bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Relationship Between Perioperative Regional Anesthesia and the Risk of Missing Acute Compartment Syndrome Following Tibia Fractures
Authors: Kakalecik Jaquelyn , Satchell Christopher , Root Kevin T. , Vasilopoulos Terrie , Patrick Matthew R. , Talerico Michael T. , Krupko Thomas A. , Nin OlgaC. , Hagen Jennifer E.
Published: June 2024

BACKGROUND:

The aim of this study was to determine the incidence of missed compartment syndrome in tibia fractures treated with and without regional anesthesia.

METHODS:

A retrospective chart review was performed of patients with operative tibial shaft or plateau fractures at a single level-one trauma hospital between January 2015 and April 2022 with a minimum of 3-month follow-up. Patients under 18 years of age, an ipsilateral knee dislocation, known neurologic injury at presentation, or prophylactic fasciotomy were excluded. We defined missed acute compartment syndrome (ACS) as a postinjury motor deficit still present at the 3-month postoperative appointment. For patients that received a peripheral nerve block, we recorded whether a continuous perineural catheter or one-time single-shot injection was performed, and the number of nerves blocked. Incidence rates for ACS were calculated with exact binomial 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Morphine milligram equivalents (MMEs) consumed 24 hours after surgery, use of nerve block, nerve block timing, and type of block were compared using Mann-Whitney and Kruskal-Wallis nonparametric tests. Statistical significance was defined as P < .05.

RESULTS:

The incidence of compartment syndrome diagnosed and treated during index hospitalization was 2.2% (17/791, 95% CI, 1.3%–3.4%). The incidence of missed ACS was 0.9% (7/791, 95% CI, 0.4%–1.8%). The incidence of missed ACS was not different between those who received nerve block 0.7% (4/610, 95% CI, 0.2%–1.7%), and those who did not (1.7% (3/176, 95% CI, 0.4%–4.8%) P = .19). Within patients receiving a nerve block, all patients with missed ACS (n = 4) received a perineural catheter. Similar missed ACS rates were observed between tibial shaft and plateau fractures. Patients receiving a nerve block had lower MME compared to those who did not receive a nerve block (P < .001).

CONCLUSIONS:

The results do not provide evidence that perioperative regional anesthesia increases the incidence of missed ACS in patients with operative tibial shaft or plateau injuries. but does decrease postoperative opioid requirements.
Crossing the Credit Channel: Credit Spreads and Firm Heterogeneity
Authors: Anderson Gareth , Cesa-Bianchi Ambrogio
Published: June 2024

Firms with high leverage experience a more pronounced increase in credit spreads than firms with low leverage in response to a monetary policy tightening. A large fraction of this increase is due to a component of credit spreads that is in excess of firms’ expected default risk. A stylized heterogeneous firm model with default risk, financially constrained intermediaries, and segmented financial markets is able to account for these facts. Our findings imply that financial intermediaries play an important role in shaping the transmission of monetary policy to firm-level outcomes. (JEL D22, E43, E44, E52, G32)
The Effect of Service Recovery on Customer Satisfaction, eWOM, and Repurchase Intention in the Online Travel Agent (OTA) Industry in Indonesia with Service Failure Severity as Moderator
Authors:   Faculty of Management, Bina Nusantara University, Jakarta, Gani Leilani , Fonda Lie , Prasetyo Singgih Hadi , Gunadi Willy
Published: June 2024

Abstract. This study aims to determine the effect of service recovery on service failure severity, customer satisfaction, eWOM, and repurchase intention. This study adopts an online survey method by distributing 196 online questionnaires to Indonesian OTA users who experienced service failures within the past year. The proposed study model undergoes examination using a partial least square-structural equation model (PLS-SEM). The result reveals that service recovery variables positively and significantly affected customer satisfaction, eWOM, and repurchase intention, however, the severity of the service failure did not significantly impact the relationship between service recovery and customer satisfaction. This study aims to provide valuable insight that enables OTA industry practitioners in Indonesia to develop more effective service recovery strategies. It contributes to developing justice theory and the service failure severity factor as moderators of service failures in the Indonesian OTA industry and their effect on customer satisfaction, eWOM, and repurchase intention. Keywords: Service Recovery, Justice Theory, Online Travel Agent, Service Failure Severity, eWOM, Repurchase Intention
Simulation of attenuation of ionizing radiation due to protective casing of circuits
Authors: Poluektov Aleksandr , Medvedev Roman , Zarevich Anton
Published: June 2024

