The purpose of this study was to explore motivations behind participation in cosplay and the use of social media among cosplayers who maintain Facebook Artist Pages. Further focus was placed on investigating the role of Facebook Artist Pages in building fame. To explore such motivations, two theories were referenced: Deci...
Architects and engineers are two key types of design professionals who influence the use of wood products in construction. Eighty to ninety percent by volume of all residential structures in the U.S. are wood (Gupta, 2005). In 2010, the non-residential market was made up by 10% wood, 60% steel and...
Globally, it is estimated that over 2,518,200 tons of hides and skins were exported in the year 2011 alone, with an estimated world production yield of 23 billion square feet of finished leather (FA0, 2011; Mwinyihija, 2011). While some manufacturers have adopted eco-friendly production methods, most tanneries still practice the...
Scholars promote the ability of visual imagery to have a number of political campaigning benefits such as influencing opinions and attitudes and encouraging vibrant, striving democracy while improving the quality of public knowledge and opinion. However, previous research on this subject has failed to identify how presidential candidates display their...
As the growth in demand for sustainable manufacturing continues, companies must begin to make conscious design decisions with regard to the sustainability of their products. This means balancing economics of production with environmental and social performance. Thus, design and manufacturing engineers must consider economic, environmental, and social aspects simultaneously when...
The effect of land uses on neighboring property values is of critical interest to urban planners, developers, and citizens. Property values are in part defined by built structure and lot characteristics, locational attributes (e.g., proximity to amenities and disamenities), and other features such as views from a property. The effects...
The purpose of this study was to determine how the popular writer Wilkie Collins used dress and appearance to bring to light concerns about mental illness in his 1859-60 sensation novel The Woman in White. The method of narrative analysis was used to complete this study. Data sheets were developed...
The overarching purpose of this research was to determine characteristics of raw materials which impacted the consumption and design process of crafters. The characteristics were related to the three levels of design as described by Donald Norman and the concept of linking value in consumer tribes. The specific focus of...
In the U.S. there are increasing energy demands that require an ever-increasing need for the large-scale use of new energy resources. Specifically, sporadic renewable energy sources are being incorporated into utility energy portfolios. Thus, supporting stationary energy storage technologies are needed to make these renewable sources reliable and feasible for...
The shoe repair transaction, as it occurs in the 5000 or so remaining shoe repair shops in the United States, is currently unexamined in academic literature for the significance it holds for either shoe repairers or their customers. Making use of both quantitative and qualitative methods of data collection, this...