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1999

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Detecting An Association Between Gamma Ray And Gravitational Wave Bursts, Lee Samuel Finn, Soumya Mohanty, Joseph D. Romano Jan 1999

Detecting An Association Between Gamma Ray And Gravitational Wave Bursts, Lee Samuel Finn, Soumya Mohanty, Joseph D. Romano

Physics & Astronomy Faculty Publications

If γ-ray bursts (GRBs) are accompanied by gravitational wave bursts (GWBs) the correlated output of two gravitational wave detectors evaluated in the moments just prior to a GRB will differ from that evaluated at other times. We can test for this difference without prior knowledge of either the GWB wave form or the detector noise spectrum. With a model for the GRB source population and GWB spectrum we can put a limit on the in-band rms GWB signal amplitude. Laser-Interferometer Gravitational Wave Observatory I detector observations coincident with 1000 GRB observations could lead us to exclude with 95% confidence associated …


Critical Adsorption Near Edges, Andreas Hanke, M. Krech, F. Schlesener, S. Dietrich Jan 1999

Critical Adsorption Near Edges, Andreas Hanke, M. Krech, F. Schlesener, S. Dietrich

Physics & Astronomy Faculty Publications

Symmetry breaking surface fields give rise to nontrivial and long-ranged order parameter profiles for critical systems such as fluids, alloys, or magnets confined to wedges. We discuss the properties of the corresponding universal scaling functions of the order parameter profile and the two-point correlation function, and determine the critical exponents η∥ and η⊥ for the so-called normal transition.


Private Amici Curiae And The Supreme Court's 1997-1998 Term Employment Law Jurisprudence, Andrew P. Morriss Jan 1999

Private Amici Curiae And The Supreme Court's 1997-1998 Term Employment Law Jurisprudence, Andrew P. Morriss

Faculty Scholarship

The amicus curiae brief has become a common occurrence in today's legal arena, especially with the proliferation of private interest groups that specialize in numerous topics of political and social interest. The substantial increase in the use of amici briefs, however, has sparked criticism concerning both the costs (in effort and resources) associated with filing these griefs and the persuasive effect (or lack thereof) the briefs have on the Court. Much of this criticism arises from the failure of many interest groups to posit "legal" arguments that apply the facts of a given case to the law. Instead, the amici …


Vulnerability To Natural Disasters In A Rapidly Growing, Affluent Society, British Columbia, Canada, Jonathan P. Maclean Belcher Jan 1999

Vulnerability To Natural Disasters In A Rapidly Growing, Affluent Society, British Columbia, Canada, Jonathan P. Maclean Belcher

Theses and Dissertations (Comprehensive)

British Columbia is a province that experienced rapid demographic, urban and economic growth in the past few decades. It is a modern and technologically sophisticated society. Although the province possesses the knowledge and resources to combat most dangers that threaten its people and communities, these dangers continue to outstrip the precautions and safety measures in place. The reasons for this seem to lie less in the characteristics of dangers or hazards, but rather relate to socioeconomic processes and organisations that disadvantage particular people, groups and sectors of the population, or make them more vulnerable to dangers than others. This thesis …


Nitrate Attenuation In A Narrow Non-Forested Riparian Buffer Zone In An Agricultural Watershed In Southern Ontario, Mark David Harris Jan 1999

Nitrate Attenuation In A Narrow Non-Forested Riparian Buffer Zone In An Agricultural Watershed In Southern Ontario, Mark David Harris

Theses and Dissertations (Comprehensive)

Riparian buffer zones are defined as strips of natural vegetation separating streams or lakes from surrounding upland landscapes. These zones may effectively reduce the nitrate-N load in shallow ground water draining intensively fertilized agricultural regions. Contemporary research has tended to focus on wide, forested riparian zones situated on poorly drained lowland sites. In addition, research has typically focused on the growing season, when the ecosystem is biologically active, with relatively day hydrological conditions. This field study monitored spatial and temporal patterns of nitrate-N in a comparatively narrow, non-forested buffer zone situated in an upland agricultural watershed in southern Ontario. Results …


Issues Surrounding The Valuation Of A Park: Applying Commission For National Parks And Protected Area Guidelines To Awenda Provincial Park, Ontario, Tatania E. Stroud Jan 1999

Issues Surrounding The Valuation Of A Park: Applying Commission For National Parks And Protected Area Guidelines To Awenda Provincial Park, Ontario, Tatania E. Stroud

Theses and Dissertations (Comprehensive)

