Digital Commons Network^™

Optimizing Multiagent, Multi-Injected Swell Modifier, Marshall B. Addison, Thomas M. Petry

Civil, Architectural and Environmental Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

Interactions of expansive clay soils with transportation facilities have caused billions of dollars of damage. In the process of determining agents and methodologies to overcome expansive clay behavior, multiple injections of chemical agents into the subgrade to modify clay behavior are most promising. A study was conducted to optimize a potassium-rich solution of four parts. The modifying solution has been injected into expansive clay subgrades with success since the early 1970s. A laboratory methodology was developed to inject specimens multiple times and to conduct swell tests. Screening tests were conducted to evaluate linear effects that each of the four constituents …

Recent Research And Developments In Cold-Formed Steel Framing, Roger A. Laboube, Wei Wen Yu

Civil, Architectural and Environmental Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

Recent research studies at the University of Missouri-Rolla (UMR) have focused on developing a better understanding of the behavior of cold-formed steel members and truss assemblies. This research was initiated by the more widespread use of cold-formed steel in the residential construction market, and the need to provide structurally reliable, as well as highly economical design solutions. Steel trusses are commonly assembled using C-shaped sections and self-drilling screws. Based on UMR findings, appropriate design recommendations have been proposed for the web and chord members of a truss. Also of concern is the introduction of large holes in the webs of …

Evaluation Of Toxicity, Bioavailability And Speciation Of Lead, Zinc And Cadmium In Mine/Mill Wastewaters, Mujde Erten-Unal, Bobby G. Wixson, Nord L. Gale, Jerry L. Pitt

Civil, Architectural and Environmental Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

The toxicity of common compounds of lead, cadmium and zinc was evaluated in waters similar to that found in the world's largest lead producing area in Missouri. Static, acute toxicity tests were performed using fathead minnows (Pimephales promelas) and water fleas (Daphnia magna) respectively. Test organisms were subjected to varying amounts of sulfide, carbonate, chloride and sulfate salts of lead, zinc and cadmium mixed in hard, alkaline waters typical to this region. Median lethal concentrations were calculated using nominal versus measured metal concentrations. Measured metal concentrations included four different metal fractionation (extraction/filtration) techniques at different pH levels which included "dissolved", …

A Comparison Of Grades Of Mainstreamed Learning Disabled Students And Special Education Students, Francine D. Mitcham

OTS Master's Level Projects & Papers

The objectives of this study include: 1.Determine the grades of the learning disabled students in the regular English class; 2. Determine the grades of the learning disabled students in the special education class; 3. Determine if a significant difference in performance exists between grouping methods.

A Study To Determine How Teacher Training And Computer Availability Affected Technology Integration At Manteo Middle School, Laura Johnson Hummell

OTS Master's Level Projects & Papers

The problem of evaluating how often and effectively faculty and staff members were using existing technology at Manteo Middle School arose. This study analyzes how teacher training and computer availability can affect the frequency of technology use and how technology is being integrated at Manteo Middle School.

Biological Fixed-Film Systems, Mark W. Fitch, Natalie Pearson, Gene Richards, Joel Gerard Burken

Civil, Architectural and Environmental Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

No abstract provided.

Seedbank Characteristics Of A Nebraska Sandhills Prairie, Claudio J. Perez, Steven S. Waller, Lowell E. Moser, James L. Stubbendieck, Allan A. Steuter

Department of Agronomy and Horticulture: Faculty Publications

Evaluating seedbank ecology is critical for understanding plant community development and successional patterns and for identifying factors regulating population dynamics. The relationships among seedbank composition, seedbank depth, seed dormancy, and vegetative expression were evaluated for a range site on a Valentine fine sand soil (mixed, mesic Typic Ustipsamments) in the Sandhills Prairie. Twenty soil samples were collected at each of 2 depths (0 to 5, 15 to 20 cm) in early June 1990 and 1991 from 12 macroplots (32 X 32 m) representing 3 range condition classes. A seed extraction and germination trial was conducted to determine the diversity, size, …

Tiller Demographics And Leaf Area Index Of Four Perennial Pasture Grasses, Robert B. Mitchell, Lowell E. Moser, Kenneth J. Moore, Daren D. Redfearn

