Digital Commons Network^™

Large-Scale Cope: Reducing Climate Risks With Equitable Nature-Based Solutions: Engaging Communities On Reef-Lined Coasts: Belize Site Visit (Report No. 2), A. Brinton, M. Trotz, R. Zarger

Strong Coasts Collection

Vision

Our shared project vision is to empower coastal communities by collaborating and co-creating new knowledge of how existing and future climate risk models can inform equitable place-based and locally appropriate nature-based solutions (coral reefs and mangrove forests), across spatial and temporal scales, to reduce coastal hazards (coral mortalities, flood, erosion and compound effects) and support coastal sustainability.

Avicenna's Doctrine Of Emanation And The Sphere Of The Heavens, Brian C. Manere

Honors Undergraduate Theses

Avicenna argues that the celestial spheres each have a soul, termed the motive soul, which is emanated by the first celestial intellect––a body of knowledge which knows itself. Despite outlining the powers of the motive soul, Avicenna does not formally investigate the psychology of the spheres nor their volition. Rather, he presents their volition as a mystery and leaves it to posterity to solve. In an attempt to resolve this mystery, I will argue that it is a direct result of Avicenna having purposefully written a repeated gap into his account of emanation such that there is no clear account …

Defining Creativity And Its Role In Marx's Philosophy, Carlos Avila

Honors Undergraduate Theses

The intent of this thesis is to explore the concept of creativity as it appears in the major works of Karl Marx and to attempt to discern its role in the emancipatory political project that Marx proposes. Contemporary understandings of creativity still rely upon notions of the artist-genius, locating the "true" expression of creative freedom in the work of art. A more recent development is the commodification of creativity as a quality of a good worker, who is now expected to find innovative ways of doing their job more efficiently. Both of these ideas about creativity allow for our creative …

Literature As A Form Of Resistance Against British Colonial Rule In India, Ebada Wasiuddin

Honors Undergraduate Theses

This thesis concentrates on literature during India's battle for independence from the British Empire. These publications look at the outcomes of Europe's intent to colonize and its impact on the marginalized, colonial subjects down to the personal level. Delving into the tragic reality of colonialism and investigating its impact as portrayed in the novels selected, this thesis argues that the selected texts operate as resistance literature subverting the colonial discourse in retrieving South Asian culture and history. This project explores specific forms of resistance within the tropes of memory, history, and gender to pose a larger question of decolonial futures …

Treatment Of The Differently Abled: Representations Of Disability From Victorian Periodicals To Contemporary Graphic Narratives, Rachelle Echevarria

Honors Undergraduate Theses

In recent years, a number of efforts have been made to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion in academic institutions, the workplace, and to examine and analyze representations of marginalized populations in a variety of literary and cultural contexts. These efforts usually acknowledge past mistakes, emphasizing the idea that history shall not and should not repeat itself. While analyzing the representations of disability is important in its own right, it's also important to understand why these perceptions exist. This thesis suggests that when the representations of disabilities from different mediums and from different time periods are examined in relationship, readers may …

Political Bodies In The Ulster Cycle: Space, Conflict, And Comedy In Scéla Muicce Meicc Dathó, Glenn S. Ritchey Iii

Honors Undergraduate Theses

Scéla Muicce Meicc Da Thó (SMMD; The Tale of Mac Da Thó's Pig) is a humorous Old Irish myth that takes its cues from its Ulster Cycle cousins, notably, An Táin Bó Cúailnge (The Cattle Raid of Cooley). The connective tissue is its cast, plot structure, and the author's mastery of cultural and storytelling traditions. SMMD is brief and rapid, which aids its near-absurdist representation of masculinity, kingship, and honor in heroic saga culture. This thesis uses postcolonial and medieval literary scholarship to analyze medieval and modern depictions of the Ulster Cycle. Contemporarily, the Irish …

The Viking Age As A Themed Experience: Representing Hitorical Narrative Through Research Based Design, Edward D. Macpherson

