Digital Commons Network^™

Alkyl Nitrates During The Prophet ’98 Summer Intensive, Kristi A. Ostling

Masters Theses

As part of the PROPHET intensive held at the University of Michigan Biological Station in northern Michigan, a gas chromatography system for making fast-turnaround measurements of C1 to C5 alkyl nitrates was developed and deployed from July 19 to August 21, 1998. Every 30 minutes, samples were automatically acquired on a small Tenax trap made from silicosteel column and injected on a GC column by thermal desorption prior to ECD detection. Tests performed to measure breakthrough and on-trap destruction indicated no breakthrough for C3, C4, and C5 nitrates and excellent stability for these compounds on the trap. Chromatographic resolution of …

Stratigraphic Analysis Of Diamicton Units In North-Central St. Joseph County, Michigan, Andrew C. Flint

Masters Theses

Seven subsurface glacial diamicton units, including a paleosol, have been characterized from two borings in north-central St. Joseph County, Michigan. These units have been characterized in terms of their clay mineralogy, texture, color, and stratigraphic position. t-Tests confirm that each unit displays a significant difference in mean 7A/10A peak height ratio from all other units.

Unit 4, informally called the Gray Marker tilt has been correlated between borings in this study and to the findings of others (Gardner, 1997, Nicks, in preparation). The Newbury till described by the Indiana Geological Survey (unpublished data) may also correlate to Unit 4, raising …

The Educational Nature Reserve Problem: Selecting A Prairie Reserve Location For The Kalamazoo Nature Center, Theresa M. Mau-Crimmins

Masters Theses

This study investigates a complex location-planning problem that is often faced by managers of nature centers: how to select sites on which to position new habitat reserves. Mission statements of these establishments often indicate objectives of habitat preservation and public education. Inherent in land preservation is a limited amount of traffic through the area. In contrast, in order for visitors to fully experience an ecosystem, access to the site is required.

In order to address site selection problems at such institutions, the Educational Nature Reserve Model was developed. This model fits situations in which the conflicting goals of conservation and …

Effect Of Calendering On Flexographic Print Ability Of Linerboard, William P. Woods

Masters Theses

Today's corrugated board end user demands a higher quality than ever. Retailing techniques are moving toward so-called ''value-added packaging," which consists of high quality printed packaging that works to sell the product from the shelf. To preserve'its dominance in the corrugated market, the flexographic printing industry must find new ways to cost effectively satisfy the new demands.

One possibility is the use of an additional calendering step to give the linerboard better printability. This study evaluated two different types of calenders: the shoe (extended nip) calender and the hot/soft nip calender (Appendix A). The test material was commercially produced linerboard, …

Independent Readers Increase Library Use, Joanne Patricia Harrell

Masters Theses

This study focuses on the use of the Accelerated Reader^R program at Ellis Elementary School in Belding, Michigan. The students were introduced to the program in January, 1999. The students were encouraged to use the program through the end of the school year, June, 1999.

The Accelerated Reader (AR) program is a reading program which uses the computer to test students on literature-based books from the library they have read independently. Students earn points for the tests that they pass based on the number right and the difficulty of the book. The computer keeps track, for the students and …

The Lived Experience Of Bosnian Refugees Who Have Suffered As A Result Of Genocide, Gazelle Raven Animalia

Masters Theses

In 1992, Bosnian Serbian and Serbian forces launched a campaign of genocide against Muslim and Croatian civilians in Bosnia-Herzegovina. This nightmarish odyssey ended for many non-Serbians when they escaped to other countries. Many of these families chose to come to the United States.

