bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Postmodernity and Pakistani Postmodernist Literature
Authors:   , Shagufta Iqra
Published: February 2025

Though scholars have discussed postmodernism in Islam and South Asia before, they tend to (i) assume Muslims as a monolithic group, bypassing the diversity of different cultures and the interaction of these cultures with indigenous practices of Islam; (ii) study postmodernity synchronically, thereby eliding histor(ies) and the possibility of multiple temporalities; and (iii) compare postmodernity in non-Western countries with Western standards, and when these countries fail this test, declare them not-yet-postmodern, or even modern. Negligible and scant discussions of postmodernity that do take place inside Pakistan, most of which are published in newspaper articles, tend to focus on Western postmodernity and its evolution and contemporary position. There is no book-length discussion of postmodernity and postmodernist literary texts from Pakistan and its curious sociopolitical blend of Indo-Muslim and Anglo-Indian influences and interaction with the Islamic political foundations of the country. This project discusses postmodernity and postmodern literature in Pakistan. I argue that, because of a different political, cultural, and literary climate, postmodernity and postmodern literature in Pakistan are distinct from their Western counterparts. Because of technological advancement and neoliberal globalization, Pakistan experiences a different kind of postmodernity resulting in the production of a different kind of postmodern literature. I trace the historical employment of postmodern literary tropes from Indo-Islamic genres, i.e. dastan, to contextualize this conversation. Then I discuss experimental works of fiction like Sultana's Dream (1908), Bina Shah's Before She Sleeps (2018), and Soniah Kamal's Unmarriageable (2019). The last chapter explores the relationship of postmodernity, postmodern politics, and Pakistani and Muslim historiographic metafictional literary texts: The Satanic Verses (1988) and A Case of Exploding Mangoes (2008). Hence, the work is regional and national, as well as comparative and transnational.
An In-Depth Look at Community Gardens: Practices that Support Community Garden Longevity
Authors:   , Cran Stephanie
Published: February 2025

Current food production methods in the United States contribute to environmental degradation as well as food insecurity. Food production by means of community gardens has the potential to reduce the deleterious effects of current production methods. However, many community gardens face challenges that hinder their longevity, thereby reducing the likelihood of the support they might provide for environmentally sustainable food production and decreased food insecurity for community members. A behavioral systems science approach was combined with ethnographic research methods, matrix analysis, and a literature review regarding best practices for community gardens to study the cultural practices of three established community gardens in the southwest region of the US. The results of the analyses conducted are presented in terms of recommendations to support each target community garden's sustainability. Recommendations regarding future research include environmental manipulations to identify functional relations and potential outcome measures for improving the longevity of community gardens are provided.
Quebec's Révolution Tranquille Reflected Through Artists' Voices (1945-1995)
Authors:   , Guerrero Danica Lynn Eisman
Published: February 2025

The Quebec of the Quiet Revolution invites a fascinating sociocultural study, and this analysis provides an overview of major changes there during the 1960s and 1970s. The author analyzes how artistic, literary, and musical contributions of the era reflected the public's sentiments toward this metamorphosis. References to political cartoons, plays, poetry, songs, and non-fiction works such as essays and manifestos illustrate attitudes toward the shifting role of the Catholic Church, the arrival of a Liberal government following an ultra-conservative administration, the feminist movement, economic and education reform, and the transformation of Quebec's identity through fierce debates over the status of French and English in the province. Policies enacted by Quebec Prime Ministers, especially Maurice Duplessis, Jean Lesage, and René Lévesque were pivotal to the emerging society. Events such as Vatican II, the publication of the Encyclical letter Humanae Vitae, and the efforts of Catholic Action revealed two concurrent strains of Catholicism present in Quebec and the extent to which the Church had become disconnected from society. This study examines major feminist aims within the historical and literary context and considers how collective efforts were critical to advancing their agenda. Ambitious economic measures enabled Quebec's francophone population to catch up to their anglophone counterparts and promoted the long-term prosperity of the entire province. The study features perspectives informed by recent interviews conducted with Quebecois people who witnessed, participated in, and reflected on these dramatic events.
Results on Non-Club Isomorphic Aronszajn Trees
Authors:   , Chavez Jose
Published: February 2025

In this dissertation we prove some results about the existence of families of Aronszajn trees on successors of regular cardinals which are pairwise not club isomorphic. The history of this topic begins with a theorem of Gaifman and Specker in the 1960s which asserts the existence from ZFC of many pairwise not isomorphic Aronszajn trees. Since that result was proven, the focus has turned to comparing Aronszajn trees with respect to isomorphisms on a club of levels, instead of on the entire tree. In the 1980s Abraham and Shelah proved that the Proper Forcing Axiom implies that any two Aronszajn trees on the first uncountable cardinal are club isomorphic. This theorem was generalized to higher cardinals in recent work of Krueger. Abraham and Shelah also proved that the opposite holds under diamond principles. In this dissertation we address the existence of pairwise not club isomorphic Aronszajn trees on higher cardinals from a variety of cardinal arithmetic and diamond principle assumptions. For example, on the successor of a regular cardinal, assuming GCH and the diamond principle on the critical cofinality, there exists a large collection of special Aronszajn trees such that any two of them do not contain club isomorphic subtrees.
Black and White Attitudes toward Interracial Marriage in the U.S.: The Role of Social Contact Characteristics
Authors:   , Coleman Samuel
Published: February 2025