The article examines the influence of the electromagnetic field generated as a result of a nuclear explosion and the degree of negative impact on the CMOS semiconductor. The possibility of providing protection of semiconductor devices from radiation using a protective housing is assessed. A review of the various materials that are used to construct protective screens is carried out, the level of protection of various substances from different types of radiation, their positive and negative sides, in particular their weight, their joint use, and the inability to protect against the entire spectrum of radiation. A mathematical model for designing a protective screen containing four layers and limited in both weight and thickness is being built. As a computer experiment, a program in the C# programming language was developed based on a mathematical model, which provided the calculation of the optimal parameters of the protective case, which will ensure effective protection of the device. Modeling the protective enclosure allows you to preliminarily assess the effectiveness of the protection and take measures to strengthen it, if necessary. This reduces the risk of damage to the device and ensures its reliable operation even under conditions of increased radiation exposure.
Real-Time Interfacial FTIR-Electrochemical Investigation of Smart Passivating Film for Extended Lifetime of Copper Containing Microelectronic Devices
Authors:   , Salunke Ashish Shivaji
Published: June 2024

Copper (Cu) has been the main choice of the metallization in advanced IC package technology. The epoxy molding compounds (EMC) and the solder flux used in the packaging devices can release ionic impurities. In the halide environment, the electrochemical migration (ECM) failure and corrosion related failure of copper redistribution layer (RDL) and the Cu bond pads respectively was studied. Electrolytic migration arises when the IC package undergoes testing as per JESD22-A110 standards (130oC, 85% RH for 96/256 hrs.). Copper migration is fundamentally an ionic process that requires an electrolyte, moisture, and bias. To accelerate the time for investigating these failures, it was important to benchmark the metrology for real time observation of ECM failure under high voltage. Metrology for electrochemical defect analysis (MEDA) was developed to provide insight on failure mechanism. The Cu RDL on wafer level chip scale package devices were tested by PEG drop test (PDT) using non-aqueous polyethylene glycol (PEG) matrix doped with ions (Cl-, ClO4-, SO4-) to simulate EMC environment. PDT was conducted to analyze the real time migration behavior of Cu electrodes using a potentiostat and microscope. A novel Cu-selective passivation coating was applied on Cu either by wet processes or chemical vapor deposition (CVD) that are IC manufacturing compatible. This Cu-selective passivation coating is thermally stable, strongly adheres to Cu, corrosion resistant, low cost and shows good potential to prevent ECM defects at the high voltage bHAST condition. FTIR and potentiodynamic polarization were utilized to characterize the Cu-selective passivation coating. Statistically union of selected analytical techniques help to acquire unique results about the chemical systems. Together, electrochemistry and spectroscopy help to gather chemical information about the composition near and on the electrode. Additionally, during the SnAgCu (SAC) solder ball bonding on the Cu wafer by mass reflow process, solder flux is used to reduce the native oxides on Cu and SAC solder ball. Post cleaning, residual amount of the solder flux corrodes the Cu wafer. Passivation coating is used as an organic solder preservative to avoid the solder flux while facilitating a good bond between the SAC solder ball and Cu wafer. We investigated the efficiency of the passivation coating in preventing the copper thermal oxidation. The intermetallic compound formation between the Cu wafer and SAC solder ball was studied on 2nm, 6nm, 30nm and 50nm passivated Cu wafer. Based on the SEM/EDS analysis 1.7 µm CuxSny IMC was formed on 2nm coated cu wafer with a Cu:Sn ratio of 1.8:1 & 0.13:1.
Investigation of Cu-Al Bonding Interface: Eliminating Bimetallic Corrosion Failures, and Enabling Next-Gen Cu-Cu Wire-Bonding by Nanometer Interfacial Chemistry Control
Authors:   , Alptekin John Faruk
Published: June 2024

The first part of this dissertation explores the chemistry of an inhibitor complexation with Cu. First, the Cu oxidation state of the complex was +1. Second, identified by differential RAIRS, one source of Cu(I) for the Cu(I)-inhibitor complex could be Cu(I) oxide. The characteristic Cu(I) oxide peak at 650 cm⁻¹ was observed to decrease after CVD coating process was applied. This led to a major hypothesis that in order for the reaction between Cu(I) oxide and the inhibitor to proceed, protons from the inhibitor and oxygen from Cu₂O are stabilized by reacting to form water. The applicability of the passivation nature of Cu(I)-inhibitor films was explored for Cu-Al wire-bonded devices in its ability to protect from Cu-Al peripheral galvanic corrosion and the galvanic corrosion of the Cu-Al intermetallic compounds in their roles for corrosion-induced liftoff. The second part of this work studied the effect of replacing Al bond pad with Cu on the corrosion induced liftoff of wire-bonds when exposed to low ppm levels of chloride contamination. Applying protective coating to the Cu pad surface before wire-bonding was found to suppress the thermally induced oxidation of Cu in air, helping to enable successful Cu-Cu direct wire-bonding. Compared to Cu-Al devices with passivation coating, which has a few wires liftoff with 6 hours, the Cu-Cu bonded devices survived much longer, over 40 days, with almost no liftoff observed. This demonstrates that removing the galvanic contact, the root cause of the corrosion induced failure, is a more robust and permanent solution to the corrosion experienced by these devices.
A Study of Mitigation Methods for Speculative Cache Side Channel Attacks
Authors:   , Mosquera Ferrandiz Fernando
Published: June 2024

