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Elucidating the Correlation Between Pre-Ictal EEG Spikes and Calcium Dynamics in the Pedunculopontine Nucleus (PPN) Through Fiber Photometry in SCN1A Mutant Mice Subjected to Hyperthermia-Induced Seizures
No full text24 p.This study investigates the involvement of the pedunculopontine nucleus (PPN) in seizure pathways using a combination of GCaMP7s Viral Injections, alongside 2-photon calcium imaging and EEG recordings, within SCN1A+/- mice models. Seizures were induced through both hyperthermia and Kainic Acid injection to simulate clinical scenarios closely associated with epilepsy, particularly Dravet Syndrome. The results demonstrated a significant correlation between calcium activity within neuronal populations and EEG-detected pre-ictal spikes, suggesting a critical role for the PPN in the initiation and propagation of seizure activity. This correlation was evident across different seizure induction methods, indicating a robust association. This study provides compelling evidence that the PPN is intricately involved in seizure mechanisms, marking it as a potential target for future therapeutic interventions aimed at modulating epileptic activity. The integration of advanced imaging techniques presents a novel approach to understanding the complex neural networks underlying epilepsy, offering new insights into potential pathways for therapeutic development
The Consistent Domination of The All-Blacks
No full text19 p.The All Blacks rugby team holds an incredible status not only within the realm of sports but also within the wider context of New Zealand society. Through their amazing performances on the rugby field, the All Blacks have become more than just a sports team; they are a symbol of national pride, unity, and identity. From the iconic haka that resonates with the country's rich Māori heritage to their pursuit of excellence and success, the All Blacks inspire admiration and aspiration among New Zealanders and rugby fans worldwide. The impact of the All Blacks also extends into various facets of New Zealand life. They serve as role models, ambassadors, and community leaders, using their platform to promote cultural diversity, social inclusion, and positive values. Their influence is felt not only on the rugby field but also in schools, communities, and businesses across the country and world. As we reflect on the significance of the All Blacks, it becomes evident that their legacy includes successes, values, and the connections they have with people from all around the world. Whether it is the roar of the crowd during a haka or the pride of seeing the silver fern adorned on their jerseys, the All Blacks represent New Zealand spirit and resilience. The All Blacks remain a constant source of inspiration, reminding us of the power of teamwork, determination, and unwavering belief in ourselves and each other. As they continue to write new chapters in their storied history, the All Blacks will forever hold a special place in the hearts and minds of New Zealanders, leaving a constant mark on the nation's culture for generations to come
Interim: A Photographic Exploration of The Concept of Liminality
No full text26 p.Through my work, I aim to explore American urban and suburban spaces under the concept of liminality while focusing on the interplay of formal photographic elements. The concept of liminality feels transdisciplinary. It challenges our perceptions of mundaneness and invites us to reconsider what we already know. These spaces I have chosen to document are places caught in transit, devoid of human interactions. They evoke feelings of familiarity, ambiguity, uncertainty, and nostalgia. Exploring these spaces guides my own understanding of the connection I have with the subconscious mind and soothes my curiosity about where I am situated within the world.
