Digital Commons Network^™

Approach To Arsenic And Selenium Removal From Fly Ash By Oxalate And Estimation Of Calcium Effects On Both Elements, Ying Wen

Masters Theses & Specialist Projects

An approach to arsenic and selenium removal from fly ash is studied. This research includes a comparison of the leaching ability of ammonium oxalate, ammonium citrate, ammonium nitrate and EDTA to extract arsenic and selenium; use of common agricultural waste as a source of oxalate anion to remove arsenic and selenium from fly ash and estimation of additional calcium effects on arsenic and selenium leaching behaviors.
This research shows that extraction strength order is EDTA > ammonium oxalate > ammonium citrate > ammonium nitrate > water, achieving arsenic extraction efficiencies of 94.18%, 84.17%, 4.50%, 2.89% and 0.18%, respectively; achieving selenium extraction efficiencies of 96.14%, …

National Park Service Cave And Karst Resources Management Case Study: Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Daniel C. Nolfi

Masters Theses & Specialist Projects

As discussed in the National Parks Service’s (NPS) Directors Orders/Natural Resources Management Reference Manual #77 and the 2006 NPS Management Policy Handbook, implementing a management plan specifically for cave and karst resources within a national park is paramount to afford these resources appropriate protection. With support from the Federal Cave Resources Protection Act and the National Park Service Organic Act of 1906, management actions protecting caves has begun to place significant importance outside the traditional cave environment onto a broader karst landscape. The need to understand and protect the karst environment and caves as a karst resource has taken a …

Generalized Bathtub Hazard Models For Binary-Transformed Climate Data, James Polcer

Masters Theses & Specialist Projects

In this study, we use a hazard-based modeling as an alternative statistical framework to time series methods as applied to climate data. Data collected from the Kentucky Mesonet will be used to study the distributional properties of the duration of high and low-energy wind events relative to an arbitrary threshold. Our objectiveswere to fit bathtub models proposed in literature, propose a generalized bathtub model, apply these models to Kentucky Mesonet data, and make recommendations as to feasibility of wind power generation. Using two different thresholds (1.8 and 10 mph respectively), results show that the Hjorth bathtub model consistently performed better …

Efficient Schema Extraction From A Collection Of Xml Documents, Vijayeandra Parthepan

Masters Theses & Specialist Projects

The eXtensible Markup Language (XML) has become the standard format for data exchange on the Internet, providing interoperability between different business applications. Such wide use results in large volumes of heterogeneous XML data, i.e., XML documents conforming to different schemas. Although schemas are important in many business applications, they are often missing in XML documents. In this thesis, we present a suite of algorithms that are effective in extracting schema information from a large collection of XML documents. We propose using the cost of NFA simulation to compute the Minimum Length Description to rank the inferred schema. We also studied …

Innovative Purification Protocol For Heparin Binding Proteins: Relevance In Biopharmaceutical And Biomedical Applications, Sumit Batra

Masters Theses & Specialist Projects

Heparin binding (HB) proteins mediates a wide range of important cellular processes, which makes this class of proteins biopharmaceutically important. Engineering HB proteins could bring many advantages, but it necessitates cost effective and efficient purification methodologies compared to the currently available methods. One of the most important classes of heparin binding protein is the fibroblast growth factors (FGFs) and its receptors (FGFRs). In this study, we report an efficient off-column purification of FGF-1 from soluble fractions and purification of the D2 domain of FGFR from insoluble inclusion bodies, using a weak amberlite cation (IRC) exchanger. This approach is an alternative …

Determining The Lon-Exchange Mechanism Of Strontium Into A Niobium Doped Titanosilicate, Samantha Jane Kramer

Masters Theses & Specialist Projects

A 25% niobium substituted sitinakite was exchanged with strontium as time resolved X-ray diffraction data was collected. The structural modeling of this data by Rietveld method1 has lead to the determination of the atomic positions of the ions and unit cell parameters as strontium occupancy increases.

