Digital Commons Network^™

Doing Gender: How Stories In An Organization Help To Create And Maintain Gender, Linda Jurczak

Masters Theses

This study examines how stories told within an organization help to create and maintain gender within that organization. It focuses on similarities and differences of stories told by males and females in the organization, particularly whether stories indicate a unified culture and if stories indicate a common perception of the rise of men and women through the ranks. Four locations of a major chain of national travel centers participated in the study. Qualitative research methods were used to gather data about the organizational culture, specifically, one Southeastern location was observed and nineteen in-depth interviews were conducted resulting in 136 stories. …

A Simulation Model For The Four-Phase Switched-Reluctance Motor, James T. Cox

Masters Theses

The switched reluctance motor has become the topic of much discussion and research in the past few years. While it is one of the oldest motor types in existence, it has not made a big impact in industry, but because of its rugged and robust design, it has recently been viewed as a good candidate to replace other motor types as a workhorse for numerous applications. Notably among them are the traction applications such as vehicle drive. It is economical to manufacture and it is very rugged because of its simple construction. It is robust in that it is fault …

Co2 Separation And Fuel Desulfurization Involving Room-Temperature Ionic Liquids, Benjamin Culbertson

Masters Theses

Imidazolium based room-temperature ionic liquids were used to investigate the technical and economic feasibility of energy-related chemical separations. The separations conducted for this work are sulfur-removal from fuels and carbon dioxide removal from flue gas emissions. In the sulfur-removal experiments, the sulfurcontaining compound dibenzothiophene was removed from octane by liquid-liquid extraction, yielding partition coefficients with ionic liquid around 1.5. Attempts to regenerate the ionic liquid using vacuum filtration were not fully successful in removing dibenzothiophene; extractions with the regenerated ionic liquid had a 50% decreased capacity. For this process to become economically feasible in comparison to the currently used hydrotreating, …

A Coarse-Grain Parallel Implementation Of The Block Tridiagonal Divide And Conquer Algorithm For Symmetric Eigenproblems., Robert M. Day

Masters Theses

Cuppen’s divide and conquer technique for symmetric tridiagonal eigenproblems, along with Gu and Eisenstat’s modification for improvement of the eigenvector computation, has yielded a stable, efficient, and widely-used algorithm. This algorithm has now been extended to a larger class of matrices, namely symmetric block tridiagonal eigenproblems. The Block Tridiagonal Divide and Conquer algorithm has shown several characteristics that make it suitable for a number of applications, such as the Self-Consistent-Field procedure in quantum chemistry.

This thesis discusses the steps taken to implement a coarse-grain parallel version of the Block Tridiagonal Divide and Conquer algorithm, suitable for a parallel supercomputer or …

Sparta: A Graphical User Interface For Malicious Mobile Code Fingerprint-Ing., Victor P. De Cerqueira

Masters Theses

This thesis introduces and describes SPARTA (for Stochastic Profiling Application for the Rendering of Trees and Automata), a graphical user interface used as a front end to a collection of tools written in C that collectively convert a log of registry system calls performed by an application into binary descriptions of PSTs (for Probabilistic Suffix Trees) and PSAs (for Probabilistic Suffix Automata), which are models used to represent application behavior on Windows-based systems. SPARTA works by rendering these binary descriptions into graphical form, showcasing a variety of features intended to make the user interaction with PSTs and PSAs informative and …

Thermal Evolution Of Planetesimals And Protoplanets In The Terrestrial Planet Region: Code Optimization And Implementation On A Distributed Grid Using Netsolve, Amitabha Ghosh

Masters Theses

A code for asteroidal heat transfer and growth is optimized for performance. The Gauss elimination routine for the solver is replaced by a sparse matrix routine. Finite element matrix assembly operations are rewritten to reduce operations involving 3D arrays to 1D. Advantage is taken of the sparse matrix structure of finite element matrices in reducing 2D arrays to 1D. The number of vector touches are reduced to the extent possible, by carrying over statements from one iteration to the next. The number of do loops are reduced by merging several do loops into one. The optimization reduced the CPU time …

An Investigation Of Terrain Avoidance System Flight Test Techniques For High Performance Aircraft, Gregory D. Glen

Masters Theses

Controlled-flight-into-terrain incidents have been a leading cause of aircraft related fatalities for a number of years. The development of warning systems to prevent this type of mishap has been constant since the early 1970’s. A family Ground Proximity Warning Systems and, recently, Terrain Awareness and Warning Systems have been mandated for use in commercial aircraft in the United States.

