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Platform Power and Libraries
No full textBuilding on research in critical library systems studies, Platform Power and Libraries traverses the divide between library, communication, and cultural policy research in the realm of platform studies. Organized through the model of what Nielsen and Ganter (2022) call “the five most important aspects of platform power” this book dissects the power dynamics inherently embedded to platforms that library practitioners and patrons must navigate. From information asymmetry to the power of making and breaking connections and beyond, this book brings light to the often overlooked and under explored power that platforms can hold in libraries
Influence of an Amino Acid Composition enhanced with Cold Plasma Radiation on Psychological Stress: A Blood Test, Gas Discharge Visualisation and Biofeedback Approach
Get PDFThis study aimed to demonstrate the effect of enhanced amino acid compositions with cold plasma on human psychological stress by using blood tests, biofeedback, and gas discharge visualisation (GDV) techniques for stress measurements. An open, randomised, placebo-controlled trial for 30 days was conducted. 70 healthy people aged 35-65, men and women, were measured initially, randomly divided into three groups (experimental, control, and placebo), and measured 30 days later for changes in stress levels. Twenty people used amino acid composition; 30 used the same amino acid composition processed with cold plasma radiation, while 20 used a placebo. The ethics committee of the Federal State Budget Institution "Saint-Petersburg Scientific-Research Institute for Physical Culture," St. Petersburg, Russia, approved the study protocol. All participants signed an informed consent form, where a written and oral explanation of the research protocol was provided. Blood, biofeedback, and GDV test results were presented to show differences in stress levels during the experiment. After 30 days, results for experimental and control groups were presented. Amino acids processed by the radiation of a cold plasma – enhanced with Igniton particles - had the most significant effect on stress levels. The results suggested that enhanced amino acid compositions significantly affected human stress levels during the longitude period. Stress reduction in humans can significantly influence disease prevention and health maintenance, ultimately extending human life expectancy
Can Near Death Narratives, Ontologies and Language Analysis with Natural Language Processing Help Us to Understand the Quantum Mind?
Get PDFAltered states of consciousness (ASC) encompass phenomena such as near-death experiences (NDEs). NDEs are concise accounts of individuals who have undergone clinical death and subsequently been spontaneously resuscitated or revived, retaining recollection of their experiences during that interval. Numerous individuals who have undergone near-death experiences have recounted experiencing intense mental lucidity, extraordinary sensory images, and a distinct recollection of the event that surpasses the realism of their ordinary existence. The Quantum Hologram Theory of Physics and Consciousness (QHTC) elucidates the fundamental characteristics of our existence and the quantum properties of the human mind. QHTC proposes that the brain functions in a manner akin to a hologram, adhering to quantum principles. The QHTC proposes that during an ASC, cognitive processes accelerate and there is an enhanced level of perceptual lucidity. Natural language processing (NLP) refers to a collection of computer methods used to analyze and represent texts that occur naturally. Ontology is a firmly established theoretical field in the philosophy of language that focuses on conceptual frameworks for understanding reality. This study employs NLP to extract linguistic sequences from NDEs narratives stored in a database including 4267 records. It then utilizes ontology research approaches to establish a mapping between the QHTC ontology and human language. The research aims to verify some ontological components of the QHTC, including the notion that during ASC, cognitive processes accelerate and there is an enhanced level of perceptual lucidity
Dynamic Amplification Effect on Bridges under Traffic Loads: Parametric Study and Novel Design Integration Approach
Get PDFBridges are critical infrastructure that significantly contribute to connectivity and economic growth. Ensuring their durability necessitates addressing dynamic effects from traffic loads, quantified through the Dynamic Amplification Factor (DAF). This factor, influenced by bridge and vehicle parameters, poses challenges for accurate assessment due to the complex interplay of these factors.
