Digital Commons Network^™

Murray Ledger And Times, December 15, 2012, Murray Ledger And Times

The Murray Ledger & Times

No abstract provided.

Early-Summer Ichthyoplankton Biodiversity Associated With Oceanic Factors On The Continental Shelf Of The Southern East China Sea, Wen-Yu Chen, Yi-Chen Wang, Ming-An Lee

Journal of Marine Science and Technology–Taiwan

Ichthyoplankton communities associated with oceanic factors on the continental shelf of the southern East China Sea were studied in early summer 2009. Temperature and salinity of the stations in this survey respectively varied 13.78~ 27.86°C and 33.14~34.77 psu. In total, 1204 fish larval individuals belonging to 62 families and 120 taxa were identified. Using a cluster analysis, the spatial distributions of larval fish were classified into 3 groups: a coastal group, a shelf group, and an offshore group. The offshore group was further divided into 2 subgroups: a mixed shelf group and a Kuroshio group. The coastal group consisted of …

Quantification Of Carbon Emission Reduction By U-Transportation Service Effect: A Case Study Of Dongtan U-City, Tae-Woong Jung, Mu-Wook Pyeon, Jee-Hee Koo

Journal of Marine Science and Technology–Taiwan

With the emergence of the response to climate change as a global agenda, UNFCCC member countries must report their Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions and absorptions. With conventional carbon emission estimation methods such as the IPCC Guideline, however, it is impossible to measure reduction of carbon emissions by U-City services. Therefore, this study proposed estimating carbon emission reductions by using U-transportation services as a model because this service appears to be the most effective among U-City services in terms of carbon emission reduction. This approach which is unique in Korea has also attempted to quantify the reduction of carbon emissions by …

Essays On The U. S. Biofuel Policies: Welfare Impacts And The Potential For Reduction Of Ghg Emission, Kassu Wamisho Hossiso

Department of Agricultural Economics: Dissertations, Theses, and Student Research

This dissertation study investigates the impact of the US biofuel policies related to greenhouse gas (GHG) emission regulation, tax credit and renewable fuel standard (RFS2) mandate over production and consumption of ethanol as well as technical and environmental performance of corn ethanol plants. The study develops analytical models and provides quantitative estimation of the impact of various biofuel policies in each of the three chapters.

Chapter 1 of this dissertation examines the tradeoff between achieving the environmental goal of minimizing life cycle GHG emissions and minimizing production costs in recently built dry-grind corn ethanol plants. The results indicate that the …

Effectiveness Of A Pilot Gerontological Nursing Certification Preparation Support Program For Registered Nurses Working In Long Term Care, Gail B. Sprigler

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Capstones

Between 2000 and 2025 there will be a 30% increase in the prevalence of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) in Indiana (Alzheimer’s Association, 2010). Many individuals with AD and related dementia are cared for in long term care communities. Adequate knowledge and expertise of nurses caring for older adults, particularly those with dementia, is important for the delivery of quality care and the promotion of quality of life for residents living in long term care. This pilot project examined the benefit of a resource support program to encourage Gerontological Nursing certification for registered nurses in the long term care setting.

Workplace Lactation Support: Project Development And Implementation, Peggy Rinehart

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Capstones

Objective: A pilot project establishing a lactation support program for staff, faculty, and students at Bluegrass Community and Technical College (BCTC) was introduced in September 2012. The lactation support program is intended to promote and support breastfeeding and decrease barriers to continued breastfeeding for mothers who are employed or attending classes. The purpose of this paper is to report on the: (1) development and implementation of a lactation support program in a regional multi-campus community college; and (2) plans for evaluation of the effectiveness of the new program. Setting: The program was implemented at a community college with campus sites …

Implementation Of Shared Governance, Sheryl Glasscock

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Capstones

Implementation of shared governance in any facility presents challenges for leadership as well as the nursing staff. The implementation of shared governance for this organization yielded positive results operationally, and for the development of nursing overall.

An Investigation Of The Optical Properties Of Disordered Silicon Nanowire Mats, Hua Bao, Weixia Zhang, Liangliang Chen, Haoxiang Huang, Chen Yang, Xiulin Ruan

Birck and NCN Publications

Optical reflectance spectra of three disordered silicon nanowire mats with average diameters of 40, 60, and 80 nm are investigated both experimentally and theoretically. The total hemispherical reflectance spectra from 200 to 1600 nm wavelength are first measured. All three samples exhibit reflectance about 15% to 20% within the ultraviolet band. As the wavelength becomes longer, the reflectance will first increase to around 50% and then decrease to below 20%. Such reflectance spectra are attributed to the combined effect of silicon dielectric function, the nanowire geometry, and the volume fraction of the mats. An analytical method based on Mie scattering …

