Hauntings

The thesis paper is about the process of creating and directing Hauntings, a dance theater work, performed in the 2016 MFA Spring Thesis Concert. The concert was shared with Curtis Stedge, fellow cohort and MFA candidate in the Department of Theater, Dance and Performance Studies at the University of Maryland, College Park. This document is meant to accompany the archival footage of the dance. Hauntings is a moving lyric poem depicting themes and motifs of the emotional landscape of its characters. It is a time-less world rendering the complexities of the psyche and soul. Love, obsession, loss, and nostalgia emerge as Smith and her fellow artists represent characters struggling with impermanence and mortality. The work is seeped in symbolism and metaphor. The dances/scenes draw inspiration from the music of Chopin, Liszt, Stravinsky, Charles Trenet, Rina Ketty, and poetry by John Keats, Sylvia Plath, Ted Hughes, W.B Yeats, and Claire Clemons Cowan.

Movement Sonification: Effects on Motor Learning beyond Rhythmic Adjustments

Motor learning is based on motor perception and emergent perceptual-motor representations. A lot of behavioral research is related to single perceptual modalities but during last two decades the contribution of multimodal perception on motor behavior was discovered more and more. A growing number of studies indicates an enhanced impact of multimodal stimuli on motor perception, motor control and motor learning in terms of better precision and higher reliability of the related actions. Behavioral research is supported by neurophysiological data, revealing that multisensory integration supports motor control and learning. But the overwhelming part of both research lines is dedicated to basic research. Besides research in the domains of music, dance and motor rehabilitation, there is almost no evidence for enhanced effectiveness of multisensory information on learning of gross motor skills. To reduce this gap, movement sonification is used here in applied research on motor learning in sports. Based on the current knowledge on the multimodal organization of the perceptual system, we generate additional real-time movement information being suitable for integration with perceptual feedback streams of visual and proprioceptive modality. With ongoing training, synchronously processed auditory information should be initially integrated into the emerging internal models, enhancing the efficacy of motor learning. This is achieved by a direct mapping of kinematic and dynamic motion parameters to electronic sounds, resulting in continuous auditory and convergent audiovisual or audio-proprioceptive stimulus arrays. In sharp contrast to other approaches using acoustic information as error-feedback in motor learning settings, we try to generate additional movement information suitable for acceleration and enhancement of adequate sensorimotor representations and processible below the level of consciousness. In the experimental setting, participants were asked to learn a closed motor skill (technique acquisition of indoor rowing). One group was treated with visual information and two groups with audiovisual information (sonification vs. natural sounds). For all three groups learning became evident and remained stable. Participants treated with additional movement sonification showed better performance compared to both other groups. Results indicate that movement sonification enhances motor learning of a complex gross motor skill-even exceeding usually expected acoustic rhythmic effects on motor learning.

Effect of commercial starter cultures and native yeasts on ochratoxin a production by aspergillus westerdijkiae and penicillium nordicum in meat products

