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Iowa State University Digital Press announces new books

Author: Harrison W. Inefuku and Abbey K. Elder

New Books from the Iowa State University Digital Press

The Iowa State University Digital Press publishes books in subjects represented in Iowa State’s academic and research programs, ranging from oral history projects to graduate-level textbooks. Here is a selection of the 16 books published in the 2023–2024 academic year.

Plant Breeding Methods

Walter R. Fehr and Walter P. Suza

This text has been compiled to provide an overview of how plant breeders develop cultivars of plant species. The methods that breeders use depend directly on the type of cultivar used to produce a commercial crop. The four most common types of cultivars are (a) clonal cultivars (b) synthetic cultivars (c) pure-line cultivars and (d) hybrid cultivars. These types of cultivars will be discussed throughout the book, alongside review questions for self-study.

Comprehensive Musicianship, A Practical Resource

Randall Harlow, Heather Peyton, Jonathan Clarke Schwabe, and Daniel Swilley

This open educational resource presents an integrated suite of learning resources developed for the core music theory and musicianship curriculum at the University of Northern Iowa School of Music. It provides a more comprehensive symbiosis of musicianship and music theory learning than can be found in existing textbooks, including engaging and progressive video demonstrations and interactive listening and vocal exercises that integrate musical knowledge with foundational musical skills. This OER affords the flexibility to shape core musicianship and music theory learning to meet the needs of changing School of Music demographics well into the future, a resource for innovative and inviting music programs accessible to all.

Modern Information Technologies in Scientific Research and Educational Activities

Sergii Kotlyk (editor)

The monograph summarizes and analyzes the current state of scientific research in the field of interactive artificial intelligence systems, text generation systems, diagnostics of the competitiveness of specialists, in the areas of correct color rendering in image formation, informatization of the work of graduate students, accessible technology for creating three-dimensional 3D models.

The monograph will be useful both to specialists and employees of companies working in the IT field, as well as teachers, masters, students and graduate students of higher educational institutions, as well as anyone interested in issues related to information technology

The monograph was compiled based on the results of the XVI international scientific and practical conference “Information technologies and automation — 2023”, which took place in October 2023 at Odessa National University of Technology.

Fundamentals of Human Anatomy Laboratory Manual

Carly Manz

This lab manual is designed to accompany a college-level systemic human anatomy laboratory course taken by students early in pre-health programs of study. It is organized by week, with each chapter providing the necessary background information for the lab activities that will be done that week.

Puerto Rican Bomba Fashion: An Oral History Project / Moda de Bomba Puertorriqueña: Un Proyecto de Historia Oral

Amanda Ortiz-Pellot and Kelly L. Reddy-Best

In this oral history project, we explore the history and contemporary use of Bomba fashions and their related meanings. We interviewed contemporary Bomba practitioners to understand how they engage in meaning making in this practice rooted in significant cultural traditions. This resource is useful for individuals wanting to expand their knowledge on Puerto Rican history and culture and the connections between folkloric fashions in the past and present in the context of 21st century Puerto Rico.

En este proyecto de historia oral, exploramos la historia y el uso contemporáneo de las modas de Bomba y sus significados relacionados. Entrevistamos a practicantes contemporáneos de Bomba para comprender cómo se involucran en la creación de significado en esta práctica arraigada en importantes tradiciones culturales. Este recurso es útil para personas que desean ampliar su conocimiento sobre la historia y cultura puertorriqueña y las conexiones entre las modas folclóricas del pasado y el presente en el contexto de Puerto Rico en el siglo XXI.

The DEI Metadata Handbook: A Guide to Diverse, Equitable, and Inclusive Description

H. E. Wintermute, Christopher S. Dieckman, Heather M. Campbell, Nausicaa L. Rose, and Hema Thulsidhos

Written primarily for professionals in library and information science but with applicability to archives and other information management industries, this handbook provides an overview of metadata work that focuses on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). DEI metadata work has several goals: enhancing diverse representation in descriptive metadata; improving discovery of diverse resources; and mitigating negative effects of inaccurate, outdated, or offensive terminology. Readers will gain a broad awareness of DEI-related issues in metadata creation and management; learn techniques for retroactively reviewing and updating existing metadata to address these issues; and develop strategies to create metadata that better meets DEI needs.