Digital Commons Network^™

“Chords Of Inquiry”: Alternate Guitar Tunings, Harmony, And Text-Music Relations In Joni Mitchell’S Early Songs, Peter Kaminsky, Megan Lyons

Open Access Fund Publications

In the 2003 documentary Woman of Heart and Mind, Joni Mitchell states, “Chords are depictions of emotions. These chords that I was getting by twisting the knobs on the guitar until I could get these chords that I heard inside that suited me, they feel like my feelings. You know, I called them, not knowing, chords of inquiry.” In investigating Mitchell’s music, we address the integration of guitar, harmony, and expression of feeling exemplified by “chords of inquiry.” We take as a corpus her early songs from 1968 to 1972 in which she accompanies herself on guitar. Our study …

Human Evil (In The Weird), Lucas Ethridge

University Honors Theses

This paper examines a trending doom in speculative fiction: the post-human age. Many modern works have started to look past human civilization as humans surrender all hope and faith in a climate-doomed world. Honing in on core concepts in Weird fiction, this paper explores human merit through Old and New Weird. A good part spends time establishing the canon, looking at similar patterns across age, philosophy, war and genre. The chief question asks if humankind was ever worth saving.

The American Pantheon, Jadon Goldsmith

Philomathean

No abstract provided.

Design With A Purpose: An Introductory Faith-Integrated Graphic Design Textbook For Christian Higher Education, Rosealine Lemette

Masters Theses

This thesis project addresses the absence of faith-informed graphic design curriculum available to Christian higher education programs creating a curricular gap that limits students’ ability to draw meaningful connections between their profession and Christian identity. The proposed solution in this project is an introductory graphic design textbook that combines foundational design theory, historical context, and hands-on skill building from a Christian worldview. This educational resource will guide students and faculty to view their profession as a divine calling, engaging in the creative process as an act of worship while developing an ethical and spiritually grounded design process. The comprehensive literature …

The Divided Self: Gothic Duality In Literature, Sarah Anna Meeks

Masters Theses

Gothic literature of the nineteenth century is haunting due to its frequent use of ghosts and monsters. However, the true terror lies in a deeper horror, one that is more intimate and destabilizing– a fright that leaps out of the text, looking into the heart of the reader: the fractured mind of the self torn between reality and repression, haunted by its own, newly manifested internal disunity rather than external monsters. The characters of Gothic fiction are typically caught in a psychological turmoil. They battle with split morals between duty and desire, morality and madness, and science and spirituality. Specifically, …

Primary Care Provider Communication Barriers With College-Aged Students, Mckenna Mahakian, Sharon Schaeffer, Rachel Immel

Honors Projects

As both a researcher and a college student, I’ve noticed that my peers and I share a common negative sentiment toward scheduling and attending routine doctor’s appointments. There are unique barriers in place for the age demographic; college students encountering the medical system and Primary Care Providers (PCPs) seem to have unique challenges in communication. I released a qualitative, anonymous survey to Bowling Green State University students to gauge opinionated responses on sentiments regarding how they felt about the level of communication between themselves and their provider, how the pediatric switch to a regular doctor impacted their inpatient care, how …

The Call For Wailing Women In Jeremiah 9:17: Biblical Theology Of Mourning Within The Context Of Repentance, Nwabuogo N. B. Okafo

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The Hebrew Bible features numerous accounts of mourning that reveal it as a significant aspect of the ancient Near Eastern burial customs. Biblical mourning involves an established process of grieving the loss of a dead person by his or her family and community (Deut 34:8; 2 Sam 1:11–12). The Bible also mentions other forms of mourning besides grieving the loss of the dead. Penitential mourning is the expression of sorrow resulting from awareness of personal or corporate sin (Joel 2:12–14; Ezra 10:6). Penitential mourning could be personal or corporate (2 Sam 12:13, 16; Ezra 9:3–4). Corporate mourning involving donning of …

The Holy Spirit Fulfills The Great Commission By Affecting The Soul – The Conscience, Intellect, And Affections – Of Believers Through The Agency Of Discipleship, Farrah K. Stewart

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Statement of Problem

A knowledge and awareness of the Holy Spirit tends to be the missing from the church today, although his power, presence, and role is not only needed, but is necessary to fulfill the last commandment given by Christ. Though silent, he and his work are – and should be – evident among, to, and through believers, both corporately and individually.

