79297 research outputs found
Sort by
Ties That Bind: Black Familyness and the Politics of Contingent Coalitions
No full textSince the Black family in modernity is often figured outside of and often in juxtaposition to the institutionalized, heteronormative, white, patriarchal conception of the traditional or nuclear family, I argue in this dissertation that the symbolic construction of what I call “familyness” is both a source of social and institutional oppression and a resource for liberation and agency—a necessary symbolic tool for survival in a white supremacist and anti-Black world. Familyness refers, on the one hand, to a specific set of discourses that figures the Black family as non-family—incoherent, inhospitable, incapable, and incompetent and, therefore, outside normative bounds, cultural trappings, and social benefits of the hegemonic construction of the white heteropatriarchal nuclear family. As a queer phenomena, on the other hand, the Black family, owing to its appropriation in African American social and cultural formations, also provides a prism through which we may reconsider black relationality and intimacy, and in turn intraracial counterpublics and movements for social justice. Viewing familyness in this way serves as a modality through which we might reimagine the possibilities, theorizations, and emergence of intraracial contingent coalitions that resist white heteropatriarchy in modernity. Specifically, this dissertation examines how representations and discourses of the Black family, in various iterations, sometimes redeploy and enact an inclusive politic of familyness that begets and reproduces coalitional gestures of black intimacy and social and political resistance
SELECTED BIRD-THEMED CHAMBER WORKS FOR COLORATURA SOPRANO, FLUTE, AND PIANO
Get PDFThis dissertation examines three bird-themed chamber works for coloratura soprano, flute, and piano, exploring how the human voice and flute intertwine to emulate birdsong and convey emotional depth. The selected repertoire spans from the Baroque to the Romantic era: (1) “Sweet Bird” from L’Allegro, il Penseroso ed il Moderato (1740) by George Frideric Handel, (2) “Le Rossignol” by Léo Delibes (a 19th-century French mélodie, arranged with flute obbligato by Ary van Leeuwen for soprano Lily Pons in 1933), and (3) “The Russian Nightingale” by Aleksandr Alyabyev (his famed 1825 song “Solovey,” later arranged with flute by Estelle Liebling for Amelita Galli-Curci in 1928). Through musical overview and historical research, the study investigates the purpose and context of each composition that evokes bird imagery. The focus is placed on musical structural setting, text setting, and the interplay between soprano and flute lines. The findings demonstrate that the coloratura soprano is celebrated for its agility and high tessitura which closely resembles the timbre and spontaneity of a songbird, especially when paired with the flute’s delicate warbling tone. Each work reveals how birdsong can symbolize a spectrum of human emotions
Synthesis, Structures, and Properties of Dehydrobiphenyleno[12]Annulenes: Carbon-Rich Compounds Comprising Two Different Antiaromatic Units
No full textIn this work we report the synthesis, structure, and electronic properties of carbon-rich compounds dehydrobiphenyleno[12]annulenes (DBP[12]As) comprising antiaromatic four-membered rings (4MR) and 12-membered ring (12MR). Ultraviolet–visible absorption spectra and electrochemical behaviors of DBP[12]As confirmed their relatively narrow highest occupied molecular orbital (HOMO)–lowest unoccupied molecular orbital (LUMO) gap values and high HOMO energy levels, which were supported by density functional theory simulations. Parent DBP[12]A adopts a slipped herringbone structure in a crystalline state, with the molecules forming 1D stacks via π–π interactions. The experimentally derived bond lengths, bonding analyses using the Wiberg bond indices, and localized orbital locator calculation support a stronger double bond character for the 12MR bonds than the 4MR bonds in the inner six-membered ring. The chemical shifts of hydrogens in 1H NMR spectra, as well as magnetically induced ring current analyses using quantum chemical calculations, indicate that the 4MRs have stronger antiaromatic character than the 12MR. The present information is useful for a fundamental understanding of carbon-rich compounds with different antiaromatic units as well as designing novel molecules with unique electronic properties
Quantitative comparison of high-order harmonic yields in ring-shaped organic molecules calculated using time-dependent density-functional theory
No full textWe compare the high-harmonic-generation (HHG) yield driven by a midinfrared laser field in three organic ring-shaped molecules, calculated using time-dependent density-functional theory (TDDFT). We average the yield over the relative orientation of the molecules and the linearly polarized, 1825-nm driving laser pulse to compare to experimental spectra obtained by Alharbi et al., [Phys. Rev. A 92, 041801 (2015)1050-294710.1103/PhysRevA.92.041801]. We find that the raw TDDFT-calculated HHG yield in cyclohexane is strongly overestimated compared to those of benzene and cyclohexene, and that this can be attributed to unphysically large contributions from cyclohexane orbitals lying well below the highest-occupied molecular orbital. We demonstrate this by implementing a simple orbital-resolved scaling factor that adjusts the tunneling-ionization contribution to the harmonic yield. The rescaled yields are in much better agreement with experimental results, and in particular, reproduce the correct relative-yield ordering of the three molecules. Our results are encouraging for the use of TDDFT in systematic computations of HHG in large molecules
Quantitative identification of lithofacies by integrating diverse geophysical data in the Late Holocene False River point bar complex, Louisiana, USA
