Digital Commons Network^™

Small Gatherings, Sean O'Connell

Theses

My proposed avenue of study involves a focused investigation of ornament on functional pottery. More specifically how the use of embellishment enhances utility and assists in the creation of a context for communal experiences: gatherings of a colloquial, informal, or casual nature. More specifically, this body of work explores the archetypal forms of tableware and how they manifest under the auspice of `small gatherings'. In addition to the apparent characteristics of `use' and `appearance' there are also numerous possibilities that may intersect with the ideas of utility and decoration. The content of this work is embedded in historical modes and …

Scapes, Masa Bajc

Theses

Scapes examines the experience of the oneiric landscape,conceived through the place of the artwork. Created photographs, videos and the installation are regarded as places that blend the inner space with the outer. Fukei,the Japanese concept of landscape, serves as a framework through which I explore the idea of a personal engagement with a place, and its relationships to the conceptions of space and landscape. Influenced by the philosophy of Gaston Bachelard, space is viewed as an expansion of one's intimate being. The thesis also addresses cross-disciplinary discourse on the meaning of place and its new found significance within the field …

Food Environment: Availability And Affordability Of Fruits, Vegetables, And Other Healthy Foods In Guilford County, North Carolina, Ismail Mintah

Theses

This study explores the built food environment in terms of food items availability and affordability in different types of stores and neighborhoods in Guilford County. A market basket list generated out of the USDA community food security toolkit was used to collect data on availability and prices of fruits and vegetables from three different stores types (Supermarkets, Grocery Stores, and Convenience Stores) in the county. Availability and affordability comparisons were undertaken by store type and income areas using (ANOVA) with a t-test. In general there were significant differences in availability and affordability of fruits and vegetables between supermarkets and grocery …

Does Marketing Have An Image Problem? An Empirical Study In To The Opinion Of Marketing From The Perspective Of Business And Consumers., Tony Ferguson

Theses

In the 50 year period since the marketing concept was first introduced to business strategy, we have witnessed a shift from the post-World War 2 austerity of supply shortages, to a modern day consumerist society, where maturing markets and an excess supply of goods and services pose serious challenges, in a highly competitive business environment. As competition has intensified, businesses have endeavoured to differentiate themselves from their competitors. Billions of dollars have been invested in research to gain an insight in to what motivates a highly sophisticated and increasingly cynical consumer. These challenges have been exacerbated since 2008, by the …

The Effectiveness Of Food Tourism Branding: The Case Of Kinsale, The Gourmet Food Capital Of The South., Lisa O'Riordan

Theses

Kinsale is a small fishing village in West Cork. During the summer months, the population increases from three thousand to over twelve thousand, due to the influx of tourists. This may be attributed, in no small way, to Kinsale’s reputation as the gourmet capital of Ireland. Kinsale has been at the core of Ireland’s food circles for many years, and has successfully branded itself as a food tourism destination.

Despite Ireland’s long association with agriculture, food tourism is a relatively unknown concept in the country. Food tourism includes visiting food producers, attending food festivals, restaurants and specific locations for food …

Revisiting Scriblerian Satire : "Martinus Scriblerus," Pope, And Swift, William K. Medlen

Theses

No abstract provided.

Improvements For Kosovo's Spatial Planning System / [Presentation Given In May 2011], Luan Nushi

Theses

This Capstone project addresses the important problem of functional improvement of Spatial Planning System in Kosovo. Major questions which have been addressed include following: What are the causes and problems that the current system is facing? What is the structure of the organization and what is the actual communication between Central and Municipal levels? What are the technical and human capacities? At what level of priority is the existing spatial planning sector? What is the level of spatial plans execution, and which are obstacles that affect their implementation? What is the existing legal basis and what are the barriers? ... …

Contamination Events And Linkages In World Rice Markets, Mana-Anya Iemsam-Arng

Theses

AN ABSTRACT OF THE THESIS OF Mana-anya Iemsam-arng, for the Master's degree in Agribusiness Economics, presented on November 9, 2010, at Southern Illinois University Carbondale. TITLE: Contamination Events and Linkages in World Rice Markets MAJOR PROFESSOR: Dr. Dwight Sanders In August of 2006, genetically modified LibertyLink rice contaminated the supply of non-GMO rice in the United States, causing damage to the U.S. rice production sector's credibility in their export market. The damage to the United States' credibility included doubt as to whether or not they had the ability to separate GMO and non-GMO rice strains during planting and/or production. This …

