Thesis (S.M.)--Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Dept. of Comparative Media Studies, 2004. / Includes bibliographical references (p. 84-87). / A close reading of two television shows, K-Street and Tanner '88, was performed to examine how one might become informed about real-life political news by viewing entertainment programs that combine fiction with actual current political events, issues, and figures. In his book The Good Citizen, Michael Schudson claims that mere factual recall does not necessarily indicate that one is "informed", but rather an "informed citizen" is one who actively reads the "information environment". According to Schudson, however, "the obligation of citizens to know enough to participate intelligently in governmental affairs [should] be understood as a monitorial obligation" where one scans rather than reads the "information environment". By indexing themselves as "hybrid", programs such as K-Street and Tanner '88 might encourage skepticism and therefore scanning of the "information environment", unlike "news programs" (i.e. "The News") that frame themselves as accurate and complete. In addition, fictional narrative has the power to foster viewers' personal investment in particular characters and, in this way, could provide additional incentive for active information gathering by creating narratives where characters stand to be directly affected by actual current political events and issues. Neither Tanner '88 nor K-Street appear to have harnessed this potential, however. / by Robert J. Bain, Jr. / S.M.

Thesis (S.M.)--Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Dept. of Comparative Media Studies, 2008. / Includes bibliographical references (p. 85-89). / The design of information visualization, defined as the interactive, graphical presentation of data, is on the verge of a significant paradigm shift brought on by the continued maturation of the Information Age. Its traditional role as a scientific tool deployed by rigorous data analysts is in the process of expanding to include more mainstream uses and users, reflecting fundamental changes to the role of information and data in our increasingly digital society. However, visualization design theory remains rooted in earlier conceptions of its use, largely ignoring the needs of this new, non-expert audience. Accordingly, this thesis attempts to re-contextualize information visualization as a public-facing practice, and explores ways in which its design can shift from being described as "by experts, for experts" to a new characterization as "for the people." / by Michael Danziger. / S.M.

Thesis: S.M., Massachusetts Institute of Technology, School of Architecture and Planning, Program in Media Arts and Sciences, 2016. / This electronic version was submitted by the student author. The certified thesis is available in the Institute Archives and Special Collections. / Cataloged from student-submitted PDF version of thesis. / Includes bibliographical references (pages 103-116). / Expert or fraud? Opinions differ widely when it comes to the profession of the conductor. The powerful person in front of an orchestra or a choir attracts both hate and admiration, but which influence do a conductor's actions actually have on the musician's body and the sounding result? Unlike any other musician, the conductor produces no sound himself, and though the profession of conducting, as we know it today, has existed for more than 150 years, it still lacks a systematic theoretical foundation. Aiming to throw light on the fundamental principles of this special gestural language, this thesis approaches the communication between conductor and musician as a matter of physics and as an analogic -- rather than a symbolic -- language. By means of two studies we can prove a direct correlation between the gestures and muscle-tension of the conductor and the musicians' reaction in onset-precision as well as the quality and length of the evoked sound. While examining the gestural impact on the sounding result, we also examine, whether and in which way the mere form of the conducting gestures affect the musicians' stress level. With our research we contribute to the development of a theoretical framework on conducting and enable a precise mapping of its gestural parameters, the use of which -- not only in the discourse about conducting, but also as a base for hard- and software devices in the education of conductors -- could decisively enhance musical learning, performance and expression. Furthermore, this framework provides new insights into a number of aspects of musical perception. / by Sarah Lisette Platte. / S.M.

Thesis: Ph. D., Massachusetts Institute of Technology, School of Architecture and Planning, Program in Media Arts and Sciences, 2016. / Cataloged from PDF version of thesis. / Includes bibliographical references (pages 74-77). / For people living with limb amputation, the prosthetic socket - the interface between the residuum and prosthesis - is the most critical component. When a socket is uncomfortable, especially due to poor fit, the quality of life for a patient is greatly hindered. However, conventional design of sockets is largely artisan, with limited input of quantitative data. Current computer-aided and manufacturing (CAD/CAM) designs are still not clinically applicable solutions. Due to model identification procedures that employ non patient-specific and incomplete data sets, today's finite element (FE) models of the residuum are not predictive, leading to suboptimal socket designs. As such, there exists a need for a comprehensive biomechanical model of the residuum for the quantitative design and computational evaluation of patient-specific prosthetic sockets. This thesis presents a combined experimental-numerical approach to evaluate and validate a transtibial residuum biomechanical model. The central hypothesis of the work is that a single biomechanical model can predict the large non-linear response at various sites on a residuum under load. To evaluate this hypothesis, a non-linear, two-tissue model was formulated where tissue geometries were defined using MRI data of the residuum. The non-linear viscoelastic material parameters of the model were identified through inverse FEA-based optimization using in-vivo indentation experimental data at four locations. Using optimized model tissue parameters, the mean percentage error (mean absolute error/ maximum experimental force) between the experimental and simulation force-time curves at 14 other locations across the evaluated transtibial residuum was 7 ± 3%. Using this same modeling methodology and a single set of material constants to describe the bulk soft tissue biomechanical response of seven distinct transtibial residual limb models, the average percentage error for indentations at multiple locations across all seven limbs was 7 ± 1%. From these predictive models of residuum limbs, one rigid novel socket and two multimaterial transtibial sockets were designed, fabricated and evaluated through an entirely quantitative, automated and repeatable methodology. In a preliminary clinical investigation, the novel sockets were shown to reduce peak contact pressures at the tibia and fibular head regions on the residuum by significant amounts during standing compared to a conventional socket interface designed and fabricated by a trained prosthetist. / by David Moinina Sengeh. / Ph. D.

