Digital Commons Network^™

Dishsoap For Clean Water: How The Design Of Everyday Objects Can Promote Happiness, Xanthe Matychak

Theses

This project began with the question: What keeps us from achieving sustainable happiness, happiness for ourselves and future generations? I have chosen to focus on the citizen/consumer conflict which occurs when our consumer choices are incongruous with our moral obligations to society. This conflict is a consequence of the market systems that are in place and consumers’ lack of a critical understanding of these systems. Thus, with this project, I am attempting to make these systems more transparent. Looking at economic approaches like price adjustment and awareness-raising strategies I have focused on the latter. Drawing from the history of semiotics …

Synchronicities 4:4, Emily M. Sperry

Theses

This thesis paper examines the work presented in my M.F.A. thesis installation Synchronicities 4:4. The paper explores the aesthetic and theoretical concepts compiled within this project, in order to reveal the mindset and motivations of the artist. Elements covered in this text include installation design, research of its conceptual history, and citations of various artists working in similar methods to achieve equivalent creative goals. This thesis project uses the mediums of sound and video to elucidate a greater understanding of the realms of human awareness, particularly in relation to the mystical characteristics of invisible sensory information. This thesis describes theories …

A Theory Of Aesthetic Justice, John Devin Peipert

Theses

Theories of distributive justice give us the appropriate determination of who ought to have what, where ?who? are the members of society and ?what? are social goods and burdens. Traditionally, social goods have taken the form of rights and privileges, as well as more tangible economic goods. However, it is not clear that these are the only kinds of social goods relevant to justice. There is a substantial body of literature showing that environmental benefits and burdens can and should be thought of as social goods. In this paper, I will argue that we ought to make a comparable extension …

Information Flow Between Tools Early In The Engineering Design Process, Kate Nordland

Theses

Engineering design processes are recognized by industry as critical for successful new product development. With many existing design processes, it is unexpected that there is not a method for translating between processes. FACETS aims to become a translator between various design processes. To accomplish this, information must be entered, sorted, and displayed in several ways to communicate design intent to the user. A database schema is proposed to store the qualitative information and relationships associated with the early phases of the engineering design process. The proposed database is implemented using a MySQL database. Tools for conducting the needs assessment and …

Remedies, Cassandra Straubing

Theses

By investigating how memory works and how washing and mending lend them[selves] metaphorically to healing, I seek to discover how women of today experience the process of repairing themselves after their own sexual violence. For this thesis project I was interested specifically in women's stories of how they have dealt with violence in their own lives. By interviewing a group of women, I discovered how they have tried to metaphorically wash and mend themselves after their sexual violation occurred [...]. As an artist, I have chosen glass as my primary material for its inherent physical properties. Glass resembles the concept …

Effective Use Of Negative Space In Graphic Design, Dong Hyun Lee

Theses

This thesis will investigate the potential use of effective negative space to improve the readability of text typography in graphic design. Negative space in two-dimensional design is also referred to as "white space" -- which is void of text or graphics. Negative space is more than just the background of a design. This thesis will demonstrate negative space as an element of design itself and develop a systematic approach to address negative space as it occurs in the following: margins, background, space for the eye to rest, signal that there is a break or end in the communication, variation in …

The Impact Of Variable Data Print On Usability In Design, William Wells

Theses

In a world where people see, process and remember information differently, the question arises: Is technology being used in a manner that acknowledges and addresses user differences to the fullest extent? Currently, new print technologies like Variable Data Printing (VDP) are only being used to create customized direct mailing pieces and personalized products for the purpose of marketing, sales and promotion. However, VDP introduces the ability to change data and design elements in printed documents on an individual basis, making it possible to address differences in visual and cognitive abilities, language and culture, and situational considerations. Applying this concept of …

Vibrotactile Sensory Substitution For Post-Stroke Rehabilitation, Carlos X. Rosado

