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Friction Stir Spot Welding Of Aluminum Alloys, Wei Yuan

Masters Theses

"Efforts to reduce vehicle weight and improve safety performance have resulted in increased application of light-weight aluminum alloys and a recent focus on the weldability of these alloys. Friction stir spot welding (FSSW) is a solid state welding technique (derivative from friction stir welding (FSW), which was developed as a novel method for joining aluminum alloys). During FSSW, the frictional heat generated at the tool-workpiece interface softens the surrounding material, and the rotating and moving pin causes material flow. The forging pressure and mixing of the plasticized material result in the formation of a solid bond region. The present work …

Friction Stir Form Welding Of Aluminum Structures, Kamini Ashokkumar Gupta

Masters Theses

"The objective of this work was to demonstrate the applicability of friction stir welding (FSW) technology in the automotive industry. Increasing fuel prices, stringent safety and emission norms are continuously striving automakers to make lightweight, fuel efficient vehicles. Automotive engineers are researching for alternate materials in order to meet weight savings targets. Use of aluminum in place of steel in a car has been increasing for making lightweight vehicles. Conventional welding and spot welding are used as preferred joining methods by the automotive industry. However, if aluminum is used in place of steel alternate joining methods are to be researched. …

Effects Of Subchronic Dietary Lead Exposure On Dmtp And Dnmtp Performance In Fisher 344 Rats, Joshua D. Vardigan

Masters Theses

Recent attention has focused on the possibility that even low-level Pb exposure can produce subtle neurological impairments in the absence of overt signs of toxicity. Previous behavioral assessments of learning and memory using DMTS procedures have documented learning impairments in monkeys exposed to Pb during early postnatal development, and although a variety of operant behavioral assays have documented detrimental effects of dietary Pb treatment in rats, the DMTS procedure has not been examined in rats following short-term low levels of Pb through dietary exposure. Thus, the objective of this study was to measure the degree of cognitive impairment produced by …

The Effects Of Feedback On The Accuracy Of Completing Flight Checklists, William G. Rantz

Masters Theses

This study examined whether pilots completed airplane checklists more accurately when they received post-flight graphic and verbal feedback. Participants were 8 college student pilots with instrument rating. The task consisted of flying flight patterns using a Personal Computer Aviation Training Device. The main dependent variable was the number of checklist items completed correctly per flight. A multiple baseline design across pairs with reversal was used. During baseline, the average number of correctly completed items per flight varied considerably across participants, ranging from 21 to 39 out of 40. It increased to near perfect levels for all participants after they were …

Flow Structures In An Enclosed Simplified Full Scale Under-Hood Engine Compartment During Steady State Operation, Chin Hoong Leong

Masters Theses

An experimental study of flow structures in an enclosed simplified full scale under-hood engine compartment will be conducted during steady state operation using whole field velocity measuring technique. 2D Particle Image Velocimetry (PIV) is planned for multiple cross sections in the test volume. Emphasis is given on understanding the flow structures of the 3D under-hood flow using multiple 2D PIV measurements. A recent study conducted on the engine compartment only consists of three 2D PIV measurement cross sections that sufficiently display 2D flow behavior at specific regions. Therefore, a detailed 3D flow mapping in the enclosure on various cross sections …

Modulatory Efferent Morphology And Target Allocation With Co-Innervating Leech Motor Neurons, James Melchior

Masters Theses

The leech, Hirudo, has two efferents that converge upon the heart tube (HT) muscle; the segmentally iterated heart excitor motor neurons (HE), and the modulatory heart accessory neurons (HA). Using intracellular dye injections and antibody labeling, we were able to visualize and distinguish the morphologies of these two efferents. We found that HA(5) provides dense coverage of the anterior segments of heart tube muscle and extends along the HT into the posterior segments 6 and 7, while HA(6) projects centrally for several segments before extending into the periphery. HA(5) and HA(6) homologs show little or no overlap on HT …

