Digital Commons Network^™

Illinois State University, One Hundred And Fifty-Ninth Annual Commencement, December 15, 2018, Illinois State University

Commencement Programs

Illinois State University
One Hundred and Fifty-Ninth Annual Commencement
December 15, 2018

Computational Explorations Of Information And Mechanism Design In Markets, Zhuoshu Li

McKelvey School of Engineering Graduate Student Theses & Dissertations

Markets or platforms assemble multiple selfishly-motivated and strategic agents. The outcomes of such agent interactions depend heavily on the rules, regulations, and norms of the platform, as well as the information available to agents. This thesis investigates the design and analysis of mechanisms and information structures through the ``computational lens'' in both static and dynamic settings. It both addresses the outcome of single platforms and fills a gap in the study of the dynamics of multiple platform interactions.

In static market settings, we are particularly interested in the role of information, because mechanisms are harder to change than the information …

Learning About Large Scale Image Search: Lessons From Global Scale Hotel Recognition To Fight Sex Trafficking, Abby Stylianou

McKelvey School of Engineering Graduate Student Theses & Dissertations

Hotel recognition is a sub-domain of scene recognition that involves determining what hotel is seen in a photograph taken in a hotel. The hotel recognition task is a challenging computer vision task due to the properties of hotel rooms, including low visual similarity between rooms in the same hotel and high visual similarity between rooms in different hotels, particularly those from the same chain. Building accurate approaches for hotel recognition is important to investigations of human trafficking. Images of human trafficking victims are often shared by traffickers among criminal networks and posted in online advertisements. These images are often taken …

Basis Vector Model Method For Proton Stopping Power Estimation Using Dual-Energy Computed Tomography, Shuangyue Zhang

McKelvey School of Engineering Graduate Student Theses & Dissertations

Accurate estimation of the proton stopping power ratio (SPR) is important for treatment planning and dose prediction for proton beam therapy. The state-of-the-art clinical practice for estimating patient-specific SPR distributions is the stoichiometric calibration method using single-energy computed tomography (SECT) images, which in principle may introduce large intrinsic uncertainties into estimation results. One major factor that limits the performance of SECT-based methods is the Hounsfield unit (HU) degeneracy in the presence of tissue composition variations. Dual-energy computed tomography (DECT) has shown the potential of reducing uncertainties in proton SPR prediction via scanning the patient with two different source energy spectra. …

Towards Engineering Advanced Nanomaterials: Elucidating Fundamental Particle Behavior In Water And Critical Sorption Dynamics, Changwoo Kim

McKelvey School of Engineering Graduate Student Theses & Dissertations

As advanced nanomaterials, inorganic-organic nano composites have received great interest as potential platform (nano) structures for sensor, catalyst, sorbent, and environmental applications. Here, my Ph.D. research has focused on the design, synthesis, and characterization of advanced water-stable engineered metal-oxide nanoparticles functionalized by organic frames for environmental applications. For the environmental applications, I have evaluated particleoptimized sorption processes for the remediation and separation of arsenic, chromium, and uranium under environmentally relevant conditions. More specifically, I have explored the critical role of organic coating on sorption mechanisms and performances using engineered iron oxide -based, manganese oxide -based, and manganese ferrite -based (core) …

The Role Of Information Literacy In The Actualization Of Healthy Living: A Case Study Of Abia State, Juliana Obiageri Akidi Phd, Cln

Library Philosophy and Practice (e-journal)

The study examines the role of information literacy in the actualization of healthy living in Nigeria, with a special focus on Abia State. Information literacy is viewed as the ability to recognise the need for information, identify and locate appropriate sources of information, access the information, evaluate and use it effectively. Information literacy empowers people to have skills that will assist them to become independent lifelong learners, with better decision making abilities, especially in healthy living. Healthy living is defined as maintaining a state of complete physical, mental, and social well-being, which is not necessarily devoid of disease or infirmity. …

A Recombinant Virus And Reporter Mouse System To Study Chronic Chikungunya Virus Pathogenesis, Alissa Roxanne Young

Arts & Sciences Graduate Student Theses and Dissertations

Chikungunya virus (CHIKV) is an arthritogenic alphavirus that during acute disease causes fever as well as severe joint and muscle pain. Chronic joint and muscle pain persists in a significant subset of patients, yet we still have a poor understanding of what drives this chronic disease. While replicating virus has not been detected in the joints of patients with chronic arthritis or in various animal models at chronic time points, persistent viral RNA can be detected for months after acute infection.To identify the cells that could be contributing to chronic CHIKV pathogenesis, we developed recombinant viruses that express Cre recombinase …