Theses

The aftermath of a stroke leaves people with side effects such as speech and hearing problems, and loss of sensation in one side of their body. Sensory feedback in the hand is used to assess if the individual is using appropriate grip force to hold and use objects; lack of sensory feedback can lead to dropped or damaged objects, and possible hand injury. Existing force biofeedback devices are overly complex and difficult to use in the home. The goal of this project is to provide increased environmental awareness of hand grip force for individuals with reduced hand sensation. Although hand …

Motivation And Second Language Learning: Implications For Asl, Lisa Prinzi

Theses

Motivation is one factor which can influence second language learning. Research on second language learning and motivation influences instructional practices. In this review classic defInitions and aspects of motivation, including integrative and instrumental motivation, will be revisited. Through existing second language learning and motivation research, different instructional theories and strategies have been used and developed over time for the classroom. However, little research into motivation and learning American Sign Language (ASL) exists. Therefore, this paper wi11look into the research that has set out to study motivation and learning ASL. In addition, research centered on motivation and second language Learning in …

Deaf Studies For Transfer Deaf Adolescents, Katherine Mcnulty

Theses

This capstone project focuses on developing a curriculum unit that deals specifically with Deafhood. The purpose of this curriculum development project is to help deaf students who transferred from mainstreamed schools to a school for the deaf, leam more about the DEAF-WORLD and thusly adapt to the new environment by constructing a Deaf identity and becoming confident in themselves as contributing members of society. Increasingly, transfer students are introduced to a new educational and cultural environment where sign language is free flowing, one of the primary educational and social languages ofthe deaf. The curriculum unit is divided into five programs: …

Technology Bridge To Employment: A Community Technology Initiative, Rosalind Bain

Theses

As the economic gap continues to widen between the rich and poor, we will continue to see people (primarily the poor) experiencing a number of social problems, including being cut off from accessing modern technology. In many small cities and rural areas throughout the United States, there is sufficient evidence that shows poor people are not as connected to or knowledgeable about modern technological advances and their application within the wider society. This puts them at a disadvantage and hinders their chances for both professional and economic growth. The author involved in the capstone served as the volunteer lead instructor …

The Other Mother: An Artist's Conception, Dean Schmiedel

Theses

The Other Mother represents the act of human conception, birth, and nurturing from an artist/man/father’s perspective. The work attempts to reconcile the divide between this ultimate creation and the creative process that we confront through art. The result is a masculinized nursery composed of a chopperized pram, a crib and rocker with hard edges and superhero symbols, and walls decorated with oversized, graphic images. To create the pieces in this installation, I worked closely with men in the traditional masculine trades of automobile customizing, welding, woodcraft, and upholstering. The resulting work is flashy and clean, without the hominess and earthy …

Art Curriculum: Self-Expression By Connecting To Real World Events, Sarah Mccormick

Theses

Self-expression in art to connect with real world events is an art curriculum intended for any art teacher across America. The rational for the art curriculum project is to encourage students to learn how to express themselves visually. Actively experiencing history in art as well as the logic of certain artists' reasoning will promote understanding of the real world. Although it would be very easy to have the students follow directions, step-by-step, where the entire class will get the same or similar outcomes. These "cookie-cutter" pieces inhibit students' development as a human being. We, as teachers, need to notice the …

Long-Term Unemployed Men: A Social Constructionist Exploration Of Identity Construction, Elizabeth A. Scott

Theses

Identity construction in long-term unemployed men over the age of thirty-five was explored using discursive psychological analysis (Wetherell, 2001). Forty participants in County Kerry, who had not engaged with statutory agencies providing employment rehabilitation services, were accessed over a three year period in order to identify the reasons for nonengagement. A grounded theory approach (Bryman, 2004) to data collection was utilised. This yielded six broad codes and eighteen categories of discursive resource drawn upon by the men in constructing identities. In explaining their continued absence from the workforce and lack of engagement with services, discourses identified by Levitas (2004) classifying …

Optimization Of A New Digital Image Compression Algorithm Based On Nonlinear Dynamical Systems, Anurag R. Sinha

Theses

In this paper we discuss the formulation, research and development of an optimization process for a new compression algorithm known as DYNAMAC, which has its basis in the nonlinear systems theory. We establish that by increasing the measure of randomness of the signal, the peak signal to noise ratio and in turn the quality of compression can be improved to a great extent. This measure, entropy, through exhaustive testing, will be linked to peak signal to noise ratio (PSNR, a measure of quality) and by various discussions and inferences we will establish that this measure would independently drive the compression …

