16484 research outputs found
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Using User Interface Elements to Affect a Player’s Empathy and Decisions in a Text Based Game: A Preliminary Study
No full textThis thesis investigated to what extent the inclusion of a UI indicating character trait bars affects a player’s empathy and decisions while playing a text-based game. First, we reference contemporary decision-based games to identify character traits suitable for the bars and use these bars as the variable meant to induce empathy. We create a short narrative called Reflect, where players are given two choices to choose from in order to advance the story. The character traits bars will move as the player makes decisions. Twenty recruited participants are split into two groups; an experimental group, with the character trait bars visible, and a control group, with no bars visible. While our findings indicate no significant differences in empathy among the experimental and the control group, we consider this may be due to our small sample size. We find that players often reference their own beliefs when playing regardless of whether or not character trait bars are included. Additionally, players are more likely to be influenced by the story and characters later on in the game if they do have the bars available to them. The inclusion of the character trait bars do impact players’ choices, as the experimental group is more likely to make choices that align with the available traits (noble, daring, assertive, and generous). This suggests that the use of a UI in games and other applications may positively influence users’ actions and decisions. Furthermore, the inclusion of character trait bars may lead to more interest in the characters and story, and higher levels of enjoyment. Given our small sample size this preliminary study requires further investigation and researchM.S., Digital Media -- Drexel University, 201
Image Forgery Detection using Deep Learning and Signal Processing Methods
No full textIn this thesis, we propose several new approaches for image forgery detection. In the first approach, we use inconsistencies in an imaging trace called lateral chromatic aberration (LCA) to detect forged image regions. Lateral chromatic aberration arises due to the wavelength dependence in the refraction angle of light in camera lenses, which causes a predictable misalignment of an image's color channels. During a splicing forgery, inconsistencies in the image's LCA are inherently introduced. To detect forgeries, we first propose a statistical model that captures the inconsistency between global and local estimates of LCA. We then use this model to pose forgery detection as a hypothesis testing problem and derive an optimal detection statistic. We conduct a series of experiments that demonstrate our proposed method significantly outperforms prior art. We additionally propose a new method to anti-forensically remove these inconsistencies to avoid detection, as well as a new anti-forensic counter method that detects this anti-forensic attack. A drawback of many existing deep-learning based forensic approaches is that they assume a closed set of classes. In our second approach, we propose a method to measure forensic similarity between two image patches that is effective on unknown classes (i.e. an open set). We show that this approach is useful for splicing localization and detection. In our forensic similarity approach, we first train a convolutional neural network (CNN) to output generalized features which encode camera model and editing information of an image patch. Then, we learn a similarity measure that maps pairs of these features to a score that quantifies whether the two image patches have the same or different forensic traces. We experimentally show that this approach can determine whether two image patches were captured by the same or different camera model, processed by the same or different manipulation, and even same or different manipulation parameter. Finally, we propose a graph-based method to more accurately perform forgery detection and localization on tampered images. To do this, we propose an abstract, graph-based representation of an image, which we call the Forensic Graph Representation. In this representation, small image patches are represented by graph vertices with edges assigned according the the forensic similarity between image patches. Localized tampering introduces unique structure into this graph, which align with a concept referred to as ``communities" in graph-theory literature. These communities correspond to the tampered and unaltered regions in the image, and are each a sub-set of vertices that contain high weight edges within the community, and low weight edges across communities. As a result, forgery is performed by identifying whether multiple communities exist in this graph representation, and forgery localization is performed by partitioning the communities. We experimentally show that this approach outperforms naive implementations that do not consider this community structure, including prior art.Ph.D., Electrical Engineering -- Drexel University, 201
"In My Neighborhood, But Not For Me": Long-Standing African American Residents' Perceptions of Gentrification, Anchor Institution Expansion and the Paradox of Civic Engagement