Research Question

What do the Great Commission passages in the Gospels and the book of Acts reveal about the mission of the Holy Spirit for the church today?

Thesis Statement

This dissertation argues that, according to the …

Edenic Themes Of Creation And Exile In The Book Of Jonah And Their Impact On Evangelical Exegesis, Christopher R. Walker

Masters Theses

This thesis examines how the Book of Jonah uses imagery drawn from the Garden of Eden and how these themes shape the way evangelicals read the book. Rather than treating Jonah as a simple moral tale, the study argues that the narrative is intentionally crafted to further highlight Jonah’s disobedience and the book's theological claims, using Edenic imagery. Chapter One considers the question of “Why did Jonah run to Tarshish”? After considering the intertextual links, it appears that Jonah ran specifically to Tarshish for its Eden-like possibilities. Chapter Two focuses on the non-human agents in the book. The wind, ship, …

Diary Of A Young Actress: An Inquiry Into Failure, Resilience, And The Actor’S Journey, Keira Biala

Student Scholar Symposium Abstracts and Posters

What is the journey? For some, it may be a road to a physical destination. For others like myself, it is a pathway containing failures such as rejection and successes such as booking roles. Sometimes, these failures can challenge our sense of self, leading to unhealthy coping mechanisms. As a deep exploration of self-comparison, self-worth, and rejection in people’s artistic and non-artistic journeys, I created an album called Diary of a Young Actress consisting of self-written songs about these three topics when it comes to my acting journey. Moreover, I read books and articles about people’s perspectives on their journeys …

Animals In Entertainment: Ethical Considerations, Industry Regulations, Incidents, And The Future Of Animal Performers, Kendyll Conlisk

Student Scholar Symposium Abstracts and Posters

Some of our favorite films, theatre productions, and live performances involve animals. A Dog's Purpose, Annie, Barnum and Bailey circus; the list is endless. But have you ever wondered, "How do they train them?" and "Is this benefiting or harming the animals?" Animals in entertainment have a long history dating back to ancient civilizations. Research done by World Animal Protection found that three out of four tourist animal attractions involve some form of animal abuse, and up to 550,000 animals around the world suffer due to these cruel attractions for human amusement. This does not imply that all animals used …

“River Of Death”: Industrial Pollution And The North Texas Trinity River Inthe Progressive Era, Meghan Scott-Chaber

Journal of Texas History

No abstract provided.

The Role Of Digital Media In The Promotion Of Cultural Heritage And Art, Arben Arifi

International Journal of Business and Technology

The goal of this paper is to provide an overview of how digital media are creating new conceptual and operational landscapes. On one hand, digital media are altering expectations regarding digital tools for both individuals and institutions. On the other hand, they are giving artists new opportunities to explore and innovate in their creative expressions. The question arises: Is culture merely our past, our roots, ancient artifacts, or historical art? Culture encompasses all the elements that shape our identity and influence how we behave and interact in various aspects of our lives both personal and public. It includes practices we …

Talinghaga At/Ng Pakikibaka: Pagsusuri Sa Mga Pahayag Ng All Up Academic Employees Union - Los Baños, 2019-2020, Cris Lanzaderas, Jennifer Cruz Delfin, Rowell Madula

Dalumat: Multikultural at Multidisiplinaryong E-Journal sa Araling Filipino

Mahalaga sa anomang organisasyong panlipunan ang mabisang pakikipag-ugnayan sa mga pinagsisilbihan nito. Sa kaso ng mga unyon, tungkulin nito ang regular na pakikipagkomunikasyon sa mga miyembro at hindi miyembro nito hinggil sa iba’t ibang usaping may kaugnayan sa sariling kagalingan at kagalingan ng mga kapwa manggagawa. Isa na sa mga paraang ito ang paglalabas ng mga pahayag o statement. Nagagamit din ang pahayag bilang isang kasangkapan sa paglalatag ng tindig at paniniwala ng mga kasapi nito sa isang partikular na isyu. Para sa papel na ito, sinuri ng mga mananaliksik ang dalawampu’t anim (26) na pahayag o statement ng All …