This study undertook a comparative analysis of analytical models and revealed that DAF can be reliably estimated using bridge parameters. Results highlighted notable DAF variations even among bridges with similar spans and frequencies, exposing limitations in current design codes. While dynamic amplification generally decreased with increasing bridge span, the reduction also depended on bridge frequency. Higher vehicle velocities elevated DAF, but no consistent trend emerged due to the influence of bridge characteristics.
A 3D Finite Element Model in Abaqus, incorporating skew angles through the Vdload subroutine, showed minimal DAF variation for skew angles up to 30°, with a 20% increase observed at 45°. These findings emphasize the significance of skew angles on dynamic amplification.
The study proposes a DAF estimation approach based on bridge span and frequency. Validation against dynamic load test data showed consistency in 15 of 17 cases, with an error margin below 5%. A regression-based formula was developed, demonstrating alignment with existing codes while identifying inadequacies in DAF values for short to medium-span bridges
Optimizing Indoor Air Quality with Multi-Zone Modeling: Comparative Calibration Using Ensemble Kalman Filter & Genetic Algorithm
Get PDFIndoor air quality (IAQ) modeling is essential for evaluating and optimizing modern buildings' ventilation systems, pollutant dispersion, and occupant health. Accurate IAQ predictions rely on calibrated models that effectively represent real-world conditions. This study focuses on calibrating the CONTAM multi-zone airflow model using two advanced methodologies: the Ensemble Kalman Filter (ENKF) and the Genetic Algorithm (GA). To improve the model's predictive accuracy, calibration efforts targeted key parameters, including initial CO₂ concentrations, generation rates, and occupancy counts. These methods were validated using CO₂ tracer gas experiments conducted across multiple test scenarios, including room-to-floor and floor-to-floor dispersion dynamics. Results demonstrate that ENKF calibration achieved RMSE reductions of approximately 25% in complex multi-zone airflow scenarios, with CVRMSE consistently below the ASHRAE-recommended threshold of 15%. The GA method performed similarly in accuracy but required higher computational resources, making it more suitable for static or offline calibration processes. The calibrated models were subsequently applied in a case study to analyze CO₂ quanta dispersion in an experimental building with controlled ventilation strategies. This study investigated the effects of varying fresh air percentages (10% to 100%) and stairwell pressurization on contaminant transport. Results from the calibrated models revealed critical insights, such as the effectiveness of high fresh air intake in mitigating pollutant concentrations and the impact of pressurization strategies on inter-zone airflow. These findings highlight the practical value of calibration in refining IAQ predictions and informing operational strategies. This research underscores the importance of hybrid calibration techniques for improving the reliability of multi-zone IAQ models and their application in dynamic building environments. By integrating calibrated models into operational planning, stakeholders can optimize ventilation performance, reduce energy consumption, and enhance occupant safety in diverse building types
The Effects of Natural Disasters on Firm Performance: Exploring the Moderating Effects of Gender Diversification
Get PDFNatural disasters pose significant challenges to all businesses and firms, disrupting operations, profitability, and overall performance. Many researchers and business professionals link a firm's ability to recover and maintain stability in these events to its governance structures including the gender diversity of its leadership positions. While numerous studies have examined the relationship between governance structure and Corporate social responsibility (CSR) disclosures, our research extends the existing literature by investigating the moderating role of gender diversification within governance structures and CSR disclosures on firm performance. Specifically, we focus on the resilience management demonstrated by female leaders in response to external shocks caused by natural disasters. Our analysis is based on a dataset of 5,185 U.S. firms spanning the period from 2000 to 2021. We draw firm-level data from Compustat and Boardex accessed through Wharton Research Data Services (WRDS) and obtain information on natural disaster damages from the Spatial Hazard Events and Losses Database for the United States (SHELDUS). We adopt a dual-method approach, combining the fixed effects model with the period seemingly unrelated regression (SUR) method to address heteroskedasticity. Our findings reveal that while gender diversification is not a primary determinant in mitigating the economic impact of natural disasters on operational performance, firms with greater gender diversity exhibit improved performance, particularly in response to human-centric shocks. We conclude that gender-diverse firms are better equipped to manage risks, demonstrate stronger resilience, and sustain a positive reputation, all of which contribute to enhanced firm performance and value
From Reel to Reality: Canadian Military Women’s Representation in Early National Film Board films, 1939-1945.
