Digital Commons Network^™

Investigations Into Rates And Mechanisms Of Mercury Depuration In The Killifish, Fundulus Heteroclitus, Joanne A. Korpanty

Theses

Metallothionein (MT) and glutathione (GSH) have been shown in mammalian research to play a role in the sequestration and depuration of mercury. The sulfhydryl groups on both these peptides have a strong affinity for mercury, MT for Hg²⁺ and GSH for CH₃Hg⁺. In this study, killifish (Fundulus heteroclitus) were force-fed one piece of squid laced with labelled mercuric nitrate to give a final food concentration of 20 ppm ²⁰³Hg²⁺ and 0.03 -0.05 µg g-1 Hg²⁺ total dose. Most of the mercury, 84.1 ± 12.1% (mean ± standard deviation), is depurated within the …

Quantitative Evaluation Of Substituent Effects On Stabilization Energies Of Strained And Unsaturated Molecules, Tyler Arthur Stevenson

Theses

Thermodynamic stabilization energies are presented for a series of monosubstituted vinyl, cyclopropyl, ethynyl, and phenyl compounds. The energies are calculated using ab initio molecular orbital calculations at the 4-31G level, and also with published experimental heat of formation data. Correlation analyses are then attempted with the dual substituent parameter approach with the stabilization energies. The analyses are also attempted with a triple-parameter approach using Topsom's theoretically calculated X, F, and Ro constants. Among the findings are the facts that π-donating substituents correlate well, while π-accepting substituents do not. Indications of the relative sensitivities of hydrocarbon frameworks to substituent electrostatic and …

The Effects Of Heavy Metals On The Chick Embryo Development, Yasmin Alibhai

Theses

The following is a research report on the effects of heavy metals on the avian embryo. A total of eight metals were used in the study. The metalE included were : cobalt, copper, indium, iron, manganese, molybdenum, arsenic and cadmium. A total of 800 eggs were used for the study. Salts of each of the metal were dissolved in physiological saline and injected into the air sacs of white Leghorn chick eggs. Dose levels varied with the metal to be tested. Control eggs were injected with an equivalent volume of saline (0.1 ml per egg). The eggs were injected on …

Microcomputer Applications In Construction Layout, P. Emeruwa Anyanwu

Theses

With recent trends in computer technology, its application to the construction industry is attracting more attention. The cost of owning computer was a primary reason for small and medium sized firms not adopting its use. With the advent of micro and minicomputers, the cost have dropped dramatically. Now one can purchase an Apple Computer (the monitor, keyboard, disk drive, and printer) at less than $3,000. This makes it possible for students like me (the poverty class) to afford to own one.

This thesis explores the powerful potentials of the microcomputer and its use as an aid in construction layout. Surveying …

Successful Management Techniques For Introduction Of Computerized Systems In A Production Facility, Michael James Boyle

Theses

This thesis surveys the potential for introducing significant organizational change into a manufacturing environment which is undergoing large scale capital improvement.

The first portion describes both the organizational and technological barriers present at a specific manufacturing facility. The capabilities of a computer based process control system are detailed along with its ability to fulfill the employer's particular business needs.

The next portion details the work necessary to train both management and production operators, not only on how to use this computer based equipment, but also how they themselves must change their personal modes of thinking in order to carry out …

Microcomputer Controlled Instrumentation System For Studies Of Metabolic Changes In Rats, Murat Dertlioglu

Theses

The system measures the respiratory exchange in rats in a controlled experiment. An interface unit provides data, received from several measurement instruments such as gas analyzers, an electronic flowmeters, electronic thermometer and an electronic hygrometer, to the computer. The data is gathered from different chambers in a multiplexed mode.

The computer samples the chambers sequentially and prints out the results and stores them on the disk. The sampling duration of each chamber and the number of the rats to be tested can be programmed. The system can perform experiments with twelve animals, in the following arrangments, either one group of …

Automated Instrumentation System To Monitor Behavioral Experiments, Dilip S. Gokhale

Theses

An instrumentation system has been designed to monitor behavioral experiments on monkeys. This instrumentation system is capable of performing these experiments in an automated manner without any human intervention. It is capable of monitoring these experiments concurrently in six boxes. It exhibits several features that make it more versatile than previous instrumentation systems. It is also capable of storing the data generated on to a floppy disk and later transmitting it to the mainframe.

