bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Shepherding Network Security Protocols as They Transition to New Atmospheres: A New Paradigm in Network Protocol Analysis
Authors:   , Talkington Gregory Joshua
Published: February 2025

The solutions presented in this dissertation describe a new paradigm in which we shepherd these network security protocols through atmosphere transitions, offering new ways to analyze and monitor the state of the protocol. The approach involves identifying a protocols transitional weaknesses through adaption of formal models, measuring the weakness as it exists in the wild by statically analyzing applications, and show how to use network traffic analysis to monitor protocol implementations going into the future. Throughout the effort, we follow the popular Open Authorization protocol in its attempts to apply its web-based roots to a mobile atmosphere. To pinpoint protocol deficiencies, we first adapt a well regarded formal analysis and show it insufficient in the characterization of mobile applications, tying its transitional weaknesses to implementation issues and delivering a reanalysis of the proof. We then measure the prevalence of this weakness by statically analyzing over 11,000 Android applications. While looking through source code, we develop new methods to find sensitive protocol information, overcome hurdles like obfuscation, and provide interfaces for later modeling, all while achieving a false positive rate of below 10 percent. We then use network analysis to detect and verify application implementations. By collecting network traffic from Android applications that use OAuth, we produce a set of metrics that when fed into machine learning classifiers, can identify if the OAuth implementation is correct. The challenges include encrypted network communication, heterogeneous device types, and the labeling of training data.
"Homage to Nancarrow" from "Estudios de Frontera for 5 Percussion Players" by Alejandro Viñao: A Rhythmic Analysis and Performance Practice Guide
Authors:   , Kilgore Matthew Ryan
Published: February 2025

The Peabody Conservatory commissioned Estudios De Frontera by Alejandro Viñao in 2004. Percussionist Robert Van Sice initiated the commissioning process. Estudios De Frontera is the first composition for percussion ensemble by Viñao. Viñao's Estudios is written in two movements. The first is titled Homage to Nancarrow. As the title implies the compositional processes are directly influenced by Conlon Nancarrow. The composer states: "Homage to Nancarrow is concerned with the perceptual illusion of multiple simultaneous speeds or tempi....This movement explores the type of rhythms that create the illusion that multiple independent tempi are being heard while remaining playable by musicians." The purpose of this document is to provide a rhythmic analysis describing the techniques used by Chopin, Ligeti, and Nancarrow, and demonstrating their manifestation in the first movement of Alejandro Viñao's Estudios de Frontera. The analysis provides detailed information in regards to Nancarrow's rhythmic structures including: ostinato, hemiola, isorhythm, accelerations, and implied poly-tempo. Additionally, by seeking advice from notable performers and ensembles, the areas of greatest concern are identified, and strategies towards rehearsal and performance are recommended. The performance guide is included as an appendix to the analytic body of the paper.
Impact of Market State on Momentum Portfolio Risk and Performance: A Risk-Based Explanation
Authors:   , Ren He
Published: February 2025

The momentum puzzle, i.e., stocks that have performed better in the past tend to perform better in the future, has been a constant challenge to classic finance theory. Prior research has failed to provide valid risk-based explanations because winner portfolios do not exhibit higher risk characteristics. Without a convincing risk explanation, the persistence of momentum profit is a violation of the efficient market hypothesis. Today, the momentum puzzle remains one of the very few major anomalies that cannot be explained by Fama-French factor models. I find prior empirical efforts to measure momentum profits and its sources are contaminated by the state of the market during both formation and holding periods. By looking into different market states, classified by both traditional and non-traditional bull and bear market definition, I find the key to at least partially solve the momentum mystery. Momentum stocks are riskier when formed in bull market, and momentum profit is much higher in continuation of market than reverses of market condition, lending empirical support to a risk-based explanation. My definition of market states is essentially based on the risk premium of major risk factors. When market risk is considered a risk factor, if realized market risk premium is positive, it is a bull market; when size is considered a proxy for risk factor, if SMB (small minus big risk premium) is positive, it is a bull market; when valuation (book-to-market) ratio is a proxy for risk factor, if HML (High-minus-Low risk premium) is positive, it is a bull market. This paper also explores simulations using models based on the positive relationship between risk and return. The simulation result confirms that at least part of the momentum profit can be explained by risk.
Tchaikovsky's Piano Concerto No. 1 In B-Flat Minor, Op. 23: A Newly Arranged Edition of the Orchestral Reduction
Authors:   , Parys Marcin
Published: February 2025

