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Microplastics chemical characterization, regional distribution, and effects on BIOTA
No full textThe purpose of this study was to determine if the SPRINT exercise protocol provided protection to MHC I and IIa myonuclear and satellite cell number in the vastus lateralis and soleus during 70 days of bedrest. Twenty-five subjects (24 M, 1F) were recruited, screened, and randomized into one of three groups: bedrest only (BR; n=8, 37±3 yrs), bedrest with resistance and aerobic exercise (BRE; n=9, 34±2 yrs), and bedrest with resistance and aerobic exercise concurrent with low dose of testosterone injections (BRE+T; n=8, 33±3 yrs). Muscle biopsies from the vastus lateralis and soleus were sectioned, immunofluorescently stained, and analyzed for myonuclear and satellite cell number, along with fiber size and fiber type composition. Myonuclear number in MHC I and IIa fibers of the vastus lateralis and soleus were unchanged (P>0.05) from pre- to post-bedrest within BR, BRE, and BRE+T. However, there was a main time effect (P0.05). BR trended to decrease vastus lateralis MHC IIa fiber composition (P=0.065) while BRE and BRE+T increased the vastus lateralis MHC IIa. Additionally, BRE decreased total hybrid proportions in the vastus lateralis (P<0.05). In the soleus there was a main time effect in the increase of total hybrids (P<0.05). Prolonged unloading did not alter myonuclei and satellite cells in both the vastus lateralis and soleus, but SPRINT may enhance satellite cell number in the vastus lateralis MHC IIa fibers. The decline in myonuclear domain was driven by the muscle fiber atrophy in the vastus lateralis MHC I fibers, and in soleus MHC I and IIa fibers. The results suggest that the SPRINT exercise is effective at maintaining fiber size, and consequently preserving myonuclear domain in both the vastus lateralis and soleus. The current data along with prior findings within this cohort support SPRINT as an effective countermeasure for protecting myocellular characteristics and function during prolong unloading.Ph. D
Impact of indoor courtyard gardens on seniors' health in nursing homes
No full textThe garden setting that is available throughout all seasons will promote and stimulate
exercise, social interaction, and mental acuity with anyone that interacts with this type of
environment. The presence of live plants has been associated with decreasing stress and
stabilizing sleep wake cycles among seniors. The interaction of working with plants will
improve the physical activity, social activity, and health of anyone, especially seniors in
nursing homes. Given that the elderly have declining health, it is essential that this type of
environment is installed within all nursing homes. The goal of this research is to increase the
health and wellbeing of the elderly living in nursing homes. The hypothesis will be testing if
there is an impact between indoor year-round courtyards gardens in nursing homes on
residents emotional, social, and physical wellbeing, compared to outdoor gardens that can be
utilized only a few months out of the year
Flora
No full textFlora is an exhibition of ceramic sculptures inspired by different flower species found in the Midwest that have been combined into new botanical forms. Using hand building techniques, mostly coil and pinch methods, I have created botanical sculptures that vary in size and shape. The surfaces are lightly colored with a wash of underglaze pigments. This is to not only accentuate the warmth of the clay body, but also the textures of the hand from the pinch construction. The sculptures are displayed on the wall and wooden pedestals of varying heights with artificial turf grass on the tops, creating a display that gives an artificially natural aesthetic. The rationale for this type of display is to give the viewer a visual narrative that reflects the notions of a garden. The wooden open-faced pedestals break the white box facade and give the sculptures a sense of importance and quiet space. The ceramic sculptures in Flora represent my contradicting desires of longing for the new that parallel my fear of being trapped that have become part of my identity. The pieces do not have a singular identity, but are an amalgam of different species, many of which are native to Illinois or Indiana. The goal of this exhibition is to create a space for the viewer to engage with these sculptures, discuss, and question the identity of these botanical forms in what makes them whole.M. A