This research advances the literature on interracial marriage by using variables that align with the social contact hypothesis. The purpose of this project is to accurately gauge the exact social predictors influencing current attitudes towards Black and White interracial marriage. Multiple regression models containing social contact predictors are analyzed using data from the 2018 General Social Survey. The conclusive review of the literature summarizes age, region, and education as essential social contact predictors of attitudes towards interracial marriage. Therefore, the formulated hypotheses and multiple regression models measure this specific relationship controlling for other predictors such as sex and income. For Whites, the two most significant factors are age and living in the south vs. the west. Interestingly, a college education is not significant. For Blacks, the key contact variable that seems to matter is age. Baby boomers are less likely to favor interracial marriage. Overall, results show areas of convergence. Therefore, one's age is significant predictor for White and Black acceptance. However, it also shows divergence-region appears to only matter for Whites. Accordingly, younger Blacks and Whites were more likely to favor close relatives marrying individuals of the opposite race. Older Blacks and Whites were less likely to support interracial marriage. This analysis displays some of the critical gaps in using the social contact hypothesis to measure beliefs in Black and White conformity. Thus, there is a need to develop more logical variables to help solidify the exact social forces effecting attitudes towards interracial relationships.
Sociocultural Considerations and the Parallel Agendas of Music and Text in the Lullaby
Authors:   , Estwick Brandi
Published: February 2025

This research is an investigation of how the lullaby, which is often viewed as purely a simple and pretty song, is a multifaceted vocal tradition that carries historical and cultural significance. As an exploration of how sociocultural factors impact the emotions expressed and the stories told in lullabies, this research encourages deeper examinations of lullaby texts in relation to the historical, cultural, and social aspects reflected in their textual themes. Through the close analysis of text and music of folk and art song lullabies, I propose that the lullaby's function extends beyond putting a baby to sleep; the further roles of the lullaby encompass cultural connections and therapeutic functions for both the parent and child. As a result of these sociocultural considerations, dialogue exists between the lullaby text and its music that do not always match the song's primary intent to provide peace and comfort.
Role of 5.8S rRNA in Zebrafish and Human Blood Coagulation
Authors:   , Alharbi Abdulmajeed Haya M.
Published: February 2025

Hemolytic disorders are characterized by hemolysis and are prone to thrombosis. Previously, it has been shown that the RNA released from damaged blood cells activates clotting. However, the nature of RNA released from hemolysis is still elusive. We found that after hemolysis, the red blood cells from both zebrafish and humans release 5.8S rRNA. This RNA activated coagulation in zebrafish and human plasmas. Using both natural and synthetic 5.8S rRNA and its synthetic truncated fragments, we found that the 3'-end 26 nucleotide-long RNA (3'-26 RNA) and its stem-loop secondary structure were necessary and sufficient for clotting activity. Corn trypsin inhibitor (CTI), a coagulation factor XII (FXII) inhibitor blocked 3'-26 RNA-mediated coagulation activation of both zebrafish and human plasma. CTI also inhibited zebrafish coagulation in vivo. 5.8S rRNA monoclonal antibody inhibited both 5.8S rRNA- and 3'-26 RNA-mediated zebrafish coagulation activity. Both 5.8S rRNA and 3'-26 RNA activates normal human plasma but did not activate FXII-deficient human plasma. Taken together, these results suggested that the activation of zebrafish plasma is via FXII-like protein. Since zebrafish has no FXII and hepatocyte growth factor activator (Hgfac) has sequence similarities to FXII, we knocked down the hgfac in adult zebrafish. We found that plasma from this knockdown fish does not respond to 3'-26 RNA. In conclusion, we identified 5.8S rRNA released in hemolysis activates clotting in human and zebrafish plasma. Only 3'-end 26 nucleotides of the 5.8S rRNA is needed for the clotting activity. Furthermore, we showed that fish Hgfac plays a role in 5.8S rRNA-mediated activation of coagulation.
My Jabez Journey: The Examination of Patriarchy, Power, and Privilege from the Lived Experiences of a Black Female Expatriate Christian Mathematics Teacher
Authors:   , Payne Ruth Evangeline
Published: February 2025

