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A Comparison Of Dental And Skeletal Changes Between Rapid Palatal Expansion And Nickel Titanium Palatal Expansion., Christopher Ciambotti Jan 1999

A Comparison Of Dental And Skeletal Changes Between Rapid Palatal Expansion And Nickel Titanium Palatal Expansion., Christopher Ciambotti

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Expansion of the maxilla is used to correct skeletal and dental transverse discrepancies between the maxilla and mandible. These discrepancies are corrected through a combination of skeletal expansion (separation of the maxillary midpalatal suture) and dental expansion ( lateral tipping of the maxillary posterior teeth). A recently introduced temperature-activated, nickel titanium (NITI) palatal expander is claimed to produce a light, continuous force which is capable of expanding the maxilla and correcting molar rotations. The skeletal and dental effects of the NITI expander on the maxilla have not been scientifically evaluated. The purpose of this study was to evaluate and compare …

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Texpert: Expert System For Evaluating Product Design For Worker's Safety And Health., Vikram V. Venneti Jan 1999

Texpert: Expert System For Evaluating Product Design For Worker's Safety And Health., Vikram V. Venneti

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Today, there is an increasing emphasis on the safety and health of a worker. Optimum resources are invested to ensure worker's safety. Most of the regulations, and other measures as suggested by NIOSH, OSHA and other leading safety organizations concentrate towards the steps that a worker needs to take to use a product safely. Instead, if the product itself is designed to be safe, and if the manufacturer of the product knows about the product's safety before usage, it would reduce a great deal of wastage of resources. This research is an attempt to implement the above ideology. The objective …

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The Effects Of Thinning Intensity On Snag And Cavity Tree Abundance In An Appalachian Hardwood Stand., Aaron T. Graves Jan 1999

The Effects Of Thinning Intensity On Snag And Cavity Tree Abundance In An Appalachian Hardwood Stand., Aaron T. Graves

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Traditional silvicultural practices focus on manipulating forest vegetation structure for commodity production. Structural features important to wildlife, such as snags, trees with decay, and cavity trees are also affected by forest management, but these effects are often not quantified. This study measured the effects of different thinning intensities (45, 60, 75% residual relative densities, and uncut controls), heartwood decay resistance (resistant, slight), and time of formation (pre or post-treatment) on the density, basal area, and volume of snags and decayed wood in an Appalachian hardwood stand. Cavity trees considered useful to local woodpecker species were also measured. Results indicated that …

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An Investigation Of Complex Formation By The Drosophila Circadian Clock Protein Double-Time And The Effects Of The Double-TimeS Mutation On Complex Formation., Madhavi Kalive Jan 1999

An Investigation Of Complex Formation By The Drosophila Circadian Clock Protein Double-Time And The Effects Of The Double-TimeS Mutation On Complex Formation., Madhavi Kalive

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

The double-time ( dbt) gene in Drosophila encodes a protein (DBT) related to casein kinase I.This thesis examines whether DBT associates with other proteins besides PER, and whether the association of DBT might change as a function of time of day and genotype in vivo. DBT binds in vitro to several parts of PER and TIM, and to the N terminal of DBT. At all times of day in vivo, a significant fraction of DBT sediments with a molecular weight greater than that of its monomer. In dbtS flies, DBTS may associate more effectively than wild type DBT with other …

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The Effect Of The Electrode Composition On Electron Transfer Through An Electroactive Monolayer., Kwansik Yoon Jan 1999

The Effect Of The Electrode Composition On Electron Transfer Through An Electroactive Monolayer., Kwansik Yoon

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

This thesis describes the development of methods for determining the rate constants between a single type of an electroactive self-assembled monolayer on four metals: Au, Pt, Ag, and Hg. Marcus density-of-states theory predicts that the standard rate constant is proportional to the density of states (DOS) of the metal. The DOS increases by a factor of ten for the four metals above. Tafel plots are obtained from which the standard rate constant and the reorganization energy are extracted. Within experimental uncertainty, the standard rate constant is the same on Au, Pt, and Ag. Surprisingly, the reorganization energy is half as …

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"No Matter Where You Go, There You Are" But How Do We Find You? Location Determination Technologies For Cellular Enhanced 9-1-1 Service., Wendy Sue Geary Jan 1999

"No Matter Where You Go, There You Are" But How Do We Find You? Location Determination Technologies For Cellular Enhanced 9-1-1 Service., Wendy Sue Geary

