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Religion as a coping aid: the case of African international college students studying in the United States
No full textReligion holds a central place in the lives of Africans. Africans are known to be deeply religious, relying less on science and secularism to seek answers to the unknown. In today's world, higher education has become a global commodity embraced by various countries and cultures. The pursuit of advanced education by international students is accompanied by a multitude of challenges. While people employ various means to adapt to their new surroundings, religion also plays a significant role in helping them cope. The study aimed to investigate how religion serves as a coping mechanism for African international students in their new overseas environment. The primary objective was to explore how these students manage the challenges they encounter abroad by turning to religion for support. To address this objective, the study formulated two specific research questions. The researchers utilized a purposive sampling technique and selected a sample size of 15 respondents, consisting of 8 females and 7 males. Semi-structured interviews were conducted to gather data, and various themes were discerned from the interview responses to provide insights into the research questions. The findings of the study highlighted three main themes associated with the challenges faced by African international students: cultural adjustment, academic adjustment, and social integration and loneliness. Furthermore, the study delved into how these students utilize religious beliefs as a coping mechanism in their new environment. The research revealed that religion serves not only as a spiritual anchor but also as a source of social support, academic assistance, and integration within the community. It was concluded that, for African international students, religion plays a critical role in fostering resilience and aiding in adaptation, thereby enriching their academic journey and overall well-being.
Moreover, the study recommended that amidst their demanding academic pursuits,
African international students should allocate time to engage in extracurricular activities
or volunteer services.M. A
No future but the end: examining doomerism and fatalism among young adults n the United States
No full text“Doomerism” is a term that has been coined in recent years by internet users, particularly
younger adults in Generation Z. It has come to represent a growing group, once again largely of
young adults, who feel disillusioned and dissatisfied with the current state of politics and
humanity as a whole. This group, however, fosters a fatalistic attitude that believes human
society is doomed and cannot get better. Previous literature has shown this phenomenon has been
gaining traction among younger people, along with five primary elements that encapsulate this
belief system: cynicism, climate anxiety, political fatalism, lack of hope for the future, and
apocalyptic thinking. While the literature agrees this phenomenon is growing, there is not a
consensus as to the driving causes of it. Through an anonymous survey and a series of follow-up
interviews, this study works to determine if Doomerism is primarily influenced by pre-existing
personal issues or an awareness of external socio-cultural factors. This study also examines the
effects of Doomerism on the lives and political actions of young adults. A series of linear and
logistic regressions run using the dataset created through survey responses found significant
correlations between Doomerism and several factors. Key among these were participants’
opinions of the United States and their self-rated mental health, though awareness of external
factors correlated more strongly. Though no significant relationship was found between
Doomerism and likelihood to vote, political fatalism in particular decreased the odds of young
adults planning to vote in the 2024 election.M. A
Dynamic dwellings: redefining home through shifting paradigms
No full textDynamic Dwellings highlights the diverse and subjective nature of the concept of home as an evolving entity that exists in a constant state of flux. A dwelling should reflect this ever-changing nature in the form of a dynamic and adaptable structure that has the potential to resonate with the unique identities and evolving needs of each resident. By incorporating flexibility into the foundational architectural design, the work transcends the traditional boundaries of housing and allows the home to expand and contract as life progresses. The integration of this approach provides the opportunity to nurture a profound sense of belonging and foster self-expression. Dynamic Dwellings provides an essential step towards reclaiming the notion of home by demonstrating how residential design can surpass the limits of static and conventional through a structure that can be constructed, shifted, personalized, and deconstructed with ease.Thesis (B. Arch.)College of Architecture and Plannin
Reinventing the rural
No full textRural Roots Community Center aspires to enhance the overall quality of life in rural Hoagland, Indiana while inspiring community members to take pride in their region and feel a sense of belonging through its architectural approach. The design prioritized an appropriate scale and emphasized civic identity when integrating urban amenities into a rural community through strategic placement and incorporation. Rural Roots is envisioned as a versatile space that will cater to the business, educational, and recreational needs of residents while aiming to foster a sense of unity and belonging within local community through its thoughtful architectural design and inclusive programming. The design will utilize sustainable materials while integrating materials and forms that reflect local identity and cultural heritage. Flexibility will be at the core of the design, allowing for easy adaptation to changing community needs and desires. Outdoor spaces such as a performing stage and community garden provide entertainment and additional resources to the community. The opportunity for place-making is also prevalent throughout the entirety of the site with endless possibilities. All elements throughout the design were precisely incorporated to encourage social interaction and strengthen community ties throughout the rural community of Hoagland.Thesis (B. Arch.)College of Architecture and Plannin
Filtering spatial perceptions: architectural studies of the ephemeral qualities of space
No full textWhat are the ephemeral qualities of architecture that contribute to the perception of space? How can a relationship between people and space be created through these qualities? We can never fully predict the way that people will use space. The only thing we know is there will be movement and light. Light, as an immaterial aspect, and the shadows it creates give movement to otherwise static architectural elements that convey the potential for change in spatial reading. The movement of people is necessary for the immaterial to change the perception of space.
