28653 research outputs found
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Youthful engagement in the library
No full textLocated in downtown Richmond, this project looks to create a space that excites and rejuvenates the youth within the Richmond community. Through an identification of learning levels, ages, and interactive tools this library will create spaces that appeal to kids and provide freedom of learning. Incorporating new programs and uses for space will help create excitement for how a library is perceived by youth. Providing many spaces for kids to interact with like media walls and reading corners will help expand on the ways kids will use a space. Through the layout and design of spaces and program kids’ creativity and curiosity will blossom. The kids are not the only ones who will benefit from the services offered, classes and programs offered are also available for the community. These activities are learning experiences and fun ways for all people of the community to interact. Youthful engagement in the library encourages kids to grow, learn, and experiment as they navigate through life’s challenges. Locals and community members will also benefit from the new services provided within this library campus.Thesis (B. Arch.)College of Architecture and Plannin
Reviewing the relationship between the public space & public opinion: with questions about the digital age influences on mass communication
No full textThis composition is a review of the historical works of noteworthy scholars who contributed to the understanding of communication theory, Public Space, and Public Opinion. These are examined alongside the modalities each scholar thought to be of more than slight significance. Included with this review are questions with which communication theorists must be concerned about answering in the Digital Age. A) What aspects of the Public Space prompt or promote the Voice of the Citizenry to demand improved representation within the halls of governance? B)Does the relationship between the tangible Public Space and the intangible Public Opinion make wayfor symbolism in communication that results in substantive change? C) What impact does information delivered by Digital Age technology have on Public Opinion? D) Within the context of mass communication, if there is a cultural meaning to news, how is society affected by Digital Age technology and the near instantaneous delivery of information? Interwoven throughout the review are comments on the scholarly works reviewed and a final look at the necessity of Truth in the Digital Age. Accompanying this review is also a photograph of an original intergenerational painting inspired by this review.M. A
Trials in transition: examining the role of cognitive load as a factor in first generation college student achievement
No full textThis study explores the relationship between generational status (first-generation versus
continuing-generation), sense of navigational capital and belonging at the institution, and
persistence to degree completion as mediated by cognitive load. Understanding this relationship
can provide insight into effective programming and approaches to learning both inside and
outside of the classroom during the critical transition phase into higher education. As firstgeneration
students often persist at lower rates than their peers, it is important to understand the
mechanisms through which this occurs to inform institutional approaches to improving firstgeneration
student outcomes. A quantitative approach was employed via a combined instrument
including questions about self-efficacy, navigational capital, belonging, and a measure of
cognitive load developed to target specific changes traditional students face in the transition into
higher education. Data were collected from 150 participants and a mediation analysis was
completed utilizing structural equation modeling (SEM) as well as statistical analysis techniques.
This study found that a mediating relationship does not exist for first-generation or continuinggeneration
students, but there is a strong positive relationship between navigational capital and
belonging to cognitive load for first-generation students that does not exist for continuinggeneration
students. Analysis also revealed statistically significant differences in self-efficacy,
belonging, navigational capital, and several measures of cognitive load for first-generation
students. These findings suggest that reducing cognitive load can lead to increases in academic
outcomes such as grade-point average as well as social gains in sense of belonging as evidenced
by lower overall reported cognitive load and higher sense of belonging and grade-point average
reported by continuing-generation students. This research provides insight into the connections
between cognitive load and student success and opens the door for further research to explore
effective methods to address these challenges.D. Ed
Architecture automata
No full textAn automata is a moving mechanical device made in imitation of a living organism. Borrowing ideas from biology and genetics, the goal is to create a building that grows and adapts to the wants and needs of the building inhabitants. Further asking if these ideas can be applied to existing buildings adapting them to new use cases rather than being torn down.
The project site is located in Louisville Kentucky, a dense and historic city. The programmatic use of the building is a unique blend of community center and makerspace. Doing this achieves a space that fosters both ideas and creation. Providing tools on site hopes to facilitate the adaptation and expansion of the building and allows patrons to create both in the building and all over the city.