As it stands, only one arrangement of Tchaikovsky's Piano Concerto No. 1, Op. 23 orchestral reduction exists, which is by Tchaikovsky himself. A number of critical editions of the piece exist, but none of them cover the subject of the material within the orchestral reduction. Tchaikovsky wrote the reduction from a compositional rather than a pianistic perspective, thus some passages present awkward technical challenges. The purpose of this dissertation is ultimately to contribute to the repertoire of accompanists by producing a new edition of Tchaikovsky's Piano Concerto No. 1. I created my arrangement through a process of practical trial and error as well as observing the strategies used by other arrangers of orchestral reductions. Through a series of carefully selected omissions, note rearrangements, visual adjustments, and editorial changes, I simplified the reduction as a whole. I sought to improve the readability of the music by reducing accidentals as much as possible and also incorporating small-print cues into the main staves. Each minor adjustment or major revision contributes cumulatively to the ease of execution of the accompanimental part as a whole. Although Tchaikovsky's reduction is authentic and authoritative, a newly revised and simplified version would be useful for collaborative pianists. Thus, I have chosen to create an alternative version of Tchaikovsky's reduction, while still retaining as much of the original material as possible. This edition focuses solely on the collaborative pianist's part.
Learning Management System Facilitated Blended Learning in Secondary Schools
Authors:   , Clewell Kelly Sue
Published: February 2025

The relatively new utilization of learning management system (LMS) facilitated blended learning in secondary public schools has grown in popularity, but there is a void in research at this level. Teachers learned how to use the LMS features and honed their blended learning design skills through their own experiences, and in observation of their students' experiences. In this study, the knowledge teachers built and the decisions they made while designing blended learning were explored. In this mixed-methods study, the quantitative and qualitative results aligned, indicating that teachers design courses using a variety of components, often in different ways. Six themes emerged. The relationships between themes were used to create a theoretical visual of the factors impacting secondary teachers' decisions in the design of LMS-facilitated blended learning. Teacher design decisions were focused on the impact their choices would have on students. Variation in course design was purposely used by teachers to differentiate for students individually; however, variation was also the result of design challenges blocking teachers from a specific design choice. The implications for practice primarily focus on removing the design challenges. The results of this study add to other foundational studies to begin to fill the research gap in the area of LMS-facilitated blended learning design in secondary schools.
Highly Motivated, High-Achieving, Economically Disadvantaged Middle School Students: A Self-Determination Theory Perspective
Authors:   , Minyard Michael
Published: February 2025

To conduct this qualitative dissertation study, a phenomenological approach was utilized. The purpose of the study was to examine the perspectives of highly motivated, economically disadvantaged, middle school students to discover the factors that they identified as integral to their overall development and their intrinsic motivation, over time, to learn. A key component of this study was to give voice to the students who participated in this study and utilize their perspectives as a primary data source. Participants in this study included six middle school students, identified as economically disadvantaged, two from fifth grade and four from the seventh grade. Self-determination theory was used as a theoretical framework to guide and inform the analysis of students' perspectives, obtained through individual, semi-structured interviews with each student and classroom observations. Six themes, related to students' intrinsic motivation to learn and succeed in school, were identified. Extrinsic factors were also prominent. Although students expressed a true love of learning, they also acknowledged that external factors such as grades and testing influenced their motivation to learn. Autonomy, competence, and relatedness were major factors at play in the school, classrooms, and homes of these students. Recommendation for practice suggest that teachers, administrators, and parents shift their emphasis away from testing and grades to a greater focus on the internal factors that motivate students to learn so students will be more likely to enjoy the learning process and develop, both in school and over their life span, a love of learning in the process.
Twenty-First Century Local Food Farmers in North Texas: An Evaluation of Farming Methods, Best Practices, and Common Struggles
Authors:   , McFarland Kelly
Published: February 2025

Research with local farmers and local food consumers in the North Texas area which captures a contemporary understanding of the challenges and successes present in North Texas local farm-and-food networks. Through ethnographic research methods, including participant-observation and semi-structured interviews, the network of producers and consumers around several farmers' markets were evaluated to understand where the strengths of local food lie, and where networks need development to promote a more stable local food environment. Texas is newer to the trend of farmers' market development, with the local food system developed to foster community, educate, and promote the advantages of locally sourced goods. This research led to the academic discovery of climate adaptive ecological knowledge and farm commodification strategies; which are tools that farmers may use to build greater defense against threats to a farm's livelihood.
Construction Management Methods and Techniques in Army Tactical Shelter
Authors:   , Yeganehtalab Babak
Published: February 2025

