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Consort Yu
No full textIn Consort Yu for voice and live electronics, the integration of hand gestures and the use of Leap Motion holds profound significance in presenting Peking Opera. Unlike modern acting conventions, Peking Opera performers rely heavily on hand gestures to convey emotion and narrative. With limited body movements, gestures such as the iconic Lotus Finger become essential tools for expression. These nuanced gestures convey a wide range of emotions and intentions, enriching the storytelling experience.
My creative process bridges the rich traditions of Peking Opera with the realm of contemporary electronic music. First, I imitated the timbres and rhythms characteristic of The Hegemon-King Bids His Lady Farewell. The use of unstable pulses, such as tempo rubato and voice glissando—hallmarks of Peking Opera—resonates within the vibrant palette of contemporary music. Additionally, I incorporated traditional Peking Opera singing styles and selectively adapted melodic motifs from the original opera, imbuing them with novel harmonic nuances.
Central to my exploration was the innovative incorporation of technology, particularly the Leap Motion device, into the performance framework. My approach extends beyond mere utilization; I transformed this utilitarian device into a musical instrument, enriching the sonic and gestural landscape of the composition. Through meticulous choreography informed by both the technological capabilities of Leap Motion and the artistic intentions derived from Peking Opera, I achieved a seamless fusion of artistry and innovation.
I strategically employed both triggers and continuous controls to imbue the performance with expressive depth and nuance. By highlighting the symbiotic relationship between choreography, technology, and musical expression, I invited audiences from diverse backgrounds to engage with the creative process, fostering a deeper appreciation of the interplay between science and artistry in live electronic performance.
In the live rendition of Consort Yu, the Leap Motion device becomes an extension of the performer’s artistic vision, facilitating real-time manipulation of electronic elements while seamlessly integrating with traditional vocal delivery. This symbiosis of tradition and innovation epitomizes the spirit of NIME, showcasing the transformative potential of technology in the service of musical expression. My contribution lies not only in the use of technology but also in the innovative and musical integration of triggers and continuous controls through the Leap Motion device, enriching the understanding of my creative process within both scientific and artistic communities
ICWE Investigations of Thermomechanical Responses in FSP and PVP Failure
No full textSince the Second Industrial Revolution, welding has been an important technique in the engineering toolbox. Novel methods spawn and branch out, offering options each with their own strengths and weaknesses. Constant advancement of technology demands improvements of the methods used in fabrication. Integrated Computational Welding Engineering (ICWE) is a relatively new approach for accelerating understanding of the processing-microstructure-properties relationship for linking welding parameters to weldment performance. This work explores three examples of how ICWE can be used to solve real-world industry issues. Friction Stir Welding (FSW) and Additive Friction Stir Deposition (AFSD) are widely accepted joining techniques, yet mechanisms related to surface conditions, high-stress/temperature deformation, and bonding are not fully understood. In addition, premature failures in pressure vessels and piping systems (PVP) have been attributed to stress relaxation cracking. Trust in accelerated testing, incorporated into initial guidelines, led to premature failure. Understanding how weld behavior changes over different time, temperature, and stress ranges is required to make more accurate predictions. Residual stress fields remain a difficult feature to model and measure with confidence. The use of a plane stress assumption, typically reserved for analyzing stress of thin sheets, is applied to larger bulk structures when measuring residual stress using neutron diffraction
The Contribution of Initial and Altered Genome Organization to DNA Damage and Repair
No full textThe three-dimensional genome structure is critical for the regulation of gene expression and DNA damage repair. Our previous study characterized the alteration of genome architecture following radiation-induced DNA damage. However, it is still unknown how radiation-induced DSBs are distributed across the genome, how the initial genome structure influences the distribution of DSBs, how the modification of chromatin structure through pretreatment impacts DNA damage, and how the anti-cancer drugs alter 3D genome organization in healthy cells. CHAPTER II summarizes one of the key phenomena in alteration of 3D genome organization, compartment shifting, across multiple situations. CHAPTER VI focuses on the potential mechanism of 3D genome reorganization after radiation-induced DNA damage. CHAPTER IV identifies the distribution of radiation-induced DSBs in BJ-5ta and GM12878 cells and how the distribution correlates with the initial 3D genome architecture using END-seq. CHAPTER III used HDACi to modulate chromatin architecture and examined the impact of enhanced genomic accessibility on radiation-induced DNA damage. CHAPTER V explores how an anti-cancer drug curaxin impacts cell viability, DNA damage response, and 3D genome organization in non-cancerous cells. Overall, these findings suggest that the initial 3D genome structure is important to determine the genomic susceptibility to radiation-induced DNA damage, which could be applied in cancer therapy
Monte Carlo and Markov Chain Monte Carlo Methods for Identifiability and Data Analysis of Dynamical Systems in Biology
No full textThis dissertation develops new statistical methodologies for analyzing complex biological systems, with applications to single-molecule fluorescence experiments and epidemiological modeling.
