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Magnetic Properties Of Sputter Deposited Fe-Based Amorphous Thin Films For Resonator Application, Chaitali China

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

In this study we investigate the magnetic properties of Fe-based amorphous thin films. Fe1-x-y-zBxSiyCz, Fe80-xNixB20, Fe80-xMnxB20, and Fe73-xMnxB27 films were deposited on silicon and glass substrates in a DC and RF magnetron sputtering system. Inductive magnetic measurements were performed to investigate the magnetic properties, including induced anisotropy and magnetostriction, of the as-deposited and annealed films using an M-H Looper. The chemical composition of the films was characterized using secondary ion mass spectroscopy (SIMS). The physical thickness of the films was determined by use of a stylus profilometer. The M-H Looper studies indicated that the induced anisotropy (Hk) depends strongly on …

An Authentic Ecg Simulator, Paul Michalek

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

An ECG (electrocardiogram) simulator is an electronic tool that plays an essential role in the testing, design, and development of ECG monitors and other ECG equipment. Principally an ECG simulator provides ECG monitors with an electrical signal that emulates the human heart's electrical signal so that the monitor can be tested for reliability and important diagnostic capabilities. However, the current portable commercially available ECG simulators are lacking in their ability to fully test ECG monitors. Specifically, the portable simulators presently on the market do not produce authentic ECG signals but rather they endeavor to create the ECG signals mathematically. They …

A Non-Isolated Half Bridge Buck-Based Converter For Vrm Application And Small Signal Modeling Of A Non-Conventional Two Phase Bu, Majd Batarseh

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This dissertation is about treatment of the nonbiodegradable organic content of landfill leachate by chemical oxidation combined with biological treatment. It is divided into three parts. In the first part, ferrate was compared to Fenton's reagent for the purpose of removing non-biodegradable organic compounds from mature leachate. Oxidation conditions (time, pH, and dose) were optimized to yield maximum organic removal using two leachate samples from 20 and 12-year old solid waste cells. Results from this research demonstrated that ferrate and Fenton's reagent had similar optimum pH ranges (3-5), but different organic removal capacities, ranging from 54 to 79 % of …

Cognitive Training Transfer Using A Personal Computer-Based Game:A Close Quarters Battle Case Study, Michael Woodman

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Developers of Commercial off the Shelf (COTS) gaming software are making remarkable strides in increasing the realism of their software. This realism has caught the attention of the training community, which has traditionally sought system and operational replication in training systems such as flight simulators. Since games are designed and marketed for entertainment and not designed for training of tasks, questions exist about the effectiveness of games as a training system in achieving the desired transfer of skills to the actual environment. Numerous studies over the past ten years have documented that PC-based simulation training environments can offer effective training …

Fundamental Aspects Of Regenerative Cerium Oxide Nanoparticles And Their Applications In Nanobiotechnology, Swanand Patil

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Cerium oxide has been used extensively for various applications over the past two decades. The use of cerium oxide nanoparticles is beneficial in present applications and can open avenues for future applications. The present study utilizes the microemulsion technique to synthesize uniformly distributed cerium oxide nanoparticles. The same technique was also used to synthesize cerium oxide nanoparticles doped with trivalent elements (La and Nd). The fundamental study of cerium oxide nanoparticles identified variations in properties as a function of particle size and also due to doping with trivalent elements (La and Nd). It was found that the lattice parameter of …

Characterization Of Critical Network Components Of Coupled Oscillators, Gregory Holifield

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This dissertation analyzes the fundamental limits for the determination of the network structure of loosely coupled oscillators based on observing the behavior of the network, specifically, node synchronization. The determination of the requisite characteristics and underlying behaviors necessary for the application of a theoretical mechanism for determining the underlying network topology in a network of loosely coupled natural oscillators are the desired outcome. To that end, this effort defines an analytical framework where key components of networks of coupled oscillators are isolated in order to determine the relationships between the various components. The relationship between the number of nodes in …

