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A Large Scintillation Detector For Nuclear Physics Experiments At Indiana University Cyclotron Facility, Apurva Pathak

Masters Theses

A new, large, scintillation detector, called the "K" detector has been designed and built for use in a series of nuclear physics experiments being performed at the Indiana University Cyclotron Facility (IUCF). This project describes the design, construction and testing of this scintillation detector. The K detector was designed to augment an existing detector stack at IUCF, and will serve to increase the energy range of previous studies of neutral pion production in proton-proton collisions near threshold. The test data for the current project came from a proton-proton scattering experiment, during which several runs were carried out between the bombarding …

Lithologic And Stratigraphic Analysis Of Glacial Diamictons, Sturgis, Michigan, R. Christopher Gardner

Masters Theses

Seven diamictons are identified in the subsurface glacial drift near Sturgis, Michigan using textural analyses and x-ray diffraction of clay minerals. The clay mineral content is quantified by comparing the 7-A/10- A peak height ratios from x-ray diffraction diffractograms of oriented clay-size particle (< 2um) mounts. Two diamictons occur at the base of the drift. Unit 1 is gray , resembling the shale it overlies. The texture of Unit 1 is sandy clay loam to loam and average 7-A/10-A peak height clay mineral ratios of 0.446 ±0.069. Unit 2 is a yellowish-brown diamicton, it overlies Unit 1, and is a sandy loam to loam with average 7-A/10-A clay mineral ratio of 0.657 ±0.151. Diamicton Units 4 and 5 overlie a thick unit of sand and gravel on top of Unit 2. Units 4 and 5 have similar color and texture, however the 7-A/10-A ratios are 1.059 ±0.090 and 0.810 ±0.072 respectively. Unit 6 is a thin diamicton unit, leached of calcite, and x-ray diffraction suggests that there is a range of weathering horzins between borings. Unit 7 is loamy, whereas Unit 8 generally ranges from sandy clay loam to sandy loam with average 7-A/10-A ratios of 0.865 ±0.090 and 1.195 ±0.189.

Pan, Ppn And Mpan Measurements And The Systematic Relationship Between Mpan And Macr At A Semi-Rural Site In Tennessee, George Nouaime

Masters Theses

Simultaneous measurements of peroxymethacryloyl nitrate (MPAN) and its primary and secondary precursors, methacarolein (MACR) and isoprene, were carried out for the first time in July 1995 at a semi-rural site southeast of Nashville. In addition to these compounds, peroxyacetyl nitrate (PAN), peroxypropionyl nitrate (PPN), other volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and supporting measurements were also collected in collaboration with other research groups. The mean concentrations of PAN, PPN, MPAN and MACR were found to be 485 pptv, 50 pptv, 30 pptv and 0.290 ppbv respectively. MP AN levels, which closely tracked those of MACR during the day, peaked and dropped earlier …

The Repulping Of Wet-Strength Paperboard, Angelo N. Melchiorre

Masters Theses

Beverage carrier paperboard containing the polyamide wet-strength resin is one type of fiber that is presently landfilled. In this study, it was repulped at a 15% consistency and a pH of 10 at 150° F. in a z-bar mixer. Hydrogen peroxide (HP), ammonium perswulfate (AP), sodium persulfate (SP) and dimethyldioxirane (DMD) were used during repulping. The HP was added at 1.0%, 2.5% and 5.0%, based on O.D. weight of the fiber. The remaining chemicals were added at the same oxidation equivalent. During repulping, the pulp was screened using a Britt Jar to determine percent yield over time. Samples were taken …

Elucidation Of The Pathway Required For The Stimulation Of G6pdh Gene Expression By Insulin And Its Mimetics, Asavari Wagle

Masters Theses

Insulin, an anabolic hormone, exquisitely controls cellular physiology and metabolism by modulating the activity of key proteins which regulate metabolic and mitogenic events. Insulin activates several cytosolic proteins via a phosphorylation cascade, but only some of these proteins are required for its specific action. We have elucidated the insulin signal transduction cascade in primary rat hepatocytes, and outlined some of the events that are required for the insulin induced stimulation of glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PDH) gene expression. Using well-characterized and structurally different inhibitors, we show that insulin stimulation of the gene requires the IRS-1/P13K pathway and not the RAS/RAF/MAPK pathway. Gene …

Western News, Nov. 13, 1997, Western Michigan University

Western News (1972-2018)

Story highlights: Funds targeted for engineering, student services facilities, Haenicke announces $1 million for professorships, WMU embarking upon year-long self-study as part of athletics certification program, University's agreement with Greeks is a first in the state, Nuclear physicist to address end of Cold War, President of Chinese university to be honored, Sky Broncos win regionals; earn national berth.