Such systems have also been adapted for use in high performance military aircraft, although they tend to be very different from the commercially required variants due to their unique operating environment and aircraft performance requirements.

In this paper, one such system …

A Sensitivity Analysis Of The Influence Of Watershed And Development Characteristics On The Cumulative Impacts Of Stormwater Detention Ponds, Karen Marie Goff

Masters Theses

Stormwater detention ponds are a popular stormwater management practice in many communities and city ordinances often require the uniform use of detention ponds on all new developments. Stormwater detention ponds are an effective method of controlling the peak flow rate immediately downstream from a development, but a number of detention ponds scattered at random locations throughout a watershed may not effectively control peak flows throughout the watershed.

A sensitivity analysis was conducted to determine correlations between watershed and development characteristics and the response of the watershed to the uniform use of detention ponds on all developments. The cumulative impacts of …

Creating Changes In Organizational Culture: The Role Of Three Types Of Teaching And Learning, Sheila Gordon

Masters Theses

The purpose of this thesis was to describe my experiences as part of a team that assisted the Careville Health System plan and implement an organizational culture change effort. This was not considered an empirical research study; it was, rather, a recording of my personal experiences, reflections, and served as a documentation of such. This change effort was designed to assist the staff in creating an improved culture of customer service delivery to patients, their primary customers.

This thesis reviewed two theoretical frameworks used to assist the organization’s change efforts: Schein’s (1992) model of organizational change and Peters and Armstrong’s …

A Study Of The Electron Beam Scattering Under Various Gaseous Environment, Jing He

Masters Theses

There are three objectives in this work: to experimentally measure the profiles of electron beams scattered by interaction with a gas, to measure total scattering cross-sections for gases and to apply the cross-section data in a suitable Monte Carlo simulation to predict beam scattering profiles for comparison with experiment.
The experimentally measured profiles cover a wide range of intensity variation. There are two evidenced regions: an inner region and an outer skirt corresponding to inelastic (small angle) and elastic scattering respectively are appeared. These profiles use the planar p-n junction gives us an overall look at the electron beam spreading, …

The Effect Of Ultimate Ph On The Shelflife And Safety Of Fresh Pork Loins, Brandy Lynn Knox

Masters Theses

Ultimate pH (the pH of meat 24 hr post-mortem) is one of the most important contributors to defects and reduced sensory and microbial shelflife of pork. The objectives of this study were to determine: (1) the effect of ultimate pH (pHu) of pork loin on its shelflife at the wholesale and retail level and (2) its influence on the growth of Salmonella Typhimurium DT104 in ground pork. Thirty-six pork loins (pH range = 5.56- 6.57) were collected at a commercial slaughter facility 24 hr post-slaughter. All pigs were from the same genetic line. Aerobic (APC), psychrotrophic (PPC), Enterobacteriaceae (EC) and …

Design Of An Automobile Passenger Weighing System, Travis Mark Kimmins

Masters Theses

The purpose of this project was to design a low-cost alternative to the current design of a device that weighs the passengers of an automobile in order to determine if the passenger weight is sufficient to deploy an airbag. In addition to designing a system to weigh a passenger, the capability of determining the position of the occupant was also desirable.

