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Arts and Activism: Examining the relationship between activism, the institution, and the arts administrator
Get PDFThis thesis examines the relationship between art institutions and activism through the eyes of artists creating work that is socially minded with a particular emphasis on determining what that means for those administrators working within art institutions. My research focused on working artists in a range of disciplines including visual art, theater, music and education. Using interviews, I try to determine any common themes or insights when it comes to terminology, experiences and advice these artists can lend to administrators. My findings emphasized the importance of leadership, staff and mission when it came to whether or not an administrator or an institution is capable of taking on activism in an artistic context. The research also found no consensus on whether or not it was possible in the first place to create socially engaged work within any institution: some interviewees thought it possible, others impossible. The research conducted also found that many interviewees agree that facilitators and administrators need to recognize their own privilege and know when to back off.M.S., Arts Administration -- Drexel University, 201
Synthesis and Cation Stoichiometry Effects of MBE-Grown Strained Ca2Fe2O5 Thin Films
No full textThe physical properties of perovskite oxide (ABO3) thin films can be tailored through cation deficiency, epitaxial strain, and anion substitution. Similar approaches should be applicable to A2B2O5 brownmillerite materials that consist of alternating layers of BO6 octahedra and BO4 tetrahedra, however, such strategies have yet to be explored in detail in brownmillerite films. In this thesis, Ca2Fe2O5 thin films are synthesized using molecular beam epitaxy, and anion substitution is explored through vapor transport fluorination. Cation off-stoichiometric effects, oxygen vacancy channel orientation, and fluorine substitution are studied through characterization methods such as X-ray diffraction, X-ray reflectivity, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, ellipsometry, and Rutherford backscattering spectrometry. The results suggest that Ca deficiency leads to minimal changes to the lattice parameter, while Fe deficient films exhibit c-axis expansion. Epitaxial strain is shown to control the orientation of the vacancies, which is consistent with previous reports. For fluorination, the mechanism is depended on the orientation of vacancies. When the oxygen vacancies are oriented parallel to the film/substrate interface, fluorination is dominated by fluorine substitution for oxygen, while the mechanism for perpendicularly oriented oxygen vacancies is a combination of both fluorine substitution and insertion into anion vacancy sites.M.S., Materials Science and Engineering -- Drexel University, 201
Art therapy with grieving adolescents in an inpatient setting: An exploration of media and materials
No full textThis capstone thesis explored loss and how art therapy can help the grieving process for adolescents in an inpatient setting. The literature review integrated foundational and contextual models of grief and loss, while integrating cultural considerations. This included topics such as adolescence and bereavement, how adolescents understand death, how they can react, and what factors affect an individual’s bereavement process, that is often not linear. The literature review also contextualized the plethora of treatment settings available to adolescents in need of support. Typical therapies available to adolescents included cognitive behavioral therapy, trauma informed care, and meta-verbal therapies such as expressive, dance/movement, music, and the focus of this capstone, art therapy. Examples of art therapy utilized with adolescents for their wide bereavement responses were shared to conceptualize specific media and materiality uses. This capstone researcher actively investigated how four different types of materials and directives may be used with bereaved adolescents in an inpatient setting. Specific media materials and processes explored were collage materials, postcards, memorial boxes, and old books for black out poetry. Conclusions noted how these specific media worked in both direct and indirect ways with bereavement and that all types of losses, not just death of a loved one, can trigger signs of grief for adolescents, especially those with low protective factors. Moreover, and via working in an inpatient setting, this researcher surmised that every adolescent is at a different point of their grief journey and that structured art therapy materials use and adaptation can allow for safety and autonomy, so each adolescent decides what and when they were ready and/or willing to share within a group of their peers. The capstone concluded that topics of grief and bereavement can be applied ethically and creatively in inpatient settings to encourage long-term support and enhanced self-awareness for adolescents.M.A., Art Therapy and Counseling -- Drexel University, 201
Analysis of the benefits of after-school arts program in Wuhan city-China
