bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Finite element modeling of stress-strain state of girderless floor construction caused by progressive collapse
Authors: Podshivalov I. I.
Published: February 2023

Purpose: Finite element modeling (FEM) of the stress-strain state of the five-storey frame building with girderless floors and the basement caused by progressive collapse.

Methodology: FEM is performed in the MicroFe software with the removal of the medium column  in  the  basement  using  the  limit  equilibrium  theory.  Development  of  the  three-dimensional model on a rigid base.

Research findings: It is shown that progressive collapse of girderless floors is impossible after the removal of the medium column in the basement of the experimental building.
Thermal plasma sintering of forsterite ceramics
Authors: Shekhovtsov V. V. , Skripnikova N. K. , Kunts O. A.
Published: February 2023

To date, new synthesis methods of forsterite (Mg2SiO4) ceramics are being searched for refractory industry. The limiting factor of Mg2SiO4  synthesis is its high melting point of 1890 °C, which makes it difficult to conduct experimental studies.

The paper proposes a new method of forsterite synthesis based on thermal plasma. The plasma source is an effective medium for heating and melting refractory materials. For the Mg2SiO4synthesis, such initial materials are used as natural and sub-standard raw materials (silica sand sifting, microsilica, magnesite). The degree of crystallinity varies from 10 to 98 %, which allows studying the formation of the phase composition at different parameters.

According to powder X-ray diffraction patterns, at a MgO/SiO2stoichiometric ratio of 1.34, the obtained melting products consist up to 90 % Mg2SiO4and the X-ray amorphous phase content varies from 5 to 12 %. After isothermal exposure, the amorphous phase is represented by silicon dioxide in the polymorphic modification of cristobalite. According to scanning electron microscopy observations, the formation of hexagonal close-packed crystals occurs on the surface of the ceramic sample, with the size ranging from 180 to 250 µm. The elemental composition of the crystal consists of ~ 38.60 wt. % O, ~ 28.54 wt. % Mg, ~ 26.92 wt. % Si, which matches the theoretical composition of Mg2SiO4. A detailed analysis of a single crystal shows that the surface structure consists of acicular microcrystals arranged symmetrically, but at the same time overlapping each other, thereby forming a lattice structure. The growth angle between the cubic microcrystals tends to ~87–94 degrees.
Architecture and planning of indoor winter sports complexes
Authors: Chernyshova A. N. , Skoblitskaya Yu. A.
Published: February 2023

Purpose: The aim of this work is to identify the possibility of mass winter sports, architecture of winter sports complexes. It should be noted that not only the quantity, but also the quality of these complexes is important.

Methodology: Description of the architecture and planning of indoor winter sports complexes. The introduction of such complexes in Russia are considered. Based on statistical data, the most popular winter sports are identified, for which the appearance of complexes is more significant. The general plan and main functional units of complexes are identified.

Practical implications: The quality development and improvement of sports, allowing athletes to train in any season. This will give rise to the architecture of these structures.

Originality/value: The impossibility of holding classes in winter sports all year round, development of the architecture of winter sports complexes, determination of promising options for the development of such complexes.
Architecture of academic institution buildings in Ekaterinodar
Authors: Chebereva O. N. , Strelnikova E. Yu.
Published: February 2023

The article describes spatial planning solutions of educational institutions in Ekaterinodar, built in the middle of the 19th century until the revolution in 1917. Historical, social, humanitarian and other factors that improve architectural solutions of these buildings are identified. Conclusions are drawn about architectural and planning solutions and modernization of original educational institutions, including those survived to present days and the historical buildings of Krasnodar.
Convenient living environment in standard buildings built in the 1950–80s
Authors: Gorbacheva T. A. , Smolina O. O.
Published: February 2023

The convenient living environment has to be currently improved be means of ergonomic recommendations for further redevelopment of buildings in conditions associated with their moral and physical deterioration in the 20th century. The ergonometric analysis is based a widespread model of residential buildings built in the 1950-80s throughout  the country.

Purpose: The analysis of planning structures of standard buildings according to the transit movement in the apartment, zoning and mutual arrangement of ergonomic premises.

Methodology/approach: Terminological and theoretical comparative analyses and modeling; calculation of the coefficient of non-straightness in the planning structure of such buildings; evaluation of convenience of planning structures according to the transit movement, zoning and mutual arrangement of premises.

Research findings: The econometric analysis of two types of movement in the apartment. Functional and planning zoning and relative location of premises are selected and schematically shown. Coefficients of non-straightness are calculated. Evaluation of convenience according to the transit movement, zoning and mutual arrangement of premises.

