Analyzing 195 televised political ads from the United States and Canada in 2004 and 2008, this research studies the use of issue and image ads and the attack, acclaim, and contrast function of ads in presidential and federal elections. Results indicate that there is no statistical difference in the use of issue or image ads and no statistical difference in the function of ads in both nations in 2004 and 2008. Issue ads are found to be more commonly used in Canada than in the United States, but there is no statistical difference in the use of acclaim ads between the United States and Canada. Winners in both nations are found to use issue ads more than image ads while winners in Canadian elections were found to use issue ads more than winners of American elections. This study also offers a methodological finding regarding the analysis of issue or image in political advertising. Limitations and implications for future research are also discussed.

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To account for the effects of climate change, management plans in the northeast need to incorporate climate adaptation. Conserving climate change refugia is one adaptation strategy. Climate change refugia are areas buffered by climate change that enable the persistence of valued physical, ecological, and cultural resources; preserving these areas could be a potential adaptation strategy. Using a translational ecology approach where researchers and managers from the National Park Service, US Geological Survey, the University of Massachusetts, and elsewhere worked together, we focused on identifying refugia for tree, herbaceous plant, mammal, and bird species in order to prioritize them for conservation action. Results predict shifts in distribution of habitats and species due to climate change, identifying areas to prioritize for invasive species treatment and other management actions. This study highlights priorities for future monitoring and data analysis, providing a model that can be replicated in other regions and motivate future research.

This thesis analyzes the current disputes between the United States and China over the exchange rate of the Chinese currency renminbi using an International Political Economy (IPE) analysis. Monetary relations are not mere economic affairs, but bear geopolitical implications. Money is power. Money is politics. The pursuit of monetary power is an important part of great power politics. Based on this assertion, the thesis studies past cases of monetary power struggles between the United States and the Great Britain, the Soviet Union, Japan, and the European Union (EU), respectively. The thesis then investigates the dollar’s status as the dominant international reserve currency in the current international monetary system, as well as the power that this unique status can generate and provide. The dollar’s monetary hegemony has become the main characteristic of the current international monetary system and an important power source for continued U.S. hegemony. The dollar’s hegemony and the asymmetrical interdependency between the dollar and the renminbi are the source and the key basis for the recent U.S.-China monetary disagreements. The U.S.-China monetary disputes reflect not only each country's respective domestic interests and perceived benefits, but also the monetary power struggle between the two biggest global economies. Predictions are also entertained for the future monetary relations between the two countries, as well as the geopolitical implications that this relationship may have for the U.S.-China bilateral relationship in coming decades.

This case study examines how Wal-Mart's global public relations activities have improved and are successful. Quantitative and qualitative triangulation methodology was used to create greater balance in the results. The case study illustrates Wal-Mart's success in both the use of advertising as a public relations tool, and its strong, improved media relationship building. Additionally, through the qualitative research, a list of suggested attitude and character traits was conceived. This study illuminates how the media, government and Wal-Mart are each able to control information and how each set and respond to the agenda in California. Study findings relate the use of advertising, law of least denomination, a "fair share" of product, and accessibility. Wal-Mart was unsuccessful with getting its message out through traditional media outlets, so it used advertising to enhance public relations efforts. The law of least denomination works! Wal-Mart challenges the capacity of all retailers to organize their own economic life. (Abstract shortened by UMI.)

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The paper discusses the lexical representation of the metaphorical image of Russia formed in the discourse of the committees of the 116th and 117th US Congress (2019-2022). The object of the study is the political discourse of the US Congressional committees. The goal of the study is to characterize the image of Russia reflected in the materials of the 116th and 117th US Congress. The research material consists of 244 documents posted in the public domain on the official website of the US Congress. From these documents, 2058 lexical units were selected for analysis. The analysis showed that the most common types of metaphors are the military, the metaphor of immoral behavior, the metonymic model «RUSSIA – PUTIN» and the criminal metaphor. It was also revealed that the confrontation between the USSR and the USA during the Cold War still plays a significant role in understanding modern Russia. In analising the discursive characteristics, a correlation was established between the dynamics of metaphorical discourse and events in Russian-American relations. / The paper discusses the lexical representation of the metaphorical image of Russia formed in the discourse of the committees of the 116th and 117th US Congress (2019-2022). The object of the study is the political discourse of the US Congressional committees. The goal of the study is to characterize the image of Russia reflected in the materials of the 116th and 117th US Congress. The research material consists of 244 documents posted in the public domain on the official website of the US Congress. From these documents, 2058 lexical units were selected for analysis. The analysis showed that the most common types of metaphors are the military, the metaphor of immoral behavior, the metonymic model «RUSSIA – PUTIN» and the criminal metaphor. It was also revealed that the confrontation between the USSR and the USA during the Cold War still plays a significant role in understanding modern Russia. In analising the discursive characteristics, a correlation was established between the dynamics of metaphorical discourse and events in Russian-American relations.

This thesis presents a formal comparative analysis of how the level design in The Last of Us Part 2 uses lighting and set dressing to suggest whether an area is safe or dangerous. The study's findings are relevant to developers of action survival games with elements of horror which are story-based and want to create a solid immersive experience with lighting and set dressing. The research gathered data on lighting and set dressing components in eight game levels.The elements analysed regarding lighting were evenly lit, high-key, low-key, red light, and flashlight. The elements analysed regarding set dressing were decals, overgrown vegetation, fungus and dead bodies. The analysis involved a mix of contextual observations as well as a discreet count of certain elements.A comparison was made between the safe and dangerous levels to understand if the game uses consistent visual language in lighting and set dressing to suggest to players whether a level is safe or dangerous.

This thesis examines the failings in environmental-ethics present in the United States funeral industry, focusing on the lack of environmental ethical guidelines at an industrial and policy level. Utilizing an interdisciplinary approach through the lenses of environmental science, philosophical ethical considerations surrounding policy-based advocacy and ecocritical approaches to the concepts of reciprocity and harm reduction, this thesis makes recommendations to close the gaps in environmental ethical oversight. Focus is placed on mitigation of environmental harms resulting from changes in policy and legislation, and in-industry oversight, with an emphasis on the support of ecologically beneficial methods of the disposition of human remains. / Master of Arts / The funeral industry in the United States has developed in a way that eschews environmental consciousness in the services available to consumers. This thesis examines the historical development of the relationship between the funeral industry and the environment, and the way the rise of the corporate funeral model ignores environmental concerns, as well as presents contemporary environmental issues that impact the industry. Additionally, the thesis explores the gaps regarding environmental impact present in the ethical guidelines the funeral industry adheres to, and the lack of environmental accountability coming from both within the industry and from regulatory bodies and the United States government. Finally, this thesis provides recommendations for the industry, and associated advocacy groups surrounding corrections and policy and practice changes that will support more a more environmentally friendly version of the funeral industry. In this case, environmental friendliness is defined by practices which take pollution impacts into account, as well as consider the sustainability of resource use incurred by both traditional and emergent technologies.