bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
489 Days
Authors:   , Elmalky Rania
Published: February 2025

489 Days is an animated documentary about the harrowing experiences of Egyptian-American Mohamed Soltan, who survived 16 months of hunger strike in an Egyptian prison. Caught up in the political turmoil which followed the Arab Spring uprisings, Soltan was unjustly incarcerated between August 2013 and May 2015, when the United States government intervened to release him weeks after an Egyptian court sentenced him to life in prison. The film is also the larger story of an estimated 60,000 political detainees currently held in Egypt without due process, and in violation of local and international human rights conventions.
Prevalence and Proportionality of Dyslexia in Texas Public and Charter School Districts
Authors:   , Sneed Samantha
Published: February 2025

Passed in 1985, the Texas Education Code (TEC) §38.003, Screening and Treatment of Dyslexia and Related Disorders, required public school districts and charters to identify and provide remediation services for students with dyslexia. While Texas was the first state to pass such a requirement, the question remains: What is the prevalence and proportionality of dyslexia in Texas public school districts and charters? In Phase 1 of this study, a secondary analysis using point prevalence and disproportionality calculations was conducted to analyze the impact of this more than 30-year-old law. In order to better help understand these findings, semi-structured interviews with district leaders were conducted in Phase 2 to gain insight on how students were identified with dyslexia across the state. The results of Phase 1 showed the estimated prevalence of dyslexia in Texas public school districts and charters to be low in comparison to the literature. Additionally, the findings suggested a discrepancy in identifications between gender and district type (public school versus charter) and across racial and ethnic groups. Meanwhile, the results of Phase 2 revealed that leadership, support, funding, and accountability impact dyslexia identifications. This study emphasizes the need to further explore and analyze how to best identify and service all students with dyslexia, regardless of gender, race and ethnicity, district type, and geographical location.
The Client-Counselor Encounter: Assessing Relational Depth and Motivation to Change in Substance Use Disorder Treatment
Authors:   , Woehler Elliott
Published: February 2025

This non-experimental field study examined the relationship between participant reported experiences of relational depth (RD) with their individual counselors in substance use disorder (SUD) treatment and participant reported motivation to change substance use. Participants in the study were clients enrolled in inpatient and outpatient levels of substance use disorder treatment. A total of 78 clients (aged 18-77, with mean age 35.97, 80.1% Caucasian, 11.5% African-American, 3.8% Hispanic, 1.3% Asian, 1.3% multiracial, 1.3% other) with SUDs participated in the study. Results demonstrated that treatment process variables explained approximately 42% of the variance in participant recognition scores. Specifically, substance abuse community support involvement (β = .598, rs2 = .908, p < .001) and relational depth (β = .184, rs2 = .178, p = .045) were found to be significant predictors of participant recognition of a substance use problem. From these results, one may tentatively conclude that community support and the development of relational depth in SUD treatment are valuable additions to standard SUD treatment. Extended results are described and summarized using text, tables, and figures. The study has practical and clinical implications for counselors working with clients in substance use disorder treatment particularly concerning the length of individual counseling.
Let's Bump Up the Lights: Exploring The Carol Burnett Show as a Cultural Antecedent to Feminist Media Studies
Authors:   , Hoover Jessica
Published: February 2025

This thesis argues that textual and historical analysis of The Carol Burnett Show reveals that the program utilized slapstick, women's comedy and feminist humor to create comedic parodies of television commercials, melodramas and women's films, and soap operas. Their television commercial parodies reflect Second Wave feminist critiques of media advertising contemporary with the program. Comparison of the work of early feminist film theorists and media critics to the program's parodies of film and soap opera reveal an interest in texts that address a female audience and that The Carol Burnett Show was making similar critiques to feminist media scholars in the years before it became a field of inquiry.
Differences in Coping Strategies and Multifaceted Psychological Outcomes among Trauma Survivors
Authors:   , Flachs Amanda Shaunessy
Published: February 2025

The World Health Organization has proposed for the ICD-11 a differentiation of symptoms to distinguish separate disorders of PTSD and complex PTSD (CPTSD), rather than one disorder of PTSD as in the current DSM-5. In addition, the accuracy and usefulness of the borderline personality disorder (BPD) diagnosis has been debated for years due to this history of trauma often associated with the diagnosis. New instruments have been developed to assess CPTSD, allowing needed research to expand our understanding of CPTSD and how it may differ from PTSD. The present study explored the relationships between the three different patterns of symptom expression associated with these disorders and various coping strategies in a sample of trauma survivors. A canonical correlation analysis (CCA) showed a significant relationship between trauma symptoms and coping strategies and suggested that individuals with higher borderline personality disorder symptoms, and subsequently complex PTSD and PTSD symptoms, were more likely to cope using avoidant coping strategies- behavioral disengagement, denial, and substance use. This finding was similar to previous research findings that suggested high rates of negative psychological outcomes for adults cognitive and behavioral avoidant coping strategies. Contributions from other coping techniques, such as restraint and venting, also showed significant, but not as strong relationships to higher psychological symptoms.
Charpy Impact Testing of Twinning Induced Plasticity and Transformation Induced Plasticity High Entropy Alloys
Authors:   , Zellner Samantha R
Published: February 2025