Get PDFAfterschool art programs are considered as one of the most effective techniques of solving social and behavioral skills affecting children. In many cases, afterschool programs are designed to keep the children away from negative social behaviors while improving their intellectual skills. This study was designed to analyze some of the benefits of after-school arts program to children in Wuhan City, China. The study is guided by the following research questions: How do after school arts programs contribute to creativity among children in Wuhan City as compared to other parts of China? To what extent do after school programs contribute to solving the memorization and logic challenge associated with children Wuhan City? And is afterschool art program as supplement to creativity and ingenuity of the students in Wuhan City? With a total sample size of 14 respondents drawn from two institutions, interviews were employed to assess how the programs contribute to creativity, solving social challenges and improving ingenuity. The findings indicate that after-school art programs greatly contributes at improving creativity among children, promoting healthy lifestyles and enhancing social capacity among children.M.S., Arts Administration -- Drexel University, 201
Adaptive Game Input Using Knowledge of Player Capability: Designing for Individuals with Different Abilities
Get PDFThe application of video games has been shown to be valuable in medical interventions, such as the use of Active Video Games in physical therapy. Because patients requiring physical therapy present with both highly variable physical capabilities and unique therapeutic goals, developers of rehabilitation intervention games face the challenge of creating flexible games that they can individualize to each player’s particular needs. This thesis proposes an approach to this problem by identifying and addressing two issues concerning therapy AVG game design. First, regarding the difficulties of individualizing software, a particular complication in the development of AVGs for therapy is the increased complexity of writing input routines based on human body motion, which provides a much larger and more complex domain than traditional, discrete-input game controllers. Second, the primary difficulty in individualizing a therapy game experience to an individual player is that developers must program software with static routines that cannot be modified once compiled and released. Overcoming this aspect of software development is a prime concern that adaptive games research aims to address. The System for Unified Kinematic Input (SUKI) is a software library that addresses both of these concerns. SUKI enables games to adapt to players’ specific therapeutic goals by mapping arbitrary human body movement input to game mechanics at runtime, allowing user-defined body motions to drive gameplay without requiring any change to the software. Additionally, the SUKI library implements a dynamic profile system that alters the game’s configuration based on known physical capabilities of the player and updates this profile based on the player’s demonstrated ability during play. Within the context of the study of adaptive games, the following research presents the details of this approach and demonstrates the versatility and extensibility that it can provide in adapting AVG games to meet individual player needs.https://doi.org/10.17918/D8R94VM.S., Digital Media -- Drexel University, 201
Clustering of High-Redshift Quasars
Get PDFIn this work, we investigate the clustering of faint quasars in the early Universe and use the clustering strength to gain a better understanding of quasar feedback mechanisms and the growth of central supermassive black holes at early times in the history of the Universe. It has long been understood (e.g., Hopkins et al. 2007a) that the clustering of distant quasars can be used as a probe of different feedback models; however, until now, there was no sample of faint, high-redshift quasars with sufficient density to accurately measure the clustering strength. Therefore we conducted a new survey to increase the number density of these objects. Here, we describe the Spitzer -IRAC Equatorial Survey (SpIES) which is a moderately deep, large-area Spitzer survey which was designed to discover faint, high-redshift (2.9 ≤ z ≤ 5.1) quasars. SpIES spans ~115 deg^2 in the equatorial “Stripe 82” region of the Sloan Digital Sky Survey (SDSS) and probes to 5-[sigma] depths of 6.13 [mu]-Jy (21.93 AB magnitude) and 5.75 [mu]-Jy (22.0 AB magnitude) at 3.6 and 4.5 microns. At these depths, SpIES is able to observe faint quasars, and we show that SpIES recovers ~ 94% of the high-redshift (z > 3.5), spectroscopically-confirmed quasars that lie within its footprint. SpIES is also ideally located on Stripe 82 for two reasons: It surrounds existing infrared data from the Spitzer-HETDEX Exploratory Large-area (SHELA) survey which increases the area of infrared coverage, and there is a wide range of multi-wavelength, multi-epoch ancillary data on Stripe 82 which we can use together to select high-redshift quasar candidates. To photometrically identify quasar candidates, we combined the optical data from the Sloan Digital Sky Survey and the infrared data from SpIES and SHELA and employed three machine learning algorithms. These algorithms were trained on the optical/infrared colors of known, high-redshift quasars. Using this method, we generate a sample of 1378 objects that are both faint (i > 20.2) and high-redshift (2.9 ≤ z ≤ 5.1) which we use to compute the angular two-point correlation function. We fit a single power-law model with an index of delta = 1.39 ± 0.618 and amplitude of theta_0 = 0.71 ± 0.546 arcmin to the correlation function, as well as a dark matter model with a bias of b = 6.78 ± 1.79. The bias in our investigation suggests a model of quasar feedback that considers quasar activity as an intermittent phase in galaxy evolution. If this model is correct, quasar feedback is strong enough to periodically halt the accretion of gas onto the central supermassive black hole of the quasar, which shuts down quasar activity and causes the black hole to stop growing, however it is not strong enough to completely shut down the quasar in the early Universe.Ph.D., Physics -- Drexel University, 201