Geology Newsletter- 1997, Department Of Geology

Geological and Environmental Sciences News

Vol. 1, No. 22

• Dear Alumni and Friends
• Faculty News
• Awards and Scholarships
• Alumni News
• Geology Development and Scholarship Donations
• Advisory Council News

Western News, Oct. 16, 1997, Western Michigan University

Western News (1972-2018)

Story highlights: Homecoming will highlight the wonders of Western, Phi Beta Kappa charter puts WMU among nation's elite, Light lays out academic agenda for 1997-98 year, Phi Beta Kappa charter puts WMU among nation's elite, Campus tools up for successful United Way campaign, Occupational therapy to mark 75th anniversary.

Western News, Oct. 2, 1997, Western Michigan University

Western News (1972-2018)

Story highlights: Seven more named to presidential search committee, Beauregard selected as athletic director, Board gives Haenicke 'outstanding evaluation' in its final annual review of his performance, WMU launches new 'twinning program' in India, Haenicke hopes to promote dialog with CARE.

Western News, Sept. 18, 1997, Western Michigan University

Western News (1972-2018)

Story highlights: Aviation dedication, board meeting set for Battle Creek, Kellogg CEO begins lecture series Oct. 2, Haenicke to remain 'vigorously' involved in next year, Application of student fee gives technology a new boost across campus, Officials hope efforts add up to more success for minorities in science and math classes, WMU teams up to increase Special Olympics participation, Kurzmann selected for study visit to Germany.

Western News, Aug. 14, 1997, Western Michigan University

Western News (1972-2018)

Story highlights: Board approves appointments of new department chairpersons, Event planned for new maritime studies center, Giving remains strong as 1996-97 donations top $10 million, Activities planned for CommUniverCity Night, Thomas earns accolades, West Michigan Avenue back to four lanes, Nontraditional; graduate students to be welcomed.

Systematics Of Stable Isotopes And Radionuclides In Precipitation At Kalamazoo, Michigan, Usa, Madhav V. Machavaram

Dissertations

Precipitation samples were collected at Kalamazoo from June 1992 to March 1995. The samples were analyzed for their 8D and 8lgO values. The 5D - 5I80 relationship is comparable to that of Meteoric Water Line (MWL). The monthly mean isotopic values in precipitation exhibited strong seasonality, being higher in summer and lower in winter months. This behavior is apparently a direct consequence of the temperature effect on isotope fractionation.

The summer precipitation at Kalamazoo is derived predominantly from the water vapor originated in the Gulf of Mexico. A box model calculation showed that a Rayleigh type distillation with Gulf moisture …

Underdevelopment As Meta-Axiological Dilemma: The Socioeconomic Implications Of African Axiology For Rational Choice Determinants Of Microeconomic Agency, Sundiata Keita Ibn-Hyman

Dissertations

The intergenerational problems of indigence, poverty and social dysfunction that plague African societies are inextricably grounded in the broader issue of ethnocentrism in neoclassical microeconomics. Economic anthropology provides a methodological critique of the conceptual limitations of neoclassical micro-behavioral assumptions narrowly imposed on non-westem economic organization. While recognizing non-westem economic praxes, the sociological implications of strict neoclassical microeconomic agency for non-westem socioeconomic development is conspicuously ignored. The critique fails to specifically consider the impact of neoclassical ethnocentrism to non-westem sociocultural organization and improvement.

This research utilizes an African-centered, social psychological approach to examine the paradigmatic implications of rational choice criteria for …

Community In Liberal Thought, Richard C. Brill

Masters Theses

The aim of this thesis is to research the role of community in liberal thought. The problem that has initiated this research is the erosion of traditional communal bonds in contemporary liberal society. This problem has been the focus of the debate between communitarians and liberals for the past two decades. The research problem will be to discover workable definitions of community and liberalism which have been plagued with multiple interpretations throughout the debate.