Reposition, Ratna Khanna

Theses

Landscape should be an instrument of cultural force. This work contemplates the relationship between the artificial and the natural. It resulted from thinking about matters concerning my interactions with public space; the combination of nature and the culture we inflict upon it. By including "nature" here, I use it to denote an outside environment that includes biological activity that is untamed, yet still capable of being influenced by human agency. This human agency takes the form of culture, that which appropriates nature towards our social needs. Hence, this agency benefits the formation of landscapes. A cultural artifact such as an …

Differences In Personality Factors And College Major Choice, Jennifer Smith

Theses

The transition from secondary education to post-secondary education is stressful for all students. The Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act (IDEIA 2004) only mandates transition plans for students receiving special education services. Career assessments and transition services should encourage career exploration which requires students to have knowledge about oneself and the world of work. When career assessments provide students with this information, they may be more informed on what major to choose. The purpose of this study was to look at group differences among college majors and their personality factors as measured by the Sixteen Personality Questionnaire, 5th Edition (16PF-5). …

In Search Of Local News, Tina Marsh

Theses

A 60-item mail survey of registered voters in two Rochester, N.Y.-area communities (n=185) assessed differences between information- and entertainment-seeking tendencies of those who use online and/or print media for local news. The research concluded that respondents with high information-seeking scores are not only using print media but also online media. In addition, online-only users showed a significant tendency for entertainment-seeking but not information-seeking. The study occurred amid the print newspapers' fight to survive by launching or upgrading online counterparts. This research also discusses the implications of the findings for public discourse, a role traditionally played by local print newspapers.

Relating Multimodal Imagery Data In 3d, Karl C. Walli

Theses

This research develops and improves the fundamental mathematical approaches and techniques required to relate imagery and imagery derived multimodal products in 3D. Image registration, in a 2D sense, will always be limited by the 3D effects of viewing geometry on the target. Therefore, effects such as occlusion, parallax, shadowing, and terrain/building elevation can often be mitigated with even a modest amounts of 3D target modeling. Additionally, the imaged scene may appear radically different based on the sensed modality of interest; this is evident from the differences in visible, infrared, polarimetric, and radar imagery of the same site. This thesis develops …

Air Piston Approach To Wave Power Generation, Arun Ramadass

Theses

Scientists have calculated that, by tapping just 0.2% of the energy produced by the world's oceans we can provide for all the worlds current energy needs. It is generally accepted that a combination of traditional energy production methods, (oil, coal, gas, nuclear) mixed with a combination of renewable energy production approaches is the future in providing for an increasingly energy hungry world. Wind, solar and biomass have moved into the public arena only in the last few years.

The proposed patented device (US Patent No.: 7,468,563) Ocean Wave Energy Converter harnesses the energy of ocean waves by continually raising and …

Attitudes Toward Hazaragi, Abedin Jamal

Theses

This study examined the attitudes of young educated Hazaras towards Hazaragi, a politically low-prestigious language spoken in Afghanistan. The instrument included a questionnaire made of Attitude questions and Descriptive questions. The respondents expressed their beliefs about the linguistic entity of Hazaragi, desire to maintain Hazaragi, value of Hazaragi, and domains of use of Hazaragi. The results showed that half of the Hazaras who participated in the study considered Hazaragi to be a language whereas the other half did not. The majority of the participants demonstrated a commitment to maintain Hazaragi and to speak Hazaragi. With regards to domains of use, …

Simplifying Complex Information Structures: The Application Of Archiving And Mapping Strategies In The Design Of Prescription Drug Labeling, Sheetal Alreja

Theses

Information Design involves finding meaningful solutions to raw and complex data that is difficult to understand. Archiving and Mapping are approached as means of information design during the course of this thesis study. The process of Archiving involves collection, documentation and organization of data. Traditional Archiving methods are studied along with analyzing organization of large amounts of information in the form of web sites, publications, annual reports and reference books. The approach towards Mapping is not limited to just geographic contexts. Maps can be visualized in the form of an idea, metaphor or process. Graphic Design elements such as color, …

The End Of The Holocaust Generation And The Implications In The Future Of Educational Programming In Holocaust Museums, Holly K. Meyers

Theses

No abstract provided.

