bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Feasibility of Inkjet Printing as a Viable Solar Cell Fabrication Method
Authors:   , Lee Brandon Scott , Sun Ying
Published: July 2021

In this study, the flexible polymer substrate polyethylene naphthalate (PEN) was modified under two different plasma chemistries, namely helium-oxygen (He-O2) and helium-water vapor (He-H₂O) plasmas at atmospheric pressure and room temperature. Surface changes related to wettability, chemical functionalization, surface energy, and morphology after plasma treatment were investigated using water contact angle (WCA) goniometry, x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and atomic force microscopy (AFM). Each plasma resulted in a more hydrophilic PEN surface, with WCA decreasing by 68% and 85% for He-O2 and He-H₂O plasma treated PEN, respectively, after only 1.0 second of exposure. An aging study of plasma treated PEN shows an increase in WCA that is still 30° lower than that of the as-received PEN after one month. XPS and AFM results show that improved wettability of the plasma modified PEN is due to the oxidation of the surface and not due to the increased surface roughness. To promote a roll-to-roll process of tmospheric plasma treatment and inkjet deposition, printing was performed using the conductive polymer poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) poly (styrenesulfonate) (PEDOT:PSS) on the as-received and plasma treated PEN surfaces where the shape and morphology of the lines were studied. Each plasma treated PEN surface exhibited well-defined, uniform inkjet-printed lines due to the improved wettability and increased surface energy. After scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis of the PEDOT:PSS dispersion of a single drop on each substrate, the He-H₂O plasma treated surface led to less agglomeration of PEDOT:PSS and a more homogeneous drop deposit. This study also focused on the feasibility of inkjet printing organic solar cells consisting of an active layer of poly(3-hexylthiophene):phenyl-c61-butyric acid methyl ester (P3HT:PCBM) on zinc oxide (ZnO) coated indium tin oxide (ITO) glass slides. The inkjet printing frequency, drop spacing, and effect of multiple layers were investigated by analyzing optical images of the inkjet printed P3HT:PCBM active layers. From these images the optimal parameters were determined and consisted of 1.5 kHz inkjet printing frequency, 65 [mu]m drop spacing, and two layers printed in a crossed pattern. After determining the optimal parameters, solar cell testing was conducted on the inkjet printed organic solar cells. The solar cell testing consisted of using a solar simulator in order to measure the absorption spectrum for the inkjet printed P3HT:PCBM films and the I-V curves for the inkjet printed organic solar cells. From the I-V curves generated it can be seen that the two layers crossed organic solar cell provided the best results.
Romantic Rendering
Authors:   , Littlejohn Simon Mason , Mauriello David A.
Published: July 2021

Romanticism emerged in the mid-18th century as a way to transport the audience to a setting that couldn't be experienced in normal life. Its themes dealt with epic depictions of nature, and emphasized emotion over reason. While there was no one specific artistic style, the movement began to distance itself from idealistic representation and antiquity, and moved toward more Baroque sensibilities that emphasized form and color. The study of Romanticism and how its effects can be applied in storytelling and visualization present both opportunity and challenge. Translating the look, feel, and overarching effects of Romanticism into a digital time based narrative poses unique and challenging possibilities in storytelling and artistic direction as it pertains to 3D animation, and can aid in the creative process and visualization.
An Examination of the Impeachment and Rehabilitation of a Character Witness's Testimony
Authors:   , Foster Elizabeth Elaine , DeMatteo David S.
Published: July 2021

No research has yet examined the impact of prosecutorial impeachment and the rehabilitation of a character witnesss testimony on jurors decisions in the guilt phase of trials. As a result, we lack a basic understanding of whether character evidence is viewed as persuasive in the context of juror decision-making. This study examined whether character evidence influences mock jurors perceptions of a defendants guilt, focusing on the impeachment and rehabilitation of a character witnesss testimony. A pilot study was first conducted to examine the strength of character evidence statements; the primary study then utilized those pilot-tested statements. For the primary study, a total of 197 participants were included from a large northeastern university. This six-group study had two levels of character evidence (none or present), three levels of impeachment (none, a general character witness rebuttal, or a cross-examination of the defenses witness), and two levels of rehabilitation (none or presence of cross-examination/redirect). Results revealed that when character evidence was present, mock jurors found the defendant more likely to be guilty on a seven-point Likert scale. This was true even when there was an impeachment and/or rehabilitation of the character witnesss testimony.
Potentially Mitigating and Aggravating
Authors:   , Shah Sanjay Bipin , DeMatteo David S.
Published: July 2021

