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DescriptionPresents a television script adaptation of Jane Austen's Persuasion, as well as a study of adaptive theory and processes and analysis of three adaptations of Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice.
ContributorsLeone, Mary Katherine (Author) / Mann, Annika (Thesis director) / Luna, Ilana (Committee member) / Barrett, The Honors College (Contributor) / School of Humanities, Arts, and Cultural Studies (Contributor)
Created2014-05
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We, in the Ages Lying: An Exploration of Monstrosity in "Beauty and the Beast" examines the tropes and themes of traditional and non-traditional "Beauty and the Beast" adaptations with a focus on the question of what is and is not monstrous. This thesis contains an in-progress essay with detailed outline.

We, in the Ages Lying: An Exploration of Monstrosity in "Beauty and the Beast" examines the tropes and themes of traditional and non-traditional "Beauty and the Beast" adaptations with a focus on the question of what is and is not monstrous. This thesis contains an in-progress essay with detailed outline. The focus of the project was one's own adaptation of the tale, "We, in the Ages Lying", which takes place in tribal Botswana, following the maturation of main character, Ntwadumela, and the interactions with the beast, the "phiritoo".
ContributorsBrigham, Dominique Claire (Author) / Cook, Paul (Thesis director) / Ellis, Lawrence (Committee member) / Humphrey, Ted (Committee member) / Barrett, The Honors College (Contributor) / Department of English (Contributor)
Created2013-05
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Description
The meta-MAC protocol is a systematic and automatic method to dynamically combine any set of existing Medium Access Control (MAC) protocols into a single higher level MAC protocol. The meta-MAC concept was proposed more than a decade ago, but until now has not been implemented in a testbed environment due

The meta-MAC protocol is a systematic and automatic method to dynamically combine any set of existing Medium Access Control (MAC) protocols into a single higher level MAC protocol. The meta-MAC concept was proposed more than a decade ago, but until now has not been implemented in a testbed environment due to a lack of suitable hardware. This thesis presents a proof-of-concept implementation of the meta-MAC protocol by utilizing a programmable radio platform, the Wireless MAC Processor (WMP), in combination with a host-level software module. The implementation of this host module, and the requirements and challenges faced therein, is the primary subject of this thesis. This implementation can combine, with certain constraints, a set of protocols each represented as an extended finite state machine for easy programmability. To illustrate the combination principle, protocols of the same type but with varying parameters are combined in a testbed environment, in what is termed parameter optimization. Specifically, a set of TDMA protocols with differing slot assignments are experimentally combined. This experiment demonstrates that the meta-MAC implementation rapidly converges to non-conflicting TDMA slot assignments for the nodes, with similar results to those in simulation. This both validates that the presented implementation properly implements the meta-MAC protocol, and verifies that the meta-MAC protocol can be as effective on real wireless hardware as it is in simulation.
ContributorsFlick, Nathaniel Graham (Author) / Syrotiuk, Violet (Thesis director) / Fainekos, Georgios (Committee member) / School of Mathematical and Statistical Sciences (Contributor) / Computer Science and Engineering Program (Contributor) / Barrett, The Honors College (Contributor)
Created2016-05
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Speech motor learning is important for learning to speak during childhood and maintaining the speech system throughout adulthood. Motor and auditory cortical regions play crucial roles in speech motor learning. This experiment aimed to use transcranial alternating current stimulation, a neurostimulation technique, to influence auditory and motor cortical activity. In

Speech motor learning is important for learning to speak during childhood and maintaining the speech system throughout adulthood. Motor and auditory cortical regions play crucial roles in speech motor learning. This experiment aimed to use transcranial alternating current stimulation, a neurostimulation technique, to influence auditory and motor cortical activity. In this study, we used an auditory-motor adaptation task as an experimental model of speech motor learning. Subjects repeated words while receiving formant shifts, which made the subjects’ speech sound different from their production. During the adaptation task, subjects received Beta (20 Hz), Alpha (10 Hz), or Sham stimulation. We applied the stimulation to the ventral motor cortex that is involved in planning speech movements. We found that the stimulation did not influence the magnitude of adaptation. We suggest that some limitations of the study may have contributed to the negative results.

ContributorsMannan, Arhum (Author) / Daliri, Ayoub (Thesis director) / Luo, Xin (Committee member) / School of Life Sciences (Contributor) / Barrett, The Honors College (Contributor)
Created2021-05
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Description

Conversion of natural to urban land forms imparts influence on local and regional hydroclimate via modification of the surface energy and water balance, and consideration of such effects due to rapidly expanding megapolitan areas is necessary in light of the growing global share of urban inhabitants. Based on a suite

Conversion of natural to urban land forms imparts influence on local and regional hydroclimate via modification of the surface energy and water balance, and consideration of such effects due to rapidly expanding megapolitan areas is necessary in light of the growing global share of urban inhabitants. Based on a suite of ensemble-based, multi-year simulations using the Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) model, we quantify seasonally varying hydroclimatic impacts of the most rapidly expanding megapolitan area in the US: Arizona's Sun Corridor, centered upon the Greater Phoenix metropolitan area. Using a scenario-based urban expansion approach that accounts for the full range of Sun Corridor growth uncertainty through 2050, we show that built environment induced warming for the maximum development scenario is greatest during the summer season (regionally averaged warming over AZ exceeds 1 °C).