Transgressing The Boundaries Of Holiness: Sexual Deviance In The Early Medieval Penitential Handbooks Of Ireland, England And France 500-1000., Christine A. Mccann

Theses

No abstract provided.

Towards Scale-Invariant Aboveground Biomass Estimation In Savanna Ecosystems Using Small-Footprint Waveform Lidar, Dave Kelbe

Theses

Land degradation is becoming an issue of increasing concern in the savanna ecosystems of southern Africa. As a result, there is a growing need to map structural changes at the fine scale, while retaining the ability to aggregate up to landscape level for analysis across land use gradients. Aboveground biomass (AGB) is an important indicator of vegetation structure and therefore is the ideal variable for estimation from light detection and ranging (lidar) data. To avoid the effects of scale, this paper takes a tree-delineation approach for segmentation of the structurally heterogeneous savanna environment. Diameter at breast height (DBH) measurements collected …

An Ontology-Based Assistant For Analyzing Agents' Activities, Roland Johnson

Theses

This thesis reports on work in progress on software that helps an analyst identify and analyze activities of actors (such as vehicles) in an intelligence-relevant scenario. A system is being developed to aid intelligence analysts, IAGOA ((Intelligence Analyst’s Geospatial and Ontological Assistant). Analysis may be accomplished by retrieving simulated satellite data of ground vehicles and interacting with software modules that allow the analyst to conjecture the activities in which the actor is engaged along with the (largely geospatial and temporal) features of the area of operation relevant to the natures of those activities. Activities are conceptualized by ontologies. The research …

Museum Education And Professional Development Partnerships: How The Educational Programs Of Museums Enhance Career Goals And Professional Development Skills In Adults, Victoria A. Jensen

Theses

No abstract provided.

The Understudy, Linda Denise Harris

Theses

This story is a first person true account of love and loss between two sisters. The sisters are separated by seven years and other siblings, yet the bond formed in childhood is strengthened through the trials and tribulations of life. When the older sibling learns that she has terminal cancer she wants her sister by her side.

From the perspective of the younger sister, the story weaves from past to present, back and forth, as each substantial scene unfolds. Through her eyes, the younger sibling sheds light on the early years and the reader learns what it was like growing …

Austral Autumn And Winter Seasonal Affects On Benthic Foraminiferal Communities: Bransfield And Northern Gerlache Straits, Laura Anne Bordelon

Theses

The Southern Ocean has unique seasonal qualities due to the Antarctic Circumpolar Current (ACC) thermo-isolating the Antarctic continent. During summer months, surface primary productivity from algal blooms is very high. In the winter months, limited daylight hours (4 in winter) and formation of sea ice prevents sun light from reaching surface waters, therefore limiting productivity. The short seasons of productivity and long winters in Antarctica combined with seasonal changes in deep ocean temperatures, salinity, and fluxes of organic matter impact foraminiferal population dynamics. Fluctuations in surface primary productivity, as well as living foraminiferal assemblages have been documented around the Antarctica …

Tracing The "Enigmatic" Late Postclassic Nahua-Pipil (A.D. 1200-1500): Archaeological Study Of Guatemalan South Pacific Coast, Carlos A. Batres

Theses

This thesis addressed the Late Post-classic (A.D. 1200 - 1500) Nahua-Pipil of the central Pacific coast of Guatemala. It evaluated archaeological settlement plan data and ceramics in association with regional geography, and ethnohistorical accounts in conjunction with GIS tools for their analysis. The goal is to reconstruct Nahua-Pipil sociopolitical organization, testing the hypothesis that it was based on the Nahua altepetl system.

