Digital Commons Network^™

Sm-Nd Systematics As Indicators Of Displaced Plutons: A Test In The Idaho Batholith-Boulder Batholith Region, Christine J. Brand

Masters Theses

In east-central Idaho and western Montana a 400km-long Cretaceous and Tertiary magmatic corridor extends from the Wallowa-Seven Devils terrane to the Helena Salient. Three basement provinces underlie this area: Archean basement to the east, Permo-Triassic basement to the west, and Proterozoic basement in-between. Ideally, if Cretaceous plutons were decapitated and translated eastward along thrusts over a different basement province, then the Cretaceous pluton and the in-place Tertiary pluton would show different isotopic signatures. Pluton samples from locations evenly spaced throughout the magmatic corridor were analyzed for ε⁰_Nd, ε^t_Nd, and ¹⁴⁷Sm/¹⁴³Nd model ages …

Community Leaders’ Perceptions Of Violence Against Women As A Public Health Issue, Deborah J. Bartz

Masters Theses

The purpose of this thesis was to identify correlates of support for the involvement of local public health departments in the prevention of violence against women. The research is a secondary analysis of data from community leaders in the 50 public health catchment areas throughout Michigan.

A total of 525 community leaders were identified by health officers and were mailed surveys that dealt with a wide range of health policy issues. Three hundred and fifty-one surveys were returned.

The analysis were designed to determine which factors would affect support for treating violence against women as a public health issue. A …

The Effect Of Ink Jet Coating Rheology On Screening, Burak Aksoy

Masters Theses

Ink jet coating formulations are becoming of increasing importance due to rapid expansion in digital printing. These coatings have very specific ink absorption requirements, which are fulfilled by using polyvinyl alcohol and silica as binder and pigment, respectively. These coatings have unique rheological behavior and often have problems in industry during the filtering process. In this work, an attempt was made to relate filter blocking to the rheological behavior of the coating. A series of coatings were prepared and their rheological properties characterized. The solids content and pigment selection of the coating were altered in order to adjust the coating …

Factors Governing The Rate Of Appearance Of Fuels In Monitoring Wells, Bradley A. Green

Masters Theses

Delays in the appearance of free product (e.g. fuels) in groundwater monitoring wells often cause costly delays in site evaluation. Little is known about how monitoring well design and installation affect this rate of appearance. This study examined the effects of well screen open area, filter pack grain size and wettability, and well development methods on the rate of appearance and subsequent thickness of free product in wells.

Laboratory and field results indicate that free product appears faster in hydrophilic filter packs than in hydrophobic filter packs. Hydrophobic filter packs with a finer grain size than the "industry standard", seem …

Mass For Strings, Winds And Chorus, Brandon R. Kreuze

Masters Theses

The Mass for Strings, Winds and Chorus was written with two primary purposes: (1) to produce a complete setting of the Ordinary of the Mass utilizing an isorhythmic cantus firmus style, similar to the cantus firmus settings common in the Medieval and Renaissance periods; and (2) to compose this setting in such a manner that it is performable in the environment originally intended for the Ordinary.

The isorhythmic cantus firmus technique of composition was almost exclusively used during the Medieval and Renaissance periods. The technique consists of imposing a rhythmic structure upon a common melody (often from plainchant or …

The Effects Of Music Therapy On The Self-Esteem And Locus Of Control Of Children Survivors Of Domestic Violence, Amy A. Bogetto

Masters Theses

The purpose of this study was to measure the effects of a volunteer music therapy program on the self-esteem and locus of control of children survivors of domestic violence residing in a shelter for domestic violence. An experimental group which received music therapy and a no-contact control group were used in this study. The Coopersmith Self-Esteem Inventory Scale was used to measure the subjects' selfesteem while the Nowicki-Strickland Locus of Control scale was used to measure the subjects' locus of control in both groups. These tests were administered before and after treatment for the experimental group. The control group was …

Quality Of Life In Grandparents After A Diagnosis Of Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia In Their Grandchild, Laura S. Mullins

Masters Theses

The purpose of this study was to assess grandparents' perceptions of their quality of life (QOL) after the diagnosis and treatment of acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) in their grandchild. The following questions were addressed: (a) How do grandparents of children with ALL perceive their current QOL; (b) How do grandparents of children with ALL perceive their current QOL has changed since their grandchild was diagnosed; (c) What specific changes in QOL have grandparents experienced since the diagnosis of ALL in their grandchild; (d) What is the grandparents' overall attitude about life with leukemia; (e) Is there a relationship between the …

Assessing Child Care Need In Niles, Michigan, Lori L. Mcneil

Masters Theses

Many parents struggle to secure adequate child care while they work and/or attend school. With the passage of welfare reform legislation, which in part requires AFDC parents to enter/reenter the workforce, locating child care options will likely become increasingly more difficult.