Warming remains significant during the spring and fall seasons (regionally averaged warming over AZ approaches 0.9 °C during both seasons), and is least during the winter season (regionally averaged warming over AZ of 0.5 °C). Impacts from a minimum expansion scenario are reduced, with regionally averaged warming ranging between 0.1 and 0.3 °C for all seasons except winter, when no warming impacts are diagnosed. Integration of highly reflective cool roofs within the built environment, increasingly recognized as a cost-effective option intended to offset the warming influence of urban complexes, reduces urban-induced warming considerably. However, impacts on the hydrologic cycle are aggravated via enhanced evapotranspiration reduction, leading to a 4% total accumulated precipitation decrease relative to the non-adaptive maximum expansion scenario. Our results highlight potentially unintended consequences of this adaptation approach within rapidly expanding megapolitan areas, and emphasize the need for undeniably sustainable development paths that account for hydrologic impacts in addition to continued focus on mean temperature effects.

ContributorsGeorgescu, Matei (Author) / Mahalov, A. (Author) / Moustaoui, M. (Author)
Created2012-09-07
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Preventing heat-associated morbidity and mortality is a public health priority in Maricopa County, Arizona (United States). The objective of this project was to evaluate Maricopa County cooling centers and gain insight into their capacity to provide relief for the public during extreme heat events. During the summer of 2014, 53

Preventing heat-associated morbidity and mortality is a public health priority in Maricopa County, Arizona (United States). The objective of this project was to evaluate Maricopa County cooling centers and gain insight into their capacity to provide relief for the public during extreme heat events. During the summer of 2014, 53 cooling centers were evaluated to assess facility and visitor characteristics. Maricopa County staff collected data by directly observing daily operations and by surveying managers and visitors. The cooling centers in Maricopa County were often housed within community, senior, or religious centers, which offered various services for at least 1500 individuals daily. Many visitors were unemployed and/or homeless. Many learned about a cooling center by word of mouth or by having seen the cooling center’s location. The cooling centers provide a valuable service and reach some of the region’s most vulnerable populations. This project is among the first to systematically evaluate cooling centers from a public health perspective and provides helpful insight to community leaders who are implementing or improving their own network of cooling centers.

ContributorsBerisha, Vjollca (Author) / Hondula, David M. (Author) / Roach, Matthew (Author) / White, Jessica R. (Author) / McKinney, Benita (Author) / Bentz, Darcie (Author) / Mohamed, Ahmed (Author) / Uebelherr, Joshua (Author) / Goodin, Kate (Author)
Created2016-09-23
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In this study we characterized the relationship between temperature and mortality in central Arizona desert cities that have an extremely hot climate. Relationships between daily maximum apparent temperature (ATmax) and mortality for eight condition-specific causes and all-cause deaths were modeled for all residents and separately for males and females ages

In this study we characterized the relationship between temperature and mortality in central Arizona desert cities that have an extremely hot climate. Relationships between daily maximum apparent temperature (ATmax) and mortality for eight condition-specific causes and all-cause deaths were modeled for all residents and separately for males and females ages <65 and ≥65 during the months May–October for years 2000–2008. The most robust relationship was between ATmax on day of death and mortality from direct exposure to high environmental heat. For this condition-specific cause of death, the heat thresholds in all gender and age groups (ATmax = 90–97 °F; 32.2‒36.1 °C) were below local median seasonal temperatures in the study period (ATmax = 99.5 °F; 37.5 °C). Heat threshold was defined as ATmax at which the mortality ratio begins an exponential upward trend. Thresholds were identified in younger and older females for cardiac disease/stroke mortality (ATmax = 106 and 108 °F; 41.1 and 42.2 °C) with a one-day lag. Thresholds were also identified for mortality from respiratory diseases in older people (ATmax = 109 °F; 42.8 °C) and for all-cause mortality in females (ATmax = 107 °F; 41.7 °C) and males <65 years (ATmax = 102 °F; 38.9 °C). Heat-related mortality in a region that has already made some adaptations to predictable periods of extremely high temperatures suggests that more extensive and targeted heat-adaptation plans for climate change are needed in cities worldwide.