Living and working abroad is one of the best ways to grow and learn about who you are and who you can become. The purpose of the project is to develop and articulate a radical reflexive praxis within the paradigm of the lived experiences of a Black female expatriate Christian mathematics educator. Grounded in the epistemological tradition of Black feminist thought, this study defines the intersectionality of my identity as a Black woman mathematics educator and explores ways it informs my interaction with students, parents and colleagues and inspires the quality of my instruction delivered in and out of the classroom setting. Through the qualitative practice of autoethnography, the use of personal narratives and field notes tell the story because storytelling adds context and allows the reader to both comprehend and participate in the experience. These narratives of re-reflection are used to explain how each of these identities were parlayed from a place of knowing and being known. Teaching is largely a white female Christian dominated profession and the tendency of the profession to propagate the traditional white male leader prototype confirms the need for more research for and by Black women educators. The rate of Black women yielding a productive gap between living in a culture but not being fully of that culture further confirms the need for more research. Ours is an experience that offers a refreshing sense of agency and opportunity, the characteristics of sound pedagogy and the expected outcomes of robust, dynamic classroom experiences.
Epidemiologic Survey of a Unique Type of Task-Specific Dystonia in Brass Musicians
Authors:   , Wallace Eric
Published: February 2025

Brass musicians are known to experience a performance problem that is sometimes called valsalva maneuver or musical stuttering. This problem is known to cause difficulty starting a first note, tension in the throat, and tightness in the chest. Unfortunately, the research literature lacks sufficient details for evidence-based interventions. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to characterize and define this performance problem as experienced by brass musicians. An online epidemiologic survey was developed and deployed to collect data from brass musicians who have experienced this problem in their own playing. The survey was designed to acquire data in order to characterize and define the phenomenon through a biopsychosocial framework. The survey was also designed to assess whether this problem aligns with Altenmuller's heuristic model of motor control disruptions. A diverse group of brass musicians (n = 252) participated and offered relevant details for characterizing and defining this problem. Analysis of characteristic data suggests this problem is not a form of musical stuttering. Considering these data through Altenmuller's model suggests that this problem is experienced as a spectrum of motor disruptions that can develop into a unique type of musician's dystonia. While additional research is warranted, the results of this study are applicable to brass musicians, brass pedagogues, music educators, and performing arts health clinicians.
Adult Attachment, Perceived Social Support, and Problematic Video Gaming Behavior
Authors:   , Gu Peter
Published: February 2025

With the growing popularity in video games, there has been increased concerns over the prolonged exposure to the entertainment medium. Problematic gaming is defined as a pattern of gaming behavior that causes significant impairment in personal, social, other important areas of functioning, often characterized by preoccupation and loss of interest in other areas. This study examined how problematic gaming behaviors may be influenced by insecure adult attachment and perceived social support from differing sources. It was hypothesized that avoidant attachment would have a significant direct and indirect effect (via perceived social support) on problematic gaming. In addition, perceived social support from online friends and from offline friends were hypothesized to moderate the relationship between attachment and problematic gaming, Participants were recruited from both SONA (n = 151) and Amazon's Mturk (n = 264) to complete an online research questionnaire that measured variables of interest. Results indicated that the direct and indirect effects of attachment avoidance on problematic gaming were supported in both subsamples but the moderator effects were not. Further exploratory analysis found that anxious attachment demonstrated a similar pattern as avoidant attachment, but with a significant moderator effect of perceived social support from online friends (enhance) on the attachment anxiety and problematic gaming relation. Additionally, anhedonia and depressive symptoms were found to be significantly correlated with problematic gaming. Limitations, future research directions, and clinical implications are discussed.
Closing the Opportunity Gap: Leadership Practices that Lead to Increases in Access to AP Courses for Latinx Students
Authors:   , Martinez Jesús F.
Published: February 2025

Using an exploratory case study approach, this study examined the school leadership factors that contribute to building Latinx student social capital as well as the best practices for creating a more equitable AP program. Through this qualitative study, the organizational and leadership factors of the AP program at Stripes High School (pseudonym) were examined, and how these factors contributed toward closing the opportunity gap. This study used semi-structured interviews with district and campus leaders and an AP teachers focus group to determine leadership beliefs and actions that were successful in building an accessible and equitable advanced academics program for Latinx students, as well as an AP student focus group to triangulate the findings. The results of this study showed Latinx students, already lacking social capital, also face many barriers of different forms: systemic, structural and cultural in their educational opportunities for AP courses and exams. The case study campus overcame these barriers and increased equity by allowing Latinx students more access to AP courses and exams through district- and campus-level administrators working to remove barriers and hire and support the most capable and socially aware AP teachers who aim to grow and nurture the students who they serve. Based on the results from this study, there are two major recommendations for school leaders to consider in their effort to close the opportunity gap for Latinx students in AP coursework. These recommendations include offering open access to all students and hiring and training teachers who understand and value equity. While this study uncovered many factors at Stripes HS that collectively served to provide an equitable AP program for Latinx students, these recommendations were the highest leverage ones.
Peregrine Falcon (Falco peregrinus) Subspecies Phylogenomics Using Whole Genome Re-Sequencing
Authors:   , Meeks Garrett W.
Published: February 2025

