Digital Commons Network^™

Residual Stress And Wear Resistance Of Composite Coatings Of Nickel/Gamma-Alumina, Khaled Abdulrahman Al-Ogab

Masters Theses

Nickel reinforced with nanoparticles of γ−Al₂O₃ have been successfully codeposited on 2024-T3 cold rolled aluminum alloy by electrodeposition with direct current. The effects of current density, particle concentration in the nickel sulfamate bath, air agitation, and coating time on Ni/γ−Al₂O₃ composite have been investigated. The residual stresses and wear resistance of the Ni/γ−Al₂O₃ composite have been measured using X-ray diffractometer and pin-on-disk techniques respectively. The residual stress and wear resistance behavior of the composite were compared with those of nickel-only deposits. An annealed ground nickel, which was mechanically removed from the …

The Influence Of Base Sheet Sizing On The Print Quality Of Matte Coated Ink Jet Papers, Saurabh K. Halwawala

Masters Theses

The most recent developments in ink-jet papers have been related to coating aμd pigment technology. Silica is the preferred pigment for matte coated ink-jet papers. Besides being expensive, the high surface area and porosity of this pigment limits the percentage coating solids to less than 30-35%, which increases production cost due to higher dryer loads. Thus, a need exists to develop a new generation of pigments. The objective of this research was to evaluate the effect of base sheet absorbency on the surface, as well as print properties of matte coated ink-jet papers using a new pigment capable of being …

Reconsidering The Auricular Surface As An Indicator Of Age At Death, Daniel Osborne

Masters Theses

Using standards established by Lovejoy et al. (1985) to score and estimate age at death from auricular surface morphology, the auricular surfaces of 266 individuals of documented age from two different skeletal collections (Terry and Bass Donated Collections) were examined. The age, sex and race of the individuals used in the study were unknown to the investigator during analysis. This study supports the claim proposed in the original study that auricular surface morphology is unaffected by an individual's sex or race. However, this study indicates that auricular surface morphology does not change as regularly with age as was originally proposed. …

Ostensible Abductions, Real Anthropology, Timothy F. Mccauley

Masters Theses

A gap has developed in the research agenda of contemporary anthropology with regard to a phenomenon which has received notable attention from research professionals in other fields, such as history and psychiatry. What has been called the "alien abduction phenomenon" has had considerable impact, not only on those who sincerely believe these events are an everyday part of human experience (called "abductees") but also on the changing tapestry of American culture. Alien abduction accounts are closely related to the Unidentified Flying Object (UFO) phenomenon, a theme which has shaped American culture since the tum of the century. This thesis represents …

Texture And Young’S Modulus Of Nickel/Gamma-Alumina Composites, Abdulaziz Alamr

Masters Theses

To improve Young's modulus of 2024-T3 rolled aluminum specimens, it was electroplated with nickel reinforced with nano-particles of γAl₂O₃. Taguchi method was used to investigate the effect of coating variables, which were current density, coating time, and mixing rate, on the coating thickness. The coatings were tested for crystallographic texture, using pole figures of (200) and (111) for nickel and (400) for γAl₂O₃. Surface topography was measured using WYKO Vertical Interference Microscope. The crystallographic texture of nickel in the coating depended on the coating conditions. A universal testing machine was- used to …

Allosteric Tuning Of Ruthenium 2,2’-Bipyridyl Luminescent Sensor Systems, Daqing Gan

Masters Theses

A series of new ruthenium bipyridyl crown supramolecular sensor systems containing two binding sites were synthesized. The crystal structure and photophysical properties of the developed sensor systems were thoroughly studied using x-ray, nuclear magnetic resonance and photoscopy methods. It turned out that the chelation of transition metal on the remote sites of the bipyridyl crown ligands greatly reduced the reactivity of the crown cavity. It is believed that the chelation of transition metal on the nitrogen atoms forces the bipyridyl function towards coplanarity and restricts the conformational freedom of the crown ring. The conformational rigidity in turn influences the binding …