Originality: The ergonometric analysis of standard residential buildings conducted for the shortest distances and premise location relative to each other.
Production and Characterization of Bioethanol from De-oiled Seeds Cake of Rothmannialongiflora Using Saccharomyces cerevisiae
Authors: Mohammed S  , Buhari Idris  , Muhammad M. U  , Baki S.A
Published: February 2023

The motive of the research is production of bioethanol from deffated seeds cake of Rothmannia longiflora and analysis of its physical/chemical properties. The fermentation process was optimized for maximum ethanol yield considering four parameters; temperature, pH and yeast concentration. The statistical analysis revealed that pH and temperature are the most influential parameters affecting the ethanol yield. The maximum ethanol yield of 11.14 g/cm3 was observed at the following optimum conditions; pH of 6, temperature of 30oC and yeast concentration of 2 %. The produced ethanol was subjected to fuel properties analysis. The structural investigation of the derived bioethanol was conducted using FT-IR analysis and it confirmed the characteristics bands of ethanol at 3369.52 cm-1, 2918.5 and 2844.0 cm-1. Some fuel properties were found to be consistent with ASTM standard and to those of conventional ethanol. The study revealed the viability of Rothmannia longiflora seeds cake as promising feedstock for bioethanol production.
Process planning of Door Handle Component Manufacturing Process at PT. Pindad Engineering Indonesia
Authors: Hata Achmad , Saragih Albert Daniel
Published: February 2023

Pindad Enjiniring Indonesia has a make-to-order strategy so that in its activities, it has production activities that are different from the parameters of the machining process. These parameters are taken in manufacturing Release Plate, Carrier Arm, and Padlock components in front door handle projects that were previously made using conventional machines with process planning charged to the operator. This shows that in PT. Pindad Enjiniring Indonesia has no communication between engineering and operators. To overcome these issues, a methodology was carried out that is tailored to particular needs. The methodology uses process planning technology with outputs of working plans with tools to facilitate the production process. The final result of this study was in the form of a working plan document that can be a solution to facilitate communication between the engineering departments with the operator. Thus, the machining/ production time can be significantly reduced to reach the optimum time.
Performance Analysis of Filling Machine Using Overall Equipment Effectiveness Metric in Beverage Company
Authors: Junaedi Didi , Lesmana Sakti Aji , Roswandi Iwan , Bramastro Ahmad
Published: February 2023

The purpose of this study is to measure the machine’s performance in the filling process which often experiences damage to one of the companies engaged in the food sector that produces coffee and goat milk powder sachet packaging. The company targets the production process results on coffee products as much as 15,600 sachets per day. In Filling Line 3 machines, there are often losses caused by machine breaks, so the daily production target is not achieved. The method used is the machine performance measurement method (OEE) which consists of 3 factors, namely Availability, Performance, and Quality. The results of the study were obtained from the Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE) value for the period of December 2021 (53.4%), January 2022 (60.6%), February 2022 (61%), and March 2022 (63.3%). The OEE value obtained from the calculation is still too far from the World Class standard (85%). The factors in the Six Big Losses analysis that caused the low OEE value consisted of Equipment Failure (52.7%), and Setup & Adjustment (30.7%). The proposed improvements that can be used to increase the effectiveness value of the machine include that the company must conduct training for employees and add maintenance operators. Making SOPs for workers must also be considered because SOPs are standards passed by the company to be followed. The company must also monitor the engine components used.
Design and Implementation of Inventory Management System in the Analytical Development Laboratory
Authors: Norita Defi
Published: February 2023

The importance of information technology in a company to support the running of business processes in the company effectively. With the existence of information technology, incoming and outgoing goods can be recorded properly so as to minimize the occurrence of stock outs of goods that are not regulated. Until now, the inventory system in companies, especially in the Analytical Development Laboratory, still uses a manual process, namely using a logbook, starting from usage, purchasing requests and stock-taking processes, which are still done manually. Data collection was carried out by means of observation, interviews, and field studies. The waterfall method used by the authors in this study uses the working principles of this method, namely from needs analysis, design, implementation, verification, and maintenance. The existence of this latest system will further accelerate the processing of raw material information and reduce stock outs at the Analytical Development Laboratory. This system is made using Microsoft Access applications from design to database
Organizational Dynamics of Islamic Education Institutions
Authors: Khuseini Ahmad , Abidin Zainal , Warisno Andi , Andari An An , Anshori M Afif
Published: February 2023

In this library research, we discuss 1) What is the birth background and history of Mathlaul Anwar’s Social Religious and Educational Organization? 2) The role of Mathlaul Anwar in the field of education and social religion; 3) What are the future challenges for Mathlaul Anwar in realizing the Socio-Religious and Educational Vision? The result found the birth and history of Mathlaul Anwar’s social religious and educational organization was to respond to the conditions of Banten at that time. The role of Mathlaul Anwar in the field of education and social religion. The future challenge for Mathlaul Anwar in realizing his socio-religious and educational vision is Mathlaul Anwar’s temptation from practical politics and extracting financial resources for the organization.
The Rise and Development of Madrasas in Indonesia
Authors: Sarifah Sarifah , Kadarusman Haris , Warisno Andi , Andari An An , Anshori M Afif
Published: February 2023

