4210 research outputs found
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Changing Cultural Landscapes of South Korea
No full textThis book provides a comprehensive exploration of the profound transformations in the cultural and physical landscapes of South Korea, with an interdisciplinary approach that draws from anthropology, sociology, and human geography. The authors delve into the dynamic interplay between tradition and modernity in a nation that has experienced rapid development, technological innovation, and significant socio-cultural changes. With contributions from experts across various fields, this book examines how South Korea’s distinctive path of modernization is reshaping both the tangible and intangible aspects of its society. Organized around four key themes—Gender and the Media Landscape, Religion and Social Movements, the Ethno-racial Landscape, and the Traditional Landscape—it presents diverse perspectives on the interconnected forces driving rapid societal change.https://scholar.umw.edu/hist_amst_books/1007/thumbnail.jp
MicroKnight: A Covert Learning Approach for Educational Videogames
Full text linkEducational video games are a vastly underutilized and poorly developed method of teaching individuals. Research has shown that implementing fun into the learning environment has many benefits, including increased comprehension and knowledge retention while decreasing the cognitive load experienced by the learners. Given this information, educational video games seem like a natural route. However, previous iterations have failed to capitalize on these benefits.
This research focuses on player engagement for the new development model, emphasizing imparting educational material. The goal is to create an educational video game that properly educates the player on a given subject while promoting an entertaining environment that doesn’t feel academic. To accomplish this, three primary design principles will be observed. Firstly, to create an engaging storyline that draws in players and provides a narrative reason to progress in the game. Second, a transparent milestone system should be implemented to track knowledge retention and student engagement while rewarding players for progressing with in-game items and cosmetics. Finally, the educational material should be integrated into the game\u27s core mechanics to force the player to learn to play the game
Excess Fructose in High-Fructose Corn Syrup Reduces Cell Viability & Promotes Nitric Oxide Release in RAW 264.7 Macrophages
Full text linkHigh-fructose corn syrup (HFCS) is an artificial sweetener that contains slightly higher concentrations of fructose compared to standard sucrose. It has been linked to an increased risk of obesity, type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and fatty liver disease. While both HFCS and sucrose are widely used sweeteners, growing evidence suggests they may differ in their inflammatory potential. We sought to understand the effects of elevated fructose on RAW 264.7 macrophages. To investigate these effects, we treated the cells with either a sucrose solution or asolution designed to mimic high-fructose corn syrup. Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) stimulation was used to model innate immune activation. We assessed cell viability, nitric oxide (NO) release, IκB protein expression, and TNFα secretion. Compared to sucrose, higher fructose elicited a stronger pro-inflammatory response across cell viability and NO release. Interestingly, no significance was found in regards to IκB and TNFα expression. These findings indicate that higher fructose may play a more active role in promoting macrophage-mediated inflammation. Our research aims to understand how the composition of dietary sugars can differentially influence innate immune pathways and supports a mechanistic link between excessive fructoseintake and the chronic inflammation underlying metabolic diseases
THE IMPACT OF NOREPINEPHRINE EXPOSURE ON MICROGLIA IL-1B PRODUCTION
Full text linkNeuroinflammation, driven by proinflammatory cytokines, is linked to Alzheimer’s Disease (AD). Norepinephrine (NE) activates microglial adrenergic receptors, potentially increasing IL-1β production. This study investigates the effects of NE exposure on IL-1β production in human microglial cells, using adrenergic receptor-specific antagonists to isolate the effects of α1-AR, α2-AR, β2-AR, and combined α1& β2 -AR pathways. Microglia were treated with 100nM antagonists and exposed to control (0μM), medium (1 μM) or high (10 μM) NE concentrations. Media was collected at 3, 6 and 9 days, and protein content was standardized using a BioRad Protein Assay. IL-1β levels were quantified via ELISA (Sigma). In general, high NE treatments resulted in higher levels of IL-1β with active β adrenergic receptors resulting in the highest levels. The lowest levels of IL-1β were seen when both the α1 and β adrenergic receptors were blocked. Active α2 receptors were associated with lower IL-1β production. These findings highlight the role of adrenergic receptor pathways in modulating IL-1β production and suggest that targeting specific adrenergic receptors may provide therapeutic strategies to mitigate stress-induced neuroinflammation and slow Alzheimer’s disease progression
