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Western Michigan University Commencement Exercises-9am, John M. Dunn

WMU President John Dunn

No abstract provided.

Fall Commencement [Program], December 18, 2010, University Of Northern Iowa

UNI Commencement Programs

The program of the commencement ceremonies, including a list of institutional leadership, a list of the departments by college, awards given at the ceremonies, and a list of undergraduate and graduate degree candidates.

From Seed To Harvest: A Comparative Life Cycle Assessment Of Conventional Vs. Organic Cotton Agriculture, Rebecca Hoehn

Masters Theses, 2010-2019

Conventional and organic cotton farming practices both have benefits and detriments to each type. Cotton agriculture is responsible for the use of a third of the agriculture industries’ pesticide use. In order to help alleviate the use of pesticide dependency the following study reviews the use of pesticides as well as other stressors of both systems and hopes to decide how sustainable agriculture in the cotton industry can be attained. Evaluations of both systems have been compared in order to reach the decisions of sustainability.

The Role Of Quality Labels In Farming Diversification And Rural Development, Eman Vella

Masters Theses, 2010-2019

The European Union promotes marketing of quality food products through a quality labelling scheme having three labels known as PDO, PGI and TSG. Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) and Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) are two labels that protect products with an association to a particular region. Such products need to have a traditional link with the area as well as unique attributes (known as specifications) that make the product different from the customary. PDO labels designate a product that is linked with an area in every aspect, while PGI labels indicate that the product has a unique geographical link in …

A Heuristic For Local Land Planning: Linking Ecological Function And Policy-In Context To Charlotte, North Carolina-, Kimberlee Robertella

Masters Theses, 2010-2019

Ecological systems and services are foundational to human well-being, and in recent years have received increasing scholastic attention. The functional ability of these systems is influenced however, by human-induced land transformation related to conventional patterns of growth and development. Such land transformations, which commonly occur as single-family residential development, are criticized as being wasteful and inefficient, leading to issues like air and water pollution, diminished forests and wetlands, and habitat loss and fragmentation. In the United States a patchwork of policy exists aimed at addressing such ecological concerns. Despite best efforts, most local governments and planning offices still miss the …

Integrated Waste Management In Malta-Future Scenario Development, Ruth Debrincat

Masters Theses, 2010-2019

Waste management is recognised as a major international environmental challenge since it is considered to be the loss of environmental resources. The Sixth Environment Action Programme (European Commission) calls for a cultural shift towards sustainable consumption patterns to bring about a reduction in waste generation. In Malta, the scale of waste generation, presently at 648 kg per capita (MEPA, 2008), and the need for sustainable waste management policies are of particular concern. The main objective of this dissertation was to adopt a systems view to evaluate the current status of integrated waste management in Malta and anticipate possible solutions in …

Exploring Sustainable Environmental Management Practices For Golf Courses In Semi-Arid Environments, Angelica V. Gurule

Masters Theses, 2010-2019

For the past several years NM government officials have been working to increase economic growth via tourism in NM. As a result several dozen golf courses have popped up around the state. Golf courses are conceived to be problematic as they consume large quantities of water and typically use lots of harmful pesticides to manage turfgrass. Water scarcity has already shown its face in NM: there are drought plans in place and growing evidence that illustrates the decrease in precipitation and an increase in temperatures, which will further reduce water resources. The scope of this paper is to analyze the …

Assessing Vulnerability To Coastal Hazards Case Study: Gozo, Jonathan Portelli

Masters Theses, 2010-2019

All coastal areas around the globe are vulnerable to a series of potential hazards at different degrees depending on location, altitude above sea level, geomorphological features and socio-economic factors, including demography, human settlement and infrastructural development. Since the 1990s a major effort in developing appropriate methodologies and guidelines to assess coastal vulnerability has been made. Of significant importance, the coast of Gozo embraces both natural and anthropogenic features that occupy a relatively small area. Consequently, coastal vulnerability by multiple coastal hazards is a fact due to the topography of the island, overpopulation in some coastal locations, and intensive coastal development …