No full textThis dissertation explores perceptions and sentiments held about the presence and increased expansion of a private, urban university by the residents whose neighborhood shares its border. The historical and current engagement of a predominantly White institution, Fourdlet University, with the low-income, predominately African American Greatland community was elucidated through the voices of 10 long-standing residents. Long-standing residents were defined in this study as those members who have resided for a minimum of 20 years in Greatland. Recent expansion of the university into the residential neighborhood has resulted in the gentrifying of a community that once represented multiple generations of predominantly African American families. While the neighborhood population is increasingly younger and whiter, the African American population has been reduced to a small number of primarily older residents who have been able to maintain ownership of their homes. This was a narrative ethnographic study conducted over a five-month period wherein critical race theory (CRT) served as its foundation due to the historical racial tensions between the university and the neighborhood. With its emphasis on voice, counternarratives, and challenges to systemic societal racism, CRT illuminated the visceral understandings possessed by neighborhood residents about the expansion and changes in racial composition in their community. This research contextualized whiteness as property considering the significance of property ownership and the deliberate process of gentrification currently experienced in the lives of Greatland residents. Additionally, this study viewed its subject through the lenses of mere exposure theory and the ecological theory of social perception. These theories served to explore impression formation and how judgements made about the roles and responsibilities of the university and the civic mission of higher education translate into the sentiments and perceptions that residents hold regarding the expansion of the university. Scholarship detailing both how residents in gentrifying communities experience civic engagement efforts and the necessity of translating such efforts into the expressed civic mission of an anchor institution is at best difficult to locate in an explicit format; at worst, it is nonexistent. Frequently found is the problematic tendency to conflate the descriptions of the two, and was revealed as a challenge for Greatland residents who seek to understand the intention of Fourdlet University's progression into the neighborhood. From this challenge emerged the themes of this study: Underwhelmed by the Performance, Disrespecting the Community, and Invest in the Children of the community. The impression that the university has made within the context of engaging the community as its partner, has not engendered strong positive sentiments. Residents have expressed deep concern with the displacing effect of the increased expansion of the university through actions and attitudes that they view as disrespectful, particularly when the actions instigated by the university do little to strengthen the stability of the community. Finally, among the participants there was consensus that the university should more aggressively cultivate relationships with the young people of Greatland with the specific intent to admit and graduate them from the institution. Implications of these findings suggest an emerging understanding of the need for anchor institutions to become more instrumental in policy reform and to deliberately and strategically use their economic power to address educational, income, and wealth inequality based upon the shift in dialogue toward devising anchor missions and more clearly articulated civic missions. Historical precedence exists of residents achieving success in creating and maintaining wealth within the community, thus the enactment of initiatives such as Community Benefits Agreements, wherein the community voice would be more prominent in neighborhood planning efforts, would be well suited to assist the community in re-establishing self-sufficiency. Implications are that residents will continue to assume agency by relying upon their collective knowledge to push back against development that progresses as a result of university expansion, however, the findings of this study reveal that the implications of race and racism on the issue of institutional expansion is a foundational issue that must be addressed. A symbiotic relationship is a defining feature of an anchor institution and its surrounding community. However, the persistent racism that participants articulated experiencing as a result of university expansion would potentially render such a relationship difficult to achieve in the absence of concerted efforts to elucidate for the community how it will benefit from the university's presence.Ed.D., Educational Leadership and Management -- Drexel University, 201
Investigating Pathophysiology and Developing Therapies for EAE, a Mouse Model of MS: The Role of Sex Differences and TNFR2
