Digital Commons Network^™

Simulation And Mathematical Modeling To Support Community-Wide Evacuation Decisions For Multiple Population Groups, Jun Duanmu

All Dissertations

Evacuating a large population from an at-risk area has been the subject of extensive research over the past few decades. In order to measure trip completion and total evacuation times accurately, most researchers have implemented some combination of simulation and optimization methods to provide vehicular flow and congestion data. While the general at-risk population comprises the majority of travelers on the road network, there are often specific groups to consider when assessing the ability to evacuate an entire population. In particular, healthcare facilities (e.g., hospitals) may require evacuation, and the trip times may become an important health issue for patients …

The Effect Of Whey On The Growth And Survival Of Isthmohyla Pseudopuma Tadpoles, August 2010, Patricia L. Stamper

Monteverde Institute: Tropical Ecology and Conservation

Water contamination and poor water quality in general have escalated in recent years. Streams and rivers located near dairy farms are commonly polluted by a byproduct of cheese making,whey. Due to factors such as water degradation, amphibian species have been experiencing rapid population declines worldwide. The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of whey waste on Isthmohyla pseudopuma tadpole growth and survival. It was found that whey waste generally has a negative effect on I. pseudopuma tadpole survival and little effect on the growth. Additional observations such as metamorphosis were observed towards the end of the experiment, …

Effect Of Feeding Zilpaterol Hydrochloride For 20 Days To Calf-Fed Holstein Steers With A 3 Or 10 Day Withdrawal Period Antemortem On Carcass Characteristics And Tenderness, Andrew D. Hosford

Master's Theses

The effect of feeding Zilpaterol hydrochloride (ZH) with a 3 or 10 d withdrawal (WD) period to calf-fed Holstein steers (N=2993) on carcass characteristics and tenderness were evaluated in a feed lot experiment. Cattle were fed 0 or 8.3 mg/kg of ZH for the final 20 d of the feeding period, each treatment level was assigned a WD period of either 3 or 10 d. Treatment groups consisted of Control 3 d WD (C3) and 10 d WD (C10), and ZH fed 3 day WD (Z3) and 10 d WD (Z10). Cattle were slaughtered at a commercial facility, carcasses chilled …

St. Jude Medical: Enhanced Mics (Emics), Devanshi Shah

Master's Theses

Heart disease is one of the most prevalent diseases in the world. The survival chances for patients with ventricular fibrillation/ventricular tachycardia reduces significantly as time passes without treatment and even after getting timely treatment recurring episode are common. These patients can benefit from an Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator (ICD) which can monitor heart rhythm and provide immediate treatment. Due to the ever changing physical conditions and disease progression, the ICD needs to collect diagnostic data as well as support programming by the physician. The ICD uses inductive telemetry and radio-frequency telemetry for the communication with the external devices such as a …

A Study Of The Relationship Between Physical Fitness And Academic Performance, Karen Elizabeth Rodenroth

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

academic achievement based on the idea that health and physical fitness have an impact on the ability to achieve academically. Because of the recent pressures of No Child Left Behind, many schools have opted to limit the amount of time students spend in physical education classes and recess. With the increased percentages of students who suffer from diabetes and other health related risks, eliminating or reducing physical activity from the school day is not the answer. Data was collected from 90 students (46 males and 44 females) during the 2009-2010 school year by using the President's Challenge Physical Fitness Test, …

An Analysis Of Pastor Sunhee Gwark’S Sermons By Using Hermeneutic Methods Of Practical Theology For Improving Sermon Paradigm, Jinhyu Park

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this project is to analyze the sermons of Sunhee Gwark, the former senior pastor of So-Mang church, into hermeneutic methods of practical theology for improving sermon paradigm. The relationship between the world of Scripture and the world of audience was investigated and the world of audience was valued equally with the world of Scripture in sermon. In order to analyze Gwark's sermons, the standards of evaluating sermon were provided. An improved sermon paradigm was suggested and the author wants this study to contribute to refreshing sermons to be balanced between the world of Scripture and that of …

Impact, Fall 2010, San Jose State University, Connie L. Lurie College Of Education

Impact (College of Education)

No abstract provided.