Iir Modeling Of Interpositional Transfer Functions With A Genetic Algorithm Aided By An Adaptive Filter For The Purpose Of Altering Free-Field Sound Localization, Dereck Padden

Theses

The psychoacoustic process of sound localization is a system of complex analysis. Scientists have found evidence that both binaural and monaural cues are responsible for determining the angles of elevation and azimuth which represent a sound source. Engineers have successfully used these cues to build mathematical localization systems. Research has indicated that spectral cues play an important role in 3-d localization. Therefore, it seems conceivable to design a filtering system which can alter the localization of a sound source, either for correctional purposes or listener preference. Such filters, known as Interpositional Transfer Functions, can be formed from division in the …

Interactions Between Physical And Virtual Space, Carolyn Hsu

Theses

Taking an in-depth look into how graphic design is used to successfully open doors to and encourage the journey through conceptual environments can provide an enhanced understanding of visual communication and visual perception in virtual spaces. This may lead to the creation of improved strategies for navigating through virtual environments, helping to create a system that will more closely reflect wayfinding and navigation in the physical world. Aspects of the study will include the visual translation of time, space, motion, and emotion through conceptual, spatial, and color considerations. Furthermore, understanding visual coding and other navigational aspects will involve the study …

Modified Art Curriculum For Deaf Students With Secondary Disabilities, Laural Hartman

Theses

This capstone_masters_project focuses on creating a modified art curriculum for deaf students with secondary disabilities. From personal experiences, there are art curriculums designed for special education students in general and art curriculums for deaf students, but there is no art curriculum for deaf students with disabilities. Since deaf students with disabilities at residential schools already face a limitation by not being able to hear, they shouldn't face more limitations due to another disability. This paper will present what researchers have said about teaching art to both special education students and deaf students. This paper will also include how deaf and …

Consumer Engagement Perspectives: A Tool For Ensuring Advertising’S Impact?, Maria Cummings

Theses

The twenty-first century has enabled many changes in the way consumers seek out, become interested in, and purchase goods and services. Not only are there more purchase options available, there are also more media vehicles utilized to search for and purchase goods and services. Both marketing professionals and advertising agencies recognize that consumers are now in the driver’s seat regarding choice of media channels. No longer are the traditional metrics, such as reach and frequency, enough in selecting media to target messages to create buyers, in addition to loyal, and perhaps life-long, customers. Consumer Engagement is one response advertising and …

Shakespeare's Richard Iii: One Actor's Path, Jerry Vogel

Theses

There are a few roles in theatre that are considered a Mount Everest of acting. It's no surprise that Shakespeare created several of these steep and treacherous climbs. Richard ill, as created by Shakespeare, provides all the stage death-defying challenges an actor could ever hope for, if the ultimate goal is to push one's ability to the maximum. There is a rich history of past productions, some of them legendary, to intimidate the actor from the start. There are the obligatory deformities to contend with, sending some actors to a chiropractor's table for the remainder of their lives. There is …

Dossier: Truth, Jasna Bogdanovska

Theses

This thesis examines two very different themes. The first one is a historical look on the change of female roles in society shown through very well known symbols, and the second one is the search for truth in times of war. I used mythology as a bridge from our ancestors to understand historical and present roles of women in society. Through my artwork I was asking questions about female identity: How are women portrayed in society? Do we make decisions about our lives or do we live by preset traditional rules? Is anatomy defining our destiny; Or we are just …

Quantitative Analysis Of Infrared Contrast Enhancement Algorithms, Seth Weith-Glushko

Theses

This thesis examines a quantitative analysis of infrared contrast enhancement algorithms found in literature and developed by the author. Four algorithms were studied, three of which were found in literature and one developed by the author: tail-less plateau equalization (TPE), adaptive plateau equalization (APE), the method according to Aare Mallo (MEAM), and infrared multi-scale retinex (IMSR). Engineering code was developed for each algorithm. From this engineering code, a rate of growth analysis was conducted to determine each algorithm’s computational load. From the analysis, it was found that all algorithms with the exception of IMSR have a desirable linear nature. Once …