Graduate Thesis and Dissertation 2023-2024

I intend to design an interactive educational experience that teaches guests about the culture, society, and beliefs of Scandinavian peoples during the Viking age. The concepts are illustrated through a dynamic narrative designed to be experienced through exploration of a themed environment. Immersion into the narrative is intended to instill a sense of active participation with the culture itself. This interaction is intended to inspire guests to further investigate the culture and history outside the limits of the experience. These qualities, unique to an immersive environmental themed experience, capture the lasting attention of an audience such as other mediums may …

Demystifying Native Plants Polycultures, David Hopman

Landscape Architecture Faculty Publications - Archive

Landscape architects have an important duty to be forward leaning stewards of the environment in the development process. There is also an increasingly important imperative to reverse the ecological decline that has multiplied the extinction rate of species 1,000-fold since the advent of the industrial revolution. This lecture addresses both these issues with an evidence-based presentation on why landscape architects must address ecology in metropolitan areas and not focus almost entirely on environmental concerns such as global warming, carbon sequestration, clean air and clean water. If landscape architects do not become advocates for native plants, animals and regional ecologies, there …

Self-Reported Tea Consumption And Age-Related Macular Degeneration In U.S. Adults, Lindsey Halasz Shaffer

Graduate Research Theses & Dissertations

Background: Age-related Macular degeneration (AMD) is a multifaceted disease of aging that is currently one of the leading causes of blindness in the US. As aging populations continue to turn to alternatives to prevent age-related diseases, the use of tea antioxidants has been suggested as potential protectors against cellular degradation and oxidation within the retina. To date, no epidemiologic or cross-sectional studies have been conducted regarding the correlation between tea intake and AMD, as it has for other diseases of with antioxidant mitigation potential, such as cancer. Objective: The purpose of this cross-sectional study was to examine the correlation between …

The Function Of Sound Symbolism In The Japanese Language, Madison Buckles

BYU Asian Studies Student Journal

his paper examines sound symbolism in the Japanese language, primarily its role in linguistic qualities of onomatopoeia, and why it occurs in relation to language theory. Several reasons for the occurrence of sound symbolism are discussed, namely vowel and consonant associations; context of a speaker’s language; and the development, significance, and necessity of these words. The paper concludes by arguing that the lack of research in the field of sound symbolism, despite its prominent role against the prevailing theory of language (which states that words are arbitrary in conjunction with their meaning), is another example of the Western world’s tendency …

Bibliography, Bruce A. Schulte

Faculty/Staff Personal Papers

Bibliography of publications by Bruce Schulte.

An Agricultural Plastic Crisis: How Federally Endorsed Biodegradable Plastics Could Liberate The Industry In The Eleventh Hour, Samantha Davenport

Kentucky Journal of Equine, Agriculture, & Natural Resources Law

No abstract provided.

Culture Sustainability Through Storytelling : A Study Of Patricia Riley’S “Wisteria” And “Damping Down The Road”, Ankita Das, Priyanka Chhaparia

Journal of Urban Culture Research

In the late 1980s, the United Nations introduced a comprehensive vision of sustainable development, encompassing economic growth, social inclusion, and environmental balance. However, the crucial role of culture within development has very often been overlooked. Contemporary insights emphasize that culture is integral to sustainable development. This paper, through an analysis of two short stories by Native American author Patricia Riley, sheds light on the significance of storytelling as a fundamental element of culture. It explores how these narratives emphasize the need to cultivate a culturally aware society and how ‘storytelling’ contributes to cultural preservation and identity. Focusing specifically on the …

Liminality & Festivities Facilitating Pandemic Fatigue : Songkran And The Third Wave Of Covid-19 Outbreak In Thailand, Steve Kwok-Leung Chan

Journal of Urban Culture Research

Asian countries were outstanding performers in preventing COVID-19 initially, but many suffered from a new wave of the outbreak in mid-2020. These countries sealed off their borders from the possible spread of the virus from outside. For more than one year, social distancing restrictions were applied and successfully kept the infection rates at a low level. Drawing on the initial findings of Chang et al. (2020) on the spread of the infectious disease intracity and intercity during festivals, this paper examines the outbreaks, with a probe into the case of Songkran, or the Water Festival of Thailand. The author found …

Wading In The Covid-19 Pandemic : Fate And Ways Forward For Malaysian Creative Cities, Suet Leng Khoo, Nicole Shu Fun Chang

