Digital Commons Network^™

Reciprocal Transplantation Of The Desert Soil Crust: Can It Be Done?, Christina D. Cole

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

A 100 meter X 100 meter study site was chosen at White Rock Springs in Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area, Nevada. To examine Syntrichia caninervis, a desert crustal moss, reciprocal transplantations (20 mm and 40 mm diameter cores) were performed between shaded to shaded, exposed to exposed, and shaded to exposed microsites to determine if it was possible to transplant the study organism with reasonable survivorship. Transplants were inspected following rain events for percent hydration, number of dead stems, and change in percent cover. Data indicated that there was a low mortality rate of S. caninervis stems, and few …

Systemic Environmental Analysis Of The Legal Mechanisms For Controlling Air Pollution In The Las Vegas Valley, Richard Little

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

This study examines the air pollution control structure for the Las Vegas Valley. A System Dynamics computer model was created that represents the structure of the real world system for controlling air pollution, in order to examine how the current air pollution control system might behave in the future.

A Comparison Of The Establishment Of The Organizational Structure Of A Citizen Review Board At The Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department And The City And County Of Denver Public Safety Review Commission, Glenn Glover

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

The study focuses on the issue of establishing a citizen review board at the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department (LVMPD) for the purpose of reviewing allegations of misconduct. With the recent increase of police officer misconduct the LVMPD has come under a great deal of scrutiny by residents of the community. The credibility of the department has been jeopardized as a result of the current complaint investigations process which is conducted by the Internal Affairs Bureau. Community activist have demanded that a citizen review board be established to investigate complaints of police misconduct. The purpose of setting up a citizen …

The Southern Nevada Strategic Planning Authority Plan Public Outreach Efforts In The City Of Henderson, Brenda S. Fischer

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the Las Vegas Metropolitan Region is the fastest growing region in the United States and has been for several years. The same source lists Henderson as the fastest growing large city (over 100,000 population) since 1990.

To mitigate the effects of growth, the Southern Nevada Strategic Planning Authority (SNSPA) was created in 1997. it was tasked with creating a 20 year plan for growth and presenting that plan to the 1999 legislature. The purpose of this paper is to determine it the residents of Henderson agree with the contents of the plan, as rt …

A Comparison Of Public Agency And Casino Employee Turnover Rates In Las Vegas, Timothy A. Clemens

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

The primary focus of this professional paper is to determine and then compare turnover rates between public agencies and the gaming industry in the Las Vegas area. The paper's intention is to discover what differences and similarities in employee turnover rates exist between public agencies and casinos. A secondary focus is to determine if the public sector can provide any lessons to lower employee turnover to the Las Vegas gaming industry. This secondary focus is based on the assumption that public agencies have higher employee retention (and, therefore, a lower rate of turnover) than those found within the Las Vegas …

Marketing The City Of North Las Vegas: Marketing Plan And Image Enhancement Program, Janet Zimmerman

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Like many other Southwestern states, Nevada is experiencing a tremendous growth in population. As the second fastest growing city in Nevada, North Las Vegas is facing its own unique challenges and opportunities. Growth in Southern Nevada has also brought internal competition for those residents and businesses entering the area. It has also created a need to update the city's image and appeal.

One example of how a city effectively enhanced its image can be found in the same population area, Henderson, Nevada. Henderson, the state's fastest growing community, is attracting new residents and businesses at a rate that was 1.5 …

Public Participation In Clark County, Nevada: An Analysis Of Public Participation In The Land Use Planning Process, Fred R. Turnier

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

This paper explores public participation as determined through three land use planning case studies in Clark County, Nevada. Chapter One outlines the existing conditions for public participation and introduces a set of questions to be explored. Chapter Two defines the scope and methodology employed in the research. Chapter Three is a literature review for levels of public participation. The next Chapter discusses statutory requirements for planning and formal public participation. Further, Chapter Four outlines the events leading up to a revised planning participation process and implementation in three land use plan updates. Finally, Chapter Four explores themes derived through the …

A Comparison Study Of The San Francisco Community Board Whole Schools Conflict Resolution Project, Kimberli Huston

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

The key purpose of this study was to compare and contrast the San Francisco Whole Schools Conflict Resolution Project to the School Mediation Program utilized in Clark County, Nevada. The evaluation further assessed the impact the San Francisco Project had on incidents of school-related violence in order to project these figures to the Clark County Program.

