Digital Commons Network^™

Impact Of Coal Derived Impurities On The Performance Of Hydrogen Separation Membranes, Joshua Stanislowski

Theses and Dissertations

In order to facilitate the use of hydrogen in integrated gasification combined-cycle (IGCC) applications or as a transportation fuel, hydrogen-from-coal technologies that are capable of managing carbon will be needed. Many technologies are under development for the separation of hydrogen from coal-derived syngas, and among the most promising are hydrogen separation membranes. Studies indicate a significant IGCC plant efficiency increase can be realized if warm-gas cleanup and hydrogen separation membranes are used in place of conventional technologies. These membranes provide the potential to produce hydrogen while simultaneously separating CO2 at system pressure. Membrane development to date has primarily occurred on …

Timing Is Everything : How Environmental Change May Disrupt The Timing Of Plant-Pollinator Interactions, Michelle Jene Solga

Range Science

Ecosystems are experiencing environmental change brought about by warming temperatures, altered precipitation, and increasing atmospheric CO2, among other factors. These changes could alter interspecies’ relationships, including those between plants and pollinators. One important change may be to the timing of when flowers bloom and when pollinators are active. Environmental cues drive the phenology of many flowers and insect pollinators, so an alteration in timing for either species could jeopardize the plant-pollinator relationship. Previous studies indicate that many plant species have changed flowering dates in response to an environmental cue, but the response is species specific. Some pollinators may not be …

Avaliacao Da Revista Do Anciao Com O Fim De Melhorar Sua Eficacia Na Preparacao De Anciaos Para O Ministerio, Paulo Roberto Pinheiro

Doctor of Ministry Projects

Problema. O Brasil é um país de dimensão continental e, a cada ano, se amplia aceleradamente o número de membros e congregações adventistas. Para liderar essas congregações são eleitas pessoas das próprias comunidades, na qualidade de anciãos de igreja, as quais recebem a supervisão de um pastor distrital. Sendo poucos os pastores em relação à quantidade de congregações, os anciãos precisam ser treinados continuamente para o exercício de seu ministério. A Revista do Ancião foi criada, no Brasil, com esse propósito. No entanto, desde sua origem, em 2001, ela nunca havia sido avaliada para se verificar se realmente tem atendido …

Distributed Estimation Of A Parametric Field Using Spatially Sparse Noisy Data., Marwan M. Alkhweldi

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

The problem of distributed estimation of a parametric physical field is stated as a maximum likelihood (ML) estimation problem. Spatially sparse sensor observations are distorted by additive white Gaussian noise. These observations are then communicated over parallel additive white Gaussian channels to the fusion center (FC) for a joint estimation. This work studies cases of both analog and digital channels. In the case of the analog channel, each sensor transmits its observation without any prior processing. A Newton’s method is used to iteratively solve for ML estimates of unknown parameters of the field. In the case of the digital channel, …

Fatigue Analysis Of Arteries Using Finite Element Method, Rusha Banerjee

Mechanical Engineering and Applied Mechanics

In this thesis, the fatigue response of arteries to four specific physiological conditions representative of various morphological changes that artery undergo during its lifetime, was explored. Single layered nonlinear elastic micromechanical model of artery was developed for this purpose. A comparative study was completed on fatigue response, in the form of available life and shear stress accumulation, between hypertensive and normotensive arteries. The effects of morphological changes of ageing arteries on the fatigue response of the artery were studied. Change in stiffness, arterial dilation and remodeling were taken into consideration. The effect of undulation of the artery, due to weakening …

A Study On The Processing Characteristics And Reinforcing Potential Of Natural Fiber Mats, Michael John Ehresmann

Mechanical Engineering and Applied Mechanics

Limited information exists regarding the processing parameters and extent of reinforcing potential natural fibers have in polymer matrices. The five natural fiber mats studied were low shive flax, mid shive flax, high shive flax, hemp and kenaf. The parameters characterized were fiber size, wax content, surface contact angle, and shive content. The compressive force and unsaturated permeability was measured for each mat, and composites were constructed and tested using selected mats in a soy-based polyurethane (PU) matrix. All mats exhibited a viscoelastic behavior under compression, and an increase in shive content correlated with an increase in relaxation. The presence of …

A Theological Foundation For The Use Of Artistic Mediums And Technology In Preaching And Evangelism, Jessica-Robyn Sarah Trevithick

Doctor of Ministry Projects

The Problem. Can artistic forms and technology be utilized in making the biblical truth appear attractive in that it may attract the postmodern culture to Jesus? Postmodern preachers are cautious when it entails the use of interactive artistic mediums. Numerous Pastors choose to preach safe monologue sermons, resulting in bored congregants when it comes to many ineffectual three-point messages. Preaching isn’t just conveying God’s messages; instead it confronts listeners, in the same way Jesus used parables. God has already used these useful and operative techniques consequently; preachers of his word ought to use comparable effective methods in connecting their audiences …