Thesis: Ph. D., Massachusetts Institute of Technology, School of Architecture and Planning, Program in Media Arts and Sciences, 2018. / Cataloged from PDF version of thesis. Page 170 blank. / Includes bibliographical references (pages 157-169). / Throughout history we have augmented our physical abilities with machines. Concepts for flying machines and the ideas behind today's exoskeletons were recorded as early as the 13th century. Today, as technology permeates every aspect of our lives, it is easy to imagine a much closer integration of machines into the tasks we carry out. This thesis explores a vision of humans and machines symbiotically working together on a task through co-action and coagency. This vision opens up many opportunities in between the extremes of autonomous robots and master-slave systems, through more complex systems in which human and machine collaborate to perform actions and manipulate robotic extensions. This dissertation also reports on three extensive experiments, each consisting of multiple iterations of actual, tested designs: a series of robotic extra-numerary finger robots for increasing manual dexterity, a series of collaborative human-drone drawing systems enabling novel expressive capability, and a series of semi-automated guitar systems enabling extended musical expression as well as new instrument-learning opportunities. The studies performed with these prototypes give insight into the impact of such robotic integration on the human user: the user is nudged to adapt to the new condition and re-calibrate the expectations associated with certain input actions; the division of roles allows the user to explore and understand experiences outside their given skills or physical limits; and the robotic extension inspires activity outside of the user's regular practice. Finally, the thesis also defines a design space and corresponding terminology to situate different technical and design choices for these new forms of human-robot integration. I categorize some of the existing approaches based on how human and robotic actions are coordinated, and how the robotic movements are controlled. I also propose ways to qualitatively describe the interaction between human and machine, in terms of how the robotic extension may affect the cognition and behaviors of its user. The experiments with the prototypes support and are analyzed through these definitions, and discuss how we could achieve novel or synergistic outcomes with robotic augmentations. / by Sang-won Leigh. / Ph. D.

Thesis: S.M., Massachusetts Institute of Technology, School of Architecture and Planning, Program in Media Arts and Sciences, 2018. / Cataloged from PDF version of thesis. / Includes bibliographical references (pages 47-49). / RNA-guided DNA endonucleases of the CRISPR-Cas system are widely used for genome engineering and thus have numerous applications in a wide variety of fields. The range of sequences that CRISPR endonucleases can recognize, however, is constrained by the need for a specific protospacer adjacent motif (PAM) flanking the target site. In this thesis, we demonstrate the natural PAM plasticity of a highly-similar, yet previously uncharacterized, Cas9 from Streptococcus canis (ScCas9) through rational manipulation of distinguishing motif insertions. To this end, we report a divergent affinity to 5'-NNGT-3' PAM sequences, as well as preferences for expanded 5'-NNG- 3' motifs, and demonstrate the editing capabilities of the ortholog in both bacterial and human cells. We subsequently build an automated bioinformatics pipeline, the Search for PAMs by ALignment Of Targets (SPAMALOT), which further explores the microbial PAM diversity of otherwise-overlooked Streptococcus Cas9 orthologs. Our results establish that ScCas9 can be utilized both as an alternative genome editing tool and as a functional platform to discover novel Streptococcus PAM specificities. Finally, we develop original machine learning-based tools to both predict the efficacy of single guide RNA (sgRNA) sequences targeting specific loci, as well as to classify and characterize the recently-discovered anti-CRISPR proteins. / by Pranam Chatterjee. / S.M.

Thesis: S.M., Massachusetts Institute of Technology, School of Architecture and Planning, Program in Media Arts and Sciences, 2016. / Cataloged from PDF version of thesis. / Includes bibliographical references (pages 117-124). / Cues from the physical environment are constantly sensed and interpreted - unconsciously finding their way into our cognitive schemas and influencing our perceptions and experiences. Manipulating them has been shown to be powerful, affecting cognitive performance, mood and even physiology. Inspired by this, we propose a workspace capable of dynamically transforming its ambiance. This work presents the Digital Cubicle - a cubicle workspace which uses lighting, video projection and sound to manipulate its physical characteristics. A set of software tools is developed to create digital compositions in such a workspace, basing the compositions on objective physical measures from existing popular workspaces. Through a set of user studies, we evaluate how these elicit occupant perceptual, cognitive and physiological responses. Detailed in this work, are physiological responses indicating stress development and restoration, with interesting implications for health and wellbeing applications. We develop a sensor data collection infrastructure to complement the workspace's controllable ambiance, with rich, real-time information about the occupant context and state. Leveraging Reinforcement Learning techniques, we present a framework to devise adaptive control agents. These utilise sensor data to recommend and transform the workspace ambiance in a closed-loop fashion. A prototype intelligent agent is implemented, optimising for occupants' heart rate recovery, yet counterbalancing for occupants preferences and requests. Through evaluative simulations, anchored with real occupant data, we demonstrate and discuss the effectiveness of our proposed approach. / by Asaph Azaria. / S.M.