This study describes child care needs of one community based on a survey of parents at thirteen different sites. The research measured the discrepancy between existing child care resources and child care demand within the community.

Analysis of the data revealed that the ways in which parents provide care for their children differed considerably in Niles from the most …

Prostitution In U.S. Society: Moving Beyond Traditional Feminist Frameworks Of Analysis, Megan M. Coats

Masters Theses

In this thesis, I explore the different ways that prostitute women's voices have been silenced by groups which have historically controlled the social and academic discourse on prostitution. Utilizing the research method of standpoint epistemology, I first discuss why the prostitute activist's voices must be considered as the central source for scientists theorizing on prostitution. Next, I give an account of some historical influences which have shaped the discourse on prostitution, affecting the development of legislation regulating prostitution. Then, I provide a history of the development of the liberal and radical feminist discourse on prostitution. I also include some contemporary …

Direct Measurement Of The Water Retention Of Coatings Under Shear, Mohana Sundaram Thiagarajan

Masters Theses

Coating water loss is one of the most critical concerns in coated paper production. The objective of this study was to determine directly the water retention value under dynamic conditions. The effect of shear rate on water transfer was documented for a delaminated clay coating color. The results showed a small change in water transfer at low shear rates, compared to the static condition. But at higher shear rate, the water transfer increased significantly. The water transfer increased with time, reaching an asymptotic limit at 300 seconds. This indicates that at higher retention time, the water transfer rate is reduced …

A Multiplicity Of Goals In A Migrant Household, Patrick James Maher

Masters Theses

This paper explores data collected on Mexican migrants who were living in southwestern Michigan during the Spring and Summer of 1994. Its purpose is to examine the role of the family among one migrant household and to determine whether the findings coincide with other studies completed on Mexican migrant families.

The data examined indicates two major problems in applying its findings to current migration literature. The first involves the concept of a 'united family unit' and the second relates to the notion of a 'common family goal.' The data suggests that the theory on which these concepts are based must …

The Social Diffusion Of Safe Sex Behaviors In College Women, Sherry Pagoto

Masters Theses

With the ever rising numbers of people becoming infected with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) as reported by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC, 1997) the need for preventing the spread of infection is clear. One promising intervention, based on a theory called social diffusion, involves training popular opinion leaders to act as behavior change endorsers within their community (Kelly, 1991). This study found 25-30% reductions in high-risk behaviors and 16-18% increases in safe sex behaviors in a male homosexual population as a result of this type of intervention. The current study examines the effectiveness of this intervention within a …

The Reliability Of Emg Normalization Procedures For Three Muscles Involved In Knee Extension, James John Sweet

Masters Theses

Analyses of 3 knee extensors, vastus medialis, rectus femoris, and vastus lateralis, were conducted to examine the reliability of (a) maximal voluntary isometric contraction (MVIC) across trials (2), days (5), and joint angles (5); and (b) normalized EMG responses during dynamic knee extension at 2 submaximal work loads. Strength (cable tension) and integrated peak EMG (surface electrodes) were measured during the MVIC. Subjects (N = 44) performed 2 consecutive MVICs with 2 min rest between trials at 110°, 90°, 70°, 50°, and 30° of knee flexion, followed by 2 submaximal dynamic knee extension exercises. Intraclass correlation (R) values for the …

Implementation Of The Graphical User Interface Of The Parint Package In Java, Gwowen Fu

Masters Theses

The graphical user interface (GUI) of the ParInt interface package provides a convenient and efficient way for users to integrate multivariate functions on a parallel system or a network.

This thesis introduces basic structure of the GUI and gives a detailed description of each class of how the classes communicate with each other and how the connection with the parallel program is made.

The Effects Of Step Height, Cadence, And Choreography On Biochemical Factors In Step Aerobics, Stacie Moore

Masters Theses

The problem of the study was to determine the effect of step height, speed, and choreography on ground reaction forces, electromyography of the knee extensors, and center of gravity displacement in step aerobics. Two step heights, 6 and 8 in.; two speeds, 126 and 132 bpm; and three steps, basic step, tum step, and hop step, were studied for a single subject across 5 trials. The muscles studied included the rectus femoris, vastus lateralis, and vastus medialis. Results indicated: (a) significant difference existed between the cadences as well as between the step heights for the sagittal plane center of gravity; …

The Historical Nature Of Luke's Virgin Birth Account: An Apologetic, David E. Smith Jr.