Designing and activating a community participatory engagement process to inform Ball State's strategic sustainability action plan
No full textThis collaborative capstone project designs and implements a participatory engagement
strategy, empowering students, faculty, and staff through community-based participatory
research methods to establish key performance indicators and priorities that will inform Ball
State’s Strategic Sustainability Action Plan. This paper will also analyze the initial workshop
findings to identify priority indicators of and climate actions toward Ball State’s 2030 Climate
Neutrality goals. Initial student workshop findings indicate that student stakeholders prioritize:
1) the reduction and distribution of single-use products, 2) the increase of multi-modal
transportation among all campus users, and 3) encouraging a campus sense of belonging by
increasing opportunities for cross-collaboration and mentorship. In fact, these top three scoring
indicators account for 25.6% of the total student participant responses.M. U. R. P
Esports: past present and future
No full textEsports, or electronic sports, has transformed from a niche activity into a global phenomenon
that reshapes entertainment, culture, and education. This paper explores its origins, key
milestones, and future potential. Competitive gaming’s roots can be traced back to the 1972
Stanford Intergalactic Spacewar Olympics, widely regarded as the first gaming tournament. The
event offered a Rolling Stone magazine subscription as the grand prize, as oppose to the
multimillion-dollar competitions of today. In 1981, Atari’s Space Invaders Championship
attracted over 10,000 participants across the United States, demonstrating the potential appeal of
competitive gaming and its potential to unite players nationwide.
By the late 1990s, South Korea had embraced esports as a national pastime, dominated by the
success of StarCraft. The rivalry between KT Rolster and SK Telecom T1 became legendary,
and televised matches on OnGameNet drew massive audiences, solidifying esports as a cultural
juggernaut. Meanwhile, Major League Gaming (MLG) emerged in the mid-2000s in the United
States, hosting tournaments for games like Halo and Call of Duty. Though initially limited in
scope compared to South Korea’s scene, MLG laid the groundwork for professional leagues in
the Western world.
The early 2010s marked esports’ ascent into mainstream culture, driven by the popularity of
games like League of Legends (LoL). Its World Championships set new standards for viewership
and production, with the 2013 finals surpassing the NBA Finals in global audience size. The rise
of collegiate esports programs, starting with Robert Morris University in 2014, further
legitimized the industry, bridging gaming and academia. Celebrities such as Rick Fox and
Shaquille O’Neal also brought esports into the mainstream through investments and
endorsements, connecting competitive gaming with traditional sports and pop culture.
Today, esports face both immense growth and significant challenges. Issues of equity and
representation have created organizations like GameHers and Women in Gaming, aiming to
increase diversity and inclusivity within the industry. High-profile controversies, such as sexual
harassment lawsuits involving major companies, have spotlighted systemic issues and the need
for reform. Meanwhile, educational programs at the high school and middle school levels
highlight the role of esports in developing critical thinking, teamwork, and career skills.
The Esports World Cup, inspired by international sporting events, represents both opportunity
and controversy. Hosted by Saudi Arabia, the inaugural event faced criticism for alleged
sportswashing and ethical concerns tied to its funding. This sparked debates over the ethical
responsibilities of an industry with growing global influence.