The goals of this project are to apply and assess the applicability of the World Conservation Union (1 UCN) Commission for National Parks and Protected Area Guidelines for Economic Assessment of Protected Areas to Awenda Provincial Park, and to compare the results with existing studies on valuing protected areas. This project explores the value of tourism and recreation at Awenda Provincial Park, and the expression of the value of natural areas in economic terms through the application of the CNPPA Guidelines. This project is an initial inquiry into the applicability of the CNPPA guidelines, and is based on data from …


Increased Solar Ultra Violet Radiation And Possible Links To Health Effects In Nunavut, Shaun Greig Carson Jan 1999

Increased Solar Ultra Violet Radiation And Possible Links To Health Effects In Nunavut, Shaun Greig Carson

Theses and Dissertations (Comprehensive)

Ultra violet radiation (UVR) is believed to be linked to many health problems, and numerous studies have been conducted on Caucasian populations at all latitudes. Nunavut, in the Canadian Arctic, comprises approximately one fifth of Canada's land mass and has a scattered population, the majority of which (over 70%) is Inuit. Nunavut also possesses a unique physical geography, as well as culture, which may result in its population being at great risk from UVR Very little research has been conducted in Nunavut on the affects of increased solar UVR and possible links to health. This thesis has compiled baseline data …


Regional Ecology Of The St. Elias Mountain Parks: A Synthesis With Management Implications (British Columbia, Yukon, Alaska), Ryan Kenneth Danby Jan 1999

Regional Ecology Of The St. Elias Mountain Parks: A Synthesis With Management Implications (British Columbia, Yukon, Alaska), Ryan Kenneth Danby

Theses and Dissertations (Comprehensive)

The St. Elias region of North America occupies portions of British Columbia, Alaska, and the Yukon Territory and comprises a network of public lands and protected areas managed by a variety of agencies. This thesis characterizes and analyzes the broad- scale, or regional, ecology of these lands and provides an assessment of the implications this has for ecosystem-based management—particularly as it relates to intergovernmental cooperation. A multi-stage, map-based, multidisciplinary process is used to synthesize information on the region’s physical, biological, and institutional environments. The fields of conservation biology and landscape ecology provide theoretical foundations for analysis. The ecological synthesis and …


Natural Disturbance And Land Cover Patterns In A Mountainous, Sub-Arctic Environment (Yukon), A. Bruce Wurtele Jan 1999

Natural Disturbance And Land Cover Patterns In A Mountainous, Sub-Arctic Environment (Yukon), A. Bruce Wurtele

Theses and Dissertations (Comprehensive)

The dynamics of landscape pattern and disturbance were studied in the ‘green belt’ area of Kluane National Park, Yukon. White spruce montane forests and various sub-alpine and alpine vegetation communities dominate the study area, adjoining the Kluane Ranges of the St. Elias Mountains. Combining theory on landscape structure and function, the relationships of disturbance regimes and landscape pattern are examined. The landscape mosaic was mapped from classification of multispectral Landsat Thematic Mapper imagery. Landscape pattern was measured using quantitative indices of patch, class, and landscape attributes. Natural disturbance regimes, important to land cover development in the region, include fire, insect …


Assessment Of Capacity For Water Resource Management: A Case Study Of A Small Watershed In Nepal, Bhanu Raja Neupane Jan 1999

Assessment Of Capacity For Water Resource Management: A Case Study Of A Small Watershed In Nepal, Bhanu Raja Neupane

Theses and Dissertations (Comprehensive)

Use of local knowledge, increased public participation, and capacity building – singly or in combination – are identified as major strategies to enhance sustainable and integrated management of water. Recently, capacity assessment has been recognized as one of the most effective means to operationalize these strategies in the context of water resource management However, the contemporary literature shows local-level capacity assessment as one of the least explored areas. The literature shows that capacity assessment still lacks conceptual clarity and an implementable framework. Efforts are being made in this direction, but very few focus below the national level. Many such efforts …


Implementing School Supports For The Wellness Of Newcomer Children, Jeannette L. Amio Jan 1999

Implementing School Supports For The Wellness Of Newcomer Children, Jeannette L. Amio

Theses and Dissertations (Comprehensive)

The present thesis chronicles a participatory study of the implementation of school-based supports geared to the newcomer children of Highfield Junior School. A dual focus on research and action was integral to the objectives of the investigation, namely to: a) illuminate the present network of school supports, b) compose an ideal configuration of a school attentive to the needs of newcomers, and c) prescribe implementation steps that can transform the school closer to the ideal. To ground the study, I review the adaptation difficulties of newcomer children, the preventive measures that schools can take to reduce these vulnerabilities. and how …


