16484 research outputs found
Sort by
Urbanization, Climate Change and Food Security in the East Kolkata Wetlands
No full textThe East Kolkata Wetlands (EKW), located on the peripheries of the city of Kolkata, is a unique ecosystem that provides several services to the city like food, sanitation, water and livelihood. But as urbanization expands into the EKW, it puts pressure on the ecosystem and its ability to provide these services. The city, home to millions of people, is fighting another battle as well, against climate change, and is considered to be one of the most vulnerable cities in the world in terms of population exposure. This thesis combines the themes of climate change, urbanization and food security of fisherfolk communities in the EKW to create a better understanding of the vulnerabilities faced by the people that rely on the EKW, as well as the risk to the living system itself. Through oral narratives, interviews and visuals of the EKW, this paper highlights how urbanization is affecting the food security of the people who depend on the EKW as well as the potential for climate change to exacerbate the situation. The EKW is a study in contrasts. It is on the forefront of development and urbanization that highlights the differences between what is sustainable and what isn’t, the people who have economic resources and those who don’t, the people who have access to services, infrastructure and resources and those who don’t and the political and social power that often times comes with these resources. Urbanization is a primary threat to the EKW and as climate change puts more pressure on Kolkata’s resources and people, the city lacks a concrete plan to improve the resilience either by utilizing the EKW, protecting it, or developing other resources. In addition to the city’s inability to implement a climate action plan and protect valuable ecosystems, the fisheries of the EKW are seeing differing production levels over the years. The food security and livelihood generation of the vulnerable fisherfolk communities is intricately linked to the existence of this ecosystem and without some amount of government support, community action and resilience building isn’t enough.M.S., Urban Strategy -- Drexel University, 201
Forced Oscillation in Integrated Opto-electronic Circuits for Realization of Stable RF Synthesizers
No full textHighly stable and small size local oscillators is a very important component of any remote sensing, imaging, and telecommunication systems. The key factor influencing the frequency stability is quality factor of the resonance structure. Related close-in to carrier phase noise for offset frequencies above active device corner frequency reduces at least at a rate of 20 dB/decade while offset below corner frequency increases at rate of 30 dB/decade. A new approach in realization of the electrical oscillators is to augment electrical quality factor by optical energy storage components (e.g., fiber optic delay lines and ring resonators) to enhance effective quality factor (Q) to 10^4-10^6, well beyond available electrical Q of 2000 in dielectric resonator oscillators (DRO). Moreover, stability of resonance frequency has been impacted by the environmental induced (e.g., piezo and pyro properties of material) sensitivities. In addition, micro-scale design approaches are reported using multi-mode (both semiconductor and solid state) lasers for low phase noise intermodal oscillations. Finally, forced oscillation techniques of injection locking, phase locking, and mode-locking are attractive to further stabilize electrical and optical oscillation methods. In this thesis, development of broadband stable frequency sources is reported covering both X- and K-band using forced opto-electronic oscillator technique. The broadband frequency tuning is achieved using coarse electrical tuning of YIG bandpass filter combined with fine-tuned optical transversal filter using dispersive delay component and wavelength control of a fiber laser, as optical source. Forced opto-electronic oscillation techniques of self-injection locking (SIL), self-phase locked loop (SPLL), and self-injection locked phase locked loop (SILPLL) are optimized for further frequency stabilization of a frequency synthesizer. In SILPLL application, long delay line is crucial for substantial phase noise reduction; therefore, kilometer long optical fiber delay lines have been used to construct the optical feedback since their loss is extremely low compared to electrical delay lines. Meantime, open loop gain is another key parameter to achieve low phase noise in these feedback systems, as the phase noise reduction is proportional to phase locking loop gain. The phase noise and pull-in time can be greatly reduced in SILPLL as opposed to SIL or SPLL alone. A forced oscillation of fixed frequency DRO at 10 GHz system provide -137 dBc/Hz phase noise at 10kHz offset with under 10 fs aperture jitters, while OEO based X-band and K-band synthesizers provide phase noise of -137 dBc/Hz (<10 fs jitters) and -127 dBc/Hz (<12 fs jitters) at offset 10 kHz respectively in a computer controlled 19" rack-mountable OEO systems. After realization of the desired modular frequency synthesizer, development a compact opto-electronic oscillator system is demonstrated in my PhD study. Monolithic design and testing of multi-section quantum well lasers are