Digital Commons Network^™

The Wizard's Alphabet Book: Illustration As Counter-Environment To The Digital World, Stephen Barany

MFA in Illustration & Visual Culture

This thesis essay accompanies a built installation of twenty-six densely drawn illustrations, each consisting of numerous creatures and objects whose names all begin with the same letter. Thus, each illustration represents a different letter of the alphabet. Printed on cloud-shaped substrates and suspended as a group in a 10”x10” ring, the array of illustrations form a small space where viewers can immerse themselves in the act of free and careful looking. This essay elaborates on the ideas that propelled the design and construction of this illustrated installation.

This essay explores the potential for illustration to create a space for looking …

Home Suite Home: An Analysis Of Comfort In Americana And Motel Culture, Jodi Kolpakov

MFA in Illustration & Visual Culture

This essay provides a critical look at the motel, investigating it as a souvenir, exploring its nostalgic phenomenon, and questioning its complexity of comfort. We begin by looking at the evolution of the motel and how its strange stereo- type came to be. I dissect the terms “shady” and “sketchy” as both a psychological and illustrated representation of the motel while closely reading how these terms appear in other forms of media, such as Bates Motel and Bad Times at the El Royale. Through exploring nostalgic Americana, I investigate how motels connect us from the past to the pres- …

A Perfect Escape: Fantasy, Place And Narrative In Adolescence, Cydney Cherepak

MFA in Illustration & Visual Culture

This essay explores the realms of special places, the literary genre of fantasy, narrative, and comics. These topics are traversed alongside subjects of adolescence and the creation of stories for middle-grade readers. Framed with personal stories, as well as peaks into my process, I investigate these subjects through the lens of my own life and work, specifically my thesis project, a comic for middle-grade readers titled Beyond the Castle Walls. Beginning with adolescence in association with special places, I consider the work of developmental psychologists David Sobel and Edith Cobb as they pin-point the role of secret forts, nature, …

Application Of Crowdsourcing And Machine Learning To Predict Sentiments In Textual Student Feedback In Large Computer Science Classes, Robert Kasumba

McKelvey School of Engineering Graduate Student Theses & Dissertations

With the increasing enrollment numbers into popular computer science courses, there is a need to bridge the similarly increasing feedback gap between individual students and course instructors. One way to address this challenge is for instructors to collect feedback from students in form of textual reviews or unit-of-study reflections – however, manually reading these reviews is time-consuming, and self-reported Likert scale responses are noisy. Rule-based approaches to sentiment analysis such as VADER (Valence Aware Dictionary and sEntiment Reasoner) have been used to capture the sentiments conveyed in textual feedback, they however fail to capture contextual differences as many words have …

Storytelling For A Changing World: Comics As Agitprop, Kruttika Susarla

MFA in Illustration & Visual Culture

This essay imagines fictional storytelling and urban practices of maintenance, repair, and care as interrelated to one another. They are both practices engaged in building a better world. Urban scholars like Gautam Bhan, Shannon Mattern, and David Harvey propose the city as a space for envisioning the kind of community we want to be—a space for working towards our collective future. By engaging in fictional storytelling, I argue, we are doing the same thing: the dual work of taking from fact and representing it to an audience while also engaging in imagining and world-building. This is also a practice of …

On The Value Of Operational Flexibility In Anheuser Busch Inbev’S Trailer Loading And Shipment Problem: Data-Driven Approaches And Reinforcement Learning, Yunsi Yang

Doctor of Business Administration Dissertations

This paper introduces the Anheuser Busch Inbev (ABI)'s trailer shipment problem and suggests data-analytics methodologies to deal with it. The problem is to determine the proper weight of products loaded on a trailer (a transporting container) owned by ABI, which is delivered by a tractor (a motor vehicle) owned by third-party logistics (3PL) providers. ABI must meet a regulation that restricts the gross weight of the truck on the road. However, the challenge comes from the fact that the tractor weight is uncertain and unknown to ABI when it determines the load size on the trailer. We suggest machine learning …

2022 Draft Final Insufficiently Reclaimed Sites Quality Assurance Project Plan (Qapp), Pioneer Technical Services, Inc.

Silver Bow Creek/Butte Area Superfund Site

No abstract provided.