The methods used in this evaluation included a review of the implementation processes and training components for each conflict resolution program. The researcher also conducted a pre- and post- training analysis of San Francisco Unified School District incidents of school-related violence. Additionally, the Clark …

Factors Affecting Participation In Senior Center Programs, Betty J. Jefferson

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

This study investigated whether the factors of relationships, recreation, relatedness, and reward would affect participation in senior centers. Demographic variables of age, sex, and socio-economic status and enabling variables of health, transportation, and income were also investigated. Data were collected from a sample of 57 older adults (aged 55 and over) from three Las Vegas Senior Centers using an instrument developed by the investigator. Findings revealed that relationships, recreation, and relatedness contributed to reasons for participation. Rewards did not seem to affect participation. In terms of demographics, more participants tended to be older, female, and educated. Enabling variables revealed participants …

A Comparative Assessment Of The Status, Structure And Process Utilized By Nevada's Family Support And Preservation Consortia To Achieve Collaboration, Marlys A. Morton

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

This paper presents a framework for understanding inter-organizational collaboration and describes and analyzes how collaboration was used as a method to build new service networks, the characteristics of the consortia, and the status of the collaborative processes.

Although the literature on inter-organizational collaboration in the human services is increasing, little is known about how regional consortia view the process of working together towards a common purpose. The results reported in this paper are intended to help fill that gap.

The findings reported in this study are based on a survey process using a standardized questionnaire to study the collaborative status. …

Do User Fees Violate Nonmember Rights?, Jerry Hartman

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

User fees are moneys charged non-union members by their representative union for the purpose of processing grievances. The non-member has to request the union to represent them in order for the union to do so. They may also hirer private representation at their own cost. User fees violate the intent of right-to-work laws in Nevada. The Nevada Local Government Employee-Management Board was wrong when they allowed Union/Local 1107 to charge such fees. The "Executive Board Policy" posted by Local 1107 on union bulletin boards announcing the fees for representation was coercive and discriminatory. According to survey, 40% of the respondents …

The Las Vegas Monorail, An Innovative Solution For Public Transportation Problems Within The Resort Corridor, Cam C. Walker

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

The Las Vegas Monorail project is the first and quite possibly the only private sector endeavor to construct mass transit grade transportation at no cost to the taxpayer, and with no public sector investment, subsidy, or guarantee. The Las Vegas Monorail project follows a structure similar to the innovative toll road projects of the last decade, illustrating how other transportation problems can be solved by similar procedures. This study provides an opportunity to get an inside look at the process of designing, building, operating, maintaining, and financing a major transportation project in Las Vegas and the unique cooperation between public …

Nevada Procurment Laws For Computer Related Items For Public Agencies, Rick Hunsaker

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

The Nevada procurement laws for public agencies generally require open, competitive bidding for any item that exceeds $10,000. Public agencies are also required to accept the lowest "responsive" and "responsible" bid. A "responsive bid is one which has addressed all the requirements of the bid documents. All forms must be properly completed and signed. A "responsible" bid is one in which the bidder proves the ability to perform the contract and has the resources to fulfill all the requirements of the contract. If a bidder fails to comply with all of the requirements in the contract documents, then the agency …

Effect Of Atmospheric Variations On Subsurface Flow And Transport, Laila Badran

UNLV Retrospective Theses & Dissertations

This thesis investigates the effect of atmospheric variations on subsurface flow and transport at the proposed high level waste repository at Yucca Mountain, Nevada. The conditions of subsurface transport were simulated with NUFT (Nonisothermal Unsaturated-Saturated Flow and Transport model) modeling software developed by the Lawrence Livermore National Labs (Nitao, 1995). Rock properties and surface ambient conditions specific to the mountain, including diurnal and seasonal changes in temperature, pressure and humidity were incorporated into the NUFT model. The effects of changing atmospheric conditions on the liquid and vapor phase components and fluxes were examined as well. Time swing analysis of weather …

A Method For Determining Elements For Elemental Signature Analysis Of Groundwater And Treated Lake Mead Water, F. Xavier Suarez

UNLV Retrospective Theses & Dissertations

Elemental signature analysis (ESA) is a term that describes the use of the presence/absence or relative abundance of elements in samples. Several studies have been performed on the identification of these elemental signatures or fingerprints of water using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS); Lake Mead is the primary water supply for the Las Vegas Valley. During the summer months, several large underground aquifers are used to supplement the Lake Mead water supply. Treated Lake Mead water is recharged during the low demand months to several of these aquifers. The Las Vegas Valley is surrounded by many private groundwater wells …

Survey Of Injury Rates In Nevada High School Athletic Programs, Michelle Marie Hauck

UNLV Retrospective Theses & Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to gather information regarding injury rates in high school athletics in the state of Nevada. A survey instrument was developed to assess the type and severity of injuries relative to school size, geographical location, and sport. Fifteen secondary schools representing northern and southern regions of the state and the four divisions of competition agreed to participate in the collection of injury data. Injury tracking forms were completed either by the coaching staff or certified athletic trainers. Data was analyzed using independent chi-squares for comparison of injury data by sport, division, region of the state, …

