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Performance Matters: An Empirical Study of the Student Learning Outcomes from an Oral Interpretation Course
No full textThis study investigated the impact of a basic oral interpretation course on student learning outcomes, including oral communication skills, communication apprehension, self-awareness, empathy, and arts engagement. Pre- and post-course surveys collected during the fall 2023 and spring 2024 semesters provided quantitative and qualitative data to assess these outcomes. The study affirms oral interpretation as not only a distinct and foundational tradition of the communication discipline, but as an especially effective approach to communication research and instruction. The results provide strong evidence that oral interpretation coursework leads to increased oral communication skills, decreased communication apprehension, and improvements in self-awareness, empathy, and arts engagement. Broadly speaking, this project demonstrates the relevance and value of oral interpretation coursework and study for contemporary undergraduate students and argues for an increased frequency of oral interpretation course offerings in communication departments and programs
Uncertainty Introduced by Use of Synthetic CTs in Dose Calculations for Prostate MR-guided Adaptive Radiation Therapy
No full textMagnetic resonance-guided adaptive radiation therapy (MRgART) is a promising approach for improving the precision of prostate cancer treatment. A key step in MRgART is generating a synthetic CT (synCT) from MR images to enable accurate dose calculations. However, uncertainties introduced by the use of synCTs must be quantified to ensure safe and effective treatment. This study investigates dosimetric differences introduced by two synCT generation methods, bulk density overrides and artificial intelligence (AI)-generated pseudo-CTs (pCTs), in the context of prostate MRgART. Dose differences were evaluated for both single fractions and a five-fraction treatment course to assess cumulative impact.
Specific Aim 1 assessed baseline dose differences introduced by BDOs. A conventional CT scan was compared to the same scan modified with a BDO, where mean electron densities were homogeneously assigned to each anatomical structure. Identical treatment parameters were used for both plans, and dose volume histograms (DVHs) were analyzed for key organs included the prostate, bladder, rectum, penile bulb, and femoral heads.
Specific Aim 2 focused on evaluating the dosimetric differences between treatment plans calculated on BDOs from the MR image set and AI-derived pseudo-CT (pCT). For this analysis, pseudo-CTs were generated using TheraPanacea’s AI algorithm, and dose calculations were compared for the same anatomical structures across both image sets. This comparison assessed how accurately pCTs replicate the dosimetric characteristics of density override plans to identify potential sources of uncertainty in single fraction treatments.
Specific Aim 3 extended the dosimetric analysis from Aim 2 by evaluating cumulative dose differences over a five-fraction treatment course. Dose accumulation was performed for the BDO and pCT image sets, allowing for comparison of the total calculated dose to each anatomical structure across the entire treatment. This analysis aims to assess whether dose deviations between BDO and pCT plans increase over the course of an adaptive radiation therapy regimen, thereby highlighting potential long-term uncertainties in dose delivery.
