This Thesis is my effort to understand what subjects I find interesting and why. In the processes of writing and making sculpture, I discovered that my underlying fascination is in history. I am interested in places and objects for their individual qualities, but I also want to know how they relate to the world. If I am drawn to an ancient place or object, I want to examine how it fits into the contemporary world, and visa versa. The complexity of these relationships is increased by the vast number of histories (or stories) that are intertwined in the world. Over the course of the thesis I write about my various influences, and the development of my work from undergraduate to graduate school. This progression has been from observation of natural world to a more complex questioning of how the world came to be what it is. I conclude by defining the direction in which I want my work to continue: directly along the border between myth and reality.

Made available in DSpace on 2014-08-20T13:44:34Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 tese_blanca_julia_nunes_teixido.pdf: 1539138 bytes, checksum: c3a3a14ccdd05e6a247aa1b5d12968e5 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2013-07-18 / The area under soybean production in Paraguay has increased considerably since 1996s. It has increased during 2004\05 as a result of the introduction of transgenic cultivars and seed production of these varieties. The country becomes the fourth largest soybeans exporter in the world. The area estimated soybean production for the 2012/13 season and 3.157.600 ha with a production of 9.367.298 of tons. The area of maize grain in Paraguay has increased considerably since 2002, the estimated maize production for the 2012/13 season was 983.899 ha with a production of 3.935.596 tons. Evaluation of new cultivars to commercial release includes agronomic evaluation for two years in agro-climatic zones of the Eastern Region of Paraguay. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the following five soybean cultivars yield, FT20-267, FT20-268, FRO4-179, FRO4-164, FTO3-482 and to compare them to the two reference cultivars (CD 214-RR and EMBRAPA 48). The cultivars were evaluated in South Zone: Bella Vista, (Itapuá department); East Zone: Santa Rita, (Alto Paraná Department) and New Esperanza (Canindeyú Department), Central Zone: Field 9, (Caaguazú Department) and North Zone: Pedro Juan Caballero (Amambay Department). The following five corn hybrids DAS 2B 710, AS 1551, AS 1590, DAS 2B 688, P 30K75 were compared with the reference hybrids DKB 390 and MAXIMUS. They were evaluated in South Zone: Colonia Fran, (Itapuá Department); East Zone: Santa Rita, (Alto Paraná Department) and Yjhovy (Canindeyú Department), Central Zone: Field 9, (Caaguazú Department) and North Zone: Guayaybi, (San Pedro Department). Each plot consisted of four soybean rows of 5.0 m long and 0.45 m spacing between rows. The useful plot area was 3.6 m2 plots with three replications. Yield and weight of 100 seeds were evaluated. The cultivars showed, in general yield and weight of 100 seeds higher or similar to the reference cultivars CD 214-RR and EMBRAPA 48, all cultivars showed yield and weight of 100 seeds higher in Pedro Juan Caballero. Each plot of hybrid consisted of four rows of 5.0 m long with 0.52 m spacing between rows. The useful area was 10.40 m², in three experimental unit replications. In the two years of evaluation (2009 and 2010) of the hybrids showed similar performance to the reference hybrids DKB 390 and MAXIMUS. The Hybrid AS 1551 in out season showed a higher yield compared to other hybrids and also with the references hybrids DKB 390 and MAXIMUS during the two years of evaluation. In 2009 and 2010, the hybrids showed in season and off season, higher yield in Santa Rita in relation to other locations. / A área de produção de soja no Paraguai teve um aumento considerável desde o ano 1996. Incrementou-se na safra 2004\05 como resultado da introdução de cultivares transgênicas e produção de sementes destas cultivares no país, sendo o quarto maior exportador mundial de grãos de soja. A estimativa de área de produção de soja para a campanha 2012/13 e de 3.157.600 há com uma produção de 9.367.298 toneladas A área de produção de grãos de milho no Paraguai teve aumento considerável a partir do ano 2002, a estimativa de produção de milho para a campanha 2012/13 e de 983.899 há com uma produção de 3.935.596 toneladas. Para a liberação comercial as novas cultivares deverão passar por dois anos de avaliação agronômica em zonas agroclimàticas da região Oriental do Paraguai de importância às diferentes espécies. Este trabalho visou avaliar o rendimento de cinco cultivares de soja, FT20-267, FT20-268, FRO4- 179, FRO4- 164, FTO3- 482 comparadas com as cultivares referência CD 214 RR e EMBRAPA 48. Foram avaliadas em Zona Sul: Bella Vista, (Departamento de Itapuá); Zona Leste: Santa Rita, (Departamento de Alto Paraná) e Nova Esperanza (Departamento de Canindeyú); Zona Central: Campo 9, (Departamento de Caaguazú) e Zona Norte: Pedro Juan Caballero, (Departamento de Amambay), e de cinco híbridos de milho DAS 2B 710, AS 1551, AS 1590, DAS 2B 688, P 30K75 comparados com os híbridos de referência DKB 390 e MAXIMUS. Foram avaliadas em Zona Sul: Colonia Fran, (Departamento de Itapuá); Zona Leste: Santa Rita, (Departamento de Alto Paraná) e Yjhovy (Departamento de Canindeyú); Zona Central: Campo 9, (Departamento de Caaguazú) e Zona Norte: Guayaybi, (Departamento de San Pedro). Cada parcela de soja foi constituída por quatro fileiras de 5,0 m de comprimento, com 0,45 m de espaçamento entre fileiras. A superfície útil das parcelas foi de 3,6 m2 em três repetições. Foram avaliados rendimento e peso de 100 sementes As cultivares avaliadas mostraram, de maneira geral rendimento e peso de 100 sementes superiores ou similares as cultivares referência CD 214 RR e EMBRAPA 48; todas as cultivares avaliadas apresentaram rendimento e peso de 100 sementes superiores na localidade de Pedro Juan Caballero Cada parcela de híbrido foi constituída por quatro fileiras de 5,0 m de comprimento, com 0,52 m de separação entre fileiras. A área útil de parcela foi de 10,40 m2, unidade experimental em três repetições.Na safra os híbridos mostraram, rendimento similares aos híbridos referência DKB 390 e MAXIMUS nos dois anos de avaliação.Na safrinha 2009 e 2010 o híbrido AS 1551 apresentou rendimento superior em comparação aos demais híbridos e aos de referência DKB 390 e MAXIMUS nos dois anos. Em 2009 e 2010, os híbridos de milho apresentaram na safra e na safrinha, rendimento superior na localidade de Santa Rita em relação as demais localidades.