This thesis presents a research effort aimed at developing using construction methods and techniques in army tactical shelter. The beginning step focuses on developing and identifying different activities and work breakdown structure applicable in shelter prototype. The next step focuses on identifying resource allocation. This include allocate resources based on the delivered project as per alternative one and for the second alternative as optimization, resource allocation modified and tried to level and minimize resource peak. In addition, the cost calculated for the whole project as well as for each WBS and activities which consider as alternative one and in the second alternative, cost mitigation applied according to available resources and adjusting predecessors and successors of each activity. In conclusion, two alternatives compared, available outcome presents, and future work suggested for the project team to continue this effort.
The Effects of D.A.N.C.E. Training on Staff Teaching Interactions, Child Goal Responding, and Staff-Child Harmonious Engagement in an Autism Intervention Organization
Authors:   , Tavera Marlene Lucy
Published: February 2025

This study was conducted at a nonprofit organization whose mission is to provide responsive, caring, and effective services to children with autism. The purpose of this study was to analyze the effects of D.A.N.C.E. training on teaching interactions, harmonious engagement, instructional engagement, and progress on child goals for two early and intensive behavioral intervention (EIBI) staff and the children in their care. A multiple baseline design was employed to evaluate the effectiveness of the training. Results indicated that staff increased teaching interactions and maintained instructional engagement; that children increased target goal responses; and that harmonious engagement between the two increased for both dyads. These results are discussed in the context of measurement, training, and social validity.
William Gillock's Contributions to Piano Pedagogy: A Comparison of Three Works of Gillock with Selected Stylistic Models from the Baroque, Classical, and Romantic Repertoire
Authors:   , Zhan Le
Published: February 2025

William Gillock, a 20th-century American composer and pedagogue, composed numerous works in the styles of different periods for early intermediate-level piano students. The purpose of this dissertation is to introduce Gillock's pieces to teachers of early intermediate students and illustrate how they can be used as a bridge to the study of similar music from Baroque, Classical, and Romantic periods. Gillock's Little Suite in Baroque Style is compared with Handel's Suite in E Major, HWV 430; his Accent on Analytical Sonatinas (Classical) is compared with Clementi's Piano Sonatinas, Op. 36, No. 3, 5, 6; and his Lyric Preludes in Romantic Style (Romantic) is compared with Chopin's 24 Preludes, Op. 28, No. 3, 6, 9, 16, 18, and 24. Each work is examined to reveal its compositional and technical elements along with pedagogical concepts.
A Case Study of Leadership Supports of Job-Embedded Professional Development
Authors:   , Jones Amber
Published: February 2025

Professional development is a critical part of school improvement and enhancing teacher quality; yet there is limited literature about how principals design and lead effective professional development systems. The research activities in this qualitative single case study explored the leadership practices at one successful school implementing job-embedded professional development. A conceptual framework relating Hallinger's leadership for learning construct to professional development helped frame the research. Collected data included participant interviews, a focus group interview, observations, and relevant document analysis. These data were analyzed using a general inductive method to identify the prevailing leadership characteristics. The major themes that emerged during analysis were: (a) vision and goals, (b) high expectations, (c) structures and resources, (d) communication, (e) monitoring progress and providing recognition, (f) focused and ongoing professional development, (g) differentiated professional development, (h) trust and professionalism, (i) culture of learning and growth, (j) building capacity, and (k) collaboration. These themes aligned well with the initial conceptual framework. These findings support the concept that leadership for learning may have implications for school leaders trying to implement effective job-embedded professional development.
An Empirical Investigation into the Value of Credit Lines
Authors:   , Al-Ghamdi Saleh A.
Published: February 2025

Access to adequate liquidity to finance future investments is an essential element of financial management. The two main questions that this dissertation attempts to answer are (i) what is the net valuation effect of LoC? and (ii) if LoC create value, what are the sources of this value? To answer these questions, I constructed a sample of 85,232 firm-years spanning from 1993 to 2016, with credit line data obtained from Capital IQ and Bloomberg. I investigated the valuation effects of LoC with a methodology extensively used in the analysis of the valuation implications of cash. I used this methodology because cash and LoC are two alternatives to manage liquidity and estimated the changes in shareholders' value associated with changes in existing LoC undrawn balances and on new LoC agreements. The results from this analysis demonstrates a positive association between increases in LoC capacity and shareholder's value. These findings are also obtained in univariate and event study analyses. The results also suggest that LoC create more value for firms that are rich in cash, indicating the LoC and cash are complementary liquidity management tools. I then focused on the sources of the value created by credit lines. I examined whether information asymmetry plays a role in LoC valuation by analyzing the association between firm value and LoC for firms with high- and low-information asymmetric. I also studied whether LoCs reduce agency problems by comparing firm value and LoC capacity in both poorly and well-governed firms. Furthermore, I examined whether firms benefit from an increase in financial flexibility provided by access to credit lines. I found results consistent with LoC being more valuable for firms with higher levels of informational asymmetries. The analysis also suggests that LoCs with longer maturity create more value than those with shorter maturity. Surprisingly, I find limited support for the hypothesis that shareholders place a higher value on LoCs in increasing financial flexibility. Moreover, I found no support for the role of credit lines in reducing agency problems.
Women in the Foreign Service: A Case Study of Margaret Parx Hays, 1942-1964
Authors:   , Craig Maddison L.
Published: February 2025