In-Situ Ammonia Removal Of Leachate From Bioreactor Landfills, Nicole Berge

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

A new and promising trend in solid waste management is to operate the landfill as a bioreactor. Bioreactor landfills are controlled systems in which moisture addition and/or air injection are used as enhancements to create a solid waste environment capable of actively degrading the biodegradable organic fraction of the waste. Although there are many advantages associated with bioreactor landfills, some challenges remain. One such challenge is the ammonia-nitrogen concentration found in the leachate. The concentrations of ammonia-nitrogen tend to increase beyond concentrations found in leachate from conventional landfills because recirculating leachate increases the rate of ammonification and results in accumulation …

Removal Of Refractory Tkn From An Effluent Wastewater Using Sodium Ferrate, Lucia Lettie

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This research addresses refractory forms of nitrogen that, even with advanced biological nitrification-denitrification systems are not removed completely from domestic wastewater. TKN (Total Kjeldahl Nitrogen), ammonia plus organic nitrogen, is one of the forms to measure the levels of nitrogen present in effluent wastewaters. Ferrate, a strong oxidant, was used for the treatment of these nitrogen forms with the objective of producing nitrogen compounds that can be removed by subsequent biological processes. Bench-scale experiments were performed on effluent samples taken prior to chlorination from an Orlando, FL wastewater treatment facility, using a biological nutrient removal process. The samples were treated …

While America Slept, Mark Fischer

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This study briefly examined the terrorist attacks that occurred between the first bombing of the World Trade Center in 1993 and the attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon that occurred on September 11, 2001. Specifically, this study examines the reactions of the public and press to the attacks on the military barracks in Riyadh, the bombings of the U.S. Embassies in Zambia and Kenya, and the attack on the U.S.S Cole in Yemen. This study examines the effect public opinion had on the President and Congress and their reactions to the public pressure. The primary purpose of …

Measuring Optical Turbulence Parameters With A Three-Aperture Receiver, David Wayne

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This thesis discusses methods to measure several atmospheric parameters related to turbulence. Techniques used by two different scintillometers based on weak turbulence theory are discussed along with a method to estimate the inner scale developed by Hill. The theory and minimization algorithm used to infer the atmospheric parameters are discussed. The main focus is on the analysis and collection of experimental data with a three-aperture receiver system. Intensity fluctuations from a CW laser source are collected over a 1km path with three different receiving apertures. The scintillation index is found for each receiving aperture and recently developed theory for all …

Modeling Of Atmospheric Refraction Effects On Traffic Noise Propagation, Ahmed El-Aassar

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Traffic noise has been shown to have negative effects on exposed persons in the communities along highways. Noise from transportation systems is considered a nuisance in the U.S. and the government agencies require a determination of noise impacts for federally funded projects. There are several models available for assessing noise levels impacts. These models vary from simple charts to computer design models. Some computer models, i.e. Standard Method In Noise Analysis (STAMINA), the Traffic Noise Model (TNM) and the UCF Community Noise Model (CNM), have been used to predict geometric spreading, atmospheric absorption, diffraction, and ground impedance. However, they have …

Polarimetry Of Random Fields, Jeremy Ellis

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

On temporal, spatial and spectral scales which are small enough, all fields are fully polarized. In the optical regime, however, instantaneous fields can rarely be examined, and, instead, only average quantities are accessible. The study of polarimetry is concerned with both the description of electromagnetic fields and the characterization of media a field has interacted with. The polarimetric information is conventionally presented in terms of second order field correlations which are averaged over the ensemble of field realizations. Motivated by the deficiencies of classical polarimetry in dealing with specific practical situations, this dissertation expands the traditional polarimetric approaches to include …

Molecular Structure-Nonlinear Optical Property Relationships For A Series Of Polymethine And Squaraine Molecules, Jie Fu

