Digital Commons Network^™

Optimization Of Biodiesel Production From Crude Cottonseed Oil And Waste Vegetable Oil:Conventional And Ultrasonic Irradiation Methods, Xiaohu Fan

All Dissertations

Biodiesel, derived from the transesterification of vegetable oils or animal fats with simple alcohols, has attracted more and more attention recently. As a cleaner burning diesel alternative, biodiesel has many attractive features including: biodegradability, nontoxicity, renewability and low emission profiles.
Although cottonseed oil was the first commercial cooking oil in the U.S, it has progressively lost its market share to some vegetable oils that have larger production and less cost. However, regarding the active researches on biodiesel production from vegetable oils, there is a promising prospective for the cottonseed oil as a feedstock for biodiesel production, which may enhance the …

Agritourism As A Viable Strategy For Economic Diversification: A Case Study Analysis Of Policy Options For The Bahamas, Erecia Hepburn

All Dissertations

This research examines the prospects for developing an economic diversification policy for The Bahamas, utilizing agritourism. The Bahamas is plagued with the dominance of one traditional sector, tourism combined with the lack of economic innovation and the inability to maintain domestic demand for food security, which has the potential for economic crisis if there are any serious 'external shocks' or setbacks in mainstream tourism. Such a possible drop in tourism is most evident from experiences in 2001 with the Straw Market fire of Sept 4th, and the terrorist attacks in America on September 11th, coupled with the escalating cost of …

Infestation Of Tsuga Canadensis And Tsuga Caroliniana To Hemlock Woolly Adelgid And Possible Insecticidal Management Strategies, Mark Faulkenberry

All Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to examine the development rates of hemlock woolly adelgid (HWA) infestations on sites containing primarily eastern hemlock, sites that contained predominantly Carolina hemlock, and sites where the two species occurred together, and to quantify the relationship between HWA density and canopy thinning in hemlocks. The study was conducted at 11 sites in DuPont State Forest near Brevard, NC, one site in nearby Caesar's Head State Park, Cleveland, SC, and one site near Whiteside Mountain, near Highlands, NC. In the second year of the study, one of the three Carolina hemlock sites was treated with …

Vascular Tissue Engineering: The Creation Of Living, Non-Thrombogenic, Functional Blood Vessels Based On Elastin Scaffolds, Aditee Kurane

All Dissertations

Cardiovascular diseases are the leading cause of death worldwide. Blood vessel replacement is a common treatment for vascular diseases such as atherosclerosis, restenosis and aneurysm, with over 300,000 bypass procedures performed each year. However, vein grafts are limited due to their availability. Although synthetic vascular replacements have been successful for large diameter arteries, they have shown minimal success in arteries with diameters <6mm. This is because most synthetic materials induce thrombus formation which, within a few months of implantation, causes failure of the vascular graft due to occlusion. Tissue engineering is a promising approach to the fabrication of non-thrombogenic vascular grafts, but a reliable and expandable cell source for tissue-engineered vascular graft (TEVG) has not been established.
The work presented here is motivated by the current unavailability of an ideal tissue engineered blood vessel replacement. Our overall goal is to create a living tissue engineered vascular graft that is biodegradable, non-thromobogenic, presents low antigenicity and …

The Influence Ofattribute Performance Appraisal, Emotion And Time On The Satisfaction Response Of Golf Travelers, Brian Krohn

All Dissertations

Golf travel has been shown to be a strong component of the economy for regions that rely on tourism for generating revenue (Flowers, 2006). As a reflection of the importance of this component of the tourism industry, researchers have examined the components of the golf travel experience (Petrick & Backman, 2002). One methods to examine the quality of the experiences is to examine variables such as perceived value (Hutchinson, Lai & Wang, in press), loyalty (Backman, 1991) and satisfaction (Petrick & Backman 2001, 2002b).
Consumer behavior research has looked at satisfaction as a gauge of the quality of the experience …