Madrasa is an educational institution that has gone through a long process as an educational institution. The emergence of madrasas as higher education institutions after non-formal educational institutions in previous times was due to the expansion of Islamic areas and the development of science which resulted in the consideration of these educational institutions as Islamic educational institutions which were no longer considered capable and adequate for the continuity of Islamic education. especially for those who wish to continue on to higher education. The emergence of the Nizhamiyah madrasah was basically a reaction to the development of Shi’ah understanding at that time, which began in the fourth century. This understanding seems to have developed so rapidly in many Islamic areas that were promoted by the Fatimid dynasty in Egypt. Bearing in mind that it was not enough to fight Shi’ah with force of arms, the government at that time fortified society from Shi’ah influence through education. So since then, madrasas have begun to develop institutionally and autonomously from various regions and develop as a whole as institutions that are sovereign in the power of Islamic political elites as purification of Islamic teachings from an early age and are legally institutionalized.
The Effect of Gadget Management on Student’s Learning Motivation
Authors: Sajdah Meilisa , Uyun Muhammad , Isnaini Muhammad , Defnaldi Defnaldi
Published: February 2023

The primary goal of this study is to identify, describe, and analyze the impact of the management variable of the X1 device (gadget) and the variable of student learning motivation (Y). In order to determine the impact of gadgets on the learning motivation of class IX students at SMP Negeri 10 Kotabumi, this study employs quantitative research methods with 60 participants. A closed questionnaire with multiple choice answers was used to collect data. The research data collected was analyzed using descriptive analysis techniques. The findings revealed that the use of gadgets had a very strong influence on the learning motivation of class VII students of SMP Negeri 10 Kotabumi.
Midterm evaluation of USAID Tulonge Afya Project
Authors: Kahabuka Catherine , Mshamu Salum , Jani Nrupa , Hoffmann Kamden
Published: February 2023

This report examines findings from a mid-term evaluation conducted by Breakthrough RESEARCH, a USAID-funded research and evaluation project. The purpose of this evaluation is to provide recommendations to enhance the effectiveness of USAID Tulonge Afya’s strategies and activities as the program enters year three. The evaluation identified successes, promising strategies, and interventions that can be sustained throughout the life of the project and scaled-up to other regions and districts. The evaluation also helps to identify facilitating and limiting factors for implementing a complex, integrated social and behavior change communication (SBCC) program, with applications for the future of this project as well as future integrated SBCC programming globally.
Understanding how the identity development of Division II student-athletes impacts student behavior
Authors:   , Martensen Stephanie Wilhelm
Published: February 2023

This qualitative study explores how Division II, National Collegiate Athletic Association, athletes who study STEM developed their identities as a collegiate athlete and STEM student. This researcher conducted semi-structured interviews with 10 student-athletes to learn from their first-hand experiences how they entered the world of sport and STEM, what they have learned from being a Division II student-athlete, and how they managed their dual roles. This study found the influence of family and friends to be an important part of how student-athletes chose to participate in collegiate athletics while studying a STEM major. The choice to be a Division II athlete is due to the focus of both athletics and academics, with a competition schedule that keeps travel time to a minimum. Division II student-athletes in the study learned how to set and reach goals, while working through obstacles with determination and perseverance. Managing dual roles on campus is possible due to mentors and a supportive athletic department. Campus resources and a sense of community also provide needed support for the students. By understanding their identity development, campus stakeholders can better understand how to support these students as they manage the expectations of their dual roles.
Spatiotemporal patterns of earthquakes and their implications for earthquake hazards
Authors:   , Chen Yuxuan
Published: February 2023

[EMBARGOED UNTIL 5/1/2023] This work focuses on characterizing spatiotemporal patterns of earthquakes, their possible causes, and their implications for seismic hazard assessment. I studied both local and global earthquakes in the view of complex fault systems. Specifically, I studied the background seismicity and long-lived aftershock activities in intraplate North China and the Central and Eastern United State (CEUS), and characterized the correlation between strain rate and seismicity and evaluated the prediction power of strain rate in different tectonic settings. I found that periodic or quasiperiodic earthquake recurrence on individual faults, as predicted by the elastic rebound model, is not common in nature. Instead, most earthquake sequences are complex and variable, and often show clusters of events separated by long but irregular intervals of quiescence. The common earthquake clustering may be caused by earthquake-induced viscoelastic relaxation and fault interaction. Most earthquake sequences are burstier than the Poisson model, implying a higher probability of repeating events soon after a large earthquake. Possible long-lived aftershocks are found in intraplate North China and the CEUS. Background seismicity in intraplate regions may vary with time, highlighting the complexity of intraplate seismicity. Mistakenly identifying long-lived aftershocks as background earthquakes may overestimate seismic hazard in intraplate regions. The correlation between strain rate and seismicity varies between different tectonic settings and is time-dependent. Good strain rate-seismicity correlations are found in plate boundary regions and during seismically active periods, while no correlations are found in stable continents and during inactive periods. All these variations need to be considered in hazard assessment.
Extraction, optimization, and characterization of chia seed mucilage as an emerging biopolymer
Authors:   , Barazandegan Yasmin
Published: February 2023

