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Determination Of Volatile Organic Compounds In Environmental Matrices Using Solid Phase Microextraction And Infrared Spectroscopy., Daniel Lee Heglund

Theses and Dissertations

The detection of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in water and soil via infrared (IR) spectroscopy is difficult because the water and soil components absorb the majority of the infrared radiation. Solid phase microextraction (SPME) selectively extracts the analytes from the water and soil and allows detection in the same solid phase with no water or soil interference. Current optical methodology in SPME utilizes ultraviolet/visible, or near-infrared spectroscopy as a detection means and yields little molecular information and poor detection limits respectively. The subject of this Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) dissertation will include the development and application of SPME to Fourier …

A Study Of Students' Attitude Toward School Climate As Compared Within A Conflict Resolution Group And A Traditional Group, Dawn D. Kelly-Pearson

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study is to evaluate students' attitudes toward school climate. One group received Conflict Resolution training and the other group received no training. The program, SCRC, Students Creative Response to Conflict was designed to empower students by giving them the tools to confront and resolve problems that develop on a daily basis. The program focuses on five major areas: affirmation, communication, conflict resolution, cooperation, and bias awareness/appreciation of differences.

The sample group was drawn from four fourth grade classrooms. Each group consisted of thirty-six subjects. There were 61% males and 39% females. Further, 64.6% were Caucasian, 31.7% …

A Study Of The Effects Of Shared Peer Reading On Students' Reading Attitudes, Christine Ellen Arsenis

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of shared peer reading on students' reading attitudes. It was hypothesized that students who participate in shared peer reading would show significant reading attitude improvements, as measured by the Elementary Reading Attitude Survey, over students who do not participate in shared peer reading. The study was a quasi-experimental design consisting of students in two first grade classrooms. Twenty students from each classroom participated in the study. One class was identified as the "participation group" and the other class was identified as the "nonparticipation" group. Both groups were first pretested using …

Study Of The Effects Of Inclusion On The Academic Progress Of Regular Education Students, Tracy Alcoy-Clouser

Theses and Dissertations

It was the goal of this study to evaluate the effectiveness of the Team Approach to Mastery (TAM) program on the Metropolitan Achievement Test (MAT) scores of regular education students in the TAM classroom. The hypothesis suggested that the TAM students would do as well as or better than the students in the non-TAM classroom.

This study observed the progress of twenty-nine fourth grade students that live in a rural area with an urban school population. A pretest posttest design was used. The dependent variable was the MAT, and the TAM program was the independent variable.

An analysis of the …

General Educators And Their Needs For Inclusion Classrooms, Lisa B. Minkin

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between the perceptions of available inclusion supports by elementary teachers and their attitudes toward inclusion education. This correlational study used a non-random, convenience population: all thirty-nine members taught in a common district that implemented inclusion. They completed a closed-ended questionnaire which measured attitudes toward inclusion and their perceptions of available supports.

The research yielded inconsistent evidence related to the null hypothesis. Attitudes of teachers concerning inclusion and their perceived level of supports were not found to be statistically related. However, there were corresponding percentages of those who considered substantial resources …

Student Ethnicity And Teacher Expectations, Daisy Mercado

Theses and Dissertations

This study investigated the relationship between student ethnicity and teacher expectations and how these expectations were communicated to students through the types of questions they were asked. The subjects for this study were twenty-two second grade students. The first phase of the study consisted of observations in which the questions asked by the teacher and the ethnicity of the student were recorded. They were later categorized as low order and high order questions. Finally, a Chi square test was used to determine if there was a significant relationship between ethnicity and teacher expectations. The study revealed that no significant relationship …

Correlational Study Of Self-Concept, Social Self-Perception, Academic Self-Concept And Behavior Problems Among Elementary School Children, Malthi Lingaraju

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to examine the relationships, if any, between General Self-Concept, Social Self-Perception, Academic Self-Concept, and Behavior Problems among elementary school children. Twenty-two third grade students participated in this study. The Coopersmith Self-Esteem Inventory was used to measure self-concept. Social Self-Perception and Academic Self-Concept were measured by subscales of the Coopersmith Inventory. The Connors' Teacher Rating Scales-39 was used to measure the general dimension of behavior problems. Findings from these two measures indicated a significant positive correlation between General Self-Concept and Social Self-Perception; General Self-Concept and Academic Self-Concept, and Social Self-Perception and Academic Self-Concept. There was, …

A Study Of Television Violence And Its Effects On Elementary School Children's Social Interactions, Shari Lonker

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between the amount of antisocial and aggressive television shows a child views and the occurrence of negative social interactions in which that child is involved while under school supervision. One hundred 2nd, 3rd, and 4th graders in a southern New Jersey school district were given television viewing questionnaires to take home and fill out with their parents. Upon completion, the questionnaires were scored according to the child's habit of watching specific television shows targeted with violent content. Each student's teacher then rated the frequency of the child's antisocial or aggressive …

