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Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

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Fixed -Interval Timeout From Avoidance With Humans, Janet L. Emmendorfer Dec 1998

Fixed -Interval Timeout From Avoidance With Humans, Janet L. Emmendorfer

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

On fixed-interval (FI) schedules of reinforcement, humans and other animals often have different response patterns. For example, the pattern typically associated with animals is the scallop: a pause followed by a gradual acceleration in responding. Humans generally show terminal-minimum (i.e., pause until the end of the interval, then make 1 or 2 responses) or constant-rate patterns. There have been numerous investigations of the variables that control such different response patterns. The most common variables in those studies are instructions, verbal ability, response cost, concurrent tasks, and food and points as reinforcers. The purpose of the present experiments was to investigate …


Effects Of Celeration Rate On Behavioral Fluency, Kevin J. Munson Dec 1998

Effects Of Celeration Rate On Behavioral Fluency, Kevin J. Munson

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

In precision teaching, it has been argued that learning should continue until responding is fluent (i.e., it can be performed accurately and rapidly in the presence of distracting stimuli, even after a delay since its acquisition). Furthermore, it has been argued that the speed with which learners achieve fluency (i.e., celeration) also is important. The purpose of the present experiments was to test those propositions. Subjects read binary numbers on a computer screen, and spoke the decimal equivalent of those numbers into voice-recognition equipment. In Experiment 1, responding was reinforced with money arranged on VI schedules for correct responses with …


Velocity Profile In Confined Elliptic Fractures, Stephen Ronald Pack Jr. Dec 1998

Velocity Profile In Confined Elliptic Fractures, Stephen Ronald Pack Jr.

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

The primary objective of this research is to determine the friction inside a smooth fracture and to incorporate the effect of friction on a fluid transient inside a tapered-elliptical-confined fracture. In order to do so, the non-uniform velocity profile in an elliptic fracture with laminar flow of both Newtonian and non-Newtonian fluids was calculated. A transient flow computer program is presented using the method of characteristics, to show the frictional effects on acoustic damping. However for flow inside a hydraulic fracture, the 3D velocity profile is highly non-uniform, and the use of Vav creates an error as Vmax >> Vav. The …


Processing Resources, Cautiousness, Memory Self -Efficacy, And Age Differences In Free Recall, Wei Huang Dec 1998

Processing Resources, Cautiousness, Memory Self -Efficacy, And Age Differences In Free Recall, Wei Huang

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Both experimental and individual-differences approaches were used in the present study to investigate the effects of processing resources, cautiousness, and memory self-efficacy on adult age differences in free recall performance. A total of 80 young college students (mean age = 23 years) were used for the experimental manipulations; 40 older adults (mean age = 75 years) served as a comparison group. The experimental manipulations were based on a 2 (sex) by 2 (processing speed) by 2 (cautiousness) by 2 (working memory) mixed design. Cautiousness was manipulated by monetary incentive and punishment. Age-related reduction in working memory capacity was simulated by …


Pseudospectral Techniques For Non -Smooth Evolutionary Problems, Chris Palmer Guenther Dec 1998

Pseudospectral Techniques For Non -Smooth Evolutionary Problems, Chris Palmer Guenther

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

A pseudospectral approach is used to solve non-smooth evolutionary problems using Fourier collocation and Chebyshev collocation. It is well known that pseudospectral methods for smooth problems can offer superior accuracy over finite difference and finite element methods.;This paper explores the use of pseudospectral methods for non-smooth evolutionary problems in the area of hyperbolic heat transfer. Boundary and initial conditions are considered which cause instantaneous jumps, in the temperature and flux, prior to the propagation of a thermal wave into the medium. There is a considerable amount of literature that has investigated hyperbolic heat transfer under similar conditions, the common problems …


Droplet Coalescence In The Shear Flow Of Model Emulsions, Adam Abdallah Al-Mulla Dec 1998

Droplet Coalescence In The Shear Flow Of Model Emulsions, Adam Abdallah Al-Mulla

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

During the flow of an emulsion, droplets of the dispersed phase can deform, breakup, coalesce or migrate to other regions within the flow field. Understanding these different processes, both individually and jointly, is relevant, for example, to the development of morphology in immiscible liquid-liquid systems such as polymer blends formulated using single screw or twin screw extruders. While deformation and breakup have been well researched for single drops, migration occurs only for concentrated emulsions. In this study, dilute emulsions of silicone oil and castor oil were employed to observe drop coalescence in the absence of drop breakup; flow fields utilized …


Design Analysis Of Single-Span Advanced Composite Deck-And-Stringer Bridge Systems, Brian James Brown Dec 1998