Single Mothers, Income, And Health: An Analysis Of Risk And Protective Factors, Melanie Quickfall Jan 1999

Single Mothers, Income, And Health: An Analysis Of Risk And Protective Factors, Melanie Quickfall

Theses and Dissertations (Comprehensive)

This study examined the relationships between single mothers, income and health, using both quantitative and qualitative methods. The purpose of the study was to determine the effects that certain risk factors (low income, stress, public housing, financial stress, education, home satisfaction, single parenting) and protective factors (neighbourhood satisfaction, social support, program participation, community integration) had on both the physical and mental health of single mothers. In the quantitative component, statistical analyses (a series of two-way mixed ANOVA’s and linear regressions) were conducted on interview data from 276 mothers who were involved in the Better Beginnings, Better Futures project in Highfield-Etobicoke, …


Are There Pain Language Differences In Headache Sufferers?, Tammy Olson Jan 1999

Are There Pain Language Differences In Headache Sufferers?, Tammy Olson

Undergraduate Theses and Senior Projects

No abstract provided.


In Harm's Way: The Continued Relevance Of The U.S. Navy's Forward Presence Mission In The Post-Cold War World, Christopher B. Earls Jan 1999

In Harm's Way: The Continued Relevance Of The U.S. Navy's Forward Presence Mission In The Post-Cold War World, Christopher B. Earls

Graduate Theses/Dissertations

With the breakup of the Soviet Union, the United States Navy has seen the fleet shrink from nearly 600 ships in 1988 to 320 ships in 1999, with a planned reduction to 305 ships by 2004. While the fleet has been reduced by nearly 50 percent over the last decade, the deployment of U.S. naval forces has continued at near-Cold War levels. The result is a mismatch between the national security requirements that naval forces are called on to support, and the forces available to meet those requirements. Some have suggested that the traditional forward presence mission of the Navy-Marine …


Quantitation Of Pyrethrum Residues In Brown Tree Snakes, John J. Johnston, Carol A. Furcolow, Stephanie A. Volz, Richard E. Mauldin, Thomas M. Primus, Peter J. Savarie, Joe E. Brooks Jan 1999

Quantitation Of Pyrethrum Residues In Brown Tree Snakes, John J. Johnston, Carol A. Furcolow, Stephanie A. Volz, Richard E. Mauldin, Thomas M. Primus, Peter J. Savarie, Joe E. Brooks

United States Department of Agriculture Wildlife Services: Staff Publications

A reversed-phase solid-phase extraction–gas chromatography (SPE–GC)–electron capture detection method is developed to quantitate individual rethrin residues in pyrethrum-exposed brown tree snakes. Aliquots (6 g) of homogenized snake tissue are extracted with 10 mL acetonitrile. The rethrins are recovered from the acetonitrile extract and concentrated using C8 SPE. The rethrins are eluted from the SPE column with pentane, evaporated to near dryness, and reconstituted to 1 mL with 1-propanol. Individual rethrins are quantitated using GC analysis of the 1-propanol solution. Method limits of detection for rethrins range from 0.63 to 6.51 ng/g. The mean recovery for all rethrins is 70.8% …


Efficient Training Techniques For Classification With Vast Input Space, Donald C. Wunsch, Emad W. Saad, J. J. Choi, J. L. Vian Jan 1999

Efficient Training Techniques For Classification With Vast Input Space, Donald C. Wunsch, Emad W. Saad, J. J. Choi, J. L. Vian

Electrical and Computer Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

Strategies to efficiently train a neural network for an aerospace problem with a large multidimensional input space are developed and demonstrated. The neural network provides classification for over 100,000,000 data points. A query-based strategy is used that initiates training using a small input set, and then augments the set in multiple stages to include important data around the network decision boundary. Neural network inversion and oracle query are used to generate the additional data, jitter is added to the query data to improve the results, and an extended Kalman filter algorithm is used for training. A causality index is discussed …


Experimental Studies With A Continually Online Trained Artificial Neural Network Controller For A Turbogenerator, Ganesh K. Venayagamoorthy, Ronald G. Harley Jan 1999

Experimental Studies With A Continually Online Trained Artificial Neural Network Controller For A Turbogenerator, Ganesh K. Venayagamoorthy, Ronald G. Harley

