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Growth of Cylindrical Micelles and Their Use to Prepare Porous Materials With Tailored Dimensions and Alignment
No full textMaterials with cylindrical pores are optimal for electrochemical devices and filtration due to their straight paths with minimal tortuosity when aligned. Polymer templates have led to many individual cylindrical architectures however the independent tailoring of pore and wall dimensions has remained elusive. Here short cylindrical micelle templates (PEO-b-PS) with glassy cores enabled the fabrication of sample series with constant cylindrical pore diameter (∼63 nm) and tailored wall thickness (TiO2, ∼45–100 nm). This ShortCyl series (aspect ratio 4.25) had modest alignment that was attributed to the low free-energy cost for misalignment. Though the plasticized micelles (DCM present) were kinetically trapped while quiescent, an agitation based growth process was found to elongate the cylindrical micelles (aspect ratio 15.1) and was consistent with a surface-limited process. After vitrification, a series of LongCyl samples were templated that exhibited enhanced alignment while also enabling independent control of pore and wall dimensions. Geometric models were derived for aligned cylinders (2D PMT model) and non-aligned cylinders (3D PMT model), however orientation order parameters were better able to distinguish the extent of cylinder alignment. These results highlight how innovative micellization and self-assembly methods enable diverse architectures with tailored extent of alignment
Longitudinal Associations Between Waking Movement Behaviors and Health-Related Quality of Life in Older Adults: A Compositional Data Analysis Approach
No full textObjectives
Movement behaviors, such as sedentary behavior (SB), light intensity physical activity (LPA), and moderate to vigorous intensity physical activity (MVPA) are mutually exclusive, in that time spent in one behavior inevitably displaces time spent in another. Yet, few studies have simultaneously considered these health behaviors and their association with health-related quality of life (HRQoL), an important indicator of health and well-being in aging populations. This study aimed to explore the role of waking movement behaviors (i.e., SB, LPA, MVPA) in prospectively predicting HRQoL in older adults. The study further aimed to cross-validate associations between movement behaviors and HRQoL using two different device-based measures of behavior placed on unique body positions. Methods
Older adults wore accelerometers on the thigh (ActivPAL micro) and waist (Actigraph GT3X-BT) for 14 days to assess waking movement behaviors. Participants subsequently reported HRQoL on the 36-Item Short Form Health Survey (SF-36) six months later. Compositional linear regression and isotemporal substitution models were used to explore longitudinal relationships between movement behaviors and HRQoL. Results
The movement composition for the sample (N = 202; Mage = 70 years, 72.3% female) consisted of 71–87% SB, 10–26% LPA, and about 3% MVPA depending on the device. For both devices, MVPA was positively associated with Physical Functioning, Pain, and General Health subscales. SB was negatively associated with Physical Functioning, Vitality, Emotional Well-being, and Social Functioning subscales across both devices. LPA generally was not associated with HRQoL indicators. Across both devices, reallocation of between five and 15 min of SB or LPA to MVPA was generally associated with better scores for HRQoL indicators. Conclusions
Movement compositions were for the most part prospectively associated with HRQoL indicators among older adults, which was driven by positive associations for MVPA and negative associations for SB. Findings were generally consistent across devices, however, discrepancies may be attributable to the differences in the data processing algorithms (activity counts vs. cadence based) and device placement locations. Interventions targeting age-related declines in HRQoL should prioritize promoting increased MVPA at the expense of SB to support health and well-being in old age
Scottish Workers’ Stories of Life and Labour during Covid-19 from the Workers’ Stories Project
No full textThis article explores how Scottish workers narrated the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on their life and work, by analysing 55 fifty-five submissions to the Workers\u27 Stories Project. Between 2020 and 2022, the project creative reflections on the pandemic from workers across Scotland, drawing on the tradition of workers\u27 inquiry and workers\u27 education that encouraged critical reflection and the embrace of worker creativity. Submissions were overwhelmingly literary in form, primarily short prose supplemented by poetry, with three key themes emerging: intimacy and alienation; insecurity and status; and a slower living pace. Cumulatively, the stories underline how COVID-19 magnified workplace injustices and forced new expectations on health and social care workers who were deemed \u27essential\u27 whilst other low-paid service sectors were excluded from this category, so illuminating longer standing injustices of work, housing and land ownership
Integrating Traditional Chinese Aesthetic Culture with Contemporary Music Through Violin