The purpose of this study was to examine the lived experience of Bosnian refugees who suffered as a result of genocide. The research method used for this study was a phenomenological method based on Husserlian philosophy. Four Bosnian refugees, who escaped to a midwestem state during and after the war, were asked to answer the following research …

The Effects Of Supplemental Protein On Urea Nitrogen Excretion In Women 40-70 Years Old, Tammy D. Moran

Masters Theses

The problem of this study was to determine the effect of supplemental liquid protein in women 40-70 years of age over a 4-week period. Weeks 1 and 3 served as the control period. During this time, no particular diet regime was required, but protein drinks were prohibited. The treatment condition occurred during Weeks 2 and 4. During this time, subjects consumed two protein drinks each day for a period of 7 days. Twenty-four hour urine collections occurred at the end of each week. Urine was analyzed for the presence of urea nitrogen. The dependent variables were urinary urea nitrogen, self-perceived …

Development Of Mechanical Properties Micromapping For Composite Polymer Systems, Zheng Huang

Masters Theses

By adoption of classic indentation models (Hertzian, modified Hertzian, Sneddon, JKR), the elastic properties of polymeric material can be measured by AFM. Heterogeneous thin films were fabricated from polymer blends with a wide range of Young's moduli and thermal transition temperature to test the developed procedure. Results show that the micromapping of elastic properties can be obtained concurrently for glassy and rubber phases as well as across the interface with a lateral resolution better than 100 nm. Application of the elasticity micromapping on heterogeneous polymeric materials reveals thermal transition temperature that coincides very well with bulk values. Depth profile also …

Saugatuck's Shining Shore: The Transition Of A Michigan Community Into A Resort Town, 1870-1930, Kyran V. Kelley

Masters Theses

During the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries many communities adapted themselves to the leisure industry with the growth of a middle class that had time for leisure activities within the United States. One impetus for this change suggested for the period is a lack of manufacturing and extractive activities (Brown 1995).

This thesis tests this scenario on one community of the period, Saugatuck, Michigan, by examining the employment and business structures of the town while also examining land use. This was accomplished through the use of both primary and secondary documents.

Data gathered and placed within its historical context …

Reactive Oxygen Species Generated By Depletion Of Cellular Glutathione Mediate Cadmium Cytotoxicity, Jun Xu

Masters Theses

Studies were put forth to test whether or not reactive oxygen species, which are influenced by the cellular level of reduced glutathione, mediate the toxicity of cadmium. Cadmium has been a focal point in the health care community in the past few years because it has been shown to induce the development of tumors, interfere with cellular signaling, and cause damage to organs, tissues, and biomolecules. Although various studies and theories have been proposed, little direct evidence, especially from studies utilizing primary cells in culture, has accumulated to show the mechanism by which the cadmium induced toxicity occurs.

Our studies …

Quantitative, Non-Destructive Calibration Of Scanned Probe Microscope Cantilevers, John Hazel

Masters Theses

Principles of surface science and engineering are applied to determine scanned probe microscope cantilever spring constants. The bi-component gold-ceramic cantilever composition is modeled analytically. Finite element analysis is applied to simulate deflection behavior of the probe tip. Data from experimental determination of resonant frequency are employed to infer material characteristics. Combination of the results from these three procedures is employed to infer material characteristics. Combination of the results from these three procedures is used to produce a spring constant assessment within 10% of actual values. An additional convenient program for assessment of scanning probe microscopy cantilever spring constants is developed …

Intellectuals And Nationalism In Cyprus: A Study Of The Role Of Intellectuals In The 1931 Uprising, Georgios P. Loizides

Masters Theses

My thesis addresses the role of Cypriot intellectuals in the nationalist movement aiming at the political union of Cyprus with Greece. In particular, it will examine the contribution of three intellectual categories to the 1931 uprising, namely clerics, teachers, and journalists. The 1931 nationalist uprising was the first Greek nationalist mass movement in Cyprus, and can be seen as laying the ground for the 1955-1960 armed struggle against the British, who were the colonial rulers of the island at the time. Furthermore, I argue that over and above the petty interests of modernized urban elites, it was the accommodation of …

Behavior-Based Safety And Working Alone: The Effects Of Self-Monitoring On The Safe Performance Of Bus Operators, Ryan Olson