Processed meat products are of worldwide importance and, because of their intrinsic factors as well as the processing methods, they are highly prone to fungal and mycotoxin contamination. Ochratoxin A (OTA) is the most significant mycotoxin in processed meat products. Penicillium nordicum is considered to be responsible for OTA contamination of meat products, as it is highly adapted to salt and protein-rich matrices and is moderately psycrotrophic. However, another OTA-producing fungus, Aspergillus westerdijkiae, adapted to carbon-rich matrices such as cereals and coffee beans, has been recently associated with high levels of OTA in meat products. Several Lactic Acid Bacteria (LAB) and yeasts have been tested as biocontrol agents against P. nordicum growth and OTA production in meat products, with promising results, but none of the studies have considered A. westerdijkiae. The aim of this work was to evaluate in vitro the effect of a commercial starter culture used in sausage fermentation and four yeasts isolated from dry-cured sausage on these two OTA-producing fungi, both in terms of fungal growth and of OTA production, using different meat-based culture media as model systems. The mechanisms underlying the observed effect were also studied. For this purpose, C. krusei, C. zeylanoides, R. mucilaginosa, R. glutinis, a mix of these yeasts and the starter culture were co-inoculated with P. nordicum and A. westerdijkiae in industrial sausage, traditional sausage, and ham-based media, under conditions of water activity, salt concentration and temperature that mimic real conditions at beginning and end of sausage curing process. Fungal growth was determined by measuring colony diameter, and OTA production was quantified by HPLC-FLD after extraction with methanol. Yeasts where found to inhibit significantly the growth of both fungi. P. nordicum was unable to produce detectable OTA in both sausage-based media under any condition. In ham, yeasts reduced OTA production, while the starter culture significantly increased it. Unexpectedly, OTA production by A. westerdijkiae was significantly stimulated in all media tested by all microorganisms. Matrix has a significant effect on OTA production by P. nordicum, but not by A. westerdijkiae, for which only temperature showed to have effect. By testing the mechanisms of action by which starter culture and C. zeylanoides influenced fungal responses, we were able to determine that direct contact and simultaneous growth of test organisms were the mechanisms more significantly involved in the responses. In conclusion, ochratoxigenic fungi do not all respond to antagonistic microorganisms in the same way. The use of biocontrol agents with the intent of reducing fungal growth and mycotoxin production by one fungus can have unexpected effects on others, thus leading to unforeseen safety problems. Further experiments are recommended to properly understand the reasons behind the different effects of microorganisms, to ensure their safe as biocontrol agents.

The commodification of culture in the Thai tourism context: a study of culinary experiences in touristic traditional markets

The purpose of the thesis is to examine the relationship between tourism and the local culture expressed in culinary experiences offered in the traditional, nostalgic-themed markets that have arisen as popular attractions in the 21 st century. Central to the thesis is an examination of how the traditional cultural values are articulated in the production, promotion and consumption of culinary experiences in order to understand the value of culture when embedded in the process of commodification, as well as to understand influential socio-cultural factors. The thesis investigates the potential of traditional markets to promote food as the main attraction in the market. Field studies were conducted from December 2012–March 2014 in eight traditional markets in the central region of Thailand. Based on the ethnographic approach in studying the narratives in the markets, a variety of methods were implemented in the process of data collection. Besides observational analysis of the venue, semi-structured interviews and the self-administered questionnaires were used to collect data from actors who engage in food experiences, including management team members, food traders and visitors. Data was also collected from interviews with officers working for Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT).  Keys findings of the thesis reveal that the cultural expressions of food experience in each market is an outcome of both the interactions of worldviews expressed by actors involved in the traditional market and the socio-cultural condition of Thailand. The relationships between stakeholders’ attitudes towards food experiences and the commercial potentials and limitations of food were analysed. The analysis of the cultural value of culinary experiences demonstrates that the existing academic discussions of the authenticity of tourism are insightful in explaining the character of food experiences offered in this tourism scenario. Most importantly, authenticity in tourism experiences, being a desirable element in culinary experiences, is a reflection of the how the pre-modern aspect of Thai society is embraced in a contemporary context. In addition, the commodification of culinary culture generates multidimensional consequences on the value of traditional culture and local lives. Moreover, the performance of culinary experiences can be viewed from the perspective of how Thai society interacts with globalization. The thesis also points out that it is possible to compare the situation of the traditional markets with the marketing positioning of food in Thai tourism marketing policy.