Side channels give attackers the opportunity to reveal private information without accessing it directly. In this study, several novel approaches are presented to mitigate cache side channel attacks including Spectre attack and its variants, resulting in several contributions. CHASM shows the information leakage in several new cache mapping schemes, where different cache address mappings may provide higher or lower protection against cache side channel attacks. GuardCache creates a noisy cache side-channel, making it more difficult for the attacker to determine if an access is a hit or miss (which is the basis for most side channel attacks). SecurityCloak is a framework that encompasses GuardCache with SafeLoadOnMiss whereby cache load misses during speculative execution are delayed until the speculation is resolved, thus preventing attacks that rely on accessing data in during (mis) speculated executions. To search for a compromise between security and performance, it is recommended not always to use protections such as SecurityCloak protections, but also to activate the protection only while executing critical sections of code or on-demand when an attack is detected (or suspected). Our experimental results show a high degree of obfuscation (and prevention of side channels) with a minimal impact on the performance.
Political Corruption in Machiavelli and Ibn Khaldun
Authors:   , Amiri Michael Mahdi
Published: June 2024

The problem of corruption is an enduring problem in societies throughout time. In this study I examine Machiavelli and Ibn Khaldun's perspectives on corruption, a major theme in their writings. I show that corruption in their works is identified in relation to the polity. Both thinkers diverge from classical and ethical views of corruption, while also differing from modern approaches. I study how they define corruption, their understanding of the primary reasons leading to corruption, and their recommendations and treatments to address the problem. The underlying theme in their discussions is that corruption eats at the very fabric of a society, leading to the downfall of the political regime. Through a comparative lens, I not only analyze the distinct historical contexts in which they wrote, but also their distinct intellectual repertoires and rhetorical methods. By comparatively examining their insights, I aim to make their views relevant and insightful for contemporary discussions on corruption.
Development and Testing of Fluorous Metal-Organic Frameworks (FMOFs) for Photoluminescent Sensing and Water Purification Applications
Authors:   , Fripp Jacob Linley
Published: June 2024

In this work, fluorous metal organic framework 1 (FMOF-1) and its isomorphic structures are investigated for both sensing and filtration applications. In chapter 2 both FMOF-1 and its acetone derivative, aFMOF-1, are shown to exhibit an unusual photoluminescent behavior by having a "turn-on" emission when exposed to vacuum. This baroluminescence occurs at different rates depending on specific gas, allowing FMOF-1 and aFMOF-1 to not only act as vacuum gauges, but also potentially act as sensors for gas identification. Chapter 3 focuses on chemical sensing properties (chemosensing) of the newly discovered second methanol derivative of FMOF-1, mFMOF-2. mFMOF-2 has been shown to be air and water stable, however exposure to volatile organic compounds (VOCs) will cause quenching or shifts in emission. Finally, chapter 4 investigates the ability of combining MOFs with more traditional sorbents to investigate the possibility of a hybrid material that takes advantage of both materials. MOFs have long been investigated for their filtration properties, however the high cost of synthesis of MOFs compared to the cost-efficient common filters hamstrings their real-world implementations. Combining a small percentage of FMOF-1 with activated carbon is seen to improve the filtration efficiency and to increase the hydrophobic properties. This hybrid filtration material avoids the problems associated with the cost of synthetic filtration materials since only 0.1% mass additive is shown to yield significantly improved results.
Exploring the Moderating Effect of Mindfulness and Social Media Engagement on the Relationship between Socioemotional Competencies and Happiness
Authors:   , Balayar Bhoj Bahadur
Published: June 2024

The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between socioemotional competencies (SEC) and happiness of emerging adults with the moderating role of mindfulness and social media engagement (SME). Over the past decade, psychologists and neuroscientists have begun to pay more attention to the relationship between SEC and individuals' wellbeing. However, there remains a gap in the comprehensive exploration of SEC concerning happiness, particularly in light of mindfulness practices and SME, both of which could have substantial impacts on individuals' happiness. This study included two universities from two different countries (Nepal and the United States). Study 1 included 70 participants (Mage = 25.0 years, SD = 6.3 years), approximately 43% of women (n = 30), and Study 2 included 154 participants (Mage = 22.5 years, SD = 5.7 years), approximately 81% of women (n = 125). In the data analysis process, hierarchical regression and moderation analyses were used. Based on the analyses, SEC and mindfulness had a statistically significant relation in increasing happiness in Study 2; however, mindfulness had a strong association with happiness throughout the two studies. Neither study found the moderating role of mindfulness on happiness. In Study 1, SME moderated the relationship between SEC and happiness. This showed that higher SME with higher SEC was significantly associated with happiness in Study 1. However, SME did not moderate the relationship between SEC and happiness in Study 2. The overall study results indicated that researchers, educators, and developmental psychologists should continue to investigate how SEC, mindfulness, SME, and happiness may be related.
Adult Attachment, Culturally Coherent Coping, Familism, and Psychological Wellbeing among Latine College Students
Authors:   , Koh Ashley
Published: June 2024