The starting material of the exchange experiment is the protonated phase, H2Nb0.67Ti1.33SiO7·1.9 H2O, with space group P42/mcm2,3. Once strontium (Sr2+) enters the unit cell, extra-framework H2O molecules shift to provide the necessary hydration coordination. These new positions of H2O result in a lowering of symmetry to the P-42m space group, and it is thought …

“Drawing” Upon Your Students’ Creativity: Teaching (Your Subject Here) With Comic Books, Bruce Kessler

Mathematics Faculty Publications

During Spring 2009, Dr. Kessler created and published a comic book series that embedded math content into the story for 4th-6th grade students. The comics were well received in the classrooms at Cumberland Trace Elementary. Dr. Kessler contends that this approach to teaching and learning can be used in any content area, and is useful for engaging students who might not be as interested otherwise. This session will explore ways of utilizing the skills of your students to construct learning comics in your classes, regardless of the funds, technology, and artistic experience at your disposal. The session will include a …

“Drawing” Upon Your Students’ Creativity: Teaching (Your Subject Here) With Comic Books, Bruce Kessler

Bruce Kessler

During Spring 2009, Dr. Kessler created and published a comic book series that embedded math content into the story for 4th-6th grade students. The comics were well received in the classrooms at Cumberland Trace Elementary. Dr. Kessler contends that this approach to teaching and learning can be used in any content area, and is useful for engaging students who might not be as interested otherwise. This session will explore ways of utilizing the skills of your students to construct learning comics in your classes, regardless of the funds, technology, and artistic experience at your disposal. The session will include a …

Wavelet-Based Analysis Of Neutron-Induced Photon Spectral Data, Bruce Kessler, Alexander Barzilov, Phillip Womble

Mathematics Faculty Publications

Neutron-based methods of non-destructive inter- rogation of objects for the purpose of their characterization are well-established techniques, employed in the field of bulk material analysis, contraband detection, unexploded ordnance, etc. The characteristic gamma rays produced in nuclear reactions initiated by neutrons in the volume of the irradiated object (inelastic neutron scattering, thermal neutron capture, and activation) are used for the elemental identification. In many real-world applications, an automated spectral analysis is needed, and many algorithms are used for that purpose. The Applied Physics Institute at Western Kentucky University has recently started to employ a mathematical spectrum analysis technique based on …

Wavelet-Based Analysis Of Neutron-Induced Photon Spectral Data, Bruce Kessler, Alexander Barzilov, Phillip Womble

Bruce Kessler

Neutron-based methods of non-destructive inter- rogation of objects for the purpose of their characterization are well-established techniques, employed in the field of bulk material analysis, contraband detection, unexploded ordnance, etc. The characteristic gamma rays produced in nuclear reactions initiated by neutrons in the volume of the irradiated object (inelastic neutron scattering, thermal neutron capture, and activation) are used for the elemental identification. In many real-world applications, an automated spectral analysis is needed, and many algorithms are used for that purpose. The Applied Physics Institute at Western Kentucky University has recently started to employ a mathematical spectrum analysis technique based on …

Topscholar®, Creating Opportunities [Brochure], Connie Foster, Jennifer Wilson

TopSCHOLAR® Presentations and Reports

No abstract provided.

A “Peak” At The Algorithm Behind “Peaklet Analysis” Software, Bruce Kessler

Mathematics Faculty Publications

In response to a problem posed by faculty at the Applied Physics Institute at Western Kentucky University, the speaker has developed an algorithm for providing an automated analysis of spectrum data for the purpose of determining the elemental composition of the item generating the data. A full, non-provisional patent application has been filed on the idea, and a full marketing campaign has started to license software implementing the algorithm. This presentation will give a brief explanation of the mathematics in use in the algorithm, and will give some examples of the software in action.

A “Peak” At The Algorithm Behind “Peaklet Analysis” Software, Bruce Kessler

Bruce Kessler

In response to a problem posed by faculty at the Applied Physics Institute at Western Kentucky University, the speaker has developed an algorithm for providing an automated analysis of spectrum data for the purpose of determining the elemental composition of the item generating the data. A full, non-provisional patent application has been filed on the idea, and a full marketing campaign has started to license software implementing the algorithm. This presentation will give a brief explanation of the mathematics in use in the algorithm, and will give some examples of the software in action.

Environmental Assessment & Monitoring Regime For Atrazine In Drinking Water For Kentucky

Student Research Conference Select Presentations

To describe occurrence in the environment & sampling regime of atrazine in public water supplies in Kentucky.

41st Annual Wku Student Research Conference, Student Research Council, Western Kentucky University

Student Research Conference Select Presentations

No abstract provided.

Wku Named Fair Trade University At Conference, Joanna Williams

Fair Trade Convergence Related Materials

No abstract provided.

Social Media For Social Good, Charlie Harris

Fair Trade Universities' National Convergence

No abstract provided.

Imo Social & Fair Trade Programme, Laura Johnson

Fair Trade Universities' National Convergence

No abstract provided.