Topographic Analysis And Predictive Modeling Using Geographic Information Systems, Steven Hall

All Dissertations

This dissertation describes three GIS models developed to better model topographic features and the occurrence of mountain laurel (Kalmia latifolia) in the southern Appalachian Mountains. The first study presented 'A LiDAR based GIS model to calculate Terrain Shape Index on a landscape scale', attempts to develop a GIS based model to calculate the Terrain Shape Index (TSI). TSI is typically collected in the field using a series of elevation measurements to determine the average elevation change within the study plot. In this study, a GIS model is developed and TSI values compared to those collected using conventional methods. The second …

The Experiences Of Chief Student Affairs Officers In Addressing Incidents Of Racial Insensitivity On College And University Campuses, Idella Glenn

All Dissertations

ABSTRACT
This study examined the Chief Student Affairs Officer's (CSAO) role in addressing incidents of racial insensitivity on college and university campuses. The research methodology used for the study was a qualitative research design. Utilizing the collective case study method, within-case and cross-case analyses were completed for the study. Data were collected from eleven CSAOs at public institutions through their participation in telephone interviews.
Five major themes emerged from the study. First, the CSAO
must be multiculturally competent in order to address a variety of incidents of racial insensitivity. Second, the CSAO must understand the law and legal precedents regarding …

Estimation Of Emergency Room Visits: Implications For Uninsured In South Carolina, Anusha Pokuri

All Dissertations

This study assesses the relationships between the percentage of emergency room visits, the percentage of uninsured population, and socio-demographic characteristics. This is accomplished by developing linear models of the relationships among these variables for the 46 counties of South Carolina for the year 2000. The results showed that the percentage of non-White population and percentage of business establishments that employ fewer than 50 workers had significant positive influence on the percentage of uninsured population. The median household income and high percentage of population with educational attainment beyond high school had a significant negative influence on the percentage of uninsured population. …

Applications Of Asymmetric Allylation Reactions Towards Natural Product Synthesis, Philip R. Harsh

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

A short asymmetric synthesis of (R)-(+)-Goniothalamin oxide was developed and synthesized using a Leighton asymmetric allylation reaction and Grubbs ring-closing metathesis. (R)-(+)-Goniothalamin oxide is a styryl lactone that exhibits anti-cancer activity against a variety of cancer cell lines including MCF-7, T47D, and MDA-MB-231. The methododology of asymmetric allylation is also demonstrated on intermediates of RK-397, which is a 32-membered oxopolyene macrolide with anti-cancer activity.

Effects Of The Antimicrobial Agent Triclosan On Bacterial Resistance To Disinfection In Wastewater Treatment Processes, Meilin Liu

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

2-(2,5-Dichlorophenoxy)-5-chlorophenol or Triclosan is a widely used antimicrobial agent included in a multitude of products, such as soap, toothpaste, and personal care products.;The objective of this research was to investigate the effects of Triclosan on the resistance of activated sludge bacteria to conventional disinfection processes applied in wastewater treatment processes, such as chlorination and UV.;Specific Aim 1. A complex bacterial community collected from an active sludge was acclimated over several sub-cultures in the presence of different concentrations of Triclosan (from 0.0 to 20 mg L-1) and then exposed to sub-lethal doses of chlorine and UV irradiation. Determination of bacterial viability …

Identifying Genomic Signatures For Predicting Breast Cancer Outcomes, Shruti Rathnagiriswaran

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Predicting the risk for recurrence in breast cancer patients is a critical task in clinics. Recent developments in DNA microarrays have fostered tremendous advances in molecular diagnosis and prognosis of breast cancer.;The first part of our study was based on a novel approach of considering the level of genomic instability as one of the most powerful predictors of clinical outcome. A systematic technique was presented to explore whether there is a linkage between the degree of genomic instability, gene expression patterns, and clinical outcomes by considering the following hypotheses; first, the degree of genomic instability is reflected by an aneuploidy-specific …