A Survey Of Southern Nevada Employers Regarding The Importance Of Scans Workplace Basic Skills, Greg P Richens

UNLV Retrospective Theses & Dissertations

This study utilized quantitative research methodology and incorporated a descriptive research design that described the perceptions of southern Nevada employers who responded to a survey regarding the importance of the workplace basic skills identified by the Secretary's Commission on Achieving Necessary Skills (SCANS) established by the U.S. Department of Labor. The study sought to determine whether the SCANS skills and competencies were perceived by responding employers as necessary for entry-level employment. Over 75 percent of respondents to the survey essentially considered the SCANS skills and competencies as adequately identifying competencies and skills needed for entry-level employment in their respective business. …

Middle Level Practices And Teachers' Perceptions Of School Climate In Nevada, Cathy Andrews

UNLV Retrospective Theses & Dissertations

This study was designed to determine the extent to which recommended middle level practices have been implemented in Nevada's middle level schools and whether statistically significant differences in teachers' perceptions of school climate existed between schools that reported high levels of implementation of middle level practices when compared to schools that reported low levels of implementation. The Middle Level Practices Index (MSPI) was designed to measure the level of implementation of 18 middle level practices recognized in literature as being effective responsive practices appropriate to meet the identified needs of young adolescents (Riegle, 1971). The principal of each middle level …

Monoaromatic Hydrocarbons And Aldehydes In Las Vegas Air, Linhong Jing

UNLV Retrospective Theses & Dissertations

The observed concentrations of the monoaromatic hydrocarbons and aldehydes show significant correlations within the various monoaromatic hydrocarbons, and within the various aldehydes as well as between the two groups of compounds. Moderate or good correlations between observed concentrations of target analytes, monoaromatic hydrocarbons and aldehydes, and other pollutants, CO, NO, NO{dollar}\sb2{dollar} were also found. These observations are consistent with vehicle emission as a major source of monoaromatic hydrocarbons and a primary source of aldehydes in ambient air; CO normalized concentrations were used to infer the occurrence of photochemical reactions in atmosphere. There are significant negative correlations between CO normalized concentrations …

Business Practice Knowledge Of Advanced Practice Nurses In Nevada, Sandra Jean Wheaton

UNLV Retrospective Theses & Dissertations

Advanced practice nurses (APNs) are entering into employment practice relationships and working in a variety of clinical practice settings without the benefit of adequate preparation in organization management, business and finance. While the evolution of APN clinical expertise is well documented, their knowledge base in organizational management, business and finance is not. This exploratory, descriptive study discovers what business knowledge APNs in Nevada possess and their perception of its adequacy for practice; A 28-item questionnaire was mailed to all APNs registered with the Nevada State Board of Nursing. Eleven items describe the population. The remaining items address the research questions: …

Metaphorically Speaking: Putting Las Vegas On The Cultural Map, Ester Sara O Fearghail

UNLV Retrospective Theses & Dissertations

Las Vegas has art galleries, an art museum, a Cultural and Community Affairs Division. It also supports the Allied Arts Council of Southern Nevada and a southern branch of the Nevada Arts Council. Clearly, art and art advocates are present in Las Vegas. Yet, Las Vegas is traditionally viewed as a town with no culture and, furthermore, as a place that it is incompatible with art; This paper is a study of the relationship people believe Las Vegas has to art. I have used the methodology of Lakoff and Johnson's theory of conceptual metaphors (Lakoff and Johnson: 1980) to analyze …

Elder Care: An Evaluation Of Communication Resources For Lay Caregivers In Southern Nevada, Deborah Lee Hauth

UNLV Retrospective Theses & Dissertations

Hidden behind closed doors of nursing homes, hospitals and neighborhood residences, was a segment of the population suffering from dementing illnesses. Although seldom seen, these older Americans presented significant challenges for the family members caring for them. This study focused attention on these lay caregivers and the effectiveness of community resources, from their perspective. With assistance from Southern Nevada Alzheimer's Association staff, a survey was conducted. The results showed agencies rated as "satisfactory" in their efforts to provide information, with the Alzheimer's Association newsletter ranked as the primary source of information for caregivers. While the survey provided insights regarding caregivers …

Gaming Growth In Clark County, Nevada: A Life Cycle Study, David Scott Frankhouser

UNLV Retrospective Theses & Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to use product life cycle (PLC) theory to analyze the growth of gaming in Clark County, Nevada. Historical data for the last 30 years, provided by the Nevada Gaming Abstracts and the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority, allowed average casino revenues, hotel occupancy percentages, and visitor statistics to be examined. Based on this analysis, Clark County can be described as in the consolidation stage of Butler's six-stage life cycle model. The information learned from this study helps to show that gaming is a unique form of tourist destination. As such, operators need to …

