Digital Commons Network^™

On Some New Constructions Of Difference Sets, Sarah Agnes Spence

Honors Theses

Difference sets are mathematical structures which arise in algebra and combinatorics, with applications in coding theory. The fundamental question is when and how one can construct difference sets. This largely expository paper looks at standard construction methods and describes recent findings that resulted in new families of difference sets. This paper provides explicit examples of difference sets that arise from the recent constructions. By gaining a thorough understanding of these new techniques, it may be possible to generalize the results to find additional new families of difference sets. The paper also introduces partial and relative difference sets and discusses how …

Empowerment In The United States Congress, James D. Mark, Christopher J. Poulos

Honors Theses

The purpose of the forthcoming study is to gain an understanding of how empowerment is utilized in the political arena. The project will primarily deal with Congress and the relations between Members. With all of the facets of the legislative branch, it is necessary to narrow this study to several aspects of the body. Due to the diversity of Congressional Members and the formal structure of House and Senate committees, this investigation will serve to provide a concentrated, yet thorough analysis of the presence of empowerment.

On The Automatic Generation Of Network Protocol Simulators, Andrew Chen

Honors Theses

Computers communicate with each other over various communication networks via a language known as a protocol. The design of the protocol can have a significant impact on the efficiency (and effectiveness) of the network. Because building an actual network to test the performance (and reliability) of a new protocol is rather expensive and time consuming, there is an interest in simulating network protocols in order to determine how efficient the communication network is. We are therefore interested in automatically generating simulators that could measure the performance of the new protocols. There are two main parts to this project. The first …

Parallel Programming, Peter Dailey

Honors Theses

The speed of technology is always increasing, especially in the field of computing. Unfortunately, the size of the problems needing to be solved are also growing in many areas. In order to keep up with this, parallel computing has become an important research area. The term parallel computing essentially refers to using multiple processors cooperating to solve a problem. For certain problems this can speed up the solution by a factor ofN, the number of processors being used. There are algorithms, for which there is no speed increase due to certain dependencies.

Temporal Flocking And Cacophony Simulating Agent Communication In A Noisy Environment, Jessica R. Crawford

Honors Theses

Realistic communication is one of the most difficult aspects of simulating group behavior because the patterns produced by group communication are complex and not easily definable. In this paper, we present a model, developed using artificial life methodology, for creating simulations of group communication. Our model employs autonomous, artificial agents to produce emergent group behavior that resembles the communication patterns of a group, specifically, a flock of birds. Each agent collects information about its environment and its neighbors and follows a set of rules designed to meet both group goals and individual agent goals. Because we seek to establish emergent …

Irreducible K-To-1 Maps Onto Grids, Susan M. Parker

Honors Theses

In this paper we explore the existence of exactly k-to-1 continuous functions between graphs, and more specifically 2-to-1 continuous function between graphs that are irreducibly 2-to-1, meaning that no restriction of the function to a subgraph is 2-to-l. We show how to construct such functions in some general cases, and then more specifically onto rectangular grids. We have in mind an application to distributed networks and signal verification.

Internal Oral Anatomy: A Comparative Analysis Of The Phyllomedusinae (Anura:Hylidae), Erin B. Hines

Honors Theses

The internal oral anatomy of phyllomedusines has only been described for Agalychnis callydrias using light microscopy. Herein, we compare the internal oral anatomy of the genera Phyllomedusa, Agalychnis, Pachymedusa, and Phasmahyla, using SEM methodology. Tadpoles of ten species were prepared using standard SEM techniques; these larvae ranged from Gosner stages 34-39. Phasmahyla has a unique prenarial arena with three well developed pre-narial arena papillae, whereas the other genera possess the prenarial arena papillae in a semicircular arrangement with the opening directed posteriorly. Pachymedusa differs from Phyllomedusa and Agalychnis by having a low, straight-edge, median ridge; also, its buccal floor arena …