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This dissertation reports on the investigation of the relationships between molecular structure and two-photon absorption (2PA) properties for a series of polymethine and squaraine molecules. Current and emerging applications exploiting the quadratic dependence upon laser intensity, such as two-photon fluorescence imaging, three-dimensional microfabrication, optical data storage and optical limiting, have motivated researchers to find novel materials exhibiting strong 2PA. Organic materials are promising candidates because their linear and nonlinear optical properties can be optimized for applications by changing their structures through molecular engineering. Polymethine and squaraine dyes are particularly interesting because they are fluorescent and showing large 2PA. We used …

Health Attitudes, Knowledge And Literacy Of Primary Caregivers With Elementary School Children, Susan Stuib

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Previous research has indicated that physical activity and healthy eating in elementary school children are the exception rather than the norm. Increased attention to the rising rates of childhood obesity, coupled with the recognition that changes in the school environment are critical to reducing this trend, has intensified the need to adopt better practices in school nutrition, physical activity and physical education. Apart from being physically active, children need to learn fundamental motor skills and develop health related physical fitness (cardiovascular endurance, muscular strength and endurance, flexibility, and body composition). Primary caregivers play an important part in developing and teaching …

Computer-Based Instructional Systems Design Tools: Current State And Implications For The Future, Anna A. Andrews

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This study examines the current state of computer-based instructional systems design (ISD) tools and outlines its implications for the future. The study utilizes the grounded theory methodology to capture and document modern instructional designers' perspectives regarding the current state of ISD tools, the issues associated with them, and their interrelationships. The study also presents a framework for classifying modern ISD tools and a conceptual prototype of a designer-oriented system of computer-based ISD tools.

Pseudomonas Aeruginosa 1244 Pilin Glycosylation: Substrate Specificity, Glycan Functionality, And Application For Vaccine Development, Joseph Horzempa

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Pseudomonas aeruginosa expresses type IV pili, which are polymeric fibrous surface appendages extending from the poles of the cell that function in adhesion and surface motility. The monomeric pilus subunit, pilin, of P. aeruginosa 1244 is glycosylated with an oligosaccharide that is structurally identical to the O-antigen repeating unit of this organism. Work presented here identifies the pilin structures necessary for glycosylation. Results suggested that the C-terminal Ser of pilin is the major glycosylation recognition feature, and this residue cannot be substituted at its carboxyl group. While no other specific recognition features are present, the pilin surface must be compatible …

The Effect Of Papp-A On The Proliferation And Differentiation Of Mg-63 And Human Adult Mesenchymal Stem Cells, Shelby Hott

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Pregnancy associated plasma protein-A (PAPP-A) plays an important role in the activity of the Insulin-like Growth Factor (IGF) family by proteolytically cleaving IGF-Binding Protein-4 (IGFBP-4) causing it to dissociate from IGF-I in vivo. This increases the bioavailability of IGF-I, allowing IGF-I to participate in growth and development. My goal was to evaluate the ability of PAPP-A to directly stimulate proliferation and differentiation of human adult mesenchymal stem cells (hAMSC) cells in vitro.

Commercially available PAPP-A, comprised of a heterotetrameric complex consisting of two PAPP-A subunits and two pro-MBP (proform of eosinophil major basic protein) subunits, was used in the following …

Being Touched By Music: A Phenomenological-Hermeneutical Approach To Understanding Tranformational Musical Experience, Kurt Kumler

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This dissertation investigated the lived experience of being personally transformed by listening to music. The investigation started with an exploration of the literature that relates to the phenomenon of musical transformation, including natural-scientific research as well as ideas from musicology, ethnomusicology, psychology, literature, and philosophy. This research was designed to access the nuanced and subjective aspects of the phenomenon by attending to the experience as lived by the experiencer. The method was qualitative in nature, based on a phenomenological-hermeneutical methodology. Throughout the research process, the researcher maintained a reflexive stance, attending to assumptions and preconceptions held about the phenomenon. This …