A Collaborative Sermon Preparation Team At The Seventh-Day Adventist Community Church Of Vancouver, Wa, Roger Walter

Doctor of Ministry Projects

Problem. Research (Rainer, 2001) indicates that people come back to church because of the sermon. Additionally, it is argued (Anderson, 2006) that the church and culture have changed. People today have higher expectations of the quality of what happens. Therefore, the expectation is much higher for the quality of a sermon. Yet, the sermon development process is still traditionally a private and closed system involving the pastor alone. This underutilizes a resource of creative people who could assist the pastor with research, writing, creativity, reflection and evaluation of the manuscript and graphics.

Method. In this study I sought to lay …

Temperature Dependent Optical Properties Of Silicon Quantum Dot/Polymer Nanocomposites, Austin Reed Van Sickle

Materials and Nanotechnology

The photoluminescent properties of silicon quantum dots embedded in a stabilizing polymer matrix are relevant to a number of potential applications of these unique nanomaterials such as drug delivery, temperature sensing, and photovoltaics. Aspects of how these photoluminescent properties change with respect to variations in such parameters as excitation intensity, polymer interactions, particle size and particle polydispersity are investigated here. Improving the photostability and understanding the nature of how this is achieved will be critical for realizing the potential of silicon quantum dots in a number of applications. Improvements in photoluminescent stability related to fluorescence intermittency, radiative lifetime, emitted intensity, …

Heteronormative Recovery In The Bell Jar, Gretchen Therese Junglas

English

In Sylvia Plath’s novel The Bell Jar, Esther Greenwood struggles to form a true identity. She emulates many women as a way to see how various identities work for her. One of these identities is that of a lesbian. During the novel’s 1953 setting, lesbianism was not a socially acceptable lifestyle. Esther struggles with own internalized homophobia as well as the control of her doctors. She undergoes treatment during her hospitalization that is suggestive of sexual conversion therapy at the time, including the use of electricity as a tool of discipline. Doctors lead her toward an identity that is not …

The Simultaneous Evacuation Of A Midwestern Community's Multiple Healthcare Facilities During A Major Flood Event: A Study In Decision-Making And Implementation, Azad Berwari

Emergency Management

Natural disasters are a part of the ecological system, so they are beyond human control. To reduce devastating effects, researchers in Emergency Management seek to understand the causes and cycles of natural disasters so that warning systems may be improved and better advice may be given to the general public about protecting themselves and their property. Emergency management is a relatively new discipline, so much research is still needed to understand the complex interaction of human activity and the natural environment. Therefore, this study was designed to explore the impact of the 2009 flood on the healthcare system in Fargo, …

Are Electronic Portfolios Used In The Hiring Process Of Special Educators?, Traci J. Tuttle

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Accountability and assessment in education systems from the k-12 to post-secondary levels have driven reforms in ensuring teacher quality. Past practice and research have confirmed the validity and reliability of portfolio assessments for ensuring quality teacher preparation programs in institutions of higher education. The use of these portfolios, however, has not transferred to the hiring practices of k-12 administrators. This study narrows the body of current research to focus on electronic portfolios as a means to address the specific needs of administrators hiring special educators. The administrators in one state’s education system were sent electronic surveys in attempts to answer …

January 2012 News Releases, University Of Montana--Missoula. Office Of University Relations

University of Montana News Releases, 1928, 1956-present

No abstract provided.

Paradigms Of Parallel Performance, Lyle Witham

Architecture Theses

With this thesis design, Paradigms of Parallel Performance, I propose the reconstruction of a new 182,000 square-foot middle school facility for the city of Minot, North Dakota located on the north bank of the Souris river. The old Erik Ramstad Middle School was recently destroyed in the 2011 flood of the Souris river. As the city responds to this disaster, a new middle school design has the opportunity to represent progressive development. The design will exhibit beautiful, sensible space which utilizes old and new building technologies that are representative of sustainable design. The spaces created by this design will not …

Restart|Retreat: Minnesota Center For The Responsible Use Of Technology, Joseph Scallon

Architecture Theses

The Minnesota Center for the Responsible Use of Technology is an architectural design for a 20,000 sq ft computer education center in Minneapolis that promotes the responsible use of technology. The design provides for education and research related to the responsible use of computer technology as well as promoting a tangible connection between humans, technology, and the built world rather than a technologically mediated virtual environment.

