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Music As Communication: A Rhetorical Perspective Based On Susanne Langer's Theory Of Aesthetic Symbolism, Deanna D. Sellnow

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this dissertation is to create a rhetorical perspective by which to understand and analyze music as aesthetic communication. Specifically, this study extends Susanne Langer's theory of aesthetic symbolism as it relates to music as a mode of communication. Once the rhetorical perspective for analyzing music as communication has been depicted, the perspective is operationalized to analyze music from two contemporary social movements in the United States. The music analyzed in this dissertation comes from the Neo-Nazi Skinhead movement and the New Age movement. By approaching music as aesthetic communication in this way, the reader is able to …

The Blood-Oocyte Barrier: Morphological Evidence Implicating The Zona Pellucida, Allan D. Forsman

Theses and Dissertations

A developing oocyte is capable of synthesizing "non-self" proteins recognized as foreign by the maternal immune system. Since the oocyte may be perceived as foreign it must be protected from interaction with the immune system in order for it to mature to the point of ovulation. Oocytes that begin development but do not mature to the point of ovulation become atretic and are destroyed and phagocytized by the maternal system. This study proposes that the zona pellucida of the ovarian follicle is the barrier between the immune system and the oocyte. The suggestion is made that the oocyte may play …

Wave Propagation In A Randomly Inhomogeneous Medium - A Study Of The Problem, Kyle Hunter

Theses and Dissertations

The problem of calculating the scintillation index of an atmospherically propagating spherical wave is examined. The fourth statistical moment of the complex field is obtained by using Feynman (path) integral techniques applied to the stochastic parabolic equation. The general trajectory of each Feynman integral is approximated by a truncated Fourier-sine series and the infinite-fold integration of the Feynman integral is reduced to a three-fold Riemann integral which is shown to match results derived under different assumptions. This thesis is highly tutorial.

Image Analysis Using Gabor Transforms: Correlated With Human Saccadic Movement Data To Identify The Human Visual Search Strategy, Ralph J. St John

Theses and Dissertations

This thesis investigated whether a relationship exists between the Gabor Correlation Coefficient (GCC) magnitudes of fixation points for a set of images viewed by six subjects and the human visual search strategy. A couple of different relationships were investigated. First, the data were analyzed to determine if the GCC magnitudes of human fixation points predicted the time ordered sequence of human fixation points during the performance of a visual search. Second, the data were analyzed to determine if there was a significant difference between the GCC magnitudes of the human fixation points and the GCC magnitudes of a random set …

Application Of Finite Element Modeling And Analysis To The Design Of Positive Pressure Oxygen Masks, Bruce H. Bitterman

Theses and Dissertations

This study investigated tools and techniques for performing finite element analysis of the MBU-20/P pilot's oxygen mask. The problem which was investigated was the fit of the mask to the face at Positive Pressure Breathing (PPB) pressures. Deformed geometry of the mask and reaction forces on the face were calculated to provide a measure of the fit. The MBU-20/P mask was first digitized by 3-D digitizer. A computer program was written to translate the digitized coordinate data to a finite element format for two commercial packages. The packages targeted were SDRC I-DEAS and PDA PATRAN. Other supplementary programs were written …

Gabor Segmentation Of High Resolution Synthetic Aperture Radar Imagery, Michael A. Hazlett

Theses and Dissertations

This thesis investigates the use of Gabor filters and a radial basis function (RBF) network for segmentation of high resolution (1 foot by 1 foot) synthetic aperture radar (SAR) imagery. Processing involved correlation between the SAR imagery and Gabor functions. Two methods for selecting the optimal Gabor filters are presented. This research used complex Gabor functions and operated on single polarization HH complex data. Following the selection f the proper Gabor filters, correlation coefficients for each image were calculated and used as features for the RBF network. Provided are results demonstrating how Gabor processing and a RBF network provide image …

Effects Of An Exercise Program On Mentally Impaired Older Adults In A Long-Term Care Facility, Linda D. Bane Frizzell

Theses and Dissertations

This study is a contradistinction to research which assesses the effects of exercise only on older adults who are in good health. This study examined the effect of an eight-week exercise program on 24 individuals with mental impairments, primarily Alzheimer's disease and dementia. Subjects were volunteers who resided in a long-term care skilled nursing facility (SNF). Group composition was 7 males, mean age 83.29 and 17 females, mean age 88.71; mental and physical function levels varied from supervised to total dependence of care. Six variables were tested: right and left shoulder flexibility, right and left hand grip strength, modified sit …