Das raízes

O objetivo deste projeto artístico foi desenvolver um conhecimento mais aprofundado relacionado com a execução e interpretação de técnicas de percussão tradicionais aliadas a técnicas contemporâneas. De entre as várias técnicas tradicionais de percussão optei por desenvolver as da percussão Africana (Guiné e Burkina Faso, e mais tarde Nigéria) e as da percussão Cubana. Criei assim um projeto artístico de fusão intitulado Das Raízes, no qual ao longo dos dois anos do curso de mestrado estive em contacto com a música Africana e Cubana aliada a técnicas contemporâneas e composições originais (minhas e de outros compositores). Para cada obra explorei primeiro as técnicas tradicionais e em seguida adaptei-as à percussão contemporânea, num processo onde as suas raízes africanas, cubanas ou até afro- cubanas são evidentes. Neste projeto salienta-se o papel preponderante das mãos. No século XXI o uso da baqueta predomina como a técnica mais forte para dominar os instrumentos nos conservatórios e nas escolas superiores de música. Após ter adquirido esta técnica resolvi aprofundar as técnicas tradicionais onde predominam o uso não só da baqueta mas também da mão, um mundo antigo na sua existência, mas novo para mim. Espero poder transportar o ouvinte para um mundo em que cor, movimento e som, antiguidade e contemporaneidade estão em constante vibração.

Orthodox versus unorthodox care: A qualitative study on where rural women seek healthcare during pregnancy and childbirth in Southwest, Nigeria

Introduction Utilization of orthodox health facilities for maternal health services is determined by factors operating at the individual, household, community and state level. The prevalence of small family norm is one of the identified variables operating within the community which influences the decision of where to access care (orthodox/traditional). The objective of the study was to determine the use of orthodox versus unorthodox maternity healthcare and determinants among rural women in southwest Nigeria. Methods A qualitative study was done and involved three focus group discussions. A semi-structured interview guide was used to collect information from women of reproductive age group within a rural Local Government Area in Lagos state. Results Most of the women access some form of healthcare during pregnancy, orthodox, unorthodox or both. Those who patronize both services concurrently do so to benefit from the two as each has some unique features such as herbal concoctions for traditional, ultrasound and immunization of babies for orthodox. Traditional belief exerts a strong influence on decision of where to access maternal healthcare services. Actual place of delivery is determined by individual and household factors including financial resources. Conclusion Rural women utilize one or both orthodox and unorthodox maternal health services for different reasons. Ward Development Committees should be strengthened so as to reach the communities, educate and convince women to dispel myths which limit their use of orthodox care. Training and monitoring of Traditional Birth Attendants (TBAs) are vital to eliminate harmful practices. We also recommend improved financial access to orthodox healthcare.

Strengthen Unilever-Jerónimo Martins’ position in the traditional supermarkets

Field lab: Entrepreneurial and innovative ventures

Multi-level, Multi-stage and Stochastic Optimization Models for Energy Conservation in Buildings for Federal, State and Local Agencies

Energy Conservation Measure (ECM) project selection is made difficult given real-world constraints, limited resources to implement savings retrofits, various suppliers in the market and project financing alternatives. Many of these energy efficient retrofit projects should be viewed as a series of investments with annual returns for these traditionally risk-averse agencies. Given a list of ECMs available, federal, state and local agencies must determine how to implement projects at lowest costs. The most common methods of implementation planning are suboptimal relative to cost. Federal, state and local agencies can obtain greater returns on their energy conservation investment over traditional methods, regardless of the implementing organization. This dissertation outlines several approaches to improve the traditional energy conservations models. Any public buildings in regions with similar energy conservation goals in the United States or internationally can also benefit greatly from this research. Additionally, many private owners of buildings are under mandates to conserve energy e.g., Local Law 85 of the New York City Energy Conservation Code requires any building, public or private, to meet the most current energy code for any alteration or renovation. Thus, both public and private stakeholders can benefit from this research. The research in this dissertation advances and presents models that decision-makers can use to optimize the selection of ECM projects with respect to the total cost of implementation. A practical application of a two-level mathematical program with equilibrium constraints (MPEC) improves the current best practice for agencies concerned with making the most cost-effective selection leveraging energy services companies or utilities. The two-level model maximizes savings to the agency and profit to the energy services companies (Chapter 2). An additional model presented leverages a single congressional appropriation to implement ECM projects (Chapter 3). Returns from implemented ECM projects are used to fund additional ECM projects. In these cases, fluctuations in energy costs and uncertainty in the estimated savings severely influence ECM project selection and the amount of the appropriation requested. A risk aversion method proposed imposes a minimum on the number of “of projects completed in each stage. A comparative method using Conditional Value at Risk is analyzed. Time consistency was addressed in this chapter. This work demonstrates how a risk-based, stochastic, multi-stage model with binary decision variables at each stage provides a much more accurate estimate for planning than the agency’s traditional approach and deterministic models. Finally, in Chapter 4, a rolling-horizon model allows for subadditivity and superadditivity of the energy savings to simulate interactive effects between ECM projects. The approach makes use of inequalities (McCormick, 1976) to re-express constraints that involve the product of binary variables with an exact linearization (related to the convex hull of those constraints). This model additionally shows the benefits of learning between stages while remaining consistent with the single congressional appropriations framework.

