Consuming online communities : computer operating systems, identity and resistance

A defining feature of the modern era of computer technologies has been a massive reliance upon the mass consumption of personal operating system software. Currently three products dominate how the world experiences computer operating system – Microsoft‘s Windows, Apple‘s Mac, and Linux. The near monopoly held by Windows has been a crucial enabler of the ICT revolution, while the small but significant markets held by Mac and Linux provide alternatives to Windows monoculture. Aside from their technical differences each offers distinct examples of modern-day branding, with individuals forming communities in which members signify their allegiance with these products. This thesis presents these individuals as User-Fans – those who develop an affinity with the mundane products of modern culture. Adapted from the fan models forwarded by Thorne and Bruner (2006), and Hunt, Bristol and Bashaw (1999), it is proposed that User-Fans are an acknowledgement of the extremes of devotion displayed by modern consumerism while also conveying an acceptance that consumerism is a form of discourse where strong allegiances can exist. Central to this thesis is the idea that brand communities exist as a consumer response to the emerging influence of the consumer society. Muñiz and O‘Guinn‘s (2001) brand community theory provides an apt description of the behaviour and bonds exhibited by the consumers central to this study. In outlining the convergence of individual and communal worship‘ of brands the brand community concept is adopted as both a form of communal interaction and the outcome of consumer devotion. The emergence of brand communities and User-Fandom reflects wider shifts in a society enveloped within the rhetoric of consumerism and the influence of the consumer society. Central to this is the manner in which the relationship between producers and consumers has evolved. In noting this relationship it becomes important to determine whether individuals are active agents within this system or if they are passive to the hegemonic forces that surround them. For the purpose of this research the consumer perspective was focused upon. It is the description of these converging forces that stands as the major theoretical contribution of this study. In performing netnographic research on the postings of operating systems users on online forums, the research identifies distinct forms of social interaction and consumer-product relationships. The broad concepts of community, identity, the consumer society and resistance have been brought together to establish a framework in an attempt to explain the socielity within this context. The analysis of the forums through the theoretical grounding allow for the concepts of brand communities, User-Fandom and resistance through consumerism to be explored

Paraprofessional Perceptions of Training and Professional Development

Paraprofessionals, also called teacher’s aides, in Lincoln and Putnam counties in West Virginia were surveyed to gain their perceptions of the effectiveness of the state’s training requirements and professional development. Questions on how well the current requirements prepares paraprofessionals for their jobs and what should be added yielded moderately positive opinions with suggestions for classes on individual disabilities and a practicum being added. Questions on professional development showed moderately positive opinions on the effectiveness of current professional development. The majority of participants felt that additional training would improve their job performance. Training in specific disabilities and interventions was viewed as more helpful than clerical and other general knowledge topics, although more than fifty percent indicated training in these topics would be helpful too

The Implementation of Opportunistic Multiple Spacecraft per Antenna Concepts on the MSU-STA Deep Space Station 17

A thesis presented to the faculty of the College of Science, Morehead State University in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the Degree Master of Science by Murphy C. Stratton on April 30, 2018

Empirical Modeling of Tilt-Rotor Aerodynamic Performance

There has been increasing interest into the performance of electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft. The propellers used for the eVTOL propulsion systems experience a broad range of aerodynamic conditions, not typically experienced by propellers in forward flight, that includes large incidence angles relative to the oncoming airflow. Formal experiment design and analysis techniques featuring response surface methods were applied to a subscale, tilt-rotor wind tunnel test for three, four, five, and six blade, 16-inch diameter, propeller configurations in support of development of the NASA LA-8 aircraft. Investigation of low-speed performance included a maximum speed of 12 m/s and a maximum RPM of 6800 tested over a range of incidence angles from 0° to 100°. High-speed testing achieved a maximum speed of 30 m/s and maximum RPM of 6000 while incidence angle was varied from 0° to 20°. Results were compared for each propeller configuration using nondimensional aerodynamic coefficients, including performance of off-axis forces and moments. The outcome of this research describes important behavior of propellers operating in conditions experienced by eVTOL vehicles as well as provides a general testing approach to performance characterization that includes empirical model building with uncertainty estimates

How Do Adolescents Spell Time Use?

We investigate how household disadvantage affects the time use of 15-18 year-olds using 2003-2006 data from the American Time Use Survey. Applying competing-risk hazard models, we distinguish between the incidence and duration of activities and incorporate the daily time constraint. We find that teens living in disadvantaged households spend less time in non-classroom schooling activities than other teens. Girls spend some of this time in work activities, suggesting they are taking on adult roles. However we find more evidence of substitution into unsupervised activities, suggesting that it may be less structured environments that reduce educational investment.event history models, adolescence, time use

Assessing An Economics Programme: Hansen Proficiencies, ePortfolio, and Undergraduate Research

Numerous sources calling for more accountability in higher education are putting increased pressure on many economics departments to develop assessment plans. This paper discusses a set of principles for programmatic assessment gleaned from the assessment literature, while highlighting one US economic department's journey to develop an assessment of student learning outcomes based on Hansen's proficiencies. We explain the curriculum reforms that culminate with independent undergraduate research as suggested by the highest level of Hansen's proficiencies. We describe ePortfolios which showcase student abilities and integrate evidence of student learning across the curriculum. For departments without direct guidance from accreditation boards or other agencies, we put forth a process of forming programmatic assessment in economics.

How do Adolescents Spell Time Use?

We investigate how household disadvantage affects the time use of 15-18 year-olds using 2003- 2006 data from the American Time Use Survey. Applying competing-risk hazard models, we distinguish between the incidence and duration of activities and incorporate the daily time constraint. We find that teens living in disadvantaged households spend less time in nonclassroom schooling activities than other teens. Girls spend some of this time in work activities, suggesting they are taking on adult roles. However we find more evidence of substitution into unsupervised activities, suggesting that it may be less structured environments that reduce educational investment.Time use, adolescence, event history models