Enthusiasts propose that social media promotes vertical political communication, giving citizens the opportunity to interact directly with... Show moreEnthusiasts propose that social media promotes vertical political communication, giving citizens the opportunity to interact directly with their representatives. However, skeptics claim that politicians avoid direct engagement with constituents, using technology to present a façade of interactivity instead. This study explores if and how elected officials in three regions of the world are using Twitter to interact with the public. We examine the Twitter activity of 15 officials over a period of six months. We show that in addition to the structural features of Twitter that are designed to promote interaction, officials rely on language to foster or to avoid engagement. It also provides yet more evidence that the existence of interactive features does not guarantee interactivity. Show less
Modified scrap rubber particles, a method for forming the modified rubber particles and compositions including the modified rubber particles.... Show moreModified scrap rubber particles, a method for forming the modified rubber particles and compositions including the modified rubber particles. The rubber particles are impregnated with at least one polymerizable monomer and polymerized to impregnate the rubber particles with a polymer. The impregnated polymer provides the modified rubber particles with improved properties which increase the potential uses for recycled scrap rubber. The modified rubber particles are useful in surface coatings, such as latex paint or powder coatings and can be used as a soil substitute. Sponsorship: Illinois Institute of Technology United States Patent Show less
The inspiration to develop a vertical urban school originates from rising urban density and the lack of interconnection and identity in some... Show moreThe inspiration to develop a vertical urban school originates from rising urban density and the lack of interconnection and identity in some urban environments. The urban condition is a construct of rhythm, memory, and the sensory. This condition is illuminated through the dense activity and interaction of city life. This scheme embraces the layers of activity and vibrancies inherent in the operation of schools and cities. Show less
An electron beam head for reproducing magnetically recorded video signals wherein magnetic fields from the record medium are channeled to the... Show moreAn electron beam head for reproducing magnetically recorded video signals wherein magnetic fields from the record medium are channeled to the interior of the envelope to deflect the primary electrons transversely to the scanning direction of the beam. In one embodiment, the sensing electrodes are at opposite sides of the magnetic field region at an end wall of the envelope, while in another embodiment the primary electron beam passes through the openings in a grid of magnetic wires so as to interact with the magnetic fields therebetween, electrostatic deflecting means serving to deflect the electron beam through a substantial angle as it leaves the grid so as to impinge on sensing electrodes remote from the grid. In a third embodiment, secondary electrons are conducted into a branch tube extending from the main envelope and a single electrode senses the degree of deflection of the secondary electrons by the magnetic fields permeating the secondary emission region. Sponsorship: IIT Research Institute United States Patent Show less
Method and apparatus for transducing a plurality of video signals on a record medium by interlacing recorded fields of different signals along... Show moreMethod and apparatus for transducing a plurality of video signals on a record medium by interlacing recorded fields of different signals along a channel, and using a series of scanners or a scanner with shiftable scanning beam for repeatedly reproducing each recorded field, or using a scanner and a repeater device to reproduce and repeat each recorded signal, and thus provide for display of a continuous sequence of fields, while using much less record medium for a given program. Sponsorship: IIT Research Institute United States Patent Show less
A video and/or audio magnetic transducer apparatus includes a capstan assembly formed with at least one annular groove therein and a... Show moreA video and/or audio magnetic transducer apparatus includes a capstan assembly formed with at least one annular groove therein and a compressible medium in the groove for nonrigidly backing a recording medium opposite a recording channel thereon. Adjustable stop means limit movement of a transducer head cooperable with the capstan when the head is in a cooperable operating position with respect to the recording medium for preventing damage thereto. Sponsorship: IIT Research Institute United States Patent Show less
A method for producing crystals and for screening crystallization conditions of chemical materials on distinct metallic islands with specific... Show moreA method for producing crystals and for screening crystallization conditions of chemical materials on distinct metallic islands with specific functional groups, for preparing and screening the conditions necessary to promote a specific polymorph of a crystal, and a means for testing and screening the more precise conditions suitable for achieving a desired size or form of a crystal. Sponsorship: Illinois Institute of Technology United States Patent Show less
A method and apparatus for spectrochemical analysis of a gas is provided in which the subject gas is mixed with a carrier gas and introduced... Show moreA method and apparatus for spectrochemical analysis of a gas is provided in which the subject gas is mixed with a carrier gas and introduced into an analysis space between two electrodes. A continuous direct current discharge between the electrodes is produced which sustains a plasma formed from the carrier gas so that components of the subject gas are excited to luminescence. Characteristic radiation emitted by the components is then detected. The carrier gas has a higher ionization potential than components of the subject gas and, for example, may be a noble gas. The method is operable at atmospheric pressure. The electrodes may be either solid wires or tubes through which the gas mixture enters and leaves the analysis space. Sponsorship: IIT Research Institute United States Patent Show less
Monochrome and color television recording and playback circuitry for coupling with a standard broadcast receiver. Recording signals supplied... Show moreMonochrome and color television recording and playback circuitry for coupling with a standard broadcast receiver. Recording signals supplied to the recording head without further amplification, and with circuitry for maintaining a good visual display during recording, and circuitry for phase correction and pulse modification. Playback circuitry for reduced thermal noise, phase correction and improved response. Frequency modulation sound on video track. Sponsorship: IIT Research Institute United States Patent Show less
A structural member having a core of porous material permitting fluid flow and an outer layer of composite material having rigid matrix with... Show moreA structural member having a core of porous material permitting fluid flow and an outer layer of composite material having rigid matrix with reinforcing material embedded therein. The member finds its primary use in prosthetics. Sponsorship: IIT Research Institute United States Patent Show less
This project was a look at redeveloping Main Street in Buffalo,New York to become a new Collegiate Strip for College students. The detailed... Show moreThis project was a look at redeveloping Main Street in Buffalo,New York to become a new Collegiate Strip for College students. The detailed site located at the intersection of Jewett Avenue and Main Street provided a new 'Arts Node' where students could live, perform, and practice their given talents. This site also provided a connection to the existing Tri-Main Center which allows public display space for artistic individuals. An infrastructural addition over the existing railway system provided additional outdoor space labeled a 'social alley' that connected Main Street and Jewett Avenue and provided more creative space between the Tri-Main Center and the new Arts Node. Show less