This project seeks to include the historical significance of women in the Foreign Service and subsequently the United States Department of State between 1942 and 1964. Using the life and experience of Margaret Parx Hays, one of fewer than three hundred female foreign service officers before 1960, this study explores the importance of examining women at the "ground level." This narrative examines the life of Hays at several different duty stations and her experience navigating a male-dominant workplace congruent to the political and diplomatic missions of each stations. Hays was stationed in Buenos Aires, Argentina (1942-1945); Bogota, Columbia (1945-1947); Rio de Janeiro, Brazil (1948-1950); Washington D.C., U.S. (1951-1954; 1959-1962); Manila, Philippines (1954-1956); Mexico City, Mexico (1956-1958); and Hong Kong, China (1962-1964). Throughout the deployment at each station, Hays was confronted with major political events in her duty station's history or in the intersection of American foreign and domestic policy. Through the use of Hays's archived collection of personal papers, including letters and newspapers, this thesis presents a more representative story about women and about the Department of State as a larger whole than previous scholarship that has ignored how gender affected diplomatic history.
When Does Race Matter in Music Education?: An Exploration of Race, Racial Hegemony, and Predominantly Latinx Secondary Music Programs through the Theory of Racial Formation
Authors:   , Escalante Samuel
Published: February 2025

Latinx students are underrepresented among high school music students in the United States, nationally. However, localized demographics in some parts of the country reveal secondary music programs that are comprised nearly entirely of Latinx students. Still, the experiences of such a large and racially marginalized population as Latinx students remain under-researched in the field of music education. To explore how Latinx racial identity may inform the experiences of Latinx music students and their music teachers, I conducted a post-qualitative study of students and teachers in music classes at large secondary schools in which the Latinx population is 95 percent or more. Data were collected through in-depth, semi-structured interviews with music students and their teachers. To guide my thinking on the role of race in the lives of the participants, I incorporated Omi and Winant's (2015) theory of racial formation throughout the data analysis. Overall findings indicated that race informs much of the experiences of the participants in varying, sometimes subtle ways. Through racism, racial resistance, the formation of racial identity, and the incorporation of both colorblind ideology and race consciousness, the participants provided nuance as to how we may regard the role and significance of race in music education. Implications for developing a racial-justice-oriented paradigm in music education are also discussed.
A Content Analysis of Sustainable Information and Communication Technology Use in K-12 Education
Authors:   , Martinez Bonnie M.
Published: February 2025

The purpose of this study is to provide a content analysis of specific studies that involve sustainable information and communication technology (ICT) use in K-12 education in the U.S. The results from the content analysis were used to identify factors that may contribute to the sustainable implementation of technologies in K-12 instruction. Factors from specific studies from 2000 to 2018 that have implemented ICT in instruction for three years or more were analyzed. The findings from the analysis may be helpful in developing a conceptual framework listing possible sustainability factors for K-12 school districts using technology in instruction. The results may also be beneficial to educational policy makers, school administrators, and educational stakeholders.
Origins of Roman Infantry Equipment: Innovation and Celtic Influence
Authors:   , Martin Ian A.
Published: February 2025

The Romans were known for taking technology and advancements from other peoples they encountered and making them their own. This pattern holds true in military affairs; indeed, little of the Roman military was indigenously developed. This dissertation looks at the origins of the Roman's mainline weapons systems from the beginning of Roman Republic expansion in the fourth century BC to the abandonment of Western-style armaments in favor of Eastern style ones beginning in the late-third century AD. This dissertation determines that the Romans during that time relied predominately on the Celtic peoples of Europe for the majority of their military equipment. One arrives at this conclusion by examining at the origins of the major weapons groups: armor, shields, spears, swords, and missile weapons. This determination is based on the use of ancient written sources, artistic sources, and archaeological sources. It also uses the large body of modern scholarship on the individual weapons. The goal is to produce a unified work that addresses the origins of all weapons in order to see if there is an overarching impact on the Roman military from outside cultures. When one studies whence the weapons that ended up in Romans hands originated, a decided Celtic influence is easily found. That does not mean the Romans did not advance those weapons. The Romans proved very adroit at improving upon the basic designs of others and modifying them into new forms that met new needs. The Romans just did not develop their own technology very often. As a result, the Celts will exert a strong impact on the Roman military culture as it develops from 400 BC until it is overtaken by Eastern influences in the late 200s AD.
An Exploration of the Changing Role of Principal Supervisors
Authors:   , Bennett Mia H
Published: February 2025