High entropy alloys (HEAs) are a new class of solid solution alloys that contain multiple principal elements and possess excellent mechanical properties, from corrosion resistance to fatigue and wear resistance. Even more recently, twinning induced plasticity (TWIP) and transformation induced plasticity (TRIP) non-equiatomic high entropy alloys have been engineered, promising increased strength and ductility as compared to their equiatomic counterparts. However, impact and fracture resistance of these HEAs has not been studied as much as their other mechanical properties. In this thesis, the hardness, tensile properties, and Charpy impact energy of Al0.3CoCrFeNi, a TWIP HEA, and 50Fe-30Mn-10Co-10Cr (at.%), a TRIP HEA, was explored. First, three processing conditions, (1) as-received, (2) recrystallized, and (3) peak hardness, were chosen for each alloy and verified with Vickers microhardness measurements. Next, the tensile properties of each alloy and condition were investigated. Charpy impact specimen size was then selected based on the final plate thickness, and the machined samples were tested. Plastic zone size and change in sample thickness in the deformed region of each condition after testing was measured. Post-impact test inspection of the samples in all conditions showed that the samples were in tension near the V-notch root and in compression at the impact surface. Plastic zone size is seen to change as a function of distance from the V-notch root moving towards the impact surface in conditions that exhibited higher ductility. Overall, the TWIP alloy displayed high fracture resistance, and further microstructural optimization will likely increase the fracture resistance of these alloys.
Higher Education Students' Perspectives on the Influence of Computer-Based Instructional Systems on Self-Efficacy and Motivation
Authors:   , Popkin Kashieka N.
Published: February 2025

This dissertation aims to identify undergraduate students' perspectives concerning the effectiveness of CBI environments as an instructional tool, and the influence it has on their self-efficacy and motivation. Data was collected from 221 participants from two midwestern universities. A convergent mixed-method research was conducted using a Likert-style survey and semistructured interviews. Stepwise regression, Pearson correlation coefficient, effect sizes and thematic analysis were used to identify significant relationships between variables, and find recurring themes. It was found that over 70% of the student population had positive attitudes towards the use of CBI environments with a mean of 3.5 on a 5-point scale. Students who had a high mean attitude towards CBI systems also had a high mean self-efficacy score. Secondly, four models emerged which suggests that; the value student assign to tasks, the control over the CBI environment, control over their learning, and motivation are significant factors (p>.50) that affect their self-efficacy. Finally, it was found that students' motivation is affected by instructional components, challenges, lack of instructor presence, and feedback. It can be concluded that varying factors that can affect how students' perceive the courses and their abilities, and the implementation of adaptive CBI systems maybe an option to meet students' diverse instructional needs. Future research recommendations are (1) if professors pacing of activities within a CBI affect students' self-efficacy when course semesters vary, and (2) if the lack of professor control over activity design negatively impacts students learning and motivation.
Hybrid Models in Automobile Insurance: Technology Adoption and Customer Relations
Authors:   , Tian Xiaoguang
Published: February 2025

Customer relationship management (CRM), a primary activity in the business value chain to relate to the customer, involves solicitation, analysis, and the use of the knowledge about the customer to provide goods and services through effective and efficient methods. It is a wise strategy and source of competitive advantage for customer behavior understanding and business performance management. The use of information technology (IT) in CRM allows companies to simplify their processes, to integrate product or service related decision making with the business strategies, and to optimize their operations by embracing analytical techniques. The insurance industry is facing unprecedented challenges and decisions in this data-driven business paradigm. It is a strategic necessity for customer-centric insurers to utilize emerging IT capability to support interactions between customers and business operations. The research in the dissertation seeks to provide insights into the application of early technology innovation and data-driven strategies by investigating the following two groups of CRM technology issues: technology adoption and data-driven technology application. Through three essays, the dissertation explores the use of information technology and data analytical tools to provide insight into how automobile insurance companies make decisions regarding their relationships with their customers. The results from these studies provide a framework for managers to devise effective approaches to enhancing the performance of their business.
Are Things Falling Apart Again? A Dialectical Analysis of Language Education Policy in Nigeria
Authors:   , Olaniyi Adepeju Folasade
Published: February 2025