Advances in neuroscience research are continuing to provide more of a complete understanding of human behavior, including behavior that may bring an individual in contact with the criminal justice system. This study primarily examined whether neurological evidence in the form of expert testimony is predictive of a life sentence if presented by a defense expert as a mitigating factor or a death sentence if presented by a prosecution expert as an aggravating factor. The current study is the first to assess how neurological evidence is viewed in a capital sentencing context. A total of 394 participants were administered a vignette in which either a defense or prosecution expert presented neurological evidence. Facts and testimony included in the vignettes also reflected a crime consistent with reactive aggression or instrumental aggression. Participants were asked to provide either a life imprisonment or death sentence and then were asked to rate how influenced they were by neurological testimony. Results provided some support that participants who more influenced by neurological evidence presented by a defense expert were more likely to provide a life imprisonment sentence when facts reflected reactive aggression. Due to the majority of participants in prosecution groups incorrectly identifying that it was a defense expert who testified, it could not be determined whether neurological evidence from the prosecution would increase the probability of a death sentence. This study is consistent with prior research that suggests neurological evidence is viewed as decreasing defendant culpability.
Racism as a Psychosocial Stressor that Contributes to Health Disparities through Dysregulation of HPA/SNS Systems
Authors:   , Cross Dominique R. , Rich John A.
Published: July 2021

There are a number of documented health disparities between minority and Caucasian children. One mechanism that may explain the disparity is increased allostatic load (dysregulation of physiological systems) among African-Americans and other minorities due to chronic stressors. It has been shown that minority children have flatter diurnal cortisol slopes than Whites - an indication of increased allostatic load. If increased stress contributes to increased allostatic load, one of the possible factors that may increase stress levels in minority children is racism. This was a pilot study to explore a potential link between perceptions of racism and increased allostatic load (shown by physiological dysregulation of cortisol) in Black male youth. Subjects collected salivary samples in a naturalistic setting. They also completed the Perceptions of Racism in Children and Youth (PRaCY) questionnaire as a measure of their experiences with racism. The study examined the feasibility of collecting salivary samples in a naturalistic setting in a low socio-economic status, inner-city population as well as correlated their perceptions of racism with allostatic stress levels, perceived social status, and depression symptoms.
A Substance Use DIsorder Educational Session: Influence on Nurse Anesthesia Care Providers Addiction Attitudes and Perceived Self-Efficacy to Recognize Chemical Impairment
Authors:   , Cohen Ferne Michele , Grant Allen C.
Published: July 2021

Substance use disorders (SUDs) are a leading occupational hazard in the anesthesia profession which must be identified early to prevent practitioner and patient harm. Nurse anesthesia care providers (NACPs) play a critical role in identifying impaired colleagues, but negative attitudes and weak self-efficacy to recognize suspicious behavior can impede early identification and intervention. Research indicates that education promotes favorable addiction attitudes and increases confidence to recognize impairment. The purpose of this mixed methods study consisting of single group pre-test post-test design with a case study qualitative approach was to explore the influence of a SUDs educational session on NACPs addiction attitudes and perceived self-efficacy to recognize chemical impairment. The conceptual framework was a blend of three streams of literature: (1) risk factors for SUDs and the impact on the anesthesia profession, (2) barriers which hinder identification and therapeutic intervention, (3) influence of education on addiction attitudes and perceived self-efficacy to recognize chemical impairment. Banduras Self -Efficacy model and Rosenbergs Structural Theory of Attitude Dynamics provide the theoretical underpinnings to support this investigation. A 90 minute SUDs educational session was presented by the researcher and two experts in the field to NACPs attending a professional conference. Select socio-demographic data were collected to define this convenience population but no quantitative data was linked to the participants. The Addictions Belief Inventory (ABI) was used to measure a change in attitudes; a case study qualitative approach consisting of two online focus groups facilitated further examination of the influence of this intervention. Triangulated data analysis demonstrated the positive impact of the SUDs educational intervention on NACPs addiction attitudes and confidence levels to recognize impaired behavior. Threats to validity include use of a pre-test post-test measure, a single group design and the potential bias introduced by the researcher who also presented the educational session. Future research is targeted towards assessing the influence of this intervention, presented at the anesthesia departmental level, on anesthesia care providers attitudes and confidence to spot suspicious behavior. An actionable solution with a three step strategy to increase and evaluate the impact of an efficacious and easily implemented SUDs.
Water Sorption and Diffusion in Glassy Polymers
Authors:   , Davis Eric Mikel , Elabd Yossef A.
Published: July 2021