Continuous population growth and decreasing food resources will create tremendous challenges in providing sufficient food in the future. For the food industry, specifically food scientists, this means finding and/or developing sustainable functional foods or ingredients which are easily accessible and safe for the human body and the environment. Moreover, current concerns about global warming have been increasing interest in plant-based ingredients as opposed to animal-based ones. Plant seeds are storage containers packed with fats, proteins, carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals. Many of these seed components have physicochemical and structural properties that make them particularly useful for the food industry. Considering this, this study focuses on the chia seed by finding a way to extract its mucilage, an emerging biopolymer, while enhancing the yield without using any chemicals (clean label) in the extraction process. The optimization was done through response surface methodology (RSM), achieving a higher amount of yield with less extraction time compared to other similar studies, which were validated experimentally. As the CSM naturally has a very low density, novel approaches were used to incorporate it in experiments, such as FTIR and SEM. In addition, due to its considerable waterholding capacity and protein content, we investigated the possibility of using it in O/W emulsion systems and studied its emulsification properties. The possibility of incorporating this biomaterial into different food systems opens new ways to develop and modify food formulations. In summary, this study provides some information on the potential applications of CSM in different sectors of the food industry.
Living buildings as communication tools and informal learning environments for sustainable building education
Authors:   , Akturk Aysegul
Published: February 2023

The idea that sustainable buildings can be used as teaching tools for both formal and informal environmental education and sustainable building education (SBE) has gained attention in both research and practice. Evidence bases from existing studies show that buildings can engage their users in sustainability themes through architectural design, organization, and programming and communicate various SBE messages. However, the nature, process, and components of this architectural communication remain largely unexplored by empirical researchers. This dissertation research links the theories of communication and pedagogical architecture to address this gap and offers a conceptual framework--Components of Informative Architectural Communication in Sustainable Buildings--to explore (a) the source (design and programming team) and their educational intentions; (b) channel (the building itself with their features, communication strategies, etc.); (c) messages (the content for sustainable building knowledge); and (d) receivers (building users such as occupants and visitors) and their learning outcomes. Comparing the intended and received SBE messages provides a way to measure the success (effectiveness) of the mentioned communication. This qualitative case study uses the offered conceptual framework to examine three living buildings, types of sustainable buildings with higher performance goals and educational intention. Interviews with design team members and occupants (which include personal meaning map drawings), field observations, and documentations are the main data collection methods, and the data is analyzed with mixed methods. Findings show that several architectural, interpretational, interactional, and promotional strategies are employed in living buildings to communicate sustainable building knowledge. And occupying living buildings for lengths of time on a daily, weekly, and/or annual basis, compared to people who come for short periods of time, makes a significant difference in receiving the messages (sustainable building knowledge gain). Based on both theoretical and empirical findings, this work concludes with key insights and implications for practitioners and future directions for research on pedagogical architecture and living buildings.
Predicting disrespectful tourist behavior: the role of stereotypes about residents, social contagion, and psychological entitlement
Authors:   , Im Yeon Sook (Angie)
Published: February 2023

Disrespectful tourist behavior has affected the wellness of the tourist industry, the residents and communities of destinations, and other tourists. Despite its negative impact, existing knowledge on such behavior is rudimentary. Acknowledging this, the current research examined the contextual, intrapersonal, and interpersonal factors that influence disrespectful tourist behavior. Using a quantitative survey research method, data were collected from a crowdsourced online sample. The contextual influence model assessed the impact of stereotypes about residents on disrespectful tourist behavior, contingent on the stereotype content model. The intrapersonal influence model examined the impact of psychological entitlement on tourist behavior. The interpersonal influence model investigated the impact of an affective appraisal of others' inappropriate behavior on the observers' moral disengagement. The findings of the study indicated that positive stereotypes about residents predicted destination affinity. In addition, destination animosity increased tourist moral disengagement, and individual psychological entitlement had a significant influence on tourist moral disengagement. The results of the study also show that disrespectful tourist behavior was socially contagious when an individual had feelings of envy toward the observed behavior. The results of the study are interpreted, and the theoretical and practical implications are discussed accordingly.
Identification of immune-related gene signatures to evaluate immunotherapeutic response in cancer patients using exploratory subgroup discovery
Authors:   , Kholod Olha
Published: February 2023