Keywords: liminality, photographic, perceptions, spaces, ambiguit
Creativity in the Age of AI : A Critical Examination of Artificially-Generated Works
No full textvi, 61 p.The recent advancements in artificial intelligence have left many creators, scholars, legislators, and corporations with a deep feeling of anticipation. Particular to generative artificial intelligence, American society has seen a sweeping trend of creations being mass-produced by these programs. While the situation is novel in nature, the idea of exploiting artistic creators is not. Although academics, popular media, and legal opinions aim to focus the issue solely on the conflict of the artistic-creator versus artificial intelligence, many sources have neglected to consider the societal impacts of accepting and promoting the “creative” works of artificial intelligence. To bridge this gap, this essay will dissect the prominent legal and social issues existent in artificial intelligence and the creative industry through a Critical Theory lens. Although this paper uses the term “AI” in its broad sense, which can include the more limited “weak AI” or “narrow AI,” it will focus on generative artificial intelligence models because they pose the most urgent threat to human creativity since generative models are pervasive throughout creative industries. This paper then argues for a recognition of the value of creative works and suggests potential improvements to American legislation to better protect workers in the creative industry. To do so, the paper begins by discussing the socio-cultural value of creative expression and how such expression provides a way for society to achieve emancipation from dominant forces. After highlighting the societal importance of creative works, this essay draws upon legal theories existent in copyright law such as authorship and originality to analyze the different perspectives and issues relevant to creative workers and artificial intelligence alike. The essay will then provide a diverse perspective to copyright law, and will end by suggesting four methods towards improving protections for creative workers
Things, Transformed: Exploring Processes of Abstraction
No full text28 p.My Senior Individualized Project, completed through the Studio Art Department at Kalamazoo College from September of 2023 to May of 2024, is a culmination of my undergraduate study of painting and sculpture that established my artistic voice. My body of work, titled Things, Transformed, playfully revitalized “forgotten” found objects by using them as source material for abstract painting, a process that places the objects in a new imaginative context that is meaningful to me. My initial conceptual research stemmed from contemporary installation artists who use found objects as a formal medium. Throughout the development process I pushed myself beyond my comfort zone exploring how I may formally expand my abstractions, creating distinct color palettes and paint texture between works and utilizing paper to engage my paintings with the installation space. Reflecting on my final exhibition in the Light Fine Arts Gallery and Balcony presented May 13th through 17th, I can visualize how my work may continue to be expanded. My SIP thus explores artistic intuition and has taught me how to express my own visual comprehension of the world around m
The Manifestation of Neoliberalism Through Ecotourism : Tortuguero and Cahuita, Costa Rica as Case Studies
No full text64p.A subcategory of tourism, ecotourism is meant to be a community-driven method of tourism that promotes environmentally responsible activities for tourists to participate in. Since its introduction in the 1980s, its definition has been argued amongst many scholars. In addition to this, it has been a means of bolstering the economy of many less economically developed countries (LEDCs), whose natural environment is a top destination for foreign tourists. Although this may be a good opportunity for locals to invest, it may also present the issue of foreign companies profiting off the land, while natives receive little to no benefit. Of the countries that rely on ecotourism to generate wealth for their economy, Costa Rica is one of most-well known. Hundreds of tourists travel to Costa Rica every day to experience their national parks. The purpose of this investigation is to examine first-hand its citizen's relationship with ecotourism, and to determine to what extent they practice it sustainably. This investigation was completed by traveling to and observing the social and natural landscape of Tortuguero and Cahuita, two places where tourist traffic is heavy every day. Methods for collecting data include conducting formal and informal interviews with locals regarding how they feel about the ecotourism industry in Costa Rica, and taking notes based on my observations. As mentioned, this study examines how ecotourism is practiced and to what extent it is practiced sustainably. Based on my findings, both places practice ecotourism sustainability to a substantial extent, although they both have room for improvement. Tortuguero specializes more in promoting a healthy ecosystem for its natural environment through policies and activities. On the other hand, Cahuita has better infrastructure for its people, which enables them to promote their cultural heritage and promote livelihood generation
Indie Game Development
No full textv, 25 p.This paper outlines the development process of a roguelike bullet hell game within a limited scope to mitigate potential challenges faced by indie projects. The game comprises five levels culminating in a boss battle, incorporating roguelike elements where players collect items and upgrades throughout a playthrough, and restart upon death. The unique twist lies in a block coding system, allowing players to construct personalized attacks by unlocking “code blocks” through defeating enemies and bosses. Acknowledging the need to learn a game engine as a first-time developer, the choice of GameMaker was deliberate due to its approachable interface and essential features that don’t compromise developer control. The GameMaker Logic (GML) programming language, though proprietary, offered robust functionality, ensuring the project's feasibility. While not as widely used, the attractiveness of GameMaker stemmed from its user-friendly nature, facilitating a smooth learning curve for the developer, prioritizing the completion of the project