The method of this thesis will be to first frame in the environment of the original problem. The second chapter will address the precedents set by …

Extraction Of Premafloxacin Radiolabeled With Carbon Fourteen From Loam Soil, Steven Gregory Staskiewicz

Masters Theses

Premafloxacin is a fluoroquinolone antibiotic being developed by Pharmacia & Upjohn for veterinary indications. Since the parent drug and possibly metabolites will be applied to soil through the deposition of animal excreta, many regulatory agencies will require environmental assessment testing. In order to determine if ¹⁴C-premafloxacin would biodegrade in the soil, loam soil was extracted with solvents and C18 solid phase columns were used to isolate the compound after three weeks of incubation. In addition to extracting the soil, production of ¹⁴CO₂ was monitored by trapping the degradation by-product in 2 N NaOH. Liquid scintillation counting of …

Flow Due To A Moving Pressure Distribution Over Free-Surface With Finite-Depth Bottom, Noriaki Okita

Masters Theses

Two-dimensional, steady-state and time-dependent analysis of wave making phenomenon due to a moving pressure distribution in sub-critical Froude number was performed. The domain is consisted of undisturbed free-surface at y=0, flat bottom at y=-h, and it is unbounded in horizontal direction. The pressure distribution was treated as an ideal model of an air-cushioned-vehicle (ACV). Ideal flow theory and linearized boundary conditions were used. Numerical integration algorithm was developed to evaluate the analytical solution. The surface elevation, bottom pressure profiles, and wave resistance were analyzed as functions of speed and depth.

The steady-state wave resistance calculated from the surface elevation profile …

Reservoir Characterization Of Crystal Field And Analysis Of The Tow#1-3 Hd-1 Well, Montcalm County, Michigan, Heidi Wines

Masters Theses

The goal of this project was to characterize the Dundee reservoir of Crystal oil field using the newly drilled Tow #1-3 well data in conjunction with historical well records to evaluate heterogeneity of facies and their controls on oil production.

From the Tow# 1-3 HD-1 well, three major facies were identified in the reservoir. A non-fractured intertidal grainstone facies provides storage of fluids with its uniform permeability and excellent intercrystalline porosity. The supratidal fractured micrites and open marine fractured biomicrites are interbedded with the grainstone facies providing conduits for fluid migration between the facies. Facies are important controls on oil …

Geophysical Characterization Of A Jp-4 (Lnapl) Contaminated Site At The Wurtsmith, Air Force Base, Oscoda, Michigan, Kristina C. Sprietzer

Masters Theses

The detection of hydrocarbon contamination in the subsurface using geophysical techniques has been based on the known physical properties of high electrical resistivities (ρa) (low conductivities). However, geophysical field investigations at uncontrolled spill sites yield measurements of low resistivity (high conductivity). The purpose of this study is to test that in the natural environment some hydrocarbon spills (in the case of LNAPLs), can exhibit changes with time due to biodegradation, from electrically resistive to conductive. Since time is an important factor, this hypothesis was tested at a site where the time when a hydrocarbon release occurred is known and where …

Geographic Information Systems In High School Geography Education: A Feasibility Study, C. Sonia Wardley

Masters Theses

This research focused on three aspects of the integration of GIS into the high school curriculum. Firstly, the investigation strove to demonstrate how GIS could enrich the high school geography curriculum in Michigan. Secondly, GIS software programs were evaluated for suitability using three techniques, and thirdly, the study area high schools were assessed for their technological capabilities relative to GIS.

The pedagogical and cognitive benefits of using GIS as a tool were established _ from the pertinent literature and the feasibility of incorporating GIS into the curriculum was examined with the reference to the Michigan geography content standards and benchmarks. …

Concerto For Piano And Orchestra, Christine L. Jancarz

Masters Theses

Concerto for Piano and Orchestra is a work based on combinations of traditional forms and compositional techniques. Some of the compositional devices used include mathematically derived pitch sets, as well as traditional scales.

