Digital Commons Network^™

Post-Legalized Adoption Services : An Assessment Of Client Needs At Catholic Family Service, Sally R. Tobin

Theses and Dissertations

No abstract provided.

Employment And Happiness Among Mormon And Non-Mormon Mothers In Utah, Kimberly Grace Andersen

Theses and Dissertations

The effects of maternal employment status on the happiness and/or unhappiness of married Utah women with children were studied. The independent variables were employment status, age, and denomination. Covariates were health, husbands income, and number of children. Denominational differences were not found to impact happiness, but age and employment status were related to happiness, with non-employed and younger mothers being happier.

Characterization Of A Promoter Rearrangement And A Second Promoter In The Human C-Myb Proto-Oncogene, Sarah Margaret Jacobs

Theses and Dissertations

The human cellular proto-oncogene c-myb has been implicated as important in the regulation of hematopoietic cell growth and differentiation. Aberrant expression of this gene and chromosomal aberrations near the c-myb locus have been associated with a number of carcinogenic processes. An alternatively spliced CDNA clone of c-myb, pMbm-2, contains unique 5’ sequences which replace exon 1. The existence of this 5’ divergent CDNA clone led us into a study of the promoter activity of the c-myb gene.

Intron 1 of c-myb is highly conserved between human and mouse throughout the intron, while only those sequences directly adjacent to exons …

Perceived Importance Of Clinical Teaching Characteristics For Nurse Anesthesia Clinical Faculty, William Hartland Jr.

Theses and Dissertations

This study examined the perceived importance of the 22 characteristic of effective clinical instructors as identified by- Katz in 1982. The effect of various demographic variables on these perceived values of importance was also investigated.

Data were collected by means of a questionnaire survey instrument. A random sample of 354 nurse anesthesia program directors, CRNA clinical instructors and nurse anesthesia students from across the United States participated in this study. A 73 percent return rate was achieved.

Characteristic mean scores of importance demonstrate that respondents perceived all 22 characteristics as either "very important" or "highly important." When all 22 characteristic …

Sjögren-Larsson Syndrome: Genetic Studies And Biochemical Characterization Of Human Fatty Aldehyde Dehydrogenase, Todd L. Kelson

Theses and Dissertations

Sjögren-Larsson syndrome (SLS) is an autosomal recessive disorder due to deficiency of the fatty aldehyde dehydrogenase (FALDH) component of fatty alcohol:NAD⁺ oxidoreductase (FAO). We investigated the enzymatic defect in SLS in order to elucidate the role of FALDH in fatty aldehyde and fatty alcohol metabolism.

Genetic studies were performed to investigate carrier detection for SLS. Cultured skin fibroblasts from normal controls, SLS obligate heterozygotes, and SLS homozygotes were assayed for FAO and FALDH activities using 18-carbon substrates. In SLS homozygotes, mean FAO and FALDH activities were 8% of normal, and there was no overlap between the homozygote and heterozygote …

Subjectivity Of Estimating Blood Loss Among Health Care Providers In The Operating Room, Hugh Andrew Siegel

Theses and Dissertations

This research utilized a descriptive study to establish a relationship between educational background and accuracy of estimating blood loss. The null hypothesis, that the educational background of health care providers in the operating room has no effect on the accuracy of estimating blood loss , was tested. Ten nurse anesthesia students, 8 certified registered nurse anesthetists, 16 operating room registered nurses, 12 anesthesiologists, and 9 surgeons were included in the sample population. A number of different protocols were utilized to assess the relative accuracy of blood volumes estimates. The study was separated into four stations. Station 1 consisted of three …

Theory And Implementation Of Wavelet Analyses In Rational Resolution Decompositions, Bruce P. Anderson