Extant psychological research has consistently demonstrated that insecure attachment is negatively associated with psychological outcomes and positively correlated with the utilization of maladaptive coping strategies. However, no empirical studies could be located that examined the indirect effect of insecure attachment on wellbeing variables via coping focused on Latine populations. This study explored the direct and indirect effects of insecure attachment on psychological wellbeing indicators via culturally coherent coping strategies. Further, the present study examined the potential moderating effect of familism on the indirect effect models. Findings indicated that (1) anxious attachment, but not avoidant attachment, predicted psychological wellbeing; (2) positive reinterpretation significantly mediated the relations between insecure attachment and psychological wellbeing; (3) seeking emotional social support significantly mediated the relations between insecure attachment variables and general self-efficacy but not psychological distress; (4) religious coping significantly mediated the relations between insecure attachment and psychological distress but not general self-efficacy; and (5) familism was positively associated with psychological wellbeing but no significant moderator effect was found. Findings from our study contribute to the paucity of literature on attachment and culturally coherent coping within the Latine community. The limitations of the study, future research directions, and relevant clinical implications are reviewed.
Hyper-Elastic Triply Periodic Minimal Surfaces Design: Engineering Mechanics and Properties
Authors:   , Haney Christopher Willard
Published: June 2024

This research investigates the development and characterization of mechanical properties in two materials, employing triply periodic minimal surfaces (TPMS) at varying relative densities. The primary focus is on the design of TPMS structures to emulate the biomechanics of the heel pad, guided by equiaxed cells and Cartesian mapping. To achieve the desired densities and understand their influence on mechanical properties, solid-void boundary equations, volume preservation techniques, and cell wall ramping were utilized to create gradient models. Mechanical behavior was rigorously assessed through both uniaxial and cyclic compression testing, including responses under repetitive loading conditions. A key aspect of the study involved the examination of different TPMS cell shapes and their impact on mechanical properties. The results reveal that the 50A material within the specified density range effectively approximates the desired stiffness of the heel pad, albeit with some deviations from Ashby-Gibson model predictions. Among the TPMS structures, diamond configurations exhibited the highest stiffness and energy absorption, while Split-P, Lidinoid, and Gyroid structures demonstrated intermediate performance. Schwarz structures exhibited the lowest performance metrics. These findings underscore the potential of additively manufactured TPMS structures in diverse applications, including biomechanics, orthopedic prosthetics, energy absorption, protective equipment for impact mitigation, flexible soft robotics, and the creation of tailored materials with minimal waste. The research contributes to the field of engineering mechanics and properties of hyper-elastic TPMS designs, opening up avenues for innovative applications across various domains.
A Musical Courtship: Clara Schumann's Six Lieder, Opus 13
Authors:   , Rouw Alexandra
Published: June 2024

In this thesis, I analyze the first, second, and final songs of Clara Schumann's Six Lieder, Opus 13. In each one, special attention is paid to two aspects of Clara's composition. First, I use my research on Clara and Robert's correspondence to attempt to demonstrate ways in which she may have drawn from events during their courtship as inspiration for her compositional choices and techniques in these songs. Second, I interpret a motive that spans the set, the notes of which could be a cipher representative of her and Robert, to construct a narrative across the cycle informed by her and Robert's relationship. My analysis expands in part on questions David Lewin has raised about the first song, "Ich stand in dunkeln Träumen." I hope that these analyses can shed more light on Clara's first set of lieder published independently from Robert's. Further research could be done to see if there are clear similarities between the third, fourth, and fifth songs of this cycle and significant events in Clara and Robert's courtship.
Who Carries the Burden of Strength? The Impact of Colorism on Perceptions of Strong Black Women
Authors:   , Jean-Ceide Cassandre Jennie
Published: June 2024

Using intersectionality as a guiding framework, the current study examined how gendered and racialized perceptions of Black women as "strong Black women" may be shaped by colorism. This experimental study sampled 314 Black and White participants from the community. Participants were presented with a vignette that described a Black woman coping with workplace stress in one of two ways, one congruent with strong Black womanhood (emotional restriction) and one incongruent with strong Black womanhood (emotional vulnerability), alongside the image of a light skin or dark skin Black woman. Then, participants were asked to rate how "strong" they perceived the woman in the vignette to be. A factorial ANCOVA was conducted to test how perceptions of the woman in the vignette varied based on her emotional response to workplace stress and skin tone, while controlling for perceptions of likability and competence. As hypothesized, we observed that participants perceived the woman responding to workplace stress with emotional restriction as stronger than the women who responded with emotional vulnerability. However, skin tone, nor the interaction between emotional response and skin tone had a bearing on participants' perceptions. There were also no differences in perceptions based on participant race. Through its intersectional framing, this study challenges scholars and practitioners to consider how the interplay between racism, sexism, and colorism shapes how Black women are seen by others and, in turn, how they may see themselves as strong Black women. Implications of the findings, limitations, and future directions are discussed.
Social Presence in the Online Classroom: The Educator's Experience
Authors:   , Christensen Keri Ann
Published: June 2024