Effect Of The Internet On Reading Fiction Books For Enjoyment And Potential Interest In The Integration Of The Two Media, Jessica S. Cole

Theses

As the Internet grows in popularity, interest in the potential harmful effects that it will have on other media increases. The current study assesses the impact that the Internet has had on the leisure reading of fiction books and attempts to determine whether integrating Internet features with fiction books increases the appeal of reading them. An online survey was completed by 162 college students, which measured reading rates, Internet use, preferred Internet and book features, as well as interest in reading books that integrate Internet features. Findings show no indication that the Internet has affected leisure reading rates, that the …

Favecity: A Visual Exploration Of City Travel Information, Ching-Ping Chen

Theses

Web 2.0 provides a great environment for interactive information sharing and collaboration. We are no longer to receive information passively. On the contrary, everyone can contribute content and share personal experiences. It is a perfect social media for travelers to be connected. faveCITY is a visual exploration of what do people think and how do they feel about their favorite cities. It collects users' opinions about the city such as city emotion, favorite city feature, best season to visit and a souvenir recommendation. The goal of this project is to combine Web 2.0 features with information visualization to create an …

Water Purification In Haiti : An Engineers Without Borders Project, Melissa Valoura

Theses

The objective of this thesis was to present the necessary steps to help a town in Haiti develop an organization focused on improving their water quality. It goes through the technology needed to create the organization and explains the procedures for implementing a charitable project in a foreign country. A narrative of the student project in Milot, Haiti, where students from the New Jersey Institute of Technology's Engineers Without Borders Chapter implemented a water purification project, explains the course of action that was taken and gives an example of a successful project. A summary of Haiti and its history paints …

Telemedicine Patient Identification With Rfid; An Embedded Approach, Onder Aksoy

Theses

Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) has potential for application in the new field of telemedicine, as the use of radio waves offers advantages over traditional optical technology such as bar codes. Radio waves are not limited by line of sight, they can penetrate objects and communicate in a wireless fashion. However, the same advantage is also the inherent weakness, as radio waves are susceptible to attack. Ongoing efforts have identified forward secure chain hashing as a viable security protocol for RFID authentication. Today's typical RFID communications take place with the "host-reader-tag" arrangement where the computational requirements are performed by a back …

The Effects Of Grouping And Curriculum On The Self-Concept Of Gifted Children, Valerie A. Beaman

Theses

The Big-Fish-Little-Pond Effect predicts gifted students educated in heterogeneous settings develop higher academic self-concept than those educated in homogeneous settings. Academic self-concept of students in multi-age classroom using the Primary Years International Baccalaureate Program (Primary IB) was compared to academic self-concept of students in single-aged classroom learning traditional curriculum. Data were collected (N=65) on third and fourth-graders using the Self-Description Questionaire (Marsh, 1992). It was hypothesized that gifted and non-gifted students educated in multi-age classrooms taught with Primary IB have higher academic self-concept than children in single age classrooms. Results of 2x2 ANOVA indicated no significant differences between gifted and …

Moarabisque: The Essence Of Arabia : A Motion Graphics Piece That Promotes The Diverse Saudi Arabian Arts And Culture, Wail Al Hamid

Theses

Moarabisque: The essence of Arabia is an "Arabian custom designed motion graphics series". This Series is inspired by the diverse geography, architecture, arts, and culture of the Arabian Peninsula. These series are merged together as a cohesive motion graphics piece that visually reflects and promotes the varied Arabian culture through arts, architecture, music, and Islamic iconography. The final motion graphics video will introduce a series of visual icons that are of vital importance to religious and cultural values of Muslims; especially the Arabic nation. These icons delineate the characteristics of the Arabian culture; an Islamic civilized culture that emerged from …

Racial Framing In The 2008 Presidential Election: A Content Analysis Of Geographically Diverse Newspapers And The Framing Of Barack Obama, Jeffrey Mason

Theses

This study content analyzed three geographically diverse newspapers: The Boston Globe, The Star Tribune, and The Atlanta Journal-Constitution to determine if there were geographic differences in the frequency that Barack Obama was referred to by his race and the frequency that the race of the voters was mentioned regarding then-candidate Obama. No differences were found in how Obama or the voters were referenced across the three newspapers.