Digital Commons Network^™

Minus 25 Betty Tyson, Taunja Isaac

Theses

Betty Tyson was convicted of murder in May 1973 in Rochester, NY. She was sentenced to 25 years to life in prison. Her trial was hasty and the jury of peers she faced was all white. The evidence against her was tainted yet she was still found guilty. I was 9 years old when I first heard this story. When I decided to pursue my Master in Fine Art, I remembered this story and wanted to use my journalism instincts that I developed during my undergraduate degree at SUNY Brockport. I approached my thesis committee for approval to pursue this …

Server-Based Desktop Virtualization, Anas Raqi Shabaitah

Theses

Virtualization can be accomplished at different layers in the computational stack and with different goals (servers, desktops, applications, storage and network). This research focuses on server-based desktop virtualization. According to the Gartner group, the main business drivers for adopting desktop virtualization are: application compatibility, business continuity, security and compliance, mobility and improved productivity [15]. Despite these business drivers, desktop virtualization has not been widely adopted. According to a survey conducted by Matrix42, only 5% of desktop computers are virtualized [37]. The research deals with the challenges preventing the wider adoption of server-based desktop virtualization while focusing on two of the …

Design Trade-Offs For Reliable On-Chip Wireless Interconnects In Noc Platforms, Manoj Prashanth Yuvaraj

Theses

The massive levels of integration following Moore's Law making modern multi-core chips prevail in various domains ranging from scientific applications to bioinformatics applications for consumer electronics. With higher and higher number of cores on the same die traditional bus based interconnections are no longer a scalable communication infrastructure. On-chip networks were proposed enabled a scalable plug-and-play mechanism for interconnecting hundreds of cores on the same chip. Wired interconnects between the cores in a traditional Network-on-Chip (NoC) system, becomes a bottleneck with increase in the number of cores thereby increasing the latency and energy to transmit signals over them. Hence, there …

Modern Islamic Motif Design: Developing New Arabesque Motifs By Mixing Styles, Shuruq Nahhas

Theses

"Modern Islamic Motif Design: Developing New Arabesque Motifs by Mixing Styles" focuses on developing modern arabesque motifs that are based on the method of mixing styles. This method is based on mixing the most representational characteristics of two styles from different period of time: modern and historical Islamic styles. The achievement will look modern and Islamic at the same time without losing the elements of the old style. The purpose of this research is to revive historical Islamic motifs and adding a contemporary look to them by keeping the Islamic look, which could be used perfectly in many fields of …

Modeling Stock Return Volatility In Mongolian Stock Market, Munkhtsog Altankhuu

Theses

This paper is one of the first research works to examine the stock index volatility in the Mongolian Stock Exchange. The study utilizes the Generalized Autoregressive Conditional Heteroscedasticity (GAR CH) models to estimate volatility of stock market return of the Mongolian Stock Exchange. A number of prior research work demonstrated that ARCH and GARCH models are fruitful models for modeling volatility of time series data. However, they recommend using different versions of GARCH-type models for different distributions (Normal, Student's t, Skewed Student's t and Generalized Error Distribution) for emerging markets or developing markets. This paper compares the GARCH(l, 1) model …

Toly: Design To Enhance Parent-Child Relationship, Xiaoyu Wu

Theses

Toly is both a tool and a toy for children and parents. It is composed of two products: a cleaning bubble launcher and an adjustable mop. The form is inspired by sea creatures - specifically a hermit crab and an octopus - which enables Toly to combine role play and household chores. It makes kids love cleaning and provides an opportunity for parents to interact with kids while they are doing necessary housework.

Leave Prejudice Behind, Pei-Chen Chien

Theses

In this thesis, I strive to expose societal rules and regulations that constrict and restrict our social interactions in a way that promotes prejudice and xenophobia. Through interacting with the series of sculptures, viewers are given the opportunity to question these societal norms and start a process of self- reflection to truly understand the freedom that comes without prejudice. Interaction is the main element that ties the series of works together, to form a seamless journey of self-discovery. The following artists are discussed in relation to this series of work: Niki de Saint Phalle and Björk Guðmundsdóttir. Their art works …

Bugchaser: Protective Measures, Scott Laforce

Theses

Using photographic installation and new media, Bugchaser: Protective Measures examines risk in response to perceived danger as engaged by bug chasers (or bugchasers) and suburbanites in the United States. The work explores this theme through the contrasting nature of queer social networks and the physical boundaries of the suburban landscape.