The purpose of this dissertation was to expand knowledge and theory around instructor social presence in online learning during the COVID-19 pandemic. This study provided a depiction of real-world experiences from the perspective of high school teachers during their shift to online learning amid the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. The study surveyed 50 teachers of varying teaching experience and teaching contents to discover how helpful different facilitation strategies were at creating opportunities for social presence in their online classes, specifically with engagement, connection, and community. Using descriptive statistics, frequency analysis, ANOVA comparison, and content analysis, the study identified the top 5 most helpful facilitation strategies in helping to engage with students, connect with students, and build community with students. The findings indicated that instructor's timely feedback to questions, instructor being present in the discussion forum, and instructor's timely feedback on assignments/projects were the most helpful at engaging with students, connecting with students, and building community with students.
Charles-Valentin Alkan's "Esquisses," Op. 63: A Pedagogical Guide for Early Advanced Students
Authors:   , Sun Ce
Published: June 2024

Charles-Valentin Alkan (1813–1888) was a French composer and virtuoso pianist. His music writing covers many genres. His major works are extremely difficult to play and decipher, due to their length and heavy texture. But his collection of miniatures called Esquisses is a hidden treasure. The range of this work is vast: it includes short character pieces in various styles and genres, from pre-Baroque to Impressionism. Alkan showed his mature compositional skill, endless creativity in these pieces. This work can be classified into eight unique styles. I choose one piece from each style to give a thorough analysis of Alkan's musical language and guidance either technical or musically challenging passages. I hope this dissertation can assist both teachers and students in learning this underrated work.
Effects of Regenerative Ranching Practices on Prairie Ecosystems
Authors:   , Kalta Barbara Suzanne
Published: June 2024

My thesis focuses on different ranch management practices and the effects they may have on bird communities in northern Texas. Specifically, I address the potential differences between ranches enrolled in the Audubon Conservation Ranching program versus ranches that are not enrolled. Each research chapter is meant to be an individual publication. Chapter 2 compares and contrasts two different ways to survey bird communities in prairie systems. Chapter 3 compares ranch management techniques, prairie health indicators, and bird communities. This study aims to observe any mechanistic drivers of rangeland health that may elicit a positive bird assemblage response.
Corelli on the Guitar: Arranging "Tocata de Coreli" for Classical Guitar through the Lens of Spanish Baroque Guitarist Santiago de Murcia (1673-1739)
Authors:   , Garcia Jacinto Noe
Published: June 2024

Santiago de Murcia (1673-1739) was one of the most prominent figures of the baroque guitar, both as composer and theorist. Despite his notability, his music and arrangements rarely find their way into the classical guitar repertoire. In modern guitar repertoire, it is common practice to arrange pieces from baroque composers such as Domenico Scarlatti, George Phillip Telemann, and Johann Sebastian Bach, none who wrote for guitar. My research involves doing an analysis of a historical transcription by Santiago de Murcia, and by doing so, share my insight into the possibilities, benefits, and idiosyncrasies of arranging baroque guitar works into the modern guitar. By analyzing Santiago de Murcia's Tocata de Coreli, a patchwork adaptation of Corelli's op. 5, my overarching objective is to empower modern guitarists to leverage this investigation and facilitate the creation of their own adaptations of baroque works. This documents not only the differences and similarities present in the original de Murcia manuscript print but how the study helped me develop a historically informed modern guitar transcription. Through this endeavor, I aspire to contribute to the broader discourse on the adaptation and preservation of baroque guitar repertoire within the contemporary musical landscape.
A Legacy of McCoy Tyner from 1962 to 1967: Chick Corea's and Kenny Kirkland's Intervallic Improvisational Tendencies with Pentatonic and Octatonic Scales from 1968 to 1996
Authors:   , Kim Yeeun
Published: June 2024

This research aims to trace the influence of McCoy Tyner's style of "intervallic improvisation" on Chick Corea and Kenny Kirkland, as evident in both later pianists' use of triad shapes and patterns based on pentatonic and octatonic scales. While the languages of Chick Corea and Kenny Kirkland were influenced by Tyner, they each subsequently established different harmonic structures and rhythmic devices. Therefore, I describe the stylistic similarity of pentatonic cells based on an intervallic approach to improvisation from one generation to the next with Tyner's improvisational vocabulary found in Kenny Kirkland and Chick Corea. Then, I demonstrate its modernization with octatonic patterns and triad pairs in the jazz tradition via a comparison of the improvisational tendencies of Kirkland and Corea.
Jazz Strings: Developing Resources and a Curricular Framework
Authors:   , Kim Eugen
Published: June 2024