Journal of Urban Culture Research

Since the 2019 Wuhan outbreak, the COVID-19 pandemic badly hit all sectors of the global economy. The creative and cultural sectors (CCS) are among the hardest hit. The value chain of CCS (i.e. creation, production, distribution, accessibility to contents) was severely immobilized. In cities, mitigation measures implemented to contain Covid-19 significantly downsized the CCS. Jobs, incomes and livelihoods of creative and cultural employees were threatened. These scenarios question the readiness, resilience and sustainability of CCS, particularly in cities. The fate and way forward of creative cities are now a grave concern. This paper aims to investigate the impacts, developments, reactions …

The Sociological Approach As A Driver Of Change In The Traditional Wedding Attire Of West Sumatra Indonesia : An Aesthetic Analysis, Rahayu Purnama, Suryawati -, Vivi Radiona, Melly Prabawati

Journal of Urban Culture Research

The rapid development of the modern era brings unavoidable concept shifts and poses challenges, especially in fashion. The objectives of this study are: 1) to examine the understanding of fashion designers, fashion stylists, clothing rentals, and customers; 2) to evaluate the aesthetics of Minangkabau wedding attire; 3) to analyze the driver's of changes in the design aesthetics elements of traditional wedding attire based on the sociological approach theory by Arnold Hauser. This study uses a mixed-method through open-ended structured questions and focuses group discussions with a descriptive approach. The findings of this study are to determine the driving force and …

The Revolution Of Calder’S Kinetic Sculpture To Public Art Space - A Case Study Setting In Lacma’S “Three Quintains”, Gang Qin, Ranran Wang

Journal of Urban Culture Research

Alexander Calder’s profound influence on public art, particularly through his kinetic sculptures, remains a significant milestone in the contemporary art world. This study delves into Calder’s life and artistic journey, emphasizing the transformative impact of his iconic work, “Three Quintains” at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art. The paper explores the aesthetic and theoretical foundations of Calder’s kinetic art, highlighting its delicate balance, spatial interaction, and spiritual evocations. Analyzing the sculpture’s impact on visitor experiences and community engagement, the research addresses challenges and ethical considerations related to the integration of kinetic sculptures in public spaces. Furthermore, the study envisions …

Animation For Anxiety Alleviation In Pediatric Cancer Patients During Venipuncture In The Hospital, Wisit Supangkaratana, Jariya Tarugsa, Suppakorn Disatapundhu

Journal of Urban Culture Research

This preliminary study focused on the use of animation to reduce anxiety among pediatric cancer patients undergoing venipuncture in the hospital. It was conducted on 30 pediatric cancer patients aged 5-9 years. The Pretest- Posttest study method was applied in which the level of anxiety was measured before and after viewing the film and then it was analyzed to determine whether the animation could help relieve anxiety in the study population. The results demonstrated that with the use of the animation with visual fantasy in which a monster symbolized the pain young patients must endure during blood draws and a …

Reinventing Indigenous West African Fabric Design For Contemporary Commercial Application, Richard Acquaye, Naa Omai Sawyerr, Raphael Kanyire Seidu

Journal of Urban Culture Research

This study explores and reflects on the potential of global commercial application of indigenous West African fabric design in the middle to high-end interior textiles and surfaces. The study adopts design theory which encourages innovation and creativity in concepts for effective solutions. Theoretically, ideas have been utilized as a method of bringing to light the veiled aspects of practice in indigenous West African fabric production alongside its diverse and complex cultural connections. There is a practical component of the study utilizes a series of ‘collaborations’ with technology, new textile materials, color resources and global trends to generate forms or visual …

Rasulan As A Javanese Slametan Tradition On Compromising The Changing Of Society, Sartini Sartini, Supartiningsih Supartiningsih, Sriyulita Pramulia Panani, Adita Nurdia Damayanti, Anwar Ibrahim Triyoga

Journal of Urban Culture Research

Rasulan is a tradition in Java; it's one form of Javanese Slametan (a ritual meal). This research aims to describe the Rasulan, explains the role of the worldview and how the elements of culture, religion and the spirit of the nationality are compromised and changed therein. This research is a mix of library and field studies, utilizing the theory of worldview. Results show that Rasulan is not a religious tradition, but a harvest celebration, taking the form of gratitude in the agrarian society. It consists of world views of space, time, causality and self-other relationships, which constructs how people …