The Political Process Model: A Case Study Of The Alaskan Native Land Rights Movement, 1959-1971, Kristine Michelle Liebner

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The emergence and success of the Alaskan Native Land Rights Movement of the period between 1959 and 1971 is analyzed based on the political process model and other theories from the social movement theory perspective. Explanations outside of the political process model, including resource mobilization theory, ethnic competition theory, collective identity theory, and grievance theory were used to assess the applicability of the political process model in this case study. Interviews were used as well as historical literature and theoretical literature as a basis of analysis.

The findings suggest that the political process model is not sufficient in explaining the …

A Machine-Aided Approach To Intelligent Index Generation, Shelly Candita Lukon

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Back-of-the-book indexing is the process of generating a list of relevant terms, sub-terms and cross-references from a corpus and providing the user with corresponding page references.

Several cognitive tasks are necessary to produce a good index, and are performed primarily by the human indexer. Indexing has become somewhat automated through computer applications, which at best generate a concordance, and exist to reduce the mundane portions of the process. However, none of these tools determines which terms to index, nor do they capture context-sensitive information about terms and their relationships. Human indexers perform these time-consuming tasks.

The challenge is to develop …

Community And The Meal: A Rhetorical Investigation, Richard J. Mills Jr.

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

From ancient Greece to post modernity, the meal as a focal point of community life and a cultural practice, and the meaning of eating, have been the focus for numerous scholarly studies and their rhetorical significance. This dissertation will define how interpersonal communication and the enactment of the meal are rhetorical partners within a community. Cultural differences, communication style, and values affect one's perception of the culture's narrative structure, inclusion and exclusion, private and public space, and civility and incivility practices in relationship to the community. These differences impact the meal, food choices, tastes, and communication style and ultimately shape …

Dopamine Uptake Inhibition Potency Fluctuations Of Cocaine At The Dopamine Transporter, Suneetha Ramanujapuram

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Cocaine and other dopamine transporter (DAT) inhibitors block synaptic dopamine uptake by binding to the DAT. Cocaine, a powerful psychostimulant, potentiates the dopamine mediated signal transduction in the reward areas of the brain resulting in physical dependence on the drug. Amphetamines are psychotomimetics that act as substrates at the DAT and potentiate dopaminergic neurotransmission leading to addiction. It was previously reported that a conservative glutamate-for-aspartate substitution in transmembrane 1 domain of the rat DAT protein (D79E) significantly decreased the binding affinities of several classical DAT inhibitors, but had little or no effect on the dopamine uptake inhibition potencies (DUIPs) of …

The Building Of A New Left Conglomerate In The City Of Ann Arbor: Voice, The Black Action Movement, And The Human Rights Party (1965-1975), Terrence Restivo

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

New Left radicalism played a vital role within both the city of Ann Arbor and the University of Michigan throughout much of the 1960s and early 1970s. Three organizations, VOICE, the Black Action Movement (BAM), and the Human Rights Party (HRP), particularly allowed for student activism to become an integral part of the politcal, cultural, and social aspects within Ann Arbor. The emergence of these organizations made a once, conservative, Midwestern college town into a hotbed of radicalism that would help create a thriving New Left conglomerate in the city from 1965-1975.

VOICE, one of the leading Students for a …

An Examination Of The Bio-Philosophical Literature On The Definition And Criteria Of Death: When Is Dead Dead And Why Some Donation After Cardiac Death Donors Are Not, Leslie Whetstine

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Human fascination with transplantation has been portrayed in mythology and legend as well as in art and literature throughout history. It has both horrified and captivated our collective conscience and has progressed, in a relatively short time period, from science fiction to a modern accomplishment that can improve longevity and enhance quality of life.