Regulation Of Morphogenesis In Filamentous Fungi, Haoyu Si

School of Biological Sciences: Dissertations, Theses, and Student Research

One of the distinguishing features of fungal cells is their highly polarized model of growth. Both yeast cells and hyphal cells grow by cell surface expansion at specified cortical sites. Although the same general mechanisms are likely to be involved in controlling the establishment of hyphal polarity in budding yeast and filamentous fungi, it is noticeable that hyphal cells are organized in a fundamentally different manner to yeast dells. For example, hyphal cells organize formins, septins and actins at the division site while simultaneously retain the same machinery at the tip; whereas yeast cells undergo a transient period of isotropic …

The Effect Of Natural Antimicrobial Ingredients On The Quality Of Roast Beef And Oven Roasted Turkey, Ace F. Vandewalle

Department of Animal Science: Dissertations, Theses, and Student Research

This research evaluates the use of a buffered vinegar and lemon juice concentrate (LV) solution on the quality of restructured beef and turkey rolls. Two studies were conducted to evaluate processing and ingredient concentration. Beef and turkey rolls were formulated with minimal ingredients. 1.5% sea salt, 0.5% turbinado sugar, with LV or no LV. Study one evaluated length of mixing time (2.5, 5, 10, 15, 20 minutes) on quality and sensory attributes with 2.5% LV or 0% LV (C). Study two was divided into four treatments, 0% (C), 1.5%, 2.5%, and 3.5% LV, used to evaluate the effects of three …

Immunohistochemical Mapping Of Hypoxia In Ischemic Mouse Hindlimb Skeletal Muscle, Emily Deckert

Biomedical Engineering

The study of blood vessel growth and remodeling is a complex endeavor. Hypoxia, the lack of oxygen in a tissue, is known to stimulate angiogenesis (the growth of new blood vessels), and have little effect on arteriogenesis (the enlargement of existing blood vessels). However, the role of hypoxia in vessel function is unknown, but may be determined using the results and methods developed in this experiment.

Supplied by the bloodstream, oxygen is required by all cells and tissues to remain healthy. If the bloodstream supplying a certain tissue with blood is disrupted, the tissue becomes ischemic, often leading to hypoxia. …

Global Competence: Determination Of Its Importance For Engineers Working In A Global Environment, Gregg M. Warnick

Department of Educational Administration: Dissertations, Theses, and Student Research

We live and work in a world that is even more interconnected and interdependent than ever before. Engineers must now not only develop technical engineering competence, but must also develop additional skills and competencies including global competence to obtain success within a global engineering environment.

The purpose of this study was to determine whether multinational companies considered global competence an important skill in mechanical engineering graduates when making hiring decisions. The study was an exploratory study that utilized an extensive literature review to identify eight global competencies for engineering success within a global environment and also included a survey instrument …

La France, Economiquement, N'A Pas Besoin De L'Afrique : Mythes Et Realites Du Discours De Nicolas Sarkozy A Bamako Le 18 Mai 2006, Mohamed SaïD Mesloub

Theses, Dissertations and Culminating Projects

In preparation of his 2007 presidential campaign, Nicolas Sarkozy made two important speeches, one in Bamako (Mali) and the other in Cotonou (Benin), in which he made controversial comments that called into question the historical relations between France and its former colonies (Glaser and Smith, Sarko 30-31). Well-known for his outspokenness, lack of modesty and tact, Sarkozy did not miss the opportunity to irritate African public opinion and media. At the debate which followed his speech in Bamako on May 18th, 2006, a Malian journalist, Sadio Kante, condemned and rebuked France for the plundering of African resources. To these objections, …

Development Of Tissue Engineered Test Systems To Study Mammary Cell Interactions In Vitro, Cheryl Cass