This study was conducted using a quantitative, non-experimental, correlation design to explore the relationships between student-patient encounters with Diabetes Mellitus and the scores on the Diabetes Mellitus OSCE during Family Medicine clerkship. The focus of the research was to explore relationships between various methods of competency measures of third-year medical students during their Family Medicine clerkship as they encountered patients diagnosed with Diabetes Mellitus (DM). A paradigm shift in medical education is taking place and driven by the Liaison Committee for Medical Education (LCME). These changes are fueled by the public outcry demanding verification of competency of our physicians. The study's focus is on the competency outcome measures from a new educational design, moving away from patient-centered education to competency-based, student-centered education and away from a norm-referenced assessment to a criterion-referenced assessment. Relevant literature on the need for competency-based medical education and various methods for implementation informed this study, including Miller (1990); Barman (2005); Barrows (1993), De Champlain, Margolis, Macmillan, and Klass (2001); Harden and Gleeson (1979); and Howley and Wilson (2004). More direct observation of student performance must be instituted with documentation of student clinical skills. Findings revealed no differences are seen in medical student competency acquisition during encounters of patients diagnosed with DM, in terms of cognitive, psychomotor, neck exam or affective measures, during the VCU SOM Family Medicine Clerkship. Significant differences are noted in the psychomotor subscale scores of the DM OSCE as the result of suburban clerkship site placement, as opposed to rural or urban sites. Finally, students at non-residencies see more patients with DM than at residency clerkship sites. Implications for further research were discussed focusing on 1) why differences were found only found in suburban clerkship sites; 2) the possibility that cultural competency understanding may play a role in these differences; 3) how do students learn about DM prior to the FM clerkship; 4) the possibility that the OSCE does not reflect community FM practice models.

This project explores the juxtaposition of classical and contemporary architectural forms as they coexist within Richmond City’s urban fabric. It is an assessment and understanding of how the built environment can reinforce transitions between old and new in ways that both integrate architectural differences and embrace historical identity. Richmond, and a large part of Virginia in general, has been shaped by the historical events of its existence. The sights of the city reveal a clash of the old and new. It is a city where newer developments and traditional elements have been trying to co-mingle. The design incorporates a contemporary architectural language that joins with the building’s historical surroundings without breaking the balance of the composition.

This paper is an account of the Theatre VCU mainstage production of Pride & Prejudice, in which I played the roles of Mrs. Bennet and of the vocal coach. In order to address the various skill levels of the cast, I planned to coach the production in a manner inspired by immersion language learning programs, with the cast speaking in dialect throughout the rehearsal process so as to learn the necessary vocal skills and to grow together as a theatrical ensemble. When the director of Pride & Prejudice was not receptive to this plan, I had to compromise and adapt while fulfilling my duties as actor and coach. The paper includes my initial ideas, a detailed account of pre-production, rehearsals, and performances, and an analysis of the many lessons I learned about artistic collaboration and the art of dialect coaching for the stage.

This thesis is an exploration into the possibilities and repercussions of articulating zeitgeist, that is, the spirit of our current age. The parameters and ramifications of such a project are, in this writing, analyzed in reference to the notion of historicity, and the narrative gaze that it perpetuates. The mechanism of canonization, and a discourse's capacity to be viral are examined.

This thesis explores the costume design for Theatre VCU’s 2018 production of Into the Woods. It outlines my concept for the design focusing on the origins of these archetypes. This concept is further expanded on by discussing Cinderella and the Witch characters and analyzing the choices within their costumes. This thesis also includes renderings, swatches, and photos.