Electrical and Computer Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

This paper presents the design of a continually online trained (COT) artificial neural network (ANN) controller for a laboratory turbogenerator system connected to the infinite bus through a transmission line in real time. Two COT ANNs are used for the implementation: one ANN to identify the complex nonlinear dynamics of the power system, and the other ANN to control the turbogenerator. Practical results are presented to show that COT ANN controllers can control turbogenerators under steady state as well as transient conditions in the laboratory environment


Reproduction Of Spectrum Envelope Of Microwave Wideband Noise And Detection A Narrowband Signal In It, Marina Koledintseva, Alexander A. Kitaytsev, V. A. Konkin Jan 1999

Reproduction Of Spectrum Envelope Of Microwave Wideband Noise And Detection A Narrowband Signal In It, Marina Koledintseva, Alexander A. Kitaytsev, V. A. Konkin

Electrical and Computer Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

A method of adequate visual microwave wide-band intense noise envelope reproduction in wide frequency range (several octaves), power parameters measurement and detection of a narrow-band signal with unknown frequency and power against a background of noise is presented. It is based on application of nonheterodyne gyromagnetic converter, operating in two regimes: resonance detection and cross-multiplication. Operation of the two-channel measurer of spectrum power density combining the mentioned functions is discussed


Speaker Identification Using A Combination Of Different Parameters As Feature Inputs To An Artificial Neural Network Classifier, Viresh Moonasar, Ganesh K. Venayagamoorthy Jan 1999

Speaker Identification Using A Combination Of Different Parameters As Feature Inputs To An Artificial Neural Network Classifier, Viresh Moonasar, Ganesh K. Venayagamoorthy

Electrical and Computer Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

This paper presents a technique using artificial neural networks (ANNs) for speaker identification that results in a better success rate compared to other techniques. The technique used in this paper uses both power spectral densities (PSDs) and linear prediction coefficients (LPCs) as feature inputs to a self organizing feature map to achieve a better identification performance. Results for speaker identification with different methods are presented and compared.


Truth In Translation : Comparative Study In Hungarian Language And Literature, Rebecca Lieberg Jan 1999

Truth In Translation : Comparative Study In Hungarian Language And Literature, Rebecca Lieberg

Undergraduate Theses and Senior Projects

No abstract provided.


Parents' Attitudes Toward The Use Of Complementary Therapies On Children, Lesley A. Laub Jan 1999

Parents' Attitudes Toward The Use Of Complementary Therapies On Children, Lesley A. Laub

Undergraduate Theses and Senior Projects

No abstract provided.


A Piece Of Me, Kristi Evenson Jan 1999

A Piece Of Me, Kristi Evenson

Undergraduate Theses and Senior Projects

No abstract provided.


Death, Dying, And Burial: Approaches In Religious Law And Practice, William J. Wagner Jan 1999

Death, Dying, And Burial: Approaches In Religious Law And Practice, William J. Wagner

Scholarly Articles

No abstract provided.


Chimera Or Jackalope? Department Of Defense Efforts To Apply Civilian Sexual Harassment Criteria To The Military, Michael F. Noone Jr. Jan 1999

Chimera Or Jackalope? Department Of Defense Efforts To Apply Civilian Sexual Harassment Criteria To The Military, Michael F. Noone Jr.

Scholarly Articles

No abstract provided.


Changes In Early Winter Abundance Of Four Gull (Larus) Species On Western Lake Erie, 1951-1995, Laura A. Tyson, Richard A. Dolbeer, Jerrod L. Belant Jan 1999

Changes In Early Winter Abundance Of Four Gull (Larus) Species On Western Lake Erie, 1951-1995, Laura A. Tyson, Richard A. Dolbeer, Jerrod L. Belant

United States Department of Agriculture Wildlife Services: Staff Publications

Many gulls (Larus spp.) that nest on and north of the Great Lakes concentrate along the south shore of western Lake Erie in early winter. Monitoring population trends of these gulls is important because of increasing conflicts between gulls and humans. We used data from four Christmas Bird Count locations to examine population trends of four gull species on western Lake Erie during nine 5-year periods, 1951-1995. Overall, ring-billed gulls (Z. delawarensis} were the dominant species (59% of gulls counted) followed by herring (Z. argentatus, 20%), Bonaparte's (Z. Philadelphia, 18%) and great blackbacked (Z. marinus, 0.2%) gulls. Ring-billed gulls displayed …


Pre-Baiting For Increased Acceptance Of Zinc Phosphide Baits By Voles: An Assessment Technique, Ray Sterner Jan 1999

Pre-Baiting For Increased Acceptance Of Zinc Phosphide Baits By Voles: An Assessment Technique, Ray Sterner