Another feature that makes it more versatile is the flexibility of the system. Presently it is configured to run experiments with variable interval schedules. However with …

Tourist Development And Environmental Impact Of Future Airport Construction In Athens, Greece, Vasilios Michael Halkias

Theses

The present thesis is an overall study of the suitablility of the eastern region of the Attica Peninsula in Greece, for a Tourist Development. The future construction of the new International Airport of Athens within the region is a significant factor that has been taken into account for the study.

It also examines and projects the Environmental Impacts due to the Airport construction.

The description of the studied area is presented by maps and refers to the Environmental Inventory. This Inventory examines the Water Resources of the region, Topography, Land Uses, Transportation System, Air and Noise Quality, Archaeological Sites, Utilities, …

Performance Modeling And Simulation Of Multiple Microcomputer Systems, Moorthy Narayana Hariharan

Theses

Multiple processor systems are the logical choice for applications demanding high computing power, throughput and reliability. Moderately coupled Multiple Microprocessor systems can be applied to a variety of applications demanding high performance. The structure of Multiple Microprocessor systems is examined. Various interconnection structures are analysed for performance comparisons.

Queueing theory is a powerful tool in modeling and analysing Computer systems. Queueing models are developed for popular Multiple processor interconnection topolog es like the Shared memory, Shared bus, Star and Loop configurations.

The usefulness of Digital computer Simulation techniques in estimating the performance of Multiple processor systems is demonstrated through a …

Intelligent Computer Decision Systems, Robert J. Heath

Theses

This paper demonstrates that the concepts developed through Artificial Intelligence research are applicable to computerized information systems; and that a system of expert problem solvers and natural language interfaces exhibiting characteristics of "intelligent behavior" offer several advantages over present-day, conventional database management designs. Development of the conclusion was accomplished after an analysis and assimilation of the current literature in the field of Artificial Intelligence and participation in university symposia concerning its application to the business environment. It is concluded that incorporating the notions of learning and creativity, common sense(heuristics), and self-awareness, intelligent computer decision systems will provide managers with : …

Finite Element Analysis Of The Behavior Of Foundations Over Cavities In Soluble Rocks, Borhan Huang

Theses

Soluble rocks contain sinkhole that affect the strength of the rocks. In designing foundations in and on these formation, the effects of cavities have to be taken into account. In this study, an axisymmetric formulation has been developed to study the behavior of circular footings over spherical cavities. Parametric studies have been conducted varying the sizes and locations of openings. An approximate procedure has been employed to generate the stiffness matrix of the system. Error analysis and convergence study of the results have been performed.

A Comparison Of Collective Bargaining Issues Within The North Jersey Construction Industry, Edward G. Keane

Theses

This study was conducted in order to explore the recent developments within the Construction Industry Collective Bargaining process which have become evident in the southern, western, and the southwestern states.

Through a comparison of the current developments in the North Jersey area with those in the South and West, it will be suggested that the North Jersey Construction Industry will soon be dominated by Open Shop Contractors. It will be demonstrated that the primary reasons for this shift from union labor to non-union labor is due to the high overhead of union labor created by union fringe benefit funds, and …

Computer Analysis Of The Stefan Problem In Cryosurgery, Dong Hyuk Kim

Theses

Numerical solutions for determining the freezing front location vs time relation in cryosurgery are obtained by utilizing the heat transfer computer program TRUMP, which employs the explicit finite difference algorithm. The probe geometries of rectangular, cylindrical, and spherical shape with one dimensional heat flow are selected for study. Internal heat generation is considered in cylindrical and sphe¬rical probe geometries, and the difference between the solutions with and without heat generation is discussed. To verify the correctness of the TRUMP solution, comparisons are made in the freezing distance vs time relation with the Neumann's solution and the implicit enthalpy method for …

Decision Rules Applied To Spread Spectrum Signal Detection, Richard Jae Kim

Theses

Decision rules for detection of spread spectrum signals were investigated. For each decision rule, error and erasure probabilities were analyzed. The obtained data was used to plot PE vs Pe for constant signal-to-noise ratio (SNR). With the use of the probability of a word error curves the optimum threshold setting was found for a given SNR.