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Recently there has been an explosive growth in the use of cellular telephones. Many people purchase "cell phones" specifically for the safety factor, expecting the same type of Enhanced 911 service they receive from landline phones. However, the only 911 service currently available for cellular callers in most areas is Basic 911, which means that emergency response time may be less than optimal. A recent Federal Communications Commission regulation promotes the provision of Enhanced 911 service for wireless customers. A key component of this Enhanced service is "Automatic Location Information" ("ALI"), a computerized report of caller location that allows calls …

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The Ecg Signal Processing By Adsp-21062 Digital Signal Processor., Limin Wang Jan 1999

The Ecg Signal Processing By Adsp-21062 Digital Signal Processor., Limin Wang

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

About 350,000 people die each year due to sudden cardiac death. The use of the Implantable Cardioverter / Defibrillator (ICD) makes it possible for an emergency defibrillation system to be always available to those patients that in high risk of sudden cardiac death. For this kind of technique, real-time detection and identification of arrhythmia automatically is important. Detection of arrhythmia usually involves complex algorithmic calculations, reducing the ability to provide immediate therapy. In this project, Analog Device’s ADSP-21062 digital signal processor is introduced as a candidate for the main processor of ICD. Cross-correlation, a method for detecting arrhythmias, is used …

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The Application Of Finite Difference Method And Matlab In Engineering Plates., Bohe Wang Jan 1999

The Application Of Finite Difference Method And Matlab In Engineering Plates., Bohe Wang

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

The biharmonic equation is used to model the deflections arising in two dimensional rectangular orthotropic symmetric laminate plates. The plate can be subjected to external perpendicular forces and one is interested in the resulting deflections. Various boundary conditions can be applied to the problem. The edges can be simply supported, clamped, or free. In this work, an automatic procedure is defined which produces the difference equations for each edge boundary case. The procedure is illustrated, using MATLAB, with numerical results for problems with and without exact analytical solutions.

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Neural Networks For Control Signal Reconstruction In Non-Linear Systems With An Application To Aircraft Dynamics., Stelios Pantelis Pispitsos Jan 1999

Neural Networks For Control Signal Reconstruction In Non-Linear Systems With An Application To Aircraft Dynamics., Stelios Pantelis Pispitsos

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

In recent years, general, commercial and military aviation has been plagued by the occurrence of several crashes, in which faulty control surfaces appeared to be the cause, or one of the possible causes. Typically, the National Transportation and Safety Board (NTSB) begins its investigation by analyzing the wreckage along with the flight data recorder (FDR) and cockpit voice recorder (CVR). In most instances this combination of information is enough for the NTSB to discover the cause of the crash, but unfortunately this is not always the case. From this the argument can be made that there is a need for …

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The Evolution Of Adult Literacy For Learners With Special Needs., Susie A. Huggins Jan 1999

The Evolution Of Adult Literacy For Learners With Special Needs., Susie A. Huggins

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

This thesis looks at the evolution of adult education over the last 340 years and includes a discussion on Moonlight Schools and Operation Alphabet. The educational abilities of men and women are discussed. The evolution of adult education is reviewed through the legislation that effected the school system. The history of Literacy Volunteers of America (LVA) and the role of the Monongalia County LVA affiliate are reviewed. A survey of the MCLVA is conducted to research educational attainment of parents, adult learners and children of adult learners. Finally, the WV driver’s license exam process is reviewed. Many adult learners have …

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The Bond Of An Enduring Relationship: United States-China Scientific Relations, 1949-1989., Yuegen Yu Jan 1999

The Bond Of An Enduring Relationship: United States-China Scientific Relations, 1949-1989., Yuegen Yu

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Science has long been a principle driving force in United States-China relations. It has served as the lasting bond of the two countries, enduring but often turbulent relationship. This dissertation is a study of the development of United States scientific relations with the People's Republic of China (PRC) from 1949 to 1989. Science was a key element in America's historical “special relationship” with China. The rich tradition of Sino-American scientific cooperation dated back to the 1840s. From the establishment of the PRC in 1949 to the Sino-American rapprochement in 1972, despite inactivity in scientific discourse between the two countries as …

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Functional Analysis: An Application To Mother-Infant Interactions., Karen Lynn Weigle Jan 1999

Functional Analysis: An Application To Mother-Infant Interactions., Karen Lynn Weigle