The Role Of Alcohol And Stress On Measures Of Depression And Anxiety Among College Students, Jeffrey F. Porter

Masters Theses

In clinical literature regarding the effects of regular alcohol use, psychological benefits of moderate consumption have been suggested (Neff & Husaini, 1982; Neff, 1984; Neff & Husaini, 1985; Neff, 1985; Neff, 1986; Neff, 1993, Lipton, 1994). Despite the diverse groups with which this theory has been examined, no published studies have lookeq specifically at the high-risk group of college undergraduates. Subjects were surveyed to assess their typical drinking behavior, the number of stressful events they had experienced within the past 12 months, their perceived social support, and depressive and anxiety symptoms they experienced within the seven days leading up to …

Western News, July 31, 1997, Western Michigan University

Western News (1972-2018)

Story highlights: 1996-97 grants set record; topping $25 million for the first time, Board approves 1997-98 general fund budget of $188.4 million, WMU junior to appear on 'Sunday Morning', Social work honors Amos with scholarship fund, Trustees endorse proposals for two degree programs.

Western News, July 3, 1997, Western Michigan University

Western News (1972-2018)

Story highlights: Haenicke announces plans to step down as president in 1998, Sunseeker finishes 16^th, Richert added to staff as conference coordinator, Trustees approve promotions for 46 faculty members effective at start of academic year.

Link/Loop/Node Networks, Mark E. Gilbert

Honors Theses

This document is really two separate documents that have been appended together. The first is Link/Loop/Node Networks. This document describes the theory behind link/loop/node networks (LLN), as well as the basic operating instructions for the LLN Simulator (LLNS). The second document is LLN Simulator Technical Reference. This second document describes how the LLNS was constructed using Microsoft Access 2.0, as well as how the LLNS simulates LLN.

Western News, June 5, 1997, Western Michigan University

Western News (1972-2018)

Story highlights: WMU continues to seek recognition of status as budget bill makes its way through Legislature, John Fraire selected as dean of admissions, Brylinsky elected to lead national organization, WMU earns state grants for efforts to reduce energy costs, Grants climb past $20 million mark as year nears end, Anderson chosen as director of CECP center, Text uses American culture to teach English.

Estimating Ibnr Reserves With Robust Statistics, Daniel Cheung

Dissertations

There is often a considerable time lag between an incurred of an accident, such as medical malpractice or product liability, and the time it is reported to the insurance company. These Incurred But Not Reported (IBNR) losses need to be predicted in order to determine the necessary loss reserves. Many actuarial methods have been developed for IBNR reserves estimation. However, none of the methods being used for loss reserving is robust to outliers, nor do they provide adequate statistical inferences to support the actuarial decisions. The rank-based method proposed in this thesis is robust to outliers, and provides statistical inference …

Localization And Transport Effects In The Disordered Materials, Vladislav Malyshkin

Dissertations

No abstract provided.

Comparative Analysis Of Walking Patterns With Flip-Flops Between American And Japanese Males, Ko Tada

Masters Theses

The problem was to compare the kinematic, kinetic, and electromyographical (EMG) aspects of walking gait while wearing flip-flops and barefoot between American and Japanese males, aged 20 to 25 years. Results indicated: (a) American stride lengths were greater than Japanese, although the results were not statistically significant; (b) Japanese ankle angle was smaller than Americans' for toe-off for barefoot, and foot strike for flip-flops; (c) the Japanese decreased the ankle angle from foot strike to toe-off, the Americans increased; (d) the Americans' foot angle was significantly different between barefoot and flip-flops; (e) the biceps femoris showed a significant difference in …

Little Golden Bookstm: An Analysis Of Every Child’S Literature, Sandra Ballman-Burke

Masters Theses

Modeling theory proposes that consequences received by the model are considered critical in determining whether or not modeled behaviors will be imitated (Bandura, Ross & Ross, 1961).

Despite the apparent significance of consequences, analyses of children's literature have failed to explore this link. Utilizing feminist research perspectives, I sought to examine variables explored in previous analyses of picture books, with emphasis on consequences received by models. I was interested in (a) consequences received by female and male characters when engaged in instrumental/independent activities (Kortenhaus & Demarest, 1993); (b) the ways in which female and male characters are stereotyped; and (c) …

A Robust Estimate For An Autoregressive Time Series, Jeffrey Terpstra

Dissertations

A weighted rank-based estimate for estimating the parameter of an auto-regressive time series is considered. When the weights are constant, the estimate is equivalent to using Jaeckel’s estimate and Wilcoxon scores. The estimate can be shown to be asymptotically normal at rate y/n. In a linear regression setting this estimate has the desired properties of a continuous totally bounded influence function and a positive breakdown point. It is shown via examples and Monte Carlo that these properties are preserved in an autoregressive time series setting.