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Interpretable analysis of multiple ordinal time series data
No full textIn this thesis, we examine two questions posed by Lazar et al. in their paper in which
they develop a recursive forecasting model for multiple ordinal time series accelerometer
data. The first question is to what extent does having many of the same subjects present
in the training and test data, but with different recorded accelerometer data, have on the
reliability of any error rate estimates produced by the model. To address this, we discuss a
method for simulating multiple ordinal time series data and simulate a training set and two
different test sets to test our model, one which simulates a test set with identical subjects
to the training set and one which simulates a test set with different subjects, and compare
the estimates of the error rate produced from these two test sets and the real test set. We
found a considerable improvement in test error for the former of the two simulated test sets,
suggesting a severe limitation in the ability to rely on the results produced by such data.
The second question is how the parameter ϵ used in the model weighting process should be
tuned to produce the lowest error rates. To address this, we fit our model repeatedly using
various values of ϵ and compare the results. On the real data, we found that increasing the
value of the parameter ϵ corresponded to small improvements in the error rate, though the
same conclusion cannot be drawn from the simulated data.M. S
Creating Ringtone VZW
No full textIn today’s work culture, workers often feel isolated and overworked as their supervisors relentlessly put more and more tasks on them. Through the creative project Ringtone VZW, a thirteen-minute short film, the audience is subjected to a depressing work environment with small tastes of cosmic horror until the climax. The primary aspect of this project is the work in both visual and audio effects that work to enrapture the audience in the degradation of the main character as he slowly succumbs to the pressures of his environment. The story, meanwhile, is looser. It offers the audience to gather its own interpretations of its events and its meaning. This paper explores how this story was brought to life by the author.M. A
Early developmental responses to environmental stimuli in the fathead minnow, pimephales promelas
No full text59Aquatic organisms rely on multiple types of environmental sensory stimuli to detect and respond to challenges and opportunities. Although most research on the sensory ecology and development of behavior in fishes has focused on responses to these stimuli at adult and larval stages, emerging research suggests that embryos can also perceive and respond to these cues. This study aimed to i) determine the window(s) of development during which aquatic, oviparous embryos of a common freshwater fish species, fathead minnow (Pimephales promelas) first show behavioral responses to ecologically relevant chemical, photosensory, and mechanosensory stimuli; ii) evaluate whether embryos differentiate between chemical alarm cues generated from adults vs injured eggs; and iii) investigate the influence of the olfactory developmental environment on hatching, development, and post-hatch behavior. To determine the earliest onset of behavioral responses to external stimuli in alternative sensory modalities, the locomotor activity of embryos was measured in response to adult conspecific alarm cues, chemical cues from injured eggs, scent of a common piscivorous predator, an aversive light stimulus, and a vibrational/water displacement disturbance at 48, 72, 96, and 120 hours post-fertilization (hpf). To determine whether the information content of particular cues (i.e., those that indicate predation on eggs vs adults) influences the development or behavior of minnows, eggs were reared with daily exposure to adult alarm cues, egg alarm cues, or a control water treatment and evaluated for differences in morphology, hatching time, and post-hatch behavior. Responses to mechanosensory cues were first detected at 72 hpf,
and responses to photosensory and olfactory cues were first detected at 96 hpf. Embryos showed observable changes in pre-hatch behavior in response to olfactory cues from injured eggs, but not to adult alarm cues or cues from a common predator. There were no significant differences in development or hatching time, or behavioral carryover effects in fishes that developed in the presence of either alarm cue compared to controls. Taken together, these results add to the growing body of literature on embryonic sensory ecology and development of behavior by providing evidence that embryos not only can detect and react to environmental cues in multiple sensory modalities, but that they may also discriminate between cues based on information content and show heightened sensitivity to cues associated with greater risk.M. S
Echoes of honor
No full textMemorials come in many forms, from roadside plaques to towering structures
like the Washington Monument. Their intention is the same on all scales—
to attract attention, provoke thought, and inspire action. Whether through
immersive spaces or engraved text–memorials invite people to stop, remember,
and connect.
The Memorial of Monrovia is conceived not merely as a monument, but also
as a living park centered on the community, a place to bundle memory with
contemplation and communion. Angular roofs and central obelisks, which frame
the performance stage, are designed as architectural elements to guide visitors
through the park, leading to quiet areas of contemplation. These areas include
the cascades and a grove where the angular design is carried from the obelisks
and roof structures in the form of benches, water features, and paths. The grove
invites visitors to contemplate closely, as the protruding names of the combat
veterans wall is just feet away, beckoning visitors to create a connection with the
space.
