62970 research outputs found
Sort by
Rethinking the Reach of the Basic Course: Diversity and Interdisciplinarity as Catalysts for Reinvigorating the Foundations of the Discipline
No full textCommunication scholars have significantly advanced knowledge across various subjects and in basic course classrooms, yet face obstacles in conveying their importance to students and wider communities. Challenges like COVID-19 disruptions, inadequate teacher pipelines, and limited diversity in education hinder interdisciplinary communication, leading to insufficient funding and support. Neglecting diversity perpetuates systemic inequalities, limiting perspectives in syllabuses. Advocating for inclusivity and exploring practical implications of communication, such as organizational communication and societal engagement, enhances the field’s value. Prioritizing research with theoretical and practical implications, particularly in diversity, equity, and inclusion, empowers marginalized voices and promotes understanding. Embracing these efforts ensures communication education’s relevance and impact in addressing real-world challenges
Thematic analysis of identity renegotiation within written discourse by people with aphasia
No full textStroke and aphasia involve an abrupt onset and life changes that often involve a renegotiation of identity. People with aphasia
(PWA) may have difficulty renegotiating identity because the mechanism of storytelling, language, is altered. This study considered
how the onset of stroke and aphasia impacted the identity of three PWA through written autobiographical narratives obtained
within an aphasia community outreach program 12-week project. Written narratives were qualitatively analyzed using codebook
thematic analysis to determine whether or not the elements of an identity renegotiation framework based on themes identified by
Shadden and Agan (2004) were present, how the elements were reflected, and if other salient themes arose. Results revealed that
participants engaged in all aspects of the identity renegotiation process in a non-linear manner. Additionally, a dialogic interaction
between the core self and the narrative self continually occurred often within the written narratives. Elements of the identity
renegotiation framework were mentioned by participants both implicitly and explicitly, and themes often overlapped. Findings
from this study indicate that writings from PWA may reveal key identity renegotiation processes. Reading the excerpts produced by
participants and understanding the processes of identity renegotiation in PWA may empower families and other stakeholders to
support these processes
Source Attribution of Salmonella from Multiple Anatomical Sites in Finishing Beef Steers Diagnosed with Liver Abscesses
No full textOver the past two decades, Salmonella has been linked to numerous foodborne outbreaks, many of which have been associated with the consumption of beef products. The prevalence of Salmonella among U.S. beef cattle represents substantial economic and public health risks. In 2015, the first report of anaerobic isolation of Salmonella enterica from liver abscesses in feedlot cattle suggested that S. enterica may be associated with specific strain dissemination patterns in diagnosed animals. Therefore, studies were conducted to evaluate the associations and prevalence of Salmonella in the liver abscess tissue. The following research originates from such studies to characterize Salmonella isolated from finishing beef steers with and without liver abscesses.
The first study of this thesis included strain characterization through serogrouping and FT-IR spectroscopy. Findings revealed consistent antigenic profiles, with dominance of O:3,10,15 across most samples, and close relationships between isolate spectral profiles, which allowed for an assessment of strain dissemination patterns across anatomical sites of origin. For the second study, antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and metabolic characterization assessments were conducted to further evaluate AMR and metabolic phenotypes, which, consistent with the findings from study one, most were associated with specific anatomical sites
Rethinking Traditional Playgrounds: Temporary Landscape Interventions to Advance Informal Early STEAM Learning in Outdoors
No full textTraditional playground settings are often less effective in fostering STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics)-related activities, as fixed play structures tend to restrict the diversity of play behaviors and inhibit children’s ability to engage in self-directed, imaginative exploration. Using a research-through-design methodology, this study investigated how playground design (temporary landscape interventions) influences children’s engagement in informal STEAM learning activities and enhances the STEAM learning affordances of the playground. Conducted at an early learning center in Lubbock, Texas, the research involved GIS-based Environment–Behavior Mapping (E-B Mapping) and video analysis of 21 preschool-age children to compare pre- and post-intervention STEAM learning behaviors. The intervention incorporated fourteen nature-based landscape elements—such as sand and water play areas, sensory gardens, loose parts, art areas, etc.—to enhance affordances for informal STEAM activities. The results showed a marked decrease in passive behaviors and a notable rise in constructive play; collaborative interactions; and STEAM-related activities such as building, hypothesizing, observing, and experimenting. Engagement shifted away from fixed play structures to more diverse and naturalized play settings. The findings underscore the critical role of integrating diverse landscape settings and elements into playgrounds in enriching STEAM learning experiences for young children
Exploring Intercultural and Feminist Perspectives in Social and Organizational Contexts
No full textThe papers that fulfill the two papers thesis option explore and bring together feminist and intercultural perspectives that seek to investigate how communication shapes leadership and identity in cultural and organizational contexts. Drawing on autoethnographic narratives and a conceptual framework, the papers illuminate the lived experiences of a Black Ghanaian woman navigating the evolution of identity in the U.S., showing how cultural transitions and linguistic adaptation are huge factors in complicating the ability to preserve one’s self. Simultaneously, it explores how the principles of empathy and care ethics are foundational to feminist leadership communication, which in turn, promotes an inclusive and collaborative work environment. By challenging traditional hierarchies, feminist leaders foster equity and safe working environments. By utilizing poetry, dialogues, personal narratives, and a conceptual argument, the papers offer a nuanced understanding of how marginalized voices enact resilience, assert agency, and reshape both personal and professional spaces in pursuit of justice, representation, and belonging
Recursive Relations For Colored Jones Polynomial In The Knot Complements Of The (2p+1, 2) Torus Knot
No full textThe colored Jones Polynomial of a knot in a 3-dimensional sphere satisfy recursive
relations which come from recurrence polynomials which have been related to the
geometry of the knot complement.
