Senior Recital: Brian Urquhart, Percussion

Kemp Recital Hall November 10, 2018 Saturday Afternoon 3:00p.m

The occurrence of pentacyclic triterpenes in the Green River shale

This thesis investigates both the occurrence of pentacyclic triterpene hydrocarbons in the Green River shale and pertinent analytical topics. The introduction gives a concise summary of the scope, implications and limitations of organic geochemistry. The biogenesis, biological occurrence and known organic geochemistry, of triterpene hydrocarbons are also reviewed. The discussion describes the collection and characterisation of standard triterpene hydrocarbons necessary as an analytical aid, including an investigation into the use of osmylation as a method for detecting unsaturation in a triterpene. The development of a micro-sublimation block as a further assistance in the accurate characterisation of triterpenes is also described. The distribution of naturally occurring pentacyclic triterpenoids is presented both in tabular and text form in an attempt to clarify possible chemotaxonomic relationships of triterpene hydrocarbons isolated from geological environments. A description of the isolation, separation and fractionation procedures applied to the total lipid fraction of the Green River shale is followed by a discussion of the mass spectral cracking patterns of triterpenes. Several steranes/triterpanes and one tetraterpane were isolated from Fraction 1 (see flow diagram). Confirmation (based on mass spectral evidence) of the occurrence of cholestane, sitostane, ergostane, gammacerane and carotane can be made. In addition, another triterpane, tentatively identified as moretane, has been isolated. A series of hydrocarbons, postulated alkenyl benzenes, was isolated from Fraction 2. Such compounds have previously been found in petroleum, but have not been isolated from sediments. In addition, an unsaturated triterpene hydrocarbon, as yet unidentified, was also isolated from this fraction. The presence of this compound supports the hypothesis that saturated triterpenes present in sediments may be formed by reduction of the corresponding alkene, itself formed by dehydration of the biologically common oxygenated triterpenoids

The configuration and experience mapping of an accessible VR environment for effective design reviews

This paper presents a new VR interaction environment for the evaluation of digital prototypes, specifically in designer-client review sessions, and documents its implementation via experience mapping. Usability of VR controllers and basic manipulation remains a barrier for lay users, and a range of typical implementations are reviewed, highlighting the need for an easily accessible interface for this setting. The resulting interface configuration – the Control Carousel – demonstrates how the appropriate use of familiar mechanisms can increase VR accessibility. Three case studies using the Carousel in commercial design projects are described, and the subsequent interface refinements outlined. Finally, the development of an experience map describing the logistical, interactive and emotive factors affecting the Carousel’s implementation, is documented. This provides insights on how experience mapping can be used as part of a human-centred design process to ensure VR environments are attuned to the requirements of users, in this instance delivering improved collaborative reviews

Electronic Pedagogy and Future University Business Models

Based on the International Conference on Information Systems’ (ICIS) 2014 senior scholars’ forum, we share insights on the relationship between evolving university business models and the adoption of electronic pedagogy. In recent years, particularly with the initiation of MOOCs, the potential for delivering high-quality and widely distributed coursework has expanded. However, particular instances of MOOCs and other electronic pedagogies do not guarantee equally high-quality educational outcomes for all participants. For example, some studies have suggested that most individuals completing MOOC coursework already have baccalaureate degrees, which contrasts with the idea that individuals undertake such coursework as a substitute for traditional degree programs. With this paper, we present varied experiences and views on using electronic pedagogy and report on both the conclusions and new questions raised about adopting these technologies for universities

The application of generative algorithms in human-centered product development

Algorithmic design harnesses the power of computation to generate a form based on input data and rules. In the product design setting, a major advantage afforded by this approach is the ability to automate the customization of design variations in accordance with the requirements of individual users. The background knowledge, intuition, and critical judgement of the designer are still essential but are focused on different areas of the design process. Thus far, little research has been applied directly to the problem of ergonomics in generative design. In this paper, we review the relevant literature in generative design, topology optimization, and computational design in order to describe the ways in which algorithms can be incorporated into the design process from a human-factors perspective–design tailored around human anatomy and usability requirements. We then develop a model for approaching generative design development work, oriented around human factors (particular ergonomics), and describe a case study from the PRIME-VR2 research project in which an algorithmic workflow utilized user scan data and 3D-printing technology to generate bespoke versions of a standard controller device

Design and development of a novel testing rig for the examination of additively manufactured auxetic components

This paper reports upon the design and development of a novel testing rig for the examination of additively manufactured auxetic componentry. By firstly reviewing the key challenges for practical researchers and exploring the range of approaches used to examine auxetic structures, we subsequently introduce a new testing configuration seeking to enhance the existing methods found within the literature. The developed testing configuration includes a novel mechanical design with a new method for component mounting offering advanced control of the boundary condition and a fully developed control interface which facilitates real-time analytics, a range of data acquisitions and integration with a CAD environment. This paper describes both the development of the mechanical design and the development of the control interface by exploring the key design features and documentation of the manufacturing and assembly process. Finally, we discuss how the presented testing configuration offers a new and flexible way of testing auxetic componentry with additional insights offered for future researchers who wish to recreate or adapt the testing setup for their own examinations of additively manufactured componentry

Greater Trochanteric Pain Syndrome

Peer Reviewedhttp://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/135686/1/jum201635112413.pd

Characteristics of Fibromyalgia Independently Predict Poorer Long‐Term Analgesic Outcomes Following Total Knee and Hip Arthroplasty

Peer Reviewedhttp://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/111198/1/art39051.pd