Nanopower Analog Frontends For Cyber-Physical Systems, Kenji Aono

McKelvey School of Engineering Graduate Student Theses & Dissertations

In a world that is increasingly dominated by advances made in digital systems, this work will explore the exploiting of naturally occurring physical phenomena to pave the way towards a self-powered sensor for Cyber-Physical Systems (CPS). In general, a sensor frontend can be broken up into a handful of basic stages: transduction, filtering, energy conversion, measurement, and interfacing. One analog artifact that was investigated for filtering was the physical phenomenon of hysteresis induced in current-mode biquads driven near or at their saturation limit. Known as jump resonance, this analog construct facilitates a higher quality factor to be brought about without …

Fast Objective Coupled Planar Illumination Microscopy, Cody Jonathan Greer

Arts & Sciences Graduate Student Theses and Dissertations

Among optical imaging techniques light sheet fluorescence microscopy stands out as one of the most attractive for capturing high-speed biological dynamics unfolding in three dimensions. The technique is potentially millions of times faster than point-scanning techniques such as two-photon microscopy. This potential is especially poignant for neuroscience applications due to the fact that interactions between neurons transpire over mere milliseconds within tissue volumes spanning hundreds of cubic microns. However current-generation light sheet microscopes are limited by volume scanning rate and/or camera frame rate. We begin by reviewing the optical principles underlying light sheet fluorescence microscopy and the origin of these …

Understanding Adolescent Physical Activity In The Early Nutrition Transitioning Country Of Haiti, Haley V. Becker

Arts & Sciences Graduate Student Theses and Dissertations

The nutrition transition is underway in Haiti, giving rise to the dual burden of malnutrition. Physical activity (PA) plays an important role in mitigating the negative health consequences of nutrition transition and the dual burden, but heretofore this data has been unavailable for Haiti. This dissertation undertook an exploratory needs assessment providing baseline PA data for Haitian adolescents. It evaluated two different PA data collection methodologies: a cross-sectional survey adapted from the IPAQ long-form and objectively measured PA via Actigraph GT1M accelerometers. Next, it identified initial covariates of self-reported and objectively-assessed PA behaviors; data was operationalized as meeting the World …

Combining Footprinting Mass Spectrometry And Molecular Dynamics Simulation For Structural Studies In Membrane Proteins, Fengbo Zhou

Arts & Sciences Graduate Student Theses and Dissertations

Membrane proteins are essential in many cellular processes and represent ~60% of all current drug targets. Due to technical limits, membrane proteins of various types were not studied extensively in the past and the biochemistry and functionality of them remain unclear. The structural biology methodologies require pure isolated protein samples for us to resolve their structure and study their biochemical functions. For such in vitro studies, however, membrane proteins often become unstable when isolated from their native lipid bilayer environment. To overcome the challenge, I employed a novel methodology of solubilizing membrane proteins in solution without detergent. I reconstituted ferroportin, …

Intersecting Variables Of Second And Foreign Language Reading: Self-Assessment And Comprehension With Adolescents And Adults Across Languages, Haley Dolosic

Arts & Sciences Graduate Student Theses and Dissertations

Today, more individuals are seeking to learn a second language (L2) or foreign language (FL) than ever before. These individuals are language learners who intend to use their growing L2 knowledge to traverse linguistic and national boundaries in order to achieve their personal and professional goals (Callahan & Gándara, 2014). To realize these goals in the digital era, L2 learners must be more prepared than ever to use their knowledge with written media, making L2 reading a central skill to successful use of their L2 knowledge. Yet, when language learners attempt to use their L2 skills in their daily lives, …

Decoding Complexity In Metabolic Networks Using Integrated Mechanistic And Machine Learning Approaches, Tolutola Timothy Oyetunde

McKelvey School of Engineering Graduate Student Theses & Dissertations

How can we get living cells to do what we want? What do they actually ‘want’? What ‘rules’ do they observe? How can we better understand and manipulate them? Answers to fundamental research questions like these are critical to overcoming bottlenecks in metabolic engineering and optimizing heterologous pathways for synthetic biology applications. Unfortunately, biological systems are too complex to be completely described by physicochemical modeling alone.