Today's globalized world presents challenges for formulating language education policies in multilingual countries, and postcolonial Nigeria presents a dramatic illustration because of ongoing colonial influences as well as neocolonial factors. This study focused on dialectical relations over time among languages in Nigeria's National Policy on Education (NPE), published in 1977, 1981, 1998, 2004, 2013, and 2014. The title of the study harks to Chinua Achebe's novel, Things Fall Apart, which described the disruption of tribal cultures and languages when Europeans brought their culture and language to Nigeria. Attention in this dissertation, which examined Nigerian education policy over four decades, was also on things falling apart, being resolved in some way, and then falling apart again. Four major dialectical tensions can be seen as the NPE went through revisions in language of instruction and language of study. First, relations between English and indigenous languages showed the increasing importance of English despite ostensible attempts to promote indigeneity through language. Particularly important was the influence of globalization, which emphasized neoliberal values and initiatives associated with global English. Second, relations among the various indigenous languages showed three languages—Hausa, Igbo, and Yoruba—to be privileged over 522 other languages that were marginalized but retained as "mother tongue" or "language of immediate environment." Third, relations between French, which became the second official language, and English revealed that, although both now have the same "official" status, the two are by no means equal. The addition of French was largely a political move that had little effect on language education policy. Fourth and finally, relations between Arabic and other languages showed Arabic, which had been largely ignored in the policy, gaining some visibility in later versions but remaining in the role of "other." Of particular significance in the policy over time has been English, which was the colonizers' language and is now the world's global language, Dialectical relations between languages of education in Nigeria, including English, can also be seen as tensions between global and local, colonizer and colonized, and privileged and marginalized.
Prophet Inequalities for Multivariate Random Variables with Cost for Observations
Authors:   , Brophy Edmond M.
Published: February 2025

In prophet problems, two players with different levels of information make decisions to optimize their return from an underlying optimal stopping problem. The player with more information is called the "prophet" while the player with less information is known as the "gambler." In this thesis, as in the majority of the literature on such problems, we assume that the prophet is omniscient, and the gambler does not know future outcomes when making his decisions. Certainly, the prophet will get a better return than the gambler. But how much better? The goal of a prophet problem is to find the least upper bound on the difference (or ratio) between the prophet's return, M, and the gambler's return, V. In this thesis, we present new prophet problems where we seek the least upper bound on M-V when there is a fixed cost per observations. Most prophet problems in the literature compare M and V when prophet and gambler buy (or sell) one asset. The new prophet problems presented in Chapters 3 and 4 treat a scenario where prophet and gambler optimize their return from selling two assets, when there is a fixed cost per observation. Sharp bounds for the problems on small time horizons are given; for the n-day problem, rough bounds and a description of the distributions for the random variables that maximize M-V are presented.
Essential Competencies for Entry-Level Management Positions in the Food and Beverage Industry in Taiwan and Mainland China
Authors:   , Huang Tai-Yi
Published: February 2025

The purpose of this study was to identify the essential competencies for entry-level management positions in the food and beverage (F&B) industry based on the perspectives of Taiwanese industry professionals across three groups: work experience in Taiwan and/or mainland China, two F&B sectors (Hotel F&Bs and restaurants), and three management levels (first-line, middle, and top). A total of 515 Taiwanese F&B industry professionals participated in this study with 104 participants currently employed in mainland China, some of whom worked previously in Taiwan, and 411 participants working in Taiwan, without work experience in mainland China. Factor analysis produced four dimensions of important competencies: leadership, F&B management, interpersonal skills, and communication skills. Results indicated that communication skills was the only dimension that showed significant difference between participants with and without work experience in mainland China. The findings of this study indicated that 14 of 41 competency items were ranked in the top 10 based on the responses of the three groups. Participants from all three groups ranked "high level of personal integrity" as the most important competence and "ability to communicate orally in proper English" was ranked as the second most important competence by all groups except the restaurant sector. The results also showed that 10 of 41 competency items were ranked differently between participants with and without working experiences in mainland China. Findings are beneficial for graduates preparing to enter a management position in F&B, industry leaders/managers, recruiters and corporate trainers, educators, and future research.
Telemedicine in Schools: Exploring Parent Perceptions and Desires
Authors:   , Smith Bethany Noel
Published: February 2025