No full textThe False River area of the Mississippi River preserves a Holocene example of a meandering river point bar in a continental-scale system. We predict lithofacies quantitatively, using K-means cluster analysis from a nine-well data set that integrates well-log data (electrical conductivity [EC], corrected pressure, and horizontal hydraulic permeability), grain-size analyses, and 14 defined sediment types. Data are collected from an unconsolidated and water-saturated environment down to 90 ft (27.4 m). Because of the low number of grain-size analyses, we develop a novel “hybrid” approach primarily using generalized additive models, which allow us to create a more extensive and accurate data set. Horizontal permeability values calculated from the corrected pressure match those found (800-21,000 mD) in the analogous Cretaceous-age McMurray Formation. We create six lithofacies clusters ranging from fine grained near the surface to coarse sand at the base, with a vertical resolution of 0.5 m. Envelope seismic attribute analysis along two profiles (30 and 52 m long) validates the lithofacies prediction by using well-log data from a subset of four additional wells. In addition, the relationship between the envelope seismic attribute and permeability helps validate the number of lithofacies at two tested well locations. Permeability projected along the envelope seismic attribute profile, away from the well location, aids in interpretation. Our quantitative lithofacies, well data (EC), and projected permeability maps support an interpretation of a buried remnant, channel-like feature, predating (\u3e4000 years B.P.) the modern point bar system
Impact of Developmental Age on Suicide Risk Appraisal and Referral Recommendation
No full textSuicide continues to be a leading cause of death in the United States (U.S.), and the prevalence of suicidal behaviors continues to increase while demographic trends shift. A notable yet understudied trend includes the alarming surge of suicidal behaviors in individuals 12 years of age and younger. Despite awareness of this health issue, there remains a large gap in the literature with respect to nonrandom variance or possible systematic error in suicide risk assessment practices. Moreover, research on school-based risk assessment practices and referral recommendations is limited. This gap persists even though schools have both a legal and ethical obligation to support at-risk students and occupy a unique position to fulfill this responsibility. To address this gap, the present study examined differences in risk assessment practices and referral recommendations based on student developmental age. Considering the growing number of young students exhibiting suicidal behaviors, it is of significant importance to understand and minimize errors in the assessment process so that school-based suicide prevention efforts may be strengthened and student outcomes may be improved
A Comparative Case Study of Mentoring Practices by National Board Certified and Non-Certified Teacher Mentors
Get PDFAs preservice teacher candidates engage in field experiences that shape their development of teacher identity, it is important to examine their perceptions of the mentoring process. This study explored how preservice teacher candidates construct their own knowledge about mentoring as a process, as well as explored the perceptions of mentor teachers, both National Board Certified, and non-National Board Certified, as they facilitated the learning and growth of their mentees. Many prior studies on the mentoring process exist, however, a gap in the literature that was identified and explored through this study included the impact that National Board Certified Teachers have as mentors of preservice teacher candidates. Using a comparative case study design, a background information questionnaire, one-on-one interviews, and communication artifacts from mentor teachers and their preservice teacher candidates were collected and analyzed. Results from this study indicated that similarities and differences among NBCT mentors and non-NBCT mentors exist. Four major themes emerged from data analysis: Mentor teachers’ beliefs about children and how they learn best; Mentor teachers’ approaches to preservice teacher development; Communication, collaboration, and leadership readiness; and Preservice teacher candidates’ mentorship experiences and development of teacher identity. These findings further suggest that preservice teacher candidates can benefit from the mentorship of a National Board Certified Teacher, as well as opportunities for mentor teacher modeling and practice, structured reflection and feedback, collaboration with colleagues, exposure to leadership activities, and opportunities for the development of professionalism and teacher identity. This study can inform teacher education preparation programs, school district leaders, policymakers, and most importantly, mentor teachers about the advantages of National Board Certification on teacher leadership and the development of preservice teacher candidates
INVESTIGATION OF CO-CURRENT AND COUNTER-CURRENT MULTIPHASE FLOW IN UPSTREAM DRILLING AND PRODUCTION APPLICATIONS
Get PDFIn the domain of upstream Petroleum Engineering, the dynamics of co-current and counter-current multiphase flows present huge challenges, significantly impacting the efficiency of associated processes. This study investigates two specific applications concerning these flow behaviors, involving both laboratory experiments and transient computer simulations. This work investigates two distinct well control and production enhancement processes, involving multiphase flow dynamics: the bullheading kill procedure and liquid-assisted gas lift (LAGL).
The first topic (Topic 1) explores the bullheading process, a type of well control methods, by challenging the traditional understanding that gas removal efficiency increases monotonically with injection pump flow rate. Through 1D transient multiphase flow simulations using OLGA software and validation via small-scale visualization experiments, the study demonstrates that gas removal efficiency exhibits non-linear trends with increasing injection rates. The findings highlight the role of co-current and counter-current gas-liquid interactions, identifying transitions between annular, slug, and bubbly flow regimes. The results of this work provide insights for optimizing bullheading operations under varying flow conditions.