All Dissertations

The work described in this dissertation was conducted in the interdisciplinary research environment of the Clemson University Institute for Biological Interfaces of Engineering. A note at the beginning of each chapter acknowledges, as relevant, collaborating doctoral students and reminds the reader where work from each chapter has been presented or published. The overall goal of this work was to develop tissue engineered test system methodologies to allow the study of mammary cell interactions in vitro. The background, as described in Chapter 1, was published in part in Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society A in 2010. The studies were designed …

Colonial Sugar Production In Nyanza: (Kibos-Muhoroni) The Asian Initiative, The Genesis, And Development Of Kenya's Sugar Industry, 1903--1963, Godriver A. N. Wanga Odhiambo

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

This study analyses Asian sugar production in colonial Nyanza examines the Asian initiative and the development of commercial cane farming in Central Nyanza. Therefore, the work provides a different perspective on Asian initiative in agriculture and provides a framework on which to understand the persistent state of insufficiency in Kenya's sugar industry.;The study mainly relied on primary sources, secondary sources and oral interviews. These sources were derived from the Kenya National Archives, Nairobi, Syracuse University's Bird Library, Ohio University Library, Moi University Library Eldoret and West Virginia University Library. The primary materials included annual reports of the Department of Agriculture, …

One-Room Schools And Their Role In The Development Of The Appalachian Hills Of West Virginia: 1863--1940s, James Seth Caudill

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

One-room schools provided the educational settings for the majority of West Virginians until well into the twentieth century. The distribution of the population throughout the rural, rolling, and mountainous terrain resulted in the location of schools within walking distance for most students. The school population consisted of students of various ages and different grades contained in one room. Teachers required diverse skills, in order to perform as academic instructor, nurse, custodian, and entertainment leader at recess. The rural schools gave students in these communities an opportunity to achieve an education, offering both academics and life lessons. The thesis will examine …

Essays In Contemporary Tax Law Changes, Arpita Biswas

All Dissertations

In the first essay, I provide estimates of price and income elasticities of charitable contributions which reveal substantial differences in giving patterns across different income groups. The paper develops an intertemporal model of giving which predicts that lowering current income taxes induces substitution away from current giving towards giving in future periods. Cragg's Generalized Tobit model applied to Consumer Expenditure data from 1997-2006 provides estimates of income and price elasticities conditioned upon contribution, which range between 0.17 to 0.81 and −0.50 to −1.16 respectively. Empirical analysis shows substantial evidence of intertemporal substitution, implying that if the difference between future and …

Simulating And Assessing The Southern Pine Beetle Spot Growth On Management Scenarios Using Gis-Based Model And 3-D Landscape Visualization, Chiao-Ying Chou

All Dissertations

Models for simulating southern pine beetle (SPB), Dendroctonus frontalis Zimm., population dynamics and infestation risk are quite well developed. However, most of them are not spatially explicit models. In this study, a GIS-based model, SPBSPOT, is developed for simulating SPB spot growth using ArcGIS software with ArcObject and Visual Basic for Application. SPBSPOT is built by five subroutines. Individual interfaces are developed for each of them to allow users the flexibility to specify stand situations and design management scenarios based on their individual needs. Although integrated pest management systems are currently adopted, SPB management is still challenging because of diverse …

Relationships Of Developmental Traits In Young Alpaca Crias And Lambs, Sara Elizabeth Lewis

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Successful reproduction in alpacas is highly dependent upon postnatal survival, which in turn is dependent upon a pattern of continuous gain in weight as an indicator of health. Weighing alpacas is the primary method used to assess their general health. Unfortunately, the measurement of cria weight is not always a simple, routine, or easy determination. The purpose of this study was to determine if, as in other species such as cattle and horses, morphometric body measurements can be used to estimate weight. In this study, continuous weight and girth measurements were taken on 34 alpaca cria. Age and girth were …

Phosphorus Nutrition In Broilers, Staci Ann Loop

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Due to depleting resources, high feed ingredient costs, and eutrophication, phosphorus nutrition in broilers has been a topic of concern for many years. The amount of damage being done to the environment by phosphorus runoff in some states has led to regulations that require broiler litter to have decreased phosphorous with the use of a phytase enzyme. There are many phytase products on the market, however, these enzymes are not all equally effective. Companies may rely only on feed manufacture retention data instead of conducting live bird performance research to test the actual efficacy of the enzyme. The first study …