Small Below-Endurance-Limit Cycle Damage Contributions In Variable Sequence Loading For 2024-T351 Aluminum Alloy, Christopher M. Ngiau

Masters Theses

It is a common practice in industry today to totally discard the presence of small below-endurance/fatigue limit cycles while calculating damage accumulation using the Palmgren-Miner rule. However, it was experimentally found in a number of studies that small cycles with stress amplitudes below the fatigue/endurance limit do in fact contribute significantly to the damage accumulation in all types of materials. There was a need to investigate cases where small cycles would only be present for a certain percentage of the material's life. An experimental study was done on 2024- T351 aluminum alloy. Loading was done in low and high cyclic …

Do Safety Observers Perform More Safely As A Result Of Conducting Observations?, Alicia M. Alvero

Masters Theses

Behavior-based safety (BBS) is an effective approach to improving safety within organizations, and has been implemented across a wide variety of settings. The two major components of BBS are the observation process and the delivery of feedback. Literature on feedback is abundant, but experimentation and scientific evidence on effects of the observation process are nonexistent. Typically, supervisors or employees involved in BBS implementations conduct observations of other employees' behavior, but the effects of conducting observations on an observer's safety performance is not known. The present study was a first attempt at assessing these effects. A multiple baseline counterbalanced across two …

The Relationships Among The Stimulus Functions And The Clinical Effects Of Methylphenidate In Children Diagnosed With Adhd, Emily K. Macdonald

Masters Theses

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is the most commonly diagnosed childhood psychiatric disorder in the United States. Approximately 90% of children receiving pharmacological treatment for ADHD receive the stimulant methylphenidate (MPH). MPH is associated with positive effects across many behavioral domains, yet the mechanisms through which it exerts clinical effects have not been conclusively determined. MPH produces reinforcing and subjective effects, however it is not understood how these functions relate to clinical effects. The present study examined the relationship among several stimulus functions and the clinical effects of MPH. Participants were 5 children (aged 10-14) diagnosed with ADHD who were …

Role Of Dopamine D4 Receptor In The Genomic And Behavioral Effects Of Psychostimulants: Relevance To Schizophrenia, Bina Garimella

Masters Theses

The role of dopamine D4 receptors in the induction and expression of behavioral sensitization to amphetamine, cocaine and PCP was investigated in this study. Behavioral changes and genomic responses accompanying sensitization were examined using a highly selective D4 receptor antagonist, PNU-101387G. Induction and expression of behavioral sensitization to cocaine was blocked by PNU-101387G. However, the D4 antagonist did not modulate the induction and expression of behavioral sensitization to PCP. Neuroadaptive genomic responses accompanying acute and chronic effects of amphetamine and their modulation by PNU-101387G was examined by looking at alterations in the expression of two immediate-early genes: c-fos and NGFI-A. …

The Utilization Of Spirituality In Occupational Therapy: Beliefs, Practices, And Barriers, Jennifer S. Collins

Masters Theses

Spirituality has become an increasingly important topic in healthcare and specifically in occupational therapy. Previous studies of spirituality in occupational therapy indicated that while therapists believed spirituality was important to health and rehabilitation potential, few therapists reported incorporating spirituality into treatment (Engquist, Short-DeGraff, Gliner, & Oltjenbruns, 1997; Howe, 1996; Rose, 1999). This study utilized a survey design to examine occupational therapists' current beliefs and practices regarding spirituality, as well as asking therapists to identify barriers to the use of spirituality in treatment.

The results of this study indicate that beliefs and practices regarding spirituality in occupational therapy may be changing. …

Eustasy Determination From Borehole Data, Onshore New Jersey: New Boreholes And New Porosity Estimates, William Alan Van Sickel

Masters Theses

Backstripping analysis of detailed stratigraphic data from the Bass River and Ancora boreholes on the New Jersey Coastal Plain (Ocean Drilling Project Leg 17 4AX) was conducted to test and refine previous eustatic estimates (Kominz et al., 1998) and provide new Upper Cretaceous estimates. Porositydepth relationships required by the backstripping method were estimated to supplement those from the Cost B-2 well (Rhodehamel, 1977). Sand and mud porosity at shallow depths (<500 m) obtained here are higher than was seen at the Cost B-2 well.

