bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Precarity and dehumanisation in higher education
Authors: Mason Olivia , Megoran Nick
Published: April 2021

The increased reliance of universities on a pool of highly skilled but poorly paid casualised academic labour for teaching and research has emerged as a defining feature of higher education provision under neoliberal New Public Management. Based on seventeen visual timeline interviews with academics in the North East of England, this article augments and extends existing studies of precarity through a framing of dehumanisation and humanisation. Specifically, we suggest that casualisation is dehumanising in four ways: it renders individuals invisible; it leaves them vulnerable to exploitation; it denies them academic freedom; and it hampers them in constructing a life narrative projecting into the future. We conclude that casualisation is not simply the product of a reprehensible political economy, but that it is an afront to the very meaning and dignity of being human.
Daring spaces
Authors: Krajewski Sabine , Khoury Matthew
Published: April 2021

In this article, we argue that physical rooms cannot be replaced by virtual space without literally losing the student’s body and that experimenting with rooms and active learning is imperative for improving and advancing students’ learning. Our case study offers insight into a ‘soft room experiment’ without hard furniture or audio-visual equipment at one Australian university and makes recommendations that will be useful in many other educational environments. Our qualitative research project is based on feedback from students and staff as well as on class observation. Findings show that learning spaces need to be designed with appropriate pedagogies in mind, be multifunctional and ideally also multi-sensory.
“This Ticking Noise in My Head”
Authors: Hutson John P. , Magliano Joseph P. , Smith Tim J. , Loschky Lester C.
Published: April 2021

This study tested the role of the audio soundtrack in the opening scene of Orson Welles’s Touch of Evil (Orson Welles and Albert Zugsmith, 1958) in supporting a predictive inference that a time bomb will explode, as the filmmakers intended. We designed two experiments and interpreted their results using the Scene Perception and Event Comprehension Theory (SPECT). Across both experiments, viewers watched the scene, we manipulated their knowledge of the bomb, and they made a predictive inference just before the bomb would explode. Experiment 1 found that the likelihood of predicting the explosion decreased when the soundtrack was absent. Experiment 2 showed that individual differences in working memory accounted for variability in generating the prediction when the soundtrack was absent. We explore the implications for filmmaking in general.
EFEK MEDAN ELEKTROMAGNET PADA MESIN BENSIN TERHADAP EMISI GAS BUANG DAN ENERGI PEMBAKARAN
Authors: Ulfiana Andi , Nufus Tatun H , Nuriskasari Isnanda , Lestari Sri
Published: April 2021

The purpose of this study was to analyze the effects of electromagnetic fields on combustion quality, especially on gasoline engines. One of the indicators of good combustion quality was environmentally friendly exhaust emissions and relatively large combustion energy. This research uses an experimental method, with the independent variables magnetic field strength and fuel. The field strength used in this study consisted of 4 variations, namely 647 Gauss, 847 Gauss, 1068 Gauss and 1419 gauss, while the fuel used was E0 (premium 100% bioethanol 0%), E10 (premium 90% bioethanol 10%), E20 (premium 80% bioethanol 20%), and E30. (premium 70% bioethanol 30%). The parameters of the electromagnetic field strength and various types of fuel composition were used to test exhaust gas emissions and combustion energy (as the dependent variable) on the 125cc MIO gasoline motorbike in 2018.The result was that the levels of CO2 exhaust emissions increased by 35% and CO levels decreased by 71%, combustion energy increases in the range of 13-21%. The greater the electromagnetic field provided, the more environmentally friendly the exhaust emissions are and the greater the combustion energy.
Analisis Kontrol Aliran Fluida Bervikositas Tinggi dengan Sensor Flow YF-S201 pada Otomatisasi Dispenser Minyak Goreng
Authors: Supriyanto Hadi
Published: April 2021

The purpose of Automation system on the Hygenist Automatic Frying Oil Dispenser making is to assist the frying oil sellers or suppliers in measuring the oil accurately and minimize the frying oil contamination. The dispenser is designed using pump and flowsensor to measure the frying oil pumped out. Electric valve or faucet is used to prevent contamination of the oil as the substitute of manual faucet. This study is focused on designing and making automation system on the frying oil dispenser, measuring time and volume accuracy of dispenser. Dispensers can be moved, capable of accommodating 50 Kg of oil and have a choice of two quantities; 500ml and 250ml.  As a result, flowsensor reading shows the same average frequency of 25 Hz and 35 Hz for filling 250 mL oil and 500 mL respectively. Time consumption for pumping 250 mL and 500 mL oil out from the dispenser is 8.85 s and 15,3 s respectively. Using delay program, the oil pumped out for 250 mL and 500 mL target volume need 5.75 s and 12 s delay time.
THE IMPORTANCE OF CULTURAL ECONOMY IN REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT POLICIES: TRB2 REGION AND VAN CITY
Authors: BAŞDOĞAN DENİZ Gülçinay , ENLİL Zeynep
Published: April 2021