Existing literature provides newly identified responsibilities of the principal supervisor but lacks in information about how districts should strategically spearhead the process of initiating, implementing, and managing the changes to the role of the supervisor. In this study, I examined the behaviors and actions of one school district's executive-level leaders as they shifted the position of the principal supervisor. Findings could contribute to a new area of research in how district leaders may navigate and manage the complicated process of initiating and managing the changes to the principal supervisor's role.
A Study of Selected Pedagogical Aspects of Two Intercultural Pieces for Late Intermediate and Early Advanced Students: "Variations sur un thème populaire coréen" by Sung-Ki Kim and "Six Pieces for Piano ‘Nori'" by Chung-Sock Kim
Authors:   , Choi Yujin
Published: February 2025

I contend that young students should be introduced to intercultural contemporary music, as this exposure brings benefits to their artistic development and fosters appreciation of other cultures. Variations sur un thème populaire coréen by Sung-Ki Kim (b. 1954) and Six Pieces for Piano ‘Nori' by Chung-Sock Kim (b. 1940) are effective pedagogical works that fit perfectly into the intercultural mold mentioned above, and both are suitable for late intermediate or early advanced level students. A detailed comparison of these two works can help instructors understand the ways by which these composers incorporate Korean folk materials and blend them with Western contemporary techniques. An analysis of Sung-Ki Kim's Variations sur un theme populaire coréen and Chung-Sock Kim's Six Pieces for Piano ‘Nori' can be divided into three categories: harmony, rhythm, and performance-related aspects. By analyzing these two pieces, these study illustrates in greater depth their intercultural aspects, showing the way by which both composers merged traditional Korean folk idioms through the inclusion of traditional Korean rhythms, and the imitation of sounds of several traditional Korean instruments with Western contemporary technique such as non-traditional sounds and use of sostenuto pedal. Finally, this study provides some practicing suggestions and listing exercise on how to practice musical and technical challenges.
A Modern Pedagogical Method for Developing Valve Technique on Independent Double Valve Bass Trombone
Authors:   , Sharpe Chris M.
Published: February 2025

The modern bass trombone has undergone many changes in design since the 1960s and a student beginning on or switching to bass trombone today needs pedagogical material that methodically addresses the many valve combinations available on an independent double valve bass trombone. The existing books for bass trombone contain useful exercises, but none of the currently available books address all the valve combinations and patterns that are helpful for developing proficient valve technique on bass trombone. Therefore, I created a new bass trombone double valve technique method book that includes a thorough exploration of the bass trombone's two valves within the context of scales, scale exercises, and original material specifically designed to be applicable to common literature for the bass trombone.
Depression, Religious Behaviors and Social Support as Predictors of Health-Related Quality of Life among HIV Positive Individuals
Authors:   , Davis Cameron W
Published: February 2025

The goal of the current study was to evaluate the ways in which religious behaviors and perceived social support are associated with the relationship between depressive symptoms and health-related quality of life for this group. We hypothesized (1) that religious behaviors moderate the relationship between depressive symptoms and health-related quality of life, (2) perceived social support mediates the relationship between depressive symptoms and health-related quality of life and (3) that religious behaviors moderate the mediational indirect effect of perceived social support in the depression and health-related quality of life relationship. Findings from a sample of 244 HIV-positive individuals provided evidence to support direct, conditional, and indirect effects on the depressive symptoms and health-related quality of life relationship. A discussion of the findings, implications for future research and clinical practice are provided.
An Analysis of Student Perceptions of Teaching Effectiveness for Instructors Who Teach the Same Course in the Same Semester in Both Online and Face-to-Face Formats
Authors:   , Asher Donna Brooks
Published: February 2025

There is an increasingly number of students taking online classes in lieu of or in addition to the traditional face-to-face format. With this trend, there are questions that naturally come to the surface. The biggest question being "is teaching in the online arena just as effective as the face-to-face arena?" This dissertation aims to pursue that line of questioning by analyzing students' perceptions of the teaching effectiveness for instructors who teach the same course in both an online and face-to-face format in the same semester. The data are analyzed through the lens of the social capital theory. Social capital has never been applied to the classroom before as its focus has traditionally been on community development. However, social capital theory addresses interpersonal relationships and their impact on knowledge sharing behavior. This theory identifies three dimensions, which appear to have a parallel track with the student evaluation components; each is analyzed against each other. These dimensions include structured, cognitive and relational and are compared to the components of the student evaluation tool, which includes organization and explanation of materials, learning environment and self-regulated learning.
Exploring Predictors of Self-Forgiveness
Authors:   , Coomes Steven P.
Published: February 2025