Leadership Education In Elementary Schools, Ivan Squire, Michael Madaio

Honors Theses

Our senior project intends to replicate a leadership curriculum developed by Lockett on two target groups at Ridge Elementary School in Richmond, VA. The first group being student government and the second being "at-risk" students. The purpose of the project will be to modify the leadership curriculum in a manner that addresses the distinct needs of the two target groups in an effort to help them develop leadership skills and awareness in areas where they are deficient e.g. self esteem, communication, etc. The question we seek to answer in this project will be to determine the effectiveness of a leadership …

Ubiquitin-Mediated Proteolysis During Gametogenis In Chlamydomonas Reinhardtii, Hall Thomas Mcgee

Honors Theses

Scientists in the field of cell biology have focused considerable attention on a unicellular species of green algae known as Chlamydomonas reinhardtii. This organism is relatively common in bodies of fresh water and some types of soil, but most of the attention is due to its value as a model for biochemical studies. This laboratory has undertaken a broad study of the species including exploration into a special class of proteins, called heat shock proteins, and certain biochemical processes of the organism. The work herein described is a part of this latter study, and also a preliminary step in a …

Community Organizations As Agents Of Change : A Proposed Framework, Heidi E. Gottschalk

Honors Theses

This project evaluates the way that community organizations influence children and adults, and can be leaders as a positive force of change. Programs provide teens with the opportunity to become involved in activities that are more enriching and beneficial to their well-being than alcohol, drugs, sex, violence and crime. The hope is that these programs have a positive effect on teens, which in turn, will indirectly affect positive change within the community.

A Cultural Test Of Transforming Leadership Using Three Case Studies : W.E.B. Dubois, Leopold Sedar Senghor, And Vaclav Havel, Christie Getman

Honors Theses

The overall goal of this research project is to do a comprehensive study that integrates an undergraduate career in leadership studies with a thorough, critical examination of a topic that is of interest to me. Since beginning course work at the Jepson School, I have felt that a majority of the theories and concepts studied have been primarily focused on the leader and the follower, and their relationship. My goal is to examine the theory of transforming leadership through specific case studies of transforming leaders, and test how the element of culture affects this transforming leadership.

Leadership And King Lear, Lauren P. Fitzgerald

Honors Theses

This project deals with language used in critical works. Specifically, this paper is about leadership in Shakespeare's works.

Leadership Within The Camps : A Study Of Holocaust Resistance, Meredith Ann Fallon

Honors Theses

The primary question underlying my research is, "What environmental factors, individual characteristics, behaviors, beliefs, and socialization factors enabled or ignited certain Jews to emerge as leaders within the concentration camps during WW II?" This study could reveal valuable information concerning why, how, and what types of leaders emerge in highly adverse and life threatening situations, and how some of these leaders were able to achieve success.

Effective Nonprofit Organizations Through Leadership And Alignment, Megan Fleischman

Honors Theses

As nonprofit organizations grow in size and number, there is an ever-growing need to strength in leadership within these organizations that will help to combat the general ineffective nature of nonprofits. This leadership must follow a model that emphasizes the essential nature of a cooperative relationship among all of the primary leadership entities that exist in nonprofit organizations. Without a balance among these forces, nonprofit organizations risk their productivity and effectiveness.

Present To Future : The Innovations Of Leadership Studies, Christopher Hartman Engels

Honors Theses

Formal leadership education is the latest craze at the secondary level of education. Private high schools have for years stated in their brochures that their school produces leaders. However, only recently are these same schools clearly articulating a more formal structure in leadership education. An in-depth case study analysis of three private high schools in Virginia will not only allow for a look at their leadership curricula, but will allow for conclusion to be made about the best possible means of teaching leadership.

Applying Theory To Practice : Virginia's Secondary School Leadership Courses, Kerith D. Dubik

Honors Theses

The purpose of this paper is to explore how the phenomenon of teaching leadership can and is affecting American secondary schools. This involves discussing the problems of our education system as the results of a paradigm shift in America's learning needs.