Design Analysis Of Single-Span Advanced Composite Deck-And-Stringer Bridge Systems, Brian James Brown

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

The advantages of advanced composite materials (ACM) over conventional materials motivate their use in highway bridges for rehabilitation and replacement of structures. However, the complexity of the composites has created a need for simplified design analysis procedures that account for both the geometry and material properties of ACM members and systems.;An analytical/experimental study of fiber-reinforced plastic (FRP) composite bridges consisting of cellular box decks and wide-flange I-beams as stringers is presented. The design analysis covers: (1) ply stiffnesses and strengths; (2) laminate engineering stiffnesses; (3) apparent stiffness properties for composite decks; and (4) stringer stiffness properties. Finite element modeling is …


Impedance Effects Of Metallic Ground Plane On The Ctha Antenna, Tao Guan Dec 1998

Impedance Effects Of Metallic Ground Plane On The Ctha Antenna, Tao Guan

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

As with the fast-paced development of the communication industry, antennas have become an indispensable part of daily life. However, everyone may have experienced the malfunction of a communication system or radio due to a nearby human body or building or automobile. Then comes the question of how adjacent objects influence the antenna. This thesis has concentrated on the study of these effects on the impedance of the CTHA (contrawound toroidal helical antenna).;The results of this study indicate the CTHA's input impedance changes as a damped sinusoid function of the distance between it and the metallic ground plane. For equivalent distances …


Engine Instrumentation And Data Analysis For Ignition System Testing, William Joseph Chambers Dec 1998

Engine Instrumentation And Data Analysis For Ignition System Testing, William Joseph Chambers

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

The charge ignition system is used to ignite the fuel-air mixture in the combustion chamber of a spark ignited internal combustion engine and is the subject of many ongoing research projects. As a means to quantify the performance of an ignition system, a 16 horsepower Briggs and Stratton V-twin engine has been instrumented and the necessary data analysis software developed. This test engine was used to monitor the performance of three different ignition sources. When the performance of these ignition sources was analyzed using the test engine, the differences in performance of the systems was evident in the calculated values …


Recharge Dynamics Of A Perched Phreatic Aquifer, Joseph Neil Ketchum Jr. Dec 1998

Recharge Dynamics Of A Perched Phreatic Aquifer, Joseph Neil Ketchum Jr.

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Numerous techniques were used to analyze recharge rates, timing, and mechanisms for a perched, phreatic aquifer. Recharge rates were estimated using fluid mass balance (FMB), integrated hydrograph separation (IHS), and innovative hydrograph manipulation techniques. Timing and mechanisms of recharge were analyzed using signal-processing and linear-system approaches. Hydrometeorologic and hydrologic data were collected for a 16-month period (4/97 to 8/98) using both manual and automated techniques. Precipitation totaled 135.6 cm and evapotranspiration (ET) calculated using the Penman-Monteith method totaled 107.5 cm. Recharge estimates from FMB ranged from 20.3% to 33.6%. Springflows were modeled using a stage-discharge cross-correlation method. Recharge estimates from …


Fault-Injection Through Model Checking Via Naive Assumptions About State Machine Synchrony Semantics, Sabina Joseph Dec 1998

Fault-Injection Through Model Checking Via Naive Assumptions About State Machine Synchrony Semantics, Sabina Joseph

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Software behavior can be defined as the action or reaction of software to external and/or internal conditions. Software behavior is an important characteristic in determining software quality. Fault-injection is a method to assess software quality through its' behavior. Our research involves a fault-injection process combined with model checking. We introduce a concept of "naive assumptions" which exploits the assumptions of execution order, synchrony and fairness. "Naive assumptions" are applied to inject faults into our models. We use linear temporal logic to examine the model for anomalous behaviors. This method shows us the benefits of using fault-injection and model checking and …


Derepression Of Heterochromatin Inactivation By Induction Of A Nearby Promoter In Drosophila Melanogaster, Daniel Renick Mcneill Dec 1998

Derepression Of Heterochromatin Inactivation By Induction Of A Nearby Promoter In Drosophila Melanogaster, Daniel Renick Mcneill

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Position-effect variegation (PEV) describes the compaction of a euchromatic gene placed next to a region of heterochromatin. This compaction into heterochromatin in some instances results in a mosaic phenotype in Drosophila melanogaster. Since its discovery in the 1930's the phenomenon of PEV has been extensively analyzed and many models describing the mechanics have been proposed. But, until recently a model system for analyzing the phenomenon at various developmental stages was not available. In 1996, Lu, Bishop, and Eissenburg were able to use a transgenic construct that variegates for both a heat shock 70 promoter-driven lacZ construct and a mini-white gene, …


