Direct observation of the child remains an essential part of the gold standard clinical practice in the diagnosis, assessment, and treatment planning for children with Autism and related developmental conditions. Clinical professionals acknowledge that observing behavior in the natural environment is crucial to obtain an accurate and comprehensive assessment of child behavior. However, direct observation in the natural environment is not feasible for wide-scale implementation into clinical practice. Another key challenge with respect to autism diagnosis is that there is significant time lag (about 20-60 months) between age at which parents first get concerned and the age at which the child finally gets diagnosed. Delay in diagnosis can lead to delay in invaluable early interventions which could impact a child’s future developmental outcomes. A capture and access solution can play a role to fill these gaps. This thesis presents the design, development, and evaluation of a Clinician-directed Capture and Access System that can enable parents to easily collect in-home behavior specimens that have clinical utility and clinicians to use this data to complete a diagnostic assessment for autism. Analogous to a traditional lab specimen collection and assessment procedure, this approach involves three steps: 1) the clinician’s prescription of behavior specimens to be collected; 2) in-home collection and remote sharing of prescribed behavior specimens by parents; and 3) diagnostic assessment of behavior specimens by a remote and qualified clinician. The contributions of this thesis are as follows: a) identified potential opportunities and challenges specific to the design and adoption of a technology solution that enables in-home behavior specimen collection and diagnostic assessment for autism; b) identified key features and functionalities of a smart-phone based Capture System that can enable parents to easy collect in-home behavior specimens that have clinical utility; c) identified key features and functionalities of the web-based Access System that facilitate clinicians to complete remote diagnostic assessment based on in-home behavior specimens.; d) demonstrated through an end-to-end study with parents and clinicians that parents can easily capture behavior specimens through the Capture System and clinicians can complete remote autism diagnostic assessment based on in-home behavior specimens via the Access System.

Photographs contain a wealth of information which may be used effectively in historical research. Visual images may be used as evidence, for illustration, for comparison and contrast, and for analytical purposes. Somewhat perplexing is the relatively minimal use of photographs as primary sources in historical inquiry concerning schooling. Many visual clues exist which can help to explain the activities, methods, resources and quality of schooling, and the people involved in schooling, in selected locations. Visual clues may be coordinated with text and with other artifacts to present a more complete picture of schooling in a specific time and place than text alone can provide. Photographs provide opportunities to compare systems of schooling and to engage in longitudinal analysis of a single school system. They can be useful in helping to investigate elements of schooling that may have elevated selected school systems to exemplary levels. The presence of a large collection of educationally related photographs reveals opportunities for utilization which are not present with individual photographs or small groups of photographs. The potential uses of photographs as primary sources for inquiry are not limited to professional historians, but may be taught to, and used by students, as well. This study shows benefits and possibilities of utilizing photographic images as primary sources in historical research in education, and in teaching historical research methods, through the use of examples contained in the Albert W. Achterberg Collection of photographs. The collection was developed during the period of 1940-1999 over an 8,000 square mile area in south-central Nebraska and features a school system in the town of Holdrege, Nebraska.

Poster presentation from the Living the Future 8 Conference, April 23-24, 2012, University of Arizona Libraries, Tucson, AZ. / As the University of Arizona Libraries employ a 21st century user-centered approach to information resource management, we have adopted a Patron-Driven Acquisitions program. Fundamentally, the program is based on the model of users as the drivers of library acquisitions. By imbedding order records in the library catalog and by identifying user needs through interlibrary loan requests, the library is able to acquire targeted information resources that more efficiently meet the research needs of our users. This service significantly enhances the user experience and allows the UA Libraries to see greater use of our resources.

'On-Demand Information Delivery/Patron-Driven Acquisition' Breakout session from the Living the Future 8 Conference, April 23-24, 2012, University of Arizona Libraries, Tucson, AZ.