In this research, I developed and applied integrated mechanistic and data-driven frameworks to help uncover the mysteries of cellular regulation and control. These tools provide a computational framework for seeking answers to pertinent biological …

Application Of Ict To Cataloguing And Classification For Effective Bibliographic Control In The National Library Of Nigeria: Issues And Challenges, Juliana Obiageri Akidi Phd, Cln, Chinyere A. Okezie Phd, Cln

Library Philosophy and Practice (e-journal)

The study examines the application of information and communication technology (ICT) to cataloguing and classification for effective bibliographic control, with a focus on the National Library of Nigeria as the bibliographic control agency of the nation. The study was guided by six objectives. The research design adopted was survey research method. Population of study was 33 cataloguers, while the sampling technique was complete census of cataloguers in the National Library of Nigeria (NLN), as the population was manageable. The instrument for data collection was structured questionnaire, comprising forty-two item statements in six clusters. Method of data analysis involved the use …

Working Paper No. 29, Lina Khan, New Technologies, And Institutional Reform, Lillian Garcia

Working Papers in Economics

This inquiry seeks to establish that Lina Khan’s work brings to light the importance of reforming institutions in order to address the challenges of internet technology. As the dominance of a small number of technology giants has increased to unforeseen proportions, legal mind Lina Khan has emerged as a leading voice in the call for an updated legal framework, as well as a revision of current economic understanding, to address the new forms of monopoly power these firms practice. The first part of this inquiry examines Chicago School dominance over economic thought and its effect on antitrust enforcement over the …

New Chamber Music With Guitar: The Aleph Gitarrenquartett, Gubaidulina, And Plucking, Nathan Cornelius

Soundboard Scholar

Reviews of the following recordings:

• Aleph Guitar Quartet, Aleph Gitarrenquartett, vol. 2 (NEOS 11710, 2017)
• Bernard Lang, The Cold Trip, with Sarah Maria Sun, Juliet Fraser, Mark Knoop, and the Aleph Guitar Quartet (Kairos 0015018, 2017)
• Sofia Gubaidulina, Complete Guitar Works, with David Tanenbaum et al. (Naxos 8.573379, 2015)
• Tom Johnson, Plucking, with Just Strings (MicroFest Records MF9, 2017)

Alfabeto Falso (Vallerotondo, I Bassifondi), Ellwood Colahan

Soundboard Scholar

A review of Alfabeto falso, with Simone Vallerotondo (Baroque guitar) and I Bassifondi (Arcana A435, 2017), compact disc.

François Campion: Music For Baroque Guitar (Hofstötte), Ellwood Colahan

Soundboard Scholar

A review of François Campion: Music for Baroque Guitar, with Bernhard Hofstötter (Brilliant Classics 95275, 2017), compact disc.

Ma Guiterre Je Te Chante: 16th Century Guitar Solos And Chansons (Nelson, Bartram), Ellwood Colahan

Soundboard Scholar

A review of Jocelyn Nelson (guitar) and Amy Bartram (soprano), Ma Guiterre je te chante: 16th Century Guitar Solos and Chansons (Nelson 5637610050, 2010), compact disc.

Georgia Southern Wins Camellia Bowl In Dramatic Fashion, Georgia Southern University

Athletics: News & Publications

• Georgia Southern Wins Camellia Bowl in Dramatic Fashion

Elevated Temperature Progressive Damage And Failure Of Duplex Stainless Steel, Darren P. Luke

Civil Engineering ETDs

Ductile failure of metals has been the focus of research efforts within academia and industry for many years since it is tremendously important for understanding the failure of structures under extreme loading conditions. However, limited research has been dedicated to elevated temperature ductile failure, which is critical for evaluating catastrophic events such as industrial, structural or shipping vessel fires. A detailed investigation was conducted on the structural response of Duplex Stainless Steel at elevated temperatures. The temperature dependence of elastic modulus, yield strength, ultimate strength, and ductility was measured up to 1000°C and a continuum damage plasticity model was developed. …

With My Hands: Poems About Making Things, Nicole Clark

Children's Book and Media Review

What is a maker? According to With My Hands: Poems About Making Things, a maker is someone who is a creator, someone who makes mistakes, and someone who produces something that has never existed before. This picture book is a collection of twenty-six short poems, all of which are topically centered around the theme of creating. The poems showcase a diverse collection of media, including soap carving, shadow puppets, collage, fort building, and collage making

What We Saw, Emma Patton

Children's Book and Media Review

Kate has a loyal group of girlfriends, a best friend-turned-boyfriend, and complete loyalty to her school and its athletics program. But one drunken party changes everything. A girl at the high school makes allegations of rape against some of the stars of the basketball team. Suddenly, the whole school is caught up in investigations and news reports. A lot of people in their small town, including adults at the school, accuse the girl who made the allegations of trying to stir things up and make a statement. But nobody seems willing to say what actually happened that night, and Kate …