Peregrine falcon subspecies taxonomy is widely debated due to uncertainty in their evolutionary history and unresolved phylogenetic reconstruction using both morphological and molecular data. Previous genetic work has shown limited support for subspecies taxonomy largely as a result of molecular markers used, potential contemporary gene flow, incomplete lineage sorting, and ancestral polymorphisms. With the advent of next-generation sequencing, the cost of generating large amounts of sequence data has dropped significantly, making whole genome re-sequencing (WGR) studies of non-model organisms more tangible. In this study, WGR methods have been utilized to investigate the phylogenetic relationships among all 20 currently recognized peregrine falcon subspecies. By generating whole-genome data for all 20 subspecies, subspecies specific diagnostic SNPs have been identified to aid in subspecies delimitation. Results of this study broadly support current subspecies, however, reveal that further study is needed to investigate regional relationships among subspecies in Asia, Australia, and western North America. With these results, conservation efforts can be further supported by allowing for accurate delimitation of local subspecies and subspecies boundaries.
Toxicological and Biochemical Changes Induced by Sub-Acute Exposure of Biological Organisms to Silver Nanoparticles Using Soft-Landing Ion Mobility Instrument
Authors:   , Nayek Subhayu
Published: February 2025

In this study, we have developed a novel way of generating and exposing biological organisms (both prokaryotic and eukaryotic) to silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) and studying the biochemical changes induced by these particles. We analyzed the various organs of Wistar rats for localization and quantification of these particles using mass spectrometric and molecular biological techniques. Highest levels of AgNP was found in the lung tissue in addition to being present in the liver and kidneys. Analysis of the of the blood plasma from AgNP exposed rats revealed elevated levels of glutathione-disulfide, which is indicative of reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, which was further validated using ROS specific immunofluorescence staining of liver tissue. Quantification of blood lactate levels of the AgNP exposed rats showed increased lactate levels, which is indicative of anaerobic respiration and may result from AgNP-induced oxidative stress. Further analysis of bone marrow cells from AgNP exposed rats showed a higher number of micronuclei formation in developing erythrocytes and bone marrow cytotoxicity. Finally, analysis of the genes involved in the renin-angiotensin system (RAS) and inflammatory response revealed upregulation in transcript levels of many of these important genes in the liver tissue. Taken together, our study provides an initial road map for the identification of different signaling pathways that are altered by the AgNP exposure and contributes to a comprehensive understanding of the mechanism involved in silver nanoparticle-induced toxicity.
Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez: Media Coverage of Age, Gender, and Ethnicity in the 116th Congress
Authors:   , Reyes Blanca Elena
Published: February 2025

This study focuses on Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, the U.S. Representative for New York's 14th Congressional District, and how news media portray her based on her gender, age, and ethnicity, which still play essential roles in the political system in the United States. The analysis of previous academic research, newspaper articles from the New York Times and the Washington Post (June 1, 2018 to June 30, 2019) and framing and feminist theories are used to evaluate coverage of Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez. The newspaper stories are examined based on the framing of traits including being the youngest woman ever elected to Congress, being Latina, and being one the most progressive politicians in the Congress. The main objective of this study is to shed light on a topic that at this moment in time is more relevant than ever because the 116th Congress has the highest number of women and women of color in U.S. history. I examine media coverage that Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez receives for stereotypical frames, so that, overall, all women running or holding public office may receive unbiased and more balanced media coverage. This study also intends to hold media outlets accountable for the way they portray different candidates because it has a significant influence on the voting population.
The Austrian Army in the War of the Sixth Coalition: A Reassessment
Authors:   , Messman Daniel M
Published: February 2025

The Austrian army played a crucial role in Napoleon's decisive defeat during the War of the Sixth Coalition. Often considered a staid, hidebound institution, the army showed considerable adaptation in a time that witnessed a revolution in the art of war. In particular, changes made after defeat in the War of the Fifth Coalition demonstrate the modernity of the army. It embraced the key features of the new revolutionary way of war, including mass mobilization, a strategy of annihilation, and tactics based on deep echelonment, mobility, and the flexible use of varied formations. While the Austrians did not achieve the compromise peace they desired in 1814, this represented a political failing rather than a military one. Nevertheless, the Austrian army was critical in securing the century of general European peace that lasted until the dawn of the Great War.
Let Music Speak Day and Night: A Performance Guide for George Enescu's "Impressions D'enfance for Violin and Piano"
Authors:   , Huang Chenshayang
Published: February 2025