Poster presentation from the Living the Future 6 Conference, April 5-8, 2006, University of Arizona Libraries, Tucson, AZ. / First, we brought you "Where’s the Book? We Found It!" A look at the problem of why customers can’t find library owned materials. Now we bring you the sequel, what solutions we implemented to solve these problems and what effects these solutions have had.

Pasirinkusi abstrakčią plastiką, kuri neturi vaizdavimo objekto, siekiau tapybinėmis raiškos priemonėmis pavaizduoti kitimą. Nieko nėra pastovaus, nebent nepastovumas, kuris neturi nei pradžios, nei pabaigos. Tai pagrindinė mano darbo koncepcija, todėl darbo eigoje labai dažnai radikaliai kito rezultatas. Nedariau išankstinių eskizų, rėmiausi spontaniškumu, mėgavausi atsitiktinumais, spalvų, potėpių, dėmių ir faktūrų dariniais, kurie diktavo galimus kompozicinius tolimesnio darbo etapus. Savo baigiamajame darbe „Virsmas“ siekiau savaip plastiškai interpretuoti pasirinktą temą. Mano darbų kolekcija „Virsmas“ – tai išgyvenimų, ieškojimų ir bandymų rezultatas. Begalinis virsmo procesas, būsenų pasikeitimas, idėjų mutacija ir atsispindi mano kūrybos darbų kolekcijoje. Cikle „Virsmas“ naudojau abstrakčiojo ekspresionizmo stilistiką, analizavau pasirinktų dailininkų kūrybą, jų kūrybines koncepcijas. Abstraktus ekspresionizmas pasižymi stilistikos įvairove, suteikiančia žiūrovo vaizduotei laisvę savaip interpretuoti tapybos darbus. Tapybos darbų kolekciją sudaro trys darbai: „Virsmas I“, „Virsmas II“, „Virsmas III“. Ciklą galima traktuoti kaip triptiką, nors ir nesiekiau to sąmoningai. Manau, kad pasirinktą abstraktaus vaizdo kūrimo metodą sėkmingai galima pritaikyti per dailės pamokas įvairių klasių moksleiviams, mokant monotipijos, supažindinant su meno istorija. Galimi tokie pamokų tikslai: supažindinti mokinius su šiuolaikinėmis meno srovėmis, mokyti analizuoti meno kūrinius... [toliau žr. visą tekstą] / The abstract plastic without depiction object was chosen to represent variation with painterly expression devices. Nothing is invariable unless variability which has no beginning and no ending. This is the main conception of this work that is why the results radically varied in the course of work. There were no preconceived sketches. The spontaneity was used so I was indulged in coincidence and formation of colors, dabs, spots and factures which dictate possible composite stages of further work. In my bachelor work ‘Conversion’ I tried to interpret chosen theme in my way. My collection of works ‘Conversion’ is the result of experiences, searches and tests. Endless process of conversion, change of states’, ideas’ mutation is the reflection of my creative works collection. In the cycle ‘Conversion’ the stylistic of abstract expressionism was used also the creation of chosen painters and their concept was analyzed. Abstract expressionism characterized with variety stylistics which gives to viewer imagination to interpret pictorial works in own way. The pictorial works collection consists of three works: ‘Conversion I’, ‘Conversion II’, and ‘Conversion III’. The cycle can be called triptych but I have not try to do it consciously. In my opinion, the abstract method of picture creation can be used to students of all classes teaching them monotype and art history. The lessons’ aims could be: introduction of modern trends in art, teaching to analyze works of art in every aspect... [to full text]