Radio Silence, Emma Patton

Children's Book and Media Review

Frances Janvier has her whole life figured out. She spends all of her time studying and participating in student government, not because she particularly wants to, but because she knows it would look good on university applications. She also has a secret: she is majorly obsessed with an obscure YouTube podcast called Universe City. When the creator asks her if she would like to collaborate with him for the show, she thinks that it will totally change her life. Little does she know that the creator of Universe City is not a distant internet presence—he’s someone she has met before. …

Selected Bibliography For The Study Of Belief In Contemporary Global Capitalism, Fu-Jen Chen, Su-Lin Yu

CLCWeb: Comparative Literature and Culture

No abstract provided.

Mindfulness And Heightened Consciousness In Phillip Zarrilli’S Psychophysical Approach To Acting, Tsu-Chung Su

CLCWeb: Comparative Literature and Culture

In his article "Mindfulness and Heightened Consciousness in Phillip Zarrilli’s Psychophysical Approach to Acting," Tsu-Chung Su intends to explore the significance of mindfulness and heightened consciousness in Zarrilli’s psychophysical approach to acting. Su first traces and discusses the Chinese and Indian sources, resources, and knowledge that have forged Zarrilli’s psychophysical acting techniques, theories, and approaches. Then, he critically examines and assesses the efficacy of Zarrilli’s approach which combines Western theatrical concepts and techniques with what he self-consciously borrows from Chinese qi and taijiquan, Indian ayurvedic medicine, Vedic philosophy, performing aesthetics, Hindu religion, kathakali, yoga, meditation, massage, and kalarippayattu …

Adopting The Unadoptable/Disabled Subject In The Posthuman Era, Fu-Jen Chen

CLCWeb: Comparative Literature and Culture

In his article “Adopting the Unadoptable/Disabled Subject in the Posthuman Era,” Fu-Jen Chen first examines three memoirs that demonstrate prevalent features of today’s narratives by parents with adopted children of special needs and next offers a theoretical and ontological investigation of disability. He suggests that we have to change the way we relate to disability: to recognize it not as an external limitation but an internal as well as pre-existent division and to re-orient ourselves to the ontological truth that we are always already “disabled/otherized” especially in the posthuman era when the body is seen to exceed existing boundaries of …

A Sinful Reaction To Capitalist Ethics In No Quiero Quedarme Sola Y Vacía (2006), Celina Bortolotto

CLCWeb: Comparative Literature and Culture

In her article “A Sinful Reaction to Capitalist Ethics in No quiero quedarme sola y vacía (2006)” Celina Bortolotto analyzes how Lozada’s characterization of the main character, La Loca, questions the ideals of free agency offered by consumerist capitalism and the urban gay male ideal under the promise of a liberating gay lifestyle in a social context defined by identity politics. The novel is a fictionalized autobiographical account of Puerto Rican author Angel Lozada’s misadventures in the early 2000s gay scene in New York. This essay plays with the punitive sense of the word “capital” in the seven capital sins …

The Rise Of The Neoliberal Chinese Female Subject In Go Lala Go, Su-Lin Yu

CLCWeb: Comparative Literature and Culture

Built upon feminist critique of neoliberalism, this paper will examine a prominent medium through which neoliberal feminist ideology is disseminated: Go Lala Go. By analyzing the film, I will show how it co-opts the discourse of neoliberalism, and reworks it to construct neoliberal female subjects. First, I will explore what kind of role neoliberalism has enacted in the formation of an emergent type of female subject in China. Then, I will demonstrate how the contentious process of neoliberal feminism affects young career women’s identities. More than career guides promoting different techniques for making women more successful at their workplaces, …

Innovation, Entrepreneurship, And The Spirit Of Digital Capitalism, Collin Chua

CLCWeb: Comparative Literature and Culture

In his article “Innovation, Entrepreneurship, and the Spirit of Digital Capitalism,”Collin Chua analyzes the myth of innovation and the fantasy of entrepreneurship. The article draws on foundational perspectives regarding the spirit of capitalism established by Max Weber, later extended by Luc Boltanski and Eve Chiapello. The myth of innovation is interrogated, as innovation now operates as a rhetorical and managerial strategy that must be pursued in order to be competitive in today’s capitalist system. The fantasy of entrepreneurship is explored, as it serves as a coping mechanism for the fragmentation and erosion of traditional work arrangements and structures. The article …