Effective Motivation Of Front-Line Employees, Regina M. Audio

Theses and Dissertations

Motivating front-line employees to perform at optimum levels is a challenge for managers and business owners. Non-management employees from Southern New Jersey for-profit and non-profit companies responded to a survey to offer comments as to which of six specific types of motivational phrases would best motivate them to perform optimally in common workplace situations involving: quality, teamwork, personal responsibility to organizational policy and procedure, initiative, and customer service issues. Participants considered top performers by their managers were asked to choose which phrase would best motivate them in each situation in an attempt to identify which phrases are most effective in …

The Relationship Between Self-Esteem And Romanticism Among Parenting And Nonparenting Adolescents, Francine D. Ramsey

Theses and Dissertations

This study's purpose was to assess the difference between romanticism and self-esteem among parenting (n=13) and nonparenting adolescents (n=18). One subject did not specify status. Parenting adolescents where those who were or had been pregnant. Nonparenting adolescents were those who had never been pregnant. Of the thirty-two subjects, 29 were African American and three were Hispanic. All were a part of a social support group. The subjects ranged in age between 13 and 19. The Dean Romanticism Survey and Coopersmith Self-Esteem Inventory combined were administered. An independent t-test was performed on the variables. The results indicated that parenting adolescents did …

A Correlational Study Of Teachers' Attitudes Towards The Computer And The Use Of Computer-Assisted Instruction In The Classroom, Lynn Karen Lore

Theses and Dissertations

This study was designed to examine the relationship between the attitude of the classroom teacher towards computers and the utilization of Computer Assisted Instruction (CAl) in the classroom instructions. The teachers were from three public schools and one private school in urban and rural districts of southern New Jersey.

The teachers completed a Computer Attitude Survey (CAS), and a Computer Assisted Instruction Survey (CAIS). The CAS measured the attitude of the teacher in four areas: their anxiety towards computers, confidence in their ability, liking of computers, and their perceptions of the usefulness of computers. Each subclass and the overall score …

An Investigation Of The Characteristics Of Regenerative Heat Exchangers, Timothy J. Murphy

Theses and Dissertations

The objective of the current research was to investigate the effects of reducing screen thickness on the volume and compactness factor of stacked, wire-screen regenerators. An improved transient step-change method was devised which integrated experimental data with a numerical model of the flow to determine the heat transfer coefficient and friction factor. The improvements to the approach are: (1) the measured inlet temperature trace is used, (2) the heat transfer coefficient is based on a parameter called the sponge effect delay time, and (3) the important effect of the tube surrounding the matrix is included in the numerical model. The …

Characteristic Spatial Quadratures For Discrete Ordinates Neutral Particle Transport On Arbitrary Tetrahedral Meshes, Charles R. Brennan

Theses and Dissertations

Characteristic spatial quadratures for discrete ordinates calculations on meshes of arbitrary tetrahedra are derived and tested, including the step (SC), linear (LC), and exponential (EC) characteristic quadratures and variants that assume constant distributions on cell faces. Tetrahedral meshes accurately model curved surfaces with few cells. A split cell approach subdivides tetrahedra along the streaming direction, reducing the transport to one dimension. Assumed forms of the cell source and entering flux distributions have sufficient parameters to match the zeroth and first spatial moments. These parameters are determined by analytically inverting a linear system (LC), or by numerical inversion using Newton's method …

Electrical Characterization Of Gasb Based Semiconductors For 2-4 Micrometers Diode Laser Applications, Daniel K. Johnstone

Theses and Dissertations

Deep Level Transient Spectroscopy (DLTS) was used to characterize the band offsets and deep levels in MBE grown GaSb-based semiconductors that are used in 2-4 µm laser diode structures. One of several deep level traps found in Al_xGa_1-xAs_ySb_1-y (x=0, 0.5, 0.6, 1.0) is a GaSb double acceptor trap. Progress is also made in establishing the model for the DX center in this material. The degree of compensation of the donor related DX center by GaSb affect where donors are situated, giving preference to one configuration over the many other possible configurations. One minority …

A Methodology For Reengineering Relational Databases To An Object-Oriented Database, Pedro A. Linhares Lima

Theses and Dissertations

This research proposes and evaluates a methodology for reengineering a relational database to an object-oriented database. We applied this methodology to reengineering the Air Force Institute of Technology Student Information System (AFITSIS) as our test case. With this test case, we could verify the applicability of the proposed methodology, especially because AFITSIS comes from an old version of Oracle RDBMS. We had the opportunity to implement part of the object model using an object-oriented database, and we present some peculiarities encountered during this implementation. The most important result of this research is that it demonstrated that the proposed methodology can …