Investigation Of Lubricant Oil Consumption And Its Contribution To Particulate Matter Emissions, Sam George

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

The global objective of this study was to determine lubricant oil consumption as a function of engine operating conditions, and determine its contribution to particulate matter (PM) emissions in a hydrogen-fueled engine. Hydrogen offers a promising alternative for internal combustion engines owing to its clean burning properties. The success of gaseous-fueled engines lies in the development and use of specially formulated and well researched lubricating oils as these oils are the only source of carbon emissions in hydrogen-fueled engines. The lubricant oil consumption can be determined in a hydrogen-fueled engine by measuring the carbonaceous emissions. This study determined lubricant oil …

Promoting Self-Directed Learning In Adult Piano Instruction, Rhonda Jane Mizok-Taylor

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

More and more adults are studying music. Because of this, the number of adult method books has been increasing; however, when writing an adult method book, it is important for the author to remember that adults are more capable of independent learning by using their own previous musical experiences to understand new material. They may not wish to be completely dependent on a teacher for every aspect of instruction.;Using questions derived from Malcolm Knowles' book Self-Directed Learning and questions used by Hung-Ling Chen in the dissertation "An Investigation of Self-Directed Learning among Non-Music Major Adult Piano Learners in One-to-One Piano …

Population Growth And Planned Birth Policy, Yigang Zhang

All Dissertations

China's planned birth policy is based on 'population pessimism', which states population growth affects the income level negatively, though the role of population growth in cross-country growth regressions is ambiguous. There are 'population pessimism', 'population optimism', and 'population neutralism'. Also, a new concept 'demographic dividend' was raised in recent years, which states a rise in the rate of economic growth can be induced because of a rising share of working age people in a population while still holding 'population neutralism'. The planned birth policy results in a decreasing fertility rate, which slows down the population growth and changes the age …

Hybrid Bond-Order Potential For Silicon, Suleiman Oloriegbe

All Dissertations

ABSTRACT
A new hybrid bond-order potential for silicon is developed. The functional form of the potential is derived from hybrid of expressions from empirical bond-order formalism and first principles approximations. The total energy is expressed as the sum of attractive, repulsive and promotion energies. By introducing a screening function derived from approximations to first principles expressions, the potential is made long-ranged by allowing covalent interactions beyond the first nearest neighbor shell of atoms in agreement with quantum mechanical descriptions of the bonding in silicon. Environment-dependent promotion energy is introduced that accurately accounts for energetic interactions due to changes in hybridization …

Development Of An Open Loop Fuzzy Logic Urea Dosage Controller For Use With An Scr Equipped Hdd Engine, Theodore R. Adams

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) has been shown to be the most promising exhaust aftertreatment system for reducing oxides of nitrogen in near term in-use applications. SCRs use the ammonia containing compound urea, as a reducing agent. In order to control the urea dosage during transient operation of the engine, sophisticated control strategies are needed. The goal of this study was to design a controller to achieve the maximum NO x emission reduction possible in the transient mode of engine operation, without causing ammonia slip. The development of an open loop, non-sensor based fuzzy logic urea dosage controller is discussed in …

Program-Assisted Analysis Of The Transverse Pressure Capacity Of Block Stoppings For Mine Ventilation Control, Timothy J. Batchler

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Previously a new test procedure, based on rigid arching, had been developed to determine the true transverse pressure capacity of mine ventilation block stoppings. Using this test procedure, a parametric study of the design parameters was tested to determine the arching capability in block stoppings. Theoretical assessments of arching and design equations were developed creating design guidelines based on the physical properties of the block stoppings. Based on these design guidelines, a computer program was developed to simulate the transverse pressure capacity of mine ventilation block stoppings. Inputs from users will generate a set of representative scenarios simulating a particular …