School-based health clinics are on the rise while telemedicine is increasingly used to provide communities access to health care. Incorporating the two together poses to create healthier school communities. Parker County Hospital District collaborated with Weatherford Independent School District (WISD) to implement the district's first telemedicine school-based health clinic. This project is in partnership with Parker County Hospital District to explore parent perceptions and desires of telemedicine and school-based health clinics to facilitate utilization among the WISD community.
Shifting Identities: A Qualitative Inquiry of Black Transgender Men's Experiences
Authors:   , White Mickey E.
Published: February 2025

The purpose of this transcendental phenomenological study was to explore Black transgender men's experiences navigating systems of racism and transphobia. To this end, I utilized a critical race theory and intersectionality theory framework to answer the following question: What are Black transgender men's experiences with power, privilege, and oppression? The ten Black transgender men and transmasculine people who participated in this study provided detailed and moving accounts of their experiences with systems of oppression. Six major themes were prominent throughout participant narratives: (1) developing an empowered view of self, (2) navigating double consciousness, (3) having a target on your back, (4) strategies of resilience, (5) culture of silence, and (6) finding quality care. Overall, participants offered insight and keen awareness of their intersecting racial and gender identities, as well as speaking intimately about how the shift from societal perceptions and identification as a Black woman to a Black man impacted their sense of self and views of the world. Additionally, implications and conclusions drawn from the stories of participants offer recommendations for counselors, mental health professionals, practitioners, and programs to consider implementing to provide culturally responsive and competent care to Black transgender men.
SurfKE: A Graph-Based Feature Learning Framework for Keyphrase Extraction
Authors:   , Florescu Corina Andreea
Published: February 2025

Current unsupervised approaches for keyphrase extraction compute a single importance score for each candidate word by considering the number and quality of its associated words in the graph and they are not flexible enough to incorporate multiple types of information. For instance, nodes in a network may exhibit diverse connectivity patterns which are not captured by the graph-based ranking methods. To address this, we present a new approach to keyphrase extraction that represents the document as a word graph and exploits its structure in order to reveal underlying explanatory factors hidden in the data that may distinguish keyphrases from non-keyphrases. Experimental results show that our model, which uses phrase graph representations in a supervised probabilistic framework, obtains remarkable improvements in performance over previous supervised and unsupervised keyphrase extraction systems.
The Impact of Property Tax Exemptions on the Fiscal Behavior of Cities: A Longitudinal Analysis of 41 Texas Cities
Authors:   , Sun Jingran
Published: February 2025

As a form of tax and expenditure limitations, property tax exemptions result in an utility gap between two groups of population residing in the same community: free-riders who are paying less than they receive and contributors who are paying more than they receive. This utility gap is problematic to municipalities because contributors may exit the city as this gap becomes wider. How do municipalities respond to the increasing amount of property tax exemptions? Using 41 Texas cities data from 2000 to 2016, this dissertation examines how property tax exemptions affect municipalities' fiscal behavior. The analysis indicates that property tax exemptions lead to higher property tax burden, change municipalities' revenue structure, and lead to less capital spending.
Transcription and Critical Edition of Carl Nielsen's Songs, Op. 4 and 10 for Flute and Piano
Authors:   , Pillman Laura
Published: February 2025

Widely regarded as one of the most significant composers of the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, Carl Nielsen and his music have come to define the early twentieth-century musical traditions of Denmark. His original songs for voice and piano are often revered as popular folk tunes and contributed to his status as a national icon. My dissertation explores Nielsen's vocal repertoire through a multipart project that includes transcribing and editing eleven of Nielsen's early songs from Op. 4 (1891) and Op. 10 (1894), originally for voice and piano, for flute and piano. I discuss the reception history and context of Nielsen's Songs, the important role of transcription in flute literature, and provide full score transcription of the original works for flute and piano. Many vocal works have been transcribed for flute from the original vocal score, providing variety in programming and attracting diverse audiences to performances. Transcription offers scholars a new view into a work, by determining what elements of the piece are integral to maintain the composer's intentions.
Psychological Well-Being and Family Functioning in Middle Childhood: The Unique Role of Sibling Relational Dynamics
Authors:   , Geerts Ashley T.
Published: February 2025

The current study examined associations between perceived family functioning, sibling relational dynamics, and individual's self-reported personal adjustment and internalizing problems among 8- to 11-year old children. Path analyses revealed significant direct effects between conflictual family functioning and children's psychological well-being (p < 0.05). Further, sibling conflict was found to indirectly affect these associations. Finally, significant interactions between family functioning and sibling dynamics were found suggesting that congruent relational dynamics at multiple levels of the family system had a cumulative impact on the child's well-being. Findings from the current study highlight the unique contributions of sibling relationships to the family and the child providing evidence for targeting the sibling relationship in clinical interventions and future family research.
Gender in Climate Policy and Climate Finance in Ghana
Authors:   , Opoku Emmanuela A
Published: February 2025