A Reconfigurable Distributed Multiagent System Optimized For Scalability, Summiya Moheuddin

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

This thesis proposes a novel solution for optimizing the size and communication overhead of a distributed multiagent system without compromising the performance. The proposed approach addresses the challenges of scalability especially when the multiagent system is large. A modified spectral clustering technique is used to partition a large network into logically related clusters. Agents are assigned to monitor dedicated clusters rather than monitor each device or node. The proposed scalable multiagent system is implemented using JADE (Java Agent Development Environment) for a large power system. The performance of the proposed topology-independent decentralized multiagent system and the scalable multiagent system is …

Elucidating The Role Of Ascorbic Acid In Flowering And Pathogen Defense In Arabidopsis Thaliana, Madhumati Mukherjee

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

L-ascorbic acid (AA) protects plants against abiotic stress. Previous studies suggested that this antioxidant is also involved in the control of flowering and enhanced disease resistance. This study aimed to elucidate the mechanisms through which AA deficiency promotes flowering and pathogen resistance.;To decipher how AA influences flowering time, four AA-deficient Arabidopsis thaliana mutants vtc1-1, vtc2-1, vtc3-1 and vtc4-1 were grown under short and long days, respectively. These mutants flowered and senesced before the wild type irrespective of the photoperiod, a response that cannot simply be attributed to slightly elevated oxidative stress in the mutants. Genetic analyses demonstrated that various photoperiodic …

Determining Efficacy Of A Thermally Processed Exogenous Enzyme Cocktail For Broilers, Kala Renea Beaman

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Feed ingredient price has influenced nutritionists to maximize diet nutrient availability through use of exogenous enzymes. Poultry are almost exclusively fed pelleted diets that entails feed being subjected to conditions of high moisture, temperature and pressure that could partially denature added enzymes. Exogenous enzyme efficacy may be decreased or completely lost if enzymes are not able to survive the pelleting process. The objective of the current studies was to properly assess the efficacy of a commercially available exogenous enzyme cocktail subjected to increasing steam conditioning temperatures during pelleting (82, 88, 93°C). Dietary treatments consisted of nutritionally adequate diets or Positive …

Dietary Cholesterol Effects On Learning, Memory And Amyloid Beta: Learning And Memory Effects On Brain Cholesterol And Sulfatide Levels, Deya S. Darwish

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Recent studies have revealed ambiguous findings on the effects of dietary cholesterol on learning. In one study by Schreurs and coworkers it was reported that a 2% cholesterol diet had a positive effect on learning. However, it was realized that metals, specifically copper, could potentially exacerbate the aggregation of amyloid beta (Abeta), a protein associated with Alzheimer's disease (AD) leading to the formation of Abeta plaques. In a subsequent publication by Sparks and Schreurs it was reported that a 2% cholesterol diet with the addition of 0.12 ppm copper had a detrimental effect on learning and resulted in the formation …

Text, Graphics, And Multimedia Materials Employed In Learning A Computer-Based Procedural Task, Kari Christine Carlson Coffindaffer

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

The present research study investigated the interaction of graphic design students with different forms of software training materials. Four versions of the procedural task instructions were developed (A) Traditional Textbook with Still Images, (B) Modified Text with Integrated Still Images, (C) Onscreen Modified Text with Silent Onscreen Video and (D) Onscreen Narrated Video for four computer tasks. Two research questions guided the study: Research Question 1: Are there any significant differences in student learning of a computer-based procedural task due to the format of the training materials? Research Question 2: Do individual differences in prior knowledge and spatial abilities make …

Changes In Throwing Pattern And Perceptual Judgment As The Function Of Task Variations For Young Children, Yoojin Choi