FSK (orthogonal signalling) and PSK (antipodal signalling) were considered for modulating the chips. When the PE vs Pe plots for FSK and PSK were compared, PSK performed better than FSK by a ratio of 6 dB.

Finally, analog and digital correlation of the received …

Deposition Of Particles In Cylindrical Chamber Due To The Effect Of Image, Inertia, Viscous And Gravity Forces, Mehul J. Shah

Theses

This study investigated the behaviour of charged particles in cylindrical chambers under the influence of image, inertia, viscous and gravitational forces. The flow was considered to be laminar, steady state and incompressible. The velocity profiles considered were uniform and parabolic with symmetry about the axis of the cylinder.

The governing equations derived were based on Newton's second law of motion. The equations for the case neglecting gravity are linear second order equations and the Runge-Kutta method was used to find a numerical solution. The data hence obtained is fitted to equations using curve fitting method. These equations and graphical techniques …

Implementing A Preventive Maintenance Program In A Pharmaceutical Manufacturing Plant, Daniel J. Shatynski

Theses

The goal of Preventive Maintenance is to reduce operating costs through greater equipment availability and lower downtime costs. Its intention is also to reduce the frequency and severity of corrective maintenance. A case study of a chemical manufacturing plant in the pharmaceutical industry is reviewer and symptoms are illustrated for purposes of definition. The development and implementation of a Preventive Maintenance program for this chemical manufacturing plant is proposed.

Management Improvement Study Of The Engineering Function In A Converting Industry Company, James John Slovak

Theses

A study was made to determine if the profitability of a converting company could be improved by expanding its engineering department. Process challenges were examined along with the present engineering function to determine difficulties. A case study of capital budget projects completed in the last three years revealed that potential savings were lost due to late and incomplete projects. The conclusion is that profitability can De increased through process control improvements and more timely completion of capital projects by expanding the present engineering department.

Acrylamide Effects On Nerve Terminal Enzymes, Christopher S. E. Marlowe

Theses

Acrylamide causes a peripehral neuropathy. The biochemical mechanism by which it does so is the subject of intense investigation. One of the principal hypotheses for this mechanism centers on acrylamide's ability to inhibit glycolysis. This study examines the effects of in vivo exposure to acrylamide on the enzymes of the nerve terminal particle, the synaptosome.

A method for measuring glycolytic enzyme inhibition in the synaptosome was developed. Acrylamide (500 mg/kg) was administered to rats intraperitoneally. Synaptosomes were prepared by the method of Dodd et al, and lysed by sonication. GAPDH activity and NSE concentration were measured. GAPDH inhibition measured in …

Hindsights, Felix Zapata

Theses

None provided.

Ceramic Sculpture, Hans Rene Schroder

Theses

I intend to create ceramic sculpture that will contrast and combine personal references (real or imagined) from natural and man-made environments. Within this context, I wish to explore the concepts of volume, structure, texture, and their mutual interactions. Another concern will be the use of color in order to enhance the sense of the object's construction, but also to point out the natural, random elements of ceramic processes.

Hindsights, Felix Zapata

Theses

None provided.

The Second Moment Method, A New Way To Test A Lens, Christopher Curtis

Theses

The second moment method is proposed as a method of obtaining a one dimensional approximation to a two dimensional angularly averaged modulation transfer function for low spatial frequencies. For two orthogonal knife-edge scans of a point spread function, the second moments about the centroid of the corresponding line spread functions are determined. The two second moment values are then used to approximate the two dimensional angularly averaged modulation transfer function. Two rotationally asymmetric point spread functions were used to test the approximation, an equilateral triangle and a rectangle. The results show, for both cases, that in the 1.0 to 0.5 …