In this study, the development problem of TRB2 Region and Van City is tried to be examined from the cultural economy. Accordingly, the financial support and grant schemes provided by the regional actors The Eastern Anatolia Development Agency (EADA) at the national level and the European Union (EU) at the international level to the TRB2 region and Van City were examined. Investments/subsidies/grants have been assessed on cultural investment and human scale. These were evaluated by the actors' own corporate classification, the international standard sector classification of all economic activities, cultural economy classification and human development index. In the research, the effects of active actors on the development of TRB2 Region and Van City in the period between 2004-2015, which sectors they gave priority in the development of TRB2 Region and Van City, the roles they assigned to TRB2 Region and Van City, the similarities and differences between their own institutional classification and the cultural economy and human development index classifications are aimed to be determined. As a result, the European Union (EU) has given priority to investments in social and human development within the framework of regional development policies. The Eastern Anatolia Development Agency (EADA), on the other hand, has adopted a growth model approach that includes different sectors.
REUTERS HABER AJANSINA GÖRE DOĞU AKDENİZ’DE YAŞANAN ENERJİ KAYNAKLARI MÜCADELESİNİN İÇERİK ANALİZİ VE ELEŞTİREL JEOPOLİTİK AÇISINDAN DEĞERLENDİRİLMESİ
Authors: TAŞKIN Emir , YILMAZ Mutlu
Published: April 2021

Doğu Akdeniz mevcut konumunun yarattığı avantajlar doğrultusunda geçmişten günümüze önemli bir jeopolitik alan olmuştur. Mevcut alan, yakın zamanda keşfedilen hidrokarbon kaynakları sonrasında devletlerarası siyasi ilişkileri etkileyen ve hâkimiyet mücadelelerinin yaşandığı bir jeoekonomik bölge olarak karşımıza çıkmaktadır. Keşfedilen ve muhtemel keşif sahaları üzerindeki hak sahipliği ve kaynakların çıkarımı konusunda bölge ülkeleri arasında anlaşmazlıklar yaşanmasıyla oluşan gerginlikler ülkeler arası söylemlere de yansımaktadır. Bu kapsamda mevcut çalışmada ülkelerin karşılıklı söylemleri, Reuters haber ajansının haberleri takip edilerek gün gün incelenmiş ve analiz edilmiştir. İlgili haberlerin hem içerik analizi yapılmış hem de haberlerdeki söylemler incelenerek altındaki gerçekliğin ortaya çıkarılması amaçlanmıştır. Bu süreçte ülke söylemleri eleştirel jeopolitik kapsamında yorumlanmıştır. Nitekim Doğu Akdeniz’deki hidrokarbon kaynaklarının varlığı, sahada fiziki mücadeleye dönüşmesinin yanında söylemsel açıdan yeni mekân ve kimlik tasavvurlarıyla gerçekleşmeye başlamış ve taraflar söylemler bağlamında birbirine üstünlük sağlamaya çalışmıştır. Bu kapsamda Avrupa Birliği, Yunanistan ve GKRY’nin ifadeleri üzerinden yaratılan Türkiye söylemleri zihinlerde yeni bir kimlik ve mekân temsilleri yaratmaktadır. Bu temsiller Türkiye’nin bölgede yasadışı ve kışkırtıcı faaliyetlerde bulunduğu üzerinedir. Türkiye ise Doğu Akdeniz özelinde kendisinin de haklarının olduğunu vurgulayarak, bölgede “hakları olan bir ülke kimliği” yaratmak isteğindedir. Çalışma hem içerik analizi hem de eleştirel jeopolitik bir okuma içermesi yönüyle, Doğu Akdeniz sorunsalına ilişkin farklı bakış açıları oluşturmaktadır.
Entropy weight TOPSIS evaluation of enterprise internal control quality based on fuzzy matter-element model
Authors: Tao Tian , Tiantian Zhang , Xiaoning Li , Dajian Tong
Published: April 2021

A TOPSIS evaluation index system of entropy weight of enterprise internal control quality based on fuzzy matter-element model was established to master the enterprise internal control quality comprehensively and analyze its influences on enterprise innovation performance accurately. Firstly, a composite fuzzy matter-element model was established based on the fuzzy matter-element theory. Secondly, weights of evaluation indexes were determined by the entropy weight method. Thirdly, the concept of relative closeness was developed by comparison with positive and negative ideal indexes. Finally, the internal control quality levels of 781 listed companies in Chin were measured by TOPSIS method. Results show that: weights of five level-1 indexes for enterprise internal control quality evaluation are different. Specifically, weights of Law & Regulation, Operation and Strategy are higher than those of Financial Statements and Assets Safety. In the level-2 index system, weights of “major litigation and arbitration cases”, “turnover of total assets” and “Tobin’s Q” occupy 66% of total weights. Listed companies which occupy the top10 position in term of internal control quality mainly belong to industries requiring strict monitoring and control over safety production. Enterprise internal control quality differs significantly among different industries. Research conclusions can provide methods and practical references to evaluate internal control quality of Chinese enterprises.
Main color extraction algorithm and its application in clothing image retrieval
Authors: Zhang Hong
Published: April 2021