The Study Of Leadership In Chesapeake Bay Watershed Associations : A Case Study In Citizen Leadership, Joanne Demoss

Honors Theses

There are many watershed associations such as the James River Association or the Chicahominy Watershed Alliance throughout the Chesapeake Bay Watershed, but it is unclear how these organizations function and what makes one more effective than another. I have evaluated these organizations through surveys and interviews in an attempt to develop a guideline of leadership best practices of these various organizations.

Leadership Redefined : With A Handbook For Developing A Leadership Repertoire, Wayland T. Pond Iv

Honors Theses

The impetus for this project evolved from my desire to redefine leadership and assess my education in the Jepson School. I feel strongly that his project will provide closure to my leadership education.

In addition, the project will provide a useful resource for current and future Jepson majors, who will have the opportunity to examine my views and feelings on the leadership era that I studied. I hope that a Jepson major in the year 2005 will be able to pick up my project and read about the state of leadership studies from 1995 to 1997. Then that student will …

The Stabilizing Efects Of Disulfide Bonds On Limulus And Octopus Hemocyanin, Danielle Mercatante

Honors Theses

Hemocyanin is a large molecular weight, oxygen carrying protein that is present in the hemolymph of mollusks and arthropods . Limulus, horseshoe crab, hemocyanin is made up of 48 hexamer subunits ( consisting of seven different repeating subunits) each of which have oxygen binding dinuclear copper active centers. Octopus hemocyanin is composed of a single kind of polypeptide chain that has seven functional units, or oxygen binding domains.

The goals of research conducted by Gregory Cole and Danielle Mercatante during the fall of 1996 and spring of 1997 were to gain a biochemical understanding of the structure of Limulus and …

Why Teams? : Assessing The Incorporation And Development Of Teams At J.P. Morgan's Delaware Private Client Group-Operations, Christine M. Wang

Honors Theses

J.P. Morgan Services, Inc. implemented teams into its Private Client Group-Operations (PCG-Ops) located in Wilmington, Delaware during the summer of 1996, in an initiative the company called Realignment. The goal of my senior project is to explore the use of teams in corporate settings. By assessing how consistent the Private Client Group's Realignment initiative is with the current team development, organizational change, and organizational development literature. In this project four main concepts will be examined:

l . The reasons why JP Morgan changed from a traditional hierarchical structure to one that is team based.

2. The results of the six …

Economic System As A Factor Influencing Leadership Behavior : A Case Study Of Leadership In Russia From 1917 To 1995, Matthew B. Danis

Honors Theses

Envisioned by Lenin and molded by Stalin, the Soviet Union, and its communist economic system, lasted seventy-four years, from 1917 to 1991. The inception of communism in the Soviet Union was a result of the losses Russia incurred during World War I. Devastation during the war and mismanagement by the government throughout created an atmosphere ripe for revolution. With the leadership of Lenin, the Bolshevik Revolution occurred in November 1917, and the Communist Party was created in March 1918.

Emerging Leaders : Leadership Studies In Secondary Education, Scott D. Dalessio, Megan Delany

Honors Theses

The high school students of today that will be the leaders of tomorrow. These individuals guide the country through the new changes and diverse conflicts that characterize the twenty­ first century. How can these students leave the effective leadership skills that they will need to respond to this challenge? American educational systems must provide their students with the tools to cope successfully with such transitions. Programs such as Empowered Leaders of Hanover County High Schools therefore represent attempt to respond to the need for modem leaders and a recognition of the value and imporrtance of the instruction of leadership competencies …

Clinton, North, And Intellectual Leadership : A Media Analysis, Brian Cavanagh

Honors Theses

The media has often been accused of irresponsibly depicting the news by slanting coverage toward a specific bias. Since very few people witness news-worthy events firsthand, they rely on the written media to reveal the facts, details, and implications of a given event. At times, the coverage is altered by the ideologies of the individual author, the publication, or the subject of the article. Therefore, the media serves as a form of Intellectual Leadership, abusing a relationship with the public by attempting to shape and formulate public opinion. The purpose of the following project is to research two major historical …

A Look At The Leadership Of The Valentine Riverside Museum, Carlo Arjona

Honors Theses

An evaluation of the Valentine Riverside Museum's short attempt to revitalize history in Richmond, VA, and why it failed.