This memorial is built by, and for, the Monrovia community, addressing its
history and needs. It’s more than a permanent tribute–it’s a living space where
people gather. Here they can commemorate, heal, and rejoice in the legacies of
the people held in their hearts.Thesis (B. Arch.)College of Architecture and Plannin
Violin and fiddle: a comparison of styles between traditional schools of violin and folk music
No full textThis paper presents a comparison between the styles of classical violin and folk music fiddling. There are many influential classical violin teachers, like Ivan Galamian, Dorothy DeLay, Leopold Auer, Shinichi Suzuki, Joseph Joachim, and Otakar Sevčik. The violin and fiddle are taught in different ways; in folk music, the violin is called the fiddle and is rarely taught using Western music notation. Instead, musicians learn the music aurally. Though the instrument itself is not different, the techniques in which it is played between styles is very different. The bow hold, tuning system, and sound of the music is distinct between classical and folk music. However, there are some musicians today that are combining the two styles, like violinist Augustin Hadelich. Though the styles have their differences, the enjoyment they bring musicians are very similar.M. M
Visual land - a world of contrast (dystopia vs. utopia)
No full textArchitecture has long been a tool for shaping human experience, influencing
emotion, behavior and even societal structures. “Visual Land – A World of
Contrast” is an experiential architectural exploration of human nature through
space, narrative, and play. It expresses dynamics by immersing visitors in a
space that embodies both utopia and dystopia.
This design attraction blends dystopian and utopian themes, drawing inspiration
from survival landscapes and psychological game design. It integrates
immersive environments, interactive structures, and contrasting aesthetic
approaches —ranging from surreal minimalism to brutalist industrialism.
By merging architecture with dimensional readings, Visual Land provokes
reflection on survival, choice, and human behavior. It challenges conventional
spatial design by fostering settings where visitors navigate contrasts—between
structure and chaos, order and unpredictability—transforming the built
environment into an active participant in the human adventures.Thesis (B. Arch.)College of Architecture and Plannin
Why architecture
No full textArchitecture for centuries has been constructing buildings to be functional,
to provide shelter, and meet the standards of a typical construction, but the
discipline is more than just a building. Located in the south side of Chicago,
Illinois, this thesis project shares that notion and puts emphasis on adding the
concept of pleasure and beauty in spaces. Through two major programmatic
elements, healthcare and education, the proposal introduces therapeutic and
awe-inspiring spaces redefining experiential architecture. Dedicated to the
investigation, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of cardiovascular disease,
the design enhances features that stimulate the senses and cognitive abilities
such as comfort, proportion, openness, natural lighting, ventilation, and
accessibility by guiding users to circulate in organized spaces surrounded with
calmness and well-being. Hedone is crafted to evoke purity and tranquility
addressing all the users’ needs, aspiring a welcoming environment encouraging
learning.Thesis (B. Arch.)College of Architecture and Plannin
Veteran transitions and mental health
No full textThis study was intended to provide an insight into the barriers combat veterans face as
they separate from military culture and reintegrate into civilian society, specifically how those
challenges impact their mental health. The disconnect between military cultural values and
values held in the civilian sector causes further separation between the combat veteran and the
community in which they live. It is imperative to find mechanisms to close the gap between
civilian and military cultures through learning and teaching paradigms to form bonds of
understanding. Using a narrative methodology informed by a social constructivism framework allowed
four combat veterans’s stories to be told so that an understanding of barriers and points of
reference can be reviewed and addressed. This study answered the following research questions:
(1) What are the transitional barriers experienced by combat veterans who attempt to reintegrate
into civilian society from military culture? (2) What are the effects the transition had on combat
veterans’ mental health? (3) What are the aggravating factors that assist combat veterans with
their mental health issues during this transition? The data was collected using semi-structured
interviews. Once the data was coded and analyzed three major themes developed: experience
during service, transition after military separation, and post transition period. The findings report that barriers to a successful reintegration begin during service and do not reveal themselves until they are in the transition phase of their journey. This result indicates that the transition process is one that begins during service and continues through the combat veteran’s journey. In order for this to occur, teaching and learning paradigms are imperative to join communities and veteran resources.D. Ed
Breaking barriers: the Hind Rajab Rehabilitation Center for Wounded Children
No full textAfter almost two years of constant bombing, the children of the Gaza Strip
have experienced various kinds of trauma from mental to physical, including
amputees. The Gaza Strip has surpassed other atrocities in the amount of child
amputees. The children of Gaza who have become amputees will need a place
to live on top of rehabilitation and physical therapy.
With a need in rehabilitation centers and housing, this thesis aims to establish a
pioneering rehabilitation center for injured children in the Gaza Strip, addressing
critical social, cultural, and material issues by creating a space that prioritizes
accessibility, incorporates local history and flora, and utilizes alternative
construction materials to mitigate the effects of the longstanding embargo,
ultimately contributing to the community’s recovery and continuity.Thesis (B. Arch.)College of Architecture and Plannin
Generations in balance
No full textThis thesis explores how the architectural design of an intergenerational care
campus can create meaningful connections between seniors and youth in need
of care. As social isolation and youth displacement rise, this project proposes
living communities and shared programs to benefit both groups from social
isolation while allowing for mentorship and emotional support.
The campus incorporates sustainable architecture tailored to the desert climate
of Phoenix, AZ. Incorporating strategies such as shading systems and efficient
material use aids human comfort, both indoor and outdoor. Communal areas
throughout the campus, such as gardens, workshops, and dining spaces,
encourage collaboration and engagement, while the separation of living
communities ensures privacy and independence.
Integrating senior living and youth care services, this project challenges
traditional models of caregiving, presenting an inclusive alternative that
strengthens social bonds. The architectural design prioritizes accessibility,
adaptability, and biophilic principles that are nurturing and functional.
This proposal catalyzes social sustainability, creating a community where
intergenerational connections thrive.Thesis (B. Arch.)College of Architecture and Plannin