Hiv/Aids Policies In The United States And The United Kingdom: Emerging At-Risk Groups And The Struggle For Limited Resources, Jennifer Lorren Willis

Masters Theses

This thesis compares the HIV/ AIDS policies in the United States of America and the United Kingdom since the emergence of the virus in 1981. Despite a privatized health care system in the U.S. and the universal system in the UK, which lie on opposite ends of the policy care spectrum, similar populations have recently emerged as those most in need of health care services, preventative programs, and financial assistance. This thesis employs several quantitative and qualitative data to highlight the emergence of women and minorities in both nations as those that are most in need of resources. Data has …

The Influence Of Teacher Expectations On Black And White Students' Academic Achievement: A Hierarchical Linear Modeling Analysis, Syprose A. Owaja

Masters Theses

This study examined the influence of teacher expectations based on student's and teacher's race on academic achievement of white versus black students using data from the National Educational Longitudinal Study. Modeling of interaction terms in level-1 resulted in six separate models (two for reading, and four for math). A two-level hierarchical linear modeling with students at level-1 and schools at level-2 was used in each model with application of a three-step modeling procedure in each analysis.

The results of the study were consistent with previous research that black students had lower achievement, and also elicited lower teacher expectations regarding achievement …

Nanosensors For The Detection Of Nerve Agents And Explosives, Deepak Kumar Thimmaraju

Masters Theses

The central hypothesis of this research was development of a novel nanosensor for the detection of nerve agents and explosives. The nanosensor assembly comprises a bottom up approach with nanoparticle (N), monomer (M), nanomolecule (N) and a receptor (R) as moieties of a NMNR assembly. My research was focused on evaluating receptors for their efficiency towards the target analytes such as nerve agents and explosives. Pi electron rich receptor 2-Phenyl-2-Propanol and its fluorinated analog 1,1,1,3,3,3-Hexafluoro-2-Phenyl-2-Propanol were investigated for their ability to detect nerve agents such as DCP, its analogs DMMP and HCl along with the explosives mono, di, and trinitrotoluene. …

Music Therapy With High-Risk Youth: An Exploration Of Current Practice, Beth A. Clark

Masters Theses

This study explored the practices of music therapists in the United States and Canada who had worked with high-risk youth within the previous ten years. High-risk youth were defined as those likely to experience a decline in global level of functioning due to one or more issues related to mental health, substance misuse, or other social, economic, or cultural disadvantages, including correctional system involvement, street-involvement, or unstable home environment. An online survey of credentialed music therapists was conducted to explore the areas of demographics, clinical practice and information-seeking. Music therapists working with high-risk youth were asked to identify the most …

An Evaluation Of The Impact Of Computerized Physician Order Entry On Medical Errors, Shannon Loewy

Masters Theses

The purpose of the present study was to examine the effects of a computerized physician order entry (CPOE) system on medication error. The study took place in a 343-bed hospital in the pediatrics inpatient unit. During baseline, participants placed medication orders in the same manner that they always had, handwriting them on a specific form and handing the form to the unit clerk who then faxed the order to the pharmacy. In the CPOE phase, participants used the computerized system to place orders, which were electronically sent to the pharmacy. The primary dependent variable was errors made during physician medication …

A Practical Guideline For Establishing Non-Return Valve Specification And Performance Criteria, Eric W. Dawkins

Masters Theses

The non-return valve has been a standard piece of equipment in the injection molding industry since the reciprocating screw was developed. Most molders understand the role of the non-return valve in the molding process. But few understand the functional problems of the non-return valve. Because of this, the non-return valve has been considered a nuisance item for injection molders.

Wear of the non-return valve is another problem that molders are faced with. The factors contributing toward wear are not entirely understood. Material, temperatures, hours and machine size, etc., all effect the life of a valve. Consequently, most worn valves are …

Leadership Behavior And Perceived Team Communication Effectiveness: A Study Of Division 1 College Hockey Coaches' Perceptions, William Chris Brooks

Masters Theses

The purpose of the research was to begin testing assumptions about coaches' leadership and team communication by starting with an examination of the relationship between a head coach's perception of his leadership behavior and his perception of the effectiveness of his team's communication.

