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2006

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Economic Evaluation Of Air Pollution Reduction Of Phase I Power Plants In West Virginia: An Output Distance Function Approach, Huilan Li Dec 2006

Economic Evaluation Of Air Pollution Reduction Of Phase I Power Plants In West Virginia: An Output Distance Function Approach, Huilan Li

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Air pollutants from coal-fired power plants are nonmarket environmental bads. Title IV of the 1990 Clean Air Act Amendments (CAAA) sets the stage for the dirtiest power plants to reduce emissions of SO2 and NO x in two phases. Title IV allocates plants SO2 allowances as a variation of "pollution rights" based on averaged historical emission levels and allows free-trade of allowances. This is the world's first large scale pollutant trading market. Trading allows for improved efficiency, flexibility, and reduced pollution.;This study employs the output distance function approach to evaluate the pollution reduction behavior and efficiency of West Virginia power …

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No One Flunks Museum: An Overview Of Learning Theory And Its Implementation In Formal And Informal History Education, Nichole D. Smith Dec 2006

No One Flunks Museum: An Overview Of Learning Theory And Its Implementation In Formal And Informal History Education, Nichole D. Smith

Seton Hall University Dissertations and Theses (ETDs)

The transition of museums from institutions for the knowledgeable to places for those seeking knowledge has brought about a need for those educating in museums to better understand the ways in which people learn. This paper introduces and explains theories, psychological and educational, that are applicable to learning such as Constructivism, Multiple Intelligences, and the Contextual Model of Learning. Observations of informal and formal history and social studies lessons or programs presented to students ages 3-16 provide the framework for understanding how well these theories of learning are being implemented in the museum. Comparison of history museum programs (informal education) …

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Design Of Kalman Filter For Augmenting Gps To Ins Systems ., Mohammed Z. Alfaiz, Salam A. Ismail Dec 2006

Design Of Kalman Filter For Augmenting Gps To Ins Systems ., Mohammed Z. Alfaiz, Salam A. Ismail

Iraqi Journal of Computers, Communications, Control and Systems Engineering

Strapdown Inertial Navigation Systems (SDINS) and Global Positioning Systems (GPS) both can be used for a wide range of navigation functions. Each has its strength and weakness in this respect. Kalman filter is used to incorporate information from the accelerometers and gyros at high rates and information from GPS measurements at lower rates to improve ballistic missile strapdown navigation systems by GPS aiding. A linearized Kalman filter model is implemented for augmented system based on the navigation frame to estimate the inertial system error based on the measurement error between the GPS and INS systems. A three degree of freedom …

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Modeling And Control Of Proportional Directional Control Valve Using Neural Network ., Mohammed Y. Hassan, Majid A. Aliwe Dec 2006

Modeling And Control Of Proportional Directional Control Valve Using Neural Network ., Mohammed Y. Hassan, Majid A. Aliwe

Iraqi Journal of Computers, Communications, Control and Systems Engineering

A multi-layer, multi-input/ multi-output feed-forward back propagation neural network will be used to identify the model of proportional directional control valve with the addition of its nonlinearities. An electro-hydraulic training test bench is used to Vollect data for training the neural network. Using MATLAB, SIMUILNK the electro- hydraulic controlled system is tested, by applying a variable reference stroke position. A PI controller is tuned to get a stroke response with minimum overshoot and minimum steady state error. Modeling results were very satisfied and were very close to the experimental one with an error less than 10-10. This work can be …

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Parallel Kalman Filtering For Real -Time Signal Identification ., Waleed A. Aljawher, A. K. Shareef Dec 2006

Parallel Kalman Filtering For Real -Time Signal Identification ., Waleed A. Aljawher, A. K. Shareef