The Bass River and Ancora boreholes targeted older sequences of the Upper Cretaceous to Paleocene. This new data allow for more accurate estimate of the magnitude of long-term sea-level …

Determinants Of Health Promoting Behaviors In Older Adults, Kay Wallace

Masters Theses

The purpose of this study was to examine relationships between Health Locus of Control, selected demographic variables, and the Health Promoting Behaviors of Physical Activity and Nutrition in older persons. Pender’s (1996) Health Promotion Model (HPM) was used as the conceptual framework to guide this study.

The sample consisted of 48 subjects, aged 65 years and older, who resided in senior living centers. The subjects were predominantly Caucasian (94%) and female (81%). Research instruments were self-administered questionnaires that consisted of demographic data, the Health Promoting Lifestyle Profile II, and the Multidimensional Health Locus of Control Scale.

No significant relationships between …

Buddhism Reconsidered: A Presuppositional Critique Of Theravada Buddhist Philosophy As Interpreted By David Kalupahana And Illuminated By Other Select Buddhist Scholars, Michael Collender

Masters Theses

No abstract provided.

Photophysical Study Of Linked 1,4,7-Triazacyclonane Cr (Iii) Complexes, Weizhen Tu

Masters Theses

A series of mono and bimetallic Cr(III) complexes based on the 1,4,7- triazacyclonoane(TACN) were prepared. Complexes of the Cr(TACN)X₃ , and Cr₂(DTNE)X₆ demonstrated marked difference of photophysical properties on the nature of X. In cases where X is more easily oxidized, enhanced extinction coefficient in the ⁴A₂ ➔ ²T, absorption and larger quantum yield of emission at 77K were observed in the dimer complexes. Shorter lifetime and enhanced decay rate were also found in the dimer complexes suggests that there might exists weak coupling behavior between the two Cr(III) metal cents in the …

Isolation And Characterization Of A Genetic Locus That Confers Tolerance To Cadmium And Zinc In Pseudomonas Fluorescens, Szi Fei Feng

Masters Theses

This thesis describes the isolation and characterization of a region containing several genes involved in metal tolerance in the common soil bacterium, Pseudomonas fluorescens ATCC 13525. The DNA region was identified in a cadmium and zinc sensitive mutant, 45-B10, which contains a lacZ-based reporter gene transposon Tn5-B20 inserted in the chromosome. The DNA surrounding the transposon was cloned from this mutant strain and DNA sequencing of this region revealed seven genes that share similarity with genes whose products are involved in the cation-proton antiporter efflux system of other Gram-negative bacteria. Complete DNA sequence was obtained from four of these …

Reaction Of Caffeic Acid With Amino Acids, Yonggang Wang

Masters Theses

The reaction of caffeic acid with tryptophan was studied as a model for the reaction of caffeic acid with amino acids in the aquatic environment. Although the autoxidation reaction of caffeic acid in aqueous solution with subsequent dimerization had been previously studied, it was examined as well for comparison purposes. The present studies demonstrate that oxidized caffeic acid would react with tryptophan. The reaction, like the dimerization reaction, was catalyzed by the presence of iron(III) ions at low pH ( <4) and by hydroxide ions at high pH (10). The reaction of caffeic acid with itself yielded six products, four of which were identified by mass spectroscopy as dimers, with the other two being trimers. The reaction of caffeic acid with tryptophan yielded three product peaks. Two of the product peaks had similar retention times to the dimers from the self-reaction of caffeic acid; the third was a new product resulting from the reaction of caffeic acid with the tryptophan.