This dissertation makes use of theoretical frameworks drawn from development theory, ecofeminism, climate science, environmental and distributive justice, and human rights to provide gender analysis of climate policy, including climate finance.The problem addressed is that climate impacts are exacerbating food insecurity that is women's responsibility in the global South. First, I use literature in climate science to detail the impacts of climate change on agriculture in Africa and show how this exacerbates women's poverty that is driven already by persistent socioeconomic inequalities and gender bias. I conclude that women as food producers are especially vulnerable to climate impacts on food security. Next, I assess international climate policy through gender analysis of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) against other United Nations (UN) gender policies, followed by gender assessment of Ghanaian climate policy. I conclude that both international and Ghanaian policy fail adequately to address gender and women's needs, despite making advances on gender-inclusion and gender-sensitivity since the turn of the century. I then present a case study in climate finance by evaluating the capacity of an Adaptation Fund Project (AFP) in northeast Ghana to meet women farmers' needs. I gather data from Project implementers and intended beneficiaries, i.e. women in village communities, using interviews and focus group discussions. I conclude that the Project is not successful in engaging women and identify reasons for this failure, including slow distribution of funds to implementers, petty corruption, and community gender biases. In the final chapter, I summarize my findings and make recommendations for policy interventions better to meet women's climate adaptation needs in order to maintain food security and avert the humanitarian crises in hunger that are already well underway in Africa.
Bright Mosaic
Authors:   , Mares Vicente
Published: February 2025

Bright Mosaic is a 30-minute documentary about a comprehensive autism center for children with an organic and unconventional approach. The Bright Mosaic Autism Therapy Center's exceptional curriculum consists of a mix of Montessori practices, natural sciences, applied behavior analysis, occupational therapy, speech therapy, physical therapy, play therapy, music therapy, sensory integration, daily life skills and art. Bright Mosaic mixes observational and participatory styles in an effort to portray an exceptionally skilled and passionate team who fights a tough daily battle to prepare their children for the life ahead of them.
Through the Eyes of an African American Female Educator: An Autoethnography of Culture and Race
Authors:   , Sipho Delltra
Published: February 2025

The purpose of this autoethnographic study was to critically examine my personal experiences with culture and race to better understand myself, my perceptions of culture and race, and how my perceptions of educators' interactions with culturally and racially diverse students may have been impacted as a result. Autoethnography is the study of self in which researchers draw on their own experiences to understand a culture or phenomenon. The following research questions guided the study: 1) what does an examination of my lived experiences as an African American female educator reveal about me? and 2) what are the potential implications for my role as an administrator? Data sources consisted of journal entries, notes, and narratives based on my lived experiences. The data were analyzed by initial coding to uncover recurring themes in the narratives of: 1) negative perceptions of those offended by issues of race; 2) the need to promote cultural awareness; and 3) personal silence around issues of race. The themes were then examined through the lens of critical race theory with specific attention to the tenets of permanence of race, interest convergence, intersectionality, and storytelling. The insights provided here in response to the first research question were then considered in light of the framework of culturally responsive pedagogy and leadership, thus responding to the second question. The implications discussed provide insights for me personally as a teacher leader, for educators in general, and for future researchers.
Military and Veteran Mental Health Stigma and Help-Seeking Behaviors: Role of Leadership and Attachment
Authors:   , McGuffin James
Published: February 2025

Mental health stigma has been identified as a barrier to help-seeking in the United States. Research suggests that insecure attachment may contribute to higher mental health stigma and lower help-seeking behavior. This may be particularly salient in military personnel who tend to report higher mental health stigma than the general population. Evidence suggests that both supportive and destructive military leadership are related to service members' attitudes toward seeking help. In the current study, a sample of military service members and veterans (N = 232) completed an online survey regarding mental health stigma, military leadership experiences, attachment strategies, and mental health help-seeking behaviors. Findings indicated that destructive and supportive leadership experiences were significantly related to self and public stigma, and self-stigma mediated the relationship between destructive and supportive leadership experiences and likelihood to seek help. Attachment anxiety predicted higher self and public stigma, while attachment avoidance predicted high self-stigma but low public stigma, with high self-stigma partially mediating the relationship between attachment avoidance and help seeking.
Educational Involvement of Nonresident Parents in the Decision-Making Process for Students with Disabilities Receiving Special Education and Related Services
Authors:   , Weidenbach Jason L
Published: February 2025