Self-forgiveness is a growing sub-field of the broader study of forgiveness, and initial research has linked self-forgiveness to positive mental and physical health outcomes. However, the extant literature on self-forgiveness is in its infancy, and there is a need for further research to understand the predictors of self-forgiveness and the clinical implications that might follow. The current study aimed to build on the extant literature by exploring two sets of predictors of self-forgiveness: (1) the four Rs as proposed in Cornish and Wade's four-R therapeutic model of self-forgiveness (i.e., responsibility, remorse, restoration, and renewal) and (2) personality as measured by the Big Five. This study also explored how responsibility for the offense and humility might moderate the relationship between self-forgiveness and well-being. Participants were undergraduates recruited from a large, public university in the southwestern United States. They were instructed to describe a recent interpersonal offense they had committed and complete a questionnaire. The overall results suggest that there is a negative cross-sectional relationship between responsibility, remorse, and restoration with self-forgiveness and that, when taken together, the four-Rs account for a significant amount of variance in self-forgiveness. Neuroticism was negatively associated with self-forgiveness while conscientiousness and extraversion were positively associated with self-forgiveness. The Big Five collectively accounted for a significant amount of variance in self-forgiveness. Finally, neither responsibility or humility were found to moderate the relationship between self-forgiveness and well-being. Limitations, suggestions for future research, and clinical implications are discussed.
Synthesis and Characterization of β-Functionalized π-Extended Porphyrins
Authors:   , Hu Yi
Published: February 2025

Porphyrins with extended π-electronic networks are promising candidates for a wide range of applications from medicine to nanotechnology owing to their unique optical and electronic properties. This dissertation is focused on synthesis, characterization and application of β-functionalized π-extended porphyrins. This dissertation is comprised of seven chapters. Chapter 1 focuses on the importance and objective of this work. Chapter 2 gives brief introduction to porphyrins and π-extended porphyrins. In chapter 3, a class of β-functionalized linear push-pull zinc dibenzoporphyrins YH1-YH3 were designed, synthesized, and utilized as light harvesters for DSSCs. In chapter 4, in order to further enhance the photovoltaic performance of β-functionalized benzoporphyrin dyes based DSSCs, a new class of push-pull dibenzoporphyrins YH4-YH7 bearing the phenylethynyl bridge was designed, synthesized and utilized as light harvesters for DSSCs. In chapter 5, in order to solve the photodegradation problem associated with YH7, a new series of push-pull dibenzoporphyrins YH8-YH10 bearing different diarylamino push groups was designed and synthesized. This class of push-pull porphyrins shows improved photostability and enhanced DSSC performance. In chapter 6, a new pentacene-fused diporphyrin with high stability and solubility was prepared and characterized. Chapter 7 includes the summary of this dissertation and describes possible future work.
Press Freedom in Saudi Arabia War Reporting: A Case Study of the Gulf and Yemen Wars
Authors:   , Huraysi Mohammed
Published: February 2025

This study examined press freedom in Saudi Arabia coverage in two study periods, which are the Gulf and Yemen wars. Six Saudi newspapers, which represent Saudi regions, have been content analyzed. They are: Al Riyadh, Al Yaum, Al Nadwah, Mecca, Okaz, and Al Jazirah. The major questions are: What are the most salient issues Saudi newspapers dealt with in their editorials during the study period? What are the differences between the two periods of study? And what are the differences between the editorial features of the Gulf and Yemen wars? The normative theory-press freedom theory was conducted for this study. The results support the lack of press freedom during the Gulf War. In contrast, some newspapers have significantly improved their performance during the Yemen War, using a higher level of press freedom.
The Effectiveness of Child Parent Relationship Therapy (CPRT) for Fathers
Authors:   , McClintock Damian Gearld
Published: February 2025

High levels of quality father involvement in childhood are associated with children's socio-emotional, cognitive, and behavioral wellbeing. However, fathers can experience difficulty in building positive relationships with their kids due to work-life balance, lack of relational experience, and other life stressors. The purpose of this study was to assess the effectiveness of child-parent relationship therapy (CPRT) on fathers' parental empathy, parental stress, and child behavior problems. Though an abundance of literature exists to support the efficacy of CPRT, this was the first study to include a randomized controlled design with an all-male sample. This was also the first CPRT study to include both English and Spanish speaking fathers with intervention offered in both languages. Participants were 30 fathers (22 English, 8 Spanish; 53% Latino, 40% Caucasian, 7% Asian) with children between the ages of 3 and 10 (60% male, 40% female; 57% Latino/a, 37% Caucasian, 6% Asian). Fathers were randomly assigned to the experimental group (CPRT) (n = 14) or waitlist control group (n = 16). Results from 2 (Group) by 2 (Time) repeated measures ANOVAs did not yield statistically significant interaction effects on the dependent variables. However, results indicated a statistically significant main effect for time on each dependent variable with large effect sizes. Results of the paired samples t-test post hoc analyses indicated a statistically significant change over time for the experimental (CPRT) group and a non-statistically significant change over time for the control group on all dependent variables. Findings of this study support previous studies on the effectiveness of CPRT, but also indicate a need for future research to more accurately determine the effectiveness of CPRT for fathers compared to a waitlist control group.
Event Sequence Identification and Deep Learning Classification for Anomaly Detection and Predication on High-Performance Computing Systems
Authors:   , Li Zongze
Published: February 2025