Arts-Based Interventions To Enhance The Quality Of Life And Cognition Of The Elderly With Mild Cognitive Impairment, Khanobbhorn Sangvanich, Itthipol Tawankanjanachot, Sookjaroen Tangwongchai

Journal of Urban Culture Research

This art activities program was designed to enhance the aesthetics, mood, cognition, and quality of life (QoL) of elderly patients with mild cognitive impairment (MCI). The control group was given a single session of MCI knowledge, whereas the intervention group attended weekly art activities, based on visual thinking strategies, combined with cognitive development of aesthetic experience and contemplative arts for six weeks. There was no difference between the Thai Geriatric Depressive Scale (TGDS) scores or Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) scores between the two groups. However, the intervention group showed statistically significant improvement of Quality of Life, compared to the control …

Contemporaneity Decolonizing Knowledge & Independency, Jay Koh

Journal of Urban Culture Research

This article discusses the platform and selected texts from Journal of Urban Culture Research (JUCR), in relation to contemporary turns from the 60s on participation and diversity in responses to the making of an open society to the 80s on decolonization of knowledge from the enlightenment trajectory. Only lately, these ideas of ’decolonization’ has gained traction in our regions and we need to be careful not to mix the meaning of this term with the fight for independence after the WWII by colonized nations or criticism of the concept of orientalism and the construction of racial stereotypes. Discussed turns on …

A Legislative Call-To-Action: Applying Capture Theory To Combat The Risk Of Private Industry’S Excess Influence Over The Fda’S Regulation Of Livestock Antibiotics, Nathaniel Richey

Kentucky Journal of Equine, Agriculture, & Natural Resources Law

No abstract provided.

Paving The Way For Synthetic Intrinsically Disordered Polymers For Soft Robotics, Orkid Coskuner-Weber, Elif Yuce-Erarslan, Vladimir N. Uversky

Molecular Medicine Faculty Publications

Nature is full of examples of processes that, through evolution, have been perfected over the ages to effectively use matter and sustain life. Here, we present our strategies for designing intrinsically disordered smart polymers for soft robotics applications that are bio-inspired by intrinsically disordered proteins. Bio-inspired intrinsically disordered smart and soft polymers designed using our deep understanding of intrinsically disordered proteins have the potential to open new avenues in soft robotics. Together with other desirable traits, such as robustness, dynamic self-organization, and self-healing abilities, these systems possess ideal characteristics that human-made formations strive for but often fail to achieve. Our …

Limosilactobacillus Fermentum 3872 That Produces Class Iii Bacteriocin Forms Co-Aggregates With The Antibiotic-Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus Strains And Induces Their Lethal Damage, Vyacheslav M. Abramov, Igor V. Kosarev, Andrey V. Machulin, Tatiana V. Priputnevich, Eugenia I. Deryusheva, Ekaterina L. Nemashkalova, Irina O. Chikileva, Tatiana N. Abashina, Alexander N. Panin, Vyacheslav G. Melnikov, Natalia E. Suzina, Ilya N. Nikonov, Marina V. Selina, Valentin S. Khlebnikov, Vadim K. Sakulin, Vladimir A. Samoilenko, Alexey B. Gordeev, Gennady T. Sukhikh, Vladimir N. Uversky, Andrey V. Karlyshev

Molecular Medicine Faculty Publications

LF3872 was isolated from the milk of a healthy lactating and breastfeeding woman. Earlier, the genome of LF3872 was sequenced, and a gene encoding unique bacteriocin was discovered. We have shown here that the LF3872 strain produces a novel thermolabile class III bacteriolysin (BLF3872), exhibiting antimicrobial activity against antibiotic-resistant Staphylococcus aureus strains. Sequence analysis revealed the two-domain structural (lysozyme-like domain and peptidase M23 domain) organization of BLF3872. At least 25% residues of this protein are expected to be intrinsically disordered. Furthermore, BLF3872 is predicted to have a very high liquid-liquid phase separation. According to the electron microscopy data, the bacterial …