Iraqi Journal of Computers, Communications, Control and Systems Engineering

The applicability of Kalman filter (KF) to real-time signal processing problems is limited by the relatively complex mathematical operations necessary in computing Kalman filtering algorithms. However, with the rapid development of fast processing/memory devices that has offered a new research direction in high-speed real-time, systematic implementation on KF. Presently, the research trend is to achieve a major improvement in computational speed that will come from the concurrent use of many processor cells.Parallel processing usually makes a major impact in real-time signal identification. These require high-speed computations, which must be performed on continuous data streams. This result here in the stimulation …

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Control Of A Stepping Motor Using Neural Network Predictive ., Hazim I. Ali Dec 2006

Control Of A Stepping Motor Using Neural Network Predictive ., Hazim I. Ali

Iraqi Journal of Computers, Communications, Control and Systems Engineering

In this paper, an application of the neural network predictive controller for stepping motor will be presented. This approach has been considered in order to assure high control performance of the system. The advantage of this type of control with respect to the classical PID controller will be illustrated. In the neural network predictive control approach the model of the system to be controlled is first determined in a system identification phase. The system model is used to predict future behavior of the system, and an optimization algorithm is used to select the control input that optimizes future performance.

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Xilinx Fpga Implementation Of Arithmetic Logic Shift Unit (Alsu) ., Raghad Z. Tawfeeq Dec 2006

Xilinx Fpga Implementation Of Arithmetic Logic Shift Unit (Alsu) ., Raghad Z. Tawfeeq

Iraqi Journal of Computers, Communications, Control and Systems Engineering

A Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) is a digital integrated circuit that can be programmed to do any type of digital function. This paper represents how to map the arithmetic logic shift unit (ALSU) to the Xilinx FPGA Chip. The ALSU the VHDL hardware architecture was captured through the use of description language. Xilinx Integrated Software Environment ISE 6.i (project navigator) CAD software package was used to synthesize and implement the architecture of the ALSU to the FPGA chip. The architecture was functionally and performance validated through the package software simulation via post-synthesis and post-implementation software simulations.

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Implementation Of Logic Integrated Circuit Tester System Based On Epga Technology ., Firas M. Naif, Raghd Z. Tawfiq Dec 2006

Implementation Of Logic Integrated Circuit Tester System Based On Epga Technology ., Firas M. Naif, Raghd Z. Tawfiq

Iraqi Journal of Computers, Communications, Control and Systems Engineering

Linear phase requirement can be achieved by direct design with an FIR filter at the expense of high order and high computational burden for the given specification. Alternatively, IIR digital filters can be designed with much smaller order than their FIR counterparts, but at the expense of the non-linear phase. In this paper, a new design of linear phase IIR digital filter is presented by composing a zero phase efficiently designed FIR digital filter with maximally flat group delay. The new IIR digital filter is designed with a lower order satisfying the same roll-off magnitude response of the corresponding FIR …

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An Approach To Estimate Object Depth From A Visual Projection Scene For Eye-In-Hand Robot Applications ., Walladin K. Said, Ghassan A. Al-Kindi, Hussam K. Abdulameer Dec 2006

An Approach To Estimate Object Depth From A Visual Projection Scene For Eye-In-Hand Robot Applications ., Walladin K. Said, Ghassan A. Al-Kindi, Hussam K. Abdulameer

Iraqi Journal of Computers, Communications, Control and Systems Engineering

In this paper, an indirect field-oriented control (IFOC) induction machine drive with a conventional PI and sliding mode controllers is presented. The robustness of ac machine drive speed performance with these controllers is checked in terms of variation of machine parameters. The design includes rotor speed estimation from measured stator terminal Voltages and currents. The estimated speed is used as feedback in an indirect vector control system, such that the speed control is performed without the use of shaft mounted transducers. The high performance of the proposed control schemes under load disturbances is studied via simulation cases. The components of …

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Analysis Of Single-Point Test To Determine Skin Factor, Abbas Belyadi Dec 2006