Phenotypic and genotypic heterogeneity are characteristic features of cancer patients. To tackle patients[trademark] heterogeneity, immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) represent one of the most promising therapeutic approaches. However, approximately 50 percent of cancer patients that are eligible for treatment with ICIs will not respond well, which motivates the exploration of immunotherapy in combination with either targeted treatments or chemotherapy. Over the years, multiple patient stratification techniques have been developed to identify homogenous patient subgroups, although, matching patient subgroup to treatment option that can improve patients[trademark] health outcome remains a challenging task. We extend our exploratory subgroup discovery algorithm to identify patient subpopulations that can potentially benefit from immuno-targeted combination therapies or chemoimmunotherapy in five cancer types: Head and Neck Squamous Carcinoma (HNSC), Lung Adenocarcinoma (LUAD), Lung Squamous Carcinoma (LUSC), Skin Cutaneous Melanoma (SKCM) and Triple-Negative Breast Cancer (TNBC). We employ various regression models to identify immune-related gene signatures and drug targets that increase the likelihood of partial remission on combination therapies, either immunotargeted regimen or chemoimmunotherapy. Moreover, our pipelines can pinpoint adverse drug effects associated with predicted drug combinations. In addition, we uncovered distinct immune cell populations (T-cells, B-cells, Myeloid, NK-cells) for TNBC patients that differentiate patients with partial remission from patients with progressive disease after chemoimmunotherapy. Finally, we incorporate our methodological developments on Mutational Forks Formalism that enable an assessment of patient-specific flow by leveraging information from multiple single-nucleotide alterations to adjust the transitional likelihoods that are solely based on the canonical view of a disease. Our suit of methods can help to better select responders for combination therapies and improve health outcome for cancer patients with limited treatment options.
What am I gonna do with my life?: exploring the transitional experiences of former Division 1 Black, male, first-generation college basketball and football student-athletes into the world of work
Authors:   , Lewis Christopher D.
Published: February 2023

The transition into the world of work for Division 1 student-athletes is important because there are slim chances to achieve a professional athletic playing career. This research study aims to explore the career transitional experiences of former Division 1 Black, male, first-generation college basketball and football student-athletes as they hold overrepresented identities in Division 1 basketball and football. Specifically, the research aims to address these questions: (1) What factors affect how former Division 1 Black, male, first-generation college basketball and football student-athletes navigate their transition from sport into sport-related careers not involving competitive athletic play? (2) What factors affect how former Division 1 Black, male, first-generation college basketball and football student-athletes navigate their transition from sport into nonsport- related careers? Data collection occurred through 70- to 110-minute semi-structured interviews with 7 former Division 1 Black, male, first-generation college basketball and football student-athletes. Interviews shared during college and after college experiences that shaped their transition into sport-related and non-sport-related careers. Findings from this study presented five emergent themes addressing the research questions: (1) Athletic Identity Reinforcement, (2) Lack of Self-Directed Choices, (3) Connection through Identifiable Spaces, (4) Village-Based Support, and (5) Career Decision-Making Difficulties. These findings illustrate the complications of pursuing career planning while participating in Division 1 basketball and football.
Mobile truck entrepreneurship: motivations and strategies of non-food mobile retail truck entrepreneurs in the United States
Authors:   , Link Stephanie A.
Published: February 2023

This dissertation set out to explore the emerging phenomenon of modern mobile retail trucks opening for business across the United States starting in the early 2010s. Thirty-one participants were interviewed, and the data collected was used to glean a further understanding of who mobile retailers are and the key motivations drawing these individuals to alternative retail spaces on wheels. This study was conducted using qualitative methods and thirty-one participants participated in in-depth interviews. A grounded theory approach was used to inform data interpretation and allowed the themes to emerge directly from the data. The data sorted participants into four cohorts, just out of school (10), career shift (9), escapist (8), and retired hobbiest (4). Four primary motivations emerged among participants, need for flexibility, desire for autonomy, creativity, and social interaction. All of these motivations were representative across the four cohorts; however, each cohort emphasized the motivations in different combinations. All the participants had access to high-speed internet and relied on smartphones for many daily business activities. This study can offer contributions to both academia and the retail industry giving insight into this emerging retail venue. Study limitations include the short duration of the study and the small number of participants, which does not allow for the data to be generalized across all mobile retailers. This study offers a preliminary exploratory view of the phenomenon of modern mobile retail emerging across the United States.
Evaluating the perceptions of pre-service teachers' personal and professional readiness to teach culturally and linguistically diverse students
Authors:   , Mc Cree Nikita
Published: February 2023