Ultimately, this work uproots conventional notions of intimacy as conscribed by the suburban middle-class and de-stigmatizes unconventional behaviors by challenging boundaries that needlessly divide. I have taken liberty with metaphor and used it in an attempt to reverse some of the damages brought forth through historical practices. If the viewer …

Digital Divide Déjà Vu: Examining Second-Level Digital Literacy, Lisa Nicole Barber

Theses

Since the advent of the Internet, the diffusion of computers has narrowed the gap between the digital "have" and "have-nots," however researchers have identified a new disparity beyond computer accessibility as a result of the growing dependence of information on the Internet. This study will explore people's differences in online skills among users in the city of Rochester, N.Y. Based on a quota sample and a survey computer tasks are administered to evaluate internet skills. Findings suggest that there are significant differences in the amount of time it took to complete each task, while differences in education level, sex, age, …

Different Scores: Video Gamers’ Use Of Amateur And Professional Reviews, Richard Dillio

Theses

Though past research has measured the relationship between critical reviews and public response to such things as film and online products, there has been little investigation on the subject of video games. This study collected 146 survey responses aimed at gathering information on usage of amateur reviews, usage of professional critic reviews, and time spent playing games. The survey asked questions about respondents' beliefs regarding professional critics and amateur reviewers, and the review industry in general. Study respondents' views of the review industry, and their personal opinions of professional critics, show correlations with willingness to incorporate reviews in purchasing decisions. …

News Source Preferences And News Source Credibility Among College Staff, Faculty, And Students, Larissa A. Bolalek

Theses

News consumption practices in the United States have been studied for decades. Recent technology has influenced traditional news consumption by allowing people to access news through the Internet and social media. Today, people have more options than ever as to where to obtain news. People remain interested in getting news that is credible and trustworthy. A survey was distributed to in order to learn where people say they turn for their primary sources of news and the credibility people assigned to various news sources. Respondents were split up into two groups, heavy and light social media users. Results suggest that …

A Content Analysis Of Advertisements In The Fra And Craftsman Magazines, 1908-1916, Kathryn Runyan

Theses

The present study used content analysis to examine advertisements appearing in Elbert Hubbard's The Fra and Gustav Stickley's The Craftsman magazines from 1908 through 1916. A total of 599 ads were analyzed to determine what type of advertisements dominated this period and to discover differences in the persuasive and informative appeals used by two creative forces in American business at the beginning of the 20th century, Elbert Hubbard and Gustav Stickley. The purpose of this study is to understand the advertising strategies appearing in The Craftsman and The Fra magazines.

Dedeler En Iyisini Bilir (Grandpas Know Best), Nehir Tuna

Theses

This short fiction film is a modern love story set in Istanbul that explores cultural changes and family expectations regarding love and marriage. It explores the question of “Can you really make yourself and your family happy at the same time?” The film was screened in December, 2013, at RIT, to members of the RIT community.

Online News-Seeking Behavior Among Three Generational Cohorts: Baby Boomers, Generation X, And Generation Y, Ivonna Cabrera Torres

Theses

News-seeking behavior has been a matter of study for many years now. With the rise of the Internet, online news has become a news interest for scholars studying the news field. This research surveyed 73 Generation Y, 46 Generation X and 54 Baby Boomers members at the Rochester Institute of Technology to understand the differences between the three cohorts when it comes to online news readership using the social network Twitter and to learn the differences between the preferred devices each generation uses to read online news.

Interactive Interpretive Ballet, Amara Chekwa

Theses

My thesis exposes users to interpretive ballet, using many aspects of computer graphics design, including 3D animation, interaction and graphical user interface design. The interactive work consists of dragging and dropping pre-rendered animated ballet moves to create a sequenced dance performance. The target audience is young girls, ages 7-13, who are interested in interpretive dance and/or ballet. As ballet consists of precise movement, my animation focuses more on interpretive dance movements that imply ballet, rather than mimic the actual precision of ballet moves. The model used for this project was constructed on a grant from the National Center for Women …

The Power Of Lyrical Protest: Examining The Rhetorical Function Of Protest Songs In The 2000s, Mary Elizabeth Quirk Cort

Theses

Until the late 1960s, serious scholarship involving the impact of popular music as political expression was lacking. Studies in rhetorical criticism tended to focus upon speeches, essays, and historical documents. Yet in the 1970s, protest songs were given more attention by scholars. However, this trend was not continued into the 2000s. By analyzing the ideological themes within the lyrics, this thesis examined the rhetorical function of protest songs performed during the 2000s. Functions identified include: historicizing a truth, using music and lyrics as a buffer to challenge a power structure, empowering the listener to overcome adversity, communicating a message to …

Wearther: An Ios Mobile Application For Women, Ting Kang

Theses

Have you ever wondered what to wear for the current weather and

later when you go outside you confirm that you were too optimistic

about your ability to endure the cold?