Determination And Analysis Of Natural Gas Vehicle Tailpipe Emissions Based On Continuous Cvs Measurement, Jingang Fu Dec 1998

Determination And Analysis Of Natural Gas Vehicle Tailpipe Emissions Based On Continuous Cvs Measurement, Jingang Fu

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Code of Federal Regulations Title 40 (CFR-40) specified a formula for calculating constant Dilution Factor (DF) to account for background pollutants in Constant Volume Sampler (CVS) emissions measurement system. However, it is recognized that the DF is dynamically changing due to the CVS mechanism. Based on the continuous measurement data obtained from natural gas vehicle emissions testing, a new approach was used in this study to calculate instantaneous DF of the CVS system during the test cycle. Using the instantaneous DF improves the accuracy of mass emission measurements, especially when the exhaust pollutant concentrations were approaching that in the ambient …


Perturbation Studies Of Excitable Media, Lisa Elizabeth Seagraves Dec 1998

Perturbation Studies Of Excitable Media, Lisa Elizabeth Seagraves

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) (PNIPA) based systems are probably the most often studied polymer gels due to their dramatic change in volume, swelling and deswelling. Since this system has the best response to pH between 4 and 7, the ferrocyanide-iodate-sulfite (FIS) reaction, which exhibits pH oscillations between 4 and 7.5 in a continuously stirred tank reactor (CSTR), is a good candidate for studies of oscillatory gel systems.;This work also focused on two dynamical phenomena in the ruthenium catalyzed Belousov-Zhabotinsky (BZ) reaction. One is self-organized criticality and the other is periodic forcing and how they can be studied with the BZ reaction. Self-organized criticality …


Fluency And Controlled-Operant Training Methods, Finnur Oddsson Dec 1998

Fluency And Controlled-Operant Training Methods, Finnur Oddsson

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

The study compared the effectiveness three computerized training methods with respect to behavioral outcomes correlated with fluency. Subjects were trained to translate binary numbers into decimal numbers. Responses were made orally with the use of voice recognition software. One training method presented 50 stimuli on a computer monitor at a time (No ITIs). The other two methods (0s and 1.5s ITIs) presented stimuli separately on the monitor using discrete trials. Inter trial intervals were manipulated for the latter training methods. Results showed that all subjects achieved fluent performance on the training task. Subjects reached rate criterion faster and with less …


Identifying The Type And Appropriateness Of The Evaluations Of Selected Agriculturally Related Science And Technology-Based Usaid Projects Conducted Between 1985 And 1995, Allen E. Bayles Dec 1998

Identifying The Type And Appropriateness Of The Evaluations Of Selected Agriculturally Related Science And Technology-Based Usaid Projects Conducted Between 1985 And 1995, Allen E. Bayles

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

A review of the literature indicated that baseline data that described how and what were being evaluated at the project level by agencies involved in third world development had not been published. This was a descriptive study using content analysis of the available evaluative reports for the USAID projects involved with the transfer of agriculturally-related technology identified in the National Science Foundation research project, Assessing the Literature on the Benefits of External Science and Technology Aid Assistance to Developing Countries (Pytlik, Vasudevan, Bayles & Spitznogle, 1997).;The research concludes that impact evaluations were not being conducted at the project level. While …


Implementing Constructivism In The Middle School Classroom, Christina Paparozzi Dec 1998

Implementing Constructivism In The Middle School Classroom, Christina Paparozzi

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

This study defines the components of a middle school history curriculum based on a theory of learning consistent with the use of cognitive tools and the tenets of constructivism. Utilizing a comparative analysis of learning theories encompassing developmental and constructivist beliefs and their influence on appropriate instructional design, the research addresses the necessary pairing of instructional planning and learning theory. Additionally, an examination of linguistic tools and their relationship to cultural development and distinctive kinds of comprehension, as well as specifics of the various learning stages, preferences, and skills are used to provide a rationale. This analysis is employed in …


Do Christian Schools Implement Long -Range Plans?, Steven L. Degeorge Dec 1998

Do Christian Schools Implement Long -Range Plans?, Steven L. Degeorge

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

The purpose of this study was to examine long-range plans of schools accredited by the Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI) to determine whether evidence of implementation is present in administrators' job descriptions and evaluation documents.;Data were gathered through the use of a survey and by the collection and comparison of long-range plans, administrators! job descriptions, and evaluation documents. A second survey of board chairs was taken to determine the acceptance of the rational planning model presented and their attitudes toward implementation.;Thirty-two schools participated in the study, in which major points of the long-range plans were fisted on a chart. …