This study examines preservice teachers from Historically Black Colleges and Universities and non-Historically Black Colleges and Universities and their perceptions of being personal and professional ready to teach culturally and linguistically diverse students with and without disabilities. Their exposure to the three characteristics of "teacher preparation for diversity" (Akiba, 2011) is also examined. Ninety-two preservice teachers from HBCUs and non-HBCUs across the United States completed a questionnaire about their experiences and perceptions of professional and personal readiness to teach culturally and linguistically diverse students. Quantitative results showed that diverse field experiences, instructor modeling culturally responsive practices and town size were significant predictors of professional and personal readiness to teach culturally diverse students. Implications for teacher preparation programs and future research are discussed.
Preservice teachers' sociopolitical consciousness in light of the racial disparities highlighted by the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors:   , Oertli R. Tanner
Published: February 2023

Socioscientific issues (SSI) such as COVID-19 and climate change often highlight the inequalities that structural racism creates. If we ever wish to equitably solve these issues, we require a population that has the scientific literacy and the sociopolitical consciousness to do so. Yet, the push for culturally relevant education has had little movement in science education, partially because of the acultural view of science but also from the colorblind ideologies often held by teachers. The purpose of this pre-experimental study was to determine if a pre-service elementary science methods course that applies the SSI Teaching and Learning Framework for Social Justice promoted participant's sociopolitical consciousness, reduced their colorblind ideologies, and increased their socioscientific reasoning (SSR) skills. Linear mixed-effects regression models were run to assess these outcomes. Results indicate that preservice teachers' colorblind ideologies and socioscientific reasoning skills did not change through the semester. However, a statistically significant increase in their sociopolitical consciousness was found and this increase could be predicted by one of the components of SSR, perspective taking. Implications of these findings are discussed.
El proyecto de recontrucci�n moral espiritista de Luisa Capetillo: de la edificaci�n del individuo a la comunidad global
Authors:   , Salam�n S�nchez Ginna Marie
Published: February 2023

Esta investigaci�n examina el espiritismo como filosof�a moral en la narrativa de Luisa Capetillo (1879-1922). Mi prop�sito es demostrar que la autora construye su discurso �tico utilizando como base el trabajo del franc�s Allan Kardec (1804-1869), el cual reformula y adapta en respuesta a las necesidades que ella identifica en los subgrupos del campesinado, del proletariado y de las mujeres, tanto en la sociedad puertorrique�a de inicios del Siglo XX como en otras comunidades obreras alrededor del mundo. Asimismo, tengo como objetivo apuntar cu�les son los espacios que mejorar en la filosof�a kardecista que la ensayista identifica y c�mo �sta se nutre del anarquismo y del comunismo para transformar la doctrina espiritista en una que fomenta la igualdad, la fraternidad y la justicia social, y que a su vez reniega fuertemente del clero, el sistema de clases y de la subordinaci�n de la mujer. Con mi estudio, pretendo demostrar que la narrativa capetillana es un discurso subversivo redactado y al mismo tiempo ejemplificado mediante la pr�ctica de la santidad laica. Dicho discurso trabaja los temas de salud e higiene, educaci�n y feminismo desde una perspectiva espiritista por el bienestar com�n. Por tanto, tambi�n pretendo evidenciar que la autora es una voz alternativa marginalizada que propone un proyecto de reconstrucci�n moral que inicia en el individuo y se expande hasta la edificaci�n de una comunidad global. Por �ltimo, busco subrayar c�mo y por qu� el proyecto de ella se opone al discurso nacionalista de la hegemon�a de la �poca y c�mo al mismo tiempo, en ocasiones, su propuesta se vuelve t�mida y se queda dentro de la estructura vertical y heteronormativa establecida por la clase dominante. Para realizar este an�lisis se estudian los cuatro libros publicados por Capetillo, mayormente con un enfoque en sus textos no ficcionales. Sus t�tulos son Ensayos libertarios (1907), La humanidad en el futuro (1910), Mi opini�n sobre los derechos, responsabilidades y deberes de la mujer (1911) e Influencias de las Ideas Modernas (1916). El estudio de estas cuatro publicaciones lo apoyo principalmente en la teor�a de la construcci�n de las naciones en Benedict Anderson en Comunidades imaginadas (1993) y la teor�a de las tres l�gicas de la construcci�n de la hegemon�a de Javier Balsa. Adem�s, se utilizan como apoyo las ideas de Doris Sommer desarrolladas en Ficciones fundacionales (2004) y las de An�bal Gonz�lez estipuladas en Journalism and the Development of Spanish American Narrative (1993) para sustentar c�mo se refleja la construcci�n de los discursos moralistas y nacionalistas en la narrativa finisecular del siglo XIX y de inicios del siglo XX.
The role of Cdc42 Rho GTPase in the cystic fibrosis intestinal epithelial barrier
Authors:   , Woode Rowena A.
Published: February 2023