Water sorption and diffusion in glassy polymers is important in many fields, including drug delivery, desalination, energy storage and delivery, and packaging. Accurately measuring and understanding the underlying transport mechanisms of water in these glassy polymers is often complex due to both the nonequilibrium state of the polymer and the self-associating nature of water (e.g., hydrogen bonding). In this work, water sorption and diffusion in a number of glassy polymers were measured using gravimetric and spectroscopic techniques, including quartz spring microbalance, quartz crystal microbalance, and in situ time-resolved Fourier transform infrared-attenuated total reflectance (FTIR-ATR) spectroscopy. Non-Fickian diffusion was observed in all polymers studied, indicated by an initial stage of water uptake, followed by a second stage of continuous, gradual uptake of water at later experimental times. These phenomena were attributed to diffusion driven by a concentration gradient, as well as diffusion driven by slow polymer relaxation resulting in additional water ingress over time. In order to gain additional insight into these phenomena, which are a product of nonequilibrium state of the polymers, diffusion-relaxation models were developed and employed to determine the time scales for both diffusion and polymer relaxation, where the ratio of these values (Deborah number) confirmed the observed non-Fickian water diffusion. In addition, the solubility of water in these polymers was predicted using two nonequilibrium thermodynamic models: the nonequilibrium lattice fluid (NELF) model and the nonequilibrium statistical associating fluid theory (NE-SAFT), where excellent agreement between the NE-SAFT predictions and experimental data was obtained over the entire water vapor activity range explored. Furthermore, the states of water were analyzed using the Zimm-Lundberg clustering theory, as well as in situ FTIR-ATR spectroscopy, where the latter technique provides a direct, molecular-level measurement of the states of water in the polymer through distinct infrared bands. Surprisingly, contrasting physical pictures of the states of water were observed between mathematical analysis and direct molecular measurements. The results of this work provide unique insights into the fundamental transport mechanisms of water in glassy polymers.
Nanofiber, Planar and Ideal Fiber Models of a Polymer Electrolyte Membrane Fuel Cell
Authors:   , Dever Dennis Owen , Elabd Yossef A. , Cairncross Richard Allan
Published: July 2021

The main objective of this research is to numerically model features in the cathode catalyst layer of a proton exchange membrane fuel cell that have been recently discovered but that have not been incorporated in existing models. These features are included in the new Nanofiber Model. In addition to this, two proton exchange membrane fuel cell models, the Planar Cathode Catalyst Layer Model and the Ideal Fiber Model, were developed to evaluate alternate model geometries. The cathode catalyst layer in a proton exchange membrane fuel cell is now known to contain ionomer nanofibers and experiments have demonstrated a fuel cell performance increase of ca. 10% due to those nanofibers. Experiments demonstrate that ionomer nanofibers have proton conductivities that exceed those of the bulk form of the ionomer by more than an order of magnitude. A new model, the Nanofiber Model, is presented here that predicts the effect of nanofibers on fuel cell performance in terms of the enhanced nanofiber proton conductivity and other relevant variables. The model peak cell power density is ca. 7% greater for the case with 10% of the cathode catalyst layer ionomer in nanofiber form versus the same case without nanofibers. This difference is consistent with trends observed in previously published experimental results. These results are significant as they suggest alternative methods to optimize performance and reduce platinum utilization.
Out 4 Math
Authors:   , Fischer David J. , Gullo Dominic F. , Lewis Grant Kristine S.
Published: July 2021

Educational disparities have been examined in relationship to many different groups, but one group had been left out of the discussion - queer identified students. In this phenomenological study I asked the question: In what manner is queer identity and mathematical identity expressed simultaneously for individuals self-identified as LGBTQ? This began a discussion about the intersection of queer identity and mathematical identity. Six participants were interviewed and commonalities in their lived experiences were considered. Four of the six participants used the word queer to define themselves. Of these four, there were two major ways that they understood the word queer, as stepping outside of a binary and as community. It was found that a queer identity had not been essentialized for the four participants. A major supportive factor for all six participants was having a sense of community that supported their queer identity. An LGBTQ youth center provided them all with that sense of community. Other sources of community included their familys of origin, friends, gay-identified teachers, and teachers in general. The impact of support received at school is examined with relationship to both queer identity and mathematical identity. Having support for ones queer identity at school was found to relate to possessing a stronger mathematical identity. This study has implications for the classroom teacher, GSA advisor and to those running youth centers.
Spectral Properties of Differential Operators with Vanishing Coefficients
Authors:   , Jordon Daniel , Wright Jay Douglas
Published: July 2021