A mechanism for the reaction of caffeic acid with tryptophan has been proposed. This mechanism was based on the analysis …

Development Of A Photoinitiator Blend For Uv Cured Inks And Coatings, Madhu Bansal

Masters Theses

The purpose of this study is to develop a new standard blend of photoinitiators, having properties of low odor, high solubility, faster curing, and being efficient for pigmented as well as for clear systems. In the process, we expect to understand the behavior of mixtures of photoinitiators and their resulting UV spectra. An important first step is to prepare different blend with different photoinitiator and characterize them on cure basis. Curing properties were studied by the KMnO₄ yellow stain density test. The absorption range in the UV spectra was measured for each Photoinitiator with methanol and acrylate as background …

God And Morality: An Analysis And Critique Of The Secular Ethic Of Kai Neilsen, Keith A. Wilson

Masters Theses

No abstract provided.

Reading Between The Lines: The Business Discourse Of Globalization, Using Amway As A Local Example, Darlene Bos

Masters Theses

Corporate globalization has become an increasingly discussed topic. The impacts of corporate globalization have been studied on many fronts. This thesis seeks to examine how these worldwide impacts are tied to the individuals in the U.S. that consent to and comply with corporate globalization. This thesis is specifically concerned with the impacts of corporate globalization on workers in the U.S. and around the world. Discourse is the way in which information and ideas are expressed and shared. Discourse is the key to understanding the ideology behind corporate globalization. This thesis looks at the discourse about globalization within one company, Amway. …

Toward A Provident Working Class: French And English Social Reform Rhetoric, 1880-1914, James R. Gavan

Masters Theses

This research examines the rhetoric of belle epoque English and French middle class social observers. Addressing the "social question," they engaged in a debate on how best to appease an impoverished, alienated, and increasingly militant working class. Historians cite this discourse, and the meager legislation it fostered, as a transition from the unbridled nineteenth century laissez-faire to the welfare democracy characteristic of the twentieth century.

Central to the "social question" was the issue of improving social relations without altering existing class hierarchies (which favored the middle classes). Many social commentators shunned the passage of legislative safety nets in favor of …

Time Series Analysis Of Twenty Year Hourly Precipitation Record In Oshtemo, Michigan, Robert James Ruhf

Masters Theses

Hourly precipitation data from Oshtemo Township four miles (6.4 km) west of Kalamazoo, Michigan were examined for the period of July 18, 1979 through March 31, 2000.

Diurnal analysis of precipitation was performed on years, months, seasons, and the overall period of record. An overall maximum in the mean accumulation of precipitation was detected around 2000 LT, while a secondary maximum was detected during the morning hours. Elevated spring and fall accumulations were responsible for the evening maximum. Elevated summer and winter accumulations were responsible for the secondary morning maximum.

The pulse analysis of the time series of hourly precipitation …

Mass, Michael J. Miller

Masters Theses

MASS is a musical setting of the ordinary parts of the mass: Kyrie, Gloria, Credo, Sanctus, and Agnus Dei. These five texts constitute the bulk of Christian liturgy for well over the past millennia. MASS is scored for SATB chorus and small chamber orchestra.

The primary concept from which the movements derive their harmonic material is "chiasmus." A chiasmus is an inverted relationship between the syntactic elements of parallel phrases, as in the phrase "to stop too fearful, and too faint to go." It is a rhetorical device that is the basis of much Hebrew thought and permeates …

Piano Concerto, Ho Jun Lee

Masters Theses

This composition, Piano Concerto, represents the form of theme and variations. This composition is comprised of nine sections: Introduction, Theme, and seven variations. The theme comes from Korean folk song "Saeya Saeya Pahrahng Saeya," having a three-note melody that utilizes a three-note scale. Each variation features different variation techniques or combination of different techniques. These include rhythmic transformation, melody squeeze, contrapuntal technique, harmonic changes, meter changes, pattern changes, texture differentiation, and timbre changes.