Cystic fibrosis (CF) is caused by mutations in the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) gene. People with CF and CF mouse models experience increased intestinal permeability, but the molecular mechanisms linking CFTR dysfunction with intestinal barrier dysfunction are not well understood. Previously, we demonstrated that intracellular pH (pHi) is increased in Cftr KO mouse intestinal epithelium compared to wild-type (WT). Loss of Cftr-mediated Cl- and HCO3- conductance increased pHi and Dishevelled (Dvl)-mediated Wnt/[beta]-catenin signaling and intestinal stem cell proliferation. Dvl also transduces the noncanonical Wnt/planar cell polarity (PCP) signaling pathway to activate the Rho GTPases RhoA, Rac1, and Cdc42 to regulate the cytoskeleton and tight junction remodeling during cell proliferation and migration. We hypothesized that Dvl-mediated transduction of the Wnt/PCP pathway in CF would lead to increased tight junction remodeling and paracellular permeability. In this study, we show that Cftr KO mouse enteroids have increased paracellular permeability in vitro, but not CFTR KO Caco-2 monolayers when compared to WT. Regardless, Cdc42 activity is increased in CF to maintain barrier function in the hyperproliferative CF intestinal epithelium.
Reliable and structural deep neural networks
Authors:   , Yuan Jianhe
Published: February 2023

Deep neural networks have dominated a wide range of computer vision research recently. However, recent studies have shown that deep neural networks are sensitive to adversarial perturbations. The limitations of deep networks cause reliability concerns in real-world problems and demonstrate that computational behaviors differ from humans. In this dissertation, we focus on investigating the characteristic of deep neural networks. The first part of this dissertation proposed an effective defense method against adversarial examples. We introduced an ensemble generative network with feedback loops, which use the feature-level denoising modules to improve the defense capability for adversarial examples. We then discussed the vulnerability of deep neural networks. We explored a consistency and sensitivity-guided attack method in a low-dimensional space, which can effectively generate adversarial examples, even in a black-box manner. Our proposed approach illustrated that the adversarial examples are transferable across different networks and universal in deep networks. The last part of this dissertation focuses on rethinking the structure and behavior of deep neural networks. Rather than enhancing defense methods against attacks, we take a further step toward developing a new structure of neural networks, which provide a dynamic link between the feature map representation and their graph-based structural representation. In addition, we introduced a new feature interaction method based on the vision transformer. The new structure can learn to dynamically select the most discriminative features and help deep networks improve the generalization ability.
Enhancing Missouri agritourism: a comprehensive evaluation of visitors' intrinsic motivation, environmental behavior, and satisfaction
Authors:   , Baby Jibin
Published: February 2023

[EMBARGOED UNTIL 12/1/2023] Unstable farm income and the desire to diversify revenue sources have increased the significance of agritourism as an alternative economic opportunity for farmers and ranchers. In Missouri, agriculture and tourism contribute an annual economic impact of $93.7B and $13.5B, respectively. Agritourism connects the top two economic drivers and has been identified as the most meaningful complementary business for farmers to generate additional income and mitigate the financial uncertainties associated with the traditional farming enterprise. Visitors' satisfaction is critical in operating a successful agritourism business because it influences the choice of destination, the consumption of products and services, and their decision to return. This study examined the relationship between Missouri agritourism visitors' intrinsic motivation, environmental behavior, satisfaction, and revisit and recommendation intentions. The study also analyzed the moderating effects of visitors' COVID-19 emotions and clustered them based on their enduring involvement. An online survey was conducted among Missouri agritourism visitors who had visited any agritourism destination since 2020. Six hundred fifteen responses were collected as a part of the survey and considered for the data analysis. The respondents were divided into two groups (High Vs. Low) based on their COVID-19 emotions related to agritourism. The results revealed a significant direct relationship among the study variables. Regarding the moderating effects, the two groups showed significant differences in the relationship between their intrinsic motivations and satisfaction with destination and risk attributes and between their environmental behavior and satisfaction with the destination, risk, and food attributes. Along with this, based on the enduring involvement, the visitors were divided into three clusters: Agritourism lovers, Greenies, and Neophytes. Assessing visitors' overall satisfaction will enable agritourism operators, industry experts, policy makers, and others to take corrective actions, critical business decisions, and formulate appropriate policies for the sustainable development of this important sector of the tourism industry. Future promotional, educational, and marketing tools could be developed and designed based on the findings of this study.
Virtual reality as a communication medium: investigating the impact of virtual embodiment on various stakeholders of an architecture project
Authors:   , Dastmalchi Mohammad Reza
Published: February 2023