In content-based clothing image retrieval, color features can best reflect the basic characteristics of clothing, and also the most stable visual features. Compared with other image features, color features have smaller size, orientation and visual dependence. This paper studies the application of dominant color extraction algorithm in clothing image retrieval, and proposes a clothing classification method based on dominant color ratio. Clothing image is divided into color clothing and non color clothing. On this basis, a main color extraction algorithm of clothing image color feature extraction is proposed. Taking the clothing color features as an example, the image features are analyzed, and then the SVM image classification algorithm is designed to analyze the image features. Then an improved scheme based on data mining technology is proposed, and the analysis model based on association rules is established. Finally, a method of standard man hour correction based on association rules is proposed. The experimental results show that, compared with the existing algorithms, the recall rate and accuracy rate are significantly improved for the clothing with simple or complex background, pattern and non pattern clothing. Analyze and divide the specific areas of clothing image, extract the main color of clothing image, share and recommend clothing image and color extraction results. This research not only has certain research significance, but also has certain practical application value.
A review on fuzzy preference modeling methods for group decision-making
Authors: Wang Guan , Wu Lingjiu , Liu Yusheng , Ye Xiaoping
Published: April 2021

With the rise of group decision-making and the increasingly complex decision-making environment, preference modeling for decision makers has become more and more important, and many preference modeling methods have emerged. Based on the fuzzy theory, researchers have proposed a large number of preference models to express the subjective uncertainty of decision makers. These methods based on fuzzy theory are collectively referred to as fuzzy preference modeling methods. The fuzzy sets preference model is the first practice of fuzzy theory used in the field of preference modeling, and it is still widely used by researchers until now. Subsequently, based on fuzzy theory, the researchers also proposed linguistic term sets and cloud model. These methods have different representation domains, and are applicable to different decision-making environment. In this paper we give a review of classical fuzzy preference modeling methods and its latest extensions and variants. After the presentation of comparative analyses on the existing methods, we figure out some current challenges and possible future development directions in the field of fuzzy preference modeling.
Nursing work intention, stress, and professionalism in response to the COVID-19 outbreak in Iran: A cross-sectional study
Authors: Zandian Hamed , Alipouri Sakha Minoo , Nasiri Elhameh , Zahirian Moghadam Telma
Published: April 2021

BACKGROUND: Professionalism, stress and demographic factors are the three key influences in nurses’ intention to provide care. OBJECTIVES: This study examined the levels of work intention, stress and professionalism of nurses and determine the relationship between nursing work intention and factors in response to COVID-19. METHODS: This cross-sectional study was conducted on 362 nurses from COVID-19-devoted hospitals in Iran. A self-administered electronic-based questionnaire was developed and used to determine levels of stress, professionalism, and nursing intention. Multiple regression analysis was carried out to analyze the correlation between nursing intention with respect to stress and professionalism. RESULTS: The overall stress, professionalism, and nursing intention scores were 48.56, 21.46, and 17.83 respectively. There were significant differences in nursing intention scores between gender, marital status, and having training groups (p < 0.05). The regression analysis revealed that nursing intention had a significant relationship with older age (p < 0.001,S.E = 1.11,B = 17.02), higher income level (p < 0.001,S.E = 1.81,B = 6.98), having previous training (p = 0.008,S.E = 1.22,B = 3.27), higher stress level (p < 0.001,S.E = 2.37,B = –21.39), and high professionalism level (p < 0.001,S.E = 1.16,B = 11.99). CONCLUSION: Having an adequate staff requirement plan, planning appropriate training for nurses, and proactive psychological support are crucial to prevent burnout and continue to provide nursing services.
Correlation between craniovertebral angle in the sagittal plane and angles and indices measured in the frontal plane at the moment of inducing forward head posture
Authors: Molaeifar Samira , Yazdani Farzaneh , Yoosefinejad Amin Kordi , Karimi Mohammad Taghi
Published: April 2021

BACKGROUND: Forward head posture (FHP) is the most common malposition in the head and neck area. With the growing use of digital devices, the prevalence of FHP may be expected to increase dramatically. Thus far, FHP has been evaluated only in the sagittal plane. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to measure angles and indices from anatomical landmarks in the frontal plane and determine the possible correlations between these variables and craniovertebral angle (CVA) as an index of FHP in the sagittal plane. METHODS: Fifty eight healthy individuals (29 men, 29 women) between 18 and 40 years old participated in this cross-sectional study. Participants were evaluated with an 8-camera motion analysis system. After markers were placed on predetermined landmarks, the participants were asked to maintain their head and neck in the neutral position for 5 seconds. Then participants induced FHP by flexing and lowering their head. The correlation between CVA and a set of angles and indices was calculated at the moment of FHP induction. RESULTS: A moderate correlation was observed between 3-D CVA and the angle formed between the sternum and both tragi for the whole sample and separately in both sexes. A moderate negative correlation was observed between 3-D CVA and height, weight, and BMI in women. A moderate negative correlation was observed between 3-D CVA and height, weight, BMI, and hours on digital devices in men. CONCLUSIONS: Changes in CVA in the sagittal plane can be predicted from changes in the angle formed between the midpoint of the sternum and the left and right tragi in the frontal plane.
Regression analysis of clustered interval-censored failure time data
Authors:   , Li Junlong
Published: April 2021