Together, these aims provide a comprehensive evaluation of the dosimetric accuracy of synCTs in prostate MRgART. The results establish a baseline for understanding BDO-induced dose differences and assess the reliability of AI-generated pCTs for both single and multi-fraction treatments
Becky with the Good Hair? The Perpetuation of Eurocentric Dating Preferences, Black women & Contemporary Dating Shows
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This thesis examines perceptions of the portrayal of Black women in contemporary reality dating/romantic television shows, emphasizing the persistence of Eurocentric beauty standards and harmful stereotypes. In this thesis, I examine these stereotypes: Jezebel, Angry Black Woman, The Strong Black Woman, and The Rejected Black Woman, which I refer to as the not my type archetype/image. My research is significant for several reasons, including filling in the gap where previous literature surrounding reality TV, dating shows, and their impact on Black women was scarce. My research incorporates 25 interviews with Black women to examine audience reception towards representation and images associated with Black women in dating reality shows. In addition, the study utilizes cultivation theory and social learning theory to frame the study and interpret the results or perceptions of racial dating preferences and representation of Black women in reality dating TV. The data illustrated that Black women are highly media literate, and may not internalize most media that portrays/treats Black women negatively. However, there was a high level of critiques for dating shows, especially regarding more diverse representation of Black women. Overall, I explore Black women’s perceptions of reality dating TV, proving how racism and misogyny impact Black women through all forms of culture and society
EXPLORING THE IMPACT OF SOCIAL MEDIA AND SOCIAL NETWORKS ON JUVENILE SEXUAL BEHAVIOR PROBLEMS: A SCOPING REVIEW
Get PDFThe issue of juvenile problematic sexual behavior has become a pervasive problem, and little research exists on the topic. How social media and social networks impact problematic sexual behaviors in juveniles is even less known and understood. The objective of this scoping review was to determine what is known about the impact of social media and social networks on juvenile sexual behavior problems. Four key themes appeared in the literature including the use of adult terminology, rather than juvenile, to describe juvenile relationships; the normalization of abusive behaviors within adolescent relationship; the influence of social networks/peer groups on aggression and abuse within relationships; and a strong correlation between bullying, perpetration, and victimization with notable gender differences. The findings in this scoping review outline the urgency for research to address the impact of social media and social networks on juvenile sexual behavior problems. There is a critical need to understand the motivation behind juvenile sexual behavior problems and the need to educate and promote awareness of this pervasive issue
Proteomic Comparison of Canine Gallbladder Versus Hepatic Neuroendocrine Neoplasms
Get PDFHepatobiliary neuroendocrine neoplasms (HBNENs) are uncommon tumors in people and dogs, and the limited understanding of their biologic behavior often poses a diagnostic and prognostic challenge in the clinical setting. Though only a low number of cases have been described in dogs, there is evidence to indicate that primary gallbladder NENs may carry a more favorable prognosis compared to primary hepatic NENs. The emergence of liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) in proteomic analysis has permitted large-scale analysis of neoplastic proteomes, allowing for better understanding of tumor pathophysiology while simultaneously enabling the rapid identification of protein biomarkers. Previous work in our laboratory compared the proteomic signature of canine hepatobiliary neuroendocrine neoplasms to that of normal hepatobiliary tissue, resulting in the identification of thirty-two differentially upregulated proteins. The goals of this study were to determine whether there is divergent protein expression in canine gallbladder versus hepatic NENs, and to further investigate HBNEN expression of three upregulated proteins of interest: transgelin, desmin, and galectin-1. Formalin-fixed paraffin embedded tissue from histologically confirmed canine primary hepatic (N = 10) and gallbladder (N = 24) NENs were submitted for LC-MS and bioinformatic analysis. Tissue expression of select proteins of interest was further evaluated by immunofluorescent labeling, as well as through RNA extraction and quantitative PCR (qPCR). The results of this study demonstrate distinct profiles of protein expression by canine hepatic and GB NENs, providing insight into the prognostic discrepancy between these tumor types. Additionally, the consistent positive immunolabeling of GB NENs for transgelin and galectin-1 serve as further validation of these proteins as prospective biomarkers in this tumor type. Further studies are needed to clarify the role of desmin in canine HBNENs