[EMBARGOED UNTIL 12/1/2023] Researchers argue that our body and our intentional actions in the environment impact how we perceive and understand the world. In the last few decades, the theory of embodied cognition has been tested across different disciplines using VR systems. Immersive technologies, such as VR, emerged a few decades ago, and are now finding increased adoption in architecture and interior design with workflows becoming easier and cost of technology becoming more affordable. In this study, the author investigated the effects of virtual embodiment on design comprehension in individuals with and without architectural design backgrounds. Virtual embodiment refers to the idea of having a virtual body or avatar, being inside and in control of the avatar. Virtual embodiment was operationalized as 'body representation' and 'agency.' Body representation was systematically manipulated using two levels of 'full body' avatar and 'hands only.' Agency was manipulated using 'direct' and 'indirect interaction.' The results suggest that virtual embodiment affect perception and cognition of architects and non-architects in a different manner. Furthermore, the findings suggest that body representation and interaction both contribute to the notion of agency and can have a compensatory effect.
Deep learning and DCT-based hand-crafted features for computer vision tasks
Authors:   , Gao Ke
Published: February 2023

[EMBARGOED UNTIL 12/1/2023] Feature extraction and matching are critical components for many computer vision tasks including camera pose estimation, 3D reconstruction, simultaneous localization and mapping (SLAM), and object tracking, etc. Features are image patterns that have distinctive characteristics in its immediate neighborhood and are generally unique structures such as keypoints, lines, and shapes. Effectiveness of a feature is heavily dependent on the data and problem. For instance, aerial video presents challenges due to oblique viewing angles, perspective shape distortions, and numerous repetitive objects and textures. Consequently, it is important to design features optimized for specific applications like Structure-from-Motion (SfM) and scene perception. In this dissertation, we developed several feature detection, matching, and tracking pipelines for various computer vision tasks. First, we proposed two novel discrete cosine transform-based feature descriptors for robustly matching and tracking feature keypoints across oblique views in city-scale aerial video. Second, we introduced a similar frequency domain descriptor for line segment matching to complement keypoint features particularly for image sequences with low-texture scenes. Third, we evaluated local features for camera pose estimation accuracy on simulated aerial imagery within 3D reconstructions pipelines and demonstrated that the proposed hand-crafted features with optimized parameters still outperform the state-of-the-art deep learning based features. Besides, we developed a fusion-based single object tracker suitable for hover and stare mode of unmanned aerial vehicles such as drones. Finally, we applied the feature detection and tracking techniques to plant images and proposed a seam carving inspired root tracing and growth analysis pipeline.
An intersectional, ecological inquiry of risk and protective factors for gender based violence among female Indian graduate students at a Midwestern university
Authors:   , Kiger Amy L.
Published: February 2023

[EMBARGOED UNTIL 12/1/2023] This case study of a pseudonymous university in the Midwestern United States examines risk and protective factors for experiencing gender-based violence among a specific student population: female graduate students from India studying in the U.S. Utilizing an intersectional lens within a social ecological model, this research aims to contribute to the nascent literature regarding the unique positionalities of international graduate students and their risk for, or protection from, experiencing gender-based violence while studying abroad in the United States.
Exploring perinatal prescription opioid use and misuse in rural settings
Authors:   , Morton Jamie L.
Published: February 2023

[EMBARGOED UNTIL 12/1/2023] Escalation of perinatal opioid use/misuse occurring during prenatal and postpartum phases has become a national public health concern due to the associated significant health risks to both maternal and fetal health. Many pregnant and postpartum women who use/misuse prescription opioids report either physical or emotional pain but the sources, co-occurrence, and timing of the factors underlying perinatal opioid use and misuse are poorly understood. Guided by the Theory of Symptom Management, three specific aims were designed to explore 1) the pain-related experiences, 2) the social-environmental factors and experiences, and 3) the healthcare-related experiences of women who used/misused prescription opioids during the perinatal period. A qualitative descriptive design was used, which allowed for exploration and discovery of a woman's complex journey that led to her decision to use/misuse prescription opioids and conducted the study with a purposeful sample of 12 childbearing-aged women residing within the US between October 2021 and July 2022. A semi-structured interview guide was used to collect data from participants in individual interviews, which were recorded, transcribed verbatim, and manually coded. Three major themes emerged from the data that highlighted perinatal women's opioid use/misuse experiences were: 1) Participants' sources of pain, pain experiences, and attempts at physical and emotional pain management, 2) The complicated dependency journey participants experienced that consist of the pathway to use/misuse, generational influences, resiliency, and motherhood's intersection with dependency and 3) The intersection of the women and the systems in which they live. Results of this study brings forth clues to the underlying pain-related elements of perinatal women']s use/misuse of opioids, where there is a tangled web of trauma, lack of resources including social support, and a total distrust of the system that has failed them during their lifetime. The women's shared experiences provide clear implications for targeted social-environmental and healthcare related interventions that could help reduce the initiation and perpetuation of use/misuse and assist these women's journey to recovery and motherhood.