Clustered failure time data occur when the failure times of interest are clustered into small groups, while interval censoring occurs when the event of interest cannot be observed directly and is only known to have occurred over a time interval. Clustered failure time data often arise together with interval-censoring, which leads to the clustered interval-censored failure time data. In this dissertation, we will focus on the regression analysis of such data. In the first part of the dissertation, a regression analysis under a Cox frailty model is discussed by employing a sieve estimation procedure. In particular, a two-step algorithm is developed for the regression parameter estimation and the asymptotic properties of the resulting sieve maximum likelihood estimates are established. The second part of this dissertation proposes an estimating equation-based approach for the additive hazards model. A major advantage of the proposed method is that it does not involve estimation of any baseline hazard function. Both asymptotic and finite sample properties of the proposed estimates of regression parameters are established and the method is illustrated by the data arising from a lymphatic filariasis study. The last part of the dissertation considers the regression analysis of the same type of data in the context of the linear transformation models. For the inference about the regression parameters, a marginal model approach based on within-cluster resampling (WCR) method is proposed and its large sample properties are also established.
Characterization and functional significance of Msc2p and Zrg17p, which form a zinc transport complex in the endoplasmic reticulum of Saccharomyces cerevisiae
Authors:   , Ellis Charissa
   D.
Published: April 2021

We demonstrate a novel interaction between two members of the cation diffusion facilitator (CDF) family in Saccharomyces cerevisiae: Msc2p and a newly recognized CDF family member, Zrg17p. Both Msc2p and Zrg17p have been previously implicated in zinc homeostasis in yeast. In particular, ZRG17 was previously identified as a zinc regulated gene controlled by the zinc-responsive Zap1p transcription factor. We show that both Msc2p and Zrg17p are localized to the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) when expressed at normal levels. Zinc deficiency in yeast induces the unfolded protein response (UPR), a system normally activated by unfolded ER proteins. UPR induction in low zinc is exacerbated in msc2 and zrg17 mutants. Genetic and biochemical evidence indicate that this UPR induction is due to genuine ER dysfunction. Notably, ER-associated protein degradation (ERAD) is defective in zinc-limited msc2 mutants. Msc2p and Zrg17p physically interact, as determined by co-immunoprecipitation. Therefore, we propose that Msc2p and Zrg17p form a zinc transport complex in the ER membrane to maintain the function of this compartment. Zinc deficiency also upregulates the mammalian ER stress response, indicating a conserved requirement for zinc in ER function among eukaryotes. Lastly, ZnT5 and ZnT6, the closest mammalian homologues to Msc2p and Zrg17p, may also functionally interact, suggesting that interactions between CDF members may be a common phenomenon.We demonstrate a novel interaction between two members of the cation diffusion.
A qualitative investigation of the urban minority adolescent experience with wildlife
Authors:   , Van Velsor Stanley W.
Published: April 2021

An increase in urbanization has contributed to an increase in the general public's isolation from traditional uses of wildlife and led to changes in attitudes toward wildlife. Although the majority of people live in urban areas, urban wildlife has received relatively limited attention from public wildlife agencies. Additionally, the information that has been gathered is based on the attitudes of predominately White Americans in suburban environments. Ethnic minorities make up a significant percentage of the urban population in the United States, yet few studies have investigated the wildlife-related experience of these citizens. Understanding the urban realities and subjective meanings that shape people's lives is essential to effectively address the human dimensions of wildlife management programming in an urban environment. Using a grounded theory research approach (dimensional analysis), I identified 5 conditions in the lives of the study participants (i.e., attitudes toward wildlife, demographic characteristics of the participants, socialization, place of residence, and wildlife encounters) which are important factors in shaping 5 general processes (i.e., connecting with wildlife, negotiating safety, selective engagement with wildlife, enduring wildlife, wildlife disconnect) that describe the differing experiences of urban African American and Latino adolescents with respect to wildlife. The implications of these findings suggest that urban African American and Latino adolescents will demonstrate differing levels of engagement with wildlife management programming depending on their experience with wildlife, ranging from active engagement in wildlife management issues to complete disengagement with wildlife. These findings suggest that to foster an appreciation for the multiple values of wildlife and encourage supportive behavior for wildlife management programming, several conditions should be present in a developing child's life: 1) childhood access to and immersion in natural areas, 2) supportive mentoring from adults important in a child's life, 3) positive encounters with a variety of wildlife species, and 4) involvement in a variety of wildlife-related activities in a supportive environment.
Development of urban area geospatial information products from high resolution satellite imagery using advanced image analysis techniques
Authors:   , Shackelford Aaron K.
Published: April 2021