Structures And Techniques For Implementing And Packaging Complex, Large Scale Microelectromechanical Systems Using Foundry Fabrication Processes, John H. Comtois

Theses and Dissertations

Microelectromechanical Systems, or 'MEMS' is a broad new field of research into devices that range in size from a few microns to a few millimeters. Much of the technology supporting MEMS research is borrowed from the microelectronics industry; so MEMS holds out the promise of batch fabrication of microminiaturized machines that can be easily integrated with electronics. This dissertation research investigated structures and methods for implementing and packaging complex, large scale microelectromechanical devices and systems using commercially available foundry fabrication processes. It specifies methods for creating and packaging large, complex MEM systems, allowing the exploration of new MEMS architectures at …

Formal Transformations From Graphically-Based Object-Oriented Representations To Theory-Based Specifications, Scott A. Deloach

Theses and Dissertations

Formal software specification has long been touted as a way to increase the quality and reliability of software; however, it remains an intricate, manually intensive activity. An alternative to using formal specifications is to use graphically-based, semi-formal specifications such as those used in many object-oriented specification methodologies. While semi-formal specifications are generally easier to develop and understand, they lack the rigor and precision of formal specification techniques. The basic premise of this investigation is that formal software specifications can be constructed using correctness preserving transformations from graphically-based object-oriented representations. In this investigation, object-oriented specifications defined using Rumbaugh's Object Modeling Technique …

Design Of Gradient Index Optical Thin Films, Jeffrey J. Druessel

Theses and Dissertations

Gradient index thin films provide greater flexibility for the design of optical coatings than the more conventional 'layer' films. In addition, gradient index films have higher damage thresholds and better adhesion properties. This dissertation presents an enhancement to the existing inverse Fourier transform gradient index design method, and develops a new optimal design method for gradient index films using a generalized Fourier series approach. The inverse Fourier transform method is modified to include use of the phase of the index profile as a variable in rugate filter design. Use of an optimal phase function in Fourier-based filter designs reduces the …

Optimal Continuous-Thrust Orbit Transfers, James D. Thorne

Theses and Dissertations

The minimum time orbital transfer problem for spacecraft with steerable, continuous thrust of constant magnitude may be solved using Euler-Lagrange theory, which leads to the optimal control law in terms of Lagrange multipliers. However, the initial values of the Lagrange multipliers are not known from the orbital boundary conditions. Using analytical and empirical results, the optimal initial costates are modeled as functions of the problem parameters which are the initial thrust acceleration, A, and the final orbit radius, H, in canonical units. For circle to circle, coplanar orbit transfers, these approximate initial costate models lead to convergence in the shooting …

Simultaneous Composite Tailoring And Bending Control Optimization For Damping The Torsional Vibration Of A Plate, Douglas W. Dehart

Theses and Dissertations

A method for the simultaneous structural and control optimization for torsional vibration of a composite plate which simulates a spacecraft solar array structure was developed in this study. Included in the optimization of the plate are the location of the piezoceramic actuators and sensors that provide bending/torsion actuation, the control gains, and the orientation of the graphite fibers in the composite plies. This research included the effects of using composite tailoring to promote the coupling of the twisting-bending mode to enhance the damping system. The plate was modeled by classical lamination plate theory using a linear elastic strain-displacement theory. This …

Direct Measurement Of Skin Friction In High Temperature And Impulsively Started Supersonic Flowfields, David M. Hazelton

Theses and Dissertations

This study further developed and improved a miniature plastic cantilever floating element gauge for direct measurement of skin friction in shock tunnel tests. Gauge durability and usability were improved, and potential sources of error were quantified. A high frequency 30 kHz gauge (compared to the baseline 10 kHz gauge) was constructed by using an I-beam cantilever rather than a round beam. A directional gauge was developed and demonstrated by measuring the flowfield about a fin in the AFIT shock tunnel. The 10 kHz and 30 kHz gauges were used in two scramjet test sequences conducted at Mach 14 enthalpy (stagnation …

Gain-Scheduled Aircraft Control Using Linear Parameter-Varying Feedback, Martin R. Breton

Theses and Dissertations

Systems which vary significantly over an operating envelope, such as fighter aircraft, generally cannot be controlled by a single linear time-invariant controller. As a result, gain-scheduling methods are employed to design control laws which can provide the desired performance. This thesis examines a relatively new approach to gain-scheduling, in which the varying controller is designed from the outset to guarantee robust performance, thereby avoiding the disadvantages of point designs. Specifically, the parameter-varying (LPV) aircraft model is linearized using linear fractional transformations (LFT's), and the resulting control problem is characterized as the solution to a set of four linear matrix inequalities …

Residual Strength After Fatigue Of Unidirectional And Cross-Ply Metal Matrix Composites At Elevated Temperature, Sen-Tzer Chiou