Analysis Of Single-Point Test To Determine Skin Factor, Abbas Belyadi

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Single-point test results can be used to obtain information regarding the degree of damage in gas wells in the gas storage reservoirs. Single-point test is neither time-consuming nor costly to determine the productivity of a well. Furthermore, flow stabilization times would be short in high permeability gas storage reservoirs. Generally, a four-point test is conducted first to establish the deliverability relation. After some period of time, namely one year, a single-point test could be conducted. The results of the single-point and four-point tests can then be compared in order to identify any alteration in well performance.;The objective of this research …

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Gas Turbine Control And Load Sharing Of A Shipboard Power System, Anisha M. C. Fernandes Dec 2006

Gas Turbine Control And Load Sharing Of A Shipboard Power System, Anisha M. C. Fernandes

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

The objective of this research is to design a controller for a gas turbine of an Electric Shipboard Power System (ESPS) and to develop a load sharing strategy for its energy management. A suitable model for the gas turbine is selected and the effects of the dynamics are investigated for the different loads of the ESPS. The gas turbine controller is a Proportional Integral Derivative (PID) controller, whose parameters are tuned using the Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO) technique. The load on the system has three components: a propulsion load, a pulsed load to simulate a high energy weapon system and …

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Application Of A Statistical Zonation Technique To Granny Creek Field In West Virginia, Venkata Kristamsetty Dec 2006

Application Of A Statistical Zonation Technique To Granny Creek Field In West Virginia, Venkata Kristamsetty

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

The significance of dividing the sedimentary intervals into flow units reflects groups of rocks that has similar geologic, physical properties and depositional environment that affect fluid flow. Variations in rock properties result from depositional, diagenetic and post-depositional changes. A flow unit is a volume of a reservoir rock that is continuous laterally and vertically and has similar averages of those rock properties that affect fluid flow.;In this study, a statistical zonation technique developed by Testerman to identify and describe naturally occurring zones in a reservoir is applied to Granny Creek field in West Virginia. This technique is particularly useful in …

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Forecasting Truck Traffic Growth At West Virginia Non-Interstate Highways, Sundeep Gopisetty Dec 2006

Forecasting Truck Traffic Growth At West Virginia Non-Interstate Highways, Sundeep Gopisetty

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Reliable estimates of truck volumes are important in transportation planning and design applications, such as pavement design and management. This study evaluates different statistical methods based on their accuracy and data requirements, to calculate the truck growth rates by developing statistical models. Nine years of data from 1995 to 2003 was used to develop these models for calculating the truck growth rates at non-interstate highways of West Virginia. The literature review and the current practices for the state DOT was conducted to better understand and select the different forecasting methods that could be applicable to the given data. As a …

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Finite Element Analysis Of Long-Term Performance Of Buried High Density Polyethylene Pipes, Raj Kumar Gondle Dec 2006

Finite Element Analysis Of Long-Term Performance Of Buried High Density Polyethylene Pipes, Raj Kumar Gondle

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Buried pipes are utilized for various applications such as sewers, water conveyance, and highway drainage systems. Advantages such as lightweight, ease of installation, low cost, higher impact strength and durability have resulted in the extensive use of High Density Polyethylene (HDPE) pipes during the past few years. Time dependent properties such as creep associated with HDPE material may reduce the expected design life of high density polyethylene pipes under field conditions. The objective of this research work was to investigate the time dependent nature of buried high density polyethylene pipes using the finite element analysis. The influence of trench width …

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Impact Of Optimally Placed Var Support On Electricity Spot Pricing, Ramesh Kumar V. Khajjayam Dec 2006

Impact Of Optimally Placed Var Support On Electricity Spot Pricing, Ramesh Kumar V. Khajjayam

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

In view of deregulation and privatization processes, electricity pricing becomes one of the most important issues. The increases in power flows and environmental constraints are forcing electricity utilities to install new VAR equipment to enhance network operation. In this thesis a nonlinear multi-objective optimization problem has been formulated to maximize both social welfare and the maximum distance to collapse point in an open power market using reactive support like Static Var Compensator (SVC). The production and consumption costs of reactive power are intended to provide proper market signals to the electricity market agents. They are included in the multi-objective Optimal …

