Geopolymer concrete (GPC) has emerged as an alternative to Portland cement (PC) concrete in recent decades, with recent drivers for its use being tied to its potential environmental sustainability benefits and comparable performance. However, many aspects influencing its implementation are yet to be fully addressed. This work presents a systematic review of the literature to address unique drivers in the material performance of GPC and the role of current standardization methods in utilizing this class of materials in construction practice. The review highlights common GPC constituents and addresses how variations in the properties or proportioning of these constituents influence GPC performance characteristics and constructability. Notably, the performance of GPC is shown to be highly influenced by mixture parameters across many mechanical, durability, and constructability metrics, a key consideration for the application of this class of materials. Further, standardized test methods for GPC in selected regions are addressed, and the suitability of testing procedures outlined in the American Concrete Institute (ACI), ASTM International, the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) and other relevant specifications for assessing GPC is presented. The findings of this review highlight the need for developing non-prescriptive testing procedures for GPC and the adoption of specifications that have flexibility for alternatives to conventional PC concrete.

The following work presents the use of electronic means of sound manipulation and generation, and more generally, the use of technology in my recent compositions. This dissertation attempts to frame creative practice through the interdependence of imagination and technique as two distinct operatives that shape my understanding of artistic production. Concerning technique, the tools employed in my creative practice are explained and subsequently exemplified in three compositions. The use of live electronic tools is then framed in relation to the different functions they assume (complementation/completion, projection, and initiation) in each of the compositions. This framing has been chosen to articulate the way in which technique and imagination relate to each other in my creative process, and consequently, to conceptualize a creative intentionality regarding the use of tools in the scope of composition.

The role of selection during speciation is a key component towards fully diverged species, yet the processes and time required for genomic divergence to evolve new species remains an active area of research in evolution. A population genomics approach provides a promising means to understanding evolutionary processes influencing genomic divergence. To determine the effects selection has on the genome, I used Sebastes as a model system due to its rapid adaptive radiation in the North Pacific Ocean. Species in Sebastes inhabit a wide range of environments providing a unique system to study a range of divergence from local adaptation between populations to incipient speciation. I identified genomic regions diverging due to local adaptation and candidate genomic regions involved in the incipient speciation of a lineage within the subgenus Sebastosomus. I developed 67 microsatellites from expressed sequence tagged (EST) libraries from three different Sebastes species to identify gene function responding to selection. I then implemented a low-density genome scan on a species pair (S. flavidus & S. melanops) and identified outlier loci with two outlier detection methods. The two species are distributed sympatrically but differ in pelagic larval duration (PLD). S. flavidus has a three to four month PLD had a higher number of identified candidate outlier loci while S. melanops which has a four to six month PLD had significantly fewer suggesting that gene flow may reduce local adaptation. I identified two outliers in S. flavidus associated with oceanic variables influencing genetic structure while none were found in S. melanops. Finally, I assembled a restriction site associated (RAD) library and sequenced using the Illumina Hiseq technology from two divergent S. mystinus morphotypes. I sampled 21,318 single nucleotide polymorphic (SNP) loci across six populations from Oregon to San Francisco. Population structure analyses identified two morphotypes previously described as genetically distinct groups and highlighted a population maintaining signatures of hybridization. I identified 209 SNP loci diverging between morphotypes providing an initial set of genomic regions diverging due to speciation. My dissertation highlights the importance of integrating novel genomic techniques to address fundamental evolutionary questions that seek to identify genomic responses to selection.

Despite the existence of many effective treatments for mental health conditions, services are underused. This treatment gap has resulted in substantial psychological, social, and economic costs (Wang, Simon, & Kessler, 2003). Extant research argues that the stigma pervading mental health categories is a significant barrier to seeking needed care (Corrigan, 2004; Link & Phelan, 2006). The current investigation elucidates the psychological processes underlying people's willingness, and reluctance, to seek treatment. Across six studies, employing observational/correlational and experimental designs, evidence converged on a specific psychological process model. Attributing human qualities to (or humanizing) mental illness evokes compassion toward such individuals, which in turn increases perceivers' own willingness to seek treatment, should such care become needed. These results build on previous research--which has examined the differential attribution of humanity in interpersonal and intergroup contexts--by showing how humanizing a stigmatized social group may influence perceivers' own healthcare decision-making. Implications for (de)humanization, emotion, stigma reduction, and promoting wellness are discussed.

Keywords: (de)humanization, stigma, compassion, treatment-seeking

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