Yield And Composition Variations Of The Milk From Different Camel Breeds In Saudi Arabia, Amr A. El-Hanafy, Yasser M. Saad, Saleh A. Alkarim, Hussein A. Almehdar, Fuad M. Alzahrani, Mohammed A. Almatry, Vladimir N. Uversky, Elrashdy M. Redwan

Molecular Medicine Faculty Publications

With the increasing interest in the identification of differences between camel breeds over the last decade, this study was conducted to estimate the variability of milk production and composition of four Saudi camel breeds during different seasons. Milk records were taken two days per week from females of Majahem, Safra, Wadha, and Hamra breeds distributed over Saudi Arabia. The milk yield during winter indicated that the weekly average of the Wadha breed was significantly lower (27.13 kg/week) than Majahem and Hamra breeds. The Safra breed had the lowest milk yield (30.7 kg/week) during summer. During winter, the Hamra breed had …

Advanced Phytochemical-Based Nanocarrier Systems For The Treatment Of Breast Cancer, Vivek P. Chavda, Lakshmi Vineela Nalla, Pankti Balar, Rajashri Bezbaruah, Vasso Apostolopoulos, Rajeev K. Singla, Avinash Khadela, Lalitkumar K. Vora, Vladimir N. Uversky

Molecular Medicine Faculty Publications

As the world’s most prevalent cancer, breast cancer imposes a significant societal health burden and is among the leading causes of cancer death in women worldwide. Despite the notable improvements in survival in countries with early detection programs, combined with different modes of treatment to eradicate invasive disease, the current chemotherapy regimen faces significant challenges associated with chemotherapy-induced side effects and the development of drug resistance. Therefore, serious concerns regarding current chemotherapeutics are pressuring researchers to develop alternative therapeutics with better efficacy and safety. Due to their extremely biocompatible nature and efficient destruction of cancer cells via numerous mechanisms, phytochemicals …

Figure Set Update: An Inquiry-Based Module Aligned With The 4dee Framework For Teaching About Functional Responses And Biological Control, Rosny Jean, Linda Auker, Suann Yang, Jeremy Hsu

Open Educational Resources

THE ISSUE

Biological control agents are used in a wide range of contexts to limit damage from pests. However, the broader ecological consequences of such agents often are unclear before ecological risk assessments are performed. This Figure Set guides students to think through potential consequences of using biological control agents, and then uses a specific study to challenge students to interpret results from laboratory and caged field experiments. This Figure Set also introduces the concept of functional responses to students.

FOUR DIMENSIONAL ECOLOGY EDUCATION (4DEE) FRAMEWORK

• Core Ecological Concepts:
• Organisms
• Resources and regulators
• Communities
• Predation
• Ecology Practices:
• Quantitative reasoning and …

A Critical Approach To Engineering Mathematics Activities For Sustainable Development, Matheus Oliveira De Andrade, Mariam Makramalla

Practice Papers

Engineering projects are frequently experienced through the complexity of knowledge co-production between experts and local communities. This involves an ability to work critically and creatively within unfamiliar epistemologies, drawing from quantitative, social and scientific methods to realise high-impact solutions. In this work-in-progress paper, we put forward a prototype for a case-control study aiming to evaluate student buy-in and learning outcomes for a cross-cultural implementation of critical mathematics approaches contextualised by sustainability challenges. We outline and discuss aspects of mathematical modelling activities that can scaffold an environment where human subjectivity amplifies the quality and relevance of quantitative arguments. As proof-of-concept, we …

Analysis Of Peer Influence On Adolescents And Adults, Melody Xiong, Hillary C. Vang

Concordia Journal of Communication Research

Peers are a huge part of life and affect people in many different ways. In adolescence and adulthood, peers have different kinds of impacts. The researchers chose to research how peer influence can affect the decisions, performance and attitudes of adolescents and adults. Specifically, researchers analyzed how lifestyle decisions influenced by peers affect mental health and how the effects differ from gender and age. Participants of the study were selected to fit the three age groups needed for this study and responses were collected via electronic survey. Throughout this study, the relationship that peer influence has with mental health, positive …