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Recognition Capacity Of Biometric-Based Systems, Francesco P. Nicolo Dec 2006

Recognition Capacity Of Biometric-Based Systems, Francesco P. Nicolo

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Performance of biometrics-based recognition systems depends on various factors: database quality, image preprocessing, encoding techniques, etc. Given a biometric database and a selected encoding method, the capability of a recognition system is limited by the relationship between the number of classes that the recognition system can encode and the length of encoded data describing the template at a specific level of distortion. In this work, we evaluate constrained recognition capacity of biometric systems under the constraint of two global encoding techniques: Principal Component Analysis and Independent Component Analysis. The developed methodology is applied to predict capacity of different recognition channels …

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Software Application For Emergency Responders, Safer 2.0, Saritha Reddy Potula Dec 2006

Software Application For Emergency Responders, Safer 2.0, Saritha Reddy Potula

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

The SAFER 2.0 was developed as a web based information system for the First Responders involved in dealing with the hazardous materials incidents. The software tool enables First Responders to view and identify the substances involved in a hazard via a secure Internet connection. The tool also aids in identifying the unknown substances based on the physical description (color, odor, texture, gas/liquid, etc.), symptoms and other information available at the site of the incident. The system is based on the 2004 North American Emergency Response Guidebook (ERG2004) and NIOSH Pocket Guide (NPG). ERG2004 was developed for use by firefighters, police, …

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Autonomous Unmanned Ground Vehicle For Non-Destructive Testing Of Fiber Reinforced Polymer Bridge Decks, Anthony Scott Mercer Dec 2006

Autonomous Unmanned Ground Vehicle For Non-Destructive Testing Of Fiber Reinforced Polymer Bridge Decks, Anthony Scott Mercer

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

The objective of this research is to develop an Unmanned Ground Vehicle (UGV) that can autonomously gather data for analysis of FRP bridge decks. Both ground penetrating radar (GPR) and infrared thermography (IRT) have shown promise in the field of non-destructive detection of defects in FRP decks. Even though both technologies can be effective, they each have certain limitations. For example, GPR is sensitive to water-filled defects while IRT is more sensitive to air-filled defects. This thesis investigates the effectiveness of combining and automating the data acquisition for each technique. Since both IRT and GPR analysis are subjective in nature, …

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Design, Development And Qualification Of Compact Mobile Emissions Measurement System (Cmems) For Real-Time On-Board Emissions Measurement, Aseem Tiwari Dec 2006

Design, Development And Qualification Of Compact Mobile Emissions Measurement System (Cmems) For Real-Time On-Board Emissions Measurement, Aseem Tiwari

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

The objective of this study was to design, develop and qualify the Compact Mobile Emissions Measurement System (CMEMS) for real-time on-board measurement of exhaust emissions from heavy-duty diesel vehicles. This study was aimed at developing a system more compact and lighter with respect to the existing Mobile Emissions Measurement System (MEMS), so that the entire system could be mounted on the tail pipe of the test vehicle in order to reduce installation time, power requirements and manpower requirements. This was achieved by judicious selection of commercially available compact solid-state gas analyzers, and development of a sampling system which was significantly …

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Cooperative Diversity Using Mimo Systems, Ramachandran Rajagopalan Dec 2006

Cooperative Diversity Using Mimo Systems, Ramachandran Rajagopalan

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Multipath fading is one of the primary factors for degrading the performance in a wireless network. Information theoretic and past research suggest the use various diversity techniques to combat fading in wireless networks. Antenna diversity, a form of diversity technique, when incorporated in a wireless transceiver increases the system capacity and is one of the effective methods to combat fading in wireless systems. Also, recent research by Laneman et.al., Sendonaris et.al. suggests that cooperation among users in a wireless networks is an effective approach for a better signal reception in multipath fading environments. The diversity gains obtained by cooperation among …