Theses and Dissertations

The multiresolution analysis (MRA) developed by Mallat and Meyer and further discussed by Daubechies is a useful tool in the analysis of sampled signals such as images and speech. This thesis develops the theory and implementation of a rational-resolution analysis (RRA) as an extension of the dyadic MRA for arbitrary rational dilation factors. We present a method to calculate families of compactly-supported scaling functions and wavelets based on arbitrary integer dilation factors and provide examples. The perfect- reconstruction properties of the RRA are discussed and it is demonstrated that the compactly-supported scaling functions and wavelets do not yield perfect- reconstruction. …

Comparison Of Artificial Neural Networks With A Conventional Heuristic Technique For Optimization Problems, Jeffrey S. Gruner

Theses and Dissertations

This research investigates the utility of the Hopfield and Kohonen artificial neural networks to the traveling salesman optimization problem. A third, non-neural-network technique (the Christofides Algorithm - a competitive, bounded-solution operations research technique) is also investigated for comparison to the artificial neural network solutions. An eight and forty-two city distribution are chosen for comparison of the solutions.

Retinal Modeling: Segmenting Motion From Spatio-Temporal Inputs Using Neural Networks, David E. Swanson

Theses and Dissertations

We applied two first-order, linear, time-varying, differential equations to the task of segmenting motion from sequences of images. The equations are modified Grossberg formulas for long-term and short-term memory models characterizing the neurotransmitter and cell-activity levels of a synapse and neuron. We described how a two layered, sensory, neural network can be built using the equations to simulate the amacrine neurons of the retina. The model is defined using adaptive input nodes (adaptive model) and is compared to a similar model without these nodes (O and G model). By replicating the basic amacrine neuron model to form both one- and …

Etann Hardware Implementation For Radar Emitter Identification, James B. Calvin Jr.

Theses and Dissertations

This study investigated classification of 30 radar emitters with 16 signal features using Intel's 80170NX chip, the Electronically Trainable Analog Neural Network (ETANN). Software tools were developed to characterize the ETANN sigmoidal transfer function for use in a custom simulator, known as Neural Graphics. Neural Graphics operates on a Silicon Graphics workstation. The Intel Neural Network Training System simulators were used in early experiments, but were found to be inefficient in training on data used in this research. Using a modified Neural Graphics simulator, single chip and multi-chip experiments were performed to provide benchmark results prior to performing chip-in-loop training. …

Cepstral And Auditory Model Features For Speaker Recognition, John M. Colombi

Theses and Dissertations

The TIMIT and KING databases, as well as a ten day AFIT speaker corpus, are used to compare proven spectral processing techniques to an auditory neural representation for speaker identification. The feature sets compared were Linear Predictive Coding (LPC) cepstral coefficients and auditory nerve firing rates using the Payton model. This auditory model provides for the mechanisms found in the human middle and inner auditory periphery as well as neural transduction. Clustering algorithms were used to generate speaker specific codebooks - one statistically based and the other a neural approach. These algorithms are the Linde-Buzo-Gray (LBG) algorithm and a Kohonen …

Face Recognition With Neural Networks, Dennis L. Krepp

Theses and Dissertations

This study investigated neural networks for face verification and classification. The research concentrated on developing a neural network based feature extractor and/or classifier to perform authorized user verification in a realistic work environment. Recognition accuracy, system assumptions, training time, and execution time were analyzed to determine the feasibility of a neural network approach. Data was collected using a camcorder and two segmentation schemes: manual segmentation and motion-based, automatic segmentation. Data consisted of over 2000. 32x32 pixel, 8 bit gray scale images of 52 subjects; each subject had two to ten days worth of images collected. Several training and test sets …

Signal Approximation With A Wavelet Neural Network, Charles M. Westphal

Theses and Dissertations

This study investigated the use of Wavelet Neural Networks (WNN) for signal approximation. The particular wavelet function used in this analysis consisted of a summation of sigmoidal functions (a sigmoidal wavelet). The sigmoidal wavelet has the advantage of being easily implemented in hardware via specialized electronic devices like the Intel Electronically Trainable Analog Neural Network (ETANN) chip. The WNN representation allows the determination of the number of hidden-layer nodes required to achieve a desired level of approximation accuracy. Results show that a bandlimited signal can be accurately approximated with a WNN trained with irregularly sampled data. Signal approximation, Wavelet neural …

