Digital Commons Network^™

Investigation Of The Corrosion Of Steel By Lead-Bismuth Eutectic (Lbe) Using Scanning Electron Microscopy And X-Ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy, Daniel Koury

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Lead Bismuth Eutectic (LBE) has been proposed for use in programs for accelerator transmutation of waste. LBE is the leading candidate material as a spallation target and an option for the sub-critical blanket coolant. The corrosion of 316 and 316L stainless steels by LBE has been studied using UNLV's facilities for Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS). We have compared exposed and unexposed samples and studied the differences. Some amount of surface contamination is present on the samples and has been removed by ionbeam etching. The unexposed samples reveal typical stainless steel characteristics: a chromium oxide passivation …

Human Subjects Protection In Research: Are We Doing Enough?, Marsha L. Green

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Scientific research has produced substantial social benefits but has also posed troubling ethical questions with regard to the use and protection of human subjects. These questions have continued to be in the forefront of all biomedical and social research. The increased education of researchers on the subject of protection of human subjects has become of vital importance in the research world. This education involves program administrators, faculty, staff, students, research participants, and Institutional Review Board Committee (IRB) members. In this study of the University of Nevada, LasVegas (UNLV) human subjects’ protection program administration, the question to be answered was: has …

Charter Schools And Accountability: An Evalution Of Nevada's Charter School Accountability Legislation, Sonya Douglass Horsford

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

America’s public education system has become one of the most hotly debated issues in the country. Poor student performance and failing schools have forced many to identify ways to reform the current system through measures such as school-based management, performancebased incentive programs and opportunities for parental choice. As a result, charter schools have become an increasingly popular alternative to traditional public schools. In addition, there have been many questions surrounding the “autonomy for accountability” tradeoff characteristic of the charter school concept. In an effort to contribute to the discussion of charter school accountability and efforts to hold charter schools accountable …

Genesis And Morphology Of Soil Pendants In Quaternary Landforms Of Pahranagat Valley, Nevada, Amy Lynn Brock

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Five geomorphic surfaces present in the northern Pahranagat Valley, Lincoln County, Nevada range in age from Early Pleistocene to Recent (Q1-Q5) and vary in clast lithology from dolomite to volcanic tephras. Two chronosequences and 5 lithosequences were compared to evaluate micro and macromorphic characteristics and development of soil pendants. This study presents a new interpretation for soil pendant development. Key features observed in the Pahranagat Valley pendants provide evidence for precipitation at the clast-pendant contact suggesting that newer deposits are not always found at the pendant terminus as other studies have assumed. These features include a void at the clast-pendant …

Design And Analysis For Melt Casting Metallic Fuel Pins Incorporating Volatile Actinides, Xiaolong Wu

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Fundamental issues related to the selection of a metallic fuel casting furnace design are presented and discussed including heating mechanisms, casting issues, crucible design, and issues related to the mass transport of americium. The process of evaluating all of these different criteria is undertaken to select a concept that would have the greatest chance of success for casting americium in a metallic fuel rod. Based on this evaluation process, a concept for the casting of metallic fuel pins containing high vapor pressure materials is selected and discussed. The important physics of this concept include mass transport of americium from the …

Modeling And Simulation Of The Chemical Etching Process In Niobium Cavities, Qin Xue

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Niobium Cavities are important parts of the integrated NC/SC high-power linear accelerator (linac) that can accelerate over 100 mA of protons to several GeV. Surface finish of the niobium cavity plays an important role of achieving the best performance of niobium cavity. The chemical etching techniques have been widely used.

Chemical etching of the inner surface of the cavity is achieved by circulating acid through it. The acid interacts with the surface and eliminates imperfections. During the etching process, a pipe with baffles is inserted within the cavity to direct the flow along the surfaces.

A 2-D, axisymmetric, steady state, …

Workforce Diversity Programs: A Case Study Of The Las Vegas Valley Water District’S “3-Year Diversity Implementation Plan”, Wilisha C. Moore

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Diversity programs have become a popular topic in today’s workforce. Diversity has become an important factor in the success of an organization. More and more agencies are beginning to realize that the workforce is becoming more diverse, and organizations are starting to embrace this diversity. Organizations are beginning to understand that diversity adds to the production and to the success of the organization, and is not a negative setback. Many agencies are realizing that diversity includes all employees, and is no longer just a racial issue. Diversity is the makeup of the world, and there are many dimensions of it. …

Research Protocol For The Atlantic Bottlenose Dolphin (Tursiops Truncatus): Mirage Click Collection Study, Adrienne M. Cardwell

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Past research on dolphin echolocation has shown that dolphins can adaptively control the frequency and amplitude of echolocation clicks. The degree to which click production is controlled and the relationship between click variation and echolocation task remains uncertain. This thesis describes a research protocol for studying the adaptive control of dolphin echolocation. The protocol builds on past studies to investigate the manner in which the spectral characteristics of clicks and the overall number of clicks produce for a given task vary in relation to the type of task being performed.