Wearther: an iOS Mobile Application for Women is an iOS Mobile

Application designed to help women choose the proper outfit that

matches the weather outside. It is an interaction design and visual

design project.

Unlike other dressing related application, "Wearther" is not a clothing

organizer or a fashion adviser. It is not a weather app either, although

it emphasizes weather. The concept of this project is to analyze real …

Greeting Message, Voice Intonation, And Reward Offered In Telemarketing Calls, Eilin Aimee Diaz Fondeur

Theses

This study determined what types of appeals were more likely to gain compliance in telemarketing calls using two samples of adults and seniors. Eight different conditions were tested with combinations of greeting messages, tones of voice, and rewards offered. Significant differences were found in favor of using an eager greeting message and aggressive tone of voice. A vigilant greeting message and an aggressive tone of voice produced the greatest number of hang ups. A significant difference was found between offering a reward or not in the pitch for seniors but not for adults. Results provide support for using the peripheral …

Celebrity Endorsements In Print And Twitter: Comparing Brand Name Memorability And Credibility, Lauren Palmieri

Theses

The present study investigated the differences in brand name memorability and credibility of celebrity-endorsed advertisements presented in print and in Twitter. An experiment was conducted between two groups of participants. One group received treatments for print and the other for Twitter. Participants reviewed five advertisements, one of which contained a celebrity, then responded to 11 credibility belief statements and were tested on their memorability of the celebrity-endorsed ad. Significant differences were found in favor of remembering, buying and trusting a brand/product in celebrity-endorsed print ads. Significant differences were also found in the memorability of a celebrity-endorsed ad. The print group …

Axiom, Jon Fila, Peter Klinkon

Theses

Axiom is a short narrative video, using live-action and 3D computer graphics to re-interpret the Greek myth of Persephone through the framework of contemporary science-fiction. The aim of the video is to use narrative, approached from a design strategy that thematizes the representational role of 3D computer generated graphics, to raise questions in the minds of thoughtful viewers about the use of genetics and computer simulated worlds in the context of the vulnerable natural environment. The conceptualization of the video is explained, followed by a summary of the production pipeline, and finally an evaluation of the finished piece.

Veteran Identity And Gender Representation: A Critical Visual Analysis, Ruth Harvie

Theses

This study reveals struggles over gender and identity in the military and shows how representations embody cultural, political, and ideological tensions over the role of women in the military and society. A chronological series of Veterans Affairs (VA) posters communicate this over a thirty year period. Visual communication and the area of representation and identity have long been studied across multiple disciplines, but no studies exist that examine the VA images. A critical visual analysis with the application of semiotics and gender theory revealed that veteran identity is significantly different between representation of men and representation of women.

Why Run: A Website For New Runners, Irene C. Meyer

Theses

Running is one of the simplest forms of physical activity that a person can take part in, but can still seem daunting to someone who has never done it before. whyRun is a website that guides interested beginners, through a simple and easy user interface design, in the basics of the sport: Why they should get started, how to take those first steps, the different types of running, equipment needed, and how to stay safe and motivated.

I believe that running can genuinely change not only how a person

appears physically by getting a sedentary body into motion, but also …

Designing The Tangible Experience Of Interactive Memories, Miguel Angel Cardona Jr

Theses

The process for memory keeping in the digital age has become easier, immediate, and more efficient thanks to the advent of sophisticated pocket-sized toolsets that can capture everyday experiences.

Consumer-level photo and video recording products are introduced regularly and boast more fidelity, faster speeds, and greater control than their predecessors. More often than not, these expanding feature sets do not properly serve all of their users' needs.