“Respectably Dull”: Striptease, Tourism And Reform In Postwar New Orleans, Lauren E. Milner

LSU New Orleans Theses and Dissertations

The French Quarter of New Orleans and its famous Bourbon Street receive millions of visitors each year and are the subjects of both scholarly study and the popular imagination. Bourbon Street’s history of striptease has largely been untouched by scholars. In the post-World War II period, nightclubs featuring striptease entertainment drew the attention of reform-minded city and police officials, who attempted to purge striptease from the city’s historic district in an effort to whitewash the city’s main tourist area and appeal to potential outside economic industrial opportunities. Through news articles, correspondence, tourism brochures, and published reports, this thesis explores how …

Rescue Or Rape, Genji Or Murasaki: The Role Of Gender Relations And The Unsung Heroines Of The Genji Monogatari., Jessie Nutter

Undergraduate Honors Theses

Written early in the 11th century, the Tale of Genji is considered to be the world's first novel. Women's issues and relationships between men and women are central themes in the tale. In fact, in the last couple decades some critics have come to see the women of the Genji Monogatari as the novel's intended focus rather than Genji himself. Through Genji, the reader is able to experience the sad, interconnected fates of a host of women and thereby share in their trials and tribulations.

Vol 4 No 1 Editor's Words, Bo Mou

Comparative Philosophy

No abstract provided.

Illinois State University, One Hundred And Fifty-Third Annual Commencement, December 15, 2012, Illinois State University

Commencement Programs

Illinois State University
One Hundred and Fifty-Third Annual Commencement
December 15, 2012

Rapid Non-Destructive Assessment Of Southern Yellow Pine Lumber Properties By Near Infrared Spectroscopy, Ignacio Diaz

Theses and Dissertations

Over the last several years questions about the strength of structural lumber have been raised. The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between physically measured wood properties using Near Infrared spectroscopy. Physical properties were determined from (2 x 4 x 2 in.) cut samples. Destructive mechanical testing was performed on 744; 8 feet long, No.2 grade 2x4’s. Diffuse reflectance NIR spectra was collected from the cross-sectional face of each block using FOSS NIR Systems Inc. Model 5000 scanning spectrometer. Calibrations were then created between measured properties and NIR estimates. Density, specific gravity, latewood percentage, MOE and MOR …

Online Teacher Candidates' Experiences In A Virtual World For The Preparation To Teach Middle School, Nicole C. Miller

Theses and Dissertations

Increasingly virtual worlds are being used to provide new and varied learning opportunities by various educational organizations such as universities, K-12 schools, and museums (Dembo, 2008; Ketelhut, Nelson, Clarke, & Dede, 2010; The Forbidden City: Beyond Space and Time, 2008). Simultaneously teacher preparation programs are increasingly being offered online (Minsun & Yoon-Joo, 2009; Saltmarsh & Sutherland-Smith, 2010; Sawchuk, 2009; Schrum, Burbank, & Capps, 2007). However, these more traditional online asynchronous learning experiences are often more challenging in several ways: (a) they require greater self-regulation (Artino & Stephens, 2009; Bol & Garner, 2011), (b) they have been reported as sometimes less …

Is It A Small World After All: An Examination Of Scientific Collaborations In Public Administration, James Earl Orr Jr

Theses and Dissertations

Peer reviewed journal articles are one way in which scholars communicate with each other and the public. Such publications create networks of collaboration. This study uses social network analysis techniques and theory to examine the network of collaborations that occur in public administration. Social network analysis is a perspective that takes into account the structure of relationships that can exist among individuals, organizations or other entities (Wellman, 2008). The small world theory is the specific theoretical framework that guides this study. The small world theory is based on the notion that despite a population being very large, individuals in that …

Effects Of Supplemental Citrulline Malate During A Resistance Training Protocol, William Kinnard Luckett

Theses and Dissertations

Ergogenic L-citrulline and malate are amino acids used in specific combination to effect muscular endurance during athletic performances. Purpose: The study aimed to investigate the ergogenic properties of citrulline-malate (CM) during a resistance training protocol. Methods: Utilizing a randomized, counterbalanced, double blind study, fifteen trained males completed a resistance training protocol once using placebo (PL) and once with CM (8.0g). Results: CM supplementation increased repetitions in chin-ups, reverse chin-ups, push-ups, and total trial repetitions. Blood lactate was significantly increased post-exercise compared to pre-exercise, but was not significantly different between CM and placebo. Further, a significant interaction effect was revealed for …

Effects Of Thermo-Mechanical And Thermal Treatments On The Structure-Property Relationships Of Dual Phase (Dp) And Transformation-Induced Plasticity (Trip) Steels, Matthew Leonard Jones