The Impact Of Air Quality On The Selection Of A Home, Carol Lane

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Hedonic price method studies have assumed that individuals consider air quality as a characteristic of their homes. The purpose of this study is to determine if air quality is a significant characteristic considered when an individual decides where to live. This study uses a survey to determine where air quality ranks amongst the different characteristics of a home. My results show that air quality is significant but ranks below structural and neighborhood characteristics.

A Study Of Obstacles To Use Of Methane Gas Produced In Landfills For Energy, Sharee Lynn Bowdidge

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

The purpose of this study is to examine why landfill generated methane gas is not being treated as a resource, and used more widely as an energy source in the Southwestern United States. In this thesis, I have identified four possible barriers that may describe why this resource is not being used more often at landfill operations: 1) technological difficulties, 2) economic limitations, 3) regulatory constraints, and 4) insufficient desire to use. I have explored each of the possibilities in depth through case study interviews with individuals employed at six landfill operations, and individuals associated with landfill policy making. Although …

Cross-Sectional Study Of Strength In Sharing: Philanthropy In Girl Scouting, Juergen Barbusca

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

On the morning of September 11th, the world was witness to a tragedy that represented the very worst and the very best of what human beings are capable. Marked by heroic deeds with life-saving consequences, caring acts performed by complete strangers, and charitable giving carried out by a shocked but generous country, the events of September are prime exemplars of America's philanthropic tradition. For some, these humanitarian acts were instinctive, for others more purposeful and conscious, and for still others perhaps an appeal to duty. The response to the immediate and longer-term needs of the victims, their families and communities …

Addressing Helicopter Noise Impacts In Las Vegas, Nevada Within The Confines Of The Airport Noise And Capacity Act, Jeffrey M. Jacquart

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

This professional paper will evaluate the impact of the Airport Noise and Capacity Act on Clark County's ability to reduce aircraft noise associated to helicopter sightseeing tours originating from McCarran International Airport. The paper will first provide the reader a brief introduction to aircraft operations in Las Vegas, and summarize local helicopter 1 noise activities. The paper will then present the legislative requirements and history concerning the curtailment of aircraft operations. The paper will also examine court cases addressing curtailment of aircraft operations at public-use airports. Next, a review of how other federally funded airports have sought solutions to resolve …

An Empirical Study Of Attitudes Towards Telecommuting Among Government Finance Professionals, Joseph J. Grippaldi

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

This paper presents the results of a preliminary study to evaluate attitudes towards telecommuting among finance employees who are employed by special district governments in the United States. Original data was collected by using a self-administered mail survey sent to 400 special district government finance employees who are members of the Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) of the United States and Canada. This paper will examine variables including employee support for telecommuting, the likelihood of employees working away from the office, and the number of days employees wish to telecommute. A factor analysis was employed to determine if patterns of …

Workplace Violence: A Case Study, Robert F. White

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

This paper addresses the problem of workplace violence. Because research into workplace violence is relatively new, there is not much research into managerial response to violent incidences. This paper helps to establish a template that may become a useful managerial tool to decrease the potential for future workplace violence that may lead to loss of life and unnecessary monetary loss. Managers are not necessarily equipped to develop appropriate measures to effectively deal with violent issues. Given the proper tool, managers can often work wonders. The paper focuses on homicide in the workplace, which has been the second leading cause of …

Lake Mead Hospital Conversion To Complete Delivery System, Roger W. Noorda

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

The objective of this case study is to determine the cost difference between using a conventional type of inventory system in the operating room versus using a pack system in the operating room. In this study three different ways of delivering disposables for a laminectomy procedure were considered: 1) multiple distributors of disposables, 2) single distributor of disposables, and 3) the pack system (CDS by Medline). The first comparison was of multiple distributors vs. a single distributor with a cost difference of $90.08 per procedure and $18,916.80 annually, multiple distributor costing less. The second comparison was between Medline as a …

The Impact Of The Winter's Doctrine On Water Allocation To The Gila River Indian Community, Deana P. Benally

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Can the Gila River Indian Community rely upon the Winter's Doctrine (1908) to obtain more water than the past? The purpose of this thesis is to examine the impact of the Winter's Doctrine on the Gila River Indian Community (GRIC). This research paper uses the case study method to evaluate the relevance of the Winter's Doctrine on current negotiations. Results indicate that the Winter's Doctrine is not expected to have much of an impact on current negotiations with the U.S. Congress.