United States Department of Agriculture Wildlife Services: Staff Publications

During a product-performance test of 2% zinc phosphide (Zn3P2) steam-rolled-oat groats (11.2 kg ha-1) to control voles (Microtus spp) in alfalfa (Medicago sativa), randomly located, brushed-dirt plots were used to assess broadcast distribution and remova/acceptance of placebo particles. Results showed that the Spyker® Model-75 Spreaders were calibrated adequately, with placebo baits broadcast uniformly onto plots [x ± SD = 3.5 (±2.7) groats 930 cmp-1]. Acceptance of the placebos by voles increased rapidly - 28% and 60% by 24h and 48h post-broadcast, respectively. Analyses of variance confirmed the uniformity (non-significance) …


Capsicum-Laden Soils Decrease Contact Time By Northern Pocket Gophers, Ray T. Sterner, Kelly Hollenbeck, Stephen Shumake Jan 1999

Capsicum-Laden Soils Decrease Contact Time By Northern Pocket Gophers, Ray T. Sterner, Kelly Hollenbeck, Stephen Shumake

United States Department of Agriculture Wildlife Services: Staff Publications

Fossorial rodents damage lawns/water impoundments/ crops. We conducted a two-choice, parametric-type study to determine the effects of capsicum-oleoresin/soil mixtures (0.00, 0.75, 1.50, and 2.25%) upon soil-contact, soil-digging, and pelage-grooming behaviors in northern pocket gophers (Thomomys talpoides). In 3 alternate-day (1-h/day) exposures to ≥1.50% capsicum-oleoresin soil mixtures, gophers decreased mean soil contact time by 46% relative to placebo-exposed animals. Grooming time yielded a concentration x trial interaction that showed intense grooming by capsicum-exposed animals during trial 1, with "convergence" of times to near those of the "placebos" (0.00% capsicum oleoresin) by trial 3. The significant decrease in grooming activity …


Impact Of Snowfall On The Utah Preventive Aerial Hunting Program, Kimberly K . Wagner, Michael R. Conover Jan 1999

Impact Of Snowfall On The Utah Preventive Aerial Hunting Program, Kimberly K . Wagner, Michael R. Conover

United States Department of Agriculture Wildlife Services: Staff Publications

Aerial hunting is one of the tools used by wildlife managers to reduce predation by coyotes (Canis latrans) on livestock and wildlife (Guthery and Beasom 1977, Sterner and Schumake 1978, Stout 1982. Smith et al. 1986). In research conducted by Wagner and Conover (1999), areas with preventive aerial hunting had fewer confirmed and estimated lamb losses to coyote predation and required significantly fewer hours of additional corrective predation management than areas without aerial hunting. Aerial hunting is perceived to be especially valuable for large areas and areas with rough terrain and limited access (United States Department of the …


Effective Of Preventive Coyote Hunting On Sheep Losses To Coyote Predation, Kimberly Wagner, Michael Conover Jan 1999

Effective Of Preventive Coyote Hunting On Sheep Losses To Coyote Predation, Kimberly Wagner, Michael Conover

United States Department of Agriculture Wildlife Services: Staff Publications

Aerial hunting is commonly used by agriculture agencies in the Intermountain West to reduce coyote (Canis latrans) predation on domestic sheep. We assessed the effect of aerial hunting of coyotes on sheep losses to coyotes, and the need for corrective predation management (hours of work, device nights) on the same pastures when sheep arrived for the subsequent summer grazing season (3-6 months after aerial hunting). Comparisons were made between paired pastures with (treated) and without (untreated) winter aerial hunting from helicopters. Average (x ± SE) pasture size was 45.2 ± 14.1 km2 (n = 21) for treated …


Use Of Netted Cage Traps For Capturing White-Tailed Deer, Kurt C. Vercauteren, Jeff Beringer, Scott E. Hygnstrom Jan 1999

Use Of Netted Cage Traps For Capturing White-Tailed Deer, Kurt C. Vercauteren, Jeff Beringer, Scott E. Hygnstrom

United States Department of Agriculture Wildlife Services: Staff Publications

The safe and humane live capture of deer may be an important component of management and research projects. Growing populations of white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) in both urban and agricultural settings often conflict with local human interests and present challenges to natural resource managers. Netted cage traps can be an important tool when managing deer populations where traditional control methods may not be appropriate or acceptable. Netted cage traps can also be used by researchers to acquire deer for marking, measurements, or other non-lethal purposes. We discuss the design of netted cage traps, trapping techniques, and the handling …