Theses and Dissertations

This study investigated the residual strength of the unidirectional and cross-ply laminates of SCS-6 / Ti-15-3, metal matrix composite at elevated temperature 427°C (800°F) after under tension-tension load controlled mode. For this purpose, several specimens were fatigued to various fractions of the fatigue life and then loaded monotonically to failure. The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of different levels of fatigue damage on the composite's strength. The unidirectional specimens were cycled at a 900 MPa maximum stress at a frequency of 10 Hz, while, the cross-ply specimens were tested at both 300 MPa and 450 MPa …

Effect Of Transient Body Force On The Performance Of An Axial Grooved Heat Pipe, Wen-Lung Wang

Theses and Dissertations

An experimental investigation was performed to determine the effect of transient body forces on the performance of an ammonia/aluminum axial groove heat pipe. The effects of increased body forces on the dryout and rewet performance were simulated by tilting the heat pipe to different inclination angles. Theoretical calculations predicted the dryout length varied with different final inclination angles. The steady state experimental work was performed by tilting the heat pipe from 0 degrees to different final inclination angles for a long period of time until totally dryout occurred. Then, from the plot of the changing temperature at each location along …

Performance Study Of A Brazilian Air Force Data Communications Network, Oswaldo Zanelli

Theses and Dissertations

This thesis consists of a performance analysis of two network models using different protocols, the X.25 and Asynchronous Transfer Mode (ATM). X.25 is currently used in the data communications network infrastructure in the Brazilian Air Force. ATM is a high speed network technology. Simulations of both models were performed to compare the two technologies. This study examines the traffic load that each network can handle while still providing a good quality of service (QoS). The X.25 network model proved to have a sufficient capacity to handle the projected workload, but it presented a low QoS when a more intense traffic …

Investigation Of Radio Wave Propagation In The Martian Ionosphere Utilizing Hf Sounding Techniques, Robert J. Yowell

Theses and Dissertations

This thesis presents a preliminary design of an ionospheric sounder to be carried aboard one or more of NASA's Mars Surveyor landers. Past Russian and American probes have indicated the existence of an ionosphere, but none of these missions remotely sensed this atmospheric layer from the surface. The rationale for utilizing a surface-based Martian ionospheric sounder is discussed. Based on NASA's choice of launch vehicle and power source, a low-weight, low-powered Chirp sounder using a horizontally-polarized dipole antenna is recommended for the sounder experiment. The sounder experiment should be conducted for at least one Martian year, in order to investigate …

A Framework For Developing Marketing Plans For Military To Civilian Technology Transfer, Kenneth R. Hirlinger Jr.

Theses and Dissertations

The Government of the United States, in particular the Department of Defense, invests a significant amount of funding into the development of technology. This technology, as a critical component of its weaponry, allows the United States to maintain a world-wide qualitative superiority over potential adversaries who may have a quantitative advantage. As industry and government continue to downsize, the transfer of technology from the federal government to the private sector becomes important to ensure the industrial base can continue supporting the military. In addition, transferring technology allows the industrial base to gain international competitive advantages and increase the breadth of …

Runaways In Young Adult Fiction – A Survey And Annotated Bibliography, Anna E. Edwards

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this thesis is to compare causes and consequences for runaways in real life with those in young adult fiction, in order to ascertain whether any similarity exists between the two. The thesis also provides an annotated bibliography of young adult books about runaways.

Research was carried out to obtain information about what real runaways must face, and various guides to young adult literature were consulted in order to evaluate fictional runaway lifestyles.

With few exceptions, real lives of runaway children bear very little resemblance to those of their fictional counterparts. In fiction, happy endings (or at least …

The Development And Evaluation Of A Basic Skills Mathematics Curriculum For Adult Learners, Shirley Hofer, Annette M. Schenkel

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study is to develop a basic skills mathematics curriculum for adult learners, evaluate student progress, and survey the instructors' opinions.

Gagne's curriculum model was used to develop a new curriculum addressing the problems of the traditional curriculum. Research was cited to substantiate each curriculum change. The new curriculum successfully addressed each of the concepts gathered from the related literature.

Student progress was evaluated at Gloucester County College from January to March of 1996. All of the nine MAT-010 classes used the new curriculum. A dependent t-test was applied to pretest and posttest scores of the New …

The Effect Of Graphing Calculator Use In Algebra One, Anne Lawrence Hudock

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to compare the learning of basic concepts of analytic geometry by students instructed with graphing calculators to that of students instructed by traditional methods. Three chapters, covering the basic concepts of analytic geometry, were taught to two separate algebra one classes at Salem High School, Salem, New Jersey over a nine-week period. The control group was taught using traditional instruction and the experimental group was taught using graphing calculator assisted instruction.

A unit test was administered to both the experimental and control groups at the conclusion of the study to evaluate student learning. From …