Although the population of children attending schools that came from single parent or remarried households is significant, school leaders have failed to institute policies regarding the involvement of nonresident parents. School districts should have procedures to educate personnel on the legal rights of nonresident parents. To avoid confusion concerning legal terms, the term "nonresident" had been utilized to describe a biological parent with whom the child did not reside. This differs from the term "noncustodial." The purpose of this study was to investigate whether school districts in the North Texas area had specific written policies or administrative requirements that addressed the involvement of nonresident parents in the educational decision-making process for their child at IEP meetings. The conceptual framework for this study was founded on the premise that aside from instruction, three factors contributed to the achievement of students who received special education and related services: parental involvement, special education law, and school policy. School districts were polled via paper surveys distributed in person to special education leaders during director meetings and where they were reported to exist, a review of documents was performed. A summary of findings is presented with implications for practice and recommendations for school leaders, including a suggested sample for inclusion in a parental participation section of a district's special education operating guidelines.
The Effects of the IAM Workshop on Preservice Teachers' Perceptions and Attitudes on Integrating Art and Mathematics In Saudi Arabia
Authors:   , Mereie Iman Ali
Published: February 2025

This mixed-methods dissertation used an explanatory sequential design to examine art and mathematics preservice teachers' perceptions and attitudes towards integrating art and mathematics (IAM) after an IAM workshop. The conceptual framework of this study has its basis in three theoretical sources: constructivism, multiple intelligence theory, and semiotics. Each of these sources provides a conceptual lens to examine art integration in the curriculum and the teacher's role in facilitating this instructional process. Participants of this study included two sub-groups at a large university in Saudi Arabia. The first sub-group was preservice teachers of art education. The second sub-group was preservice teachers of mathematics. Quantitative and qualitative results indicated that the IAM workshop had positive impacts on art and mathematics preservice teachers' attitudes and perceptions of IAM. Participants attributed more value to art, were more willing to apply IAM, and felt that there was less barriers for applying IAM. The study also indicated differences between art and mathematics preservice teachers' attitudes towards IAM. The differences were due more to art value than willingness or barriers. After the IAM workshop, mathematics preservice teachers put more emphasis on the importance of art to mathematics, especially with respect to making mathematics a more enjoyable subject.
Carbon Nanotubes and Molybdenum Disulfide Protected Electrodes for High Performance Lithium-Sulfur Battery Applications
Authors:   , Cha Eunho
Published: February 2025

Lithium-sulfur (Li-S) batteries are faced with practical drawbacks of poor cycle life and low charge efficiency which hinder their advancements. Those drawbacks are primarily caused by the intrinsic issues of the cathodes (sulfur) and the anodes (Li metal). In attempt to resolve the issues found on the cathodes, this work discusses the method to prepare a binder-free three-dimensional carbon nanotubes-sulfur (3D CNTs-S) composite cathode by a facile and a scalable approach. Here, the 3D structure of CNTs serves as a conducting network to accommodate high loading amounts of active sulfur material. The efficient electron pathway and the short Li ions (Li+) diffusion length provided by the 3D CNTs offset the insulating properties of sulfur. As a result, high areal and specific capacities of 8.8 mAh cm−2 and 1068 mAh g−1, respectively, with the sulfur loading of 8.33 mg cm−2 are demonstrated; furthermore, the cells operated at a current density of 1.4 mA cm−2 (0.1 C) for up to 150 cycles. To address the issues existing on the anode part of Li-S batteries, this work also covers the novel approach to protect a Li metal anode with a thin layer of two-dimensional molybdenum disulfide (MoS2). With the protective layer of MoS2 preventing the growth of Li dendrites, stable Li electrodeposition is realized at the current density of 10 mA cm−2; also, the MoS2 protected anode demonstrates over 300% longer cycle life than the unprotected counterpart. Moreover, the MoS2 layer prevents polysulfides from corroding the anode while facilitating a reversible utilization of active materials without decomposing the electrolyte. Therefore, the MoS2 protected anode enables a stable cycle life of over 500 cycles at 0.5 C with the high sulfur loading amount of ~7 mg cm−2 (~67 wt% S content in cathode) under the low electrolyte/sulfur (E/S) ratio of 6 μL mg−1. This translates to the specific energy and power densities of ~550 Wh kg-1 and ~300 W kg−1, respectively. Additionally, such values far exceed the electrochemical performance of the current Li-ion batteries. Therefore, the synergetic effect of utilizing the 3D CNT-S cathode and the MoS2 protected Li anode will allow the Li-S batteries to become applicable for the transportation and the large-scale energy grid applications.
Application of Adaptive Techniques in Regression Testing for Modern Software Development
Authors:   , Azizi Maral
Published: February 2025