The purpose of this thesis is to ascertain whether linear differential operators with vanishing coefficients make suitable operators for Cauchy problems. Well-posedness for linear Cauchy problems - characterized by existence, uniqueness, and continuous dependence on the initial data - depends on a ray being in the spectrum of the operator and an estimate for the resolvent operator along this ray. This was originally shown by Hille and Yosida for operators when every positive real number is in the resolvent set, and later generalized by Feller, Miyadera, and Phillips. We restrict our attention to the setting where the differential operator acts on functions that depend on a spatial variable that takes values from a bounded subset of the real line. We establish ill-posedness of the Cauchy problem by analyzing the spectral properties of the differential operator and prove the spectrum is the entire complex plane for a wide variety of differential operators with vanishing coefficients. If the differential operator is the product of a polynomial in the derivative with a scaler function that has roots of finite multiplicity, we develop simple criteria for establishing ill-posedness of the Cauchy problem. We establish point spectral results when the function is real-valued with only simple roots, in particular we show the point spectrum is the entire complex plane. Much less is known when the coefficients of the differential operator depend on time. For these non-autonomous Cauchy problems (NCPs) only sufficient conditions for well-posedness are known, with necessary conditions still lacking. In this thesis we make strides with establishing necessary spectral conditions for well-posed NCPs in the case where the family of operators is continuous.
Analysis of Liver X Receptor target gene expression across species
Authors:   , Noto Paul Bart , Bentz Joseph Edward
Published: July 2021

Liver X Receptors (LXRs) are nuclear hormone receptors that regulate key genes involved in cholesterol and lipid metabolism. As transcription factors, LXRs turn on the gene expression of ATP-binding cassette transporters (ABCs) which mediate cholesterol efflux from cells, such as macrophage foam cells. In addition, LXRs have the ability to down regulate pro-inflammatory genes. Therefore, LXRs have been extensively investigated as potential therapeutic targets for the treatment of conditions that result from altered cholesterol and lipid homeostasis as well as increased inflammation, such as atherosclerosis and Alzheimer's disease (AD). This latter is a neurodegenerative disorder that is associated with the deposition of brain amyloid plaques, constituted by insoluble A[beta] peptides. LXR activation has been shown to promote A[beta] clearance from the brain via the ABCA1-apolipoprotein E pathway and improve cognitive functions in rodent models of AD. The ability of LXRs to promote reverse cholesterol transport (RCT) and suppress inflammation has been characterized in both human and murine in vitro systems, but mostly in rodent in vivo systems. Although the LXR signaling pathway is mostly conserved across species, LXRs can also regulate their target genes in a species-, tissue- and isoform-specific fashion. Therefore the purpose of this work is to investigate the regulation of target genes by LXRs across species and identify, if any, differences that could aid us in understanding the role of LXR modulation in higher species, such as non-human primates. In the context of inflammation, the LXR genome landscape had only been investigated in murine macrophages. Therefore, we performed a genome-wide screen in human THP-1 macrophages. This led us to the identification of a novel LXR target gene, Sphingomyelin Phosphodiesterase Acid-Like 3A Gene (SMPDL3A), which is regulated in a species- and tissue-specific fashion, being restricted to human blood cells, with no induction by LXRs in mouse cellular systems. Next, we confirmed the LXR-mediated upregulation of ABCA1 and ApoE genes in Cynomolgus monkey brains, as this had never been investigated in higher species. In addition, we also characterized the LXR transcriptome in Cynomolgus brain by RNA-sequencing in order to identify potential novel LXR target genes. For the first time in higher species, we show Apolipoprotein AI upregulation in the brain of Cynomolgus monkey upon treatment with a synthetic LXR modulator.
High Power Electric Double-Layer Capacitors based on Room-Temperature Ionic Liquids and Nanostructured Carbons
Authors:   , Pérez Carlos Raúl , Gogotsi Yury
Published: July 2021

The efficient storage of electrical energy constitutes both a fundamental challenge for 21st century science and an urgent requirement for the sustainability of our technological civilization. The push for cleaner renewable forms of energy production, such as solar and wind power, strongly depends on a concomitant development of suitable storage methods to pair with these intermittent sources, as well as for mobile applications, such as vehicles and personal electronics. In this regard, Electrochemical Double-Layer Capacitors (supercapacitors) represent a vibrant area of research due to their environmental friendliness, long lifetimes, high power capability, and relative underdevelopment when compared to electrochemical batteries. Currently supercapacitors have gravimetric energies one order of magnitude lower than similarly advanced batteries, while conversly enjoying a similar advantage over them in terms of power. The challenge is to increase the gravimentric energies and conserve the high power. On the material side, research focuses on highly porous supports and electrolytes, the critical components of supercapacitors. Through the use of electrolyte systems with a wider electrochemical stability window, as well as properly tailored carbon nanomaterials as electrodes, significant improvements in performance are possible. Room Temperature Ionic Liquids and Carbide-Derived Carbons are promising electrolytes and electrodes, respectively. RTILs have been shown to be stable at up to twice the voltage of organic solvent-salt systems currently employed in supercapacitors, and CDCs are tunable in pore structure, show good electrical conductivity, and superior demonstrated capability as electrode material. This work aims to better understand the interplay of electrode and electrolyte parameters, such as pore structure and ion size, in the ultimate performance of RTIL-based supercapacitors in terms of power, energy, and temperature of operation. For this purpose, carbon nanomaterials such as nanoporous CDC nanopowders, vertically aligned carbon nanotube arrays, and single wall carbon nanotube aerogels, were synthesized and used as electrodes, alongside RTIL electrolytes with systematically varying ion sizes and compositions. While electrode/electrolyte development can take place along parallel lines, both must be properly matched to the devices ultimate operating conditions and specific application. The resulting devices exhibit good performance characteristics, and the best temperature range of any electrochemical storage device to date.
The Relationship between Dorsolateral Prefrontal Activation and Speech Performance-Based Social Anxiety using Functional Near Infrared Spectroscopy
Authors:   , Talkul Anootnara , Izzetoglu Meltem Alkan , Herbert James D.
Published: July 2021