Assessing Citizen Preferences: Supporting And Funding A New Animal Shelter Facility, Theresa A. Viau

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

No abstract provided.

Better Revenue Forecasting: Is Fiscal Stress A Stimulant? A Look At Nevada Local Governments, Richard A. Derrick

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Revenue forecasting is one of the most critical and often difficult tasks in governmental budgeting. It is critical because it determines the parameters upon which the budget is based. It is difficult because many outside influences can impact revenue results and cause variances with the forecast. If revenue is under projected, valuable services may not be provided during the fiscal year and an unexpected surplus may be created at year-end. By the time it becomes apparent that surpluses are developing, the damage to on-going programs and services, which may require consistency and budget stability for efficient delivery, may be done. …

An Economic Analysis Of The Arsenic Standard On Nevada, Jill S. Dale

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

In 2001, the arsenic standard for drinking water was lowered from 50 parts per billion to 10 parts per billion. The clean-up costs for Nevada are estimated at approximately 400 million dollars. The purpose of this project is to examine the economic impacts the State of Nevada will absorb as a result of the new regulation. Research of historical data will be the basis for the project. National data from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and data collected from the State of Nevada will be accompanied by comparable research data found through other sources

Coastal Resort Development And Impacts On Shallow Water Aquifers In Southern Baja California, Sur. Mexico, Bud J. Bennenman

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

A Coastal resort named Fiesta Surf is being planned for the southern portion of the Baja peninsula on the Pacific coast between the resort town of Cabo San Lucas and Todos Santos. Two additional resorts and an exclusive housing community are in the planning stages within this region, known as the "Pacific Corridor." The proposal for development is in a high growth region near the southern tip of the Baja peninsula in the state of Baja California, Sur, Mexico. The Pacific coast of southern Baja has seen little development and consists largely of non-developed shoreline. The current economic base of …

The Policies Of Implementing Traffic Calming In The Las Vegas Valley, David A. Guerra

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

This paper illustrates how policies that relate to traffic calming devices are implemented in the Las Vegas Valley. Traffic calming is the attempt to achieve calm, safe, environmentally improved conditions on streets, and the lowering of speeds. Traffic calming measures reduce the negative effects of motor vehicle use, alter driver behavior and improve conditions for non-motorized street users. An analysis of The Nevada Revised Statutes was conducted to understand state directives pertaining to the implementation of policies at municipal levels of government. The study investigated how four governments (Las Vegas, North Las Vegas, Clark County, and Henderson) implement traffic calming …

Mosquito Population Dynamics During The Establishment Phase Of A Constructed Desert Wetland, April Newman

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

The Nature Preserve at the Clark County Wetlands Park is a constructed wetland that has the potential to produce new mosquito habitat. This thesis evaluates the potential for the development of a mosquito problem at the newly constructed wetland system by assessing the population dynamics of mosquitoes within the Nature Preserve. Based on data collected from May 2001 through January 2002, I describe fluctuations in mosquito genus and relative abundance during the first summer through winter period of wetland development.

‘Sworn’ Versus ‘Civilian’ Career Development Paths In The Fire Service In Nevada, Kelly Blackmon

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

The Clark County Fire Department has no formal career development path for fire prevention (civilian) personnel as it does for suppression (sworn) personnel. The purpose of this paper is to compare the career paths developed for suppression personnel and prevention personnel in five fire departments throughout the State of Nevada. Each department was chosen because they have over 100 total employees. Three dimensions relevant to the extent to which a career development path exists were identified and each department was assessed terms of these dimensions. The results illustrated the need to enhance the career development path in prevention to more …

Cuba's Tourist Industry: Parallel Economies And Social Stratification, Marie Nathan Hummel