University-Community Partnerships as Learning Organizations: A Case Study
No full textThe goals of University-Community Partnerships (UCPs) are often not fully achieved due to limited financial or human resource commitments, a change in leadership, or different/changing priorities (Bortolin, 2011; Bushouse, 2005; Dempsey, 2010). Often, the differences in culture, decision-making and adaptation preferences of the participating organizations prevent the formation of a strong, productive working relationship (Callahan & Martin, 2007). This study sought to understand the different organizational learning preferences these diverse participants have within a UCP. Data derived from this study evidenced that while there are organizational learning preference similarities among members of particular segments, there are also differences across and within the various segments that often form UCPs. This study used organizational learning theory and constructs to further the knowledge in understanding the challenges experienced by UCPs, with the goal to offer guidance as to how these partnerships can be more successfully developed and sustained. This study used the Organizational Learning System Model (OLSM) by Schwandt & Marquardt (1999) as a construct to identify the similarities and differences in learning preferences among organizations that potentially form UCPs. An interpretive approach was used to describe and understand the phenomenon through semi-structured interviews conducted among 25 experienced UCP participants from higher education, corporate, non-profit and public entities. Thematic coding, pattern matching and explanation methods were used to show the organizational learning preferences, at both the individual and segment level to illustrate similarities and differences. The research identified overarching themes (power dynamics, decision-making, effective communication, and the role of leadership) that impact the OLSM in a holistic manner. These themes influence overall success and the ability of the UCP to function as a learning organization. The study also revealed that the typical segments (higher education, corporations and non-profits) that form UCPs do not share the same organizational learning preferences. These differences are potential areas of conflict and disagreement within a UCP, causing the UCP to fall short of expectations. The findings of this study will inform the development of OLSM best practices for UCP participants that can be shared and delivered in a conference or workshop setting. Future research related to this study could include a more focused study on the impact that the overarching themes have on the OLSM, participant preferences versus behaviors in a longitudinal study, or a deeper understanding of segment typology. A new study of specific UCPs in River City or other sites that use the constructs described in this study would further expand and test the insights delivered in this dissertation.Ed.D., Educational Leadership and Management -- Drexel University, 201
A Hold Me Tight Workshop for Couple Attachment and Sexual Intimacy
No full textThere is an abundance of research demonstrating significant relationships between romantic attachment and healthy sexual intimacy (including sexual communication and sexual satisfaction). However, not many interventions specifically and simultaneously target these two important aspects of romantic relationships. Furthermore, there are a lack of affordable and accessible psychoeducational interventions that provide opportunities for couples to gain basic knowledge about romantic attachment and sexual intimacy. To fill this gap, the authors of the current study took a 10-week, eight-session attachment focused intervention (The Hold Me Tight Program: Seven Conversations for Connection), adapted it into a one-day workshop, and focused on the role that attachment plays in sexual intimacy. Pilot data was collected to examine treatment feasibility, acceptability, and knowledge acquisition. In addition, exploratory efficacy data was analyzed with respect to changes in couple attachment patterns, sexual communication and satisfaction, and overall relationship satisfaction. Quantitative results revealed that participating couples showed increases in perceived knowledge acquisition and actual knowledge acquisition about concepts related to attachment and sexual intimacy. Qualitative and quantitative pilot data suggested movement in the expected direction for improvements in couples’ romantic attachment patterns, sexual satisfaction, sexual communication, and relationship satisfaction with a trend towards a statistically significant increase in sexual satisfaction.Ph.D., Couple and Family Therapy -- Drexel University, 201
Low Temperature Oxidation of n-Propylcyclohexane in a Pressurized Flow Reactor