Exploring The Potential For Data Storytelling Practices In Healthcare Communication, Shafaq Zehra, Naomi Jacobs, Dan Richards

IASDR Conference Series

The key challenges associated with the design of doctor-patient communication mainly include time constraints, cultural and language barriers and health literacy of the patients accessing care. The implications of the gaps in effective doctor-patient communication may lead to lack of compliance to treatment, weakened rapport building and lack of trust in the healthcare services. This paper qualitatively explores the context of the challenges associated with doctor-patient communication from a health care provider perspective. The main themes identified by in-depth interviews with clinicians were issues related to lack of trust, validity of patient’s information, lack of patient engagement and empowerment, and …

Reimagining Speculative Design For Inclusion: An Narrative-Based Prototype For Civic Participation, Sandy Claes, Gitte Vande Graveele, Erica Bol

IASDR Conference Series

Speculative design has the potential to foster civic reflection but often remains inaccessible to broader audiences due to its cultural and conceptual complexity. This paper presents a research-through-design (RtD) exploration of how speculative design can become more inclusive by embedding reflection into the narrative experience itself. We redesigned INWARDS, a policy-oriented speculative artefact, by segmenting one of its films and integrating plain-language prompts at key narrative moments and reframing participation as introspection by triggering lightweight, personal reflections. The resulting prototype was deployed in a semi-public setting to explore spontaneous engagement beyond design- savvy audiences. We contribute (1) a design-led exploration …

Co-Living With Intelligent Artifacts: An Experiential Participatory Speculative Design Method, Boyu Zhang, Jiaxin Xiao, Li Zhang

IASDR Conference Series

With the advancement of artificial intelligence and robotics, intelligent artifacts are increasingly integrated into human life. Traditional user-centered design approaches focus on optimizing interaction experiences but often overlook potential ethical issues. This study employs a participatory speculative design approach, engaging the public in co-constructing future scenarios to foreground ethical reflection at the early stages of the design process. Building on this approach, we propose an extended model of the Experiential Future Ladder and implement it through a workshop involving eight Chinese youth participants. Thematic analysis identifies three categories of ethical issues in future human–intelligent artifact interactions: dilemmas between emotion and …

From Trauma To Transformation: A Cognitive-Embedded Design Framework For Responsive Healing Environments, Xiujun Chen, Ziyuan Jiang

IASDR Conference Series

Post-conflict architectural interventions often overlook survivors’ altered cognitive and emotional landscapes. This paper introduces cognitive-embedded design—a framework that reconceives architecture as an active participant in collective healing. The study adopts a speculative, research- through-design approach integrating conceptual inquiry with spatial and technical prototyping. Using the redesign of Sarajevo’s Grbavica Market as a case study, it demonstrates how sensor-driven spatial systems can support trauma recovery when orchestrated through Judith Herman’s three-phase model and 4E cognition principles. The project integrates responsive boundaries, bio-adaptive narratives, and culturally rooted craft spaces that attune to healing rhythms while preserving user agency through community governance. While …

Aesthetic Responses And Ai Anxiety: Experimental Analysis Of Public Perception Toward Ai Artworks Across Different Styles, Rui Xu, Yen Hsu, Xinyan Wang, Hanlin Mi

IASDR Conference Series

Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools can reproduce various art styles by deep learning to efficiently produce stunning artworks that seem artistic and arouse emotional resonance among the audience. However, do these AI artworks go beyond the levels of human artists in the present era, will the AI artworks go beyond the levels of human artists in the future, and will these artworks undermine the status of anthropocentrism and trigger anxiety? In response to these questions, experiments were launched to check the representative artworks at different times. In this paper, the experimental research method and the data analysis method were applied to …

A Study Of The Application And Experience Differences Between Embodied And Non-Embodied Interactive Ar In Cultural Tourism, Qijun Gao, Bingjie Gao, Hanyin Zheng, Shaohua Xue