While the technology exists to allow for a near-complete record of one's life to be made through the use of sensors and storage media, problems involve how best to meaningfully learn from and …

Contesting The Mainstream? Citizen News Platforms, The Alternative Paradigm, And The Bp Oil Spill, Benjamin A. Lyons

Theses

With emerging content forums blurring the distinctions between journalistic paradigms, this study helps illuminate those which best promote alternative practice. A content analysis of Deepwater Horizon oil spill coverage compared three platforms for online citizen journalism: corporate (CNN iReport), alternative (Indymedia), and independent blogs. News stories were coded for sources, links, author-reader interaction, mobilizing information, tone for the liable parties' ability and intent in handling the disaster, and contestation of official information. Results show that Indymedia was the most alternative in inclusion of mobilizing information, critical tone, contestation of mainstream versions, ratio of alternative links to mainstream, and total usage …

Augmented Sound, Berio Molina

Theses

A Computer Vision System for doing Interactive Installations

This thesis is a computer vision system for doing interactive-creative musical installations: A portable computer vision system based on video projection and a green laser, that allows the interaction with the projection itself, with the physical space where it is projected and with multiple users.

By using a green laser as a physical user interface, people create projections of sound balls that are projected on top of objects. These balls interact with the physical characteristics of the object where they are projected, as well as with other balls that where previously created …

Analysis Of Polarimetric Synthetic Aperture Radar And Passive Visible Light Polarimetric Imaging Data Fusion For Remote Sensing Applications, Sanjit Maitra

Theses

The recent launch of spaceborne (TerraSAR-X, RADARSAT-2, ALOS-PALSAR, RISAT) and airborne (SIRC, AIRSAR, UAVSAR, PISAR) polarimetric radar sensors, with capability of imaging through day and night in almost all weather conditions, has made polarimetric synthetic aperture radar (PolSAR) image interpretation and analysis an active area of research. PolSAR image classification is sensitive to object orientation and scattering properties. In recent years, significant work has been done in many areas including agriculture, forestry, oceanography, geology, terrain analysis. Visible light passive polarimetric imaging has also emerged as a powerful tool in remote sensing for enhanced information extraction. The intensity image provides information …

Approachi Significans, Luke Shaw

Theses

Approachi Significans is a demonstration of the interference patterns created by scientific and artistic logics. It promotes immersion in the everyday world through experimentation and a search for novel experience, as such efforts prime the mind for novel thought. It is loosely based in a search for constellations of experiences that prompt Eureka moments and an effort to illustrate the organic nature of the scientific process. The title is derived from the phrase `approaching significance,' which is used to indicate that experimental data is moving towards the confirmation of a hypothesis.

Investigating Denial Of The Harmful Effects Of Corporal Punishment In A Religious Context, Stephanie Grace Cox

Theses

Corporal punishment continues to be a controversial topic. Many people who experienced spanking as children feel that they were not harmed by the corporal punishment and go on to believe that using corporal punishment on their children will not harm them, especially if it is administered calmly. This study looked at the attitudes of 203 parents in the context of religion using Holden's "Attitudes Toward Spanking a Child" questionnaire. The results of this study showed that parents that said religion guided their parenting were more likely to view corporal punishment positively and were more likely to believe that corporal punishment …

Sustainability Curriculum Inventory And Literacy Assessment: The Influence Of Values On Knowledge Of And Perceived Importance Of Sustainability Components, David James Drogos

Theses

The incorporation of sustainability education and sustainable practices in higher education serves several purposes. It prepares students for work in sustainability-focused professions, fosters environmentally responsible behavior in individuals, and helps to reduce the ecological impacts of the operational aspects of educational institutions. However, contemporary definitions of sustainability, which consider social, political, ecological, and economic influences on the environment, complicate educational initiatives. Distinct educational departments often consider sustainability through their specialized lens. Trans-disciplinary initiative must be enacted in order for sustainability education to reach its full potential. This paper outlines the results of an electronically administered faculty sustainability curriculum inventory as …

The Thin Line Between Propaganda And Persuasion, Ryan Daniel Jenkins

Theses

In this paper, I discuss the line that divides propaganda and persuasion in relation to my thesis work, The Thin Line Between Propaganda and Persuasion. My intention is to show how easily images can transfer between propaganda and persuasion. I analyze this division between propaganda and persuasion by discussing propaganda as one-way communication process and persuasion as a two-way communication process. Then I discuss my relationship to photography, graffiti, and how my own work furthers the conversation of propaganda and persuasion in relation to other artists. In the next section, I contextualize my use of the database in parallel to …