Social anxiety disorder (SAD) is currently one of the most common psychiatric disorders diagnosed in the United States. Functional near-infrared (fNIR) spectroscopy is a promising new technology that has already demonstrated utility in the study of normal human cognition. The present study utilized fNIR spectroscopy to examine the effect of social anxiety and performance on hemodynamic activity in the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC). Socially phobic participants and non-clinical participants with varying levels of social anxiety completed a public speaking task in front of a small virtual audience while the DLPFC was being monitored by the fNIR device. Our findings revealed that the relationship between anxiety and both blood volume (BV) and deoxygenated hemoglobin (Hb) varied significantly as a function of speech performance, such that individuals with low social anxiety who performed well showed an increase in DLPFC activation relative to those who did not perform well. This result suggests that effortful thinking and/or efficient top-down inhibitory control may have been required to complete an impromptu speech task with good performance. In contrast, good performers who were highly socially anxious showed lower DLPFC activation relative to good performers who were low in social anxiety, suggesting autopilot thinking or less-effortful thinking. In terms of poor performers, slight increases in DLPFC activation were observed from low to highly anxious individuals, which may reflect a shift from effortless thinking to heightened self-focused attention. Heightened self-focused attention, poor inhibitory control resulting in excessive fear or anxiety, or low motivation may lower performance. These results suggest that there can be different underlying mechanisms in the brain that affect the level of speech performance in individuals with varying degrees of social anxiety. This study highlights the utility of the fNIR device in the assessment of changes in DLPFC in response to exposure to realistic, phobic stimuli, and further supports the potential utility of this technology in the study of the neurophysiology of anxiety disorders.
Social Jetlag as a Mediator of the Relationship between Chronotype and Body Mass Index
Authors:   , Culnan Elizabeth , Kloss Jacqueline D.
Published: July 2021

Circadian factors (e.g., chronotype), have been relatively unexplored in the context of the sleep-weight relationship. Thus, we sought to measure the degree to which chronotype is related to BMI. Furthermore, we aimed to investigate "social jetlag" - the degree of shifting in an individual's sleep timing practices between workdays and free days - in relation to chronotype, and BMI. We hypothesized that social jetlag would mediate the relationship between chronotype and BMI. Additionally, we proposed that specific health behaviors (e.g., physical activity, junk food consumption, substance use), depressed mood, and adjustment to college might additionally qualify the chronotype-BMI relationship. Findings were discrepant regarding whether or not social jetlag mediates the relationship between chronotype and BMI. Additionally, the specified health behaviors, mood, and adjustment to college did not mediate chronotype and BMI. Future studies should seek to further explore and clarify the relationships among chronotype, social jetlag, and BMI.
Electronic Characterization of La_[0:33]Sr_[0:67]FeO₃ Films Grown by Molecular Beam Epitaxy
Authors:   , Devlin Robert C. , May Steven J.
Published: July 2021

Increasing computational speed and power has been contingent upon the scaling of silicon transistors; however, these components are reaching fundamental physical limits in terms of size. Transition metal oxides have emerged as candidate materials for next generation, multifunctional electronic devices due to useful phenomena such as metal-to-insulator transitions. Crucial to the realization of these materials in devices, however, is the elucidation of fundamental electronic properties, specifically in thin films, and the mechanisms driving observed electronic phase transitions. This thesis examines the electronic properties of La_[1/3]Sr_[2/3]FeO₃ (LSFO) thin films which undergo an abrupt phase transition from a highly conductive phase to an insulating phase. This phase transition is accompanied by an order of magnitude jump in resistivity over a 10K temperature range and an ordering of charge along the [111] direction. Strain effects on the electronic phase transition in LSFO films were explored through electronic transport and synchrotron x-ray diffraction of films grown by molecular beam epitaxy on substrates which imparted increasing tensile strain. It was found that the different substrates drastically alter the electronic transport of thin films, with increasing strain diminishing the abruptness of the transition. Synchrotron measurements confirmed that, in spite of the changes in transport properties, there is still an ordering of charge below the electronic phase transition and that the direction of this ordering is still along the [111] independent of strain state. Carrier behavior in LSFO films was also explored by fitting transport data to different conduction models and measuring carrier concentrations and mobilities. The conduction mechanism fits show that transport in LSFO films is dominated by weakly insulating behavior due to small polaron conduction at high temperatures and a change in conduction mechanism below the transition temperature to variable range hopping. The Hall effect measurements revealed near-constant carrier concentrations in the high temperature phase followed by a nearly two orders of magnitude decrease in free carriers in the low temperature phase. This decrease in carrier concentration was accompanied by an increase in carrier mobility by a factor of 10.
Interactive Cable Installation
Authors:   , Gross Kevin M. , Wagner Michael G.
Published: July 2021