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Ecological Task Analysis (ETA; Davis & Burton, 1991) hypothesizes that movement change may emerge from dynamic interaction in given environmental conditions. In other words, task variability provides opportunities for the performer to choose skills suitable to his or her capabilities in order to achieve a task goal.;The purpose of the present study is to examine 4 year-old children's changes in throwing patterns and perceptual judgment as a function of task variation in specific throwing tasks. Each experiment identifies various task parameters (e.g., force, trajectory of throws) and attempts to adjust them to meet a task goal.;The modifications of tasks include …

The Ku Klux Klan's Portrayal Of African Americans In Mass Media Technology, Heather R. Sager

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

The White supremacy group, the Ku Klux Klan was formed in 1866, after the end of the Civil War, in the small town of Pulaski, TN, by six ex-Confederate soldiers. Over the last 143 years the Klan has tried to take full advantage of the media in order to reach the largest audience possible to make its voice heard and spread its ideologies of hate towards African Americans and other minority groups. This study focuses on the similarities and differences in the Klan's portrayal of African Americans between two great technological advances used by the Klan---motion pictures from the twentieth …

Effect Of Conjugated Linoleic Acid On The Regulation Of Feed Intake And Body Fat In The Short Term, Valerie J. Shelton

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) is known to decrease feed intake and body fat in mice. Our objectives were to determine the incorporation of CLA into tissues and the effect on serum hormones and arcuate neuropeptides during the first 7 d of CLA consumption. Mice (n=150; 9-wk-old) were fed 0 (ad libitum or pair-fed to CLA-fed mice) or 2% CLA (ad libitum) for 1, 2, 3, 5, or 7 d. A body fat index was calculated; liver, adipose tissue, and brain were analyzed for fatty acid profiles; and serum insulin, leptin, and PYY were measured. CLA and pair-fed mice ate less …

Effect Of Nutritional Deficiency On Ruffed Grouse Condition And Reproductive Success, Aaron B. Proctor

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Maternal body fat condition (i.e., percent carcass fat) is often a focal point in determining reproductive success in female galliforms. Previous research has centered around habitat-related nutritional parameters affecting body condition and the influence on reproductive capacity. Past studies have shown that ruffed grouse (Bonasa umbellus) maintain higher mean body fat levels throughout the Appalachians and variation in body condition exceeds that found in northern grouse. In the Appalachians, ruffed grouse with diets devoid of energy-rich hard mast have lower body fat condition. It has been hypothesized that females in poorer condition will have lower productivity in the Appalachians. We …

Justifying Phytogenic Feed Additive Matrix Values In Conjunction With Exogenous Feed Enzymes, Laurel K. Shires

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Phytogenic feed additives are purported to possess antimicrobial properties as well as nutrient sparing characteristics that may aid in alleviating high diet costs; however, in order for PFAs to assist nutritionists in decreasing diet cost, matrix values must be determined and implemented in feed formulation. Study 1 evaluated proposed matrix values for a commercially available PFA and assessed nutrient sparing when the product was combined with commercial phytase, carbohydrase and protease. The most remarkable proposed matrix values were 32.2 kcal/kg for metabolizable energy and 0.07% for both Ca and AP. The objective of Study 2 was to determine true amino …

Systemic Lipopolysaccharide Stimulates Airway Transepithelial Na+ Transport By Increasing Enac And Na+,K+ -Pump Activity, Michael W. Dodrill

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Our laboratory found that systemic administration of lipopolysaccharide (LPS; 4 mg/kg) hyperpolarized the transepithelial potential difference (V t) of tracheal epithelium in the isolated, perfused trachea (IPT) of the guinea pig 18 h after injection. We hypothesized that LPS stimulates the transepithelial movement of Na+ via the epithelial sodium channel (ENaC)/Na+,K+-pump axis, leading to hyperpolarization of Vt. LPS increased the Vt response to amiloride, i.e., offset the effect of LPS, indicating that Na+ transport was increased. The functional activity of ENaC was measured in the IPT after short-circuiting the Na+,K+-pump with basolateral amphotericin B. LPS had no effect on the …