Journals@UC (University of Cincinnati)
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When the Paper Writes Itself: Rediscovering the value of the writing process in First-Year Writing courses
Full text linkThis personal essay reflects on how the rise of generative AI, specifically ChatGPT, has transformed my teaching practices in humanities and communication courses. Initially drawn to AI for its utility in streamlining personal and professional tasks, I quickly realized the pedagogical implications when students began outsourcing entire writing processes to AI. What began as a fascination evolved into a serious concern about the erosion of critical thinking and student voice. In response, I redesigned my courses to center the writing process within the classroom, developing assignments that require students to compare their work with AI-generated outputs. This shift has helped students recognize the limits of AI and the value of their own thinking. The essay argues that teaching students to use AI reflectively, rather than passively, is key to continuing to develop critical thinking skills in higher education
Pyrolysis Behaviors, Kinetics and Gaseous Products Evolution of Dye-Adsorbed Leather Shavings: Hao Wang, Mingrui Zhang, Zonghui Zhang, Fang Wang, Mădălina Georgiana Albu Kaya, Xiumin Li, Keyong Tanga and Jie Liua,
No full textChrome-tanned leather shavings (CLS), a challenging solid waste from tannery industry, are difficult to dispose of due to their small size and high chromium content. At the same time, CLS shows great potential as an adsorbent for toxic dyes due to its abundant functional groups and large surface area. To fully exploit this capability, this study proposes a novel waste-to-treat-waste strategy for the utilization and disposal of CLS. This approach involves using CLS as adsorbents for toxic dye removal, followed by pyrolyzing the dye-adsorbed CLS into less harmful substances or useful products. The pyrolysis behaviors and kinetics of three CLS samples, each adsorbed with a different dye (Congo red, reactive blue, and acid red), were investigated using thermogravimetric analysis and iso- conversional methods. The pyrolysis process was further analyzed using the generalized master plots method, revealing that the reaction model remained consistent with the A2 mechanism, despite significant variations in the average activation energy. The influence of adsorbed dyes on volatile products emissions during pyrolysis was analyzed using thermogravimetry coupled with Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and mass spectroscopy. Main gaseous products identified include CH4, H2O, CO, CO2, and trace amounts of sulfur- and nitrogen-containing compounds
Effect of typeface complexity on automatic reading processes
No full textThe introduction of variable fonts widened the possibilities for font applications and increased the ease with which typographers could manage their designs. Variable fonts enable typographers to easily manipulate letter characteristics that exist on a spectrum such as weight, width, or deviation from the neutral letter form. However, this fluidity may also increase visual complexity, which may contribute to the disfluency effect. This study explores the impact of typeface complexity on automatic reading processes using the well-known Stroop Colour and Word task. We show that automatic reading can be negatively affected by typefaces with extremely complex features, but that moderately complex typefaces have little effect. This suggests hard to read typefaces do impair word reading (i.e. they are disfluent) but that skilled readers are able to tolerate a high degree of complexity. It also highlights the utility of cognitive tests for identifying typefaces that are difficult to read
From Icons to Identities: Analysing Visual Cultural Elements in Emerging Scripts
No full textThe study investigates the integration of visual cultural elements in emerging scripts and the motivations driving their development. With 293 scripts existing for approximately 7000 spoken languages, many Indigenous communities are creating their own scripts to preserve language and culture amidst declining linguistic diversity. By examining ten scripts, including Wancho, Chisoi, Mwangwego, and others, the research identifies four main types of visual cultural elements: common cultural icons and images, influences from traditional art forms, elements from indigenous knowledge systems, and traditional body art forms. The analysis reveals that integrating these elements enhances script acceptance within communities, fostering a stronger connection with users. Furthermore, the study explores five primary motivations for script development: resistance towards dominant groups, unification of marginalised groups, expression of cultural identity, language preservation, and recuperation of literacy. Findings suggest that while visual cultural elements significantly impact script acceptance, the motivations behind script development also provide valuable insights into historical and contemporary trends in global script innovation. The study highlights the importance of incorporating visual cultural elements in script design to ensure cultural continuity and language preservation
Crowding impairs recognition of framed icons
No full textPictograms are graphic symbols designed to function within limited space. They are characterized by overlapping elements within a frame, which can lead to visual crowding, where neighboring objects merge and become indistinguishable. While visual crowding has been extensively studied in reading and vision research, its impact on pictograms remains underexplored.
This study aimed to measure the effect of spacing between two icons and between icons and an outline frame on icon recognition. Using Auckland Optotypes to construct fictive pictograms, we conducted an experiment within an object recognition experimental paradigm, involving 25 participants. Results showed significant interaction between the effects of icon-frame distance and the spacing between the two icons, with the most limiting factor for recognition being two icons overlapping or placed in close proximity to each other. Strategic spacing adjustments within framed pictograms can reduce the impact of crowding on recognition, particularly when icons are not overlapping.
Keywords: icons, crowding, psychophysic
Ruminations on Being a Journal Editor: Out with the old. In with the New!
No full textThis non-research article reflects upon the change from publishing Visible Language for 58 years under the direction of a single Editor to publishing Visible Language by a consortium of institutions and an editorial staff led by an Editor in Chief
Crowding Impairs Recognition of Framed Icons
No full textPictograms are graphic symbols designed to function within limited space. They are characterized by overlapping elements within a frame, which can lead to visual crowding, where neighboring objects merge and become indistinguishable. While visual crowding has been extensively studied in reading and vision research, its impact on pictograms remains underexplored.
This study aimed to measure the effect of spacing between two icons and between icons and an outline frame on icon recognition. Using Auckland Optotypes to construct fictive pictograms, we conducted an experiment within an object recognition experimental paradigm, involving 25 participants. Results showed significant interaction between the effects of icon-frame distance and the spacing between the two icons, with the most limiting factor for recognition being two icons overlapping or placed in close proximity to each other. Strategic spacing adjustments within framed pictograms can reduce the impact of crowding on recognition, particularly when icons are not overlappin