Taking into account that seat deflection is a function of weight, linear potentiometers were used to measure deflection. Seven potentiometers were attached to a wire mesh located beneath the foam of the seat. Various weights were applied to locations …

1999 Improved Ammonia Emission Inventory By County In Tennessee, Yunhee Kim

Masters Theses

Ammonia gas reactions in the atmosphere are a significant source of PM2.5 (particulate matter with an aerodynamic diameter less than 2.5um). Due to the increasing concentration of PM2.5 in the atmosphere, the need for improved ammonia emission inventories has become an increasingly important air quality issue. This study produced ammonia emission estimates for ten source categories and fifty- four sub-source categories for the State of Tennessee on a county basis for the year 1999. Livestock is a major source of total ammonia emissions in Tennessee, responsible for emitting 88,000 tons per year, with beef cows emitting 45,000 tons of ammonia …

Colonizing Cyberspace: The Formation Of Virtual Communities, Matthew Jones

Masters Theses

The topic of this thesis is the electronic bulletin board systems that existed in Memphis, TN from the early 1980s until around 1999. Although initially a fringe hobby limited to computer enthusiasts, the declining cost of computers, and their subsequent proliferation, allowed those without technical proficiency to dial in. Over time, those who connected to the BBSes developed into a close-knit, emotionally involved community. The dynamics of the communities that arose on BBSes differed based on numerous factors, particularly age. This thesis attempts to examine those interactions, as well as challenge the notion that community is wedded to geography, an …

An Analysis Of Consumer’S Willingness To Pay For Environmental Certified Hardwood Products, Meng Li

Masters Theses

This study examines Tennessee and Pennsylvania consumers’ market participation for environmentally certified hardwood products (oak table, oak shelving board, oak chair), obtains potential premiums paid for selected hardwood products, determines the effects of scope of certification and demographics on premium amounts, and builds profiles of consumers who are willingness to pay the premium for certified hardwood products.

A pretest survey taken in Tennessee was used to construct premium ranges for the main field survey. Analysis of the main field survey conducted in rural and urban areas of Tennessee and Pennsylvania is based on the results of the logistic model, descriptive …

Size, Speed, And Power Analysis For Application-Specific Integrated Circuits Using Synthesis, Chung Ku

Masters Theses

An application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC) must not only provide the required functionality at the desired speed but it must also be economical. In the past, minimizing the size of the ASIC was sufficient to accomplish this goal. Today it is increasingly necessary that the ASIC also achieve minimum power dissipation or an optimal combination of speed, size and power, especially in communication and portable electronic devices. The research reported in this thesis describes the implementation of a Huffman encoder and a finite impulse response (FIR) filter using a hardware description language (HDL) and the testing of the corresponding register transfer …

Validation Of Multicultural Nutrition Counseling Competencies For Registered Dietitians, Reena Oza

Masters Theses

Objective: To validate the multicultural nutrition counseling competencies for entry-level dietitians in the next 10 years.

Design: An expert panel was asked to review the original 46 competencies and make appropriate changes. Their responses were compiled and incorporated into a survey. The survey was administered by mail and consisted of 56 competency items that subjects rated on a Likert scale of 1 to 7 (1=Somewhat essential to 7=Absolutely essential). Following the mail survey a post card reminder was sent followed by a follow-up survey to non-respondents, another post card reminder, and a final survey to a random sample of the …

Public Speaking Anxiety Causes And Correlates : New Twists On An Old Problem, Kristin Nicole Haun

Masters Theses

The purpose of this study was to study a well-known and well-researched topic, public speaking anxiety, in a new light. Public speaking anxiety has been researched in depth for numerous years; however, there are still a few areas that have received little research when applied to public speaking anxiety. These areas are self-perceived competency, preparation time, contagion theory, and gender differences. All of these areas may serve as correlational or causational factors for public speaking anxiety. This study was conducted using students from introductory public speaking classes at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. All students were asked to fill out …

Design And Evaluation Of A Seed-Specific Applicator For In-Furrow Chemical Application, John H. Hancock

Masters Theses

Recent trends in planting, toward lower seeding rates and more distance between seeds, are generating opportunities for improved application efficiency of in-furrow chemical inputs. In-furrow chemicals such as fungicides and insecticides are currently applied as a continuous band along the length of the furrow. However, research suggests that the material may only be necessary in a small zone around each seed. Eliminating or minimizing the material applied between seeds could produce substantial chemical savings and improve environmental stewardship, while maintaining current levels of efficacy. A seed-specific applicator has been developed to apply discrete pulses of liquid chemical to individual seeds …