Assessing The Potential Benefits Of Learning About Environmental Issues Through A Systems Thinking Pedagogy, Abigail Noble Graefe

Masters Theses, 2010-2019

Systems thinking is a fundamental learning methodology in sustainability education and in some K-12 standards-based education systems in the United States. However, there is little research and practical application on the use of systems thinking in environmental education, especially at the elementary level. This thesis uses a case study on climate change to assess whether a pedagogy based on systems thinking can fulfill learning objectives derived from the Illinois Learning Standards for Science (ILSS) and provide further insights and understandings on the subject being studied. Three learning modules on climate change consisting of systems thinking habits of mind, concepts, and …

Spiritual Nature, Carolyn Elaine Kent

Masters Theses, 2010-2019

Spiritual Nature by Carolyn Elaine Kent.

The Murray Ledger And Times, December 18, 2010, The Murray Ledger And Times

The Murray Ledger & Times

No abstract provided.

161st Commencement, Fall

Commencement Programs

No abstract provided.

Modulation Of Alpha-Subunit Visit-Dg Sequence Residues Ser-347, Gly-351 And Thr-349 In The Catalytic Sites Of Escherichia Coli Atp Synthase., Laura Elaine Brudecki

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Binding of inorganic phosphate (P_i) in ATP synthase catalytic sites is a crucial step for the synthesis of adenosine-5'-triphosphate (ATP). ATP is the fundamental means of cellular energy in almost every organism, and in order to gain insight into the regulation of ATP catalysis, critical amino acid residues responsible for binding P_i must be identified. Here, we investigate the role of highly conserved α-subunit VISIT-DG sequence residues αSer-347, αGly-351, and αThr-349 in P_i binding. Mutations αS347A/Q, αG351Q, αT349A/D/R, βR182A, and αT349R/βR182A were generated via site directed mutagenesis. Results from biochemical assays showed that αSer-347 is required …

Spatial Analysis Of Motor Vehicle Accidents In Johnson City, Tennessee, As Reported To Washington County Emergency Communications District (911)., Katharine D. Bennett

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This study spatially analyzes emergency 911 call-for-service records from January 1, 2000 through December 31, 2009 for motor vehicle accidents inside the corporate limits of Johnson City, Tennessee. Records were compared according to the land use classification for adjacent properties, roadway type, and traffic signal proximity. Data were evaluated through ArcGIS software using proximity analysis, point pattern analysis, and hotspot analysis.

Motor vehicle accidents evaluated during this study consist of accident locations reported to the Washington County Emergency Communications District concerning property damage, personal injury, and fatalities. Results indicate localized areas with the highest number of traffic accidents contain the …

Citizen Satellites: Tiny, Standardized Spacecraft Are Making Orbital Experiments Affordable To Even The Smallest Research Groups, Robert J. Twiggs, Alex Soojung-Kim Pang

Robert "Bob" Twiggs STEM Education Collection

An article written by Bob Twiggs and Alex Soojung-Kim Pang and published in the Scientific American titled "Citizen Satellites: Tiny, standardized spacecraft are making orbital experiments affordable to even the smallest research groups" from 2010.

2010 Fall Commencement, Harding University

Commencement Programs

Program for the Commencement on December 18.

Commencement Speaker: Roy Reaves

Commencement Convocation Exercises - December 2010, Prairie View A&M University

Commencement and Convocation Exercises

No abstract provided.

Transport Of Nordic Seas Overflow Water Into And Within The Irminger Sea: An Eddy-Resolving Simulation And Observations, Xiaobiao Xu, W.J. Schmitz Jr., Harley E. Hulbert, Patrick J. Hogan, Eric P. Chassignet, H.M. Van Aken

Faculty Publications

Results from a climatologically forced, eddy-resolving (1/12 degrees) Atlantic simulation using the Hybrid Coordinate Ocean Model help clarify some presently unresolved connections between volume transports of Nordic Seas overflow water at key locations in the northernmost North Atlantic Ocean. The model results demonstrate that, in addition to the known westward flow through the Charlie Gibbs Fracture Zone (CGFZ), some Iceland Scotland overflow water (ISOW) flows westward through gaps in the Reykjanes Ridge north of the CGFZ into the Irminger Sea, and some flows southward along the eastern flank of the Mid-Atlantic Ridge into the West European Basin. These results provide …