reported on 5x2 mm2 InP chip using a commercial foundry service (i.e., SmartPhotonics). The designed lasers consist of 4 major sections of semiconductor optical amplifier (SOA), optical phase modulator (PM) and distributed Bragg reflector (DBR) mirrors. The DBR section provides wavelength selectivity while phase section and gain medium provide output wavelength tuning. An electro-absorption modulator (EAM) is prepared for mode number control using its wavelength sensitive absorption coefficient. The experiments supported predicted performance of this multi-mode laser structure and impact of combined forced oscillation of intermodal oscillations with mode locking method to realize a frequency stabilized and tunable RF signal source. Meantime, forced technique SILPLL and optimum mode locking techniques are applied in order to achieve improved phase noise performance. The free-running inter-modal oscillation frequencies suffers from poor phase noise of -5 dBc/Hz at 1 kHz and -32 dBc/Hz at 10kHz offset around 11.54 GHz, while under forced oscillation a -58 dBc/Hz at 1 kHz offset and -98 dBc/Hz at 10 kHz offset are achieved. A frequency tuning range of 800 MHz is also measured. In mode locked laser operation, the RF beat-notes forced with SILPLL topology provides a better performance. Improved phase noise of -79 dBc/Hz at 1kHz, -110 dBc/Hz at 10 kHz is measured with under 50 fs aperture jitters, while a broadband frequency tuning from 11 GHz to 13 GHz range is measured. The tuning range is potentially to be further improved, if the shared DBR laser pair symmetry could be improved. In summary, this thesis provides the solution for building RF synthesizer using forced opto-electronic oscillator and laser beat-notes oscillation output. The experimental results are corroborated with detailed analytical and numerical modeling to optimize oscillator phase noise performance. The modular design solution shows great stability and low phase noise, while the compact monolithic design solutions are quite attractive for a smaller size. Potential for full integration of multi-mode multi-section MQW laser with optical delay lines are also presented as a logical development path towards a compact frequency synthesizer.Ph.D., Electrical Engineering -- Drexel University, 201
Impact of Compensatory Recommendations on Consistency in Adherence to Behavioral Regimens in Traumatic Brain Injury
No full textBackground: Adherence is the extent to which one’s behavior aligns with prescribed healthcare recommendations and it has been found to be a mediating factor of rehabilitation success after traumatic brain injury (TBI). Individuals post- TBI are at risk due to executive dysfunction. Although methods of overcoming executive difficulties as they relate to adherence have been posited (e.g., compensatory strategies), there has been no systematic study of the relationship between adherence behaviors and executive functioning during an unstructured regimen in this population. Moreover, cognitively-mediated aspects of adherence, such as consistency, which may represent targetable mechanisms of non-adherence have not been explored. Objective: The current study aimed to investigate the relationship between compensatory recommendations, executive function, and adherence behaviors during a prescribed behavioral regimen. Primary aims were to investigate: 1) the impact of compensatory recommendations on consistency in adherence, 2) the impact of compensatory recommendations on overall adherence, and 3) the relationship between executive functioning and consistency in adherence. An exploratory aim investigated how relationship between compensatory strategy, executive function, and consistency in adherence changed over the course of the 4-weeks. Method: 13 adults with a history of non-penetrating head injury were recruited for the current study and randomized into two groups: one that received compensatory recommendations (n = 7; Mage = 43.71, SD = 12.16; 43% male) and one that received no strategy (n = 6; Mage = 46.00, SD = 7.13; 67% male). All participants completed cognitive testing before engaging in a 4-week online behavioral regimen. For each day of the regimen, three online cognitive activities were prescribed. Outcome measures included adherence (events completed of 84) and consistency in adherence (variability in timing of event completion). Participants also completed a follow-up survey. Results: A series of Pearson correlations and regression-based analyses revealed that presence of a compensatory strategy did not predict consistency in adherence, nor did it predict overall adherence after controlling for covariates. In supplementary analyses, individuals who received a compensatory strategy had better adherence for the CAT during week 1, but their adherence decreased to be equivalent to the no strategy group over the course of four weeks. Additionally, one measure of executive function (response inhibition) was significantly related to consistency in adherence. Upon further analyses, it was determined this relationship differed by group. Consistency in adherence followed a quadratic pattern over time, such that all individuals were least consistent during the third week of the regimen, but were more consistent before and after that point. Conclusions: Consistency in adherence does not appear to be improved by the addition of a compensatory