University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture
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Eine semiosphärische Ereignisanalyse nach Juri M. Lotman exemplifiziert an Peter Bichsels Kindergeschichten
No full textThis dissertation presents an event analysis by Juri M. Lotman on Peter Bichsel’s Kindergeschichten (1969) in the context of „kulturelles Wissen“ [Cultural Knowledge] a term coined by Michael Titzmann (1989). The method is based on Lotman`s early approaches on the principles of the semantic feature analysis and is supported by the elaborations of contemporary researcher. Referring to M. Titzmann (2003, 2017) and N. K. Renner (1983, 2004) I center my work on two events: 1) the change of a character and 2) the change of the surrounding spatial and world order. Thus, the events are defined by the tense relationships between the characters to the prevalent world picture.
The analysis confirms the compatibility between the Kindergeschichten and the Lotman`ian concepts of event and the semiosphere. Lotman`ian approaches prove to be effective heuristic-analytical tools for the narrative dynamics in the Kindergeschichten. Additionally, the Kindergeschichten are fruitful sources to illustrate the Lotman`ian concepts and to conduct scientific explorations in cultural semiotics. Since literary event analyses can provide “powerful means for making sense of life” (Lotman, 1990, p. 170), this dissertation provides a groundwork for insights into cultural dynamisms in the context of kulturelles Wissen
Advances in Selective Area Growth and in-situ Shadowing for Hybrid and Topological Nanowire Devices
No full textHybrid quantum devices, which integrate superconductors with semiconductor or topological materials, represent versatile platforms for quantum computing, quantum sensing, and fundamental studies of novel quantum phenomena. A critical requirement for realizing such technologies is the development of scalable and reliable growth and fabrication techniques capable of producing nanostructures with precise control over geometry, positioning, and interface quality. Selective area growth (SAG), a catalyst-free epitaxial technique, addresses this requirement by enabling deterministic synthesis of semiconductor nanowires directly onto lithographically patterned substrates, facilitating seamless integration into device architectures. However, SAG-grown nanowires frequently suffer from interfacial defects arising from lattice mismatch with the substrate, leading to reduced electronic performance. Ad ditionally, hybrid nanowire devices fabricated through post-growth processing often experience interface contamination and structural degradation, limiting quantum coherence and device reproducibility. Moreover, SAG has remained restricted to a limited range of material systems, constraining broader applicability. This thesis addresses these critical challenges through multiple innovative strate gies. We first systematically explore and establish optimal selectivity windows for SAG of various III–V semiconductor nanowires, including InAs, GaAs, and InGaAs, achieving controlled growth and uniform morphology. To mitigate interfacial defects, we introduce lattice-matched InGaAs buffer and capping layers, significantly enhancing the electrical performance of SAG-grown InAs nanowires, as evidenced by improved electron mobility and extended quantum coherence lengths. To circumvent issues associated with post-growth fabrication, we develop a pre-fabricated shadow bridge platform for the in-situ realization of hybrid quantum devices, successfully demonstrating gate-tunable superconductivity in Al–InAs Josephson junction device without post growth fabrication. Furthermore, we extended the SAG approach to the facet-selective growth of in plane bismuth (Bi) nanowires. This achievement considerably broadens the material scope of SAG and paves the way toward investigating higher-order topological states. Collectively, this work positions selective area growth, in combination with the shadow-bridge platform, as a robust, versatile, and scalable technique. By addressing fundamental challenges associated with hybrid quantum devices, this approach provides new pathways toward the realization of advanced quantum technologies and the exploration of novel topological states
Exploring the Relationship Between Reading and Behavior Problems in Elementary-Aged Children
No full textReading and behavior difficulties have long been linked in the literature, with each problem having an adverse effect on students’ academic success when experienced individually and in combination. Given that the problems are closely linked and lead to unfavorable outcomes for students, it is important for researchers to understand how each problem influences the development and potential mitigation of the other problem. This dissertation includes four chapters. Chapter One is a review of reading challenges, internalizing and externalizing behavior difficulties, and the association between the two problems. Chapter Two describes a study in which the impact of externalizing and internalizing behavior problems on reading remediation was investigated. Chapter Three describes a study in which the developmental timeline of reading and behavior problems (e.g., which came first) was traced in elementary-aged students. Chapter Four discusses the implications, limitations, and future research directions related to the study of concurrent reading and behavior problems