An Exploration Into How Physical Activity Data-Recording Devices Could Be Used In Computer-Supported Data Investigations, Victor R. Lee, Maneksha Dumont

Instructional Technology and Learning Sciences Faculty Publications

There is a great potential opportunity to use portable physical activity monitoring devices as data collection tools for educational purposes. Using one such device, we designed and implemented a weeklong workshop with high school students to test the utility of such technology. During that intervention, students performed data investigations of physical activity that culminated in the design and implementation of their own studies. In this paper, we explore some of the mathematical thinking that took place through a series of vignettes of a pair of students engaged in analyzing some of their own activity data. A personal connection to the …

Extraction And Determination Of A Selected Polyphenol From Selected Red And Black Grapes By High Performance Liquid Chromatography., Summer Nicole Niles

Undergraduate Honors Theses

Polyphenols are a group of compounds found naturally in plants and they provide much of the flavor, color, and taste to fruits, vegetables, seeds, and other parts of the plants They also act as antioxidants which provide numerous health benefits by protecting cells against damage caused by free radicals. Their antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and anti-allergenic properties have also contributed to the prevention of degenerative diseases, such as cardiovascular diseases and cancers by slowing the rate of oxidative stress on cells. This study was aimed at the identification and quantitation of a specific polyphenol, quercetin, found in grapes commonly purchased at grocery …

An Investigation Of How Surface Coal Mining Affects Water Quality., Sara Moore

Undergraduate Honors Theses

Surface coal mining has become the ideal method for extracting coal from the Appalachia Mountains. However, surface coal mining generates large amounts of waste which may decrease the water quality in central Appalachia. This research is an attempt to determine whether surface coal mining negatively impacts water quality. This research consists of a literature review in addition to an analysis of data obtained through the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality. This data was analyzed at three separate locations along the Clinch River, VA to determine trends and cycles in pH, temperature, total hardness, and chloride, sulfate and metal concentrations. After …

3000 Steps In 30 Minutes, Five Days Per Week Yields Metabolic Improvements Compared To 150 Weekly Minutes, Valerie Ann Lambert

Masters Theses, 2010-2019

The physical activity recommendation for U.S. adults is to engage in moderate-intensity exercise for at least 150 minutes per week. Pedometers have gained popularity as a tool for motivating and estimating daily physical activity. Recently it was suggested 3000 steps in 30 minutes may be equivalent to moderate-intensity walking. To date, this recommendation has yet to be examined over an extended period of time. PURPOSE: To evaluate changes in cardiorespiratory fitness, body composition, blood lipids, blood glucose, and CRP from 150 minutes of free living weekly exercise compared to pedometer measured 3000 steps in 30 minutes, five days per week. …

Recommendations For Terminating With Child Clients Diagnosed With Reactive Attachment Disorder, Rebecca Katherine Greiner

Educational Specialist, 2009-2019

Clients diagnosed with reactive attachment disorder have mental health struggles which originate from the quality of significant relationships. Therefore the ending of the therapeutic relationship with these clients presents notable risk and opportunity. This thesis contains an extensive literature review that covers reactive attachment disorder treatment recommendations and termination recommendations. A journal article manuscript follows which provides suggestions and considerations for terminating counseling with child clients diagnosed with reactive attachment disorder.