Quantification Of Soluble Organic Fraction Measurement Variation In Diesel Particulate Matter Emissions, John Wesley Hardin

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Heavy-duty diesel engines (HDDE) are the dominate prime movers of goods and services in the United States (US) and the world today. HDDE will continue to lead the transportation sector in the near term because of its superior fuel economy and performance compared to existing alternatives. However, HDDE produce many harmful emissions constituents that include: hydrocarbons (HC), oxides of nitrogen (NOx), carbon monoxide (CO), and particulate matter (PM). Due to these harmful emissions, the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has been entrusted to enforce the Clean Air Act to limit the amount of emissions that can be produced from these …

Observations Of The Tapered Element Oscillating Microbalance As Compared To A Gravimetric Method For Particulate Matter Measurement, Gregory Shane Thomas

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

A direct comparison has been made between a tapered element oscillating microbalance (TEOM) and the traditional gravimetric filter method designed per 40 CFR §1065.145. A repeatability test, consisting of multiple emission tests, was also performed for the TEOM system that shows that the TEOM was a consistent instrument. The TEOM was also tested with and without a diesel particular filter (DPF) during an 8-mode test on a 1997/1998 Kubota 2.2L engine to see if the concentration of the particular matter (PM) flowing through the TEOM has an effect on accuracy. The flow rate was varied to find the optimal setting …

Characterization Of Thermal And Electrical Properties Of Fiber Reinforced Polymer (Frp) Composites, Raja Ram Tipirneni

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Thermal conductivity of a polymer composite is a function of resin type, fiber type and architecture, fiber volume fraction, direction of heat flow, and service temperature. Recognizing the thermal responses in Fiber Reinforced Polymer (FRP) composite decks play a critical role in their performance, accurate thermal measurements of FRP decks are essential. A major focus has been placed on measurements of thermal conductivity in through-the thickness direction of a FRP composite.;Current research focus has been on characterization of thermal conductivity in the planar direction (along the direction of the fiber and transverse direction of the fiber) of a composite laminate. …

The Provision Of Spousal Support: Antecedents, Consequences, And Crossover Effects, Jay M. Dorio

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

The present study had four main objectives. First, the relationship between the provision of spousal support and its theoretical antecedents and consequences was assessed as informed by the conservation of resources theory (Hobfoll, 1989). Second, the crossover of physicians' work interference with family conflict on their spouses' family demands (perceived family demands and family hours) was investigated. Next, the mediating role of social support as an explanation for the crossover process was examined using two distinct pathways. Lastly, the fourth objective of the present study was to investigate the relationships described above across multiple time points and using dual-source data …

The Eastern Echo, December 1, 2008, Eastern Michigan University

EMU Student Newspaper: The Normal News & The Eastern Echo

No abstract provided.

Understanding And Measuring Bicycling Behavior: A Focus On Travel Time And Route Choice, Jennifer Dill, John Gliebe

Urban Studies and Planning Faculty Publications and Presentations

With rates of obesity, heart disease, and related health problems increasing in the U.S. many policy makers are looking for ways to increase physical activity in everyday life. Using a bicycle instead of a motor vehicle for a portion of everyday travel could help address these problems. This research aims to fill a gap in the existing literature on the effect of different types of infrastructure, such as bicycle lanes or paths, on bicycling. The project used global positioning system (GPS) technology to record where a sample of 164 adults in the Portland, OR region rode their bicycles. Data was …

Effects Of Motivational Interviewing On Levels Of Physical Activity In Older Adults, Anna M. Pignol

Theses and Dissertations

In Canada, 68% of women and 53% of men 65 and older are inactive. Physical activity is crucial for older adults being able to maintain physical and mental health, as well as quality of life. Even the frail, chronically ill, and very old adults can increase mobility and functioning through physical activity. The current study examined the effects of Motivational Interviewing (MI) on levels of physical activity in older adults. A total of 86 participants aged 55 and older were recruited in Prince Edward Island. Participants were randomly assigned by gender to the intervention plus information or to an information …