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Mother-infant interactions were investigated to: (a) determine the feasibility of simultaneously conducting functional analyses on two individuals' behaviors in an unstructured setting; (b) compare functional analysis results across the Motivational Assessment Scale (MAS), Functional Assessment Interview Form (FAIF), and videotaped observational data analyzed using conditional probabilities (CP); and (c) compare parenting stress and social support, and infant developmental level with patterns of interaction. Twenty-one mother-infant dyads, nine with developmental delays (DD), having infants between 12 and 36 months of age participated. Five home visits were conducted. In the first, mothers completed a questionnaire and interview regarding their infants' challenging behavior. …

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The Effects Of A Preschool Movement Program On Motor Skill Acquisition, Movement Concept Formation, And Movement Practice Behavior., Darren Luke Robert Jan 1999

The Effects Of A Preschool Movement Program On Motor Skill Acquisition, Movement Concept Formation, And Movement Practice Behavior., Darren Luke Robert

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

This study examined the effects of participation in a parent-involved movement instruction program, on the skill acquisition, concept formation, and movement practice behavior of preschool children. The research questions asked “What is the effect”: (1) of a nine week instructional program that emphasizes motor skills and movement concepts for parents and their preschool children on motor skill acquisition and movement concept demonstration of preschool children? (2) that parents as teachers have on the motor skill acquisition and movement concept formation of preschool children? (3) of enrolling in a nine-week movement program more than once on the acquisition of motor skills …

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A Study Of Teachers' Confidence Levels Toward Meeting The Computer Technology Instructional Objectives Of The West Virginia Dept. Of Education., Cathy Jo Rotunda Jan 1999

A Study Of Teachers' Confidence Levels Toward Meeting The Computer Technology Instructional Objectives Of The West Virginia Dept. Of Education., Cathy Jo Rotunda

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

The purpose of this study was to examine factors that would have an impact on training development for an established workforce facing reform initiatives. A two-part literature section includes an examination of existing research from educational theory, memory research, adult development theory, cognitive psychology, organizational, industrial, and personnel psychology, and instructional design models. The result is a set of guidelines for the training program developer who is concerned about implementation of reform strategies and resistance-to-change issues. The target workforce for this study was the West Virginia public school teacher. The reform initiative was the introduction of computer technology into the …

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The Effects Of Learning Geometry Using A Computer-Generated Automatic Draw Tool On The Levels Of Reasoning Of College Developmental Students., Lalah W. Larew Jan 1999

The Effects Of Learning Geometry Using A Computer-Generated Automatic Draw Tool On The Levels Of Reasoning Of College Developmental Students., Lalah W. Larew

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

The following study investigated the cognitive growth of college developmental geometry students enrolled in a one-semester course in introductory Euclidean Geometry. A quasi-experimental research design was used to determine if changes in cognitive growth occurred when students used a computer-generated automatic draw tool as an instructional aid. The subjects were a control group of 36 community-college students who learned geometry in a lecture-based formal and 27 students from the same college who learned geometry by using the automatic draw tool, GeoExplorer , for one-third of their instructional time. The van Hiele Theory of levels of thought in geometry was used …

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The Effect Of Postorganizers On Mathematics Achievement Following Lectures., Karen E. Mitchell Jan 1999

The Effect Of Postorganizers On Mathematics Achievement Following Lectures., Karen E. Mitchell

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

This experiment examined the impact of an enhanced graphic postorganizer on the amount of learning and retention college students realized from mathematics lectures given during a full semester. The study was a quasi-experiment in which intact classes of intermediate algebra students with similar mathematical backgrounds either completed the written postorganizer developed for the experiment after each lecture or took a quiz over the same lecture. The postorganizer emphasized concepts, definitions, relationships and student-developed explanations rather than procedures. The planned difference among the groups was the amount of involvement that the students had with the postorganizer. Students in the four groups …

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The Influence Of Racial Identity Development And Locus Of Control On The Career Self-Efficacy Of African-American Adolescents., Melanie Coleman Cosby Jan 1999

The Influence Of Racial Identity Development And Locus Of Control On The Career Self-Efficacy Of African-American Adolescents., Melanie Coleman Cosby

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Racial identity and locus of control are two constructs likely to have a significant impact on career self-efficacy (beliefs about one's ability to successfully perform in a given career). This study examines the influence of racial identity attitudes (as measured by the Racial Identity Attitude Scale-B) and locus of control (as measured by the Internal, Powerful Others, and Chance scales) on the career choice patterns and aspirations of African American adolescents (N = 101). It was predicted that gender differences would emerge in the expression of racial identity attitudes, locus of control, and career self-efficacy (as measured by the Career …