This study explores the evolution of jazz string education, integrating both theoretical and practical perspectives to underscore the crucial role of improvisation-focused curricula in enhancing music education quality. Through a comprehensive review of improvisation education, traditional jazz teaching methods, and jazz string programs in public universities, the study provides a nuanced understanding of these components' intersection. Special attention is given to the challenges faced by classical string students transitioning to jazz improvisation and the need for a shift away from generic teaching methodologies. The paper proposes the introduction of specialized improvisation classes for string students to bridge this gap. Practical case studies, including exploration of the University of North Texas's Jazz String program and insights from teaching fellow experiences, foster a deeper comprehension of the impact of such programs on students from diverse backgrounds. The research also delves into cognitive aspects of music, highlighting the significance of material selection, bowing techniques, automation, and structure planning in fostering musical creativity and communication skills. This study serves as a guide for educators, research bodies, and academic institutions striving to enrich music curricula, bridging the gap between classical tradition and jazz improvisation, and addressing the unique needs of string students transitioning between these styles.
Generalization and Fairness Optimization in Pretrained Language Models
Authors:   , Ghanbar Zadeh Somayeh
Published: June 2024

This study introduces an effective method to address the generalization challenge in pretrained language models (PLMs), which affects their performance on diverse linguistic data beyond their training scope. Improving PLMs' adaptability to out-of-distribution (OOD) data is essential for their reliability and practical utility in real-world applications. Furthermore, we address the ethical imperative of fairness in PLMs, particularly as they become integral to decision-making in sensitive societal sectors. We introduce gender-tuning, to identify and disrupt gender-related biases in training data. This method perturbs gendered terms, replacing them to break associations with other words. Gender-tuning stands as a practical, ethical intervention against gender bias in PLMs. Finally, we present FairAgent, a novel framework designed to imbue small language models (SLMs) with fairness, drawing on the knowledge of large language models (LLMs) without incurring the latter's computational costs. FairAgent operates by enabling SLMs to consult with LLMs, harnessing their vast knowledge to guide the generation of less biased content. This dynamic system not only detects bias in SLM responses but also generates prompts to correct it, accumulating effective prompts for future use. Over time, SLMs become increasingly adept at producing fair responses, enhancing both computational efficiency and fairness in AI-driven interactions.
The Gritty Consumer: The Influence of Grit on Consumer Behavior
Authors:   , Pant Logan Guy
Published: June 2024

Surprisingly little research has explored the role of grit in consumer psychology. My dissertation addresses this gap by examining how grit influences consumer psychology, particularly focusing on uncovering the underlying mechanism between grit and consumer behaviors and exploring beliefs and attitudes on grit. Toward this goal, Essay 1 identifies the links between grit, a promotion regulatory focus, and variety seeking, while Essay 2 explores the role of consumers' political ideology on each facet of grit and moral consumer choices. In Essay 1, I propose that grit influences variety seeking, partially explained through a promotion regulatory focus. Three pilot studies, a main effects field study, and four experiments are used to empirically support links from grit to increased variety seeking, mediated by a promotion focus, and moderated by goal relevance. Essay 2 focuses on the influence of political ideology on grittiness. Multiple studies are used to test the proposed framework using various designs (surveys and experiments) and analysis techniques (e.g., SEM, ANOVA, and PROCESS), finding that unique types of grit, relative to consumers' political ideology, can significantly enhance or diminish intentions to make moral consumer choices. Together, this dissertation examines the important construct of grit in marketing and extends the current understanding of grit (e.g., dimensionality; promotion-focus). The essays offer robust evidence through field studies, consequential decisions, and various samples.
Shards of Silence: A Study of Unsuk Chin's Violin Concerto No. 2, "Scherben der Stille" (2021)
Authors:   , Kim Yeji
Published: June 2024

The purpose of this dissertation is to introduce Violin Concerto No. 2, "Scherben der Stille" (2021) by Unsuk Chin (b. 1961), a South Korean composer based in Berlin. This violin concerto creates a sonic drama. The sound material of this work resembles a "shard," as the subtitle of the work suggests: Shards of Silence. Through this work, Chin shows how music can deliver her dreams and fantasies through unconventional use of instruments and sounds. The dissertation includes a brief biography, observations on the composer's significant works and compositional style, and an overview and analysis of the work. Despite the increasing popularity of Violin Concerto No. 2, the piece has never gained scholarly attention. This writing should also contribute to the available sources about the composer Unsuk Chin and to the study of complex contemporary music that may seem resistant to formal analysis by analyzing its constituent fragments.
What Lies Beneath (and Between): An Expositional Analysis of George Palmer's Australian Song Cycle, "Letters from a Black Snake"
Authors:   , Curcuruto Christopher Charles
Published: June 2024

Letters from a Black Snake is a song cycle by living Australian composer, George Palmer. The cycle sets curated excerpts of text taken from letters written or dictated by Australia's most notorious bushranger (bandit) turned folk hero, Edward "Ned" Kelly (1854-1880), creating a cohesive narrative arc that establishes and explores Kelly's character through the precipitating events of his short life, exclusively in his own words. But what happens when the narrator doesn't tell the whole story? Framed as an expositional analysis of Letters from a Black Snake, this dissertation explores the importance of context on the interpretation and reception of this, and narrative song cycles generally, outlining potential approaches to performance, and proposing an expansion of Palmer's work.
Community and Health in Central Fort Worth: Understanding the Community's Perspectives on Health towards Informing Community-Based Interventions
Authors:   , Giamarqo Giamarqo
Published: June 2024