In the world of chamber music, programmatic suites are more rarely composed and consequently more rarely presented in recital than other musical forms. Perhaps partially for this reason, George Enescu's Impressions d'enfance for violin and piano, his last chamber piece written in the tumultuous year of 1940, has been overlooked for a long time; even the composer himself did not make a recording of this seldom performed piece. This dissertation examines Impressions d'enface in order to explore the relationship between the underlying Romanian folk rhythmic and melodic patterns, to provide an analysis, as well as to serve as a performance guide to assist performers in surmounting the technical challenges and thus create a more effective ensemble. I hope this dissertation will encourage more duos to experiencing the joy of George Enescu's richly fulfilling Impressions d'enfance for themselves.
Between Coalition and Unilateralism: The British War Machine in the Mediterranean, 1793-1796
Authors:   , Baker William Casey
Published: February 2025

In 1793, the British government embarked on a war against Revolutionary France that few expected would last twenty-five years and engulf all of Europe. Radical French policies provided an opportunity for William Pitt, the British prime minister, to endeavor to cobble a European alliance, including a number of Mediterranean states. These efforts never progressed beyond theory and negotiations because of conflicted policy and tension between the British diplomatic corps and Royal Navy over the strategic goals in the region. With diplomats focused on coalition building and military commanders focused on national objectives, British efforts never congealed into a unified effort to defeat Revolutionary France.
The Role of Faith-Based Congregations during Disaster Response and Recovery: A Case Study of Katy, Texas
Authors:   , Elliott Julie R
Published: February 2025

When governments are unable or unwilling to provide necessary relief to communities, local faith-based congregations (FBCs) step in and fill the gap. Though shown to provide for so many needs following disaster, FBCs have largely been left out of the institutional emergency management cycle. The aim of this study was to explore the role of FBCs in the disaster response and recovery process and investigate how recovery impacts FBCs. The primary objective of this study is to gain a better understanding of FBCs and how to better integrate them into the formal emergency management process.The main questions were as follows: First, what is the role of FBCs during the disaster recovery process? Second, how do FBCs change (temporarily and permanently) during disaster recovery, and what factors may promote or inhibit change? To answer these questions, qualitative semistructured interviews were held to develop a case study of Katy, Texas and its recovery from Hurricane Harvey of 2017. The applied and conceptual implications resulting from this study, which apply to FBCs, researchers, emergency managers, and policy makers, highlight the opportunity to better incorporate FBCs formally into emergency management practices.
A Meta-Analysis on the Effectiveness of Learning Technologies on K-12 Students with Dyscalculia
Authors:   , Woods Rickey Samuel
Published: February 2025

This meta-analysis looks at the results of five studies on the use of technology for the treatment of dyscalculia in primary school age children. Results show significant positive improvement using specialized software treatment technologies for students in Grades 1-5 in various countries using four different software games. However, little is known overall about the effectiveness of technology treatments for dyscalculics, and even less is known about standardized assessments and treatment of this learning disorder in the United States. The literature researched for this dissertation did not put forth any known policies that drive assessment and treatment of dyscalculia. Future studies are needed about dyscalculia, that provide more detailed information to allow other researchers to verify their work.
Political Stability in Xenophon's Cyropaedia
Authors:   , Zitar Brandon P
Published: February 2025

While there have been several rich studies that have provided insight into the teachings of Xenophon that emerge from a careful reading of the Cyropaedia, the problem of reconciling the apparent good rule of Cyrus with the ruin of his empire persists. I argue that this problem can be reconciled by focusing on the problem that Xenophon initially informs us he is interested in, political stability.
Examining Alcohol Related Consequences in Undergraduate Sorority Women
Authors:   , Cortez Veronica L.
Published: February 2025

Members of Greek Life organizations consume more alcohol and participate in risky drinking behaviors at higher rate than their non-Greek counterparts due to deep rooted social norms within this population. Undergraduate sorority women at college and universities are often overlooked in research regarding trends in alcohol use in Greek Life organizations. However, women between the ages of 18 and 24 are more vulnerable to the consequences of heavy alcohol use compared to men, including liver disease, sexual assault, poor academic outcomes and post-collegiate alcohol use disorders (AUDs). Although higher education institutions are tasked with educating their students about safe alcohol use and protecting students from harm, these interventions are often inadequate in decreasing alcohol related consequences. Among students, sorority women consistently consume higher amounts of alcohol and exhibit higher rates of risky drinking behavior. This thesis aims to examine the unique alcohol-related consequences and risk factors sorority women face. Implications are discussed to guide college administrators, counselors and other supports that are likely to encounter issues associated with alcohol use within this population.
Race Talk: Barriers to Having Constructive Discourse on Race in America among People of Color
Authors:   , Moore Everrett D
Published: February 2025