Suupa uchinaanchu : a construção da rede transnacional okinawana

Tese (doutorado)—Universidade de Brasília, Instituto de Ciências Sociais, Departamento de Antropologia, Programa de Pós-graduação em Antropologia Social, 2016.

A identidade e o efémero

Dissertação para obtenção do grau de Mestre em Arquitectura com Especialização em Interiores, apresentada na Universidade de Lisboa - Faculdade de Arquitectura.

Traditional games are recovered from generation to generation

Communities, neighborhoods, and other environments are currently immersed in a series of situations and problems that have favored the deterioration of social, cultural and spiritual values, which are essential for harmony with oneself, others, and the environment. Stereotypes have captured minds and settings have been reduced to indoor spaces, hemmed in by security bars and protective devices.  Peace, fraternity and happiness are diminishing.  It is at this point that the social, spiritual and professional work of specialists in the recreational field contributes to rescue and restructure society. Traditional games and singing games are then the tools used to facilitate relationships, contribute to the learning process, and exhibit skills.  They are fundamental in a person’s life since they are a social and cultural expression of how humans have adapted to their environment (Maestro, 2005).  They do not take ethnicity, age, sex or social conditions into consideration.  Traditional games are also a way of promoting health, improving motor, cognitive and emotional skills and a means of encouraging creativity and imagination and developing a sense of rhythm.  Their goal is to attain a state of personal well-being.  They are a way to release tension and accumulated energy and to get away from the daily routine.  They represent a bridge to learn about oneself, the environment, values, habits, and traditions. In this document, readers will learn how traditional games are transmitted, what their characteristics are, why they are an important tool in today’s society, how they are prepared, and how they can be revived and preserved.

Plataforma digital de promoción y difusión musical

La industria musical a nivel mundial atraviesa una etapa de transición en varios procesos análogos a digitales y también de formatos físicos, como CD´s por mp3, esto representa para los artistas, nuevos caminos para generar ingresos y facilidades de introducción en la industria. En Ecuador, no se puede hablar de industria musical pues, lo que se ha desarrollado hasta este momento es solo una “escena musical” en donde los artistas intentan salir hacia mercados extranjeros utilizando diferentes herramientas de difusión tanto tradicionales como digitales, siendo pocos quienes consiguen este objetivo y además, rentabilidad en sus carreras musicales. El proyecto de intervención denominado “Construcción de una plataforma digital para la promoción y difusión de artistas musicales del género pop y rock de la ciudad de Cuenca, fundamentado en estrategias digitales creadas bajo el concepto ‘Mezcla de comunicaciones de marketing’, período 2015 -2016”, genera un modelo de negocio experimental basado en soportes digitales y estrategias de marketing y comunicación que benefician la difusión, venta y promoción de los artistas y su material musical. Todo esto con miras a aportar al desarrollo de la escena musical en Ecuador. El modelo de negocio experimental se basa en tres actividades que el Staff 4.32 (nombre de la plataforma digital) brindará como servicios a sus consumidores: 1) generador de contenidos con temáticas referentes a la industria musical, 2) distribución digital de música en tiendas online y 3) sello representante de artistas que forman parte del catálogo de músicos del Staff.