Šeduvos miesto atliekų surinkimo sistemos tobulinimas. Darbo tikslas – remiantis eksperimento duomenimis, patobulinti atliekų tvarkymo sistemą Šeduvos mieste,. Siekiant išsiaiškinti esamus atliekų tvarkymo sistemos trūkumus buvo išnagrinėti atliekų tvarkymo normatyviniai dokumentai. Susidarančių atliekų rūšims ir jų kiekiams nustatyti buvo atliktas tyrimas keturiuose individualiuose namuose. Iš gautų tyrimo rezultatų buvo nustatyta susidarančių atliekų sudėtis ir kiekiai. Pagal eksperimento duomenis buvo teoriškai apskaičiuotas atliekų kiekis tenkantis vienam asmeniui. Pagal tyrimo rezultatus buvo pateikti pasiūlymai kaip pagerinti Šeduvos atliekų surinkimo sistemą. Darbe pateikta schema, kurioje pažymėtos papildomų konteinerių pastatymo vietos, parengta gyventojų šviečiamoji programa. / The aim of the paper – to give reccomendations on how to improve wast collection in Šeduva city, based on the conducted research. In order to find out disatvantages of the wast collectiona management, wast management documents were analysed. The research in four households was conducted, in order to find out the types and quantities of waste generated. Data of the research helped to identify the amount of the wast and the ingredients of the wast. According to the survey results, the suggestions on how to improve wast collection system in Šeduva city, were given. The research paper contains scheme, which indicates locations of extra containers and an educational program for the residents of the city.

Diplominiame darbe „Deja vu Afrika“ nagrinėjama, Afrikos tradicinė taikomojo meno estetinė sankloda ir jos semantika. Ieškoma sąsajų tarp Afrikietiškos ir Baltiškosios kultūrų. Juodasis žemynas turtingas ne tik gamta, bet ir įstabiu etniniu paveldu. Afrikos archajiškos kultūrinės tradicijos yra gyvos ir šiandieną tenykščių žmonių papročiuose, buityje, religinėse apeigose. Tai platus tyrimų ir interpretacijų laukas, leidžiantis pasireikšti neribotai fantazijai. Tyrinėjant afrikietiškos kultūros simbolius, kartu praplečiama mūsų baltiškųjų simbolių samprata. Šia studija siekiama parodyti, kad netikėtas atpažįstamumo jausmas, kylantis kūrėjui, gali būti inspiruotas ir kituose kraštuose realiai egzistuojančių simbolių. Šešių modelių kolekcija „Deja vu Afrika“ – tai žvilgsnis kitu kampu į Afrikietiškas tradicines rankines, kuriomis interpretuojant siekiama suteikti sukurtai rankinių kolekcijai savito išskirtinumo. Kūrybinė idėja inspiruota tradicinės Afrikos moterų audeklinės skaros khanga. Tai skara-aksesuaras, kuri labai plačiai naudojama čiabuvių. Joje šio žemyno moterys nešioja savo vaikus, daiktus, jomis puošiasi pačios. Kolekcijoje tradicinė skara virsta konceptualiomis odinėmis rankinėmis, krepšiais, kišenėmis. Aksesuaruose naudojamos tradicinės ir savitos odos pynimo, dažymo technologijos, organiškas spalvų bei formų žaismas. / The final thesis ”De javu Africa” analyses aesthetical background and semantics of traditional applied art of Africa. The interfaces between African and Baltic cultures are being searched. The black continent is rich not only in its nature but in its magnificent aesthetic heritage, too. African archaic cultural traditions are alive in the customs of indigenous people, their everyday life and religious rituals. It is a wide field for research and interpretations, which allows manifestation of unlimited imagination. Exploration of African cultural symbols expands the conception of our Baltic symbols. This study aims to show that a sudden feeling of recognizability that comes over creator may be inspired by the symbols actually existing in other countries. The collection of six models “De javu Africa” is a glimpse from a different angle in African traditional handbags, the interpretation of which is intended to provide specific uniqueness to the designed collection of handbags. The creative idea has been inspired by traditional African women fabric shawl called khanga. This is the shawl – accessory which is widely used by African women. They carry their children and things by them as well as smarten themselves by wearing them. In the collection traditional shawl becomes conceptual leather handbags, bags and pockets. In accessories traditional and peculiar technologies of leather weaving and dyeing are used, as well as organic play of colours and forms is applied.