Morphology Of Molar-Tooth Structure In Precambrian Carbonates : Influence Of Substrate Rheology And Implications For Genesis, Mark D. Pollock

Masters Theses

Molar-tooth structure (MT) is an unusual Precambrian carbonate fabric characterized by variously shaped voids filled with uniform, equant microspar. A worldwide distribution of MT in Meso- and early Neoproterozoic rocks may be related to secular changes in substrate rheology and ocean chemistry through the Proterozoic. Unfortunately, the use of MT as a tool for understanding environmental evolution is limited because its genesis is still poorly understood. Recently, however, Furniss et al. (1998) showed experimentally that gas generated by decaying organic matter within unconsolidated mud can reproduce MT crack morphologies. A gas expansion hypothesis allows MT morphologies to be modeled as …

Target Location Using Azimuth Only Techniques, James A. Winship

Masters Theses

Procedures for determining the target location capability using azimuth only techniques are presented. These procedures were developed specifically to determine the target location capability of the EA-6B using its azimuth only receiver system. The target location capability of the aircraft system was compared to the requirements of the High Speed Anti-radiation Missile (HARM). The weapon system was studied to determine the sources for error and the precise method used to locate. Due to the man-in-the-loop system and needing a statement of target location capability relevant to the HARM, a simulation was developed with the relevant features and limitations of the …

Evaluation And Description Of A Floodplain System : The Middle Fork Forked Deer River, West Tennessee, Sonja N. Oswalt

Masters Theses

This study was conducted on the Middle Fork Forked Deer River in West Tennessee from 2000-2003 to evaluate the severe degradation of floodplain and aquatic habitats resulting from upland erosion and coarse sedimentation. Land use practices have resulted in the erosion of coarse Coastal Plain sands from the uplands into the tributaries and river system, eventually resulting in sand deposition on the floodplain, increased overbank flooding, a rise in the groundwater table, and ponding of upstream timber (Diehl 1999).

In 2000, the West Tennessee River Basin Authority expressed interest in restoring specific segments of the river. Thus, information is needed …

Identification Of Subsurface Features That Affect Offsite Movement Of Waterborne Contaminants Through The Use Of Soil Classification/Mapping Techniques, Electromagnetic Inductance (Em), And Ground-Penetrating Radar (Gpr), Kevin D. Raley

Masters Theses

Concerns regarding the quality of our water resources and how to protect them are more evident today than ever before. Many every day human activities affect the quality of this finite resource. Agricultural activity can negatively impact water supplies. By confining large-scale agriculture onto more confined plots of land, inputs are maximized and the consequences are often detrimental to the environment. Specifically, groundwater is often affected by overuse of lands that are not suitable for the production pressures put on them.

This study utilized soil classification and characterization techniques as well as mapping techniques to identify and research features known …

Indicator Bacteria Levels In The Waters Of Two East Tennessee Watersheds, Melody Ann Sasser

Masters Theses

A water quality project looking at bacteria indicator levels was conducted in two East Tennessee Watersheds. Land use in the first watershed, Pond Creek (TN06010201013), was predominantly dairy farming while the second watershed; Crooked Fork-Emory (TN06010208004) had mixed land use. Monthly water samples were collected at 8 sampling sites in both watersheds from July 2001 to May 2002. The water samples were analyzed for total coliforms, fecal coliforms, Escherichia coli and Enterococci. The water analysis showed levels of indicator bacteria exceeded ecoregion reference stream and Tennessee General Water Quality Criteria in Pond Creek at most sampling sites on most sampling …

Abundance And Genetic Structure Of Two Black Bear Populations Prior To Highway Construction In Eastern North Carolina, Laura Marie Thompson