No full textThis dissertation investigates the integration of traditional Chinese aesthetic principles with contemporary music through selected violin repertoires. It examines the rich tradition of Chinese aesthetics, emphasizing the distinctive musical styles that, despite their variations, share a common cultural foundation. The research combines a comprehensive review of classical Chinese literature, musicological analysis, exploration of pitch materials, harmonic language, and performance-based interpretation to blend and expand the technical and expressive possibilities of the violin with the essence of Chinese music. Rooted in an analysis of key traditional Chinese aesthetic concepts—he (harmony), tianren heyi (the unity of nature and humanity)—and the two major philosophical systems, Daoism and Confucianism, the study explores how these elements can be incorporated into contemporary violin compositions and performances. It further examines the violin\u27s role within both Western and Chinese musical traditions, investigating how the instrument’s versatility can evoke traditional Chinese sounds while engaging with advanced contemporary violin techniques. Methodologically, the dissertation combines musicological analysis with practical experimentation, including a series of original violin compositions inspired by Chinese cultural themes, along with performances that demonstrate the application of these concepts. These compositions and performances are analyzed to illustrate how traditional aesthetic elements can be adapted in contemporary contexts, maintaining cultural authenticity while pushing the boundaries of creativity
Investigating the Influence of Volumetric Water Content in the Upper Layer of Soil on Embankment Factor of Safety
No full textGeohazards, including landslides and embankment failures, pose significant risks to railway infrastructure, necessitating early recognition methods for effective risk mitigation. This research explores the relationship between the volumetric water content in the upper soil layer and the embankment\u27s factor of safety (FOS) to improve early detection and stability assessment. A parametric analysis was conducted to evaluate how variations in the soil type (shear strength and hydraulic conductivity), slope geometry (angle and height) and recharge conditions (rainfall intensity and duration) affect the FOS. Using the GeoStudio software, seepage and slope stability analyses were performed for two baseline soils, as well as a sand and a high strength material, under various scenarios. The results identify specific conditions, such as soil type and rainfall characteristics, that significantly influence slope stability. These findings demonstrate the potential for satellite-based radar systems to track changes in soil moisture content as an early indicator of instability. By establishing if a clear correlation between soil moisture variations and FOS is feasible, this study provides a valuable framework for geohazard prediction and risk management. The outcomes contribute to advancing data-driven approaches for protecting railway infrastructure and enhancing operational safety
Reducing Information Asymmetry: Economic Value of Airbnb Signals in a Small College Town
No full textTrust is the backbone of platform operations. Airbnb platform designers implement various methods including trust-building mechanisms, user interface (UI) artifacts, and reputation management systems. Previous research has explored trust in Airbnb, yet little is known about the economic value of trust indicators in smaller cities and rural areas. Thus, this thesis investigates the economic significance of User Interface (UI) artifacts, including the “Superhost” badge, star ratings, and listing photographs, within the peer-to-peer accommodation sector in the Columbia Metropolitan Area. Drawing on signaling theory, we conducted quantitative analysis, to examine the relationship between trust indicators and listing prices, controlling factors like amenities and cleaning fees. Findings of this study indicate that Superhost status significantly increases revenue, but its effect is smaller compared to the number of reviews and number of photos (hereinafter referred to as visual cues and organic trust signals). Thus, understanding the economic impact of these trust signals provides valuable insights into how reputation systems reinforce price premiums, particularly in understudied markets outside major cities. Signaling theory posits that informational clues help to reduce uncertainty where information asymmetry exists. Both the buyer and seller operate in a market equilibrium that is called Pareto optimization (where two parties have conflicting goals). Under these conditions, any change from the equilibrium position worsens the outcome for one of the parties. In signaling theory, this equilibrium is a moving target and continues to adjust over time. From the buyer’s perspective, the amount of time required to sort through the sellers’ options is the cost of collecting more information. This cost is weighed with the benefit of risk reduction or lowering the risk of making a bad booking decision. The seller needs to present the best signals to catch the buyer’s attention. This thesis examines how these signals mitigate information asymmetry throughout the traveler decision-making process