Guanine Nucleotide-Utilizing Enzymes In The Matrix Of Mitochondria From Rabbit Heart And Liver: Nucleoside Diphosphate Kinase, Succinate Thiokinase, And Phosphoenolpyruvate Carboxykinase., Eddie F. Kadrmas

Theses and Dissertations

Three guanine nucleotide-utilizing enzymes--nucleoside diphosphate kinase (NDPK), succinate thiokinase (STK), and phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase (PEPCK)--were studied in mitochondrial matrix preparations from rabbit heart and liver. Previous investigation by others has shown results consistent with the apparent absence of NDPK in mitochondrial matrix as well as with the existence of distinct ATP and GTP-utilizing succinate thiokinases in several species. Possible interrelationships between NDPK and STK in rabbit heart and between NDPK, STK, and PEPCK in rabbit liver were investigated.Indirect evidence for the existence of a NDPK activity in the matrix compartment of mitochondria from rabbit heart and liver was obtained via assay …

The Ecology Of Neotropical Forest Tree Seedlings., Mingguang Li

Theses and Dissertations

Patterns of seedling demography were studied in undisturbed wet forest at La Selva Biological Station, Costa Rica. In 1983, permanent transects were established at random locations, in which all seedlings $\le$0.5 m in height belonging to all species capable of reaching 10 cm dbh were tagged, identified, mapped, and measured in height. During the following 18 months, a total of 6,403 seedlings belonging to 194 species were tagged. All tagged seedlings were recensused at regular intervals.All but 302 tagged seedlings had died by June 1989, the total mortality rate was 95.3% for a period of 6 years. The mean one-year …

An Analysis Of Fixed Wing Tactical Airlifter Characteristics Using An Intra-Theater Airlift Computer Model, Paul Pappas

Theses and Dissertations

This study used computer simulation to identify which tactical airlifter characteristics most significantly affected tactical airlift capability in a given scenario. The Generalized Air Mobility model was used to simulate a tactical airlift system. Aircraft characteristics within the model were grouped into six variables. A 2(6) two level full factorial experimental design was used to assess the effect of changes in aircraft characteristics on the effectiveness of the tactical airlift system. Yates algorithm was used to identify significant terms based upon the results of the factorial experiment. These significant terms were used to develop a parsimonious regression model that represented …

The Development And Retention Of Critical Thinking Dispositions Among Students Of The Air Force Institute Of Technology Graduate Management Programs, Luke J. Schaub

Theses and Dissertations

This effort analyzed the development and retention of critical thinking dispositions in students of the Air Force Institute of Technology's School of Systems and Logistics graduate management program. The Myers-Briggs Type Indicator was used as a measure of subjects' dispositions. Pre- and post- test surveys were administered when subjects entered and exited the program, and a follow-up administered two to five years later. The pre- and post-tests were administered to 427 subjects and the follow-up to 201 of those subjects. It was found that subjects increased their preference for logical, objective decision-making while enrolled in the program. Subjects also increased …

A Policy Analysis Of Using Unit Costs As A Means Of Performance Measurement In The Air Force Science And Technology Program, Michael P. Avery

Theses and Dissertations

This study investigates the possible use of unit costs as a means of performance measurement in the Air Force Science and Technology (S and T) program. Using a policy analysis methodology, the author breaks the analysis into four phases. The first phase called understanding the problem and incorporates the theory of management control systems, budgets, resource management systems, and identifies what the S and T program encompasses. The second phase is called developing policy options and identifies three distinctly different policies that satisfy the need for getting performance information into the hands of decision-makers. The third phase is called determining …

Evaluation Of Managerial Challenges Created By Acceleration Of The Installation Restoration Program, Robert L. Vinson Iii

Theses and Dissertations

This study investigates the distribution of managerial tasks related to the Installation Restoration Program (IRP). Initiated in 1986, the IRP is the DoD program to identify and clean-up hazardous waste sites. Study areas include current distribution of managerial tasks, changes in task distribution needed to accelerate the program, and potential resource constraints. Additionally, the study considers how acceleration of Army and Navy restoration programs could impact the Air Force IRP. The study reveals IRP management is heavily centralized at MAJCOM with most technical work being performed through contracts with service centers. Individual bases have little direct involvement in the program. …

Industrial Wastewater Management Practices In Air Force Logistics Command, Patrick J. Smith

Theses and Dissertations

The selection of a model plant was based upon criteria established by a review of current literature. The criteria were permit compliance, plant performance, and the adoption of pollution prevention as a corporate environmental philosophy. In this study, private sector firms were examined to identify the best industrial wastewater management practices using a Total Quality Management (TQM) tool called benchmarking. The data gathering process consisted a survey of water pollution control organizations, and a survey of benchmark candidates. The purpose of surveying water pollution control organizations was to objectively identify possible benchmark candidates. A questionnaire was then used to gather …

War Reserve Materiel Prepositioning Its History, Its Significance, And Its Future, Jack E. King Jr.