Rosetta Stones - Deciphering The Real, Jae-Man Cho

Theses

My MFA thesis show Rosetta Stones - Deciphering the Real, was an investigation of photography in the digital world. I would like to address in this thesis the possibility of using photography to investigate the digital world in which we began to live in not too long ago. I want to show the current new imaging status of photography and the direction it might move in the development of digital technology. Today, art coexists and develops alongside science and technology. The main purpose, as well as the starting point of this thesis, is recognizing that mechanically produced images can have …

J-Horror : A Discourse In Cross-Cultural Communication And Cinematic Hybridity, Marylou Quillen

Theses

Film visually communicates the idea of culture, leaving interpretation open to an impressionable audience. Though a genre's recognizable iconography can transcend boundaries, understanding a film's intended message still requires a certain amount of foreknowledge. J-Horror, the common term for Japanese horror among fans, is a sub- genre of Horror that has been catapulted into Hollywood's limelight due to adaptations such as The Ring (2002). Based upon a novel, Ringu, by Koji Suzuki and Nakata Hideo's 1998 cinematic creation of the same name, Gore Verbinski adapted the terrifying plot for Western audiences in his 2002 counterpart.

With the cross-cultural transition, certain …

Cosmetic Surgery & Reality Television: The Relationship Between College Students' Viewing Of Cosmetic Surgery On Reality Television And Self-Reported Attitudes Toward Cosmetic Surgery, Elizabeth Reeves O'Connor

Theses

The current study explores the effects of viewing cosmetic surgery reality television programs (CSRTP) on self-reported attitudes toward cosmetic surgery. Undergraduate college students (N = 105) completed surveys and responded to questions related to their television viewing habits and their attitudes toward cosmetic surgery. Results of this study indicate that heavier viewers have a more favorable attitude toward cosmetic surgery for themselves than do non-viewers or lighter viewers. However, the results also indicate no significant difference in attitudes among heavier viewers, lighter viewers, and non-viewers regarding cosmetic surgery for others; additionally, the results show no significant difference in terms of …

Scaling Up, Brian Blasiak

Theses

A descriptive narration of a project to create a 3-D animated film, "Scaling up," featuring a young boy who, while practicing his scales, finds a magical old trumpet. Includes Includes proposal, conceptual statement, storyboard, press kit, and colored stills.

A Comparison Of Three Well Known Behavior Based Safety Programs: Dupont Stop Program, Safety Performance Solutions And Behavioral Science Technology, Herbert Byrd

Theses

Behavior Based Safety (BBS) has become an important part of the safety management system. More companies are implementing BBS to help improve the safety performance of their companies. With many consultant companies claiming their BBS programs will provide the best results, it is difficult to determine which BBS program is right for your company. This project will compare and contrast three well- known BBS programs. The three programs are Safety Performance Solution, DuPont Stop, and Behavior Safety Technology. Among the areas that will be covered in this project are: 1) The steps in developing and implementing a BBS program, 2) …

Learning Environments : Redefining The Discourse On School Architecture, Alessandro Degregori

Theses

The thesis maintains that the physical environment of the school is only one component, although an important one, of learning environments suitable for learner-centered, consiructivist approaches to learning. Accordingly, school architecture should relate to both, the physical as well as the social environmental contexts. This perspective could invite educators and architects to participate in a collaborative discourse for realizing most effective and sustainable learning environments, one school at a time.

In search of learning factors, factors that could influence learning and engage educators and architects in a collaborative discourse, the study addresses the following: a) A review of literature …

Primordial Prophecy: Mingling The Basic Traits Of Theater, Modern Dance, Ballet, And Folk Dance To Create A Diversified Performance, Luana Ely

Theses

No abstract provided.

This Is The Past Speaking To You: Genre And The Use Of History And Verbatim Quotes To Create Theatre, Lee Patton Chiles

Theses

Unavailable.