strategy. Although this component of adherence was related to executive function, this association appeared strongest among individuals who did not receive a strategy and who were more cognitively compromised. Adherence improved with the addition of a compensatory strategy initially, but declined over time to be equal to the no strategy group. Clinically, these findings suggest that compensatory strategies may need to be nuanced and target specific mechanisms of non-adherence. Moreover, the need for regular follow-up during a behavioral regimen to encourage continued motivation over time may be necessary to maximize adherence. Limitations include a small sample size, uneven groups with respect to cognitive function, and executive functioning measures which do not approximate real-world behaviors. Future directions include continuing to identify mechanisms of non-adherence among cognitively compromised individuals as well as continued work into the importance of consistency as a support for adherence to treatment among individuals with cognitive decline.Ph.D., Psychology -- Drexel University, 201
Retail Mix Management on Philadelphia’s Commercial Corridors and Implications for Neighborhood Change
No full textTheories on commercial corridor revitalization recognize retail mix management as an important responsibility for corridor managers. This tool has been emphasized as a capacity for successful corridor management and, in more recent years, highlighted for its significant impact on the interaction between the corridor and local community members. This study uses a qualitative analysis of interviews conducted with Philadelphia corridor stakeholders and management representatives from city corridors to examine the extent to which corridor managers are limited in their ability to manage retail mix and to better understand how efficacy can be increased to improve the outcomes of neighborhood change. In my findings, I discuss how Philadelphia’s corridor managers are inhibited to varying degrees in creating and sustaining an adequate retail mix, even as they recognize the importance of the practice. The analysis results in a conclusion that potential solutions are available to increase the impact of retail mix management for the benefit of the community. A comparative tool is presented to triangulate the expected impact of retail mix management limitations and the accessibility of solutions by both management type and stage of development.M.S., Urban Strategy -- Drexel University, 201
INSPIRE.ME: The Creation of a Tool and Service to Inspire Continued Recovery Efforts in Disaster Relief
No full textDisaster events are becoming ever more frequent due to the instability caused by climate change. These catastrophic events lead to a relief process that needs advocacy and improvement. Many people in the United States treat natural disasters as a singular event, forgetting about the help needed by those affected after the initial shock subsides. Sustained response and recovery in which continued efforts are lacking is causing substantial issues for the populations that are affected by these tragedies. Society is left unprepared in the wake of more frequent and more devastating disaster events. This work will focus on the link between human factors, relief systems and disaster operations. Questions include how, when, and who to target in campaigns for extended help. This design research project will take the form of a digital solution, used to connect users through an application on a smartphone or computer. Exploration into the most effective ways to influence people and promote change on a large scale enforces the social media aspect of the application. This digital platform seeks to create a technological framework for single-family users or organizations to use in order to pair up volunteers and users in need, while giving the project owners full control over their initiatives and yield from each project. Money, supplies, services, and support can all be gained through this network of supporters and those in need. This project will not only create a system to inspire lasting, manageable change, but also hope to become a call-to-action, cause a cultural shift in perception of disasters, and create campaigns on behalf of those affected by disasters.M.S., Design Research -- Drexel University, 201
The creation of a tool to aid in health material selection for interior designers
No full textThere has been an increasing number of humans diagnosed with medical conditions such as asthma, obesity, depression, and attention disorders and many of these conditions can be attributed to exposure to materials installed in interior environments that contain ingredients harmful to humans. Despite designers having general knowledge about a products dangerous tendencies, these products are still being specified in projects such as hospitals, schools, and offices. These spaces are often intended to help humans heal, while the materials that surround them are making them sick. After initially focusing my studies on biophilic design, I began to focus on the materials being used in interior spaces before continuing onto nature-based design. These spaces cannot be biophilic if they contain copious amounts of chemicals to achieve the biophilic “aesthetic”. I plan to investigate interior materials further to understand their core ingredients and what effects they have, as well as find suitable replacements for them.M.S., Design Research -- Drexel University, 201