The latest generation of commercial satellite imaging sensors have a number of characteristics (e.g. high spatial resolution, multispectral bands, and quick revisit time), that make them ideal data sources for a variety of urban area applications. The goal of this doctoral research was to develop advanced automated and semi-automated image analysis and classification techniques for the extraction of urban area geospatial information products from commercial high-resolution satellite imagery. We developed two semi-automated urban land cover classification approaches, as well as fully automated techniques for road network and 2-D building footprint extraction. By utilizing fully automated feature extraction techniques for training data generation, a self-supervised classification approach was also developed. The self-supervised classifier is significantly more accurate than traditional classification approaches, and unlike traditional approaches it is fully automated. The development of automated and semi-automated techniques for generation of urban geospatial information products is of high importance not only for the many applications where they can be used but also because the large volume of data collected by these sensors exceeds the human capacity of trained image specialists to analyze. In addition, many applications, especially those for the military and intelligence communities, require near real time exploitation of the image data.
Effects of forest fragmentation on reproductive effort and productivity of Indigo buntings (Passerina cyanea)
Authors:   , Morris Dana L.
Published: April 2021

Forest fragmentation creates edge habitat that attracts nest predators that lower reproductive success and force birds to renest. To determine if predation-induced renesting causes a decline in condition of females and reduces productivity and offspring quality, I measured maternal condition and reproductive output of Indigo Buntings breeding in a fragmented and a contiguously forested landscape in Missouri. Renesting females had lower body condition than those that nested once successfully. As maternal condition declined with nesting attempt, stress hormone levels increased, suggesting poor-conditioned females lack the energetic reserves to meet increased demands. Additionally, females in poor condition produced small clutches and poor-conditioned nestlings. A higher proportion of nests containing all-female offspring indicates a bias in production of the smaller, less profitable sex in the fragmented landscape. These results suggest that increased reproductive effort associated with renesting imposes costs to breeding females and decreases their ability to invest in high quality offspring.
GABP regulation of the murine GABPa/ATPsynthase coupling factor six and human glutathione reductase promoters
Authors:   , Patton John David
Published: April 2021

GABPa is expressed from a bi-directional promoter expressing ATP synthase coupling factor six (CF6) in the opposite direction. This bi-directional promoter is regulated by GABP, indicating an autoregulation of GABPa. GABP is a redox sensitive transcription factor that either directly or indirectly regulates expression of many components of the electron transport chain and glutathione reductase (GSR). The electron transport chain is a major producer of oxidizing species. GSR acts to reduce glutathione and recycle it for further use as an antioxidant. The cellular response to oxidative stress is still being characterized and understanding the regulation of expression of GSR is a critical component. This dissertation focuses on the regulation of expression from the mGABPa/CF6 bi-directional promoter and the human glutathione reductase promoter.
A context-aware notification framework for developers of computer supported collaborative environments
Authors:   , Amelung Christopher J.
Published: April 2021

Researchers have identified user presence, awareness, and a sense of community as important components of Computer Supported Collaborative Environments (CSCE) (Dourish and Bellotti, 1992; Erickson and Kellogg, 2003; Moody, 2000; Prinz, 1999). To support user actions and interactions sufficient to create and sustain a sense of community, recent CSCE have been developed with notification systems to provide activity notifications to users. However, these notification systems typically transmit generic notifications as actions occur and do not provide mechanisms for analyzing and providing notifications based on user preference or social context. A challenge facing developers of CSCE is to create a notification system for delivering awareness information based on the ever-changing preferences, interests, and social contexts of users. To address this challenge, this study articulated and advanced a theoretical framework for developers to use when integrating activity notifications into existing CSCE. The proposed framework is based on the importance of user preferences and social context and is derived from the Locales Framework (Fitzpatrick, 1998). The principles of this new development framework are Social Context, Awareness in Context, Activity Discovery, Trends in Activity, Meaning of Activity, and Notification Customization. To evaluate the concepts of this framework, this study developed a context-aware activity notification system for an existing CSCE based on the framework's proposed principles. During the development process, it was determined that not only could the Framework for Notification be used to provide notifications based on user preference and social context, but the use of the proposed Framework afforded a richer understanding of the collaborative needs of users for both the theorists discussing the implications of activity notifications and the developers working to provide those notifications.
Human factors, automation, and alerting mechanisms in nursing home electronic health records
Authors:   , Alexander Gregory Lynn
Published: April 2021