In this dissertation we investigate the applicability of different adaptive techniques to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of the regression testing. Initially, we introduce the concept of regression testing. We then perform a literature review of current practices and state-of-the-art regression testing techniques. Finally, we advance the regression testing techniques by performing four empirical studies in which we use different types of information (e.g. user session, source code, code commit, etc.) to investigate the effectiveness of each software metric on fault detection capability for different software environments. In our first empirical study, we show the effectiveness of applying user session information for test case prioritization. In our next study, we apply learning from the previous study, and implement a collaborative filtering recommender system for test case prioritization, which uses user sessions and change history information as input parameter, and return the risk score associated with each component. Results of this study show that our recommender system improves the effectiveness of test prioritization; the performance of our approach was particularly noteworthy when we were under time constraints. We then investigate the merits of multi-objective testing over single objective techniques with a graph-based testing framework. Results of this study indicate that the use of the graph-based technique reduces the algorithm execution time considerably, while being just as effective as the greedy algorithms in terms of fault detection rate. Finally, we apply the knowledge from the previous studies and implement a query answering framework for regression test selection. This framework is built based on a graph database and uses fault history information and test diversity in attempt to select the most effective set of test cases in term of fault detection capability. Our empirical evaluation of this study with four open source programs shows that our approach can be effective and efficient by selecting a far smaller subset of tests compared to the existing techniques.
Design of a Polymeric Coating for Protecting Thermoelectric Materials from Sublimation and Oxidation
Authors:   , Chen I Kang
Published: February 2025

Thermoelectric (TE) devices can undergo degradation from reactions in corrosive environments and at higher operating temperatures by sublimation and oxidation. To prevent the degradation, we have applied two high temperature polymers (HTPs) as coatings for TE materials. Sintering temperatures were from 250°C to 400°C. We explain why dip coating is better technique in our study and had two potential HTPs for tests. By applying TGA (thermogravimetric analysis), we were able to figure out which HTPs have better thermal resistivity. Besides, TGA also help us to find proper curing cycles for HTPs. EDS and SEM results show that the coatings prevent oxidation and sublimation of TE materials. We also shorten HTP curing cycle time and lower the energy costs.
Through His Own Words: An Exploration of the Pedagogy of Robert Marcellus
Authors:   , Bronson Karen Andreas
Published: February 2025

This dissertation presents the clarinet pedagogy of Robert Marcellus through reorganizing, documenting, and consolidating the archival recordings of summer master classes held at Northwestern University from 1977-1990. Pedagogical discussions and exercises are examined on topics such as wind, articulation, hand and finger position, and phrasing. Marcellus' interpretation and comments are discussed, along with musical examples from Cyrille Rose's 40 Studies for Clarinet, numbers 13, 21 and 32. This dissertation contains Marcellus' repertoire list and a sequence of study. Through this examination and consolidation of Marcellus' own words, this dissertation serves as a unique resource for those clarinetists interested in learning about this distinguished pedagogue.
The Culture of Giving at Blue Ridge Literacy: Who Donates and Why?
Authors:   , Holladay Stephanie
Published: February 2025

As a nonprofit located in a nonprofit-dense region in Roanoke, Virginia, Blue Ridge Literacy is among many other organizations competing for similar funding. This qualitative research project explores the reasons why donors give, why they support Blue Ridge Literacy, and what they think their future priorities for giving might be. By examining data from 15 qualitative interviews, this research is able to examine what BRL donors care about and offer suggestions for donor engagement strategies.
External Validation of the MMPI-A-RF with Youth with Mental Health Needs: A Systematic Examination of Symptom-Based Correlates and Interpretive Statements
Authors:   , Sharf Allyson J.
Published: February 2025

Over the last several decades, the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory - Adolescent (MMPI-A) has remained one of the most extensively studied and commonly used adolescent assessment measures. Most recently, the MMPI-A was revised, published as the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory - Adolescent Restructured Form (MMPI-A-RF). Given the infancy of the extant MMPI-A-RF literature, the current dissertation sought to be one of the first criterion studies since the test manual to establish its relevant clinical correlates in a sample of youth referred for mental health services. Following in line with previous clinical correlate research, the psychometric properties of the MMPI-A-RF were determined. Under this approach, the present study bolstered support for the construct validity of the RC scales through the identification of clinically relevant, scale and item-level correlates. In particular, the RCd and RC4 evidenced especially strong convergent and discriminant validity. As a result, the current study highlighted the MMPI-A-RF's efficacy in detecting psychopathology along the broad externalizing and internalizing spectrum. In addition, the role of gender and its effect on MMPI-A-RF clinical interpretations were explored. Practical recommendations for ensuring a gender-specific approach to MMPI-A-RF interpretation were outlined.
Piezoelectric-Based Gas Sensors for Harsh Environment Gas Component Monitoring
Authors:   , Zhang Chen
Published: February 2025