With the advancement of easily accessible game engines, the landscape of "serious" or educational games is expanding. Despite these advancements, we have yet to see a wide-scale adoption of game-based learning within corporate training environments. Instead, most companies rely on e-Learning modules: outdated, 2D training tools that consist of text and video- based learning. I argue that with proper implementation and examination, as well as consideration of the needs of the learners and their involvement in the design process, gaming principles can be implemented into existing training methods to deliver contextualized, meaningful and engaging learning tools. Interactive Cable Installation (ICI) is an interactive, 3D learning tool that will allow users to simulate a standard cable service call. The main goal of ICI is not to replace existing e-Learning, but rather to supplement and strengthen its educational outcomes by using game design principles and environments. This paper examines existing research into game-based learning, describes the design process for ICI, evaluates user testing with Comcast Cable technicians, and details further development for a wide-scale adoption of this type of learning tool.
Visual Serial-List Learning in Temporal Lobe Epilepsy
Authors:   , Tart-Zelvin Ariana , Williams J. Michael
Published: July 2021

The current study examined performance on a visual serial-list learning task in patients with epilepsy in order to clarify the role of executive function as a contributing factor to episodic visual memory test performance and primary visual amnesia. The sample was comprised of 37 individuals who were diagnosed with temporal lobe epilepsy and 34 healthy controls between the ages of 19 and 76 years old. The neuropsychological assessment included a demographic questionnaire and the Biber-Glosser Figure Learning Test. Results suggest that epilepsy patients had a significantly different error profile across trials than healthy controls and committed more errors overall. Furthermore, errors in executive control were predictive of delayed performance among the epilepsy population. Future research should operationally define and analyze different errors committed as this study did when examining neuropsychological measures of executive function in the temporal lobe epilepsy population in order to enhance understanding of these higher level cognitive processes and underlying neural mechanisms involved.
MOU
Authors:   , Davis Kimberly M. , Tedesco Albert S.
Published: July 2021

To accompany the recent merger of the Comcast Corporation with NBC Universal (Comcast / NBC), a memorandum of understanding (MOU) was enacted between Comcast/NBC and the African American Leadership Organization (AALO). The MOU, finalized on January 18, 2011 and referenced as Appendix in this research paper, proposed to strengthen the presence of African Americans within the newly formed organization and facilitate this objective through governing councils appointed by the AALO through four diversity advisory councils. These councils have, since their initial meeting, formed five focus points to address if the memorandum of understanding is to be successful.1 The five focus points are Corporate Governance: External Diversity Advisory Councils, Employment/Workforce Recruitment and Retention, Procurement, Programming, and Philanthropy and Community Investment. Further analysis of past television programming reveals a seemingly marked history of negative and derogatory images for the memorandum to combat that many believe has prevailed throughout the years in the form of entertaining programming for television viewers. There may be networks that currently prescribe to this type of programming that many within the African American community find offensive amid an otherwise increasingly varied channel line-up. Possible reasons for a memorandum of understanding are provided herein and the subsequent outcomes to successful utilizations of a memorandum in the television industry are also presented.2 "News, movies, cop dramas, and crime documentaries often contain many racial stereotypes that continue to perpetuate racial myths and stereotypes in our society. For example, the black male and oftentimes, the Hispanic male, are constantly betrayed as violent, angry and hostile, criminally minded, lazy, lacking intelligence, and engaging in illegal activity, mainly drug dealing or robbery."3Thus, in prompting concern for its unique audience, the MOU between NBC/Comcast and the AALO carries out a detailed method of procedures for other organizations to emulate when seeking similar objectives for equality such as increasing their presence in the current programming and television management of today's emerging television industry.
The Relation of Hedonic Hunger, Hunger State, and Food Exposure to Executive Control, Attentional Food Bias, and Heart Rate Variability
Authors:   , Shank Lisa Marie , Lowe Michael R.
Published: July 2021