In this research, we considered the knots in the complement of the (2p + 1, 2) torus
knot and we extended the colored Jones Polynomial to these knots.
We defined some family of skeins in the genus two handlebody and write these skeins
in terms of some standard basis elements using the Chebyshev Polynomials. We
found a closed form for these family of skeins and we used it to solve the main result.
The main result obtained in this research is the relationship that exists between the
colored Jones Polynomial of a certain knot in the complement of the (2p + 1, 2) torus
knot. We also obtained a closed form of the colored Jones Polynomial in the case
where the torus knot is the trefoil knot.
A problem raised by R.P. Bakshi and J. Przytycki about expressing a certain skeins in
the genus two handlebody in terms of the standard basis elements is also addressed
Volatile Organic Compounds from Decomposing Chicken Liver and the Behavioral Response of Non-Gravid Calliphora coloradensis
No full textForensic applications for entomological specimens are in large part dependent on an understanding of how insects find and select a food source, which is primarily guided by their detection of volatile organic compounds (VOCs). In forensic investigations, understanding the specific VOC profiles associated with different decomposition stages would allow entomologists to better predict insect successional patterns. Overall, the relationship between VOC emissions and forensically important fly behavior is fundamental to forensic entomology, as it directly influences the colonization timeline and species succession. Understanding these colonization times and succession patterns can aid in estimates of time since death. To gain more insight into how VOCs influence forensically important fly behavior, tests need to be conducted on a wide variety of carrion sources and species. This study looks to answer a part of this gap, as the study aims to identify the VOCs associated with fresh and aged chicken liver meat and use these substrates as a stimulus for the forensically important (but understudied) blow fly Calliphora coloradensis (Diptera: Calliphoridae).
For this work, the VOCs emitted by the chicken liver after 0, 12, 24, and 72 hours of decomposition were extracted using solid-phase microextraction (SPME) and examined using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Different VOC profiles were obtained at each aging stage, with sulfide-containing compounds only being found in the chicken liver allowed to decompose for 24 and 72 hours. Fresh chicken liver (0 hours of decomposition), and chicken liver aged for 72 hours were determined to have no overlapping VOCs. The lack of overlapping VOCs lead to these times being selected as the treatments presented in a dual choice olfactometer and records of visitation were made. Findings indicate that young female flies prefer fresher meat. These findings offer valuable insights into the specific olfactory cues that attract Calliphora coloradensis to decomposing substrates. By identifying the VOCs emitted at various stages of decomposition, this study enhances our understanding of the chemical signals that influence the behavior of this particular blow fly species
The Impact of Health Status, Chronic Conditions, and Mental Fatigue on College Students’ Grade Expectations in Online Courses
No full textThis study explores the impact of mental fatigue, health status, and chronic conditions on college students’ grade expectations in online courses. Data were gathered from 418 undergraduate students through an online survey assessing mental fatigue and other relevant variables. Path analysis was used to examine the relationships between these variables and the proposed research model. Key findings revealed that mental fatigue had a significant negative direct effect on expected grades, indicating that higher mental fatigue was associated with lower grade expectations. Health status demonstrated a positive indirect effect on grade expectations by negatively impacting mental fatigue. Chronic conditions had a significant negative direct impact on expected grades and a significant negative direct impact on health status, but no direct significant impact on mental fatigue. These results emphasize the critical need for comprehensive support services that address mental fatigue and health conditions to enhance student well-being and academic progress and performance in online learning environments. Additionally, the findings suggest the need for inclusive course designs that minimize cognitive overload and provide flexible support for students with chronic conditions
Interpreting Fiona Apple's Vocal Timbres
No full textFiona Apple's albums, spanning from 1996 to 2020, contain an array of vocal timbres. Using methodologies created by music theorists Malawey, Heidemann and Nobile, this paper explores a “primary palette” of Apple's vocal timbres while considering varying effects, including response to expectations of femininity, emotional expression, conveyance of inner conflict and fractured personalities. The most simple examples contain plenty of complexity. Timbres that don’t match tone of lyrics, or differing layered timbres add greater depth of possible interpretations. Apple's music offers a unique area of examination in a relatively new area of vocal timbre analysis