Gordon Allport formalized a theory about intergroup contact, positing that contact between dissimilar groups could be effective in reducing intergroup prejudice. Over half a century later, research suggests that engaging in race talk —conversations about race and racism— can offer benefits such as increased racial literacy and critical consciousness, less intimidation when it comes to addressing race, less fear of differences, and a greater appreciation for people of all cultures and communities. However, race can be a difficult topic to discuss. It typically incites strong emotions, often challenges an individual's lived reality, and triggers anxiety and discomfort for conversational participants. While these barriers to race talk have been well-studied with White participants, little empirical work has been conducted with people of color as a focus. The present study utilized a qualitative, focus-group based methodology with grounded theory analyses to gather information on people of color's barriers to race talk. Results suggest that varied interpersonal contexts — such as when talking to White individuals, other people of color from different racial groups, and their own race— elicit differing levels of comfort and subsequent changes to engagement in race talk. Furthermore, intersecting identities such as gender, sexual orientation, and skin tone further affect people of color's comfort in race talk engagement. Lastly, participants offer insight into race talk strategies that can be used to foster more helpful, respectful, and mutually beneficial race talk.
A Comparative Analysis of Saudi and U.S. Online Newspapers' Framing of Saudi Women's Issues: Content Analysis of Newspaper Coverage Before and After Saudi Vision 2030
Authors:   , Dawshi Norah
Published: February 2025

Previous research on framing has proved its strong effects on the social perception and political preferences of individuals. Therefore, the aim of this research is to explore how Saudi women's issues have been framed in a sample of United States and Saudi newspapers. Saudi Vision 2030 is the post-oil plan for the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia that was announced on April 25, 2016. The sample of this thesis was 300 news stories from eight newspapers. The U.S. newspapers were the New York Times, the Washington Post, the Wall Street Journal, and the Los Angeles Times. The Saudi newspapers were Al Riyadh, Okaz, Al Jazirah, and Al Watan. This thesis explores how these issues have been covered before and after Saudi Vision 2030 by answering five basic questions. Quantitative and qualitative methods were used to analyze the news stories. For the quantitative analysis, five pre-defined generic frames from Semetko and Valkenburg were adopted: conflict frame, human interest frame, morality frame, economic consequences frame, and responsibility frame. An inductive approach to find the new frames was used for the qualitative analysis. Moreover, this thesis looked at how U.S. and Saudi newspapers have visually framed Saudi women through an analysis of the types of images used in the news stories related to Saudi women's issues. The main finding suggests that within the used frames in the newspapers, the U.S. newspapers focused more on the human-interest frame, while the Saudi newspapers mostly used the economic frame. Furthermore, the types of issues covered are discussed.
Hermeneutic Environmental Philosophy: Identity, Action, and the Imagination
Authors:   , Bell Nathan M.
Published: February 2025

One of the major themes in environmental philosophy in the twenty-first century has broadly focused on how we experience and value the natural world. Along those lines, the driving question I take up in this project is if our ordinary experiences are seen as interpretations, what is the significance of this for our moral claims about the environment? Drawing on the hermeneutic philosophies of Hans Georg-Gadamer and Paul Ricoeur, I examine environmental interpretation as it relates particularly to identity, meaningful action, and the mediating function of the imagination. These three interconnected aspects show both our capability for new understandings related to the natural world, as well as problem of conflicting, yet equally valid, views on environmental value. To explore this tension further I consider the relevance of hermeneutic conceptions of truth and translation for environmental ethics. A hermeneutic notion of truth highlights the difficulties in making strong normative claims about the environment, while a hermeneutic view of translation is helpful in thinking about the otherness of nature and what this means for ecological values. In this project I am particularly interested in the conflict of environmental interpretation and the implications that a hermeneutic frame has for the limits of environmental understanding and value. I argue that hermeneutics and narrative theory shows that we can argue for direct moral consideration of ecological others or the natural world only as merely possible interpretations among others.
An Orchestral Approach to Johannes Brahms' "Variationen und Fuge über ein Thema von Händel," Op. 24: Orchestral Transcription as an Interpretive Tool
Authors:   , Yun Hee Sun
Published: February 2025

This dissertation provides an interpretive guide to Variationen und Fuge über ein Thema von Händel, Op. 24, written in 1861 by Johannes Brahms (1833–1897), in orchestral terms, using as basis the orchestral transcription by Edmund Rubbra (1901–1986), published as his Op. 47 in 1938. Not only does Brahms' Variationen present players with considerable pianistic difficulties, its intense harmonic and polyphonic structures make the music sound symphonic. The English composer Edmund Rubbra, a great Brahms enthusiast, transcribed the work for orchestra. The transcription in effect represents Rubbra's interpretation of the piano work as well as his respect for it. When both orchestra and piano versions of a composition exist, pianists may obtain essential musical ideas from studying the orchestral version, just as it is advisable for conductors to study the piano versions of symphonic works, not only those arranged by the composer. Brahms himself was not only a composer but also a pianist and conductor. It is possible that he imagined orchestral sound when composing large-scale piano works such as his Variationen. New experiments in interpretation can offer a refreshing perspective. This study focuses on elements from Rubbra's orchestral version of Variationen that can inform pianists' interpretation.
Traffic-Generated Air Pollution-Exposure Mediated Expression of Factors Associated with Progression of Multiple Sclerosis in a Female Polipoprotein E Knockout Mouse Model
Authors:   , Adivi Anna
Published: February 2025