UNLV Retrospective Theses & Dissertations

International tourism has played an important role in unintended social changes in socialist countries. These social and cultural changes affect not only the economic, political and cultural genre of the government, but also of its citizens; This thesis asks the question, "Has the re-introduction of international tourism in Cuba diluted and compromised the egalitarian goals of the revolution"? I intend to show that the consequences of Cuba's emerging tourist industry has not only compromised the ideology of the revolution, but has in fact seen a return of a pre-revolution stratified society and parallel economies, one based on the peso and …

A Framework For Secure Applications With Qos, Ajay Kanagala

UNLV Retrospective Theses & Dissertations

In this thesis we propose a solution to support Quality of Service (QoS) network communication transactions modeled on differentiated services and economic principles. We propose an enhanced user-level negotiation protocol where transactions are accomplished in a secure mode and where resource allocations are simple and fair. With the availability of inexpensive network monitoring hardware, any issue dealing with network security becomes a priority. Current networks must support multiple levels of service over a single network connection. Differentiated levels of service create new resource management problems for network middleware. Just as a first class passenger is willing to pay the premium …

The Evolution Of Drug Laws In America And The Variation In Penalties And Sentencing In State Courts, Robert Christopher Hogenson

UNLV Retrospective Theses & Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to examine the evolution of major drug laws in the United States, the variation in statutory penalties between selected states, and to determine if the written law is reflected in sentencing and prison admissions. Penalties for felony possession and illicit trafficking for five states-Arizona, Florida, Illinois, Nevada, and New York---were compared with case disposition, incarceration rates, and average time offenders spend in jail or prison for these offenses. Two data sources from Bureau of Justice Statistics were utilized for this analysis. The first data set was titled "State Court Processing Statistics, 1990, 1992, 1994, …

Personal Epistemology: Implications For Stress In College Students, Robyn M Johnson

UNLV Retrospective Theses & Dissertations

This research study investigated whether college students' epistemological beliefs (i.e. certain knowledge, simple knowledge, fixed ability, quick learning, and omniscient authority) could predict negative stressors and/or reactions to stress in their college experience. Based on responses to two self-assessment inventories and a demographic survey; analysis of the data suggests that over and above contributions from demographics (i.e. gender, ethnicity, age, and education level), certain dimensions of epistemological beliefs contributed significantly to the prediction of negative stress in college students. This suggests that it is essential for educators to provide opportunities for students' epistemological development; specifically, in the area of constructing …

Exploring The Shivwits Production Zone, Eva Albrecht Jensen

UNLV Retrospective Theses & Dissertations

The Shivwits Plateau is situated on the Arizona Strip in the northwest corner of Arizona. It is a relatively unexplored area rich in archaeological resources. This study provides three areas of exploration of the prehistoric Virgin Anasazi Pueblo period. Three research questions are posed. Are there substantial Virgin Puebloan sites on the Shivwits Plateau? Through compiled site data and analysis of settlement models the information supports the conclusion that there was a substantial prehistoric use of the Shivwits Plateau; A specific question about pottery production guides the second part of the research. Was the sherd-tempered Shivwits Plain and Shivwits Corrugated …

Salient Features Of Contextual Interference And Knowledge Of Results, Morgan Steven Kearney

UNLV Retrospective Theses & Dissertations

The current study investigated the relationship between the contextual interference effect and knowledge of results manipulations. Specifically, three variations of a relative timing task were presented in either a blocked or random schedule, and participants were either required to error estimate or given no instruction concerning estimation. A 2 (Acquisition Context) x 2 (Error Estimation Frequency) ANOVA was used to analyze absolute error (AE), variable error (VE) and a relative timing measure (AE(prop.)). The main effects that there was a blocked advantage during retention. In addition, a 100% estimation advantage existed for AE and VE, but was not present for …

Analysis Of Cyclic Shallow-Water Carbonates: Cambrian Highland Peak Formation, Eastern Nevada, Robyn Allyn Howley

UNLV Retrospective Theses & Dissertations

Several methods of analysis were used to test the robustness of sea level signals recorded in Middle to lower Upper Cambrian shallow-water carbonate rocks in the southwestern United States and to refine stratigraphic correlation of this interval. Embedded Markov chain and cycle architectural analysis define the high-frequency accommodation signal, whereas cycle grouping pattern and facies proportions analysis reveals low-frequency sequence stratigraphic accommodation changes. Gamma analysis and Fischer plots were unsuccessful in deciphering the signature of high or low frequency signals; Six low-frequency accommodation events are present in the Middle to lower Upper Cambrian Highland Peak Formation. Each sequence is bounded …