The objective was to evaluate a clinical decision support system in an electronic medical record (EMR) to determine activation frequencies, patterns of activity, and how automated alerting mechanisms affect clinical responses in three Midwestern nursing homes where administrative staff had committed to implementing an EMR and clinical decision system called OneTouch Technologies. Automated alerts in the OneTouch EMR including constipation, decline in condition, dehydration, improvement in condition, skin integrity, weight gain, and weight loss were evaluated. Using alert calculations, frequencies of alerts and triggers were counted. Spearman's rank correlations were determined between the frequency of active alerts and the number of secondary diagnoses for residents. Finally, a comparison was made of clinical responses to active and non-active alerts. Alert data from two facilities totaling 155 days were included in the study. The most frequent alerts were dehydration and improvement in condition. One moderately significant positive correlation was found between the number of secondary diagnoses and weight gain alert frequencies in residents who had a CVA. There were significantly more responses than no clinical responses overall. However, there were as many clinical responses to conditions with no active alerts as active. The study concluded that frequencies of alerts is an indicator of how much information has to be managed in order to meet complex issues in nursing home residents. Automated alerts play a role in reminding nursing home staff of potential trouble spots in resident care.
Understanding students' technology appropriation and learning perceptions in online learning environments
Authors:   , Lin Yi-Mei
Published: April 2021

Distance education has the unique characteristic of using technologies as the primary means of delivery of instruction and interaction. The present study contributes to research dedicated to explaining or predicting phenomena related to distance education, and has four objectives: (1) to identify specific social and technological factors affecting online students' behavior of using technology, (2) to conceptualize a theoretical model to better represent the relationships among the salient factors, (3) to examine how the elements in the theoretical model influence students' learning perceptions and satisfaction in the distance education program, and (4) to compare the proposed model with prior work to model and explain online behavior and satisfaction. For the purpose of advancing understanding of the roles of social and technological factors in a distance learning environment, this study proposed a unified theoretical model based upon four attitude-behavior models, the Theory of Reasoned Action (TRA), the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM), the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB), and the decomposed TPB. By reviewing and identifying salient factors in each model, this study attempts to construct a measurable Unified Model of Technology Appropriation (UMTA) integrating the identified factors so as to best overcome the limitations of each model. The study investigated a distance education program providing both a physical and virtual place to support enrolled students in a Midwest state university to learn knowledge and skills by doing. Instructional materials and supports were delivered through a network-based learning system as well as other communication tools. Data collection included self-report questionnaires and computer-recorded system usage data. Among the statistically significant paths found in UMTA, subjective norm (instructor/mentor/peer influence) had the strongest relationship to students' technology appropriation behavior, while perceived behavioral control (self-efficacy and technology/resource facilitating conditions) had the strongest impact on students' satisfaction. These findings have important implications for system designers, online educators, and distance education program managers. In order to reduce students' frustration, not only online instructors but also program managers need to provide and assure the availability of external supports including mentoring and technical supports. System designers, on the other hand, have to enhance the system's ease of use through good design and by providing clear instructions. Results of the present study should help to better manage online courses by focusing attention on social influences and control factors in a distance education program..
The poisson problem on Lipschitz domains
Authors:   , Mayboroda Svitlana
Published: April 2021

The aim of this work is to describe the sharp ranges of indices, for which the Poisson problem for Laplacian with Dirichlet or Neumann boundary conditions is well-posed on the scales of Besov and Triebel-Lizorkin spaces on arbitrary Lipschitz domains. The main theorems we prove extend the work of D. Jerison and C. Kenig [JFA, 95], whose methods and results are largely restricted to the case p_ 1, and answer the open problem #3.2.21 on p. 121 in C. Kenig's book in the most complete fashion. When specialized to Hardy spaces, our results provide a solution of a (strengthened form of a) conjecture made by D.-C. Chang, S.Krantz and E. Stein regarding the regularity of the Green potentials on Hardy spaces in Lipschitz domains. The corollaries of our main results include new proofs and various extensions of: Hardy space estimates for Green potentials in convex domains due to V. Adolfsson, B.Dahlberg, S. Fromm, D. Jerison, G.Verchota and T.Wolff and the Lp - Lq estimates for the gradients of Green potentials in Lipschitz domains, due to B. Dahlberg.
Physical inactivity induced dysregulation of skeletal muscle and adipose tissue metabolism
Authors:   , Kump David S.
Published: April 2021

There has been a precipitous decline in the daily physical activity in humans that has been accompanied by an epidemic rise in the incidence of obesity and type II diabetes. This rapid decline in physical activity in humans was simulated using a rate model where male rats that were physically active on voluntary running wheels for 21 days had their running wheels locked for 5-53 hours. During this time frame (between 5 and 53 hours of reduced physical activity), there is decreased insulin sensitivity in the epitrochlearis muscle, an increase in the mass of the epididymal and omental fat depots, and an increase in the size of epididymal adipocytes. In the epitrochlearis muscle, there was a decrease in multiple descriptive indices of insulin receptor activation that was associated with the decreased insulin sensitivity. In epididymal fat, there was an increase in triacylglycerol synthesis above that of animals that did not have access to running wheels; this was paralleled by an increase in the enzyme activity of mitochondrial glycerol-3-phosphate acyltransferase (GPAT), a key regulatory point in the triacylglycerol synthesis pathway. An increase in mitochondrial GPAT protein is at least partly responsible for the increased enzyme activity. These studies provide a seminal foundation of mechanistic insights on how reduced physical activity elicits physiological changes that are commonly associated with common modern chronic diseases.
Evaluation of soy hulls as the principal ingredient in a beef cattle receiving ration
Authors:   , Bunyecha Kija Faustin
Published: April 2021