Figures like Lee “Faker” Sang-hyeok, considered the greatest esports player of all time,
demonstrate the storytelling potential of esports, while industry insiders like Vansilli emphasize
the importance of navigating controversies to drive reform and growth. As esports continues to
integrate with education and expand its global reach, it will redefine modern entertainment,
offering a unique blend of competition, culture, and connection in the digital age.M. A
A dissertation lecture recital of the Greek sonata for piano by Dimitri Mitropoulos: musical interpretation, pianistic challenges, and manuscript limitations
No full textThis dissertation lecture recital was on Dimitri Mitropoulos’ Greek Sonata. During this dissertation lecture recital, I presented significant information on this relatively unknown work of the 20th century piano repertoire. I provided important historic background on Mitropoulos’ life and career and explored the compositional significance of the Greek Sonata. I then highlighted the difficulties presented in the manuscript and explained the steps I took to decipher the manuscript. Then, I explored the most important compositional techniques used in this work, focusing on the sense of unity that is created by thematic transformation, and the prominent use of ostinato. Lastly, I gave insight on pianistic considerations, including the interpretation of the work and its pianistic challenges. Throughout this last section, I highlighted the elements that helped me shape my interpretation of the Greek Sonata, to provide helpful information for pianists that consider performing this work. Once the lecture portion concluded, I performed Mitropoulos’ Greek Sonata.D. A
Regenerating urban nutrition
No full textArchitecture is seldom designed to be empathetic to those with a food allergy. While the fast-food industry offers affordability and convenience to consumers, it also presents risks to public health and the environment. Coupled with the lack of allergy-friendly food options, there are limited safe food designations for people with dietary restrictions. To address this issue, the design of an allergy-friendly community center aims to create a message of awareness. This center will cater to people with food allergies, while also serving as an education center for those who want to create healthier food habits. Our school curriculum is not aimed at teaching children the importance of farming and cooking healthy meals. This design will implement a half-day school program where children will be taught the basics of farming and cooking healthy, allergy-friendly foods. This will help generate essential life skills that contribute to their well-being and enable them to be more self-sufficient. With enough exposure, children and their families will not crave the unhealthy foods that surround our communities. This healing environment will allow people to feel comfortable in a safe space that caters to all, bring a sense of awareness, and change the way we look at food.Thesis (B. Arch.)College of Architecture and Plannin
Queer identity in high medieval Europe
No full textThis thesis looks at queer gender identity in High Medieval Europe. Medieval conceptions of
gender were very different than those of the modern day. As such understanding these
conceptions is necessary in order to understand how queerness existed within this time period.
In order to accomplish this, this thesis looks at gender conception in three major spheres of
medieval life: the church, natural philosophy, and entertainment. Each of these spheres
contains a plurality of different viewpoints that would have allowed queer individuals living in
High Medieval Europe to understand themselves within their culture and society. To
demonstrate this, the thesis concludes with several case studies of individuals who lived
outside of mainstream medieval gender norms. The medieval period was just as complex a time
as our own and those living in it who were outside of these mainstream norms had as full and
complex of lives as we do today.M. A
Reviving dead malls
No full textLocated in Muncie, Indiana, this project is focused on how adaptive reuse can revive the Muncie Mall and bring a thriving community back into a space that once greatly served the public. The 53 acre site is not used to its full potential anymore like it was in the past. With this much space, it should be converted into a piece of architecture that can benefit the Muncie community. Shopping malls are slowly dying across the United States, and developers are starting to revitalize them in unique ways. This specific project will turn the dead Muncie Mall into active adult residences, an elementary school, and a community center full of activities for everyone of all ages. Included in the old Muncie Mall was an abundance of pavement for parking that was significantly unused. This project will develop enough parking spaces for the building while still leaving plenty of room for new parks, plazas, and green spaces. Through adaptive reuse, new architecture can activate a space for a rising community.Thesis (B. Arch.)College of Architecture and Plannin
SkyLO: sculpting the silo skyline
No full textThe SkyLO revitalization project presents the unique opportunity for revival of the Damen Silos in the Chicago suburb of McKinley Park. This transformation aims to embrace the historic industrial fabric that made Chicago what it is today. It also allows for keeping the history of this site intact while incorporating sustainable practices and promoting community engagement. The proposed design envisions the silos as a dynamic, sustainable, and community-centric space, incorporating elements such as a riverside trail, parks, communal gardens, educational programs, and community events to modernize the site and create a vibrant atmosphere.
The proposed rehabilitation plan seeks not only to preserve a local historical landmark, but also address the loss of embodied energy associated with demolition. Retrofitting this once booming grain elevator with green technologies; creating new livable spaces within these existing masses, in addition to providing community spaces for both commerce and entertainment will allow for a financially sound revitalization of this site. This project capitalizes on this potential for sustainable practices, within the building and the surrounding environment. A people-centric neighborhood, with minimal environmental impact, is vital to crafting livable spaces within the silos.Thesis (B. Arch.)College of Architecture and Plannin