Masters Theses

Experimental evaluations of Behavior-based Safety (BBS) processes applied with lone workers are scarce. Further research is needed to determine the power of self-monitoring based interventions for improving safe behavior, and to explore the best practices for improving safety when employees work alone. In the current study,· four male bus operators (ages 40-50) self-monitored their safe performance and initialed feedback graphs based on their self-monitoring data at the end of each day. Experimental data collectors observed each participant by riding buses as passengers. A multiple baseline design across performances was used to assess the effects of the intervention on four target …

Creativity Or Collusion?: Representations Of Women In Music Videos, Jan E. Urbina

Masters Theses

There is a need in the field of sociology to expand our knowledge about how media-generated representations of women impact our lives. This research was designed to explore participants' perceptions of music video representations of women. Using a pre- test (survey), treatment (educational video) and post-test (survey), I analyzed participants' perceptions of how women were represented in music videos. The educational video exposed the techniques, which are used by the male-dominated music video industry, that present women in demeaning ways. The post-test proved useful in my attempt to determine whether the educational video impacted participants' understandings of the ways in …

A Policy Analysis Of Teen Courts: A Look At Teen Courts As A Viable Alternative To The Juvenile Court System, Jon P. Mathieu

Masters Theses

Teen Courts are rapidly emerging as one possible solution to the escalating juvenile crime problem in the United States. From the initial court, started over 20 years ago in Texas, Teen Courts are now in 30 states, with over 250 programs. As the crime problem grows within this population, a need for alternative methods to the Juvenile Court has emerged. Moreover, to date, no formal evaluation has been conducted between United States Teen Courts for a comparative study. Therefore, I sought to explore the following issues: (a) the need for Teen Court implementation, (b) a rationale for Teen Court existence, …

The Significance Of Shape-Shifting And Transformation In Medieval Welsh And Icelandic Literature: The Ingenuity Of Medieval Writers, Samantha J. Cairo

Masters Theses

The folk-motifs of shape-shifting and transformation are an important mechanism in both Medieval Welsh and Icelandic literature. To better understand these motifs it is important to consider the ideas behind and the belief in these concepts. The role of the shaman and the separable soul, the Double, and the psychological projection all form a basis for shape-shifting in Medieval literature.

The Welsh literature will include: Pwyll, Prince qf Dyfed, Manawydan Son of Llyr, Math Son of Mathonwy, Lludd and Llefelys, Culhwch and Olwen, Peredur Son of Efrawg, The Hanes Taliesin,/em>, and the transformational poetry of Taliesin. The Icelandic literature …

Sociological Analysis Of Gambling Behavior: A Subculture Perspective, Robert W. Wright Iii

Masters Theses

This study examines the effects of gender, socioeconomic status and age first gambled on rates of problem gambling among adult residents of Michigan and interprets those effects through the application of subculture theory. The data used in this study are from the 1997 Michigan prevalence survey on gambling. The data were collected to estimate the prevalence level of gambling among adult Michigan residents. Data obtained from 2,111 female and 1,776 males indicated that (1) males have a higher rate of pathology than females; (2) respondents who start gambling earlier will be more likely to be classified as pathological gamblers; (3) …

Epoxy-Terminated Self-Assembled Monolayers As Molecular Glues For Polymer Layers, Duangrut Julthongpiput

Masters Theses

Dense, homogeneous, and complete self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) with epoxy surface groups were fabricated from epoxysilanes to serve as a template for chemical anchoring of polymer layers. A combination of scanning probe microscopy, ellipsometry, XPS, X-ray reflectivity, and contact angle measurements was used to study their morphology and surface properties. Self-assembly of epoxysilane molecules resulted in the formation of homogeneous SAMs 0.85 nm thick with the rms surface roughness 0.2 nm. Epoxysilane SAMs were truly monomolecular films with a virtually normal molecular orientation of densely packed molecules, which were firmly attached to the substrate.