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One-Dimensional Computer Modeling Of Electrical Conductivity Through Methane And Synthesis Gas Flames, Jonathan Patrick Lilly Dec 2006

One-Dimensional Computer Modeling Of Electrical Conductivity Through Methane And Synthesis Gas Flames, Jonathan Patrick Lilly

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

The purpose of this work has been to produce and test simulation software to accurately model the effects of charged species and applied electric fields on the current conducted through methane and methane-doped synthesis gas flames. Comparison with existing experimental data generated at NETL has been conducted on a variety of published reaction mechanisms.

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Analysis Of Photonic Crystal Defects For Biosensing Applications, Naveen Kumar Paturi Dec 2006

Analysis Of Photonic Crystal Defects For Biosensing Applications, Naveen Kumar Paturi

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Photonic Crystals (PCs) have been the subject of intense study from their inception. These structures provide precise control of optical transmission properties through the choice of their periodic lattice parameters and materials with which they are fabricated. The sensitivity of optical properties of photonic crystals to the changes in refractive index at one or more lattice sites makes these structures potentially very attractive devices for developing a biosensor. Very small changes in the refractive index of one or more defect sites can be sensed accurately using these nano size structures. This work deals with the modeling and theoretical evaluation of …

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Quantifying Effects Of Vehicle Weight And Terrain On Emissions, Fuel Economy, And Engine Behavior, Corey M. Strimer Dec 2006

Quantifying Effects Of Vehicle Weight And Terrain On Emissions, Fuel Economy, And Engine Behavior, Corey M. Strimer

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

On-board emissions measurement for heavy-duty vehicles has garnered greater significance because 2007 marks the beginning of gaseous emissions monitoring for in-use vehicles in the United States [1]. Emissions compliance must be shown in a "not to exceed" (NTE) zone that emphasizes engine operation at higher power. An over-the-road 1996 Peterbilt tractor was instrumented with the West Virginia University Mobile Emissions Measurement System (MEMS) to determine how often the truck entered the NTE, and the emissions from the vehicle, as it was driven over varying terrain at multiple test weights. Distance-specific NOX emissions increase by approximately X/2% for an X% increase …

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Hygrothermal Effects On Free Vibration Characteristics Of Rotating Composite Beams, Sandeep Vennam Dec 2006

Hygrothermal Effects On Free Vibration Characteristics Of Rotating Composite Beams, Sandeep Vennam

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Free vibration characteristics of a rotating composite cantilever beams subjected to a hygrothermal environment is studied using the finite element analysis. The problem is formulated using a First Order Shear Deformation theory (FSDT) for composite materials. The finite element formulation is based on variational principles and the equations are solved by a code generated using MATLAB. Hygrothermal effects are incorporated using empirical relations degrading the material stiffness property of the matrix depending on the temperature and moisture concentration. The dynamic analysis of a rotating composite beam are validated by comparing with that available in literature and the hygrothermal incorporation is …

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Statistical Estimation Of Strain Energy Release Rate Of Delaminated Composites, Rajesh Vijayaraghavan Dec 2006

Statistical Estimation Of Strain Energy Release Rate Of Delaminated Composites, Rajesh Vijayaraghavan

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

An improved two-sublaminate model based on first-order shear deformation theory is implemented in a general-purpose finite element software (ANSYS) to study delaminated composite plates. Double cantilever beam and end-notched flexure models of unidirectional and multidirectional composite plates with mid-plane and offset delaminations are analyzed. The total strain energy release rate and the mode-I, mode-II and mode-III components are evaluated using a plate-theory-based crack-closure technique.;The effects of variation of material properties, ply thickness, fiber orientation, coefficient of friction between the crack surfaces, finite element mesh density and virtual crack-closure length and applied load on the mixed-mode strain energy release rates are …