The sample in the study consisted of fifty NCAA Division I Men's Head Hockey Coaches during the 2006-2007 season. Demographic data reported included the following: the participants' age, education level, nationality, number of years as a head coach, number of years as an assistant coach, 2006-2007 record, and number of years as head coach at their current …

Deconvolution And Segmentation Of Ground Penetrating Radar Images, Vincent Krause

Masters Theses

Ground Penetrating Radar is a valuable tool for infrastructure condition evaluation as well as in archaeology and geology. The image produced by a GPR scan can be difficult to interpret due to the weak reflection amplitude, the overlap of reflections, and due to outside interference. This thesis proposes an algorithm to automate GPR scan interpretation. This will enable maintenance engineers to read GPR scans quickly and accurately.

The proposed algorithm framework uses an optimization-based deconvolution technique followed by a segmentation process. Each column of the image is deconvoluted and thus reducing them to a list of ordered pairs of reflection …

Nanomaterial Composites For The Detection Of Nerve Gas Analogs, Yogesh Datar

Masters Theses

The basis of the research work described here is the use of nanocomposite materials built by bottom-up approach for the selective detection of nerve gas analogs. Nanocomposites materials constructed by using nanoparticle-monomer-receptor (NMR) concept have been utilized to detect nerve gas analogs DCP and DMMP. Synthetic approach used in the construction of nanosensors involved use of robust platforms such as silica nanoparticles and fluorescent quantum dots. Highly conjugated receptor molecules were synthesized by using stilbeneoid compounds. A complete opto-nanosensor was developed by anchoring highly conjugated receptor molecules onto the silica nanoparticles as well as onto the quantum dots. The opto-nanosensors …

Wal-Mart Versus Meijer: A Spatial And Economic Analysis Of Supercenter Competition In Michigan, Christopher J. Washebek

Masters Theses

My research will examine the spatial and demographic strategies of supercenter firms in the State of Michigan, namely those operated by Meijer, Inc. and Wal-Mart, Inc. The competitive nature of retailing in Michigan shifted heavily in 2000 when Wal-Mart brought its Supercenter format to Michigan, making it a direct competitor to Meijer, who has operated in Michigan since 1962. Within seven years, Wal-Mart expanded its Michigan Supercenter operations from one in 2000 to forty-five in 2007. In many cases, small towns throughout the state are supporting both Meijer and a Wal-Mart Supercenter. Heavy competition of this nature between two supercenter …

Breaking The Be Nice Rule: Direct Action Community Organizing, Adriana Rosas

Masters Theses

Focusing on the Kalamazoo Homeless Action Network (KHAN), this thesis explores the dynamics of transformation in community organizing, and the crucial and often complicated role of anger in that process. Current Anthropological literature on the topic of resistance and poverty leaves unexamined the micropolitics of individuals' transformation as they become civically engaged as well as the laborious organizing techniques culminating in such events that lead to social change and individual empowerment. I will contribute to the literature on poverty and resistance by examining the 'behind-the-scenes' dimensions of direct action community organizing that influence individual and social transformation. Through this examination …

The Effect Of A Skyrme Interaction On Nucleon Induced Reactions, Yingfa Zhang

Masters Theses

The main goal of this Master thesis is the theoretical study of the interaction between a nucleon and a nucleus. This is a fundamental method to study the structure and dynamics of nuclear systems. This thesis concentrates on the study of nucleon scattering on light nuclei, ⁶Li, ⁷Li and ¹⁴N, with the effective interaction M3Y and its modification by adding a Skyrme force. This is the first time the Skyrme interaction has been employed in scattering calculations. From a comparison of the measured differential cross section σ (θ) and the analyzing power Ay (θ) for ⁶Li …

No Child Left Behind: The Process Behind The Policy, Amanda Patience Beedie

Masters Theses

My research will entail studying the political policy making process m reference to the education policy, No Child Left Behind (NCLB). The purpose of this Masters thesis is to take a more in-depth look of how the policy process functions, the steps used in the policy process, and if the steps are a valid process.