By You For You, Brittney Frey

Architecture Theses

By You For You examines how much stimulus is necessary for a space to meet our needs. The typology is a multi-family dwelling. The theoretical premise/unifying idea states that designing merely for basic human needs allows for use that is more adaptable. Within the given parameters, the individuals are responsible for the uniqueness of the space. The project justification is that architecture demands strict codes to ensure the health, safety, and welfare of its occupants. However, flexibility of space is also important to society because individuals respond better to different environments. By designing just the basics, buildings remain progressive instead …

The End Of The Beginning: The Politics Of Death And The American Death Penalty Regime In The Twenty-First Century, Lyn Entzeroth

Articles, Chapters in Books and Other Contributions to Scholarly Works

No abstract provided.

Identity, Privacy And Crime: Privacy And Public Records In Florida, Martin A. Holland

University of Florida Journal of Law & Public Policy

No abstract provided.

Dimensions Of Resiliency: Essential Resiliency, Exceptional Recovery And Scale., Shirley Laska

CHART Publications

Not only is resiliency a term with a myriad of definitions microscopically specified by a wide variety of social and bio/physical scientists and practitioners, it is also incredibly complicated even when treated by individual academic/government/non-profit and business practitioners who are convinced that they have the perfect definition. By then linking the concepts of infrastructure and community to resiliency, not only does additional complexity emerge but also a powerful imperative to examine the basics necessary to achieve resiliency within these interrelated concepts. The lens of the applied academic observer situated at ‘ground zero’ for not only one but two major catastrophes …

No Innocent Bystanders: Performance Art And Audience, Frazer Ward

Art: Faculty Books

(from upne.com)

At a moment when performance art and performance generally are at the center of the international art world, Frazer Ward offers us insightful readings of major performance pieces by the likes of Acconci, Burden, Abramovi , and Hsieh, and confronts the twisting and troubled relationship that performance art has had with the spectator and the public sphere. Ward contends that the ethical challenges with which performance art confronts its viewers speak to the reimagining of the audience, in terms that suggest the collapse of notions like “public” and “community.”

Teaching About Big Money In Elections: To Amend Or Not To Amend The U.S. Constitution?, Brett L.M. Levy, James M. M. Hartwick

Educational Theory and Practice Faculty Scholarship

This article provides an overview of major campaign finance laws in the United States and then describes an engaging method for preparing students to discuss these laws and related issues. The authors suggest that educators first frame the issue by presenting background information about recent developments in campaign finance laws and innovative efforts to change them. After that, they recommend that educators introduce a guiding question about whether or not a constitutional amendment designed to limit political campaign contributions should be ratified. Students can then consider their own answers to this question by exploring a variety of pre-selected documents (listed …

Cloud Over Florida's Sunshine Laws, Jenna Leigh Fischman

University of Florida Journal of Law & Public Policy

No abstract provided.

Department Of Regional Development And Lands Annual Report 2011-2012, Department Of Primary Industries And Regional Development

Western Australian Regional Development Trust Annual Reports

RDL is responsible for:

• Administering and managing Western Australia’s Crown land estate and pastoral leases

• Delivering the $6.5 billion Royalties for Regions program

• Ensuring that challenges and opportunities in regional Western Australia are addressed by clear and comprehensive legislation, policies and procedures.

Tgfßriib Mutations Trigger Aortic Aneurysm Pathogenesis By Altering Transforming Growth Factor Ss2 Signal Transduction, Katherine J. Bee, David C. Wilkes, Richard B. Devereux, Craig T. Basson, Cathy J. Hatcher

PCOM Scholarly Works

Background-Thoracic aortic aneurysm (TAA) is a common progressive disorder involving gradual dilation of the ascending and/or descending thoracic aorta that eventually leads to dissection or rupture. Nonsydromic TAA can occur as a genetically triggered, familial disorder that is usually transmitted in a monogenic autosomal dominant fashion and is known as familial TAA. Genetic analyses of families affected with TAA have identified several chromosomal loci, and further mapping of familial TAA genes has highlighted disease-causing mutations in at least 4 genes: myosin heavy chain 11 (MYH11), a-smooth muscle actin (ACTA2), and transforming growth factor ß receptors I and II (TGFßRI and …

Full Issue, Digressions

Digressions: Literary & Art Journal

No abstract provided.

Bella, Natalie Hernadez

Digressions: Literary & Art Journal

No abstract provided.

Copyright Policymaking As Procedural Democratic Process: A Discourse-Theoretic Perspective On Acta, Sopa, And Pipa, Annemarie Bridy

Cardozo Arts & Entertainment Law Journal

No abstract provided.

Region Codes And Human Rights, Molly Land

Cardozo Arts & Entertainment Law Journal

No abstract provided.

Transcriptome Characterization Of The Ectomycorrhizal Fungus Laccaria Bicolor To Understand Metabolic Reprogramming During Symbiotic Interaction With Populus Tremuloides, Geetika Trivedi

Dissertations

No abstract provided.

Detecting The Presence Of Extrinsic Nodes In A Virtual Network Using A Message Induced Graph, James A. Jerkins

Dissertations

No abstract provided.