Department of Agronomy and Horticulture: Faculty Publications

Developing grazing systems requires basic information on the growth and development of adapted species. The objective of this field study was to determine seasonal tiller demographics and leaf area index (LAI) of intermediate wbeatgrass [Thinopyrum intermedium (Host) Barkw. & D.R. Dewey], smooth bromegrass (Bromus inermis Leyss.), switchgrass (Panicum virgatum L.), and big bluestem (Andropogon gerardii Vitman) tiller populations. This study was conducted in 1992 and 1993 near Mead, NE, on a silty clay loam soil (Typic Argiudoll) as a randomized complete block. Monocultures were harvested six times each year for tiller demographics. Additionally, mean stage count …

The ‘‘Foliage Is The Fruit’’ Hypothesis: Complex Adaptations In Buffalograss (Buchloe Dactyloides), John Ortmann, Walter H. Schacht, James L. Stubbendieck, Dennis R. Brink

Department of Agronomy and Horticulture: Faculty Publications

Buffalograss (Buchloe dactyloides) has been described as an excellent fit for Janzen’s ‘‘Foliage is the Fruit’’ (FF) hypothesis, which suggests that large grazing animals ingest and later disperse seeds of some herbs when consuming their foliage. We tested this hypothesis by feeding buffalograss burs and legume seeds to ruminally fistulated beef steers. Our objectives were to determine (1) rumen residence times of buffalograss burs, free buffalograss caryopses and legume seeds; (2) total tract residence times for the three types of propagules; (3) percentage propagule survival after passage and (4) germinability of fed and unfed burs and caryopses. Bur …

A Study To Determine How Old Dominion University's Student Teachers Of Technology Education Appraised The Effectiveness Of Their Cooperating Teachers, Mark V. Crenshaw

OTS Master's Level Projects & Papers

The objectives of this study were to explore the following questions: 1. What effect did the cooperating teacher have on the Technology Education teachers' success in their preparation for employment in the middle school and/or high school Technology Education program? 2. How did the Technology Education teachers perceive the student teacher/cooperating teacher relationship? 3. How did the cooperating teacher assist the student teacher to: apply technical content, select appropriate pedagogical practices, integrate technical content with instructional methods for delivery of satisfactory instruction.

A Study To Determine The Influence African-American Male Teachers Have On Improving Academic Success Among African-American Male 4th And 5th Grade Students At Jacox Elementary School, J. Frederick Braswell

OTS Master's Level Projects & Papers

In order to guide this study to determine the influence African-American male teachers have on improving academic success among African-American 4th and 5th grade students at Jacox Elementary School the following questions considered: 1. Do students at Jacox Elementary School perceive that there is a significant difference between African-American male students who have African-American male teachers? 2. Do African-American male students prefer teachers of the same ethnic group and gender? 3. Is there a significant difference between the number of African-American males suspended and placed in detention compared to the overall student body? 4. Does the number of African-American male …

A Study To Determine If Students Who Receive Satisfactory Grades In The Classroom Portion Of The Ford Asset Program Will Receive Corresponding Grades In The Co-Op Training Phase, John R. Cuprisin

OTS Master's Level Projects & Papers

The hypothesis for this study was that students who receive satisfactory grades in the classroom portion of the Ford ASSET Program will also receive corresponding grades in the co-op training phase.

An Assessment Of Past Nasa Program Sponsored Pre-Service And In-Service Teachers To Determine The Impact Of Their Training And Preparation For The Computer Technology Standards Of Learning For Virginia Public School Educators, Lloyd B. Evans

OTS Master's Level Projects & Papers

To assist in solving these problems, the following objectives have been established: 1. To measure how well prepared the pre-service teachers are to use and teach instructional computer technology; 2. To measure in-service teachers' computer technology skills; 3. Assess teachers' integration of computer technology into the core curriculum; 4. Conduct a diminutive program evaluation of NASA computer technology education programs.

A Study To Assess The United States Navy's Explosive Ordinance Disposal Mobile Unit Two Emergency Medical Technician Program, James P. Halstead

OTS Master's Level Projects & Papers

Contributing goals are: 1. Determine if a difference in national curriculum standards has changed the scope of emergency medical training approved by certified EOD personnel; 2. Determine if a difference in national curriculum standards has changed the standard of emergency medical training approved by certified EOD personnel; 3. Identify the training strengths/weaknesses in the current EOD/EMT Program; 4. If any weaknesses are found, recommend for consideration a course of action for medical command personnel.