Desertification, the deterioration of productive and fertile lands into barren and desolate deserts, usually occurs as a result of deforestation, drought, or improper planting and agriculture. This thesis investigates ways to provide reliefs such as water and shelter in a continuously desertifying landscape (Taklamakan desert, Xinjiang, China) for locals, pilgrims, travelers and expedition caravans. To create diverse experiences in the desert, both temporary and permanent structures are considered in this project to minimize further land degradation. Movements of historical trade routes, oasis towns, and modern population fluctuation are examined to determine strategies and locations for intervention. The progressions of architectural, environmental and cultural decay are revealed in three selected sites: the Kapakaskan Village, the Jafar Sadiq Shrine, and the ancient ruined city of Niya. The design and the primary area of study seek to explain and incorporate passive or low energy building systems, form, cultural community, and technological innovations.

Bakalauro darbe analizuojama teatrinio kostiumo raiška, bendri šiuolaikinių spektaklių istorinio žanro tematika kostiumų kūrimo ypatumai, Žano Anujio pjesės „Vyturys“ scenarijus, Žanos d‘Ark įvaizdžiai scenoje, viduramžių epochos kostiumų ypatumai, siekiant suprojektuoti teatrinių drabužių kolekciją spektakliui „Vyturys“. Ši tema mane sužavėjo tuo, kad teatrinių kostiumų pagalba paprastas žmogus tampa herojumi, dažnai kostiumai prabyla į žiūrovus aktorių lūpomis apie pačius žmones ir jų gyvenimus. Pabendravus su spektaklio kūrėjais - Šiaulių universiteto estrados meno specialybės studentais ir jų vadove, susiformavo galutinė drabužių kolekcijos idėja ir tikslas. Teorinės informacijos analizė atskleidė, jog teatriniais kostiumais siekiama perteikti spektaklio atmosferą, atskleisti potekstę, parodyti esminius epochos stiliaus bruožus. Spektaklio „Vyturys“ siužetas atspindi viduramžių epochą, todėl svarbi šio laikmečio aprangos ypatumų analizė. Vizualiniai tiriamosios temos objektai – šiuolaikinių istorinės tematikos spektaklių kostiumai ir pagrindinės Žano Anujio pjesės „Vyturys“ veikėjos Žanos d‘Ark įvaizdžiai scenoje. Šiuolaikiškai interpretuotų spektaklių kostiumuose vyrauja laikmečio bruožus atspindinčios šių dienų kūrėjo stilizuotos, išraiškingos formos, dekoro elementai, naujos medžiagos. Žanos d‘Ark įvaizdžio kūrimas scenoje atskleidžiamas įvairių menininkų darbuose. Kine, teatre Žanos d‘Ark įvaizdis formuojamas kaip kovotojos, kankinės, filosofės. Žanos d‘Ark įvaizdis... [toliau žr. visą tekstą] / In this bachelor thesis the expression of a theatrical costume is analyzed, the overall performances of contemporary historical themes of the genre features in costume design, script of Jean Anouilh play “The Lark”, images of Joan d'Arc on the stage, middle age costume features, with the purpose to design theatrical clothes collection for the performance of “The Lark”. The topic I was fascinated by is the fact that theatrical costumes can help a common man to become a hero; costumes often speak to the audience as if by the actors’ lips of most people and their lives. After talking with the creators of the performance – students of Siauliai University theatre art specialty and their lecturer - the final clothes collection idea and purpose developed. The analysis of theoretical information revealed that theatrical costumes help to convey the atmosphere of the play, reveal the subtext, and show the essential features of the style of the epoch. Performance “The Lark” reflects the medieval era, so it is important to analyze the characteristics of the clothing in this epoch. Visual objects of the research theme – the costumes of modern historical-themed performances and stage images of the main actor Joan d'Arc in Anouilh play “The Lark”. A modern interpretation of the costumes used in performances reflects the features of today designers stylized, expressive forms, decoration elements, new materials. The image of Joan d'Arc is revealed in the works of various artists. In the... [to full text]