Effects of Incorporating Pictures in Vocabulary Instruction on Vocabulary Acquisition and Reading Comprehension in Elementary Students
No full textTwo fundamental literacy skills essential for students to achieve academic success include proficient reading comprehension and vocabulary. In this study, we assessed the effects of incorporating a picture component to teaching science vocabulary via strategic incremental rehearsal (SIR) on vocabulary acquisition and sentence-level reading comprehension in five 8- to 9-year-old third-grade students identified by their teachers as needing supplemental vocabulary instruction. We used an adapted alternating treatment design with control, SIR, and SIR + Picture conditions to evaluate the effects of including pictures during SIR and pretest-posttest assessments to evaluate sentence-level reading comprehension outcomes. All four participants increased correct responses for vocabulary definitions in both intervention conditions. The number of sessions to mastery of vocabulary definitions and vocabulary sets varied across participants: one participant required fewer sessions to master words in the SIR + Picture condition, and three participants required fewer sessions to master vocabulary words in the SIR condition. Two of the four participants showed the most improvement on the post-test in the SIR + Picture condition, one showed the most improvement in the SIR condition, and one showed the same improvement in the SIR and control condition. The integration of pictures in vocabulary instruction did not enhance the student\u27s sentence-level reading comprehension but was just as effective as traditional SIR
HIDING IN PLAIN SIGHT: DISETANGLING THE BIOLOGY OF CERCOSPORA SPECIES ASSOCIATED WITH CERCOSPORA LEAF BLIGHT OF SOYBEAN
No full textCercospora kikuchii was historically considered the sole pathogen responsible for Cercospora leaf blight (CLB) of soybean, with pathogen identity determined based on colony morphology and host association. However, phylogenetic studies have revealed that several Cercospora species, including C. cf. flagellaris, C. cf. sigesbeckiae, and C. iranica, also contribute to CLB. The presence of these species, which are impossible to distinguish based solely on morphological traits, increases the complexity of the etiology of CLB. To better understand CLB etiology, we developed standardized methods for inducing sporulation and reproducing CLB symptoms in controlled environments. We fulfilled Koch’s postulates, establishing the roles of the Cercospora spp. Comparative studies demonstrated that C. kikuchii was the most aggressive. In contrast, C. cf. flagellaris exhibited a high secondary inoculum load, which may enhance its persistence in soybean fields and contribute to its despite its lower aggressiveness. Heat-induced stress significantly shortened the latent period across species, suggesting that abiotic factors influence the biotrophic-to-necrotrophic transition. Cercospora was recovered from both symptomatic and asymptomatic seeds under controlled conditions, highlighting its role as a systemic endophyte. A population genetics approach was used to investigate the genetic structure of C. cf. flagellaris across in the southern USA. Population differentiation was measured through Nei’s genetic differentiation values, and phylogenetic relationships were inferred using multilocus sequence analysis of six loci. These analyses revealed high gene flow among subpopulations, indicating a lack of geographical structure. STRUCTURE analysis indicated that genetic differentiation is driven by factors other than geography. To further assess whether C. cf. flagellaris represents a single species or a complex of cryptic taxa, we performed a multilocus phylogenetic analysis. The isolates did not cluster within a monophyletic clade, suggesting that C. cf. flagellaris may comprise multiple lineages. This highlights the need for additional genetic markers to fully delineate species within this group. Additionally, the index of pattern suggests the potential for sexual recombination. Despite the lack of an observed teleomorphic structure, C. cf. flagellaris may not reproduce strictly clonally but instead undergoes cryptic sexual reproduction. Taken together, these findings underscore the necessity of integrated pest management strategies for CLB
COMBUSTION CHARACTERISTICS IN A HEATED MICRO-CHANNEL AT ELEVATED PRESSURES
No full textThis dissertation focuses on two main studies: chemical kinetic modal analysis and micro-liter fuel testing at elevated pressures. The first study introduces a novel chemical mode analysis methodology that advances beyond traditional approaches like Computational Singular Perturbation (CSP) and Chemical Explosive Mode Analysis (CEMA). This enhanced framework enables identification, sorting, and temporal tracking of individual reaction modes, revealing crucial insights into micro-combustion kinetics. Initial application to hydrogen-air ignition demonstrates that dominant modes may not drive kinetics near the lower flammability limits due to strong modal coupling between competing processes. Hence, the dominant mode might not be sufficient to fully understand the chemical kinetic dynamics at such conditions, unlike what conventional approaches suggest.