In the first part, we develop a Bayesian nonparametric framework for the analysis of fluorescence time series obtained from single-molecule photobleaching experiments. We formulate a Bayesian model to characterize the fluorescence traces and implement four Markov Chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) samplers of increasing complexity. We first show that the novel sampling strategies incorporated into our most advanced sampler are essential for fast convergence and accurate reconstruction of trace signals. We then thoroughly validate this sampler using synthetic data generated to mimic a variety of experimental conditions and demonstrate strong performance across varying noise levels and stoichiometries. Lastly, we compare our sampler with existing methods and show that it excels in both computational performance and accuracy. Taken together, these advances, combined with the fact that our approach is model-free and does not rely on restrictive assumptions about molecular dynamics, make it an efficient and versatile tool for a wide range of experimental applications.
In the second part, we investigate the practical identifiability of epidemic models, with a focus on Monte Carlo methods. Standard implementations add independent Gaussian noise to the deterministic solution of the ODE model, an assumption that fails to capture the structured stochasticity inherent in epidemic processes. By analyzing continuous-time Markov chain (CTMC) simulations of the Susceptible–Infected–Recovered (SIR) model, we reveal variability patterns and temporal dependence that Gaussian noise cannot reproduce. We propose a hybrid approach that introduces time- and amplitude-dependent variability into ODE trajectories, achieving coverage results consistent with CTMC simulations while remaining computationally efficient.
Together, these contributions expand the statistical toolkit for biological data analysis, demonstrating how careful modeling of uncertainty can improve inference in both molecular biophysics and infectious disease dynamics
Modeling, Simulation, and Mitigation of Cascading Failures in Power Systems
No full textAmong various power system disturbances, cascading failures are considered the most serious and extreme threats to grid operations, potentially leading to significant stability issues or even widespread power blackouts. The intricate mechanism of cascading failures, characterized by multi-timescale dynamics, presents exceptional challenges for their modeling, simulation, and mitigation.
First, this work proposes an energy function-embedded quasi-steady-state model for efficient simulation of cascading failures on a power grid while addressing transient stability concerns. Compared to quasi-steady-state models, the proposed model incorporates short-term dynamic simulation and an energy function method to efficiently evaluate the transient stability of a power grid together with outage propagation without transient stability simulation.
Second, since interaction graphs on cascading failures provide valuable insights into how cascading failures evolve and propagate, this work studies the sensitivity of the interaction graphs to the system’s loading conditions, suggesting the need to choose an appropriate interaction graph for more effective mitigation strategies against cascading failures under different loading conditions.
Third, this work proposes a transient stability-incorporated interaction graph. This graph statistically quantifies the interactions among line outages and instabilities of generators. Compared with an interaction graph that only models line outages, this new interaction graph provides important insights on how transient instability occurs along with cascading failures.
Fourth, to better quantify interactions between component failures, this work proposes a stochastic interaction graph. Different types of modes on failure propagations are defined and characterized by the eigenvalues of a stochastic interaction matrix. Finding and interpreting these modes helps identify the probable patterns of failure propagation. Then, by lowering the failure probabilities of critical components highly participating in a mode of widespread failures, cascading can be mitigated.
Finally, a framework for a cascading failure simulation and analysis platform, which integrates various simulation models and analysis tools, is designed to support the platform’s future development
Implementation of Smoke Evacuation Cautery in the OR: An Evidence-based Practice Improvement Project
No full textBACKGROUND: Electrocautery smoke is produced when a cautery pencil is used in the operating room (OR) setting to stop bleeding and/or incise tissue. Energy generated by these devices raises tissue temperature, causing tissue vaporization, creating surgical smoke. Exposure has negative health consequences for OR personnel. Surgical smoke contains toxic chemicals and by-products and can contain viable malignant cells, viruses, and bacteria.
LOCAL PROBLEM: Implementation occurred in the ORs of an ambulatory surgery center (ASC). The project purpose was to create and implement a smoke evacuation policy, educate OR personnel on surgical smoke hazards, smoke evacuation device use, and acquisition of smoke evacuation equipment. The project aim was to reduce surgical smoke exposure to OR personnel at the ASC as measured by an increase in smoke evacuation cautery (SEC) compliance.