In both the immaterial and the physical, patterns can be found. A pattern can be found on any scale or move between scales. They can be both visual elements and organizations. Patterns are a lens from which to view the study of light and motion.
Movement created by the motion of people through patterns reveals both experience and beauty. The patterns are translated through movement and light to highlight the experiences present in it. This experience is architecture.Thesis (B. Arch.)College of Architecture and Plannin
Adaptive Brutalism: redefining the value of brutalist architecture for today
No full textThe striking concrete forms of Brutalism stand as a polarizing topic. These monumental structures radically oppose previous architectural styles and represented a fresh start in the post-war era. However, today their imposing presence is often interpreted as stark and dehumanizing. Debate over their aesthetic appeal and cultural significance leads to a pivotal question: Is Brutalism worth saving? "Adaptive Brutalism" seeks to answer this question by exploring the potential of repurposing Brutalist structures for contemporary needs—designing the reuse of an unoccupied Brutalist library in Wichita, Kansas as a boutique hotel, restaurant, and community event space. Beyond preservation, this project envisions a future where Brutalist buildings are adapted into dynamic canvases for sustainability and innovation. By transforming these architectural behemoths into vibrant community hubs, Adaptive Brutalism aims to join heritage with modernity to appeal to future users. Through research on the sustainable impact of adaptive reuse, and the history and impact of the Brutalist movement, this project aims to unravel the complexities of Brutalism's legacy and advocate for its preservation as a testament to architectural resilience. Through the re-imagination of Brutalist structures as adaptive, sustainable assets, this project asserts that their intrinsic value transcends aesthetics, offering a path for revitalizing urban landscapes while honoring the innovation of Brutalism's spirit.Thesis (B. Arch.)College of Architecture and Plannin
Bridging generations
No full textThis thesis project explores the concept of intergenerational housing as a solution to challenges that society faces with aging populations. For example, the population of people over the age of 65 will have a 47% increase by 2050. By investigating the benefits and challenges of cohabitation between various age groups, this project’s main priority is to design a model for intergenerational housing that focuses on social interaction and mutual support that will allow for a sense of community cohesion.
By reviewing and studying literature and case studies of existing intergenerational housing and cohousing projects, the research helped provide a baseline of principles to build upon. Using a design approach involving residents from various age groups, this thesis develops architectural and social frameworks that are meant to encourage and build meaningful interactions and shared experiences among residents.
In the end, this thesis has the initiative to solve ongoing housing solutions by designing a universal approach that addresses both the physical and social aspects of living environments. By developing intergenerational connections, this project hopes to increase the well-being of the residents and create a community where all age groups can feel at home.Thesis (B. Arch.)College of Architecture and Plannin
Evaluation of support leg mechanics during kicking based on leg preference
No full textAnterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) injury is a looming presence for soccer players due to
its prevalence and devastating nature. Biomechanical tendencies that put athletes at a higher
risk for ACL injury have been identified in general sport movement. These risk mechanisms have
not been applied to sport-specific movements such as kicking. The purpose of this project was
to a) review existing literature surrounding biomechanical risk factors for ACL injury in soccer
players and b) to develop a protocol to examine the effects of leg preference on support leg
mechanics and stability in female soccer players during an unstable kicking task. Existing
literature has identified that a more erect posture in the lower extremities and torso during
landing could indicate a greater risk of ACL injury. This posture often corresponds with
increased peak ground reaction forces and anterior tibiofemoral shear forces at initial contact.