Environmental air pollution is one risk factor associated with the onset and progression of multiple sclerosis (MS). In this project, we investigated the effects of ubiquitous traffic-generated pollutants, namely a mixture of gasoline and diesel vehicle exhaust (MVE), on signaling pathways associated with the pathophysiology of MS in the central nervous system (CNS) of either ovary intact (ov+) or ovariectomized (ov-) female Apolipoprotein (Apo) E-/-. Specifically, we investigated whether a subchronic inhalation exposure to MVE (200 PM μg/m3; 6 hr/d, 7d/wk, 30d) vs. filtered air (FA) controls altered myelination, T cell infiltration, blood-brain barrier (BBB) integrity, or production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and expression of neuroinflammation markers in the CNS ov+ and ov- Apo E-/- mice. Our results revealed that inhalation exposure to MVE resulted in increased demyelination and CD4+ and CD8+ T cell infiltration, associated with alterations in BBB integrity. Disruption of the BBB was evidenced by decreased tight junction (TJ) protein expression, increased matrix metalloproteinase (MMPs) activity, and increased permeability of immunoglobin (Ig) G, which were more pronounced in the MVE ov- group. Moreover, MVE-exposure also promoted ROS and neuroinflammatory signaling in the CNS of ov+ and ov- mice, compared to FA groups. To analyze mechanisms that may contribute to MVE-exposure mediated inflammatory signaling in the CNS, we examined the NF-κB signaling pathway components, namely IKK subunits, IKKα, and IKKβ, as well as RelA. MVE -exposure did not alter the expression of either IKKα and IKKβ or RelA. However, increased expression of IKKα and IKKβ mRNA was observed in both FA ov- and MVE ov- groups, indicating female sex steroid hormone signaling involvement. Investigation of hormone receptors expression revealed a reduction in cerebral ERα mRNA expression, compared to ov+ mice; however, MVE-exposure resulted in an even further decrease in expression of ERα mRNA, while ERβ and PRO A/B transcript expressions were unchanged across groups. Collectively, these study findings revealed that subchronic inhalation exposure to MVE mediates alterations in ER expression in the CNS of ApoE-/- female mice, associated with altered cerebrovascular integrity and increased ROS production and inflammatory signaling. These detrimental outcomes in the CNS, resulting from MVE-exposure, are further associated with increased CD4+/CD8+ infiltration and local demyelination in the CNS of female ApoE-/-mice, which are hallmarks of MS. Such findings suggest that exposure to ubiquitous traffic-generated air pollutants may contribute to pathologies that exacerbate demyelinating diseases in the CNS of females.
Putting the Panic Back in Moral Panic Theory: A Case for Disproportionality
Authors:   , McCready Marshall
Published: February 2025

The appeal of moral panic studies, a once very popular sociological subfield, dropped precipitously around the turn of the century due in large part to debates about disproportionality, the notion a panicked group's concern about a perceived threat exceeds that warranted by its objective harmfulness. Classic theorists claim disproportionality is a panic's essential criterion and that it can be demonstrated by comparing a group's concerned reaction to the available facts. Critics argue it is a value-laden, ideologically tainted construct and often claim it cannot be demonstrated because there are no authoritative facts. These debates were and still are fraught with confusion. Perplexingly, both sides assume a shared definition despite clearly assessing the proportionality of different aspects of the relevant reaction. A typology differentiating the potential types of disproportionality either does not exist in the moral panic literature or remains shrouded in obscurity. In this paper, I review the classic theories, their critiques, and a new postmodern moral panic theory. By juxtaposing the different foci of the orthodox and contemporary theories, I derive a much-needed disproportionality typology. I also develop a new framework through which to assess moral panics predicated on this typology. My hope is these developments will stimulate a more sophisticated debate about disproportionality and encourage theorists to refine rather than simply reject classic approaches to the disproportionality problem.
Psychedelia in the United States: An Ethnographic Study of Naturalistic Psychedelic Use
Authors:   , Seikel Tristan S.
Published: February 2025