The State Of The Fair Trade Movement, Jeff Goldman, Executive Director

Fair Trade Universities' National Convergence

No abstract provided.

Wku Fair Trade University Resolution, Matthew J. Vaughan, National Convergence Coordinator, Charlie Harris

Fair Trade Convergence Related Materials

No abstract provided.

A Primer On Chaos And Fractals, Bruce Kessler

Mathematics Faculty Publications

This is a prelude to a performance of the play "Arcadia" exclusively for the science and math majors of Lipscomb University. One of the main characters of the story is a mathematical genius, and has realized the power and limitations of iterations in generating mathematical models and structures, although she is living in the early 1800's. This talk gives an introduction to the ideas of chaos theory, fractals, and randomness.

A Primer On Chaos And Fractals, Bruce Kessler

Bruce Kessler

This is a prelude to a performance of the play "Arcadia" exclusively for the science and math majors of Lipscomb University. One of the main characters of the story is a mathematical genius, and has realized the power and limitations of iterations in generating mathematical models and structures, although she is living in the early 1800's. This talk gives an introduction to the ideas of chaos theory, fractals, and randomness.

Topscholar® Creating Opportunities [2011 Brochure], Connie Foster, Jennifer Wilson

TopSCHOLAR® Presentations and Reports

No abstract provided.

King, John (Sc 594), Manuscripts & Folklife Archives

MSS Finding Aids

Finding aid and full-text (click on "Additional Files" below) for Manuscripts Small Collection 594. Ciphering book of John King including mathematical exercises, numeration of money, simple and compound reduction, weights and measures, and word problems.

Bowles, John (Sc 593), Manuscripts & Folklife Archives

MSS Finding Aids

Finding aid and full-text (click on "Additional Files" below) for Manuscripts Small Collection 593. Ciphering book kept by John Bowles of Granville County, North Carolina. Bowles used "Pike's Arithmetic" in making his ciphering book.

Curd, Spencer, 1788-1832 (Sc 966), Manuscripts & Folklife Archives

MSS Finding Aids

Finding aid and full text (click on "Additional Files" below) for Manuscripts Small Collection 966. Ciphering book (94 p.), focusing chiefly on surveying and navigating rules for solving problems as well as giving specific problems, of Spencer Curd, Logan County, Kentucky, with accompanying genealogical data.

Stability Of A Strongly Anisotropic Thin Epitaxial Film In A Wetting Interaction With Elastic Substrate, Mikhail Khenner, Wondimu T. Tekalign, Margo S. Levine

Mathematics Faculty Publications

The linear dispersion relation for longwave surface perturbations, as derived by Levine et al. Phys. Rev. B 75, 205312 (2007) is extended to include a smooth surface energy anisotropy function with a variable anisotropy strength (from weak to strong, such that sharp corners and slightly curved facets occur on the corresponding Wulff shape). Through detailed parametric studies it is shown that a combination of a wetting interaction and strong anisotropy, and even a wetting interaction alone results in complicated linear stability characteristics of strained and unstrained films.

Exact Controllability Of A Rayleigh Beam With A Single Boundary Control, Ahmet Ozkan Ozer, Scott Hansen

Mathematics Faculty Publications

No abstract provided.

Operation Comics: The Story Continues, Bruce Kessler, Janet Tassell, Tressa Tullis

Mathematics Faculty Publications

During the 2008-2009 academic year, the author K. wrote three issues of Operation Comics, a comic book with embedded mathematics content appropriate for 4th through 6th grade students. Several printed comics were placed in Cumberland Trace Elementary in the Warren County School System in Bowling Green, Kentucky, US. The author Ta. was enlisted to measure the impact of the comics on the attitudes and motivation of the students using the comics. A preliminary report was given by K. at the 2009 Bridges Banff Conference, and the written report appeared in the proceedings. Since then, data has been collected on the …

Stability Of A Strongly Anisotropic Thin Epitaxial Film In A Wetting Interaction With Elastic Substrate, Mikhail Khenner, Wondimu Tekalign, Margo Levine

Mathematics Faculty Publications

The linear dispersion relation for longwave surface perturbations, as derived by Levine et al. Phys. Rev. B 75, 205312 (2007) is extended to include a smooth surface energy anisotropy function with a variable anisotropy strength (from weak to strong, such that sharp corners and slightly curved facets occur on the corresponding Wulff shape). Through detailed parametric studies it is shown that a combination of a wetting interaction and strong anisotropy, and even a wetting interaction alone results in complicated linear stability characteristics of strained and unstrained films.