Cellular Mechanisms Of Altered Neuronal Sensitivity In The Genetically Epilepsy-Prone Rat, Lance Russell Molnar Dec 1998

Cellular Mechanisms Of Altered Neuronal Sensitivity In The Genetically Epilepsy-Prone Rat, Lance Russell Molnar

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

The genetically epilepsy-prone rat (GEPR) is an animal model of epilepsy which exhibits deficits in GABAergic neurotransmission in a variety of brain regions. However, the underlying cause for this deficit has yet to be described. The present studies were therefore performed in order to elucidate the mechanism(s) underlying this GABAergic deficit. To accomplish this task, electrophysiological recordings of Purkinje neurons in sagittal slices of the cerebellar vermis were performed. The initial aim was to compare the basic electrical membrane characteristics of Purkinje neurons from GEPR and control animals using standard intracellular recording techniques. These studies indicated that there is no …


School Bus Crashworthiness, Ganesh R. Panneer Aug 1998

School Bus Crashworthiness, Ganesh R. Panneer

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Numerical simulation of automotive crashes play an important role in reducing the cost and time taken for predicting the results of a collision. Computer simulation of a vehicle requires that the vehicle structure be modeled in a finite element package by discretizing the geometry into a number of elements.;Every day thousands of children travel to school and school related events by bus. Not necessarily all the journeys are short and safely driven. The potential for serious injuries is possible in the event of a crash. The severity of injury in an offset frontal impact is higher than the full frontal …


Development And Accuracy Determination Of A Two-Component Doppler Global Velocimeter (Dgv), Stephen M. Naylor Aug 1998

Development And Accuracy Determination Of A Two-Component Doppler Global Velocimeter (Dgv), Stephen M. Naylor

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

A two-component Doppler Global Velocimeter (DGV) system was constructed and tested to research problems associated with the accuracy of this unique system. The uniqueness of the system lies in its ability to simultaneously and non-intrusively measure velocities in a laser illuminated plane. A key component of the system is a frequency discriminating optical filter containing iodine vapor which allows direct measurement of the Doppler frequency shift caused by particle motion. Corrections for optical distortions and non-uniform intensities as well as the conversions from intensity data to velocity data are performed by an extensive image processing algorithm. Measurements were made of …


American Workers In The Soviet Union Between The World Wars: From Dream To Disillusionment., Vincent Edward Baker Jan 1998

American Workers In The Soviet Union Between The World Wars: From Dream To Disillusionment., Vincent Edward Baker

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

This is a an examination of those Americans who went to the Soviet Union to live and work during the interwar period, and what became of them. Why they went, how many went, and whether they survived the experience. American attitudes, both private and public of the Soviet Union are also discussed.


Pausing And Escape On Fixed-Interval Schedules: Effects Of Stimuli Correlated With Different Reinforcer Magnitudes And Different Reinforcement Rates., Leo A. Carlin Jan 1998

Pausing And Escape On Fixed-Interval Schedules: Effects Of Stimuli Correlated With Different Reinforcer Magnitudes And Different Reinforcement Rates., Leo A. Carlin

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Research has shown that both pausing and escape are controlled jointly by past and upcoming conditions of reinforcement. The present research was designed to investigate the contextual variables that influence pausing and escape on FI schedules and to assess further the functional similarities between pausing and escape. It was of particular interest that the effects of past events have been observed long after they had been removed from the environment of the organism. To shed light on the nature of control by such past events on pausing and escape, three experiments were arranged with fixed-interval schedules that manipulated stimuli correlated …


Innovative Ultrasonic Methodology For Fatigue Crack Detection In Steel Members., Reynold Franklin Jan 1998

Innovative Ultrasonic Methodology For Fatigue Crack Detection In Steel Members., Reynold Franklin

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

The primary objective of nondestructive testing and evaluation in metallic structural members is to identify and quantify damages and predict member behavior. In this aspect detection of fatigue cracks is of great importance. Steel bridge members are subjected to heavy loads and large number of cyclic stresses. Weak zones, such as near a weld, may eventually develop fatigue cracks. Currently, a major obstacle for ultrasonic field inspection for detecting fatigue cracks is surface preparation (removal of paint and rust). This research describes the development of an innovative ultrasonic testing methodology to detect fatigue cracks in uncoated, painted, and rusted steel …


A Two-Perspective Study On The Modern Chinese Economy: Foreign Direct Investment And Regional Development., Chuanliu Ni Jan 1998

A Two-Perspective Study On The Modern Chinese Economy: Foreign Direct Investment And Regional Development., Chuanliu Ni