The client for this study, the Entheogenic Research, Integration, and Education (ERIE), was interested in the use of anthropological methods to examine the experiences of people who use psychedelics beyond the clinical setting. Through collaborative discussions with the client, we decided that the central questions guiding this research are to understand the various reasons why people consume psychedelic substances across the United States as well as examine the self-reported influences of psychedelics in various areas of participants' life and identity. Participants were recruited using stratified sampling and were given a confidential, online survey that also provided an option to arrange a semi-structured interview. In total, there were 103 completed survey responses and 25 interviews. The results of this research indicate that the reasons for participants' psychedelic use often change over time from strictly recreational or out of curiosity to intentions based on therapeutic and psychospiritual development. Additionally, the majority of both survey and interview participants believed their psychedelic use to have had a transformative influence on their health and well-being, perception of nature, identity, spirituality, and creative expression of art and music. Another theme uncovered in this research is the impacts of punitive drug laws on psychedelic use such as creating barriers to availability, fear of arrest and incarceration, and lack of social support due to the stigma associated with psychedelic substances.
Processing, Pre-Aging, and Aging of NiTi-Hf (15-20 at.%) High Temperature Shape Memory Alloy from Laboratory to Industrial Scale
Authors:   , Gantz Faith
Published: February 2025

The overarching goal of this research was to generate a menu of shape memory alloys (SMAs) actuator materials capable of meeting the demands of aerospace applications. Material requirements were recognized to meet the demand for high temperature SMAs with actuating temperatures above 85 °C and provide material options capable of performing over 100K actuation cycles. The first study is a preliminary characterization for the down selection of Ni-rich NiTiHf15 compositions chosen for a more in-depth examination of the nano-precipitation and evolution of the H-phase. To make this selection, the effect of Ni content in Ni-rich NiTiHf high temperature shape memory alloys (HTSMAs) on processability, microstructure, and hardness was analyzed for three compositions (Ni50.1TiHf15, Ni50.3TiHf15, Ni50.5TiHf15). Each composition was characterized under three conditions: homogenized, 25%, and 50% thickness reduction through hot-rolling. The second study emphasized the processing and aging response of an industrially produced, hot-extruded Ni50.3Ti29.7Hf20 (at%) HTSMA. The samples were sectioned into two halves with half remaining as-extruded and the other half hot-rolled to a 25% reduction in thickness. A portion of both conditions underwent conventional aging for 3 hours at various temperatures ranging from 450-750 °C, and the other portion was pre-aged for 12 hours at 300 °C followed by conventional aging treatments. After processing, the samples were characterized by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), Vickers hardness (HV) testing, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and synchrotron radiation X-ray diffraction (SR-XRD). The relationship between the introduction of texturing, pre-aging, and aging on Ni-rich and high Hf-content compositions was investigated.
A Consensual Qualitative Analysis of Counselor Educators' Experiences Incorporating Neuroscience
Authors:   , Beijan Lisa Lee
Published: February 2025

Neuroscience is a relevant topic for counseling and counselor education, and it is a required area of competency for accredited counseling education programs. Despite this required competency, current counseling literature scarcely addresses neuroscience in counselor education. I have designed the present study to address this scarcity by exploring counselor educators' experiences of incorporating neuroscience into the counselor education curriculum using a consensual qualitative research (CQR) approach. The purpose of this study is to create a foundational understanding of (a) what elements of neuroscience counselor educators are currently including in their courses, and (b) the experience of counselor educators with teaching neuroscience. I interviewed eight counselor educators about their experiences learning and teaching neuroscience. Six domains emerged from the interviews: (1) participants' background and experience, (2) influence of neuroscience on participants' teaching, (3) personal, academic, and professional responses to neuroscience, (4) ethical concerns and recommendations for neuroscience, (5) areas of interest and future research in neuroscience, and (6) counseling literature and publication in neuroscience. The information shared by the participants will contribute to future research of teaching effectiveness and outcomes using neuroscience in counselor education.
Immigrant Children's Perspectives of Books that Share Stories of Early School Experiences
Authors:   , Alharbi Sara Abdullah
Published: February 2025

Guided by the importance of children's voices and perspectives, this study aims at finding the immigrant children's perspectives of books that share stories of early school experiences of immigrant children. Before working with children, there was a careful selection process and analyzing of the three picture books chosen for the study using critical content analysis and childism lenses. The participants are three Arab immigrant children at the age of 6 who are bilingual and attended school in the U.S for one year, at least. With acknowledgement to reader-response theory, the data collection process started with an introductory home visit, followed by three individual interactive read-aloud sessions using interviews, audio records, and observations. The data collection involved field notes of non-verbal responses of the participants and these notes supported analysis of the eight transcripts. Thematic analysis is used in analyzing the data of each story, followed by identifying finding themes across all three stories. The seven themes found across all three stories are discussed in the final chapter and include: Children can have empathy for characters, understand social injustices in the stories, be agents to change injustice in the stories, and are curious about different cultures. The children's personal stories shared during this research are the most valuable outcome because they reflect the real experiences of those most affected by the research topic. The study also explains how listening to immigrant children's personal stories is an act that supports justice and helps to fight against any kind of prejudice those children might face. The study emphasizes that children have the ability to engage in sophisticated conversations about themselves and their life experiences through the use of appropriate tools combined with believing in the children's rights.