In 2019, a major academic medical center released a public health research report on life expectancies in Texas organized by zip code. The study revealed that the 76104-zip code, part of the central area of the city of Fort Worth, has the lowest life expectancy in the entire state. Concerned about the life expectancy study statistics, New Mount Rose Baptist Church, affiliated churches, and other community members sought to understand better why the life expectancy in their area was so low. This exploratory study uses a mixed-methods approach that incorporates interviews, a survey, and participant observation to help understand (i) how community members in the area feel, think about, and relate to their community, (ii) what the major social determinants of health are for them, and (iii) what health-related infrastructures in the area are lacking or need improvement. This study unearths perceptions of health and community from the various communities in the area and social and structural determinants of health in 76104.
Nutritional Habits of Student Musicians and Their Effects: Consumption of Fats, Fruits, and Vegetables as It Relates to BMI, Mental Health, and Other Factors
Authors:   , Gamble Ryan De Boer
Published: June 2024

This study conducted the first nationwide epidemiological survey to investigate the effects of dietary fat, fruit, and vegetable intake on the health of student musicians in the United States. Despite the recognized importance of nutrition in other performance fields, such as athletics, the relationship between diet and health in musicians has not been rigorously explored until now. The survey assessed dietary intake, body mass index (BMI), mood states via the DASS-21, engagement with healthcare, nutritional knowledge, and mental health history among 641 music majors. Key findings include higher fat intake and BMI predicted higher DASS-21 total scores as well as each separate sub-score for depression, anxiety, and stress; a significantly lower mean BMI in the study group compared to the general U.S. college student population; and mixed results regarding healthcare engagement and its relation to diet and BMI, suggesting the need for a more suitable model for analysis. Notably, sources of nutritional knowledge and barriers to healthy eating significantly influenced diet quality, indicating potential misinformation about fat consumption and the positive impact of accessible healthy foods on diet quality. Additionally, mental health diagnoses were associated with lower fat and fruit/vegetable scores but not BMI. These results underscore the potential negative impact of dietary habits on mental health among music majors and highlight a widespread misunderstanding of what constitutes a healthy diet. Future research should refine dietary assessments and incorporate biometric data, while music education institutions are urged to include nutrition education in their curricula, emphasizing the role of diet in overall musician wellness.
The Impact of Online Teaching Experience during the COVID-19 Pandemic on Community College Faculty Attitudes toward Online Teaching and Their Teaching Practices
Authors:   , García Jorge Alberto
Published: June 2024

The purpose of this dissertation was to investigate the impact of the rapid shift to online teaching during the COVID-19 pandemic on a community college. This study focused on examining the attitudes of the faculty towards online teaching and their teaching practices. Additionally, the study aimed to understand the impact of the rapid shift to online teaching on faculty preferences regarding instructional delivery modes. This study provides insights into the challenges faced by faculty during the shift to online teaching and their experiences in adapting to a new teaching format. This study also sheds light on the effectiveness of online teaching in a community college setting and identifies areas where further improvement is needed. The findings of this study can be used to inform future decisions regarding the delivery of instruction in community colleges and provide a basis for further research in this area.
An Exploratory Study of the Impact of COVID-19 on the Cyberpsychology of the K12 Student Support Ecosystem
Authors:   , Howard Erin Linette
Published: June 2024

This dissertation explores how student support services (SSS) within the K-12 ecosystem's relationship with technology, or cyberpsychology, has been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic grounded in the ecological systems theory (EST) framework. The first article investigated professional school counselors' use of technology for communication to meet student needs while upholding the American School Counseling Association's (ASCA) high ethical standards. The study examined how professional school counselors navigated using technology for communication amidst school closures during the COVID-19 pandemic. The second article explored the learning experiences of emergent bilingual (EB) educators in virtual settings. This study gained insight into the unique experiences of EB educators during and after COVID-19 working with students in virtual learning environments. The third article took a more personal approach by conducting individual interviews to gain insight into the challenges in technology use by the K-12 student support services (SSS) ecosystem throughout the pandemic. Participants shared their celebrations and their struggles of their personal experiences with technology during and after the COVID-19 pandemic. A story is found in these works as the three manuscripts come together to illustrate the impact of the pandemic on the cyberpsychology of the K-12 SSS ecosystem, nested in the overarching K-12 ecosystem.
Analysis of the Impact Hyperglycemia has on Neuronal Functions Using Genetic Approaches in Caenorhabditis elegans
Authors:   , Ruiz Manuel Axel
Published: June 2024