A Study Of Ninth Grade Students' Satisfaction With School And Self-Esteem In Two Grade Organization Patterns, Marcia Jane Brokenik Fivizzani

Theses and Dissertations

This study focused on ninth grade students attending school in two grade organization patterns, 7 through 9 and 9 through 12. Students' satisfaction levels with school as measured by the NASSP Student Satisfaction Survey and students' self-esteem measures on the Coopersmith Self-Esteem Inventory were assessed to determine whether a relationship between grade organization, gender, satisfaction with school, and self-esteem existed. Ninth graders from one upper midwest community who attended a four-year high school (N=317) or a 7 through 9 junior high school

Findings revealed that both schools scored within the average range on all subscales of the Student Satisfaction Survey. …

The Effects Of Chronic Migraine And Tension Headache On Neuropsychological Functioning, Kerri J. Lamberty

Theses and Dissertations

The present study was designed to examine possible neuropsychological deficits in migraine and tension headache subjects. Past research has been inconclusive, with some studies indicating that chronic migraine headache sufferers do exhibit some neuropsychological deficits such as short-term memory difficulties, gross motor slowing, and verbal memory deficits, while other studies have indicated that no deficits are seen in this group Also examined were headache precipitant and headache-related behaviors that these groups partake in when experiencing headache pain. Past research has suggested that migraine headache sufferers tend to deal with their headache pain differently than tension headache sufferers.

Ninety undergraduate psychology …

Correlation Based Target Location And Identification, Richard A. Wenzel

Theses and Dissertations

Correlation was investigated as a technique for locating and identifying visible light terrain board images of tanks, airplanes, and trucks. A correlator was built which utilizes the Fast Fourier Transform. The 180 images in the image set were correlated in both the raw form and after pre-processing via energy normalization and local energy normalization. The correlation of the raw images led to development of quantitative and heuristic rules for possible inclusion in a rule based expert system. The correlation of the local energy normalized images resulted in a 100 percent target location rate and can be used as a baseline …

Generalization And Parallelization Of Messy Genetic Algorithms And Communication In Parallel Genetic Algorithms, Laurence D. Merkle

Theses and Dissertations

Genetic algorithms (GA) are highly parallelizable, robust semi- optimization algorithms of polynomial complexity. The most commonly implemented GAs are 'simple' GAs (SGAs). Reproduction, crossover, and mutation operate on solution populations. Deceptive and GA-hard problems are provably difficult for simple GAs. Messy GAs (MGA) are designed to overcome these limitations. The MGA is generalized to solve permutation type optimization problems. Its performance is compared to another MGA's, an SGA's, and a permutation SGA's. Against a fully deceptive problem the generalized MGA (GMGA) consistently performs better than the simple GA. Against an NP-complete permutation problem, the GMGA performs better than the other …

Regulation Of The Nucleosome-Free Promoter Region Of Simian Virus 40., Dianne Marie Kube

Theses and Dissertations

We proposed that SV40 T-antigen binding SiteI and adjacent sequences are involved in the regulation of the proportion of SV40 chromosomes containing a nucleosome-free promoter (NFP) region. Wild-type and SiteI/T antigen defective SV40 chromosomes were analyzed by promoter-specific restriction endonuclease digestion and electron microscopy. SiteI/T antigen mutant chromosomes showed a significant increase in the proportion of chromosomes containing a nuclease hypersensitive promoter region. This increase corresponded to a similar increase in the proportion of chromosomes with a LARGE (greater than 4 times the average internucleosomal distance) nucleosome-free region in the SiteI/T antigen mutants as visualized by electron microscopy. The proportion …

Evaluation Of Protocols Used For Rna Isolation And Detection,Cdna Probe Labeling, And Rna Quantification Following Hormonal Stimulation Of The Chick Oviduct., Margaret Nordlie