Seismic Evaluation Of The U3ax/Bl Landfill In The Area 3 Rwms, Nevada Test Site, Nevada, Maximilian Kemnitz

UNLV Retrospective Theses & Dissertations

A site evaluation, a seismic hazard analysis and a site response analysis were performed for the U3ax/b1 landfill which is located within the Area 3 Radioactive Waste Management Site of the Nevada Test Site. The site evaluation included application of the Spectral-Analysis-of-Surface-Waves method to determine the low-strain shear modulus for the alluvium and landfill waste. The seismic hazard analysis included evaluation of potential ground motions from earthquakes and underground nuclear explosions. The worst-case seismic hazard was defined in terms of the controlling earthquake, produced by rupture of the Yucca Fault. The controlling earthquake was modeled in the site response analysis …

Quality Of Life Amidst The Lights Of Las Vegas, Terri Lynn Hicks

UNLV Retrospective Theses & Dissertations

Recent literature on quality of life indicators and sustainability has focused on quantifiable measurements, not qualitative. In actuality, the whole concept of quality of life is a subjective valuation of a myriad of issues by individuals. The purpose of this thesis, based on the testing of a model, is to identify these subjective quality of life variables and determine which variables are currently significant to residents in Southern Nevada. This thesis determines if quality of life, measured by individual respondents overall satisfaction with living in Southern Nevada, is a function of different social characteristics by looking at the following community …

The Creation Of The Las Vegas Image: A Case Study Of Harvey Diederich, Leta Lafay Ver Hulst

UNLV Retrospective Theses & Dissertations

The Creation of the Las Vegas Image: A Biography of Harvey Diederich focuses on the 35- year Las Vegas career of publicist Harvey Diederich, which centers on major hotels, including the Last Frontier, Hacienda, Tropicana, MGM Grand and others. Following Diederich's career provides a unique history of Las Vegas, as well as insights into the fields of promotions, public relations, advertising and marketing.

Measuring Efficiency In The Clark County Hotel Casino Industry, Daniel Encinoza

UNLV Retrospective Theses & Dissertations

The analysis and comparison of productivity in the service sector have proven to be difficult. Nevertheless, the Tomqvist index of relative productivity used in this study allows me to compare the relative productivity of different hotel-casino properties, while avoiding the usual problems that arise when measuring efficiency in service industries. This empirical study illustrates the efficiency of index numbers in evaluating relative efficiency. The simplicity of the model and its ability to evaluate all aspects of the production process, including economies of scale, renders this methodology far superior to the use of direct indexes. From calculations included in the study, …

Modeling The Rates Of Lead And Strontium Uptake By Zeolitized Tuff From Rainier Mesa, Nevada Test Site, Nevada, Patricia Ann Bernot

UNLV Retrospective Theses & Dissertations

The fate and transport of contaminants released during nuclear testing at the NTS are partly controlled by interactions of their aqueous species with mineral surfaces. It has been shown that retardation of contaminants in the subsurface may be controlled by intraparticle mass transfer rather than equilibrium partitioning. For this reason, the rate of lead (Pb) and Strontium (Sr) uptake by zeolitized tuff from Rainier Mesa, NTS, was studied as a function of pH, ionic strength, and metal concentration; To test the hypothesis that sorption of Pb occurs through surface precipitation and Sr sorbs through diffusion, the data were modeled by …

A Study To Determine The Minimum Autocad Command Set For Computer-Aided Drafting In The Las Vegas Area, David John Brodersen

UNLV Retrospective Theses & Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to identify the computer aided drafting (CAD) commands most frequently used in the industrial application of the thirteenth release of the software product AutoCAD, vended by AutoDESK. Respondents were located within the Las Vegas drafting community and nearby areas. The outcome of this study was used to identify commands needed to operate the software at a desired level of competency and to identify any relationship between the release thirteen commands used by the respondents and commands available in the previous release of the software; A questionnaire was delivered to 90 businesses engaged in drafting …

Hydrogeology Of The Penoyer Valley Region, Central Nevada, Douglas Bruce Blatchford

UNLV Retrospective Theses & Dissertations

Groundwater in the vicinity of Penoyer Valley in central Nevada is part of the White River Flow system that drains from Jakes Valley in the north to Muddy River Springs in the south, a distance of 320 km (200mi). A four-basin subregion was modeled that indicates Penoyer, Garden, Coal, and Tikaboo Valleys are hydraulically connected. This connection is facilitated by carbonate rock formations found in the Worthington Mountains and the Timpahute Range, located on the eastern and southern perimeter of Penoyer Valley. Although Penoyer Valley and Garden Valley are hydraulically connected, it is likely that groundwater does not flow across …