United States v. Google : A Game-Theoretical Analysis of Modern Antitrust Enforcement
No full text59 p.In the digital era, technology giants have reshaped the global economy, but their unprecedented influence has raised critical concerns around monopolistic practices and market control. This paper explores the United States Department of Justice’s (DOJ) antitrust case against Google, framing it within the broader context of U.S. antitrust law, and examines the implications of the DOJ's strategies through a game-theoretical model. The analysis highlights how historical antitrust precedents, such as the Sherman Act and landmark cases like Standard Oil and AT&T, inform current regulatory approaches toward Big Tech. With Google’s substantial market share in search and digital advertising, the DOJ’s lawsuit seeks to prevent monopolistic practices that allegedly stifle competition and consumer choice. This study applies an extended game-theoretical model to simulate strategic interactions among the DOJ, Google, and the judicial system, identifying negotiation as a theoretically optimal path for both sides. Yet, contrary to model predictions, the DOJ’s decision to pursue litigation reflects political motivations, the need for durable legal precedent, and the intention to influence both national and international regulatory standards. Through this case, the DOJ aims to achieve a broad-based regulatory impact, setting boundaries for market dominance that may apply across the tech industry. The outcomes of this case bear significant implications for future antitrust enforcement, the operational strategies of tech companies, and judicial standards for addressing monopolistic behavior in digital markets. This analysis underscores the strategic complexities of regulating Big Tech and the evolving relationship between government authority and corporate power in the digital age
"Sources of Self" : An Autobiographical Display
No full text18 page introduction; xiv, 109 p.; 43p interviewsHistory is around us at all times, in all places of life. Often the larger moments and figures of the past are those that are highlighted within major historical works, from writing to film to museums. However, the most common form of historical interaction for most people comes from their own lives and experiences. In recalling personal pasts, the object is a tool which may represent a great amount of personal meaning and tie to specific recollections. However, it also poses a great deal of problems once that personal recollection is no longer available, whether from memory loss or death. This collection explores the possibility within the curation and display of a life that is not majorly historically relevant. As an autobiographical display, it questions how everyday objects can be analyzed from a historical perspective, centering around the life of the individual. It similarly examines the importance of memory and oral history in the ability to record the relevance of objects to the greater past, with the accompanying guidebook allowing the viewer to delve into the various layers of history that each object holds. This display is an autobiographical collection of 51 objects from the historian’s past having been personally collected and cataloged for display within a cabinet, mimicking the concept of a "cabinet of curiosities." The guidebook that accompanies it contains the recorded memories of the historian and those close to her in regards to each of these objects, following a self-designed theoretical system of archival organization. This display and accompanying guidebook are collectively a work of historical methodological exploration. This SIP includes an academic introduction and reflection on the process and methodology, including a bibliography. The display case itself is presented in photos and a shelf-by-shelf overview of the objects. The historian’s interviews are also included after the guidebook
An Exploration of the Common Good in America’s Founding
No full textiv, 38 p.The questions this paper seeks to answer are as follows: First, in what ways in the common good found in the American tradition? And second, how does Vermeule’s vision of the common good either flow with or run against the role the framers believed it played in government? To fully explore this question, we begin with a historical analysis of government and the role of the common good. While ancient Greek philosophers have proposed valuable insight on the subject, this paper begins with John Locke in the 17th century. His insight on the origins of government and its purpose yields great insight on the concept of the common good vis-à-vis government. Next, a leap is taken to 18th century American thinkers Samuel Adams, John Adams, among others, each with different convictions concerning government’s purpose and the common good. Any analysis of American democracy necessitates the inclusion of Jefferson’s Declaration of Independence, the Federalist Papers and the Preamble so they will be duly examined. Before turning to Common Good Constitutionalism, we examine religion and the role that the framers believed it played in instilling virtue and happiness among a people. Turning to Common Good Constitutionalism we explore what entails the common good and what doesn’t. We explore the ways it interacts with the role of government as a whole. To conclude, we mélange the ideas of the early American thinkers with Vermeule’s common good to understand whether Vermeule’s new theory of jurisprudence has credentials in America’s founding