Get PDFThis thesis explores Canada’s significant societal transformation during the Second World War by analyzing the representation of military women in two National Film Board (NFB) films. Following Canada’s entry into the war on September 10, 1939, the demand for male recruits led to a labour shortage, opening unprecedented employment opportunities for women. These changes disrupted traditional gender roles, which had confined women to domestic responsibilities while men worked outside the home. In 1941, women became eligible for military service, marking a pivotal moment in Canada’s evolving social norms. Simultaneously, the Canadian government established the NFB, which was tasked with shaping public opinion through cinematic propaganda, including addressing societal concerns about shifting gender roles. This research focuses on two NFB films directed by Jane Marsh, Wings on Her Shoulder (1943) and Proudly She Marches (1943), as case studies to investigate how Canadian cinema reflected and responded to wartime social changes. It examines the ideological messages in these two films, particularly themes of femininity and subordination, while also contextualizing these portrayals within broader media representations. By comparing the depiction of women in the Canadian Armed Forces in these films with contemporaneous advertisements in magazines like Chatelaine and Maclean’s, this study highlights how Marsh’s films, while propagandistic, could be interpreted as progressive for their time. The primary purpose of this thesis is to examine the representations of military women in wartime films, analyzing how their portrayals conformed to and diverged from pre-war societal norms, and how these depictions were used to influence public opinion by presenting women in new social roles
Listening to what matters most: A participatory action-based exploration of student perspectives with regards to the social aspects of school climate
Get PDFRegarded as the soul of the school, embedded within community, safety, academics, and institutional environment, robust school climates are correlated with student engagement, achievement, and ultimately retention (National School Climate Center, 2024). Given the multifaceted nature of school climate, educational stakeholders wishing to embark on improvement initiatives benefit from practical direction with regards to the most effective and impactful course of action. By involving all stakeholders, including students, in the investigation of the social aspect of school climate, meaningful and sustainable growth is possible. The three studies included in the dissertation invited youth to interrogate three aspects of school climate: student-staff relationships, student behavior management, and student advocacy and empowerment in classroom and school-based decision-making.
Study 1 examined the link between student-staff staff relationships and healthy school climates. Student participants equated heathy relationships staff as those which: 1) showed an interest in students outside of class; 2) managed their classrooms with equity and discretion; and 3) fostered redemption following infractions or conflict. It was determined that healthy student-staff relationships were the primary factor in creating healthy school climates which encourage student engagement and retention.
Study 2 investigated youth perspectives with regards to how their behavior was managed and how this affected school climate. The findings showed that while the determinants of behavior are complex, engagement and behavior was heavily dependent on the adult students were interacting with. Practices which prevented infractions and minimized escalation included: 1) staff displaying care and concern for the whole student in and outside the school environment; 2) differentiated pedagogical practices which allow for student voice and choice; and 3) opportunities for redemption following infractions. It was concluded that strong school climates were ones that adopted restorative behavior management measures which addressed wrong-doing while protecting the integrity of all involved.
Study 3 explored the relationship between school climate and the levels of student advocacy and empowerment in classroom and school-based decision-making. Again, it was concurred that strong school climates are ones which implicate students in classroom and school-based decision-making as much as possible. To respond to the severe lack of student advocacy opportunities at the high school level, Universal Design for Learning (UDL) practices which empower students to select their own learning modalities, pace, and evaluation protocols, was recommended for classrooms. As for implication in school-based decision-making, the creation of a student governance body was seen as a viable step to increase authentic student voice.