Generation and screening of natural product-like compounds for antibiotic discovery

Avec l’apparition de plus en plus de souches de bactérie résistante aux antibiotiques, le développement de nouveaux antibiotiques est devenu une important problématique pour les agences de santé. C’est pour cela que la création de nouvelles plateformes pour accélérer la découverte de médicaments est devenu un besoin urgent. Dans les dernières décennies, la recherche était principalement orientée sur la modification de molécules préexistantes, la méta-analyse d’organismes produisant des molécules activent et l’analyse de librairies moléculaires pour trouver des molécules synthétiques activent, ce qui s’est avéré relativement inefficace. Notre but était donc de développer de nouvelles molécules avec des effets thérapeutiques de façon plus efficace à une fraction du prix et du temps comparé à ce qui se fait actuellement. Comme structure de base, nous avons utilisé des métabolites secondaires qui pouvaient altérer le fonctionnement des protéines ou l’interaction entre deux protéines. Pour générer ces molécules, j’ai concentré mes efforts sur les terpènes, une classe de métabolites secondaires qui possède un large éventail d’activités biologiques incluant des activités antibactériennes. Nous avons développé un système de chromosome artificiel de levure (YAC) qui permet à la fois l’assemblage directionnel et combinatoire de gènes qui permet la création de voies de biosynthèse artificielles. Comme preuve de concept, j’ai développé des YACs qui contiennent les gènes pour l’expression des enzymes impliquées dans la biosynthèse de la -carotène et de l’albaflavenone et produit ces molécules avec un haut rendement. Finalement, Des YACs produits à partir de librairies de gènes ont permis de créer une grande diversité de molécules.

SVPWM SWITCHING PATTERN FOR Z-SOURCE INVERTER, SIMULATION AND APPLICATION

The voltage source inverter (VSI) and current voltage source inverter (CSI) are widely used in industrial application. But the traditional VSIs and CSIs have one common problem: can’t boost or buck the voltage come from battery, which make them impossible to be used alone in Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV/EV) motor drive application, other issue is the traditional inverter need to add the dead-band time into the control sequence, but it will cause the output waveform distortion. This report presents an impedance source (Z-source network) topology to overcome these problems, it can use one stage instead of two stages (VSI or CSI + boost converter) to buck/boost the voltage come from battery in inverter system. Therefore, the Z-source topology hardware design can reduce switching element, entire system size and weight, minimize the system cost and increase the system efficiency. Also, a modified space vector pulse-width modulation (SVPWM) control method has been selected with the Z-source network together to achieve the best efficiency and lower total harmonic distortion (THD) at different modulation indexes. Finally, the Z-source inverter controlling will modulate under two control sequences: sinusoidal pulse width modulation (SPWM) and SVPWM, and their output voltage, ripple and THD will be compared.

iGrooving: A Generative Music Mobile Application for Runners

iGrooving is a generative music mobile application specifically designed for runners. The application’s foundation is a step-counter that is programmed using the iPhone’s built-in accelerometer. The runner’s steps generate the tempo of the performance by mapping each step to trigger a kick-drum sound file. Additionally, different sound files are triggered at specific step counts to generate the musical performance, allowing the runner a level of compositional autonomy. The sonic elements are chosen to promote a meditative aspect of running. iGrooving is conceived as a biofeedback-stimulated musical instrument and an environment for creating generative music processes with everyday technologies, inspiring us to rethink our everyday notions of musical performance as a shared experience. Isolation, dynamic changes, and music generation are detailed to show how iGrooving facilitates novel methods for music composition, performance and audience participation.