Color Vision Tests Using A Calibrated Color Monitor Controlled By A Microprocessor, David Wolf

Theses

A feasibility study was performed to determine if colors on a CRT could be measured accurately and then controlled by a computer to provide a means of performing color vision tests. Benefits from using a calibrated computer/monitor system could be decreased testing time, exact diagnosis, and possibly the means of quantifing the degree of the deficiency. The Atari 800XL Computer with a Sakata color monitor were used for the experimentation due to their low cost, availability, and ability to create the largest number of colors of any computer in the same price range. The system was calibrated and color vision …

The Vitality Of Portraiture, Diana Smolenski

Theses

I am a painter of people, of faces, recording lives on canvas. I would not say that I love people. They make me nervous and uncomfortable (particularly in large crowds); however, they fascinate me. I have spent hours observing their mannerisms and expressions. I have absorbed through them much of what life offers simply by watching them pass by me on streets, buses, and in cafes, parks, barrooms, and diners . I am interested in describing people through visual imagery and revealing who they are to others. My concern is not merely to duplicate reality, but to seek a higher …

Photometric Processing And Interpretation Of Ratioed Imagery By Multivariate Discriminant Analysis For Separation Of Geological Types, Donald Marsh

Theses

A study has investigated the ability of ratioed information from Landsat 2 Multispectral imagery, to discriminate geological features through the application of photometric processing techniques. United States Geologic:.1 survey maps corresponding to the areas investigated have been used in correlation with ratioed imagery to identify predict and confirm geological features on the basis of resulting densitometric information. A multivariate, discriminant analysis of rock type, exposure data has enabled the fabrication of the final, optimized ratio image. The optimisation process used to predict geological types involved a priority structure that found the spectral bands with the highest discriminatory power and the …

An Investigation Of The Effects Of Image Angle On Resolution Of Fine Detail Screen Printing, Amy L. Feldman

Theses

Screen printing, unlike other printing processes, requires ink to be pushed through the image carrier to the substrate. When the mesh threads and their intersections cross the image area, they act as obstructions to the ink flow. In large image areas, the effect of mesh interference is minimal. In fine detail screen printing, mesh interference is a primary cause of poor or inaccurate resolution. The trend in screen printing has been toward more and finer fine line, halftone and four-color process printing. Researching methods to minimize mesh interference will enable screen printers to gain greater control over the printing process …

A Study Of The Effect Of Coating Variations On Resolution Performance In The Single-Phase Association Product Plates, Te-Chung Chen

Theses

Most people conceive of lithography as a planographic method of printing. In point of fact, only some of the original lithographic plates had truly planographic surfaces. Most lithographic plates used in industry today do not have the same material in the image and non-image areas, so they are called double-phase plates . Because of light undercutting and the roughness of the grain structure of the carrier, the use of conventional double-phase plates for fine image reproduction, where resolution is the main concern, has been limited. The purpose of this study was to determine the image formation mechanism of single-phase plates …

Development Of A Handbook For Independent Studies In Small High Schools, Kathryn M. O'Connor

Theses

The purpose of this study was to develop a handbook for independent study programs for small high schools. Small private high schools in the St. Louis area were surveyed in regard to their independent study programs. It was found that schools using such programs were enthusiastic about the results they produced. Current literature also showed the value of independent study in promoting higher level thinking skills among students. The survey results and information gathered from current literature were then used to formulate a handbook for independent study programs at small high schools.

The Effect Of Aerial Haze On The Contrast And Resolution Of A Photographic Image In Direct Application To A Low-Altitude, Remote, Pilotless Imaging System, Todd Eric Pegelow

Theses

A study of the effect of aerial haze on photographic images acquired through the use of a remotely-piloted imaging system has been completed. The project involved the design, construction, and implementation of a remotely-controlled airborne imaging system for the express purpose of collecting scientific data relating the contrast of an image to the altitude at which that image was exposed. Data was collected and analyzed and the results are presented here. The system was also evaluated with respect to its usefulness as a collector of scientific data. The conclusion drawn is that aerial haze had no effect on the contrast …

Medications, Patti Green

Theses

None provided.