The Potential Of Service Learning In Rural Schools: The Case Of The Working Together Project, Benjamin Ingman, Katie Lohmiller, Nick Cutforth, Elaine Belansky

The Rural Educator

Service learning has been established as a promising method of teaching and learning that engages youth as change agents in their schools and communities. But service learning has not been widely implemented or studied in rural K-12 schools. This study explores the case of a service learning curriculum, the Working Together Project (WTP), in a rural, high-poverty school. Data collection included classroom observations, surveys, and individual/focus group interviews with participants of the curriculum. The case study findings illustrate how the WTP curriculum unfolded with students, benefits for the school (cross-generational collaboration, school introspection and improvement), benefits for the students (collaborative …

Disadvantaged Students’ Experiences With Social Studies Distanced Learning: A Phenomenological Study, Supardi Supardi

The Qualitative Report

Distanced learning, for most people, is synonymous with internet-based education and high technology. High technology-based learning in distanced learning contrasts with the distributed learning experienced by children in disadvantaged areas. This topic is complex and requires attention so that no child is left behind; yet it is rarely discussed in literary works, especially the facts of distanced learning without the internet from students' point of view who directly experience the phenomenon. This study aims to explore students’ experiences in disadvantaged areas in Indonesia regarding the implementation of distanced learning during the COVID-19 pandemic. In the process of in-depth individual interviews …

“Christians, Race, And Crt: A Response To Gerald Mcdermott”, Michael Jones

Faculty Publications and Presentations

Gerald McDermott has attempted to critique David French’s defense of the Christian appropriation of Critical Race Theory. In examining McDermott’s critique, I find that he employs at least three distinct arguments. After examining each of these, I find that none of them succeeds in proving its point. Hence I conclude that McDermott’s attempt to repudiate French’s position is unsuccessful.

Partner For Excellent Patient Outcomes (Pepo) Rounding, Gen Crespo, Ruth Navarro

All Publications

No abstract provided.

Smokejumper Obituary: Burns, Richard E. (Fairbanks 1964), National Smokejumper Association

Smokejumper Obituaries

No abstract provided.

Bacteroides Ovatus Colonization Influences The Abundance Of Intestinal Short Chain Fatty Acids And Neurotransmitters, Wenly Ruan, Kristen A Engevik, Robert Fultz, Kathleen M Hoch, Ruth Ann Luna, Numan Oezguen, Jennifer K Spinler, Anthony M Haag, James Versalovic, Melinda A Engevik

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

Gut microbes can synthesize multiple neuro-active metabolites. We profiled neuro-active compounds produced by the gut commensal Bacteroides ovatus in vitro and in vivo by LC-MS/MS. We found that B. ovatus generates acetic acid, propionic acid, isobutyric acid, and isovaleric acid. In vitro, B. ovatus consumed tryptophan and glutamate and synthesized the neuro-active compounds glutamine and GABA. Consistent with our LC-MS/MS-based in vitro data, we observed elevated levels of acetic acid, propionic acid, isobutyric acid, and isovaleric acid in the intestines of B. ovatus mono-associated mice compared with germ-free controls. B. ovatus mono-association also increased the concentrations of intestinal GABA …

The Experiences Of International Graduate Students From Latin America In Their Transition Of Graduating And Finding A Job In The United States, Natalia Hernandez

Master's Theses

The purpose of this thesis project is to conduct a qualitative phenomenological study to understand the lived experiences of international graduate students from Latin America in the United States as they transition from their studies to finding a full-time job in the United States. The most common themes mentioned in the different sections of the interviews were: the different dynamics in their identity, the benefits, and limitations of their status in the American context, and how their professional development and economy are impacted while being international graduate students from Latin America. Student service departments such as the Career Service department, …

A Critical Review Of Bioaccumulation And Biotransformation Of Organic Chemicals In Birds, Dave T. F. Kuo, Barnett A. Rattner, Sarah C. Marteinson, Robert Letcher, Kim J. Fernie, Gabriele Treu, Markus Deutsch, Mark S. Johnson, Sandrine Deglin, Michelle Embry

United States Geological Survey: Staff Publications

A literature review of bioaccumulation and biotransformation of organic chemicals in birds was undertaken, aiming to support scoping and prioritization of future research. The objectives were to characterize available bioaccumulation/ biotransformation data, identify knowledge gaps, determine how extant data can be used, and explore the strategy and steps forward. An intermediate approach balanced between expediency and rigor was taken given the vastness of the literature. Following a critical review of >500 peer-reviewed studies, >25,000 data entries and 2 million information bytes were compiled on >700 organic compounds for ~ 320 wild species and 60 domestic breeds of birds. These data …

