ScholarWorks@UMassAmherst
The UMass Amherst Libraries have just migrated ScholarWorks@UMassAmherst to a new open source platform (DSpace). We are currently unable to accept submissions at this time. For submissions that are not doctoral dissertations or masters theses, please continue to use this webform.
Graduate students filing for February 2025 degrees: We are now accepting submissions directly to ScholarWorks. Directions for submissions can be found in this guide. Please email scholarworks@library.umass.edu if you have any questions.
Request forms are not functional at the moment. Please email scholarworks@library.umass.edu if you are unable to download an item.
This site is still under construction, please see our ScholarWorks guide for updates.
Recent Submissions
Publication Improved Load Rating Procedures for Deteriorated Steel Beam Ends with Deteriorated Stiffeners(2021-09)This study of Improved Load Rating Procedures for Deteriorated Steel Beam Ends with Deteriorated Stiffeners was undertaken as part of the Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) Research Program. This program is funded with Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) State Planning and Research (SPR) funds. Through this program, applied research is conducted on topics of importance to the Commonwealth of Massachusetts transportation agencies. The national highway system consists of approximately 46,000 (1) structurally deficient bridges, with corrosion as a common cause for steel viaduct deterioration. This condition can be primarily attributed to malfunctioning deck expansion joints, which fail to prevent water or deicing mixtures from penetrating into the bearing area. The buildup of this runoff triggers a corrosive process that significantly varies in topology and intensity, leading in many cases to severe section loss that affects the residual bearing capacity of the beam and, consequently, of the whole bridge. This research focuses on simple span girders with plate girders and uses real corrosion data to assess the current bridge manual procedures.Item Macro Understanding of Tourism Through Universal Forces Framework: Spatial Big Data Approach(2024)This study calls for tourism studies that aim to provide a macro-level understanding of what makes tourists travel. The authors propose the Universal Forces Framework for explaining tourism phenomena from a macro-level and sociological perspective, bridging different domains of tourism knowledge. Four forces have been identified in the literature: push, pull, friction, and competition. In addition, we introduce the herding effect, the phenomenon of tourists attracting other tourists, as another universal force in tourism. The model was empirically tested using nationwide tourism big data of South Korea. Our approach provides a theoretical platform that cultivates the development of a coherent and macro-level understanding of tourism, along with an exemplar for the theory-driven use of tourism big data.Item When destination marketing meets airlines: A content analysis of in-flight safety videos from flag carriers(2024)For many national carriers, incorporating destination marketing in in-flight safety videos has become an innovative way to convey safety messages while building a positive destination image. This study examines the media components of 55 flag carriers’ in-flight safety videos. Specifically, we use content analysis to explore the video styles, narrators, demonstrators, demonstration environment, as well as the projected image framed by the in-flight safety videos. Findings reveal a shift to diverse video styles – videos showcasing the appeals of destination have surpassed the once popular animation style. Safety demonstrations are often performed by local people or tourists in touristic spaces. Nature-based attractions, touristic activities, and local culture are also present. We highlight the potential of transferring routine safety demonstrations to a useful destination marketing tool to engage and motivate passengers.Item Journeys to Heal: The Reciprocal Link Between Traveling and Depression Alleviation in Trauma Survivors(2024)Following traumatic events like spinal cord injuries, individuals often face drastic lifestyle changes and physical constraints, increasing their risk of depression. This can lead to withdrawal from various activities, particularly travelling. This study investigates travel's role as a therapeutic tool for trauma survivors, focusing on its long-term reciprocal relationship with depression alleviation. Addressing gaps in existing literature, it utilizes the DSM-5's classifications of trauma and stressor-related disorder and major depressive disorders. Findings align with social causation and social withdrawal theories, showing that travel counters social isolation effects and challenges depressive tendencies to withdraw from social engagement. Thus, travel emerges as both an immediate and long-term therapeutic avenue in mental health rehabilitation, offering a new perspective for recovery in trauma survivors.
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