A Study To Determine The Effectiveness Of The Leadership Management Development Certificate Program At Old Dominion University, Lorenza I. Harris

OTS Master's Level Projects & Papers

To solve this research problem, the researcher sought to answer the following questions: 1. Did the Leadership Management Development Certificate Program benefit the managers and supervisors who participated in it? 2. Why did the university's managers and supervisors participate in the program? 3. Was the training based on management and leadership issues at the university level? 3. As a result of the training, are the participants more aware of their leadership and management skills?

An Evaluation Of Bethel High School's Business Program, Julia J. Younger

OTS Master's Level Projects & Papers

The following goals were used to direct this study: 1. Determine the current employment status, sue of skills learned in the business program, length of employment, current wage/salary, and if unemployed, the reason for unemployment; 2. Determine the level of business program skills learned in high school relative to the level needed in the workplace and/or further education; 3. Determine the quality of the business program facilities, equipment/tools, courses offered, teachers, and Future Business Leaders of America student organization; 4. Determine the current educational status of the business program completers.

A Study Comparing The Technical Problem Solving Abilities Of Middle School Students Who Have Participated In One Or More Technology Education Courses To Those Of Students Having No Course Work In Technology Education, Anthony A. Cardoza

OTS Master's Level Projects & Papers

The problem in this study was to compare the technical problem solving capabilities of middle school students that have had one or more nine-week courses in technology education with the technical problem solving capabilities of middle school students that had no course work in technology education.

A Study To Determine The Correlation Between Extra Study Time After School To Grades Earned By Students, William P. Young

OTS Master's Level Projects & Papers

The following goals were established to guide the research: 1. Determine the number of extra minutes of study each student spent during the course; 2. Determine the final percentage grade for each student for the course; 3. Determine if a correlation exists between extra minutes of study and grades for the subjects of this study.

A Study Of Secondary Mathematics: Reports Impacting Curriculum, Philip B. Nelson

OTS Master's Level Projects & Papers

The research goals of this study include: 1. What influence did societal pressures of the time have toward the reports recommended curriculum? 2. What influences did technological developments of the time have toward the reports recommended curriculum? 3. What were or are unique (if any) mechanisms of the time that initiated the perceived need for reform in mathematics education? 4. What influence did changing college entrance requirements of the time have towards the reports recommended curriculum? 5. What curricula was recommended to ensure student study achieved the desired performance in mathematics?

A Study Of First And Second Nine-Week Inter-Marking Period Grade Shifts In A Suburban Middle School, Rudolph J. Roethel

OTS Master's Level Projects & Papers

The primary goal of this research is to explore the statistical relationship, if any, in grade drops between the first and second nine-week grading periods. Furthermore, the goal of this statistical analysis may provide: 1. A mechanism which may prove further the theoretical importance of social and psychological changes inherent in the adolescent as well as the teacher as accounting for such grade shifts; 2. A measurable indicator of possible changes in the intellectual, social, psychological and emotional climate of the classroom; 3. A subtle, valid observation which may allow teachers to adjust their teaching methods to enhance or suit …

A Study To Determine The Effect Of Technology Education On The Career Choices Of Middle School Students, Charles N. Schirra

OTS Master's Level Projects & Papers

The goals of this research paper are to: 1) determine if students take technology education courses as an elective or whether they are genuinely interested in technology education; 2) determine if technology education classes influence the students in their career choices; 3) determine the ratio of females to males taking the technology education classes irrespective of their future educational plans; 4) determine the percentage of technology education students who plan on attending college.

Predicting Intermediate And Multiple Conclusions On Predicate-Logic Reasoning Problems : Further Investigation Of A Theory Of Mental Logic, Jasminka Grgas

Student Theses and Dissertations

No abstract provided.

Placement Of Piezoelectric Actuators For Active Control Of Vibration Using Modal Parameters, Xuegeng Zhu

Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering Theses & Dissertations

An equation is derived to model the piezoelectric actuators incorporation with flexible structures. This equation permits the comparison of the performance indices over the entire structure for a piezoelectric actuator with constant area, which is unachievable if the Finite Element Method is used for complicated structures.

An index has been developed for placement of piezoelectric actuator for control of vibration of a flexible structure. This index is derived from the definition of H2norm. Computation of the proposed index requires only the natural frequencies and corresponding mode shapes of the structures of interest. The method is well suited to large …

Error-Correcting Codes Associated With Generalized Hadamard Matrices Over Groups, Iem H. Heng

Mathematics & Statistics Theses & Dissertations

Classical Hadamard matrices are orthogonal matrices whose elements are ±1. It is well-known that error correcting codes having large minimum distance between codewords can be associated with these Hadamard matrices. Indeed, the success of early Mars deep-space probes was strongly dependent upon this communication technology.