Theses and Dissertations

The investigation of thermo-mechanical and thermal treatments on the microstructure and mechanical behavior of DP590 and TRIP680 steels revealed several critical aspects of the materials’ responses to different testing. Various thermo-mechanical treatments were carried out to identify the responses to the said treatments. Following these preconditioning protocols, quasi-static, and high strain-rate tests showed how the materials reacted under tensile testing to fracture. Ensuing heat treatments on the as-received materials were performed to bring about phase fraction changes to each of the steels. These heat-treated DP and TRIP steels were examined to discover microstructural characteristics and mechanical responses through quasi-static and …

Experiments And Simulation For 6061-T6 Aluminum Alloy Resistance Spot Welded Lap Joints, Radu Stefanel Florea

Theses and Dissertations

This comprehensive study is the first to quantify the fatigue performance, failure loads, and microstructure of resistance spot welding (RSW) in 6061-T6 aluminum (Al) alloy according to welding parameters and process sensitivity. The extensive experimental, theoretical and simulated analyses will provide a framework to optimize the welding of lightweight structures for more fuel-efficient automotive and military applications. The research was executed in four primary components. The first section involved using electron back scatter diffraction (EBSD) scanning, tensile testing, laser beam profilometry (LBP) measurements, and optical microscopy(OM) images to experimentally investigate failure loads and deformation of the Al-alloy resistance spot welded …

Pigments Of Imagination: An Actor's Journey Of Creating The Character Of Jack Lawson From David Mamet's Race, Paxton H. Mccaghren

LSU New Orleans Theses and Dissertations

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to create a believable, multiple dimension character portrayal of Jack Lawson in David Mamet’s Race. Documentation of the process will include: an explanation of the acting technique and analysis used to create the backstory and portrayal of the character; insight into the background and beliefs of playwright, David Mamet; and a personal review of my growth and performance.

A Multiscale Modeling Methodology For Composites That Includes Fiber Strength Stochastics, Trenton M (Trenton Mitchell) Ricks

Theses and Dissertations

A modified Weibull cumulative distribution function, which accounts for the effect of fiber length on the probability of failure, was used to characterize the variation in fiber tensile strength in a SCS-6/ TIMETAL 21S material system and was implemented within the framework of the NASA code MAC/GMC. A parametric study investigating the effect of repeating unit cell architecture and fiber strength distribution on the RUC-averaged ultimate composite strength and failure was performed. Multiscale progressive failure analyses of a tensile dogbone specimen were performed using FEAMAC/ ABAQUS to assess the effect of local variations in fiber strength on the global response. …

An Octree Surface Wrapping Algorithm To Recover Building Structures, Michal Trcalek

Theses and Dissertations

In the past twenty years, our world has experienced a number of disasters, ranging from hurricanes to acts of terrorism. While both natural and anthropogenic disasters are inevitable, being able to simulate their progression and impact can provide guidance for preemptive measures to mitigate casualties and property damage. Specifically, computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations can be used to simulate wind forces associated with hurricanes or pressure waves associated with explosions. However, even a simple CFD simulation is time consuming and requires highly-specialized expertise. This paper aims to reduce the processing time by utilizing readily available geometry models, and a surface …

Conceptual Change: The Integration Of Geologic Time Into The Teaching Of Evolution, David L. Ramseyer

Theses and Dissertations

This study attempts to discern if geologic time is a threshold concept for student understanding of evolutionary theory. A threshold concept enables the learner to unpack other concepts because of its importance in thought construction. In this study three teachers and ten sections of biology were investigated from the same high school. Each teacher used the same activities, in the same sequence, and with identical evaluation methods. Students in the treatment group covered a unit on geologic time prior to completing course work on evolutionary theory. Student misconceptions in both control and treatment groups were assessed using a composite concept …

Creation And Testing Of A Semi-Automated Digital Triage Process Model, Gary Dewayne Cantrell

Theses and Dissertations

Digital forensics examiners have a growing problem caused by their own success. The need for digital forensics is increasing and so are the devices that need examining. Not only are the number of devices growing, but so is the amount of information those devices can hold. One result of this problem is a growing backlog that could soon overwhelm digital forensics labs across the country. One way to combat this growing problem is to use digital triage to find the most pertinent information first. Unfortunately, although several digital forensics models have been created, very few digital triage models have been …

Effect Of Hand Pinching, Dikegulac-Sodium, And Gibberellic Acid On Chile Pepper (Capsicum Annuum), Abdulfatah Mousa

Theses and Dissertations

Hand Pinching increased branching and fruit yield. At first harvest dikegulac-sodium at 50 ppm increased fruit yield compared to the control. However, dikegulac sodium at 100 ppm reduced fruit yield initially but had no effect on fruit yield at 2-4th harvests. Digkegulac-sodium, Gibberellic acid, and hand pinching did not affect fruit length at third and fourth harvests. However, first and second harvests dikegulac sodium reduced fruit length whereas GA3 had no effect. None of the treatments affected fruit width. Dikegulac sodium and Hand pinching increased the number of branches after three weeks, but GA3 did not. At 8 weeks after …