A chronic hyperglycemic state often results in neuropathological complications such as peripheral diabetic neuropathy (PDN). PDN is a debilitating medical condition that impacts over half of the US population with diabetes. In this study, we used the model organism Caenorhabditis elegans to determine that glucose-supplemented diet leads to an increased rate of intrauterine egg hatching (IUEH) and the reduction of dopamine and serotonin is sufficient to suppress the glucose-induced IUEH. Moreover, in this research demonstrates that a glucose-supplemented diet impacts serotonin and dopamine-associated behaviors. Additionally, we demonstrate that a diet rich in glucose impacts the structure of the serotonergic neurons HSN and NSM. These findings highlight the utility of the model organism C. elegans in elucidating the impact of a glucose-supplemented diet on the nervous system. Finally, these studies show that a glucose-supplemented diet impacts transgenerational and intergenerational phenotypes as well as changes in the transcriptional profile of subsequent generations.
Role of HOMOLOG OF RPW8 4 in Plant Defense against the Green Peach Aphid
Authors:   , Twayana Moon Laxmi
Published: June 2024

The green peach aphid (GPA; Myzus persicae Sülzer) is a damaging pest that has a broad host range that includes plants in the Brassicaceae, Solanaceae, Cucurbitaceae, and Rosaceae families. It also vectors several important viral diseases. However, how plants perceive GPA to limit infestation is poorly understood. This study demonstrates an important role for the HOMOLOG OF RPW8 4 (HR4), which encodes a protein that contains the RESISTANCE TO POWDERY MILDEW 8 (RPW8) motif that is found in some intracellular receptor proteins that are involved in defense against pathogens. In the accession Moscow of Arabidopsis thaliana, a Brassicaceae family plant, located at the RPW8 locus on chromosome 3 are RPW8.1 and RPW8.2, which confer resistance against a broad spectrum of powdery mildew pathogens. In comparison, in the powdery mildew-susceptible accession Columbia (Col-0), RPW8.1 and RPW8.2 are replaced by the homologous HR4Col-0. HR4Col-0, but not its homologs, was found to be involved in limiting GPA infestation. The presence of HR4Col-0 adversely impacted GPA fecundity, feeding from the phloem, and host selection. Transcriptomic analysis revealed that HR4Col-0 influences biological processes such as response to chitin, amino acid metabolism, and lipid metabolism. The resistance-enhancement ability of HR4Col-0 towards GPA infestation could be transferred to the Arabidopsis accession Wassilewskija and the oil-seed crop Camelina sativa, both of which naturally lack HR4. These findings position HR4Col-0 as a promising candidate for enhancing resistance to the GPA in plants other than Arabidopsis. This research significantly advances our understanding of plant immune mechanisms against an important agricultural pest.
Simultaneous Effects of Sleep Disturbances and Negative Emotions on PTSD Symptom Trajectories: From Early to Chronic Trauma Response
Authors:   , Messman Brett Adam
Published: June 2024

The present study aimed to investigate sleep disturbances and negative emotions as predictors of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptom trajectories in a publicly available longitudinal dataset of patients (N = 1127; mean age = 36.53; SD = 13.29; 65.5% women) who presented to a U.S. emergency department (ED) in the early aftermath of a trauma exposure. Latent growth curve models were fitted iteratively to characterize PTSD symptom trajectories over 1-year. Models then examined the simultaneous influence of sleep disturbances (i.e., insomnia symptoms, nightmares, and sleep duration) and negative emotions (i.e., feelings of anxiety and depression) on PTSD symptom trajectories, as well as whether negative emotions mediate the link between sleep disturbances and PTSD symptom trajectories. Results indicated that (a) PTSD symptom trajectories reflected a quadratic trend across time, although there was variability between individuals, (b) both sleep disturbances and negative emotions were uniquely associated with PTSD symptom trajectories, and (c) negative emotions partially explained associations between sleep disturbances and PTSD symptom trajectories. The results from this study can potentially aid detection of modifiable risk factors during the early course of PTSD and inform cognitive-behavioral intervention efforts.
Malicious Intent Detection Framework for Social Networks
Authors:   , Fausak Andrew Raymond
Published: June 2024

Many, if not all people have online social accounts (OSAs) on an online community (OC) such as Facebook (Meta), Twitter (X), Instagram (Meta), Mastodon, Nostr. OCs enable quick and easy interaction with friends, family, and even online communities to share information about. There is also a dark side to Ocs, where users with malicious intent join OC platforms with the purpose of criminal activities such as spreading fake news/information, cyberbullying, propaganda, phishing, stealing, and unjust enrichment. These criminal activities are especially concerning when harming minors. Detection and mitigation are needed to protect and help OCs and stop these criminals from harming others. Many solutions exist; however, they are typically focused on a single category of malicious intent detection rather than an all-encompassing solution. To answer this challenge, we propose the first steps of a framework for analyzing and identifying malicious intent in OCs that we refer to as malicious mntent detection framework (MIDF). MIDF is an extensible proof-of-concept that uses machine learning techniques to enable detection and mitigation. The framework will first be used to detect malicious users using solely relationships and then can be leveraged to create a suite of malicious intent vector detection models, including phishing, propaganda, scams, cyberbullying, racism, spam, and bots for open-source online social networks, such as Mastodon, and Nostr.