Carboxylic acid and anhydride terminated polystyrenes of …

Conform- A Computerized Job-Built Concrete Construction Formwork Design, Kajpong Pongponrat

Masters Theses

Economy in formwork design depends partly on the ingenuity and experiences of the form designer, whether a contractor or an engineer. The cost of formwork is significant, generally amounting to anywhere from 40% to 60% of the cost of a concrete structure. Judgment with respect to the development of a forming system could both expedite a project and reduce costs. The present paper addresses the development of CONFORM - an interactive menu driven PC based job-built concrete formwork design. The system is developed using Microsoft Visual Basic 6, Access 97 database, and Word 97, where a perfect integration of these …

Effect Of Various Starch Sources On The Silicone Holdout Of Release Paper, Chandrasekaran Duraiswamy

Masters Theses

Siliconized papers are widely being used from food and packaging industry to pressure sensitive label industry and their use has increased considerably over the last decade. Surface and structural properties of the sheet influence the silicone hold out and release properties.

Surface sizing of the sheet is done prior to silicone coating. The objective of this research is to find their film forming capabilities, fluid hold out of various starches, and the effect of the various calendering process on the release properties was also studied.

No significant difference between the starch sources were observed, except for the modified com starch …

Accelerated Reader: Does It Work?, Deborah J. Morse

Masters Theses

The purpose of this study was to determine if increased independent reading practice, as verified by 50 or more Accelerated Reader points, would significantly improve standardized reading scores. The reading practice and assessment performance of 60 first, second, and third grade students was monitored for eight months. The students were pre-tested and post-tested using the Standardized Test for the Assessment of Reading (S.T.A.R.). Descriptive statistics were used to determine if a significant difference existed between the overall mean scores of the high reading practice group who earned 50 or more Accelerated Reader points, versus the low reading practice group who …

The Relationship Between Vocabulary And Reading Comprehension In Junior High Aged Students With Learning Disabilities, Harvey Burkhour

Masters Theses

The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between the reading ability, particularly in the area of reading comprehension and the level of reading vocabulary possessed by junior high aged students with learning disabilities. Reading is a complex process involving the simultaneous integrated application of the four cuing systems: (a) graphophonic, (b) syntactic, (c) semantic, and (d) schematic. While most people learn to utilize these systems rather easily, this is not true for everyone. Failure to effectively employ any one or more of these cuing systems can spell disaster for the reader both in school and in many …

The Influence Of Fumed Metallic Oxides On Coating Structure And Their Relationships To Print Quality, Hyun-Kook Lee

Masters Theses

Aqueous-based coating for paper or paperboard applications use traditional coating pigments such as clay, calcium carbonate, and titanium dioxide. But, for matte coated ink jet papers, amorphous and gelled silicas are used due to their unique morphological properties, which are sponge-like in nature. The unique structure of these pigments provides an internal porosity and packing porosity which enables the rapid diffusion of liquid inks into the coating layer. The rapid uptake of the ink immobilizes the anionic dyes at the surface of the coating, allowing high optical print densities to be achieved.

The particle size of precipitated and gelled silicas …

The Role Of Nikita Khrushchev's 1959 Visit To The Us In The Development Of Soviet-American Relations, Tatyana I. Puchkova

Masters Theses

The end of the Cold War brought the uncertainty of the future relationship between the US and the countries of the former communist bloc. The major component of the prognosis is the analysis of the factors that determined the policies and the directions of the Cold War.

The visit of the Soviet Premier to the US marked a turning point in the Cold War mentality of the two nations. This paper will attempt to prove that the visit was a unique and revolutionary event in the course of the confrontation, and yet a logical continuation of earlier developments in the …

Effects Of Methylphenidate On The Sensitivity To Reinforcement In Children Diagnosed With Adhd: An Application Of Matching Law, Laura Kay Murray

Masters Theses

This experiment evaluated the effects of methylphenidate on sensitivity to reinforcement of children diagnosed with ADHD using matching law.

