James Rolfe\u27s Vocal Chamber Music: A Performance Analysis and Interpretation

This study examines three vocal chamber works by Canadian composer James Rolfe (b. 1961). Rolfe\u27s vocal chamber music is examined through analysis of text setting, melodic, rhythmic, and harmonic components of his compositional style in vocal writing. Specific performance requirements and vocal considerations of each selected work are then provided. This study demonstrates Rolfe’s substantial contributions to Canadian vocal chamber music and provides specific information to guide vocalists and educators through the process of learning and performing this music; highlighting his specific contributions to the genre. The goal of this research is to increase awareness of Rolfe\u27s vocal chamber music, both from an analytic and performance viewpoint. This exploration seeks to contribute to information of an important Canadian composer and foster performances of Canadian vocal chamber music, and spur further research and performances of this music

A systematic review of protocol studies on conceptual design cognition: design as search and exploration

This paper reports findings from the first systematic review of protocol studies focusing specifically on conceptual design cognition, aiming to answer the following research question: What is our current understanding of the cognitive processes involved in conceptual design tasks carried out by individual designers? We reviewed 47 studies on architectural design, engineering design and product design engineering. This paper reports 24 cognitive processes investigated in a subset of 33 studies aligning with two viewpoints on the nature of designing: (V1) design as search (10 processes, 41.7%); and (V2) design as exploration (14 processes, 58.3%). Studies on search focused on solution search and problem structuring, involving: long-term memory retrieval; working memory; operators and reasoning processes. Studies on exploration investigated: co-evolutionary design; visual reasoning; cognitive actions; and unexpected discovery and situated requirements invention. Overall, considerable conceptual and terminological differences were observed among the studies. Nonetheless, a common focus on memory, semantic, associative, visual perceptual and mental imagery processes was observed to an extent. We suggest three challenges for future research to advance the field: (i) developing general models/theories; (ii) testing protocol study findings using objective methods conducive to larger samples and (iii) developing a shared ontology of cognitive processes in design

A MicroRNA that Regulates TLR-Mediated Fibrosis

Hepatic damage can be caused by an array of factors which, if sustained, can lead to hepatic fibrosis.[...

Is it sustainable? A conceptual exposition of sustainability in technical artefacts

Design is increasingly viewed as a key driver of global sustainability improvement. Accordingly, a range of sustainability-oriented design approaches have emerged over the past decades, all sharing the same high-level goal: the delivery of sustainable artefacts. Developing a shared vision of sustainability is positioned as a crucial first step in sustainability-oriented design processes; however, there is a lack of clarity regarding what the terms sustainable and sustainability fundamentally mean when applied to technical artefacts. To address these issues, we present a conceptual exposition of sustainability, beginning with three fundamental theoretical viewpoints on the concept and translating these to engineering design. Using the first generic model of systems sustainability (the S-Cycle) and an industrial case study, we then explain the basic constitution of sustainability of technical artefacts and discuss goals and metrics for sustainability-oriented engineering design. Some implications of the work for future research are briefly discussed, highlighting that sustainable design is not inherently ‘good’ and should therefore be conducted with caution and responsibility

How communication impacts network structure and access to community social capital

The entire dissertation/thesis text is included in the research.pdf file; the official abstract appears in the short.pdf file (which also appears in the research.pdf); a non-technical general description, or public abstract, appears in the public.pdf file.Title from title screen of research.pdf file (viewed on September 20, 2007)Vita.Thesis (Ph. D.) University of Missouri-Columbia 2007.This dissertation utilizes an interactional community perspective that focuses upon the networks of common experience within a place (Colclough and Sitaraman 2005). Little empirical research exists about how information and communication (ICT) affects the network structure and social capital in rural communities. Lin's Theory of Social Capital is adapted to theorize how social structure elements of rural networks affect certain network characteristics and access to social resources. Community leaders from ten rural communities were surveyed about their communication during a recent project. Social network analysis (SNA) techniques were utilized to analyze network structure. Results indicate that rural networks with greater and more diverse social structure elements possess more "information leaders" (greater indegree centrality). Networks with more "information leaders" have greater "social bridges" and "weak ties" for instrumental action. Networks that utilized ICTs more frequently have more network components and ICTs do not affect the building of community social capital.Includes bibliographical reference