This study will look at the early. theories of the policy process. I am going to look at the classic works done by J. Leiper Freeman, Randall B. Ripley and Grace A. Franklin, and Theodore J. Lowi and their views on subgovemments. I will also …

Synthesis And Characterization Of Ruthenium Bipyridyl Complexes For Detecting Nerve Gas Agents And Explosives, Arambe Gedara Aruna Weerasinghe

Masters Theses

Five novel 2,2 '-bis bi pyridine Ru(II) complexes have been synthesized and characterized using ¹H NMR, ¹³C NMR, ¹H-¹H-COSY, elemental analysis, fast atom bombardment or electrospray mass spectra and electronic absorption spectroscopy. Binding of Ru (11) complexes with nerve gas analogos such as diethyl chlorophosphate (DCP), dimethyl methyl phosphonate (DMMP) and hydrolyzed product (HCl) has been investigated by electronic absorption, fluorescence, and lifetime studies. Compound 1 showed a quenching in ³MLCT emission after an initial increase in intensity upon the addition of DCP with a bathochromic shift of 25 nm. Compound 2 exhibit a …

Design Of Multi-Electron Transfer Catalysts For The Reduction Of Trichloroethylene, Christopher Gerard Eman Ciptadjaya

Masters Theses

For decades, organohalide (RX) compounds have been heavily used in the chemical and pharmaceutical industries and in agriculture as pesticides. Improper disposal of organohalides has resulted in their presence in the environment as pollutants, and they have therefore presented serious environmental and toxicological concerns. These organohalides have been associated with various health and environmental problems. Therefore, effective methods for their remediation are required. We have developed a multi-electron transfer (MET) catalyst consisting of flavin mononucleotide anchored to nanocrystalline mesoporous titanium dioxide (TiO₂) thin films, and examined its reactivity toward the organohalide pollutant trichloroethylene (TCE). Various environmental factors were …

Neuropsychopharmacological Investigations Of Mdma/Cocaine Combinations, John J. Panos

Masters Theses

Despite the popularity of polydrug abuse among recreational MDMA users, relatively few controlled experimental studies have documented the neurobehavioral effects of MDMA in combination with other abused substances. In this study, the neurochemical and behavioral effects of MD MA/cocaine combinations were assessed using in vivo microdialysis with simultaneous measurement of locomotor activity (LMA). Rats were administered cocaine (10 mg/kg or 20 mg/kg, IP), MDMA (1.5 mg/kg or 3.0 mg/kg, IP) or combinations of cocaine and MDMA during microdialysis experiments. Microdialysis samples were collected every 30 min for three hours prior to drug injections. Following drug administration, six additional 30 min …

Moment Of Encounter: A Critical Exploration Of Parent-School Communication, Gary Samuel Marx

Masters Theses

Relationships among parents and schools are situated in a complex hegemony. Communication is central to the identification and construction of power in schools. Schools employ a model of communication that locates power predominately with their representatives and values parents for conformity to organizational expectations. Shared power relationships challenge actors to encounter one another and co-contribute to the development of children. The goal of this study is to uncover various meanings and understandings from what parents recall from Moments of Encounter with school personnel. Such an examination is designed to reveal power at the microlevel, in the encounter itself, as well …

Estimating Sea Level Due To Crustal Stretching In The Margin Of The Indian Ocean, Kisa Mwakanyamale

Masters Theses

Continental crust extension is a precursor to the formation of a new ocean. The overall crustal extension causes change in the volume of global oceans hence change in sea level. The break-up of Gondwana that began during Late Triassic to Early Jurassic time caused continental crustal extension prior to forming the Indian Ocean. Extension started 184 Ma with rifting between SE Africa, Madagascar and Antarctica. This was followed by rifting between Greater India, Australia and Antarctica beginning about 160 Ma. The most recent episode of extension occurred 34 Ma involving separation between Arabia and Horn of Africa. Gridded data sets …