Theses and Dissertations

This study puts USAF War Reserve Materiel (WRM) into perspective. Its purpose is to serve as an introduction for those who wish to further their knowledge of USAF WRM prepositioning. To fully understand the relevant issues concerning the placement of critical European WRM stockpiles, several areas of research are encompassed in this review. An historical analysis of US military logistics is provided. Then, an overview of current, world-wide events taking shape around the world, with particular emphasis given to their effects on US decision-making strategies, is accompanied by a synopsis of both US and Soviet military doctrine.

Impacts Of Biomonitoring Requirements On Dod Wastewater Treatment Facilities, James R. Brady

Theses and Dissertations

Legislative emphasis on reducing the toxicity of wastewater effluent has resulted in increasingly sophisticated methods of determining toxicity. The purpose of this research project is to assess the impacts on DoD wastewater treatment facilities of one new monitoring method, biomonitoring. Biomonitoring has impacted DoD wastewater treatment facilities, however not to the degree anticipated. For bases that have been impacted, cost of contracting the tests is the primary problem associated with biomonitoring. Many bases have not been impacted because wastewater reuse has negated the need for discharge permits, and the inherent monitoring requirements. Bases subject to biomonitoring should assess water reuse …

Small Mammal Demographics In North Dakota Conservation Reserve Program Plantings, Larry A. Lysne

Theses and Dissertations

During the summers of 1989 and 1990, capture-recapture methods were used to de~ermine small mammal demographics and population dynamics in Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) plantings in north central North Dakota. Four age classes (1-4 years) of CRP plantings were sampled. Small mammal species diversity was low (H'=0.057-0.374). Eight species of small mammals were captured on CRP tracts, with deer mice (Peromyscus maniculatus) comprising 92% of all small mammals recorded. Largest deer mouse populations (64/ha .and 51/ha) occurred in late August and early September, 1990. Peak densities in 1990 were over twice as high as those of 1989. Home range sizes …

A Transcript Analysis Of The Graduates Of Two Postsecondary Institutions In North Dakota: A General Education Profile, Sharon L. Etemad

Theses and Dissertations

This study examined general education at a university and a community college in North Dakota in regard to purpose, structure, content, core, breadth, and coherence. The purpose of the study was to determine actual general education course-taking patterns by all graduates of the institutions and by differentiated majors. The research methodology was a case study and a profile of actual course-taking patterns as recorded on the transcripts of the 1990 baccalaureate degree graduates of the university and the 1989 and 1990 associate degree graduates at the community college.

The profiles of general education coursework at the two institutions were similar. …

Integrating Mathematical Concepts With Technology Education, Chei-Chun Chen

Theses and Dissertations

No abstract provided.

Development Of Human Emotions From Neonate To Preschoolers, Edwina Davies Luevanos

Theses and Dissertations

No abstract provided.

Measurement Of Ascorbic Acid And Dehydroascorbic Acid In Mammalian Tissues Using Hplc With Electrochemical Detection, Debra A. Fry

Theses and Dissertations

The oxidized and reduced forms of ascorbic acid (AA) are reactive and unstable compounds making their measurement difficult. Detection of small amounts of AA and dehydroascorbic acid (DHAA) is essential for determining the biochemical function of the vitamin in cells and subcellular organelles. While a variety of techniques exist which detect millimolar levels of AA, accurate assessment of pmol levels of AA and DHAA in a variety of tissues has not been perfected. In the present study, a method was developed for quantitation of AA and DHAA that combines HPLC separation with the advantages of increased sensitivity and selectivity available …

The Impact Of Early Intervention On Subsequent Classroom Placement, Amy Jo Sanner

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to examine the efficacy of an Early Childhood Special Education program in a small city in northeastern North Dakota. The study examined the classroom placements and supportive services required by two hundred seventy two (272) preschool aged handicapped children prior to, during, and subsequent to their participation in the early intervention program. Children included in the study had attended the preschool program some time between the 1984-1985 school year and the 1990-1991 school year.