Detector Cooling, Temperature Dependent Studies, and Waveform Analysis for the Nab Experiment
No full textThe Nab experiment, currently (2025) taking data on the Fundamental Neutron Physics Beamline at the ORNL Spallation Neutron Source, uses an unpolarized neutron beam to precisely measure two of the free neutron beta decay correlation parameters to probe physics beyond the Standard Model. The electron-neutrino correlation coefficient, a, will give us access to investigate CKM unitarity, and the Fierz interference term, b, will enable us to put bounds on the existence of scalar and tensor currents in the weak interaction. We aim to measure a with unprecedented precision (∆a/a ≈ 1 x 10⁻³) to enable a first row CKM unitarity check on the same level of precision as those made with super-allowed fermi decays. The Nab experiment uses two highly-segmented, thick, large-area silicon detectors at either end of a 7 m tall magnetic spectrometer to measure the electron energy and the proton time of flight, which can be used to construct nearly the full phase space of neutron decay, and make determinations of a and b. This work encompasses the finalization of the detector cooling system design, implementation, and characterization. The detector cooling system is now surpassing design goals. It is capable of cooling the upper detector to ~100 K and the lower detector to ~115 K with better than +/- 0.5 K stability. The system is also capable of stabilizing detector temperatures over a dynamic range from the minima up to room temperature, so it is well-suited to support temperature dependent studies. This feature was utilized to study the temperature dependent gain shift in three of the Nab detectors. Waveform analysis of 207-Bi source signals was carried out to show that the gain shift on each of the studied detectors was below the suggested requirement of 1 x 10⁻⁴ for +/- 0.5 K. These waveform analysis techniques were then applied to investigate the proton detection efficiency. A method for estimating the proton detection efficiency\u27s impact on ∆a/a was explored, the ∆a/a for one pixel was reported, and the results will be useful to future analyses
Enhancing Patient Satisfaction Through the Implementation of Pre-operative Patient Education Videos: A Quality Improvement Initiative
No full textBackground: Initial surgical consultations are crucial for delivering comprehensive patient education, ensuring that patients understand the procedure, risks, and preoperative requirements. Inconsistencies exist in the content delivery and standardization of pre-operative patient education within the clinical setting, contributing to reduced patient satisfaction. A systematic literature review revealed that patients would benefit from a standardized, evidence-based education program.
Local Problem: At an outpatient surgical clinic, staff observed inconsistent patient adherence to pre-operative instructions, which led to increased dissatisfaction and potential post-operative complications. Internal evidence revealed the clinic’s reliance on varied verbal and written instructions as a key weakness in pre-operative education. To address this problem, a quality improvement project implemented a standardized educational video to ensure consistent and comprehensive pre-operative education for patients undergoing abdominal surgery.
Methods: This project utilized the Model for Improvement (MFI) to guide the development of evidence-based pre-operative videos that enhanced patient satisfaction. To ensure structured, iterative improvements that aligned with project goals, a series of Plan-Do-Study-Act (PDSA) cycles were implemented over an 8-week timeframe.
Intervention: The intervention provided all pre-operative abdominal surgical patients with standardized, evidence-based video patient education, which enhanced recall, adherence, and satisfaction. This project aimed to achieve a 5% increase in patient satisfaction.
Results: Over eight weeks, patients scheduled for outpatient abdominal surgery watched a pre-operative education video before meeting with the surgeon. All patients (100%) interacted with the video and completed the satisfaction survey. Post-implementation results showed a 7.5% rise in patient education satisfaction, with dissatisfaction rates dropping from 10% to 3.2%.
Conclusion: The project achieved a 7.5% increase in patient satisfaction, thereby surpassing its aim. Additional evidence-based quality improvement projects are needed to further explore and expand the use of patient education videos in the pre-operative setting. The implementation of the educational video enhanced patient satisfaction, demonstrating both cost-effectiveness and operational feasibility