The concept of Hadamard matrices with elements drawn from an Abelian group is a natural generalization of the concept. For the case in which the dimension of the matrix is q and the group consists of the p-th roots of unity, these generalized Hadamard matrices are called “Butson Hadamard Matrices BH(p, q)”, …

Between The Peaceful Enlightenment Of Heaven And The Revolutionary Dark Side Of Hell, Herminio J. Rodriguez

Theses

Not included.

Book Review: Lessons From Reconstruction For Libertarians: Betrayal And Illusion In The Struggle For Real Equality No Easy Walk To Freedom: Reconstruction And The Ratification Of The Fourteenth Amendment By James E. Bond, Henry W. Mcgee, Jr.

Seattle University Law Review

With regard to the struggles of the newly freed slaves, Dean Bond's study of the Reconstruction legislatures endorses the views of contemporary historians. These historians do not blame the freedman for failure to forge lasting instruments of liberation, instruments that might have transformed the formal equality promised by emancipation into a social order free of the stigmatizing racial oppression upon which American slavery, segregation, and racial oppression has been premised. Diligently researched and written, the book is of significant interest because of the coincidence of the author's empathy with Afro-Americans and his unwavering and unequivocal affirmation of racial equality, principles …

Phytoplankton Composition Within The Tidal Freshwater Region Of The James River, Virginia, Harold G. Marshall, Lubomira Burchardt

Biological Sciences Faculty Publications

Based on a 10.5 year data set, 271 taxa were identified at a single tidal freshwater station in the James River. The mean monthly concentrations of major algal categories, total biomass and productivity are given. Diatom maxima were associated with peak periods of river discharge, with chlorophytes, cyanobacteria, and autotrophic picoplankton abundance and productivity greater during reduced river flow and more stable water conditions.

Hybrid Control Of Seismic Structures With Optimal Placement Of Control Devices, Franklin Y. Cheng, Hongping Jiang

Civil, Architectural and Environmental Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

A theoretical study is carried out for optimal controller placement and effectiveness of a hybrid seismic response control system comprising a viscous fluid damper and a servovalve-controlled hydraulic actuator. A stochastic seismic response of controlled structures is first investigated with nonorthogonal damping and stiffness; then a statistical method for optimal placement of control devices on seismic-resistant structures is developed. With such placement, a hybrid system can achieve greater performance in that much less control force is required to reduce structural seismic response to a given level. This study also shows the hybrid system is superior to both active and passive …

Cladistic Analysis Of 37 Mediterranean Bogidiellidae (Amphipoda), Including Bogidiella Arista, New Species, From Turkey, Stefan Koenemann, Ronald Vonk, Frederick R. Schram

Biological Sciences Faculty Publications

A new subterranean amphipod species, Bogidiella (Medigidiella) arista, found in the mesopsam mic ground waters of southern Anatolia, Turkey, is described, together with Bogidiella (Bogidiella) calicali Karaman, the latter being recorded for the first time in the eastern Mediterranean. A cladistic analysis of 37 Mediterranean species of the family Bogidiellidae is performed, using 4 species from the Canary Islands as an outgroup. Alternatively, 2 cladistic software packages, PAUP 3.1.1 and HENNIG86, are employed to calculate consensus trees of minimal length. The resulting trees show more or less identical robust clades, characterizing a central, a central-eastern, …

Seasonal Patterns Of Nitrogen Fixation In Termites, A. D. Curtis, D. A. Waller

Biological Sciences Faculty Publications

Summary

1. Termite nitrogenase activity was highest in autumn and spring (≈ 3 µg N₂ fixed termite fresh mass (g)^–1 day^–1) and lowest in winter and summer (≈ 0·8 µg N₂ fixed termite fresh mass (g)^–1 day^–1).

2. The nitrogenase activity of worker termites was significantly higher than all other castes (1·58 ± 0·27 µg N₂ fixed termite fresh mass (g)^–1 day^–1).

3. Worker termites constituted the largest proportion of all the castes throughout the study period (≈ 90%).

4. The localized input of fixed nitrogen by termites …