Adjusting cattle to grain based diets from predominately forage diets remains one of the production problems facing beef cattle producers. When cattle are introduced to grain based diets they have a tendency to experience health problems such as acidosis, founder, and bloat. This study used statistical and economic analysis methods to evaluate soy hulls (SH) as the principal ingredient in a beef cattle receiving ration. Results showed that weight and average daily gain of beef steers fed 0 % SH and 25 % SH were statistically similar. Animals fed 0 % SH yielded slightly higher net benefits due to lower cost of purchasing the animals. Feed costs for animals fed 0 % SH were slightly higher than those fed 25 % SH. Net benefits per pound of gain showed 25 % SH as the most economic ration. Rations containing 50 % SH or 75 % SH performed poorly.This study has demonstrated that a ration containing 25 % SH is a potential alternative choice in the formulation of beef cattle receiving rations. Although its effect in the feedlot phase is unknown, the implications of the study includes: First, as soy hulls become part of an array of ingredients, producers will have greater flexibility of choosing ingredients for formulating receiving rations. Second, as farmers become responsive with the use of soy hulls, its demand may increase and this could also increase its price. Thus, soy hulls could become a driver of farm-gate soybean prices received by farmers.
Multi-scale investigations of gray treefrong movements: patterns of migration, dispersal, and gene flow
Authors:   , Johnson Jarrett Reed
Published: April 2021

The movement of individuals within and among populations has been recognized as an important determinant of the persistence of species. Fragmentation of terrestrial landscapes has exacerbated the need to understand the effects of changes to the core habitat of mobile organisms and has led to an increase in the use of metapopulation theory in conservation biology. I have determined the spatial scale of migratory movements, the location of overwintering locations, and the biotic and abiotic factors determining microhabitat use. Further, I have demonstrated the effects of matrix composition on the frequency of inter-pond movements and elucidated historical patterns of gene flow across central Missouri. My data indicate that migration through terrestrial habitat adjacent to breeding sites is extensive. Furthermore, dispersal success is affected by matrix composition and inter-pond distance, but juveniles and adults are differently inhibited. Lastly, the type of metapopulation dynamics exhibited by associations of gray treefrog populations depends upon the degree of geographic isolation and the presence of barriers to movement.
Spatially explicit and stochastic forest landscape model of fire disturbance and succession
Authors:   , Yang Jian
Published: April 2021

Fire disturbance plays an important role in shaping ecosystem dynamics and vegetation patterns in many forested landscapes. This dissertation is dedicated to the modeling of fire disturbance in spatially explicit and stochastic forest landscape models, in particular, LANDIS model. A hierarchical fire frequency model was proposed to model fire occurrence. Four representative fire spread simulation methods were implemented in LANDIS. I compared fire patterns simulated using the four fire spread simulation methods under two fire occurrence process scenarios that are fuel-independent and fuel-dependent. Results showed that the incorporation of fuel into fire occurrence modeling greatly changes simulated fire patterns. Lastly, I used point process modeling approach to study the effects humans and other factors on the probability of fire occurrence in the Missouri Ozark Highlands. The spatial distribution of fire occurrence density, which is one of the results from point pattern modeling, can be further used in LANDIS as an input map for simulating fire occurrence.
The assimilation of in-laws: the impact of newcomers on the structuration of families
Authors:   , Prentice Carolyn M.
Published: April 2021

In this study, 42 participants (including newlyweds, parents of newlyweds, and siblings of newlyweds) were interviewed about their relationships with their in-laws. Most of the participants reported that they liked their in-laws and wanted to maintain good relationships with them, while only four of the participants reported problematic inlaw relationships. However, participants reported differing levels of discomfort with their in-laws when their routines differed for everyday life, holiday celebrations, religious practice, gift-giving, and interpersonal interactions. Families rarely communicated their routines directly. Instead they continued with their everyday routines and expected the newcomer to fit in. The newcomers found it easy to adjust to some routines that were similar to their own, but they felt confused or rebellious in response to other routines. The newcomers attempted to create roles for themselves in their spouse's families, and sometimes both the newcomer and the family of the spouse learned new values, created new routines, and found new ways to interact. Participants also reported that tensions existed between the married couple and their larger families regarding how much time the couple should spend with their families. These findings suggest that problematic inlaw relationships may be due to differences in family routines and communication patterns.
Melodrama's afterlife : Jane Eyre, David Copperfield, and The Woman in White from the Victorian stage to the silent screen
Authors:   , Laird Karen
Published: April 2021