IASDR Conference Series

The widespread application of Augmented Reality (AR) technology in cultural tourism has made the optimization of user interaction a key factor in enhancing the overall experience. This study takes the Gongtan Ancient Town in Chongqing as a case study to conduct a comparative analysis of embodied and non-embodied interactive AR in cultural contexts. A within-subject experiment with 36 participants was conducted, combining quantitative evaluations (UEQ-S scale, cognitive dimension ranking, and comparative scoring) and qualitative insights from semi-structured interviews. This mixed-method approach enabled a systematic comparison of emotional, cognitive, and usability- related differences between the two interaction modes. The results indicate …

Xrecycle: A Gamified Xr System For Enhancing Youth Engagement And Learning In Plastic Recycling, Yuhao Li, Mingming Wang, Hanzhe Bao, Yuhao He, Tiantian Lo, Henry Duh

IASDR Conference Series

This study proposes XRecycle, a physical-digital (phygital) gamified system that integrates extended reality (XR) technologies with game-based learning mechanisms to address challenges in engaging youth in plastic recycling within high-density cities like Hong Kong. The system merges tangible devices made from locally recycled plastics with immersive virtual environments, forming a multi- layered framework of main tasks, side quests, and reward feedback. A mixed-method study with 20 participants validated the system ’ s effectiveness in enhancing circular literacy and sustaining behavioral motivation. Quantitative results revealed significant improvements in knowledge retention and engagement. Qualitative feedback suggested that participants were particularly drawn to …

The Social Dynamics Of Campus Spaces: An Ethnographic Study Of Lived Experiences And Student Agency., Sabahat Ali Khan, Anandhu Pm, Ravinder Kaur, Saurabh Tewari

IASDR Conference Series

This ethnographic research explores the everyday lives and social relationships of student spaces at IIT Delhi, with reference to how institutional design, student’s agency, and material environments co- produce campus life. Drawing on theoretical frameworks including Foucault’s disciplinary power, Lefebvre’s spatial triad, Tuan’s emotional geographies, and the research reveals that campus spaces are dynamic, contested sites where formal planning meets everyday student practices. Through fieldwork, observation, and interviews, the research records the negotiation of space, emotional connections, and the contributions of non-human actors. Findings demonstrate that students actively reinvent formal spaces, infusing them with memory and routine influenced by emotional …

Failing Through Play: Integrating Iterative Design Methods To Foster Creativity In Primary Education, Fernanda Fontes, Wonjoon Chung

IASDR Conference Series

Creativity is one of the essential skills to navigate the complexities of the 21st century. In this exploratory research, we investigate how design can enhance current pedagogical methods in primary education to foster creativity in problem-solving activities. Using a case study method, we conduct semi-structured interviews with educators to understand their approaches, motivations, and the barriers they face when employing these activities in their classrooms. We also verify the iterative methods currently incorporated into these activities. Our analysis suggests that crucial elements of the design creative process, such as iteration and problem-finding, are often overlooked. Furthermore, the concept of “iteration” …

From Screen To Street: Insights For Autonomous Mobility Design From Movies, Xinyan Yu, Tram Thi Minh Tran, Marius Hoggenmüller, Martin Tomitsch

IASDR Conference Series

Fictional media, such as movies, offer a rich speculative lens for exploring people’s interaction with and the societal implications of future technologies. In this paper, we apply this lens to the domain of autonomous mobility, mapping a speculative landscape to inspire the design of future autonomous mobility systems. We systematically examine 36 autonomous mobility systems depicted across 31 movies and construct a speculative landscape that reveals how these systems are imagined in terms of interaction design, agency, and their embeddedness within broader societal contexts. This analysis offers design researchers a resource for inspiration and critical reflection, highlighting opportunities to reimagine …

Effects Of Colored Pavement Line Density On Drivers' Visual Attention Patterns, Yunhui Wu, Sari Yamamoto

IASDR Conference Series

This study addresses concerns in shared space regarding low vehicle yield rates to pedestrians, safety risks, and challenges faced by vulnerable road users. We examine how the density of colored pavement lines influences drivers’ visual attention, specifically, fixation counts on pedestrians, in complex shared space scenes. Using an eye tracker (Tobii Pro Glasses 3, 100 Hz), we recorded the eye movements of 20 participants while they viewed 15 simulated driving videos with different marking designs. Results show that the optimal density correlates with road width: on 6-m roads, low-density markings are most effective; on 4.5-m roads, low density is effective …