No full textEpidemiological sex differences in autoimmune disease and chronic neuropathic pain (CNP) in humans has been well established as afflicting females predominately. However, despite the clear prevalence of autoimmunity and CNP being greater in females, animal research does not effectively address this sex difference. Using a novel mouse model for multiple sclerosis (MS), non-pertussis toxin experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (nPTX EAE), we explored sex differences in behavioral, pathophysiological, and biochemical changes following disease progression using female and male mice. We establish that, similar to MS patients, nPTX EAE induction causes CNP to develop in both sexes preceding motor symptoms and females develop motor symptoms earlier with greater severity over time compared to males. Our studies also establish a sexually dimorphic shift in the central nervous system (CNS) that ultimately leads to increased excitatory signaling indicative of synaptopathy in both spinal and supraspinal regions, despite EAE research predominately focusing on changes taking place in the spinal cord. A key mediator that previous research has demonstrated plays a role in exacerbation of inflammation and is known to increase glutamate-mediated transmission is tumor necrosis factor (TNF). Specifically, detrimental effects of TNF signaling that promote neurodegeneration and cell death under pathological conditions are associated with soluble TNF (solTNF) signaling through TNF receptor 1 (TNFR1). Conversely, previous studies have shown that transmembrane TNF (tmTNF) signaling through TNF receptor 2 (TNFR2) promotes tissue regeneration, beneficial immune cell modulation, and remyelination in autoimmunity and CNP. By selectively activating TNFR2 through the use of an agonist, p53-sc-mTNFR2, we establish that this therapeutic alleviates CNP in both sexes and alleviates female motor symptoms in nPTX EAE. The biochemical changes taking place following TNFR2 agonist administration are predominately seen supraspinally modulating myelin and immune cell associated proteins.Ph.D., Biology -- Drexel University, 201
Breaking Through the Challenges of Operating a Haitian Media Outlet in the United States
No full textHaitian media outlets have evolved in a struggling manner in the United States, as many factors have created substantial challenges and limitations to their advancement. The purpose of this research is to conduct a thorough structural analysis of Haitian-owned media outlets, to uncover the current challenges and limitations faced by these minority businesses in growing within and piercing the existing competitive media industry in the United States of America, and to explore possible solutions to the survival and growth of these outlets. To fulfill the purpose of this study, first, a general overview of the ethnic media industry in the United States is provided; this is followed by a series of applied research methodologies from which valuable quantitative and qualitative data have been extracted and interpreted. The acquisition and interpretation of this data have led to the final phases of this study where conclusions are discussed, and recommendations are proposed based on the researcher’s study findings.M.S., Television Management -- Drexel University, 201
A Dance/Movement Therapy Approach to Alcohol Use Disorder Recovery
No full textA Dance/Movement Therapy Approach to Alcohol Use Disorder Recovery In 2016, The National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH) reported that approximately 3.7 million adults aged 18-25 and 10.9 million adults aged 26 or older had Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD) in the past year (https://nsduhweb.rti). Of the 2.2 million people aged 12 and older who needed treatment for AUD, only 10.6 percent received treatment (https://nsduhweb.rti). Alcohol is the third leading cause of preventable death in the United States (https://nsduhweb.rti). Definitions of recovery include a process of physiological and psychological growth which supports a freedom from substance dependency, greater health and well-being, and abstinence; although, abstinence alone does not define recovery. Previous research has found that self-efficacy and coping skills, involvement in healthy rewarding alternative activities, and growing and maintaining relationships with family and friends were treatment goals that were known to support positive short-term outcomes for AUD recovery. These personal resources are offered in Dance/Movement Therapy (DMT), an experiential creative arts therapy. The following literature review will demonstrate DMT’s ability to effectively support the recovery process by noting mechanisms of change inherent in DMT which parallel those of recovery models that have shown successful outcomes (mutual help groups, cognitive/behavioral models, medication-assisted treatment).M.A., Dance/Movement Therapy and Counseling -- Drexel University, 201
Viewing Termination as a Transformation: Development of a Method
No full textTermination is a complex phase of therapy. Although endings can cause feelings of loss and separation, endings can also lead to new beginnings. The purpose of this capstone was to develop of a method regarding planned termination in art therapy. This capstone reviewed theoretical perspectives, creative rituals, and the use of transitional objects during termination. A three-session intervention was developed based on the literature; this intervention included the artwork created during the course of therapy. Reflections and recommendations are offered for art therapists interested in implementing this intervention.M.A., Art Therapy and Counseling -- Drexel University, 201
Female Veteran Advocacy through Public Art Exhibits
No full textStigma towards posttraumatic stress disorder, military sexual trauma, mental health, and physical health needs have hindered female veterans from receiving the proper help they need. Art therapy has been a growing form of advocating for veteran mental health needs and has been used to help veterans process traumatic memories and other prevalent mental illnesses in a nonverbal way. By using art materials as a therapeutic tool, art therapy aids in self-expression and exploration. This project explores the use of art therapy at an all-female veteran community center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Masks and artwork created by the veterans were exhibited in two different art shows. These public art exhibits brought the needs of female veterans to the public and further expressed the need for veteran advocacy while self-advocating for themselves.M.A., Art Therapy and Counseling -- Drexel University, 201