Masters Theses

No abstract provided.

Spatial And Ethnic Patterns Of Real Estate Control Affecting Upward Mobility Of Immigrants In A Nineteenth Century Industrial Community, Debra S. Alfonso

Masters Theses

The subject of immigrant success has previously been analyzed in the context of ethnic characteristics, individual heroism, worker solidarity, and advancement of industrialization. Most immigrants start at the bottom of the social-economic ladder. The mechanisms of advancement vary depending on both ethnic values and the constraints of the socioeconomic system. The key variable is normally thought to be advancing occupational status.

The problem addressed is how did recent immigrants to a 19th century steel-town obtain home ownership and advancement in spite of declining industrial wages. Using a GIS system to link and analyze geographic and historical records I was able …

The Foucault Panopticon Model In Motion: The Internet As A Candidate For Corporate Abandon, Thomas Wells Brignall

Masters Theses

The possible negative impacts the Internet could have on our society, because of its powerful observation potential is the topic of this thesis. In my work I deconstruct several historical and current texts on the Internet. I then critique modern cultural constructs of the Internet and compare and contrast using historical as well as meta-analysis to dissect the real from the simulated.

I have found that a majority of the Internet's current construction lies in the hands of private companies. In my finding, using historical analysis of previous company policies that the potential to observe, track, and keep large databases …

Painter And King: Gustav Klimt’S Work At Peles Castle, Lucica Curta

Masters Theses

Gustav Klimt's work at Peles Castle, which was unknown until now due to the cultural isolation of Communist Romania, is the focus of this study. Against the background of Carol of Hohenzollern's life and activities as King of Romania (1866-1914), the castle is viewed as playing an important role in forming the King's new identity in his new homeland. The eclectic decoration of the castle reflects Carol's life experience and character. The King represented the best match for Klimt's artistic aspirations at that time.

Klimt's early life and work during the early 1880s is examined in the light of his …

The Effect Of Unloading Body Weight During Aerobic Exercise On Blood Pressure, Heart Rate, And Perceived Exertion, Carolynn J. Bolander

Masters Theses

The problem of the study was to examine the blood pressure, heart rate, and rating of perceived exertion of asymptomatic, active individuals during submaximal treadmill exercise while using an unloading system. Two levels of unloading, 20% unloaded body weight (UBW) and 40% UBW, were compared to 0% UBW. Treadmill speed was determined by the speed required to reach a steady state heart rate of 70% of maximum heart rate in an unloaded state. Twenty subjects, between the ages of 18 and 42 years, served as subjects. Subjects were grouped with respect to fitness level; walkers were those subjects who walked …

Effect Of Precalendering On Surface And Printing Properties Of Coated Sheets, Hariharan Venkata-Chinnaswamy

Masters Theses

This study focuses on the effect of different types of precalendering on coated woodfree paper for surface and printing properties as well as coat weight distribution and binder migration.

Precalendering enhanced the gloss and reduced the roughness of the coated paper at all coat weights. In the case of post-calendered papers, any differential effect achieved through various types of precalendering was recovered during post calendering. The final porosity values of precalendered and uncalendered sheets were more dependent on the coat weight at the high coat weights (10-18 g/m² ). At low coat weights the type of precalendering influences the …

A Generic Multi-Electrode Automated/Semi-Automated Field Resistivity System, Douglas D. Werkema

Masters Theses

Geophysical field exploration using electrical resistivity typically employs the use of four electrodes which are progressively relocated to positions that differ from a few meters to hundreds of meters. Consequently, field operations are tiresome and often lead to imprecise locations of electrodes and poor data quality. This project develops an automated field resistivity system.

This automation of resistivity measurements is accomplished by using multiple sets of field electrodes, a programmable switch box, remotely controlling the acquisition instrument and digitally storing the results. Controlling the process is the Acquisition Control^©software, for Windows 95^© .The prototype switch box has …

Vertical Resistivity Electrode Arrays For Detecting Hydrocarbon Movement And Content In Sands, Kirt Elliott

Masters Theses

In many contamination sites where hydrocarbon is involved an accurate thickness of the contaminant can not be achieved through the most commonly used methods. The purpose of this study is to find an alternate method of determining a precise thickness and monitor the contaminant movement in conjunction with the current methods. Vertical resistivity electrode arrays were tested in a lab environment on singular probes and between probes. The arrays tested were the Wenner, dipole dipole, gradient, parallel and down-hole 3-arrays. Electrode pipes were constructed and placed into a sand tank where the hydrocarbon thickness and the water level could be …

The Effect Of Caffeine On Reaction Time, Hand Steadiness, And Certain Physiological Variables, Amy K. Ryan