Posture during kicking may be influenced by neuromuscular planning tendencies. Soccer
players often have a strong leg preference when it comes to kicking. This can place different
demands on the preferred kicking leg compared to the preferred support leg. Previous studies
have primarily focused on the kicking leg, leaving gaps in evidence surrounding demands on the
support leg. The current protocol was designed to evaluate support leg mechanics in female
soccer players based on leg preference by collecting kinematic, kinetic, and electromyography
(EMG) data during maximal effort instep kicking. These variables would be assessed on the
preferred and non-preferred support leg for risk factors and mechanisms of ACL injury. Pilot
studies demonstrated that the protocol is effective to collect kinematic and kinetic variables
during a sport-specific task. EMG collection posed a challenge and should be adjusted in future
studies. Pilot participants demonstrated different follow-through approaches. Further
investigation is indicated to categorize and evaluate style of follow-through. This protocol could
be used to gain a better understanding of soccer-specific movement patterns. Results from
future studies should be utilized by practitioners and coaches to adjust training programs for
injury prevention and rehabilitation.M. S
The BITSEA's reliability and validity among English and Spanish speaking low-income children in the U.S. born during the Covid-19 pandemic & its suitability for stressed communities
No full textThe BITSEA is a screening tool widely used by researchers, parents, and doctors to examine a child’s early socioemotional development. This tool has proven helpful in identifying children with potential behavioral problems or issues in areas of social competency. Past research has shown that the BITSEA has high reliability and validity, but this screening tool has not been psychometrically reevaluated in the U.S. for nearly a decade. This study used data from a longitudinal study, the Baby’s First Year study, which started collecting data on newborns one year before the COVID-19 pandemic began. This study explores the BITSEA’s current reliability and validity among young children in low-income English and Spanish-speaking families across the U.S. who were experiencing their early childhood socioemotional development during the pandemic and expands on these findings to infer the suitability of the BITSEA among both linguistic populations and among populations experiencing higher than normal levels of stress.
The results indicate that the full BITSEA continues to retain decent levels of reliability among both English (Total BITSEA: α = .73; Problem Scale: α = .83; Competence Scale: α = .69) and Spanish-speaking populations (Total BITSEA: α = .73; Problem Scale: α = .8; Competence Scale: α = .72) and that its overall levels of validity are suitable for both language groups, but the predictive validity for the Spanish version of the Competence Scale was not supported as these results did not significantly correlate with children’s future CBCL 1.5-5 scores.M. S
Efficacy of the NASA SPRINT exercise protocol for preserving soleus myocellular characteristics during 6 months aboard the International Space Station
No full textObjectives: The purpose of this study was to determine the efficacy of the NASA
SPRINT exercise protocol on preserving muscle fiber size and fiber type distribution in
the soleus after 180 days of spaceflight. Methods: Biopsies from the soleus were
obtained from 6 crewmembers (48.3±7.3 yr). Muscle samples were assessed for fiber
size using a video camera connected to a computer. For fiber type determination, single
muscle fibers were analyzed using SDS-PAGE. Results: MHC I fibers size decreased
after spaceflight (-21±16%, P<0.05). MHC I atrophy was greater in subjects 2, 5, and 6 (-
27, -30, and -43; respectively) while 1 subject experienced no atrophy. In addition, MHC
I/IIa fibers experienced atrophy (-46%, P<0.05) There was no change in MHC IIa and
MHC IIa/Iix fiber size. There was a reduction in the number of MHC I fibers (-17%,
P<0.05). There was no change in MHC I/IIa, IIa, IIa/IIx, IIx, and I/IIa/IIx distribution.
Conclusions: Similar to previous investigations, the SPRINT exercise protocol was only
able to partially protect the soleus during long duration spaceflight. Compared to a
previous 6-month expedition aboard the ISS, the higher intensity exercise performed in
the current study reduced the degree of atrophy, however fiber type shifts were similar.
ii
Non-traditional countermeasures in conjunction with the SPRINT protocol may have to
be implemented to fully protect the soleus.M. S