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Phytoformations Of Silver And Gold Nanoparticles, Brooke A. Fridley Dec 2006

Phytoformations Of Silver And Gold Nanoparticles, Brooke A. Fridley

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Stevia and red beet suspension cultures were examined for uptake of silver from AgNO3 solution. Alfalfa and mung bean sprouts were also studied for silver accumulation when grown in AgNO3 solution. AA analysis confirmed the presence of silver in both sprouts and suspension cultures after exposure to AgNO3 solution, despite the toxic effects of silver on the living matter.;Extract from Pelargonium graveolens underwent reaction with both AgNO3 and KAuCl4 to form silver or gold nanoparticles. For the reaction with AgNO3, light was required to initiate the reaction. In contrast, reactions producing gold nanoparticles did not require light to react. Oxygen …

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Development Of A Numerical Model Of A Two-Dimensional Inertial Gas Separator, Henry Z. Graham Iv Dec 2006

Development Of A Numerical Model Of A Two-Dimensional Inertial Gas Separator, Henry Z. Graham Iv

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

The separation of gases is required for a variety of applications such as purification for industrial processes, natural gas production, isotope formation, etc. Gas separation is a costly expenditure for businesses, so new and improved methods are being continuously investigated. Separation techniques related to the method in this thesis are diffusion separators such as mechanical centrifuges, vortexes and the use of shock waves to cause the separation based on the molecular weight of the different gases. These methods and others are constantly being investigated and improved to increase their effectiveness.;The purpose of this thesis was to determine if the design …

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Afferent Regulation Of A15 Dopamine Neurons In The Ewe, Adrienne L. Bogusz Dec 2006

Afferent Regulation Of A15 Dopamine Neurons In The Ewe, Adrienne L. Bogusz

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Ovine reproduction is characterized by a breeding season and an anestrous season. Seasonal anestrus is induced by increased responsiveness of the GnRH neurosecretory system to estrogen (E) negative feedback. Previous studies have shown that inhibitory A15 dopamine neurons mediate this increased sensitivity to E, however, these neurons lack E receptors. In this thesis we performed three experiments. For experiment 1 we looked at the specific sites of actions that thyroid hormones act to cause neuronal plasticity of A15 DA neurons, utilizing dual-labeled immunocytochemistry. The results of this study demonstrated no change in dendrite morphology or the number of close contacts …

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Evaluation Of A Tube Feeding Decision Aid For Substitute Decision Makers, Emily H. Bower Dec 2006

Evaluation Of A Tube Feeding Decision Aid For Substitute Decision Makers, Emily H. Bower

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Substitute decision makers may be in a position to make "preference-sensitive" decisions for their patient, including whether to approve tube feeding. The present study evaluated the only known tube feeding decision aid for substitute decision makers (Mitchell, Tetroe, & O'Conner, 2001). Sixty adults completed a pre-questionnaire, read an active control brochure (control group) or decision aid (experimental group), and completed a post-questionnaire. Both groups demonstrated increased knowledge and decisional conflict at post-test, although the experimental group had higher scores in both. Participants who were either in favor or against tube feeding at pre-test rarely changed their decision at post-test. Control …

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Development Of An Animal Model Of Choice Between Aversive Events, James W. Diller Dec 2006

Development Of An Animal Model Of Choice Between Aversive Events, James W. Diller

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

The present study examined variables controlling choice between aversive events using pigeons as subjects. Initially, a titration procedure using variable-interval (VI) schedules of food and shock delivery contingent on keypecking was conducted to determine a moderately aversive shock intensity and duration. Subjects were then presented with a choice between food delivery followed by either a single shock or three shocks in a discrete-trials procedure. The change in context affected the aversiveness of the shock. In the VI condition, shock presentation resulted in 40-60% decrease in response rates. In the discrete-trials procedure, however, responding was "all-or-none." Thus, an attempt to redetermine …

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