Fundamental Investigation Of Vesicle Bilayer Membrane Dynamics, Wilson Okumu

Masters Theses

We studied the bilayer of vesicles from dimyristolyphosphatidylcholine (DMPC), using nitrobenzoxadiazole (NBD) probes, attached to the head (NBD-PE) and the tail (NBD-PC) of phospholipid derivatives. We characterized the bilayer as it underwent reversible transition from the gel to the fluid through a phase transition range. The main phase transition was characterized by steady state and timeresolved fluorescence anisotropy, fluorescence intensity decrement and kinetics of dithionite reduction. We also studied DMPC with dihydrocholesterol. Differences between the surface and interior regions of the bilayer region were obtained. The activation barrier was enthalpic in the gel, entropic in the fluid phase and anomalous …

Using Non-Fiction Conventions To Improve Expository Reading In 6* Grade History, Annie Whitlock

Masters Theses

Students often have very little experience with textbooks before they reach the middle and upper grades. Teachers of content areas in these grades also have very little resources available to help these students. In this study, a curriculum was developed to teach specific non-fiction conventions to 6th grade students in a history classroom. The purpose of the study was to test the hypothesis that this developed curriculum would positively impact these students’ abilities to use non-fiction conventions while reading their textbook. The results of the study revealed that after being taught the developed curriculum, the students made improvements and showed …

Assessing The Efficacy Of Field Training Officers’ Organizational Maturity And Their Decision To Utilize Communicative Competencies, Michael White

Masters Theses

The focus of this study was the examination of communication issues in the field of law enforcement in order determine what effect if any, an officers’ organizational maturity has on their decision to utilize verbal and or non-verbal communications when performing their job, especially when interacting with citizens.

The scope of this study is limited, as the research is only concerned with the opinions of patrol officers regarding their ability to effectively communicate verbally and non-verbally. In order to obtain patrol officer perspectives regarding this issue, and for convenience sake, a non-probability sample was established in which field training officers …

A Study Of The Relationship Between Semiotic Content In Commercial Email Subject Lines And The Decision By The Recipient To Open The Message, Stephen J. Johnson

Masters Theses

The writings of Saussure, Peirce, Barthes, Eco and others express theories that symbols, signs, and signals are integral elements in the assignation of meaning within general human communication. Email marketing specialists such as Stephanie Miller, Andy Goldman, and Jeannieay Mullen opine that it is the email recipient’s inferences regarding the words in the address or subject lines that are the primary determinants in the decision whether or not to first open and subsequently respond to a commercial email. It would then seem that email marketers would be well served by understanding what forms these inferences in the minds of the …

Using Art In Occupational Therapy With People Who Have Cancer: A Qualitative Case Study, Jennifer R. Dochod

Masters Theses

OBJECTIVE. To explore the role of art, with a small group of people who have cancer, as a means provide distraction from pain, to help express feelings, and to assist in making connections with others.

METHOD. Using a randomized sample from Gilda’s Club, a support center for those with cancer, in-house social workers recruited two participants to take part in a small group case study conducted by a master’s level occupational therapy student.

RESULTS. Two participants enrolled in the art class conducted by the researcher. Predetermined questions gathered through participant interviews and class discussions provided the data. Although the participant …

Examining The Septuagint: An Exploration Of The Greek Old Testament's Unique Heritage And Lasting Impact On The New Testament, Cara Lynne Murphy

Masters Theses

The Greek Old Testament has been a focus of speculation and study since its entrance into the religious culture of the Diasporic Jews. Legends and myths surround the creation of the Septuagint, and its use by the New Testament authors only added to the questions surrounding this ancient text. The questions this thesis will seek to address are three-fold. First, what does historical evidence prove regarding the origin of the Septuagint? The dating, the location, and the nature of the Septuagint’s creation are each open debates within biblical scholarship. While this thesis will not attempt to prove conclusively the answers …