High-performance computing (HPC) systems continue growing in both scale and complexity. These large-scale, heterogeneous systems generate tens of millions of log messages every day. Effective log analysis for understanding system behaviors and identifying system anomalies and failures is highly challenging. Existing log analysis approaches use line-by-line message processing. They are not effective for discovering subtle behavior patterns and their transitions, and thus may overlook some critical anomalies. In this dissertation research, I propose a system log event block detection (SLEBD) method which can extract the log messages that belong to a component or system event into an event block (EB) accurately and automatically. At the event level, we can discover new event patterns, the evolution of system behavior, and the interaction among different system components. To find critical event sequences, existing sequence mining methods are mostly based on the a priori algorithm which is compute-intensive and runs for a long time. I develop a novel, topology-aware sequence mining (TSM) algorithm which is efficient to generate sequence patterns from the extracted event block lists. I also train a long short-term memory (LSTM) model to cluster sequences before specific events. With the generated sequence pattern and trained LSTM model, we can predict whether an event is going to occur normally or not. To accelerate such predictions, I propose a design flow by which we can convert recurrent neural network (RNN) designs into register-transfer level (RTL) implementations which are deployed on FPGAs. Due to its high parallelism and low power, FPGA achieves a greater speedup and better energy efficiency compared to CPU and GPU according to our experimental results.
And the Stereotype Award Goes to...: A Comparative Analysis of Directors using African American Stereotypes in Film
Authors:   , Young Kelcei
Published: February 2025

This study examines African American stereotypes in film. I studied six directors, Kathryn Bigelow, Spike Lee, the Russo Brothers, Ryan Coogler, Tate Taylor, and Dee Rees; and six films Detroit, BlacKkKlansman, Captain America: The Winter Soldier, The Help, and Mudbound. Using the framework of critical race theory and auteur theory, I compared the common themes between the films and directors. The main purpose of my study is to see if White or Black directors predominantly used African American stereotypes. I found that both races of directors rely on stereotypes for different purposes. With Black directors, the stereotype was explained further through character development, while the White directors used the stereotype at face value with no further explanation.
Political Humility: Engaging Others with Different Political Perspectives
Authors:   , Hodge Adam S.
Published: February 2025

The purpose of this study was to explore theorized predictors, intrapersonal effects, and interpersonal effects of political humility. Participants (N = 469) were adults recruited from Amazon's Mechanical Turk and undergraduate students who completed a series of measures online. First, I found that political humility is (a) positively associated with openness to experience, (b) negatively associated with political commitment, and (c) not significantly related to political diversity in one's social network. Second, regarding intrapersonal effects, I found that political humility was (a) positively associated with low emotional reactivity when presented with a different political perspective, (b) identifying positive aspects of the opposite political perspective, and (c) not significantly related to identifying negative aspects of one's own political perspective. Third, I found that both the self-reported political humility of the participant and the perceived political humility of the individual who hurt or offended the participant were positively associated with one's motivation to forgive the individual. Fourth, I found that the association between political humility and forgiveness was not significantly moderated by how close the participant felt to the offender before the hurt or offense. I conclude by discussing my findings in light of the present literature on humility.
Preservice Teachers' Images of Female Scientists, Male Scientists, and Teacher as Scientists: An Analysis of Stereotypical Indicators
Authors:   , Rendon Netassha M
Published: February 2025

The role of depicting and analysing scientist images to reveal gender-science stereotypes among students in K-12 classrooms is an ongoing research trend in science education literature. The study reported here carries on this research trend but focuses on preservice elementary teachers' images of scientists. The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between preservice elementary teachers' gender and ethnicity and their drawn images of a female scientist, male scientist, and teacher as a scientist, respectively and the similarities and differences among images. In this study, preservice elementary teachers were asked to draw a female scientist, male scientist, and teacher as a scientist, respectively. One hundred and fifty participants indicated their gender and one hundred and twenty-five indicated their gender and ethnicity. Five hundred and eighty eight images were analysed. The data was analysed using a modified Draw-A-Scientist-Test Checklist (DAST-C) and chi-square tests. The results of this study indicate that gender-science stereotypes held by preservice teachers exist among genders and ethnicities. Factors that contribute to diminish or promote stereotypical images of scientists are age, education, culture, role models, and inquiry-based instruction. Also, similarities and differences between images of a female scientist, male scientist, and teacher as a scientist show that preservice teachers know how to draw scientists with physical indicators but do not include a realistic environment or activities for the scientist.
Horn Concerto in E-flat Major (C41) by Antonio Rosetti: A Critical Edition
Authors:   , Stewart Brandon
Published: February 2025