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Risk Based Capital Requirements And The United States Loan Market., Sudip Ghosh Jan 1999

Risk Based Capital Requirements And The United States Loan Market., Sudip Ghosh

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

This dissertation examines the effect of risk-based capital (RBC) requirements were introduced to the U.S. banking industry in the early 1990s and its influence on bank loans. A great deal of work has been spent on issues surrounding the credit crunch. Now the question is whether it is a coincidence of some kind that implementation of RBC requirements and the credit crunch happened around the same time or whether RBC requirements resulted in the credit crunch. Another issue is whether the impact of RBC requirements on U.S. bank lending behavior is permanent or temporary. The research focuses on the theoretical …

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The Effect Of Graphing Calculators On College Students' Ability To Solve Procedural And Conceptual Problems In Developmental Algebra., Mark Andrew Shore Jan 1999

The Effect Of Graphing Calculators On College Students' Ability To Solve Procedural And Conceptual Problems In Developmental Algebra., Mark Andrew Shore

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of the graphing calculator (namely the Casio 9850 or the TI-85) on college students' procedural skills and conceptual understanding in two different developmental mathematics courses. The developmental mathematics college courses that were used in this study were Elementary Algebra and Intermediate Algebra. For this study, both the non-graphing calculator group and the graphing calculator group were taught with the same goals. The students in the graphing calculator groups were allowed to use the graphing calculator in place of performing paper and pencil procedures in class and on all tests. Students …

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Motivational Characteristics Of Poor Readers: Evidence For Positive Change., Joan Marie Henderson Jan 1999

Motivational Characteristics Of Poor Readers: Evidence For Positive Change., Joan Marie Henderson

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Early reading experiences strongly influence a student's feelings of competence and motivation. Encounters with failure may lead to anxiety, limited effort, and negative responses that affect future performance. Therefore, instruction that fosters motivational factors and emphasizes success is critical, particularly when literacy attainment has not occurred. The interactive model of reading involves a balance between affective, cognitive, and social aspects of literacy engagement important for motivation. The purpose of this study was to examine the nature of how children who had failed to read responded to an interactive model of literacy instruction. The research conducted used qualitative methods and case …

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Semi-Automated Modeling Approaches To Route Selection In Gis, Binfei Chen Dec 1998

Semi-Automated Modeling Approaches To Route Selection In Gis, Binfei Chen

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

As an alternative to traditional graphical intuitive approaches (GIA), a semi-automated modeling approach (SMA) can more efficiently identify linear routes by using powerful iterative and automated methods. In this research, two case studies were investigated to examine critical issues relating to the accuracy and effectiveness of raster-defined algorithmic approaches to linear route location. The results illustrate that different shortest-path algorithms do not necessarily result in markedly different linear routes. However, differing results can occur when using different neighboring-cell links in the cell-based route network construction. Cell-based algorithmic approaches in both Arc/Info and IDRISI software generate very similar results which are …

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Generalizations Of Colorability And Connectivity Of Graphs, Xiankun Zhang Dec 1998

Generalizations Of Colorability And Connectivity Of Graphs, Xiankun Zhang

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Let G = (V, E) be a graph and A a non-trivial Abelian group, and let F( G, A) denote the set of all functions f : E (G) → A. Denote by D an orientation of E( G). Then G is A-colorable if and only if for every f ∈ F(G, A) there exists an A-coloring c: V( G) → A such that for every e = (x, y) ∈ E(G) (assumed to be directed from x to y), c( x)--c(y) ≠ f(e). We define the group chromatic number of c1 (G) to be the minimum number m for …

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Experimental And Modeling Studies On A Catalytic Packed Bed Membrane Reactor, Ashutosh G. Deshpande Dec 1998

Experimental And Modeling Studies On A Catalytic Packed Bed Membrane Reactor, Ashutosh G. Deshpande

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

In the present work, the effects of operating conditions in a catalytic packed bed membrane reactor were investigated with the reactant gases H 2 and CO flowing through the membrane tube, and an inert gas N 2 flowing on the outside. The reaction under study was methanol synthesis with BASF catalyst, and a gamma-alumina membrane with a nominal pore size of 40 A was used.;Preliminary experiments were carried out in the membrane reactor without any catalyst inside membrane to characterize it in terms of its flux, permeance, and selectivity of H2 over CO. Experiments were carried out in the packed …