Differences in microbial function via extracellular enzyme activity (EEA) were investigated to determine the potential effects of hydrology and plant-soil-microbe interactions in a young non-tidal freshwater riparian wetland. To study these relationships, three plots were established along a moisture gradient (Wet, Intermediate, Dry) within VCU Rice Center Within each main plot, five subplots were left undisturbed while another five were cleared of all above-ground plant biomass. Homogenized soil cores (top 10 cm) were analyzed for pH, redox, C:N, soil organic matter (SOM) content, saturation, and temperature. Microbial function was assessed using extracellular enzyme analysis. For most enzymes, a site difference was observed due to soil moisture content, which had an effect on soil pH, redox potential, and plant community composition. For most extracellular enzymes the presence of vegetation was associated with higher activity. It is important to note that reestablishing native hydrologic and vegetated conditions are paramount in achieving previous functionality.

In the current development work conducted at BAE Systems Hägglunds AB's electronics department, there are often long lead times from started projects to finished electronic units. This means that it is necessary to take a new approach to development in order to meet changing specifications and new interfaces. To mitigate the risks in design and interfaces, testing of the system needs to start as early as possible. Against the given background, the aim of the project is to develop and evaluate a modular concept for different Input/output (I/O) interfaces between a carrier board and modules. The modular concept where developed using Altium Designer and through schematic design and PCB design the designs was developed for the intended concept regarding modularization. To test the connections between the carrier board and modules and to get a visual picture over how it could look, Altium designers Multi-board Assembly function where used. By analyzing the boundaries between the carrier board and I/O-modules, new limitations were discovered in the contact surfaces between them. The focus turned to improve the existing carrier board by replacing the existing connectors with more modular alternative connectors that better fits the intended concept of the modularity in the I/O-modules. Three different alternatives for the current carrier board were evaluated and the alternative that is the best for modularization is to change the connectors on the current carrier board. The design of the I/O-modules are based on the already existing I/O designs and the I/O-modules designed were Digital Input (DIP) and Digital Output (DOP). The results that emerged during the project are as follows: The designed I/O-modules follow a relationship-based design to produce a combination of the different circuit solution already available at BAE Systems. The circuits DIP and DOP are the most common I/O-interfaces in use and the focus was to develop modules for these. In order to achieve the optimal modularity with respect for the intended concept, the current design of the carrier boards need to change to meet the intended concept regarding modularization. / I det nuvarande utvecklingsarbetet som bedrivs på BAE Systems Hägglunds ABs elektronikavdelning finns det ofta långa ledtider från påbörjade projekt till färdiga elektronikenheter. Detta leder till att omtag i utvecklingen blir nödvändigt för att kunna möta ändrade specifikationer och nya gränsytor. För att mitigera risker i design och gränsytor behöver testning av systemet påbörjas så tidigt som möjligt. Projektet syftar mot den givna bakgrunden att ta fram och utvärdera ett modulärt koncept för olika Input/Output (I/O) gränssnitt mellan bärarkort och moduler. Det modulära konceptet utvecklades i Altium Designer och genom schemaritning och PCB design utvecklades designerna för det tänkta konceptet gällande modularisering. För att testa anslutningar mellan bärarkort och modul och samtidigt få en visuell bild över hur resultatet kan se ut, användes Altium Multi-board Assembly. Genom att analysera avgränsningar mellan bärarkort och I/O-modul upptäcktes nya begränsningar i kontaktytorna mellan dem. Fokus hamnade på att förbättra det befintliga bärarkortet genom att byta ut de befintliga kontakterna till mer modulära kontakter som passar det tänkta konceptet för I/O-modulernas modularitet. Tre olika alternativ för det nuvarande bärarkortet togs upp och det alternativ som är bäst sett till Modularisering är att ändra de kontakter som finns på det nuvarande bärarkortet. Designen av I/O-modulerna utgick ifrån de redan befintliga kretslösningar som finns framtagen och de I/O-moduler som designades var Digital input (DIP) och Digital Output (DOP). De resultat som kom fram genom projektet är följande: De I/O-moduler som framställts följer en relationsbaserad design för att framställa en kombination av de olika kretslösningar som redan finns framtagen av BAE Systems. Kretsarna DIP och DOP är de vanligaste I/O-gränssnitten som används och fokus blev att ta fram moduler för dessa. För att uppnå optimal modularitet med anseende på det tänkta konceptet behöver den nuvarande designen av bärarkortets kontakter ändras för att kunna möta den optimala modulariteten för det tänkta konceptet.

Long Walk in Flight School is a document intended to complement a body of artwork that includes photographs, giclee prints, animation, and a twenty two page book of images. The main focus of the text is to discuss two types of exchange; my energy with tools in exchange for an object or event, which is then exchanged in the imagination of the audience for something else, a hybrid thing. These exchanges are part of the performance or presentation of the work. Beginning with a brief description of intent at the start of graduate school, it traces my development as an artist over a two year period, highlighting shifts in my thinking and activity during that time. Finally, it describes my thesis artwork as a set of potential narratives that are conceptually related but visually diverse.