Stinging The Predators: A Collection Of Papers That Should Never Have Been Published, Zen Faulkes

School of Integrative Biological & Chemical Sciences (Formerly Dept. of Biology)

This ebook collects academic papers and conference abstracts that were meant to be so terrible that nobody in their right mind would publish them. All were submitted to journals and conferences to expose weak or non-existent peer review and other exploitative practices. Each paper has a brief introduction. Short essays round out the collection.

Adverse Radiation Effect And Freedom From Progression Following Repeat Stereotactic Radiosurgery For Brain Metastases, Michael Mcdermott

All Publications

Objective: The authors previously evaluated risk and time course of adverse radiation effects (AREs) following stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) for brain metastases, excluding lesions treated after prior SRS. In the present analysis they focus specifically on single-fraction salvage SRS to brain metastases previously treated with SRS or hypofractionated SRS (HFSRS), evaluating freedom from progression (FFP) and the risk and time course of AREs.

Methods: Brain metastases treated from September 1998 to May 2019 with single-fraction SRS after prior SRS or HFSRS were analyzed. Serial follow-up magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and surgical pathology reports were reviewed to score local treatment failure and …

Rochester's Motion To Approve Insurance Settlement

Catholic Dioceses in Bankruptcy

No abstract provided.

„Kopfschmerzen, Familiensorgen": Urszenen-Konfigurationen, Psychotherapie-Parodie Und Sublimierungspraktiken In Kafkas "Proceß", Anna Lynn Dolman

Arts & Sciences Graduate Student Theses and Dissertations

The thesis presents a re-reading of Kafka's novel "The Trial" against the background of Kafka's negotiation of Freudian psychoanalysis. Rather than merely employing the Freudian framework as a hermeneutic tool, the thesis argues that Kafka constructs his novel along the lines of psychoanalytic theories while simultaneously attempting to deconstruct them and question the effectiveness of the so-called talking cure by means of ironically subverting a therapeutic configuration. The starting point of the thesis centers on an oftentimes overlooked scene at the very beginning of the novel, arguing that the voyeuristic old couple across the street from K. demonstrate that the …

"The Sound Of The Underground": Distinguishing Alternative Identity In Rap's Contemporary Moment, Jacob P. Cupps

Arts & Sciences Graduate Student Theses and Dissertations

This thesis focuses on transcribing and analyzing a repertory of underground rap songs, examining how the quality of undergroundness manifests within beats and flows. I define underground as a subgenre of hip-hop that is unified by a culture of meditative listening, and I opt for it over related terms because it is style agnostic. Therefore, I am able to investigate how a small set of techniques manifest across a variety of approaches to making underground hip-hop. I argue that these are a way of sounding the underground, communicating meaning to the listener at the level of the song. After an …

Salvage, Stefania Gomez

Arts & Sciences Graduate Student Theses and Dissertations

No abstract provided.

Experimental And Numerical Investigation Of 3d-Printed Viscoelastic Dampers, Mohammed Jaradat

Civil Engineering ETDs

Elastomeric materials are extensively used in energy dissipation applications to mitigate large lateral displacements and attenuate vibrations. One way of exploiting the capabilities of elastomeric materials is using shear-damping mechanisms such as viscoelastic damping devices (VEDs).

In this research the freedom of design offered by additive manufacturing technology is utilized to produce 3D printed elastomeric parts that act as the viscoelastic layer in an energy damping device. A mechanically interlocked viscoelastic damper (MIVED) with a jigsaw-like interlocking mechanism was designed and manufactured. MIVED is composed of a rigid and soft phase. It operates in two modes, modes I and II, …

Library Support Services At The University Of Zambia Amid The Covid-19 Pandemic: A Swot Matrix, Pailet Chewe, Zachary Zulu Mr., Mercy M. Wamunyima Mrs., Given M. Kuntumoya Ms, Celine M. Mwafulilwa Mrs., Sarah T. Gwayi Mrs., Fabian Kakana Mr., Eness M.M. Chitumbo Mrs., Gelvazio Sakala Mr., Christine W. Kanyengo Ms, Judith Banda Mrs, Francina N.S. Makondo Mrs.