Theses and Dissertations

This paper summarizes studies that were performed to evaluate the effectiveness and utility of protocols used for RNA isolation and detection. In addition, DNA probes were prepared and evaluated. Methodologies that were evaluated include the maxi-prep and mini-prep plasmid preparation techniques; isolation of RNA by extraction with organic solvents and by centrifugation through a cesium chloride gradient; and comparison of the detection of RNA-DNA hybrids using radioactively-labeled probes and digoxigenin-labeled probes. The maxi-prep and mini-prep plasmid preparation protocols both produced good quality DNA. The maxi-prep method was superior to the mini-prep method in terms of total quantity of DNA produced, …

Alteration Of Dna Synthesis In The Adult Newt Ventricular Myocyte., Mark Henning Soonpaa

Theses and Dissertations

To better understand the mechanisms governing the proliferation of cardiac myocytes it is important to identify the factors controlling this phenomenon, and to characterize their actions. The ventricular myocyte from the adult newt, Notophthalmus viridescens, is well suited to this type of study, due to its large chromosomes, ease of culture maintenance, and ability to undergo mitosis with cytokinesis. DNA synthesis was quantified in vitro in myocytes treated with platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF), transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-$\beta$), fibroblast growth factors (FGFs), 12-0-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate (TPA), heparin, or conditioned medium from ventricular myocytes or nonmyocytes (primarily endothelial cells). Ultrastructure of TPA-treated myocytes was …

Cognitive Appraisals And Coping Styles Of Chronic Tension Headache Sufferers., Angela Keen

Theses and Dissertations

The existing headache literature neglects to examine the possible differences between tension headache subjects and controls with regard to cognitive appraisals or coping styles. Also, despite the traditional view that tension headaches occur in close proximity to a stressor, there is limited empirical evidence supporting this idea (Ad Hoc Committee, 1962; Gannon, Haynes, Cuevas & Chavez, 1987). In addition, the results from studies on the efficacy of the traditional muscle-contraction model of tension headaches are ambiguous (Chapman, 1986; Hursey, Holroyd, Penzien & Holm, 1985).Lazarus and Folkman (1984) suggest that a person's ideas will have the greatest influence on appraisal when …

Social Support And Sense Of Coherence As Predictors Of Spousal Grief During The First Few Months Of Bereavement., Tracy Lynn Johnson

Theses and Dissertations

Twenty-six male and female spouses of patients served by a small hospice in the upper Midwest served as subjects for this dissertation. At the time of referral of their terminally ill spouse they completed measures of Sense of Coherence and social support. Their spouses died from an anticipated death, cancer, and they were contacted by phone within the first three months of bereavement. At that time, measures of grief, depression, anxiety, and anger were obtained.This first hypothesis, that social support would influence bereavement outcome (spouses with more social support would experience less grief, depression, anxiety, and anger than spouses with …

Cultural Resources Management In The United States Air Force: Development Of A Planning Primer, Steven R. Becker, Russell R. Hula

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to produce a USAF base-level primer for use as a guide to requirements, standards, and procedures concerning the preservation of cultural resources. Cultural resources include buildings, sites, districts, structures, and objects that have significant scientific, historic, or cultural value. The research had two major objectives: (1) Identify existing sources of cultural resource information through a review of legal requirements, regulations, USAF policy documents, and other sources such as data bases. (2) Produce a 'cultural resources management primer' after identifying the appropriate characteristics of a primer. This product could then be used by novice personnel …

Intra-Theater Mobilization: Guidance, Process, And Tools, Christopher S. Cummins

Theses and Dissertations

The study investigated the process of USAF unit level mobilization for movement within a theater of operations. Virtually all of the guidance and organization for unit level mobilization within the USAF is focused on inter- theater movement. Consequently, while the need for theater mobility is real, USAF units may not be well grounded in the procedures and techniques necessary to move successfully. The purpose of the study was to describe the essential process of unit level mobilization and determine the differences from inter- theater mobilizations. In addition, the available tools for accomplishing the tasks of mobilization within a theater of …