Confucian Ritual Space As More-Than-Human Design: Reframing The Zaojing In The Forbidden City, Ning Gao, Yongsheng Tong, An Sui, Hui Zeng

IASDR Conference Series

This article explores the Forbidden City’s zaojing (coffered ceiling) as a case study in reinterpreting ritual space through a “more-than-human” design lens. Bridging Confucian cosmology with contemporary post-humanist design theory, we argue that the imperial Chinese ritual environment was inherently more-than-human-centric, embedding non-human agencies (cosmic forces, mythical beings, and natural elements) into architectural design. We begin by examining Confucian cosmology and imperial architecture, highlighting how the built environment embodied a cosmological order beyond human-centered needs. We then outline a theoretical framework drawing on more-than- human design principles and spatial semiotics to understand architecture as an active mediator between human and …

Cultural Manifestations Of Sketch Inhibition In East Asian Design Education: A Grounded Theory Approach, Zhenyu Ma, Wei Man

IASDR Conference Series

This study investigates the phenomenon of sketch inhibition in East Asian design education contexts through a grounded theory approach, exploring how cultural, institutional, and technological factors shape students' utilization of sketching as a design thinking tool. Through systematic analysis of in- depth interviews with 41 participants from China, Japan, and cross-cultural backgrounds—including design educators (n=11), industry experts (n=12), and students (n=18)—this research reveals unique manifestations of sketch inhibition distinct from Western contexts. The study employs rigorous open, axial, and selective coding procedures to construct a theoretical framework capturing the multidimensional nature of sketch inhibition in East Asia. Key findings indicate …

Educating For Longevity: The Role Of Immersive Technologies In Service Learning, Sheng-Hung Lee, Joseph Coughlin, Sofie Hodara, Maria Yang

IASDR Conference Series

As education adapts to the realities of a longevity society, new approaches are needed to engage learners in preparing for their long-term futures, particularly around financial well-being. This preliminary study explores how immersive technologies can enhance educational experiences in longevity planning by combining augmented reality (AR) with tangible artifacts, the Longevity Planning Blocks (LPBs). We designed and prototyped three longevity coaching experiences—using projection AR, tablet AR, and wearable AR—to investigate their effectiveness in communicating abstract longevity planning concepts. Nine Boston-based participants aged 35–45 engaged in a 30-minute coaching session using one of three AR modalities, followed by reflective feedback captured …

Perceptemo: Exploring How Generative Ai Affects Emotional Data Sensemaking On Human Perception For Academic Procrastination, Zitian Zhang, Yi-Ching (Janet) Huang

IASDR Conference Series

While Artificial Intelligence (AI) demonstrates potential for supporting data processing and interpretation, limited research investigates how to support individuals in emotional sensemaking in the context of procrastination behaviors. This work introduces Percept Emo, a platform that uses generative AI models (image-to-image and image-to-video) to support people to make sense of and experience their emotional data. It transforms users' sketches of emotions related to procrastination into new visual representations. In a within-subjects experiment, we investigate how AI supports emotional data sensemaking and its influence on perceptions of procrastination by comparing three conditions: no AI, image-to-image, and image-to-video. Results showed that the …

The Impact Of The Visual Fidelity Of Externalized Ideas On Participants' Cognitive Actions And Co-Evolution: Focusing On Generative Ai-Supported Multidisciplinary Co-Design, Yeongsong Lim, Younjoon Lee

IASDR Conference Series

This study investigated the impact of the visual fidelity of externalized ideas, particularly when supported by generative artificial intelligence (GAI), on cognitive actions, co-evolution, and knowledge exchange in multidisciplinary co-design workshops. Although sketching has long served as a mediating artifact for collaboration, empirical validation is required to understand how GAI, as a visualization tool, reshapes design cognition and collaborative dynamics. A multidisciplinary co-design workshop was conducted, and data were collected through pre- and post-workshop surveys, video recordings, and post-interviews. A protocol analysis was conducted based on the participants’ verb aliz at ions during the workshop sessions, and the survey data …