Lifting The Bar : Leadership In The Attorney-Client Relationship, Dennis C. Barghaan

Honors Theses

VA State Senator Mark Earley, a lawyer by trade, addressed the Norfolk-Portsmouth Bar Association in October 1995, and claimed that the profession, in order to survive, must engage in both serious talk and sincere action. As a result, much of the negative feeling about lawyers within American society will begin to change as the public sees attorneys for what they should be -- leaders in their everyday interactions with clients.

Civic Leadership : Meeting The Civic Needs Of American Communities, In Preperation For The 21st Century, Sara Zeigler

Honors Theses

In many areas of the United States, people complain about the leaders in their communities. Historically, when people think of 'leaders' in their communities, the majority of them are predominantly white, male and affluent. The American citizen believes that a portion of these leaders are shrouded in scandal, corruption, mistrust, exclusiveness, and power. The American citizen finds difficulty when trying to enter into the elite group of decision makers. Citizens and organizations accuse these leaders of making decisions that do not reflect the best interest of society, but rather benefit themselves. As a result, Americans call out for better leadership …

An Application Of Zen Philosophy To A Modern Conceptualization Of Leadership, John Williams

Honors Theses

The purpose of this project is to determine what relationships, if any, exist between Zen Buddhism and modern conceptualizations of leadership. In a review of existing literature, no analysis was found that examined the relationship between concepts associated with leadership theory and Zen principles. Hence, in order to explore these issues, I employed the following basic procedure. First I identified a modern representation of theories of leadership. This step involved an examination of existing theories of leadership, and a survey in which the faculty at the Jepson School of Leadership Studies at the University of Richmond ranked a set of …

"A Model Of Crisis", Charlotte A. Trudel

Honors Theses

During the spring 1996 semester, the Jepson School of Leadership Studies offered a special topics course titled "Leadership in Crisis." The course, co-taught by Dr. Richard Couto and former Virginia Attorney-General Mary-Sue Terry, intended to "offer students CPR instruction to sustain organizational and personal vision" (Couto) for a group or organization dealing with crisis. Members of the class were instructed in crisis taxonomy and classification, crisis in diverse contexts, crisis management plans, crisis perspectives from both inside and outside of organizations, and the role of the personal in dealing with crisis. The faculty instructors determined that although the course had …

Leadership And The Breast Cancer Movement, Amy Silverstein

Honors Theses

The breast cancer movement stays away from power struggles and superiority complexes. These women figured out that in order to stay organized and in control, every woman needed to feel included. The nature of the issue of the movement helps as well. Since most of these women fought the disease either themselves or with others, they understand how important a supportive environment contributes to a person's well-being. This support flows into the movement and contributes to the sense of togetherness. Some women are more prone to leadership than others, but that does not mean that they are somehow superior. Their …

Making The Net Work : The Influence Of Networking On Black Women Executives' Leadership In The Telecommunications Industry, Kayren J. Shoffner

Honors Theses

Leadership is exemplified by growth. It is not enough to be a strong leader; in order to develop that leadership, one must continue to grow. In order to grow, one must be in the company of likeminded people. Hence, the power of networking to increase and enhance one's leadership development is great. When I look at my leadership development over the past four years, I am able to identify definite growth. This growth was facilitated by the networking situations in which I placed myself or created.

Previous research in this area reveals that women in general, and black women in …