Design Of An Artificial Neural Network Based Tactile Sensor For The Utah/Mit Dexterous Hand, Jeffery D. Nering

Theses and Dissertations

The Neural Tactile Sensor (NTS) is a high resolution, easily manufactured tactile sensor consisting of electrodes, a thin resistive 'skin', and pattern recognition circuitry that is capable of resolving dynamic and static contact location, force, and slip throughout the continuum of the sensor's active region. The sensor operates by means of a resistive 'skin' harboring the electric field generated when a current is injected into it, and a plurality of electrodes for taking measurements of said electric field. When current flows through the resistive medium from the location of tactile contact, an electric field within the resistive medium is established, …

Development And Application Of A Methodology For Evaluating Type Ii Expired Shelf Life Hazardous Material Generation In The United States Air Force, Jennifer Putz

Theses and Dissertations

The Pollution Prevention Act of 1990, Air Force Directive 19-4, and the Air Force Pollution Prevention Plan require installations to reduce the amounts of hazardous waste generated. To meet the requirements set forth in these documents, each waste stream containing a hazardous waste needs to be identified and characterized for changes in policies or procedures that would reduce the hazardous waste generated. This research develops a methodology to determine the amount of materials with a type II shelf life that is disposed of as hazardous waste because the shelf life expired while the material was in base supply storage. This …

Autonomous Face Segmentation, Kevin P. Gay

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to implement an autonomous face segmentor as the front end to a face recognition system on a Sun SPARCStation2. Face recognition performance criteria, specifically, the capabilities to isolate and resize faces in an image to a consistent scale, were analyzed to determine current practical limitations. Face images were acquired using a S-VHS camcorder. Segmentation was accomplished using motion detection and predefined rules. Tests were run to determine the suitable of the autonomous segmentor as the front-end to a face recognition system. The segmentation system developed consistently located faces and rescaled those faces to a …

A Methodology For The Characterization And Management Of Nonpoint Source Water Pollution, David M. Praner, Gordon M. Sprewell

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this research was development of a methodology for characterization and management of Nonpoint Source (NPS) water pollution. Section 319 of the 1987 Water Quality Act requires states to develop management programs for reduction of NPS pollution via Best Management Practices (BMPs). Air Force installations are expected to abide by federal, state, and local environmental regulations. Currently, the Air Force does not have a methodology to identify and quantify NPS pollution, or a succinct catalog of BMPs. Air Force installation managers need a package to assist them in meeting legislative and regulatory requirements associated with NPS pollution. Ten …

A Technical And Practical Study Of Composting As A Solid Waste Management Alternative For The Air Force, Donald R. Abrams, Timothy D. Brecheen

Theses and Dissertations

This thesis reviews composting as a solid waste management option for the Air Force. The Air Force's Pollution Prevention Program Mandates composting as an opportunity to reduce landfill disposal and save future environmental costs. This research considers composting technologies used in mixed municipal solid waste and yard waste applications. The thesis presents technical aspects of composting and also summarizes operational techniques of successful composting sites across the United States. Composting is a biological process for converting organic waste into a stable product for use as a soil amendment or mulch. The Air Force should immediately begin yard waste composting programs …

An Analysis Of The Potential Use Of Red Horse Capabilities And Training Activities To Perform Or Accelerate Air Force Environmental Cleanups, E. Alexander Stokes Iii, Randy A. Carpenter

Theses and Dissertations

There are more than 4,000 Air Force (AF) sites requiring restoration due to hazardous waste contamination. The AF goal is to completely restore all sites by 2000. One method of achieving this ambitious goal is to use in-house capabilities. This study examined the potential use of RED HORSE capabilities and training activities to assist with cleanup of contaminated sites. RED HORSE capabilities and training requirements were compared to the primary cleanup needs of the AF. One finding of this study suggests cleanup of sites contaminated by volatile organic chemicals (VOCs) is the primary need of the AF. The findings also …