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Rheological Properties Of Candle Filter Deposits At Elevated Temperatures And Pressures, Brian Robert Jordan Dec 1998

Rheological Properties Of Candle Filter Deposits At Elevated Temperatures And Pressures, Brian Robert Jordan

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

In order to improve the performance of hot gas ceramic candle filters, the theological properties of two types of filter deposits were studied. Black powder from the IGCC (Integrated Gasification Combined Cycle) provided consistent data when sampled from two different sources. This powder's mechanical properties were independent of elevated temperature conditions, suggesting that the particle adhesion process is controlled by the theological properties of the powder. Per US DOE request an apparatus was built to more accurately simulate candle filtration, and it was used to show that the process was unaffected by elevated inlet pressure conditions. The system was modeled …

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Identification Of Math Anxiety Subtypes, Aline Elizabeth Rabalais Dec 1998

Identification Of Math Anxiety Subtypes, Aline Elizabeth Rabalais

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Conceptualizations of mathematics anxiety, as well as factors that are empirically related to it, were identified from the existing literature. These factors are test, evaluation, trait, and state anxiety, as well as gender and level of math ability. Differences in these factors were hypothesized to distinguish subtypes of highly math anxious individuals from one another. In order to determine whether subtypes exist, cluster analyses were performed on a sample of 96 highly math anxious college students. The results revealed three clusters distinguished by completion time on two versions of a math test and age. Furthermore, participants' responses on a variety …

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Computational Models Of Particle Size Effects On Brittle Oxide Scale Erosion, Ravi S. Tangirala Dec 1998

Computational Models Of Particle Size Effects On Brittle Oxide Scale Erosion, Ravi S. Tangirala

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Metals and alloys designed for machines at elevated temperatures have microstructures and chemistries optimized to provide strength and resistance to oxidation. The majority of the commercial high temperatures metal or alloys intended to use at temperatures below 850°C or so rely on the formation of a continuous surface layer of essentially oxide scale for further oxidation resistance. Erosion of these machine parts by the small solid particle entrained in the liquid or gaseous working environment is a serious problem in many industrial applications. Numerous experiments have been conducted to obtain empirical relations for predicting material loss during erosion and to …

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Winter Movements And Habitat Use Of Northern Saw-Whet Owls At Assateague Island, Maryland, John Beaudry Churchill Dec 1998

Winter Movements And Habitat Use Of Northern Saw-Whet Owls At Assateague Island, Maryland, John Beaudry Churchill

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Ten Northern Saw-whet Owls were radio-tracked over two winters (1996 and 1997) at Assateague Island, Maryland. I used the fixed kernel method to calculate home range estimates for seven owls. Ninety-five percent home range sizes averaged 122.9 ha (range from 39.7--261.9 ha) but varied in size and shape. I also calculated adaptive kernel, harmonic mean, and minimum convex polygon home ranges for comparison of these methods. Habitat composition in 30% home ranges was compared with 95% home ranges and 30% and 95% home ranges were each compared with composition of the entire study area using compositional analysis.;Roost site characteristics were …

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Development And Validation Of A Modular Hybrid Electric Vehicle Simulation Model, William Frederick Kellermeyer Iii Dec 1998

Development And Validation Of A Modular Hybrid Electric Vehicle Simulation Model, William Frederick Kellermeyer Iii

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

To attempt to bring rigor and analysis to the design process, accurate simulation programs are crucial. Most hybrid electric vehicle hybrid electric vehicle (HEV) simulation programs are written for very specific component configurations and only allow changes in component sizes. These programs prove helpful only if one designs a component configuration similar to the one already simulated. A modular based program such as the one developed here allows simpler reconfiguration of the components for an accurate simulation of almost any component configuration design. This HEV simulation program allows for simulation of all three types of hybrids, with several engine types …

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Two-Stroke Linear Engine, Subhash Nandkumar Dec 1998

Two-Stroke Linear Engine, Subhash Nandkumar

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Linear, crankless, internal combustion engines may find application in the generation of electrical power without the need to convert linear to rotary motion. The elimination of the connecting rod and crankshaft can improve the efficiency of the engine significantly and the reduced weight and cost are added advantages. A linear, crankless, internal combustion engine prototype has been developed for electrical power generation in combination with a linear alternator. The operation of this engine is distinct from that of a conventional slider-crank mechanism engine, insofar as the motion of the two horizontally opposed pistons is not externally constrained. A two-stroke engine …

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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 …

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