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Many research efforts have been devoted to the role of foreign direct investment (FDI) on China's economic achievement, to the general FDI distribution pattern as well as to regional economic disparities in China. The objectives of this dissertation are to address several issues in recent research, develop a model for FDI influx into China, examine major factors influencing FDI distribution in China and a separate study on China's regional economic disparities. Beginning with a literature survey on FDI study, I theoretically examine the (FDI) self-reinforcing model. I justify some of the assumptions of the FDI self-reinforcing model. I developed a …


Development Of A Systems Approach To Planning, Design And Operations Of Intermodal Passenger Transfer Facilities To Increase The Mobility And Safety Of Older Travelers., Mohammad Anwarul Karim Jan 1998

Development Of A Systems Approach To Planning, Design And Operations Of Intermodal Passenger Transfer Facilities To Increase The Mobility And Safety Of Older Travelers., Mohammad Anwarul Karim

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

America, as a society, is aging. Currently, 13% of the population is 65 years of age or older. This percentage is expected to rise to 21% by 2030. Since older travelers frequently suffer from one or more age-related physical and/or information handling decrements, they often have problems using intermodal passenger transfer facilities. The overall goal of this study was to develop a framework which can provide an approach to identify older traveler issues associated with intermodal passenger transfer facilities and serve to guide planning and engineering improvements to intermodal passenger transfer facilities to increase the safety and mobility of older …


A Study Of Factors Relating To The Attrition From The West Virginia University - Marshall University - West Virginia Graduate College Cooperative Doctoral Program Administered By The West Virginia Board Of Trustees., Rudy Dale Pauley Jan 1998

A Study Of Factors Relating To The Attrition From The West Virginia University - Marshall University - West Virginia Graduate College Cooperative Doctoral Program Administered By The West Virginia Board Of Trustees., Rudy Dale Pauley

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

This study examined the statistical relationship between 12 selected demographic and situational variables and the completion of the doctorate from the West Virginia University - Marshall University - West Virginia Graduate College Cooperative Doctoral Program. In order to explore this relationship, the Doctoral Student Survey was designed utilizing variables drawn from a search of the literature pertaining to attrition from doctoral programs. This survey was sent to the 226 students that were admitted to the Cooperative Doctoral Program between 1980 and the Fall of 1993. Responses were received from 62% of those surveyed. The Statistical Package for the Social Sciences …


Determining The Environmental Training Needs And Training Preferences Of Tribal Officials On Reservations In The United States., Jeeta Lakhani Saxena Jan 1998

Determining The Environmental Training Needs And Training Preferences Of Tribal Officials On Reservations In The United States., Jeeta Lakhani Saxena

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

The problem of this research was to determine the priority environmental management training needs (drinking water, wastewater, and solid waste), classroom training system preferences and related cultural factors of Native American tribal officials with environmental responsibilities living on reservations in the United States. The researcher conducted telephone interviews with 18 tribal officials on reservations in diverse geographic areas of the United States to determine their classroom training preferences. These officials also responded to a mail/fax survey comprised of 28 statements describing their environmental responsibilities in the areas of drinking water, wastewater, and solid waste. Tribal officials indicated how important the …


Sign-Tracking And Behavioral Contrast: Human Investigations., Karen Leslie Mahon Jan 1998

Sign-Tracking And Behavioral Contrast: Human Investigations., Karen Leslie Mahon

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

The current experiments sought to extend human sign-tracking findings and to investigate behavioral contrast in a feature positive/feature negative paradigm with human participants. Twelve undergraduate students participated in one of two studies. Each participant was exposed to between nine and sixteen experimental sessions lasting between 10 and 20 minutes. A touch screen was used to detect touches to a computer monitor in either a feature positive arrangement, a feature negative arrangement, or a multiple VI10s-VI10s schedule presentation. The distinct feature presented was a filled triangle, while common features were filled squares. Reinforcement for touching the screen was not contingent on …


A Design Of Fault Tolerant Flight Control Systems For Sensor And Actuator Failures Using On-Line Learning Neural Networks., Younghwan An Jan 1998

A Design Of Fault Tolerant Flight Control Systems For Sensor And Actuator Failures Using On-Line Learning Neural Networks., Younghwan An

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

The research in this document focuses on the performance of a neural network-based fault tolerant system within a flight control system. This fault tolerant flight control system integrates sensor and actuator failure detection, identification, and accommodation (SFDIA and AFDIA). The SFDIA task is achieved by incorporating a main neural network (MNN) and a set of n decentralized neural networks (DNNs) for a system with n sensors assumed to be without physical redundancy. Particularly, the purpose of the MNN is to detect a wide variety of sensor failures while the purpose of the DNNs is to identify the particular sensor that …