This project delivers to the scholar and performer a critical edition of a little-known horn concerto by Antonio Rosetti. Standing in contrast to performance or practical editions, critical editions demand that the editor exerts a non-trivial measure of authority over the state of the text. Performers often find this fact to be uncomfortable given the normal tendency to revere the perceived intent of the composers based upon the text that they set down. When engaging with sources, it is rarely clear what that intent is, or which of the available sources most closely represents that intent. Those available sources often disagree with one another, even those in the composer's own hand. It is vital for the editor to know, as precisely as is possible, who created the source material, when they created these sources, and why they created these sources. At that point the editor must decide which sources will best fit his or her framework for the creation of the critical edition. At that point the editor will grapple with numerous inconsistencies and ambiguities within those sources, and then use his or her own authority to fix the text of the composer's work into a single version for today's use. The Horn Concerto in E-flat Major (C41) by Rosetti presents a unique case to the editor, scholar, and performer, in that it exists in two versions that carry substantial differences in the solo part. These differences are so great that it is often difficult to consider them as representative of the same work. This edition presents both versions, as each have different original purposes, and edits them in parallel so that the performer may determine which usage is most appropriate for his or her needs.
OS USOS DO TERRITÓRIO E O ACESSO À ENERGIA ELÉTRICA NA ENSEADA DE PALMAS EM ILHA GRANDE, ANGRA DOS REIS/RJ
Authors: Abranches Jr Nilton , Santos Cleber Silva
Published: February 2025

Nas últimas duas décadas o Brasil passou por grande transformação no que se refere ao acesso à energia elétrica. Com uma política de universalização da eletrificação dos lares brasileiros chamada Luz para Todos, milhões de brasileiros foram ingressados ao sistema elétrico nacional. Passados quase vinte anos da criação do programa, ainda há cerca de 700 mil pessoas sem energia elétrica formal. Este artigo traz uma abordagem espacial para identificar as variáveis geográficas que levaram a manutenção da situação de exclusão ao sistema. Para tanto se fez necessário identificar os usos do território pelo poder do Estado e os interesses de mercado, tomando como exemplo a Enseada de Palmas, em Ilha Grande, Angra dos Reis (RJ). As variáveis aqui abordadas tratam dos usos seletivos que visam a funcionalização do território para o turismo na ilha, enquanto a principal política pública é de instalação de Unidades de Conservação em múltiplas esferas de poder. Práticas territoriais verticais fragmentaram o espaço insular e isolaram a praia de Palmas. Têm-se como resultado que políticas públicas de conservação ecológica, que perante a realidade são vistas como necessárias, aliadas aos interesses de mercado se tornaram instrumentos de pauperização da população não inserida em tais políticas.
RELIGIÃO E GÊNERO NA GEOGRAFIA
Authors: Rosendahl Zeny , Vicente Rodrigues Lopes Victoria
Published: February 2025

Este estudo examina a intersecção entre religião, gênero e espaço geográfico no contexto contemporâneo, marcado pela ascensão do neoconservadorismo e o impacto do ciberespaço. O objetivo principal é compreender as dinâmicas do grupo “Mulheres com Bolsonaro”, que emergiu durante as eleições de 2018, defendendo valores conservadores em redes sociais. Metodologicamente, a pesquisa combina análises teóricas, na Geografia da Religião e os estudos de gênero e análise do discurso virtual, incluindo a criação de um perfil fictício para acessar a rede privada das bolsonaristas. Os resultados destacam a instrumentalização da religião como ferramenta de controle de gênero, reforçando hierarquias patriarcais e promovendo discursos antifeministas e antiprogressistas. O ciberespaço se configura como um território simbólico para a mobilização política, onde discursos antifeministas, anticomunistas e antigênero são amplificados. A análise também revela a centralidade das redes sociais na formação de identidades conservadoras e na disseminação de narrativas que vinculam religião e política a valores tradicionais. Conclui-se que a intersecção entre religião e gênero molda dinâmicas espaciais e culturais, perpetuando desigualdades e resistências. A Geografia da religião, ao incorporar a perspectiva de gênero, contribui para desvelar as complexas relações de poder e identidade no espaço contemporâneo.