Evaluation Of Feeding Varying Levels Of Digestible Lysine On Broiler Breeder Male Reproductive Characteristics And Body Weight Changes, Chinwendu Nkechi Obi

Theses and Dissertations

A preliminary test was conducted evaluating the effect of digestible lysine (dLys) on broiler breeder (BB) male semen quality from forty-one to forty-nine wk of age. Five dietary treatments: corn-soybean meal diet with 1,000 mg dLys/rooser/day (Soy1,000), distillers dried grains with solubles diet with 1,000 (DDGS1,000), 850 (DDGS850), 700 (DDGS700), and 550 (DDGS550) mg dLys/rooster/day. Semen quality was similar except percentage dead sperm which was higher in DDGS550. A second trail was conducted using the same dietary treatments as the preliminary test during twenty to thirty-nine wk of age. Semen quality was similar except percentage dead sperm which was higher …

A Classification System For Large Reservoirs Of The Conterminous U.S, Rebecca Misaye Krogman

Theses and Dissertations

Reservoirs represent a relatively young element of the U.S. landscape, with most reservoirs being built within the last century. Despite their recreational, ecological, and socioeconomic importance, reservoirs nationwide are suffering from severe habitat degradation. Habitat impairments related to siltation, eutrophication, poor water quality, water regime, lack of submerged structure, and macrophyte invasions affect reservoirs to differing degrees in different reservoirs. To adequately assess these issues, we needed to develop a classification system within which an assessment mechanism could function. I collected data for large reservoirs across the conterminous U.S. regarding fish habitat impairments and status of the fish community and …

A Comparative Study Of Laser Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy And Spark Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy For Rapid Analysis Of Mercury In Soils, Pavan Kumar Srungaram

Theses and Dissertations

Elevated concentrations of mercury in soils are quite hazardous to flora and fauna and water bodies near these soils. This makes continuous monitoring of mercury very essential. This work compares two potential spectroscopic methods LIBS and SIBS at their optimum experimental conditions for mercury monitoring. The experimental conditions for Hg measurements with LIBS and SIBS were determined and calibration was developed. The limits of detection (LODs) of Hg in soil were calculated from the Hg calibration curves. The LOD for mercury (Hg) in soil calculated using LIBS and SIBS are 483 parts-per-million and 20 parts-per-million, respectively. The present study indicates …

Evaluation Of B-Mode And Color Doppler Ultrasound As Alternative Tools For The Study Of Reproduction, Temperament, And Milk Production- Related Variables In The Bovine, Hector Luis Sanchez-Rodriguez

Theses and Dissertations

An adequate vascular perfusion status is essential not only to maintain life, but to ensure the proper physiology of the different systems that form the animal’s body. Due to its role in the transport of oxygen and nutrients toward, and the removal of cellular waste products away from the body’s tissues, the circulatory system is responsible for the maintenance of body homeostasis. Production related functions in farm animals are not an exception, and directly depend on sufficient vascular physiology. In the past, the study of blood flow in large domestic species was restricted to highly invasive techniques. However, even when …

Distance-Weighted Regularization For Compressed-Sensing Video Recovery And Supervised Hyperspectral Classification, Eric W. Tramel

Theses and Dissertations

The compressed sensing (CS) model of signal processing, while offering many unique advantages in terms of low-cost sensor design, poses interesting challenges for both signal acquisition and recovery, especially for signals of large size. In this work, we investigate how CS might be applied practically and efficiently in the context of natural video. We make use of a CS video acquisition approach in line with the popular single-pixel camera framework of blind, nonaptive, random sampling while proposing new approaches for the subsequent recovery of the video signal which leverage interrame redundancy to minimize recovery error. We introduce a method of …

Ecology Of The Tick-Borne Pathogen, Rickettsia Parkeri, In Its Primary Vector, Amblyomma Maculatum, And Select Vertebrate Hosts, Gail Miriam Moraru

Theses and Dissertations

Rickettsia parkeri is a tick-borne microorganism, only recently recognized to cause disease in humans. The ecology of this disease is largely unknown, and was addressed through a series of laboratory and field investigations. Feeding behavior of immature stages of the primary vector, Amblyomma maculatum, on mammalian, avian, and reptilian host models was investigated. It was determined that this tick does not feed on anoles, and nymphs do display longer periods of attachment to and are significantly heavier having fed on cotton rats as compared with quail. Field surveys indicate evidence of exposure to spotted fever group rickettsiae in small mammals …