Guilty...or not? Martha Stitt\u27s Theatre Senior Project
No full textThis website serves as a curated portfolio of my work and reflections throughout the rehearsal and performance process of 12 Angry Jurors, focusing on my portrayal of Juror 6. It documents my character development, research, rehearsal notes, and performance insights, providing a behind-the-scenes look at the artistic and collaborative journey involved in bringing this role to life. This project focuses on the actor\u27s process, ensemble dynamics, and the themes of justice and moral responsibility at the heart of the play
Nonconformity and Romance: An Analysis of Pride and Prejudice on Film
Full text linkThis paper analyzes how a variety of adaptations, including a selection of traditional and offbeat interpretations, transform the story of Pride and Prejudice through the medium of film and makes a case for how successful each film is as an adaptation. The essay argues that Elizabeth and Darcy’s relationship is formed on a sense of mutual trust between two individuals who reject some aspect of what is expected of them from their society and culture, and any film adaptation must show how Elizabeth and Darcy go against the social norms of the world of their film in their interactions with each other in order to be successful. In order to analyze the films, this paper explores the directorial choices made for the specific audience of each film, the cultural norms of the world of the film, and a close analysis of how a pivotal scene is portrayed across every adaptation
Incorporating Scenes of Torture in Literature
Full text linkFiction authors must consider the different ways a reader can consume acts of violence or torture in a piece of art. In this paper, I discuss the different considerations authors must make before writing such scenes, specifically within contexts of historical fictions. By analyzing the novel A Constellation of Vital Phenomena by Anthony Marra through the lens of ethical theory, I argue that Marra effectively uses language, historicization and research, and authenticity/character development to represent violent torture in his novel set in the context of the Russian-Chechen conflict. Looking at the power dynamics through character and language, as well as the importance of contextualization and characterization within the context of the full novel, I discuss how Marra allows the character Ramzan to experience torture in a way that allows the reader to sympathize with the character, yet also recognize the horrors of the conflict itself
Exploring Education Policy and Resources in Virginia Secondary Education
Full text linkThe study examines the intersection of federal special education policy within Virginia\u27s secondary schools, specifically focusing on teachers’ compliance with the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). The study explores educators\u27 awareness and usage of the Virginia Department of Education\u27s hearing decisions index, which documents IDEA violations and due process decisions. Through analyzing federal education legislation, state implementation practices, and teacher perspectives, this study reveals critical gaps in educator preparation and resource awareness regarding special education policy compliance. The findings suggest that while the IDEA violations are being tracked and documented, there remains a significant disconnect between available resources and how they are used throughout the classroom. This research contributes to our understanding of how federalism impacts special education policy within the classroom and highlights areas for improving teacher preparation and resource awareness in Virginia\u27s secondary special education system
How Much Wood Would a Scene Painter Paint if a Scene Painter Could Paint Wood: Scenic Wood Grain Techniques
Full text link“Scenic painters, we paint wood to look like wood”. In this project I used knowledge from my time in UMW as a scenic painter to further my skills and focus on wood grain techniques. In this collection of 5 wood grain samples, I used wood graining tools and a brush separately to compare the different outcomes that were produced. Wood grain samples include pristine softwood and hardwood, aged softwood and hardwood, and wood panels in the style of trompe l\u27oeil
The Relationship Between Sleepiness, Dopamine, and Food Impulsivity
Full text linkThis research investigates the role of sleepiness and dopamine function (measured by spontaneous eye blink rate; sEBR), in impulsive action toward food stimuli. Analysis of Go/NoGo performance suggests that participants were more impulsive toward food stimuli compared to non-food stimuli. In addition, there was a curvilinear relationship between sleepiness and high calorie NoGo accuracy, where those who were moderately sleepy tended to be most impulsive. sEBR did not correlate to either sleepiness or Go/NoGo performance