No full textTo increase efficiency and power and to reduce emissions, propulsion system design has turned to utilizing simulations coupling chemical kinetic mechanisms with computational fluid dynamics (CFD) codes. The chemical kinetic information required for developing and validating chemical kinetic mechanisms is gained primarily through experiments, although recent advances in theoretical chemical kinetics and quantum chemistry have provided a new synergy between theory and experiment. The Pressurized Flow Reactor (PFR) facility at Drexel University was used to study the low temperature oxidation of n-Propylcyclohexane (n-PCH). This work complements previous investigations at Drexel for n-Butylcyclohexane (n-BCH) oxidation in the PFR (Natelson et al., 2011; Natelson, 2010) and examines the effect of alkyl side chain length on the reactivity of n-PCH (C9H18) and n-BCH (C10H20). Both molecules are alkylated cycloalkanes with nearly identical chemical structures, except that n-BCH contains an additional carbon on its side chain, and they are possible surrogate compounds used for chemical kinetic mechanism development of real fuels. Currently, there exist semi-detailed and detailed chemical mechanisms for n-BCH low temperature oxidation; however, low temperature oxidation experimental studies and mechanisms for n-PCH are scarce. The experimental conditions studied were: temperature of 550-850 K; pressure of 8.0 atm; residence time of 120 ms. The initial hydrocarbon mole fractions were: 824 ppm for n-PCH and 1082 ppm for n-BCH. The stable intermediates were extracted from the PFR and then identified and quantified using a Gas Chromatograph / Mass Spectrometer / Flame Ionization Detector (GC/MS/FID) system. Carbon monoxide (CO) levels were measured online to monitor fuel reactivity and map the Negative Temperature Coefficient (NTC) regime. NTC start, as indicated by maximum CO and minimum O2 mole fractions, was at approximately 690 K for n-PCH and 670 K for n-BCH. Linear alkene production peaked in the NTC regime at approximately 700 K and 715 K for n-PCH and n-BCH, respectively. Other stable intermediates that peaked in the NTC regime for both n-PCH and n-BCH included cycloalkenes, aldehydes, and ketones. Analysis of the relative yields of the stable intermediates suggested similarities and differences in the chemical pathways that control the low temperature oxidation of n-PCH and n-BCH. A semi-detailed chemical kinetic mechanism to simulate the low temperature oxidation n-PCH experimental results was proposed and evaluated in the current work. The previous n-BCH work (Natelson et al., 2011; Natelson, 2010) was an essential resource for development of the n-PCH low temperature oxidation chemical kinetic mechanism since similar intermediate species were measured comparing n-PCH and n-BCH oxidation, thus suggesting the chemical kinetics for the low temperature oxidation of alkylated cycloalkanes are mechanistically similar. The semi-detailed n-PCH mechanism predicted the low temperature increasing reactivity regime, followed by maximum reactivity at NTC start and decreasing reactivity in the NTC regime. Overall, as compared to the experimental results the semi-detailed n-PCH mechanism predicted very well O2 consumption; overpredicted n-PCH consumption, CO production, key alkenes (i.e., ethene and propene), and cycloalkenes (i.e., cyclohexene); and underpredicted CO2 production, and aldehydes (i.e., formaldehyde). Lastly, the low temperature oxidation semi-detailed n PCH mechanism of the current work was compared to a detailed n-PCH mechanism developed with King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST).Ph.D., Mechanical Engineering and Mechanics -- Drexel University, 201
Reduce Alarms in a Telemetry Room Using Plan Do Study Act Methodology
No full textPatient safety literature supports that alarm management deficiencies are mostly caused by human errors that relate to system complexities. The circumstances of alarm management systems are usually institutionally unique and are influenced by organizational culture, equipment and styles of alarm management. Variability across care systems and within department units contributes to troubling problems that cannot be solved with a single, broad approach. Modifying telemetry rooms can be an effective strategy to combat alarm management challenges; however, the design and set up of these rooms can expose telemetry technicians, also known as monitor watchers, to a barrage of alarms that may be overwhelming and lead to patient safety events. The proposed doctor of nursing practice site’s telemetry room does not have protocols for reducing alarm events based on patients’ clinical conditions. This proposed quality improvement project will utilize the Plan, Do Study Act cycle to reduce the number of nonactionable alarms to which a monitor technician is exposed in a telemetry monitoring room in order to focus on actionable alarms. The appraised evidence supports that eliminating premature ventricular contractions (PVC) alarms from telemetry monitoring reduces nonactionable alarms. Employing this change may reduce alarm fatigue attributed to telemetry technicians’ over exposure to alarm noise. Continual monitoring of overall alarm numbers on a month-by-month basis will continue to ensure an increase in exposure to actionable alarms.D.N.P., Nursing Practice -- Drexel University, 201