Four children (2 males and 2 females) between the ages of 6 and 10 who were previously diagnosed with ADHD completed easy math problems to earn tokens under four different variable-interval (VI) schedules of reinforcement presented in random order. The rate of completed math problems was plotted against the mean frequency of obtained reinforcers at each schedule value in tokens per minute. The data were fit to the following single-rate hyperbolic equation (Herrnstein, 1970): R = kr/r+r₀.

Results show …

Borax As A Strength Additive In Recycling, Siva Krishnagopal Devisetti

Masters Theses

The effect of multiple recycling on strength properties and fiber properties like strength of fiber, weighted average fiber length, fines percentage and water retention values were investigated in this study. Borax was used as a strength aid and swelling agent to improve the flexibility of fiber and strength of recycled paper. Bleached softwood kraft pulp was used to make the hand sheets and recycled repeatedly for up to four cycles. The main objectives were to evaluate the chemically treated pulp and untreated pulp at each stage of recycling, to study the effect of multiple recycling on strength properties of paper …

Use Of Boron Compounds To Reduce Phototyellowing Of Mechanical Pulps, Qilin Zhou

Masters Theses

Bleached chemithermomechanical pulps (BCTMP) are replacing chemical pulps such as bleached kraft pulp (BKP) in many paper grades. However, the loss of brightness that arises from exposure to light remains a significant impediment to the wider use of these pulps. Efforts have been made in reducing photoyellowing, but so far no universal, economical method has been found which converts high-yield pulp into a product with brightness stability comparable to that of a bleached chemical pulp.

This study evaluates the ability of sodium borate and/or boric acid to inhibit the yellowing process of paper that was made from BCTMP, with an …

Characterization Of Nih-3t3 Mouse Fibroblast Cells Transfected With The Somatostatin Receptor Subtype 2 And The Protein Tyrosine Phosphatase Shp-1, Scott Bradford Cross

Masters Theses

The hormone Somatostatin (SMS) and its analogs have been shown to mediate a variety of cellular actions including inhibition of cellular growth and differentiation of endocrine tumors such as insulinomas and glucagonomas. The mechanisms by which SMS exerts its antitumorigenic effects are poorly understood but are thought to include one of the five Somatostatin receptors (SSTR1-5), and the protein tyrosine phosphatase SHP-1. To determine if the antiproliferative effects of SMS were due to the presence of the SSTR2 receptor or the stimulation of SHP-1, we introduced cDNA's of the SMS receptor SSTR2, SHP-1, and a dominant negative mutant of SHP-1 …

Multiple Isotopic Studies Of Calcium Carbonate Growths In Concrete Structures, Danielle M. Schmitt

Masters Theses

Secondary minerals, predominantly carbonates, forming under concrete structures have received attention in terms of their possible role in the degradation of their hosts. δ¹³C and δ¹⁸O analyses of several calcium carbonate growths collected from bridges in Michigan and New York were performed. The δ¹³C and δ¹⁸O values clustered around -24.7 ± 1(PDB) and 13.7 ± 1(SMOW) ‰, respectively. A positive δ¹⁸O- δ¹³C correlation suggests kinetically driven precipitation involving atmospheric CO2• ¹⁴C activities determined for select samples support the theory that atmospheric CO₂ is involved …

Intellicranes – A Neural Network-Based Crane Selection System, André T. Mund

Masters Theses

Due to the central role of cranes in construction operations, specialists in the construction industries have cooperated in the development of structured methods and software for crane selection. Most of these software tools are for crane model selection and query the user for the type of crane to be used. Although research produced some fuzzy logic and expert system-based methods for crane type selection, no integrated systems that handle both crane selection phases are available.

IntelliCranes, a prototype integrated crane selection tool, assists in both crane type and crane model selection based on a set of inputs describing the construction …