Sensitivity And Exposure Of Brook Trout (Salvelinus Fontinalis) Habitat To Climate Change, Bradly Allen Trumbo

Masters Theses, 2010-2019

Predicting coldwater fisheries distributions under various climate scenarios is of interest to many fisheries managers and researchers. Larger scale models have been useful in highlighting the potential large scale threat. However, the error associated with these models makes predictions of the persistence of individual cold water fisheries problematic. Most of this error is associated with predicted air and water temperatures which typically are simple elevation and location (latitude/longitude) models with simple caveats such as 1°C increase in air temperature equals 0.8°C increase in water temperatures. I directly measured paired air and water temperatures in watersheds containing reproducing populations of brook …

Assessment Of Stakeholder Perceptions Towards Malta’S Land-Based Wind Energy Plans, Brian Restall

Masters Theses, 2010-2019

This research paper sets out primarily to build on research literature about stakeholder perceptions (including levels of acceptance) of wind farm projects in Malta. It collects critical new information for Malta about the perspectives and considerations of stakeholders with different interests, and their relationship towards wind power policy making, planning and decision making in respect to the planned onshore wind farm at Wied Rini in Bahrija. This is expected to provide reliable benchmarking data and knowledge that can inform environmental decision-making and stakeholder involvement, while identifying possible ways to assist mediation and reduce conflict. Field research was conducted using Q …

Identifying Landscape Quality Objectives For Gozo, Stephanie Farrugia

Masters Theses, 2010-2019

The study of landscape quality has not been researched to a significant degree in Malta to date. This qualitative study explores different viewpoints in relation to perceptions of landscape quality, at present and in the future, on the island of Gozo, based on provisions of the European Landscape Convention. The latter, to which Malta is a signatory state, calls for the identification of landscape quality objectives, which should reflect public aspirations. Primary data collection methods, comprising community focus groups and key informant semi-structured interviews were used, together with an extensive document analysis, to understand a range of perceptions of present …

A Comparative Social, Economic And Environmental Study Of How Malta Could Best Achieve Its 2020 “20-20-20” Goals, Charles G. Sinn

Masters Theses, 2010-2019

The European Union has recognized the need for an action plan to facilitate the gradual transition to a dominant, renewable energy production base for the myriad of benefits that renewable over non-renewable production brings. Malta, as a member of the EU, is obliged to achieve nationwide goals as specified in the Renewable Energy Directive with regards to electrical efficiency, carbon emissions and renewable energy production share. The goals for Malta include an achievement by 2020 of a 10 % renewable production base, a 10 % electrical efficiency improvement and an allowance for a 5 % increase in carbon emissions as …

An Analysis Of Preschool Enrollment And Student Progress Measures Among Primary And Elementary Students., Charles David Freeman

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to determine if a difference in Dynamic Indicators of Basic Early Literacy Skills (DIBELS) scores exists between students who attended Tennessee's Voluntary Preschool for All program, Head Start, private preschool, or daycare and those who did not attend any type of preschool program for students in grades kindergarten through fifth. The sample consisted of students who attended kindergarten through fifth grade during the 2009-2010 school year in one east Tennessee school system. Data gathered were from Dynamic Indicators of Basic Early Literacy Skills (DIBELS) scores obtained during the 2009-2010 school year and a survey. …

Studies On The Preparation And Luminescence Properties Of Cadmium Selenide Quantum Dots, Their Immobilization, And Applications., Travis Justin Heath

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Quantum dots are semiconductive particles whose properties are highly influenced by the presence of at least one electron. Cadmium selenide quantum dots were synthesized via colloidal synthesis. Contrary to previous preparations, more focus was placed on the temperature rather than the duration of time at which they form. A series of colored solutions were obtained because the excited quantum dots of various sizes emitted specific wavelengths of light. The emission spectra showed that the temperature-dependent quantum dots were successfully synthesized. The quantum dots were also immobilized on various surfaces, and the luminescence properties were examined. The quantum dots that were …

Perceptions Of Maternal Stress And Neonatal Patient Outcomes In A Single Private Room Versus Open Room Neonatal Intensive Care Unit Environment., Lisa M. Smithgall

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Limited clinical evidence exists regarding whether the single private room Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) environment of care delivery has a positive, negative, or neutral impact on health outcomes for the high risk neonate and on maternal stress as compared to the open room design. The study purpose was to examine whether a difference exists in health outcomes in the open room versus single private room NICU environment. The factors considered were weight gain, ventilator days, hospital length of stay, incidence and grade of intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH), the number of parental visits, and perceptions of maternal stress. Infants hospitalized in …