The Role Of Nf-Кb Activation In Breast Carcinoma And Glioblastoma Cell Lines, Kelly T. Murphy

Masters Theses

The nuclear factor-КB (NF-КB)/Rel family of inducible dimeric transcription factors regulates numerous genes associated with the immune, mitogenic, and apoptotic responses. Investigations were made into the role of NF-КB in breast carcinoma (MCF-7, T47D, MDA-MB-231) and glioblastoma (U87MG, U373MG, Ul 18MG) cell lines. NF-КB binding to DNA was quantified using both gel mobility shift assays and transient transfections of a vector containing a luciferase gene under the control of 4 tandem copies of the NF-КB binding sequence. To determine the correlation between NF-КB activation, cellular proliferation, and foci formation, the tumor cells were cultured and analyzed in the presence of …

The Benefits Of Observational Learning On The Mathematics Achievement Of Fourth Grade Students Involved In Peer Tutoring Sessions, Trisha R. Parish

Masters Theses

Many students struggle with mathematical concepts and operations. This leads educators to search for the most effective and efficient means of improving their academic performance. The present investigation sought to determine if a triadic peer-tutoring program would increase the acquisition of basic multiplication facts for fourth grade students. Secondly, this investigation assessed the extent to which students would benefit from observational learning opportunities within the peer tutoring sessions. A multiple baseline design across two peer-tutoring triads was utilized with student performance being assessed by measuring responses to flashcard presentations and completion of three types of mathematics probes. The first type …

A Study To Determine Why Some Women Age Fifty And Over Choose Not To Have Frequent Papanicolaou Tests, Dorothy Hicks-Burchwell

Masters Theses

This discriptive study used the Health Belief Model to examine the benefits, barriers, and action cues to obtaining Papanicolaou tests perceived by women age 50 and older. A convenience sample of 48 women were interviewed. Comparisons were made between those who obtained Papanicolaou tests at least every three years (n = 24) and those who did not (n = 24)..

One cue to action and four perceived benefits were found to be important influences. Women who had received Papanicolaou tests less frequently than every three years agreed that certain barriers had influenced their decisions more than women who had received …

The Development Of A Fmea Process For Design And Maintenance, Tearesa Lynn Wegscheid

Masters Theses

Failure Modes and Effects Analysis (FMEA) is a systematic way to identify and evaluate potential product and process related failure modes, the associated causes of failures, and the necessary actions to eliminate or reduce the chance of the failure. There are a number of published manuals and books on FMEA. The materials provide a definition of the FMEA form and examples of the Design and Process FMEA. However, there are many inconsistencies throughout the literature. As a result, FMEA is not always value-added.

The thesis is twofold. First, it documents a case study that uses Design FMEA extensively. The case …

An Investigation Into The Influence Of Common Fillers On Color Reversion Of Bctmp Pulp, Joseph N. Mikowski

Masters Theses

Recent advances in the pulping and bleaching of high-yield pulps, particularly bleached thermomechanical pulp, have made these pulps suitable replacements for bleached kraft pulps. Unfortunately, these high-yield pulps are not appropriate for making high-grade papers because of their tendency to yellow. Extensive efforts have been made to reduce the yellowing, but none of the methods that have been investigated have been at once both practical and economical.

This study investigated the ability of common pigments used in the paper industry to reduce the extent of yellowing of an 80/20 blend of bleached chemithermomechanical and bleached softwood kraft pulp. The effectiveness …

Relationships Between Land Cover Change And Breeding Birds In Kalamazoo County, Michigan, Daniel Mark Hoffman

Masters Theses

Effective conservation planning of breeding birds requires knowledge of responses to landscape change and pattern. This study analyzed associations between land cover type and change among three ecological groups, forest birds, shrubland birds, and grassland birds using Breeding Bird Survey (BBS) data for Kalamazoo County, Michigan. Land cover maps for the years 1974 and 1996 were produced to assess land cover changes for BBS data from the period 1970-1996. The Pearson coefficient of correlation was used to correlate land cover type percent within BBS radii and the total birds of a bird group observed within each radius. Conclusions of the …