In 2003, Louisville and Jefferson County merged, more than doubling the city’s population and increasing its area more than sixfold. A larger scale application would see an on-site elevated railway be adapted to a pedway to connect seven major neighborhoods throughout the city, while working with Louisville Land Trust to maintain community representation and utilizing a biologic machine, Physarum Polycephalum, along this path to plot new “cells” of this building evolution.Thesis (B. Arch.)College of Architecture and Plannin
A narrative study: the perceptions of teachers of color teaching during and after the covid-19 pandemic in an Illinois public school
No full textThis narrative study explored the experiences of teachers of color working with at-risk
youth in marginalized communities during and after the pandemic. Before the pandemic,
teachers faced many challenges, such as low pay, being stressed, overworked with a lack of
resources, being overlooked, and not appreciated for their hard work. The Critical Race Theory
was the theoretical structure for this narrative study. This qualitative study included the
narratives of six Black women between the ages of 35 and 65, all living in the Midwest with a
total of 40 years of teaching experience. The lived experiences of these women were collected
through their semi-structured and open interview questions. The narrative study answered the
following three questions: (1) What was the experience of teachers of color working in
marginalized communities with at-risk youth during and after the pandemic (the new normal,
living with COVID-19)? (2) How did teachers of color working with at-risk youth practice selfcare
during and after the pandemic (the new normal, living with COVID-19? (3) How did
teacher of color create professional community building during and after the pandemic (the new
normal, living with COVID-19)? From the investigation of the data and thematic analysis from
the narratives of their participants, the following themes emerged: Education: academics,
teaching and instruction, leadership, and resources; Health: well-being, managing stress and
anxiety, support of family, resources, faith; Relationships: communication, professional
development, colleagues and work outings; Suggestions from Teachers about the New Normal:
advice, and recommendations. The narrative study revealed during and after the pandemic that
remote instruction negatively impacted the learning of students, lack of leadership direction,
teachers being overwhelmed with additional work responsibilities, additional stress,
apprehension regarding COVID-19, a decrease in student enrollment, students being easily
distracted, and not focused, disruptive behaviors, etc. Teachers found ways to care for
themselves during and after the pandemic by participating in Zoom and other sessions through
their churches, using available apps to help relieve stress, and having sessions with professionals,
nurses, or doctors through Telecom, etc. The pandemic created more disconnection between
teachers and other staff during and after the pandemic. The lack of leadership direction,
apprehension, and uncertainty prevented teachers from building a professional community.Ph. D
A memory care facility transcending physical confines
No full textThis thesis focuses on the critical challenge facing conventional memory care facilities: the compromised quality of life experienced by residents due to spatial limitations. Through a focus on spatial navigation, sensory stimulation, and connections to the outdoors, the project takes a transformative approach to memory care by prioritizing fundamental human needs.
Central to the design philosophy is the seamless integration of building and site aimed at enhancing the daily user experience. This integration follows the natural slope which steps down toward the nearby creek, shaping these spaces to allow residents a safe connection with nature. With a strategic use of color and materials as wayfinding cues, both independence and exploration are encouraged. Moreover, the natural building form fosters movement and circulation, promoting physical activity and social interaction.
By fostering a profound sense of belonging and connection to the environment, the design transcends mere functionality, striving to enrich the overall experience for all users. In essence, "Transitions" represents a visionary endeavor to redefine memory care architecture, offering a holistic solution that prioritizes dignity, autonomy, and joy for those navigating the complexities of memory impairment.Thesis (B. Arch.)College of Architecture and Plannin
Revisioning primitive architecture
No full textTrees are all around us in our everyday life. In architecture we think of them as decoration or even obstacles that we need to overcome. This thesis presents the use and implementation of trees in a way that utilizes trees as the structure rather than an accessory. Located in Guatemala, this design method will combat deforestation as well as aid in creating jobs, providing classrooms, as well as a small clinic for indigenous people in need. This building is not only using the trees as structure but rather an example of how it can grow over time. The building can start off small and low as a tree is juvenile, but over time it can be adapted and grow higher so people can be one with nature. The overall goal of this project is to live harmoniously with nature so that both people and the natural enviornment can benefit.Thesis (B. Arch.)College of Architecture and Plannin
Reusing Sacred Spaces
No full textReligious buildings have been a major part of human culture for most of history. Theology is a focal point for many people, and as a result, they need a place that will bring their minds to a calm and meditative state and allow them to focus on God. Seclusion within magnificent architectural forms with subtle lighting and iconography often achieves this state. However, the overall visions of these churches have changed, possibly due to changes in architectural style or social changes. The number of parishes is beginning to decline, especially in areas where these buildings are becoming redundant or unsustainable.