The following research questions were posed: 1) What types of children, based on primary handicapping condition, require a less restrictive …

Transition: Between Early Childhood Special Education And The Primary Grades, Avis D. Larson

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to establish research-based recommendations for effective transitional practices between Early Childhood Special Education programs and Kindergarten classes. The study focused on current transitional practices that exist in a large public school district in northeastern Nor th Dakota. These practices were determined through a questionnaire. Recommendations emerged through the participant's responses. (a) The district should disseminating information These recommendations included: develop a uniform method of to all groups relative to the transition process. ( b) Administrators should make every effort to identify the receiving teacher the semester prior to the student's enrollment. ( c) Exchange …

Should North Dakota Have A Medical School? An Analysis From The Taxpayer's Perspective, Al Larson

Theses and Dissertations

No abstract provided.

The Use Of Transition Metal Complexes For The Construction Of Unusual Metal-Modified Phosphorus Linkages Between Nucleosides., Theresa Jo Schmaltz

Theses and Dissertations

Oligonucleotides based on methyl phosphonate linkages between nucleoside units have been of particular interest as anti-sense molecules for inhibiting mRNA function. The focus of our research has been on the development of new construction techniques for anti-sense oligonucleotides. Specifically we have been investigating new methods for generating iron and cobalt-modified linkages in oligonucleotides during the course of automated synthesis.We have found that (dicarbonyl)($\eta\sp5$-cyclopentadienyl)($\eta\sp2$-ethylene)iron reacts with 5$\sp\prime$-O-dimethoxytritylnucleoside 3$\sp\prime$-phosphite esters to yield (dicarbonyl)($\eta\sp5$-cyclopentadienyl)iron(ethyl)phosphonates. These phosphonates appear to be stable to the conditions commonly used to construct oligonucleotides by phosphoramidite methodology. This chemistry has been extended to the formation of a dimer on …

Aggressive Conduct Disordered Children Intervention Stratagies, Sheila M. Gamble

Theses and Dissertations

No abstract provided.

Theme Studies And Thinking: How Children Use Reading, Writing, And Talking To Develop And Extend Their Thoughts., Laurie M. Wenger

Theses and Dissertations

In this study, the thinking practices of students as they used reading, writing, and talking in a thematic unit of study were described and analyzed.The subsidiary questions were suggested by recent studies and reports that indicated a decline of "thinking" in American schools. The questions were: (1) What categories of thinking were evident in the language and behaviors of young learners? (2) What environmental factors contributed to the development of children's thoughts and ideas?The thinking of nine first graders was described by semantic maps, direct observation, video and audio tapes, and analyzed using the categories of Bloom's Taxonomy and Tough's …

Robotics And Children: Their Relationship To Science Achievement, Problem Solving, Adhd Rating Scale Scores, And Learning Styles, Susan Preston Wagner

Theses and Dissertations

This study investigated whether robotics could significantly improve science achievement scores or problem solving scores as compared to battery powered manipulatives or an untreated traditionally taught control. Also examined was whether there were interactions between treatment group membership and ADHD Rating Scale scores, and treatment group membership and the learning styles subscales auditory, visual, tactile, and kinesthetic. Fifteen fourth through sixth grade classes, involving 364 students from three schools participated in this study. A fifth grade science unit on force, motion, and machines was taught for 20-30 minutes daily, followed by a 50-60 minute robotics session. The treatments lasted for …

Species- And Tissue-Specific Distribution Of Mitochondrial And Cytoplasmic Isozymes Of Phosphoenolpyruvate Carboxykinase., Thomas John Wiese

Theses and Dissertations

Phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase (PEPCK), an enzyme which exists as two distinct isozymes, is distributed in a species- and tissue-specific manner. The purpose of this study was to systematically determine the quantity and intracellular location of both isozyme activities of PEPCK in a number of major and important tissues of several species of mammals and birds.Both the intracellular distribution and quantities of both PEPCK isozyme activities were determined in liver, kidney, gastrointestinal mucosa, and adipose tissue; and the total quantity of the enzyme activity was determined in skeletal muscle, brain, spleen, lung, and heart of fed rat and fed and fasted rabbit, …

A Vision System Model, Erik J. Fretheim

Theses and Dissertations

This dissertation provides four major contributions to the field of vision research. The first contribution is a general vision system model. The model, which blends biological as well as technological methods into a coherent approach to vision, will provide a basis for implementing vision systems. The second contribution of this dissertation is to demonstrate particular implementations of portions of the model. These implementations will include methods for using Gabor wavelets in edge detection, in preprocessing images for use as feature vectors in backpropagation neural networks, and as basis functions in a recognition/reconstruction network, as well as methods for integrating color …