Together the studies provide direction to educational stakeholders seeking an effective course of action to maximize student engagement. By prioritizing the social aspect of school climate (holistic student-staff relationships; restorative behavior management practices; and student voice and choice in classroom and school-based decision-making) school communities can, together, build sustainable school climates which address the complex needs of all stakeholders
What’s in a ne? Variable ne Deletion in the Spoken French of Two Canadian Politicians: François Legault and Justin Trudeau
Get PDFWhat’s in a ne? Variable ne Deletion in the Spoken French of Two Canadian Politicians: François Legault and Justin Trudeau
Megan Magisano
The French language in Quebec is deeply rooted in the province’s francophone culture and identity (Oakes, 2004); consequently, some of its spoken features diverge from varieties spoken in Europe. One of these features is the variable deletion of the negation particle ne (Poplack & St-Amand, 2007; e.g., “je ne parle pas”), which can be variably produced depending on a number of linguistic and social factors.
This study investigated whether Quebec French speakers employ variable ne deletion in their speech and the phenomenon’s relationship to sociostylistic contexts (i.e., formal vs. informal styles), hypothesizing that this variable deletion may be connected to expressions of Quebec identity. To test this hypothesis, a variationist analysis was conducted to compare ne deletion in the speech of two prominent political figures in Canada: Justin Trudeau and François Legault. They were selected based on their respective French-Canadian backgrounds and prominence in Canada and Quebec. The corpus used for this analysis was collected and transcribed from a selection of each politician’s political addresses regarding Covid-19. The researchers hypothesized that Legault would be more likely to delete ne than Trudeau, and that Legault would be more likely to delete ne in less formal settings. Following a variationist perspective for examining variable phenomena, an inter-speaker analysis compared ne deletion between speakers (Legault and Trudeau), while an intra-speaker analysis compared ne deletion between sociostylistic contexts (i.e., formal public addresses and informal question-and-answer periods).
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Statistical results (Goldvarb Z; Sankoff et al., 2018) revealed that Legault was significantly more likely to delete ne than Trudeau. Additionally, Legault showed no significant difference in the likelihood of ne deletion in the adopted sociostylistic contexts. The patterns observed in Legault’s speech reflect the variationist literature on Quebec French, in that French- Canadians almost categorically favour ne deletion (Poplack & St-Amand, 2007). One possible explanation for these results is that Legault’s frequent use of ne deletion solidifies his link to the Quebec identity, whereas Trudeau’s patterns deviate from the Quebec French norm, perhaps to reinforce his role as a Canadian leader, thus appealing to Canada’s francophone population on a more national level
Beyond ACT UP: The Ambivalent Affinities of Personal AIDS Documentaries
Get PDFIn an attempt to move beyond the activist re-imaginings of the AIDS pandemic that saturate the current media landscape, this thesis professes an alternate archive of personalized documentaries that articulate a counter-history of the AIDS crisis. Rather than merely frame these videos as solipsistic accounts of self-misery during a politicized pandemic, the thesis argues that these texts embody an ambivalent address that not only converses with the dominant politics of activist histories (epitomized by organizations like ACT UP) but also offer differing modes of constructing the self under the shadow of HIV/AIDS. Although it discusses a variety of texts from varying national contexts, the primary focus of this thesis is on four films from Canada, the United States, India, and Iran. Divided temporally, the thesis argues for the ways in which these films underscore the corporeal, existential, and familial dimensions of living in the shadow of AIDS. Moving from the negotiation of the altered body in The Broadcast Tapes of Dr. Peter and Silverlake Life (1993) to a queer-of-color critique of a dichotomous understanding of kinship during the AIDS crisis in Summer in My Veins (1999), the thesis underscores the myriad ways in which these personalized documents unsettle the established discourses laid forth by dominant AIDS politics. Finally, in order to draw attention to an ongoing global pandemic, the thesis concludes with Meteor (2023) to re-think notions of AIDS activist struggles first envisioned by AIDS coalitions. By bringing these hitherto marginalized archives into focus, the thesis aims to contribute to a multifaceted understanding of the AIDS crisis beyond the interventions of activist histories