Designing Physical Spaces for Digital Objects: Creating a Display for Augmented Reality, Centered Around the Interpretation of Paleolithic Art
No full textIn this paper we explore a multi-disciplined approach in designing and building a diorama optimized for the displaying digital objects via augmented reality. We explore the design choices, materials and programs used with the end goal of creating an engaging display which manipulates viewer movement. The current state of museum dioramas and augmented reality is discussed, as well as Prehistoric art’s influence on the design.M.S., Digital Media -- Drexel University, 201
Overwhelming consumption: How the number of song choices and mood affect music consumption on music streaming services
No full textMood Management Theory (MMT) has been used to study the relationship between mood states and music consumption. However, this theory has not been thoroughly tested in regard to the new media, especially in the music streaming services field. Given the abundance of options on music streaming services, individuals are presented with the paradox of choice that could affect their music consumption and mood states. According to Schwartz (2004), having too many choices contributes to the overwhelmed feeling in decision making. The Theory of Information Overload also indicates that individuals would have an increase in negative emotions and a decrease in positive emotions when the amount of information surpasses individuals’ capacity of information processing. Thus, this study investigates four main research questions: 1) whether the Theory of Information Overload could be applied to music consumption; 2) how the number of song choices and perceived information overload affected mood management; 3) how individual differences affected the relationship between the number of song choices and information overload; and 4) how the number of song choices affected an individual’s subjective states. The study used a 2 (mood: Happy, Sad) x 2 (the number of song choices: 20 songs, 100 songs) between-subject factorial experiment to examine these research questions. The results showed that more song choices led to a higher degree of perceived information overload, a higher likelihood of consuming familiar songs, and a higher degree of enjoyment in the song-selecting process. When testing the interaction between the number of song choices and mood, the results showed that individuals who were in a sad mood and presented with more song choices had a higher degree of information overload and lower degree of enjoyment in the song-selecting process compared to those in a happy mood. In addition, maximizers were more likely to feel confused when choosing a song and more likely to regret their decision than satisficers.Ph.D., Communication, Culture, and Media -- Drexel University, 201
Dance/Movement Therapy Best Practices for Inpatient Crisis Stabilization with Co-Occurring Disorders
No full textThe purpose of this thesis is to explore the various assessments, diagnostic tools, and necessary therapeutic techniques needed to support individuals with co-occurring disorders through the process of crisis stabilization within an inpatient treatment setting. This thesis critically reviews the relevant literature on various aspects of the stage of change model, foundations of psychotherapy, motivational interviewing, and the supports needed for a dance/movement therapist to implement the best individualized plan for stabilization. The clinician is encouraged to use various theoretical frameworks as a guide for evaluation, assessment, and interventions to provide the best care to assist the patient through the process of crisis stabilization and support the idea of long-lasting maintenance of behavioral change. Upon the synthesis of the literature, six themes emerged: 1. Creating a Safe Space, 2. Enhancing the Therapeutic Relationship, 3. Supporting Change Awareness, 4. Planning and Determining Potential Barriers, 5. Learning Recovery Skills, and 6. Aftercare Planning. This thesis includes a list of suggestions for clinical best practices in which a dance/movement therapist could integrate within the therapeutic space. It concludes with gaps within the literature and how this work has impacted the author’s theoretical framework and development as a dance/movement therapist within clinical practice.M.A., Dance/Movement Therapy and Counseling -- Drexel University, 201
Clay in Peer Consultation: Creative Processing for Counseling Trainees
No full textThis paper outlines the development and implementation of a clay consultation method. It was created to promote peer socialization and connection amongst counseling trainees within a counseling center setting. This method provided an introduction into the use of creative expression as a clinical processing tool in exploring and reflecting on trainee development using the medium of clay. Observations gathered from its implementation appeared to elicit a playful, joyful, and insightful experience in conceptualizing clinical development in a creative way. Reflections and recommendations are offered for future exploration for trainees in college counseling centers and beyond.M.A., Art Therapy and Counseling -- Drexel University, 201