Although the cooperative fuel research (CFR) engine remains the industry standard for measuring octane numbers (a measure of fuel reactivity), its high costs and large fuel requirements limit its practicality for evaluating advanced fuels like biofuels. To address this limitation, we developed a novel micro-combustor as an alternative to the CFR engine. Previous research established that the velocity of transition between the flame regimes is correlated with fuel reactivity, but these studies were carried out primarily at low and intermediate pressures (≤ 10 bar), while CFR engines operate at 15 bar. Our microcombustor test rig operates at these elevated pressures while requiring only microliter- scale fuel samples and featuring no moving parts, offering significant cost and efficiency advantages over traditional CFR testing. Using this new instrument, we investigated the combustion characteristics of ethane and ethylene-air mixtures under varying pressure and nitrogen dilution conditions. The results showed a significant dependence on flame propagation on dilution levels and equivalence ratios. This work establishes the microcombustor as a viable alternative to the CFR engine for fuel reactivity assessment, providing comparable insights while dramatically reducing required sample volumes and testing costs
The Passive-Active Interaction (PAI) Model: Redefining Audio Interactions in Video Game Music
Get PDFScholarship on music in video games has focused on the player in two main ways: the psychological effect music has on the player and the physical, kinesthetic relationship between the player’s inputs and the game’s music. This dissertation builds on this work by exploring gameplay moments in which the music informs the player’s inputs through rhythms, tempo, harmonic relationships, and changes in the musical texture. Using “analytical play” (Summers 2016), rhythmic analysis, looping analysis, and harmonic observations, alongside a variety of different video games, consoles and genres, I have developed an analytical Passive-Active Interaction (PAI) Model that is applicable to player-music interactions in most video games. The model demonstrates that the player and the music share a bidirectional relationship based on the player’s physical movements that is distinct from the unidirectional psychological relationship music has on the player.
To develop this PAI Model, I begin with an overview of relevant literature as well as discussions concerning audio game development software, the identity of the video game player, and the scope and methods to video game analysis in Chapter 1. In Chapter 2, I define and describe the aspects of the PAI Model. I then analyze supportive player-music active interactions in Chapter 3 and disruptive player-music active interactions in Chapter 4. In Chapter 5, I focus on both supportive and disruptive passive player-music interactions. I conclude in Chapter 6 with a return to questions from Chapter 2 and an analysis of Tetris Effect: Connected before closing with a brief discussion on the further applications of the model.
For ludomusicology, this dissertation will bring attention to the subtle and precise gameplay moments where the player’s physical inputs interact with the sound and music from the game and redefine the agency the player has over music. For analysis, this study will introduce new analytical approaches, such as the study of rhythm in stereo audio and the formal looping structures of video game music. Broadly, the PAI Model will continue discussions on the ways music can interact with people and the ways people can play with music
APPROXIMATIONS OF KOOPMAN OPERATOR SEMIGROUPS
No full textThe main purpose of this dissertation is to study approximation methods for nonlinear systems using Bernhard Koopman\u27s Global Linearization Method or Sophus Lie\u27s method of continuous transformation groups. This approach enables the application of linear semigroup methods to a nonlinear system by focusing on the dynamics of the observables of the states, rather than directly studying the dynamics of the states. In this dissertation, we studied the pointwise semigroup and introduce the modified space and the modified Koopman-Lie semigroups. We use a splitting operator and outline a systematic approach for approximating the pointwise Koopman-Lie semigroup flows \begin{equation*} t\to T(t)g(x) := g(\sigma(t,x))=e^{t \mathcal{K}}g(x), \end{equation*} where is the underlying flow describing the dynamical system, where \FO:=\{g:\Omega \to \mathbb{C}\} denotes the vector space of all functionals (observations) from the set into . Also, we used a particular simple way of computing for measurements that are eigenfunctions of to eigenvalues ; that is, functions that satisfy for all . In this case, In particular, we investigated the extent to which eigenvalues and eigenfunctions of the linear Koopman-Lie operator, which generates the observations of the underlying nonlinear system, can serve as useful tools for approximating and/or studying the qualitative properties of the underlying nonlinear flow (see \cite{N5})