Masters Theses

A 19.3-km segment of U.S. Highway 64 in Washington County, North Carolina is being re-routed and upgraded to a 4-lane highway in what is considered to be crucial black bear (Ursus americanus) habitat. To lessen the impacts on bears and other wildlife, 3 passageways are currently under construction in this segment of highway. In 2000, I began research on a project to determine the effects of the 4-lane highway on black bear ecology and to determine whether wildlife passageways can mitigate impacts of such highways. Research was divided into 2 phases: before highway construction (phase I; June 2000-June 2001) and …

Horsenettle (Solanum Carolinense) Control In Tall Fescue Pastures With A 2,4-D Amine And Picloram Package Mixture, Joseph Edward Beeler

Masters Theses

Grazon P+D^®, a premix combination of 0 .24 kg / L 2,4-D and 0.06 kg / L picloram, has shown promise for horsenettle (Solanum carolinense) control. Experiments were conducted in 2001-2002 in Hamilton and 2002-2003 in Monroe County to evaluate Grazon P+D^® for horsenettle control and clover (Trifolium sp.) tolerance in a tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea) pasture. Grazon P+D^® treatments included 0.7 Kg acid equivalent (AE) / ha and 1.4 kg AE / ha at three timings in each study: early post (EPost)(10-15cm horsenettle height), mid post(Mpost) (early flower), and late …

Interference And Management Of Broadleaf Signalgrass (Brachiaria Platyphylla) In Corn (Zea Mays L.), Jason Lee Alford

Masters Theses

Broadleaf signalgrass is a troublesome weed in the southern United States. However, with the development of glyphosate-resistant corn, glyphosate, a highly effective graminicide, can be used to manage broadleaf signalgrass.

Field experiments were conducted in the summers of 2000 to 2002 at University of Tennessee experiment stations in Jackson and Knoxville, TN. The focuses of the experiments were to determine the effect of broadleaf signalgrass competition on corn and the optimum time to apply glyphosate to prevent broadleaf signalgrass interference.

Glyphosate isopropylamine salt at 0.84 kg ae ha^-1 was applied as single applications at 2, 3,4, 5, 6, 7, …

Design And Analysis Of A Wide Loop-Bandwidth Rf Synthesizer Using Ring Oscillator For Dect Receiver, Md. Hafijur Rahman

Masters Theses

Wireless communication devices including cordless phones and modern digital cellular systems (DCSs) use portable transceiver systems. The frequency synthesis of this type of transceiver system is done using a phase-locked loop oscillator. Traditional on-chip implementation of a complete phase-locked loop using a ring type voltage controlled oscillator contributes higher noise at the output. An alternative architecture, phase-locked loop (PLL) with wide loop-bandwidth, is proposed in this research to suppress the noise from the traditional ring oscillator. The proposed PLL is amendable to on-chip integration as well as commercially suitable for a Digital Enhancement Cordless Telephone (DECT) system which needs flexible …

A Low Power Cmos Microluminometer And Transmitter For Bioluminescent Bioreporter Integrated Circuit (Bbic), Mo Zhang

Masters Theses

This thesis is a study of the design of a low power CMOS microluminometer and transmitter for bioluminescent bioreporter integrated circuit (BBIC). A BBIC sensor chip with lower consumption was fabricated in the 0.35μm CMOS process. This design was an improvement over a previous BBIC [1]. The previous BBIC was designed using a different CMOS process (0.5μm) and a different CAD tool (Magic). This thesis work involves redesign of the chip in 0.35μm CMOS process using Cadence design tool with improvement for power dissipation. Larger resisters are used instead of several small resisters, which were placed between power supply and …

Effect Of Surface Treatment On The Conductivity Of Polyurethane-Carbon Composites, Leina Barros Tocchetto

Masters Theses

The effect of plasma surface treatment on the mechanical and electrical properties was investigated by comparing untreated particulate carbon filler and treated carbon filler in a polyurethane matrix. For achieving this goal, samples of the composites were prepared with different percentages of carbon fillers (0 – 50 wt %) and conductivity measurements, dynamic mechanical analysis, mechanical properties, infrared spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy were used to determine the effect of surface modification and concentration. The conductivity measurements showed that the percolation threshold was shifted to lower concentrations of carbon as compared to the predicted value especially for the untreated carbon …