The Double Bar-Line: A Qualitative and Quantitative Study of Career Readiness for Historically Black College and University Voice Performance Majors
No full textHistorically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) play a crucial role in providing higher education opportunities for African American students, including those pursuing degrees in voice performance. In recent years, there has been a noticeable lack of performance opportunities and resources available to voice performance majors at HBCUs. This document aims to explore the challenges faced by HBCU voice performance majors who hoped to pursue a career in voice performance. Through a combination of literature review, qualitative interviews, and quantitative surveys, this study will examine the experience of voice performance majors from 1990 – present day. Interviews conducted will speak on the organizations of the 21st century that are the frontline leaders in creating opportunities and resources for the next generation of classical singers. Additionally, this research will explore the potential consequences of these challenges on students\u27 vocal development, career prospects, and overall academic experience. The findings of this study will contribute to a better understanding of the unique challenges faced by voice performance majors at HBCUs and provide valuable insights for educators, administrators, and policymakers seeking to improve the quality of education and resources available to these students. By highlighting the importance of performance opportunities and resources in the development of vocal talent, this document aims to advocate for greater support and investment in the arts programs at HBCUs, ultimately empowering voice performance majors to reach their full potential and succeed in their chosen field
Investigating the Glass Cliff Phenomenon in NCAA Division I Women’s Basketball
No full textIn 2022-2023, across all Division I women\u27s college sports teams, women only held 42% of all head coaching positions. Women\u27s college basketball represents one of the outlier sports, as almost 70% of their head coaches for NCAA Division I women\u27s basketball teams were women. While women head coaches are well represented in women\u27s college basketball, Gerretsen et al. (2023) suggest inconsistencies exist in past experience, tenure length, and gender perceptions in women\u27s college basketball hiring practices. This study further aimed to investigate these inconsistencies utilizing role congruity theory and the glass cliff phenomenon. To investigate, the researchers collected data on the gender of head coaches (n=6,205), head coaching changes (n=775), and performance (win %) for Division I women\u27s basketball programs between 2005-2023. Results indicate that the role congruity theory was not supported, as women head coaches were hired approximately 70% of the time when a coaching change occurred. The glass cliff phenomenon was supported by diving deeper into the data. Gender does play a significant role in the hiring process, with women head coaches being more likely to take over a poorly performing team, replace a former successful female head coach, be replaced after a poor performance by a male head coach, and less likely to take on a higher resourced position (Power-6 conferences)
Exploring Technology Use and Loneliness Among African American Older Adults
No full textLoneliness among African American older adults is a pressing public health concern, affecting more than one-quarter of this population and increasing the risk of premature death. This study explores the experiences of loneliness among African American older adults and examines the technologies they use, the purposes they serve, and their perceived role in mitigating loneliness. It also investigates barriers and facilitators to technology use for promoting social connection. Guided by the Social Support Theory and Technology Acceptance Model 3 (TAM3), the study centers the perspectives of an underrepresented population.
Fifteen African American women aged 67–82 participated in semi-structured interviews between February and June 2024. Participants were recruited through community connections at senior apartments, community centers, and homes. Data were analyzed using Framework Analysis, a five-step qualitative method that supports transparency and systematic interpretation.
Participants described loneliness as emotional pain and disconnection, often worsened by loss, limited transportation, or lack of close relationships. Some experienced occasional loneliness, while others reported persistent feelings, especially during holidays or weekends. Technology—particularly cell phones, texting, and social media—was widely used for connection and distraction, though it was not seen as a replacement for in-person interaction. Barriers to adopting newer technologies included cost, complexity, and lack of support, while facilitators included ease of use, usefulness, and social support.
Findings highlight the importance of listening to older adults’ lived experiences and involving them in decisions about technology adoption and social engagement. These insights can inform the development of more inclusive, user-friendly technologies and guide social workers, policymakers, and healthcare professionals in tailoring support to reduce loneliness and promote digital equity among African American older adults