Todays food environment has been targeted as a contributing factor to the increased prevalence of obesity. This study examined cue reactivity by manipulating hunger state and exposure to food in participants with varying levels of hedonic hunger. The objective of this study was to examine the effects of hunger state, food exposure, and hedonic hunger on executive control, attentional food bias, and heart rate variability. Participants from Drexel University completed a measure of hedonic hunger through an online survey. Measures of executive control, attentional food bias, and heart rate variability were collected during a laboratory visit, during which participants were randomized to one of four conditions manipulating food exposure and hunger condition. While the study was underpowered, two patterns emerged. The high PFS group had higher baseline HRV LF and experienced a greater decrease in HRV LF/HF compared to the low PFS group. Additionally, when satiated, the high PFS group showed decreased arousal and increased executive control, while the low PFS group showed an opposite pattern. However, minimal differences existed between groups in the hungry condition. Results suggest that individuals high in PFS scores have elevated levels of arousal. After the consumption of food, physiological arousal and executive control are improved, while the opposite results are seen in individuals low in PFS scores. This calming effect may help to explain why these individuals experience increased levels of preoccupation with food. Due to a small sample size, the conclusions are speculative and these effects will be examined as the study enrolls more participants.
A Phenomenological Study of the Knowledge Transfer and Succession Planning Experiences of Senior Leaders Retired from the California Community College System
Authors:   , Coleman Jennifer L. L. , Bureau W. Edward
Published: July 2021

California Community Colleges (CCCs) are facing an ongoing wave of baby boomer retirements that started many years ago and hasnt yet crested. With their retirements comes the potential to lose the "deep smarts" these leaders bring to their organizations, gained through decades of experience. Through the lens of changing workforce demographics, and a dedication to succession planning and knowledge management and transfer, institutions can work to capture some of this organizational history and information before it is lost forever. This qualitative study looks at the first step in this equation - the lived experiences of a select group of individuals as they retired from senior leadership roles within the CCC system. The phenomenological approach allowed for patterns to emerge regarding the knowledge transfer experiences of these leaders both before and after announcing their retirements. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with seven individuals, and upon review of the raw transcription data through the coding process described by Saldaña as "pragmatic eclecticism," three major themes emerged. Each theme encompasses succession planning through knowledge management and transfer within the CCC setting, broken out as follows: 1) Succession Planning as a Process, 2) The Context of Succession Planning, and 3) The Means of Succession Planning. Results flowing from the themes include 1) California Community Colleges need to increase their knowledge of succession planning to move beyond talk to action, 2) Personal career development and retirement journeys have the potential to affect organizational succession planning, 3) Institutional culture, personnel, and politics tend to impact succession planning efforts, and 4) Knowledge transfer is likely to be informal and individually, not organizationally, driven. Recommendations are made for action on the part of both CCCs as a system of unique institutions, and individuals who may seek leadership positions within that system. Recommendations for future research relate to the expansion of the study population and exploration of the CCCs current practices as they relate to succession planning and knowledge management and transfer, including establishment of best practices within the system. Methods chosen for implementation should meet the needs and expectations of the retirees, their peers, and their successors.
The Lived Experience of Vocal Expression for Three Transgender People
Authors:   , Lipson Julie Beth , Nolan Paul , Ierardi Florence
Published: July 2021

The purpose of this phenomenological study was to gain an in-depth understanding of the lived experience of vocal expression for three transgender people. Although several articles suggest that changing ones voice to match gender presentation can improve mental health, no articles have yet addressed the transgender persons subjective experience of using their voice. For this study, two transgender men and one transgender woman participated in an individual musical vocal experience and a subsequent interview. The sessions explored how the participants experience their voice as related to their self-image, and as an integrated or dissociated part of their identity. Data were analyzed by phenomenological method. Four common themes emerged from the data, including: (1) Reactions and associations to vocal experience; (2) Exerting effort; (3) Stages of transition; (4) Relearning to use voice. This study suggests that the voice plays an integral role in gender identity, and is connected to self-concept and expression. Participants found that exploring their voice encouraged physiological awareness, self-reflection, and reclamation of identity. Data showed that their focus on the voice influences their behavior, thoughts, and self-perception. This study suggests clinical applications for music therapists as well as other mental health practitioners.
Understanding the Personal Meaning of the Metaphor, "Body as Home" for Application in Dance/Movement Therapy
Authors:   , Meeks Lindsay , Schelly Hill Ellen
Published: July 2021