Masters Theses

The problem of this study was to analyze the effect of caffeine on heart rate, blood pressure, reaction time, and hand steadiness. Subjects (N = 20) were classified as high-caffeine users or low-caffeine users. Heart rate, blood pressure, reaction time, and hand steadiness were measured. Subjects then consumed 24 oz of coffee containing 345 mg of caffeine in a 5-min period. Dependent variables were measured again at 30, 60, and 90 min after caffeine administration. Significant differences were found among test time means for every dependent variable except hand steadiness. No difference was found between the high-caffeine-use group and the …

How Phonemic Awareness Training And Direct Phonics Instruction Effect The Decoding Ability Of Children With Reading Problems, Lynda Elaine Thatcher

Masters Theses

The purpose of this thesis was to study how phonemic awareness and direct phonics instruction can effect the decoding abilities of children with reading problems. The importance of having phonics and phonemic awareness in the initial teaching of reading to young children was discussed. A review of the literature indicated that there is causative correlation between phonemic awareness and decoding skills. The research demonstrated that phonemic awareness intervention programs were very effective in increasing reading skills. Finally, the research implied that an effective reading program for young children with reading problems should include both phonological training and phonics instruction. In …

Characterization Of Swinepox Virus Secretory Polypeptides, Takeshi Shimamura

Masters Theses

Swinepox virus (SPV) is the only known member of the genus Suispoxvirus. SPV causes a mild disease in swine characterized by slight fever, and weight loss, associated with lesions restricted to the skin. There have been few studies on SPV. Other poxviruses, such as vaccinia virus, have been well characterized and the biological activities of their secretory polypeptides have been analyzed. This study describes a major SPV secretory polypeptide with an apparent molecular mass of 35kDa. Poxvirus encoded polypeptides secreted during infection are known to exhibit immunomodulatory activities. The 35kDa SPV secretory polypeptide was tested.for its ability to inhibit …

Effects Of The Prbar And Powerbar On Fat Metabolism, Chad F. Witt

Masters Theses

The purpose was to compare the effect of dietary supplementation using two different energy bars, the PRBar and the PowerBar, ingested 1 hour before exercise, on the exercise metabolism of endurance athletes. Four dependent variables were measured: respiratory exchange ratio (R), oxygen consumption (VO₂), rating of perceived exertion (RPE), and blood glucose. Independent variables were bars (2), trials (2), and sample time. Sample times occurred at 5-min intervals for R, VO₂, and RPE. Blood glucose was sampled before exercise, at 15 min and 25 min during exercise, and after exercise. Subjects completed four 35-min training runs, …

The Effect Of Guided Imagery And Music Workshops On Locus Of Control And Self Concept Of Mental Health Outpatients, Roberta Wigle Justice

Masters Theses

The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of guided imagery and music (GIM) in a group format on the locus of control and self-concept in mental health outpatients. Twenty adult mental health consumers took part in the experimental study with 10 subjects in the experimental condition and 10 subjects in the control condition.

The revised Tennessee Self-Concept Scale (TSCS:2) short form (Fitts & Warren, 1996) was used to measure self-concept and the Levenson Locus of Control Scale (Levenson, 1981) was used to measure locus of control. Pre- and post-test data collected from these instruments revealed no significant …

Phonological Awareness Training: Effects On Phonological Awareness And Reading Skills, Cassie Nelson

Masters Theses

Past research has established that phonological awareness skills are an important precursor to the development of reading (Jenkins & Bowen, 1994; Catts & Karnhi, 1986; Bradley & Bryant, 1978; Frith, 1981). Results of numerous phonological awareness training programs have been published (Ball & Blachman, 1988, 1991; Lundberg, Frost, & Petersen, 1988; Bradley & Bryant, 1983, 1985), however, none have compared the roles of professionals involved in teaching phonological awareness skills. Additionally, the effectiveness of various service delivery models has not been reported. This study was conducted to examine the effectiveness of a phonological awareness training program on kindergarten children's phonological …

Beyond The Problem Novel: Robert Cormier's Vision And The World Of Adolescent Tragedy, Erik M. Walker

Masters Theses

Robert Cormier is "the premier writer for adolescents in the United States" according to The Handbook of American Popular Literature and dozens of literary critics. Although his novels have won numerous awards from the American Library Association (ALA), his novels have also generated controversy from critics who believe his novels are excessively dark and disturbing. Adolescents in Robert Cormier's world are by no means the average teenagers one may expect to find at a local high school. Instead, the adolescent world is shown to be more complex and dangerous, where evil preys on the good, where loneliness and isolation are …