The second topic (Topic 2) examines the LAGL process, a co-injection enhancement of conventional gas lift where liquid is injected alongside gas to improve unloading efficiency. Dynamic transient simulations across different well depths and a wide range of gas and liquid injection rates reveal that co-current injection can reduce the maximum injection pressure, but only within an optimal operational window. This window corresponds to specific flow regimes where pressure reductions and effective liquid unloading coincide. The study presents contour maps of injection pressure and liquid holdup, serving as practical tools for field design and operation of LAGL systems
Increasing the Economic and Social Viability of Carbon Capture using Biomass Slurry Fracture Injection
Get PDFThe climate is changing. This is a fact not a statement, not a theory, and not a falsehood, this is a fact. At the current projections the world’s average temperature is expected to rise by at least 2°C from pre-industrial averages by 2050 (Emissions Pathways to 2100 - Climate Action Tracker, 2024). This temperature rise will be catastrophic for a vast number of communities. What is driving this changing climate? Humans. In particular the carbon emissions caused by human activities. As humans we consume large amounts of meat, causing the need for cattle to increase, generating large amounts of methane and carbon dioxide. As humans we travel via plane, bus, car, train, requiring fossil fuels and electricity generated from fossil fuels, pouring massive amounts of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. There are many more examples that can be provided to explain how human activity increases greenhouse gas concentrations in the atmosphere. The fact of the matter is that since human advancement in technology, we as humans can no longer survive comfortably without the use of technologies or services that produce large amounts of greenhouse gas emissions. We are reliant on fossil fuels, and likely will be for the next 100 years until we can find an energy source with the same energy return on investment. The outrage amongst environmental activists against the use of fossil fuels is rooted in theory but not practicality. One can scream from the tops of the mountains that we as humans must stop the use of fossil fuels immediately, but our modern societies, economies, infrastructure, and sociopolitical foundations are rooted in the use of fossil fuels. The difference between activists and scientists is the knowledge that facts are everything when it comes to an argument, and the fact of the matter is that fossil fuels, one of the leading contributors of greenhouse gas emissions, are not going anywhere anytime soon. Instead, we must cope with this and determine other ways that we can reduce greenhouse gas concentrations without completely dismantling the fossil fuel industry. So allow me to introduce you to carbon capture. The first large scale carbon capture utilization and sequestration (CCUS) project began in 1996 with the Sleipner CCS project in Norway (Ma et al., 2022). This project would lay the foundation for an entirely new and innovative industry: the carbon capture industry. Since 1996, there have been incredible new developments in the carbon capture industry, developed by individuals seeking to combat carbon emissions and corner an edge of the carbon trading market. Developments such as wood vaulting, supercritical CO2 injection, storage in anoxic basins, biomass storage, and direct air capture are all examples of these innovations to the carbon capture industry. While the carbon capture industry continues to grow, there are critics who believe that the industry is simply a bandaid on a much larger wound. In response to those critics, I say this, who is more effective, the person who is placing a bandaid on a large wound or the person who is standing there screaming that the bandaid is too small? The carbon capture industry has its drawbacks and its consequences but so do nearly all solutions to climate change. In this thesis we will explore a method of carbon capture with relatively low consequences and the development of a system that increases its efficiency. This thesis explores how to improve the social and economic viability of carbon capture using a system based on Biomass Slurry Fracture Injection (BSFI). In this thesis it is determined that the addition of salt at just 5% weight by concentration can reduce the viscosity of lignocellulosic biomass greatly. It is also determined that safe and conscientious practices in well locations are attributed to higher net profit and lower legal costs
Stream Fish Assemblage Dynamics and Barriers to Aquatic Connectivity in the Ichawaynochaway Creek Watershed, Georgia, USA
Get PDFStream fishes in the southeastern United States are adapted to hydrological disturbances such as droughts. However, this region is projected to experience increasingly frequent and severe disturbances that will elevate water demands given increasing agricultural and urban development. Further, road-stream crossings (RSCs) are abundant features in these streams that can exacerbate drought-mediated stream fragmentation and impede movements by many aquatic organisms, including fishes, when poorly constructed. These compounding effects may adversely affect the diversity and abundances of resident stream fishes, but their interactions remain poorly understood, warranting rigorous testing of how droughts and RSCs influence stream fish dynamics. I assessed responses by a stream fish assemblage to drought-mediated hydrologic variation in the context of fish life history theory and the potential for RSCs to reduce aquatic connectivity in the Ichawaynochaway Creek watershed (ICW), located in southwestern Georgia, USA. The watershed is a drought-prone, biodiverse system with limited information on the quantity, location, and condition of RSCs. Results indicated local fish assemblages at several locations within the watershed varied considerably but not linearly over time and space, suggesting drought-tolerant fishes adapted to changing hydrologic conditions comprised these assemblages. Additionally, I used a standardized barrier assessment protocol to identify RSCs that severely modified stream habitats and likely obstructed aquatic organism passage in the watershed. This research highlights the importance of ecological frameworks to inform management of stream fish diversity in drought-prone areas and serves as a baseline for understanding impacts of road-related barriers on aquatic connectivity in this southeastern Gulf Coastal Plain watershed