Thesis: S.M., Massachusetts Institute of Technology, School of Architecture and Planning, Program in Media Arts and Sciences, 2017. / Cataloged from PDF version of thesis. "June 2017." / Includes bibliographical references. / A collaborative, interdisciplinary research project, Open Source Estrogen combines biohacking and speculative design to demonstrate the entrenched ways in which estrogen is a biomolecule with institutional biopower. It is a form of biotechnical civil disobedience, seeking to subvert dominant biopolitical agents of hormonal management, knowledge production, and anthropogenic toxicity. The project begins with a speculative question: what if it was possible to make estrogen in the kitchen? From this seed arises more fundamental questions about who is producing hormones, whose bodies are affected, and how environmental hormones exist already as a state of toxicity. While issues of body and gender sovereignty are deeply at stake, endocrine disruptors termed 'xenoestrogens' pervade our environments due to petrochemical agro-industrial and pharmaceutical forces. These xeno-molecules change the morphology of our bodies and bodies of non-human species, evidencing a malleability inherent to nature but alien to our prescribed notions of (eco)heteronormalcy. In response to the "molecular queering" performed by estrogen, facilitated by dominant hegemonic forces, the project initiates a public dialogue through DIY/DIWO (do-it-yourself/do-it-with-others) biohacking and artistic intervention. Using speculative design, iterative workshopping, and kitchen performance, Open Source Estrogen employs these tactics to create new subjectivities for living in an increasingly queer world. From capitalist xeno-forces arise xeno-solidarities, capable of collectively hacking the systems of hormonal colonization. / by Mary Tsang. / S.M.

Thesis (S.M.)--Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Dept. of Comparative Media Studies, 2010. / Cataloged from PDF version of thesis. / Includes bibliographical references (p. 83-91). / The emerging field of fan studies has, until recently, been defined only by the research that has taken place within it. Almost universally, this research focuses on self-identified fans. However, scholars are beginning to examine and debate what the limits of the field should be. This study argues that self-identified fans are not the only group that ought to be examined under the heading of fan studies. It also highlights the fact that humor is rarely discussed in fan studies, and argues that this is a major lacuna. In order to accomplish these goals, this study turns to three examples. The first example is an online discussion community for the Twilight novels, Twatlight, which does not define itself as a fan community but nevertheless exhibits all the characteristics of a fan community and is in conversation with self-identified fan communities. The second example is humorous images produced by the Twatlight community, which use jokes to make serious arguments about the Twilight books. The third example is humorous fan vids produced within the mainstream media fandom vidding community; fan vids have been traditionally treated by fan studies as purely melodramatic artworks. The study concludes that fan studies should define itself as the study of people who are affectively engaged with texts in the context of critical communities. / by Madeline LeNore "Flourish" Klink. / S.M.

Thesis: Ph. D., Massachusetts Institute of Technology, School of Architecture and Planning, Program in Media Arts and Sciences, February 2018. / Cataloged from PDF version of thesis. / Includes bibliographical references (pages 167-190). / Advancements in technology have made musical instruments, especially electronic instruments, accessible to the masses. As a result, music-making has become more widespread and convenient. However, the blackboxing practices of commercial Digital Musical Instruments (DMIs) have conditioned many users to produce only specific styles of music. Furthermore, as many of these commercial instruments produce sound through loudspeakers, rather than the body of the instrument, players lose the physical and tactile connection to sound and music. Consequently, these DMIs inhibit understanding of the relationship between musicality and our everyday physical world, and cut players off from exploring a more extensive range of musical possibilities. Despite the multiplication of music-making tools, music-making practices still operate on the same principles. The production of music requires instruments to generate organized physical sound energies that follow the schema of a score. This dissertation studies a new class of Interactive Music Systems (IMSs) called Score Instruments that embed both instrument and score into a single unified interface. Score Instruments reopen the range of possibilities offered by everyday sounds and objects as musical bricolage tools to bring players into a personalized, guided, and open-ended use of the instrument. Players of Score Instruments are called Musical Wonderers, as the instruments encourage them to focus on exploration to build their own musical language, rather than on the technically correct realization of music. The dissertation describes the concept of Score Instruments. Two instances of Score Instruments demonstrate how the techniques and criteria translate into specific IMSs. City Symphonies is a massive musical collaboration platform that encourages players to listen to their cities and create music with environmental sounds. MM-RT is a tabletop tangible musical instrument that employs electromagnetic actuators and small permanent magnets to physically induce sounds with found objects. Both projects exemplify how Score Instruments can simultaneously stimulate open creativity and provide meaningful direction and constraints that guide users to learn underlying principles about music and the physical world. The design investigations and historical perspective of this dissertation offer a future of music-making practice that is based on exploration and designed to broaden the definition and variety of music. / by Akito van Troyer. / Ph. D.