ContributorsHarlan, Sharon L. (Author) / Chowell, Gerardo (Author) / Yang, Shuo (Author) / Petitti, Diana B. (Author) / Morales Butler, Emmanuel J. (Author) / Ruddell, Benjamin L. (Author) / Ruddell, Darren M. (Author)
Created2014-05-20
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Description

Modeling results incorporating several distinct urban expansion futures for the United States in 2100 show that, in the absence of any adaptive urban design, megapolitan expansion, alone and separate from greenhouse gas-induced forcing, can be expected to raise near-surface temperatures 1–2 °C not just at the scale of individual cities

Modeling results incorporating several distinct urban expansion futures for the United States in 2100 show that, in the absence of any adaptive urban design, megapolitan expansion, alone and separate from greenhouse gas-induced forcing, can be expected to raise near-surface temperatures 1–2 °C not just at the scale of individual cities but over large regional swaths of the country. This warming is a significant fraction of the 21st century greenhouse gas-induced climate change simulated by global climate models. Using a suite of regional climate simulations, we assessed the efficacy of commonly proposed urban adaptation strategies, such as green, cool roof, and hybrid approaches, to ameliorate the warming. Our results quantify how judicious choices in urban planning and design cannot only counteract the climatological impacts of the urban expansion itself but also, can, in fact, even offset a significant percentage of future greenhouse warming over large scales. Our results also reveal tradeoffs among different adaptation options for some regions, showing the need for geographically appropriate strategies rather than one size fits all solutions.

ContributorsGeorgescu, Matei (Author) / Morefield, Philip E. (Author) / Bierwagen, Britta G. (Author) / Weaver, Christopher P. (Author)
Created2014-02-25
Description

Sensorimotor adaptation is a type of learning that allows sustaining accurate movements by adjusting motor output. This allows the brain to adapt to temporary changes when engaged in a certain task. Within sensorimotor adaptation, visuomotor adaptation (VMA) is one’s ability to correct a visual perturbation. In this study, we present

Sensorimotor adaptation is a type of learning that allows sustaining accurate movements by adjusting motor output. This allows the brain to adapt to temporary changes when engaged in a certain task. Within sensorimotor adaptation, visuomotor adaptation (VMA) is one’s ability to correct a visual perturbation. In this study, we present preliminary results on the effects of VMA with the control group, compared to groups undergoing trigeminal nerve stimulation (TNS) or SHAM (placebo) effects. Twenty-two healthy subjects with no past medical history participated in this study. Subjects performed a visuomotor rotation task, which required gradually adapting to a perturbation between hand motion and corresponding visual feedback. Five total blocks were completed: two familiarization blocks, one baseline block, one rotation block with a 30◦ counterclockwise rotation, and one washout block with no rotation. The control group performed better than the 120 Hz (TNS) and SHAM groups due to less directional error (DE) on the respective learning curves. Additionally, the control group adapted faster (less DE) than the SHAM groups that either felt stimulation, or did not feel the stimulation. The results yield new information regarding VMA which can be used in the future when comparing sensorimotor adaptation and its many applications.

ContributorsBass, Trevor (Author) / Buneo, Christopher (Thesis director) / Helms Tillery, Stephen (Committee member) / Barrett, The Honors College (Contributor) / Harrington Bioengineering Program (Contributor)
Created2023-05
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Description
In the past, researchers have studied the elements of speech and how they work together in the human brain. Auditory feedback, an important aid in speech production, provides information to speakers and allows them to gain an understanding if the prediction of their speech matches their production. The speech motor

In the past, researchers have studied the elements of speech and how they work together in the human brain. Auditory feedback, an important aid in speech production, provides information to speakers and allows them to gain an understanding if the prediction of their speech matches their production. The speech motor system uses auditory goals to determine errors in its auditory output during vowel production. We learn from discrepancies between our prediction and auditory feedback. In this study, we examined error assessment processes by systematically manipulating the correspondence between speech motor outputs and their auditory consequences while producing speech. We conducted a study (n = 14 adults) in which participants’ auditory feedback was perturbed to test their learning rate in two conditions. During the trials, participants repeated CVC words and were instructed to prolong the vowel each time. The adaptation trials were used to examine the reliance of auditory feedback and speech prediction by systematically changing the weight of auditory feedback. Participants heard their perturbed feedback through insert earphones in real time. Each speaker’s auditory feedback was perturbed according to task-relevant and task-irrelevant errors. Then, these perturbations were presented to subjects gradually and suddenly in the study. We found that adaptation was less extensive with task-irrelevant errors, adaptation did not saturate significantly in the sudden condition, and adaptation, which was expected to be extensive and faster in the task-relevant condition, was closer to the rate of adaptation in the task-irrelevant perturbation. Though adjustments are necessary, we found an efficient way for speakers to rely on auditory feedback more than their prediction. Furthermore, this research opens the door to future investigations in adaptation in speech and presents implications for clinical purposes (e.g. speech therapy).
ContributorsLukowiak, Ariana (Author) / Daliri, Ayoub (Thesis director) / Rogalsky, Corianne (Committee member) / Sanford School of Social and Family Dynamics (Contributor) / College of Health Solutions (Contributor, Contributor, Contributor) / Barrett, The Honors College (Contributor)
Created2020-05