Continuous Monitoring of Software Evolution
No full textAs software continues to evolve, complexity accumulates through various maintenance activities, such as bug fixes, new feature implementations, etc., inevitably resulting in architecture degradation that can cause significant maintenance difficulties into the software systems. Therefore, continuous monitoring of software evolution and quality is crucial for developers and architects. Current state-of-the-art research analyzes software evolution among different releases by tracking software problems, such as code smells or anti-pattern etc, or monitoring metrics which reflect software complexity or quality, such as McCabe complexity or decouple level, etc. While these artifacts provide valuable insights to software evolution, they have some limitations. First, these code smells or anti-pattern detection tools report too many problems, most of which are false positives and are not causing maintenance cost. Second, these techniques failed to report these problems early as a threshold is required in their measurements. For example, one anti-pattern is called Unstable Interface. According to its default setting, a file will be detected as an unstable interface if it has 1% of all the project's files as dependents and has co-changed with at least 10 of them at least two times. So when such a problem is detected, it has already incurred severe negative impacts. In this dissertation, we propose three novel evolutionary models: propagation pattern, maintenance community and active hotspot to address these problems. The rationale behind these models is to use issues as first-class entities to continuously monitor the changes to a system instead of scanning discrete releases of the whole system. We focus on problematic files in issues which are the early warning signs of smells and anti-patterns. Propagation patterns reveal the propagation of changes in non-trivial issues and they are atomic smells as they can be mapped to common smells and anti-patterns. Maintenance communities capture files groups addressing an issue in a project's revision history as a community and detect the most persistent communities in software evolution. In addition, we proposed to use the files modified by multiple issues as seeds and group these seeds along with files in which changes are actively propagating to and from these seeds as an active hotspot. We studies dozens of open-source projects, covering hundreds of releases, thousands of security and general issues, and millions of lines of code, and our results show that propagation pattern can identify problematic smells and maintenance community can detect file groups linked by issues so that developers can prioritize these most severe problems in their systems. Most importantly, by monitoring the emergence and evolution of active hotspots, it is possible to detect signs of software degradation 18 to 25 months earlier than another state-of-the-art tool, so that these problems won't accumulate into severe maintenance costs. Furthermore, we implemented a tool suite to automatically detect and visualize the life cycle, such as the birth, growth and the death, of maintenance community and active hotspot. In this way, not only can developers detect true problems more precisely, but they can also identify these problems early, as they emerge, to prevent further severe maintenance cost.Ph.D., Computer Science -- Drexel University, 201
Multidisciplinary Investigation into Neurocognitive Basis of Problem-solving transfer and Implications for Pedagogy: A Mixed-Methods Study
No full textFor learners in any academic domain, it is vital to be able to transfer their learning across a variety of educational and non-educational contexts. Despite the significant role of transfer in human learning, enhancing student skills to effectively transfer learning has always been one of the most challenging problems in education. The goals of this convergent parallel mixed methods study were to (a) investigate neurocognitive, behavioral, and task factors involved in transfer of problem solving skills; (b) explore how university faculty conceptualize and enhance transfer across disciplines; and (c) offer practical recommendations for enhancing transfer in higher education. The quantitative strand of this mixed methods study focused on neurocognitive, behavioral, and task factors affecting transfer in a Spatial Navigation Transfer (SNT) game, designed and developed for this study. It used a randomized within-subject repeated-measures experimental design involving 27 graduate students from four disciplinary areas. The fNIRS brain imaging technology was used to measure mental workload in subjects during the SNT game, involving well-structured and ill-structured tasks. The qualitative strand of this mixed methods study used semi-structured interviews with 11 university faculty members from four disciplinary areas to explore their conceptualizations of transfer and the instructional strategies they used to enhance transfer in their classrooms. Based on the findings from the quantitative and qualitative strands, pedagogical practices for enhancing transfer in higher education were discussed and recommendations for future research on transfer were offered.Ph.D., Educational Leadership and Learning Technologies -- Drexel University, 201