This thesis aims to transform existing sacred space respectfully, extend the language of the church through new elements, and keep a sacred space to preserve the history of the community. These will be addressed through an adaptive reuse project of St. Hedwig Catholic Church in South Bend. While the building is still currently in use, St. Hedwig could possibly become unsustainable in the future. The church’s primary mission is to reach out to the community, and this proposal will advance the program and focus towards revitalizing the surrounding community.Thesis (B. Arch.)College of Architecture and Plannin
Characterizing the role of phospholipid synthesis in protein quality control
No full textProtein quality control (PQC) is an essential function for all living organisms, ensuring proper protein synthesis, folding, and clearance of potentially toxic, aberrant proteins in the cell. Impaired PQC is linked to human diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), and type 2 diabetes, underscoring its importance. The role of phospholipid synthesis in maintaining efficient PQC is incompletely characterized. Previous work shows that impaired phospholipid synthesis via INO4 deletion stabilizes the translocon-clogging Hrd1 substrate Deg1*-Sec62 in Saccharomyces cerevisiae. INO4 is required for the synthesis of several phospholipids. It is unknown if selective disruption of phosphatidylcholine (PC) synthesis (whose synthesis is regulated by the Ino2/Ino4 master transcriptional regulator) results in similar stabilization of model ER-associated degradation (ERAD) substrates. I showed that impaired PC synthesis partially stabilizes Deg1*-Sec62. The mechanism by which impaired phospholipid synthesis impairs ERAD is unknown. Prior research suggests that impaired phospholipid synthesis might globally impair translocation into the ER. I determined that INO4 deletion does not globally impair translocation, but partially impairs Deg1*-Sec62 glycosylation. The breadth of the impact of impaired phospholipid synthesis on protein degradation is unclear. I showed that INO4 deletion does not stabilize the soluble nucleoplasmic degradation substrate, α2*-UH. I also showed that INO4 deletion does not destabilize ER proteins Cue1 and Sbh1. Together, these results enhance our understanding of the impact phospholipid synthesis has on cellular physiology, potentially identifying unaccounted for features of human disorders associated with disrupted phospholipid synthesis.M. S
Exploring the role of DHX36, a G-quadruplex (G4) helicase through differential gene expression analysis using bioinformatics and genomics tools
No full textG-quadruplexes (G4) are special guanine-rich nucleotide structures that are made by Hoogsteen hydrogen bonds in DNA or RNA. They have become important factors in the complicated process of regulating gene expression. The action of G4 structures on genes is implicated in various diseases, including cancer and neurodegenerative disorders. Among the key regulators of G4 structures is DHX36, a versatile RNA and DNA helicase known for its ability to unwind G4 formations. In this study, we examined in detail how DHX36 influences gene expression through regulating the action of G4 using both wild-type and DHX36 knocked-out Jurkat cell lines. Using cutting-edge genomics and bioinformatics tools like edgeR, DEseq, and salmon, we performed a thorough investigation of the gene expression levels in these cell lines. Our findings demonstrated the subtle regulatory role of DHX36 in G4-mediated gene expression. The knockout cell line for DHX36 showed a clear upward trend in comparison to the wild-type cell line. Our findings demonstrate that DHX36 plays a crucial role in controlling the extent to which G4 structures affect gene expression. Moreover, the outcomes generated by different bioinformatics approaches can differ due to the computing matrices utilized in each approach.M. S