A Meta-Analysis Of Adolescent Rampage Shootings And The Potential Interconnectivity To Gifted/Talented Children With Emotional/Behavioral Disorders, Meghan M. Salyers

Theses and Dissertations

On the tenth anniversary of a series of school rampage shootings in Springfield, Oregon, Littleton, Colorado, and Conyers, Georgia, the purpose of this study was to determine whether there were indications of intellectual, academic, or creative giftedness with emotional/behavioral disorders in the perpetrators. In addition, through historiographical methods, this study was designed to allow for themes to surface from the authentic writings of the adolescent shooters.

Similarities in previous research results are reported in the meta-analysis, and categories derived from my analysis of the writings of Kip Kinkel, Eric Harris, Dylan Klebold, and T.J. Solomon are indicated in the analysis …

Parental Influences In Child Obesity, Janel Lynn Calinisan

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

One of the greatest concerns in American society is peoples’ health. In the past several years there has been an overwhelming increase in obesity in Americans. This concern relates not only to adults, but also to children, as more are found to be overweight. Many factors have been suggested as to why more children are becoming obese, including parenting, demographics, physical activity, nutrition, and biological factors. Studies have shown that parental influence or involvement can be related to child obesity such that neglected children were more likely to be obese in adolescence and sustain it through adulthood. In order to …

Comparison Of Mandibular Alveolar Bone With Facial Type Using Cbct, Jason M. Loop

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the relationship between facial type and cortical bone thickness (mm), cortical bone density (rHU) and trabecular bone density (rHU) in the mandibular alveolar bone. Twenty-five consecutive dolichofacial, 25 consecutive mesiofacial, and 25 consecutive brachyfacial patients with T1 lateral cephalograms and CBCT scans were used in this study. A Ricketts analysis was used to compute the VERT index for each patient. All statistical analyses were performed at the significance level of α = 0.05. The one-way ANOVA and LSD post hoc tests indicated there was a statistically significant relationship between facial type and …

Buccal Bone Changes Following Rapid Maxillary Expansion (Rmf), Long-Term Results, Elena S. Iacob

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

The purpose of this study was to use Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) images to quantitatively evaluate buccal bone changes of maxillary first premolar (P1), second premolar (P2) and first molar (M1) shortly after Rapid Maxillary Expansion (RME) and at the end of orthodontic treatment, as well as to evaluate the variables that may be associated with the short-term and long-term changes. Forty-seven consecutive patients (25 males and 22 females) with a mean age of 14.5years and who required RME as part of their orthodontic treatment and had pre-RME (T1) and post-RME (T2) CBCT images available were used for the …

No-Drama Obama: Personal Memoirs, Bestsellers, And Qualitative Research: A Review, Maureen Duffy

The Qualitative Report

Personal memoirs and life histories are forms of qualitative research that from time to time appear on bestsellers lists. These forms of research detail the authors’ experiences of living and reflecting upon their everyday lives—lives that may be unique in some sense or lives made unique by the richness of the interplay of living, reflecting, and writing. In this review, I make the case for viewing moments in all lives as worthy of the development of personal memoir or life history and for using memoir as a way of generating takeaways or lessons learned. I review Elyn Saks’ (2007) memoir …

The Constant Cycle: Day To Day Critical Action Of The Quipped Project, Jennifer M. Medves, Sarita Verma, Teresa Broers

The Qualitative Report

Action research in the critical paradigm involves a process of continual refection in and on action including the research process itself. In the second in a series of several papers we report on the day-to-day management of the QUIPPED project. The aim was to facilitate patient centered care through inter-professional collaboration with health care learners at a Canadian university. Reflections of the continuum from early conceptualization of the project in 2004 through to lessons learned in 2008 are described. Key components include the importance of team development, overall coordination, and attention to logistical and structural issues are explored. The importance …