Library Philosophy and Practice (e-journal)

When the Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) forced learning institutions in Zambia to abruptly transition to virtual instruction, library services adapted quickly to provide research services, instruction, and access to collections. This paper details how the University of Zambia Library used a SWOT (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats) Analysis framework to evaluate academic support services of the Library in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic. Key variables included the library collections, staffing, services and technology. The analysis revealed that strengths comprised qualified staff, technology support and a rich collection of information resources. Weaknesses are in the areas of poor funding and low …

Record Management And Services Delivery Of Independent National Electoral Commission (Inec) Delta State Chapter, Chibueze Norbert Onwuekwe, Awajionyi Blessing Suleiman

Library Philosophy and Practice (e-journal)

ABSTRACT This research work investigated the record management and services delivery of Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Delta state chapter. The study was carried out by using descriptive survey research design. Three specific objectives, three research questions were formulated to guide the study. The population of the study comprises 452 staff of Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Delta state chapter, with sample size of 213 staff. Questionnaire was used as instrument for data collection. Data was analysed with descriptive statistics. The findings of the study revealed that INEC make use of online storage, such as website/webpage and email, and the …

Investigation Of Factors Affecting Covid-19 Vaccine Acceptance Among Communities Of Universities In The United Arab Emirates., Maisa El Gamal, Ayisha Siddiqua, Waheed Kareem Abdul, Badria H Almurshidi, Fares M Howari

All Works

The COVID-19 pandemic affected the lives of people living across the world and the development of vaccines against SARS-CoV-2 is considered to be one of the most promising solutions to contain the COVID-19 pandemic. In several countries, we are witnessing hesitancy toward COVID-19 vaccines, which is a complex phenomenon influenced by a variety of factors. A cross-sectional study was performed to comprehensively investigate the impact of factors like demography, COVID-19 pandemic-induced behavior, and vaccine attitude on COVID-19 vaccine acceptance (VA) among communities of five different universities in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). To investigate the effect of demography and COVID-19 …

Spring 2022 Commencement, Franklin University

Commencement Programs

This Franklin University commencement program was published for the 170th commencement ceremony on May 20, 2022 in The Battelle Grand Hall at the Greater Columbus Convention Center in Columbus, Ohio.

Nsf Award Will Boost Uab Research In Machine-Learning-Enabled Plasma Synthesis Of Novel Materials, Jeff Hansen

Browse All News

No abstract provided.

Inaugural Alabama Triennial Exhibition At Uab's Aeiva To Exclusively Feature Alabama Artists, Shannon Thomason

Browse All News

No abstract provided.

A Social-Ecological-Technological Systems Framework For Urban Ecosystem Services, Timon Mcphearson, Elizabeth M. Cook, Marta Berbés-Blázquez, Chingwen Cheng, Nancy B. Grimm, Erik Andersson, Olga Barbosa, David G. Chandler, Heejun Chang, Multiple Additional Authors

Geography Faculty Publications and Presentations

As rates of urbanization and climatic change soar, decision-makers are increasingly challenged to provide innovative solutions that simultaneously address climate change impacts and risks and inclusively ensure quality of life for urban residents. Cities have turned to nature-based solutions to help address these challenges. Nature-based solutions, through the provision of ecosystem services, can yield numerous benefits for people and address multiple challenges simultaneously. Yet, efforts to mainstream nature-based solutions are impaired by the complexity of the interacting social, ecological, and technological dimensions of urban systems. This complexity must be understood and managed to ensure ecosystem-service provisioning is effective, equitable, and …

Unifying Text And Music: Applying Shurtleff's Twelve Guideposts To Operatic Arias For Soprano, Jamey J. Wright

LSU Doctoral Dissertations

In the present culture of operatic performance, artistry is measured not only by singers’ musical interpretation and vocal technique, but also by their ability to communicate compelling characterization. This monograph explores a helpful technique for dramatic interpretation in opera. The discipline of musical performance provides helpful guides to characterization through elements such phrasing, rhythm, harmony, and instrumentation. Techniques borrowed from the spoken theater, particularly those pioneered by Constantin Stanislavski, include the Magic If, objectives, actions, and tactics. The literature on auditioning for the theater is useful for synthesizing these techniques for singers, because audition techniques emphasize compelling characterization with …