The primary obstacle for transplantation is no longer scientific in nature but is predominantly one of supply and demand and carries with it attendant ethical concerns. Specific to this work is the question of whether a particular method of organ procurement known as Donation After Cardiac …

There's No Place Like Home? The Effects Of Childhood Themes On Women's Aspirations Toward Leadership Roles, Janet Wojtalik

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The shortage of women in leadership positions remains a far-reaching concern in all management arenas. Although the literature hints at the influence of the internal barriers of lack of self-confidence, poor self-esteem and the overwhelming attitude of instinctive male dominance, the literature fails to address the impact of early childhood themes on the development of these misconceptions. The purpose of this study was to explore the impact of childhood themes on women's aspirations toward leadership as suggested by the Eccles Model of Achievement Related Choices. Early childhood gender related experiences of women in leadership and non-leadership roles were solicited using …

Molecular Genetic Analysis Of Division And Development In Streptomyces Coelicolor, Jennifer Ann Bennett

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Here I describe both molecular and classical genetic approaches to the study of prokaryotic cell division. I detail the characterization of four cell division gene homologues: ftsL, divIC, ftsW and ftsI. FtsI, a penicillin-binding protein and transpeptidase involved specifically in septal peptidoglycan biosynthesis, is the only protein product of these four genes with a known role during cell division. I show that a null-mutation in any of the four genes resulted in a mutant with a medium-dependent division phenotype that was more severe on a rich medium. In E. coli, B. subtilis and other bacteria, these genes are essential, but …

How Perioperative Define, Attribute Causes Of, And React To Intraoperative Nursing Errors, Robin Chard

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Errors in nursing practice are a growing concern in healthcare posing a threat to patient safety. Practitioners have been hesitant to come forward and report errors because of negative ramifications in the workplace. Few studies have approached error management through the eyes of the clinician or have studied how nurses cope or change their practice after committing an error. Studies on nursing errors have traditionally used floor/unit nurses as the sample population. This study used an often unseen and highly specialized group known as perioperative or operating room registered nurses.

This study was a descriptive, correlational design using a survey …

Ignorance And Marital Bliss: Women's Education In The English Novel, 1796-1895, Mary Tobin

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Mary Hays's Memoirs of Emma Courtney (1796) and Mary Wollstonecraft's Maria, or The Wrongs of Woman (1798) demonstrate the futility of educating women, given Britain's law of coverture; they expose the impracticality of ideal women presented in Jean Jacques Rousseau's Émile (1762) and James Fordyce's Sermons to Young Women (1766); and they demand educational parity between the sexes. Although novelists throughout the nineteenth century revisit and reshape all four authors' ideas, by 1895 in Jude the Obscure, when Sue Bridehead fails to achieve sexual equality despite enjoying educational parity, Thomas Hardy concludes that educating women remains futile.

This cycle begins …

Telementoring And Computer Mediated Discussions: A Description Of Online Instructors' Support, Mary Sue Cicciarelli

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to evaluate online instructors' characteristics and preferences concerning telementors' characteristics and role during a computer mediated discussion. In addition, this work looked for relationships between online instructors' characteristics in correlation to their support for the utilization of telementoring. Two thousand online instructors from a convenience sample received a request to participate email that contained a link to an anonymous contingency survey. Of those contacted, 323 instructors responded to the survey. Online instructors responded to questions about their characteristics, level of support for telementoring, and perceptions on a telementor's characteristics and roles. Spearman rho tests …

Human Development In Populorum Progressio: Challenging Uganda's Development Claims, Peter Debo

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This study investigates and questions Uganda's development claims and choice between confrontation and mutual respect among the people, using Paul VI's notion of integral human development in Populorum Progressio and the requisite development principles, virtues and conditions or factors presented therein. In the study I have argued that the development claims of Uganda do not, to a significant degree, meet the standards of human development advocated by Paul VI in Populorum Progressio. The study shows that human dignity and its universality precipitate the significance of the question of integral human development, and consequently necessitate a relevant anthropology.

The structure of …