Unique in building a much-needed bridge between fiction, theatre, and film, "Melodrama's Afterlife" proves that writers working in all three genres throughout the long Victorian era engaged in a reciprocal relationship bound by their common use of melodrama. Covering dramatic adaptations of Jane Eyre, David Copperfield, and The Woman in White staged between 1848 and 1878 in London and New York, this dissertation argues that the first playwrights prioritized experimentation over fidelity to their source texts. These three case studies reveal the Victorians to be pioneers in the art of adaptation. Silent film directors depended more heavily upon these Victorian playscripts as sources for their film adaptations than the original novels. By unearthing the adaptation strategies of the Victorian theatre and early twentieth-century cinema, "Melodrama's Afterlife" ultimately challenges the theory predominant among adaptation scholars today, which holds that the experimentation evident in contemporary film adaptations represents a revolutionary break from a century-long concern with fidelity to the written word. This study proves that our new focus on originality and experimentation in film adaptation is not so much a breaking away from an older model of film adaptation. Instead, it is a return to Modernist adaptation approaches that were rooted in Victorian melodrama.
"It's gonna be some drama!" : a content analytical study of the portrayals of African Americans and historically black colleges and universities on BET's College Hill
Authors:   , Smith Siobhan
Published: April 2021

One way the mainstream public comes to learn about Historically Black Colleges or Universities is through the media. Reality television show College Hill, aired by Black Entertainment Television, appeared to have the goal of presenting the unique aspects of HBCU life. In spite of this objective, some critics and scholars argued the program fell short, relying on familiar and negative stereotypes to present the majority African-American casts, to the detriment of the reputation of these institutions. To explore this possibility, a content analysis of Seasons 3 and 4 of the program (30 episodes) was conducted. It was found that in general, behaviors and traits of the African-American cast members both supported and contradicted previously established, culturally-based stereotypes of African Americans, and that their appearances suggested normalcy. However, African-American women were portrayed in a significantly more negative manner than their male counterparts. In addition, out of the 327 scenes, only 43 (13.1%) had a reference to the HBCU; 30 scene-level references (69.8%) were to academic goals. Further, while the show mostly depicted the cast members interacting independently of the HBCU backdrop, it appears when the HBCU was referenced on the scene-level, most of these references portray academic, rather than social, concerns. Contrary to the literature regarding College Hill, instances of goals occurred statistically significantly more than instances of anti-goals. In addition, all of these references were considered positive on the episode-level. These findings suggest it is possible that some of the negative portrayals of the cast members might become inseparable from the portrayal of the HBCUs in the mind of the viewer.
A modeling approach to ultrasound evaluation of material properties
Authors:   , Waluyo Sri
Published: April 2021

A method for estimating the mechanical properties of a viscoelastic sample from ultrasound measurements was developed. The sample was represented as a mechanical network according to the Kelvin-Voigt model and linear state-space equations were derived to describe the system dynamics. Four parameters can be extracted by comparing the model with measured transmission waves. These parameters can be related to viscoelastic properties of the sample. Broadband pseudo-random binary sequences were designed and used to perturb the sample. The Levenberg-Marquardt method was employed to adjust the model parameters and the least-squares algorithm was used to obtain optimal model parameter estimates. Model verification showed that the algorithm developed could converge to known model parameters. Estimated model parameters showed consistency and reflected known facts about the materials tested. The model could capture the major dynamics of transmitted ultrasonic waves and allow repeatable estimation of model parameters. The model parameters could not only differentiate the materials tested but also follow expected trends of variation. The model parameters were useful for sensory crispness prediction and crispness was more correlated to the elastic modulus than to viscosity, which is consistent with existing research.
Physics-based predictions of RNA loop stability and structures
Authors:   , Liu Liang
Published: April 2021

[ACCESS RESTRICTED TO THE UNIVERSITY OF MISSOURI AT AUTHOR'S REQUEST.] RNA (ribonucleic acid) molecules play a variety of crucial roles in cellular functions at the level of transcription, translation and gene regulation. RNA functions are tied to structures. We aim to develop a novel free energy-based model for RNA structures, especially for RNA loops and junctions. In the first project, we develop a new conformational entropy model for RNA structures consisting of multiple helices connected by cross-linked loops. The basic strategy of our approach is to decompose the whole structure into a number of three-body building blocks, where each building block consists of a loop and two helices that are directly connected to the two ends of the loop. Assembly of the building blocks gives the entropy of the whole structure. The method provide a solid first step toward a systematic development of an entropy and free energy model for complex tertiary folds for RNA and other biopolymer. In the second project, based on the survey of all the known RNA structures, we derive a set of virtual bond-based scoring functions for the different types of dinucleotides. To circumvent the problem of reference state selection, we apply an iterative method to extract the effective potential, based on the complete conformational ensemble. With such a set of knowledge-based energy parameters, for a given sequence, we can successfully identify the native structure (the best-scored structure) from a set of structural decoys.