METHODS: The Model for Improvement was utilized to guide the project. Perioperative personnel participated in a pre-test. After education and training, OR circulators completed a competency verification tool, demonstrating competency on smoke evacuation equipment. SEC was utilized in place of standard cautery and compliance was measured.
INTERVENTIONS: OR staff completed pre-test, education sessions, and competency verification tool. Two surgeons utilized SEC in place of standard cautery for all bilateral mastectomy cases. A smoke evacuation policy template was created for the ASC to utilize if Tennessee enacts smoke evacuation legislation.
RESULTS: Surgeon 1 utilized SEC for 85% of bilateral mastectomy cases. Surgeon 2 utilized SEC for 100% of plastics cases. A smoke evacuation policy was created to be utilized if Tennessee passes smoke evacuation legislation. Project utilized as a Quality Assurance Performance Improvement (QAPI) initiative.
CONCLUSIONS: Utilizing SEC reduces exposure to hazardous surgical smoke contents and undeclared viruses and/or malignancies. Over one-third of the U.S. has smoke evacuation mandates enacted or pending. Sustainability and smoke-free ORs will prepare the project site if state laws mandate smoke evacuation in Tennessee
A Cause for Celebration: JASM Indexed in Scopus
No full textThe Journal of Applied Sport Management (JASM) achieved a major milestone in Fall 2025 with its acceptance for indexing in Scopus, marking a pivotal advancement in the journal’s visibility, credibility, and global reach. This accomplishment reflects years of collaborative effort among JASM’s editors, reviewers, authors, and the Tennessee Research and Creative Exchange (TRACE) team at the University of Tennessee–Knoxville. Since its founding in 2009 as the Journal of Sport Administration and Supervision and subsequent rebranding in 2013, JASM has evolved into a leading open-access platform for applied sport management scholarship. Under the leadership of Dr. Marshall Magnusen (2020–2025), the journal realized its long-term goal of Scopus indexing, supported by the contributions of associate and assistant editors including Drs. Brooke Forester, Jun Kim, and Lawrence W. Judge. Beginning in 2026, Dr. Judge will assume the role of Editor, continuing to strengthen JASM’s scholarly impact and international influence. With no author fees or access restrictions, JASM remains committed to advancing inclusive, evidence-based research that bridges theory and practice, positioning the journal among the foremost outlets in the field of sport management
Technology Use in Elementary Music Education: A Scoping Review
No full textThe purpose of this scoping review was to look at how music technology has been used in the elementary music classroom from 2020 to April 2025. Uses of technology were organized using the Substitution, Augmentation, Modification, and Redefinition (SAMR) model (Puentedura, 2006). Only articles that both described how technology was used and what the learning process looked like were included. A total of 26 articles met the criteria for inclusion. Multiple uses of technology across the four levels of the SAMR were represented from 14 different countries. An article from each of the four SAMR levels is described in depth to elucidate how uses of technology were categorized. Many cases of researcher-designed technology were found, especially at the redefinition level of the SAMR model, that provided students with transformative music making experiences such as exploring synthesizers using eye tracking, exploring an augmented reality musical pop-up book, and engaging in collaborative composition using iconic notation. I identified gaps in the literature, including the paucity of articles involving students with disabilities, preschool students, artificial intelligence, and phenomenological research methods
The Great Commission and the Confederacy: Southern Baptist Missions during the Civil War
No full textThe Civil War (1861-1865) plunged the United States into brutal war, bringing financial, emotional, and psychological challenges, a time of uncertainty and change. Despite the uncertain times, white Southern Baptists in the secessionist states viewed the creation of the Confederacy as divinely sanctioned, not only because it affirmed a white-first view of the world, but because they believed it would be a new nation to guide all other nations to Jesus Christ. Using the work of adult Baptists in South Carolina, the letters of young Baptist children, and correspondence from the Southern Baptist Foreign Mission Board and missionaries in China, this thesis examines Southern Baptist missions during the war. Despite their open support of the Confederacy, white Southern Baptists grounded themselves in their long tradition of missions. It argues that Baptists’ Confederate identity dovetailed with their religious one, but by exploring the theology and centrality of their mission work, this thesis demonstrates that their religious identity remained dominant, affirming their place in the world as the best white, Protestant Christians to carry the Gospel to the world