Within the last three decades, environmental psychologists, sociologists and psychologists have described "home" as a safe haven or sanctuary, in which one experiences positive qualities such as security, privacy, belonging and comfort and develops a healthier sense of self. Problematically though, many individuals do not experience home as such, and as a result may instead feel despair, failure and terror. Yet, despite not experiencing home in the universal way, we all still have a sense of home as an archetypal image. Because a "sense" is mentally constructed, and somatically felt, the researcher began to consider the value of an individual accepting "my body as my home, or my home as my body". The researcher's intention is to explore how an individual can create a home within the body, specifically within clinical dance/movement therapy. Application potentially applies to several clinical populations such as survivors of body trauma (ie: sexual and physical abuse), those with chronic pain, former eating disorders patients, people who self-mutilate or enact self-harm, recovering drug addicts and alcoholics, the homeless, foster care children, soldiers, and those who have been displaced or are in transition due to job loss. Three adult participants, artists in their own rights, engaged in artistic inquiry through improvisational processes in movement, and in their own respective art modalities, to explore the research question, "what is your subjective meaning of the metaphor 'body is home'?". Three themes were crystallized as the final results, and are synthesized into this new definition of "body as home": a socio-culturally constructed concept of self, dynamically developed, in an intersubjective process, that supports a holistic and authentic habitation in the body. The significance of these final results, is summarized into four key implications. First, exploring "body as home" within a dance/movement therapy clinical context could be an opportunity to construct a healthy attachment relationship due to the inter-personal themes that emerged, and the theory that the mother is a child's initial home. Secondly, the results highlight a potential gap in the definition of "embodiment" with regards to inhabiting body with a range of presence and authenticity. Third, they demonstrate that exploration of the metaphor "body as home" can directly affect one's body-image. And lastly, the clinical application of "body as home" could encourage development of a healthier body-image and more authentic, comfortable embodiment of self in relationship to others and environment.
A study of Direct Current Corona Discharges in Gases and Liquids for Thin Film Deposition
Authors:   , Antao Dion Savio , Farouk Bakhtier , Fridman Alexander A.
Published: July 2021

The applicability of DC corona discharges with their lower temperatures and uniformity was investigated for the deposition of thin films. The deposition was done at atmospheric pressure and room temperature, which lowers the facility cost as no vacuum or low pressure facilities are required and also enables continuous processing rather than batch processing. The operating regimes and the structures of DC negative corona discharges for a point to plate electrode configuration for thin film deposition were studied. Traditionally DC coronas have been operated at extremely low currents. By modifying the circuit, the DC corona was operated at higher currents without spark breakdown. The DC negative corona discharge was operated in a new regime where a stable and diffuse glow was observed near the anode surface. This diffuse glow was observed in air and methane discharges. The discharge was characterized by voltage-current diagnostics. Optical emission spectroscopy (OES) was used to obtain spatially resolved temperature measurements and electric field measurements. The DC negative corona discharge was also observed to deposit films on the anode surface. The deposition of films and particles on the anode surface has introduced the possibility of using corona discharges as a novel method of materials deposition or surface modification at atmospheric pressure. The study of electrical breakdown in both conducting and dielectric liquids has gained interest due to various applications. These discharges in liquids are unsuitable for many applications due to their thermal nature. Non-thermal discharges in liquids are relatively unexplored. DC plasma discharges in liquids for a negative pin-to-plate electrode configuration were also investigated. The discharge was characterized by voltage-current characteristics and visualization. The corona discharge is observed to deposit films on the anode surface when operated in tetraethyl orthosilicate (TEOS). Deposition on the anode surface by the proposed method has introduced the possibility of using corona discharges as a method of materials deposition or surface modification directly in liquid phase. The proposed plasma enhanced liquid deposition (PELD) technique is encouraging because it is both simple and effective in depositing films without damaging the substrate material.
Developing a future audience
Authors:   , Colton Eric Mathew , Vakharia Neville
Published: July 2021

How do LORT Theatres operating under TYA contracts balance mission, programming, and budget while building future audiences? The existing literature on the TYA movement focuses predominately on children's theatre companies. I look at three LORT Theatres as case studies to extend the current literature on the TYA movement to regional theatres. All three place significant value in instilling quality programming and emphasize the importance of providing cultural experiences at an early age. The theatres' profiled show that LORT Theatres can balance mission, programming, and budget while continuing to build a future audience.
Supported housing programs for the homeless mentally ill
Authors:   , Brown Juliet , Herbert James D.
Published: July 2021

The present paper is the result of dissertation research on factors related to treatment failure in supportive housing programs for the adult, homeless, chronically mentally ill (CMI) population. The paper begins with a general review of the literature on the population, including an overview of epidemiological issues. Historical efforts to increase understanding of service needs of the population are then reviewed. The paper continues with a description of supportive housing and its subtypes, reviews a sampling of supportive housing effectiveness research, and introduces the constructs of residential stability and program retention as potential supportive housing outcome indicators. Research regarding possible mediators of housing stability is then examined. A description of the present study is presented, followed by results of a Kaplan-Meier analysis and an extended Cox regression analysis of longitudinal supportive housing data in which the terminal event is disengagement from Philadelphia-based supportedhousing programs. The paper concludes with a discussion of the theoretical and practical implications of the study's statistical results.