that are designed to prioritize pedestrians, creating a welcoming environment that encourages social interaction and a strong sense of community. However, in the suburban areas surrounding Old Town, there is a notable lack of walkability. This study look at challenges and opportunities in promoting walkability in a suburban area of Alexandria. By examining the specific context of Alexandria, This thesis aims to create a more walkable environment in an area that currently focuses on cars. The goal is to create more livable and pedestrian-friendly suburban environments that encourage walking and bicycling, and support the well-being of residents. / Master of Science / In recent times, there has been a growing acknowledgment of the value in designing cities that prioritize walkability and placing pedestrians' needs. Walking, which is the most popular way to stay active, has been recognized for its numerous benefits for our health and well-being. However, when it comes to making suburban areas more walkable, there is still a lot we don't fully understand. In the past, many urban designs in the United States have focused on cars, making it challenging for people to walk or cycle comfortably. While efforts have been made to improve conditions for pedestrians and cyclists, European countries are still ahead in terms of walking and cycling rates. The City of Alexandria, located in Virginia, is characterized by its diverse population and renowned for its distinctive neighborhood known as Old Town. Old Town is celebrated for its walkability, with streets that prioritize people over vehicles. IN contrast, the surrounding suburban areas don't enjoy the same level of walkability. This study aims to explore the obstacles and opportunities in making suburban areas more walkable, focusing on Alexandria's context. By implementing design solutions, aim to transform suburban areas into vibrant, pedestrian-friendly communities that promote walking and biking, contributing to the overall well-being of residents.

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