In this study, gas sensing systems that are based on piezoelectric smart material and structures are proposed, designed, developed, and tested, which are mainly aimed to address the temperature dependent CO2 gas sensing in a real environment. The state-of-the-art of gas sensing technologies are firstly reviewed and discussed for their pros and cons. The adsorption mechanisms including physisorption and chemisorption are subsequently investigated to characterize and provide solutions to various gas sensors. Particularly, a QCM based gas sensor and a C-axis inclined zigzag ZnO FBAR gas sensor are designed and analyzed for their performance on room temperature CO2 gas sensing, which fall into the scope of physisorption. In contrast, a Langasite (LGS) surface acoustic wave (SAW) based acetone vapor sensor is designed, developed, and tested, which is based on the chemisorption analysis of the LGS substrate. Moreover, solid state gas sensors are characterized and analyzed for chemisorption-based sensitive sensing thin film development, which can be further applied to piezoelectric-based gas sensors (i.e. Ca doped ZnO LGS SAW gas sensors) for performance enhanced CO2 gas sensing. Additionally, an innovative MEMS micro cantilever beam is proposed based on the LGS nanofabrication, which can be potentially applied for gas sensing, when combined with ZnO nanorods deposition. Principal component analysis (PCA) is employed for cross-sensitivity analysis, by which high temperature gas sensing in a real environment can be achieved. The proposed gas sensing systems are designated to work in a high temperature environment by taking advantage of the high temperature stability of the piezoelectric substrates.
Tâches d'apprentissage et langues étrangères: analyse et application en classe de FLE de niveau secondaire
Authors:   , Sessions Gwenola Jane
Published: February 2025

Teaching a foreign language using task-based language teaching (TBLT) has garnered a lot of attention and has been the object of worldwide scientific studies for the last thirty years. Few of these studies, however, include an evaluation of this method by the teachers themselves, or are conducted by them directly. My thesis, centered around the notion of task-based language learning, a teaching method recommended more and more though sometimes still snubbed, relies on my professional experience as a teacher of secondary level FLE classes in the United States and on the analysis of reference studies conducted in this field. I have adopted the methodology of research-action with the goal of offering a pedagogic intervention. First I identify certain hurdles encountered by high school foreign language teachers. After this introduction, I evaluate the methods and didactic principles that stood out to lead to a teaching philosophy centered around communication, such as task-based language teaching. The second part of the thesis presents some important studies that evaluate the pros and cons of this approach. The next section examines in turn each of three tasks offered as contrast against the traditional model consisting of presentation, practice and production, known as "PPP." Finally the last section presents my conclusions which will serve as a frame of reference for future research by other teachers.
How the Conflict of Autonomous and Controlled Motivation Influences Sales Controls to Inside Sales Agents' Work Outcomes
Authors:   , Conde Gonzalo R
Published: February 2025

Through the use of multiple methodologies and analytical approaches, this dissertation combines (1) sales control; (2) call center service; and (3) motivational theory to extend sales control literature beyond its current state, to consider the conflicting motivational perspectives an inside sales agent has to experience. To achieve this unification, this dissertation consists of three essays intended to: (1) identify the influence of autonomous and controlled motivation on operational sales outcome controls and performance; (2) explore the influence these motivators have on sales controls and sales performance; and, (3) understand the impact of autonomous and controlled motivation on sales agent tenure.
Tommy Smith's Two Sonatas, "Hall of Mirrors" and "Dreaming with Open Eyes": A Performance Guide and Analysis
Authors:   , Dunbar Sarah
Published: February 2025

Tommy Smith is considered by many to be one of the greatest jazz saxophonists not only in Scotland, but world-wide. Celebrated for his virtuosic performance skills, tremendous compositions, and prized albums in the jazz idiom, Smith has also had great success as a composer and performer of the classical genre. Fusing the styles of jazz and classical, he composed and recorded two sonatas, entitled, Sonata No. 1 - Hall of Mirrors and Sonata No 2. - Dreaming with Open Eyes, on his 1998 album, Gymnopédie: The Classical Side of Tommy Smith. Unique pieces, they are not considered standard repertoire in the classical saxophone world, however, they are welcomed, substantial works for either the soprano or tenor saxophone and piano. Composed in a classical style and performed with jazz inflections and improvisation, these sonatas are challenging pieces to learn and execute at a high level. For many classical saxophonists, improvising a cadenza or utilizing standard jazz performance techniques could dissuade them from performing these terrific, distinctive works. This study is intended to aid in the learning and presentation of these two pieces, and includes transcriptions from Tommy Smith's album, errata, and performance analyses for each sonata.