435 matches in the database.
These are records: 1 - 30.
[1] [2] [3] [4] [5] … [15]
1.
Yablonsky, Eugene.
Characterization of operators in non-gaussian infinite dimensional analysis.
Degree: Doctor of Philosophy, Mathematics, 2003, Ohio State University
► It is known that many constructions arising in the classical Gaussian infinite…
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▼ It is known that many constructions arising in the classical Gaussian infinite dimensional analysis can be extended to the case of more general measures. One of such extensions can be obtained through biorthogonal systems of polynomials and generalized functions. That approach was discussed by Yu. Daletsky, S. Albeverio, Yu. Kondratiev, L.Streit, W. Westerkamp, J.-A. Yan, J. Silva, et al., who considered a broad class of non-degenerate measures with analytic characteristic functionals. In this thesis we develop a theory of white noise operators, i.e., linear continuous operators from a nuclear Fréchet space of test functionals to its dual space in this more general setting. We construct an isometric integral transform of those operators into the space of germs of holomorphic functions on a locally convex infinite dimensional nuclear space. Using such transform we provide characterization theorems and consider the biorthogonal chaos expansion for white noise operators. We also provide a biorthogonal construction for integral kernel operators, and show that any white noise operator can be represented by a strongly convergent series of those integral kernel operators. In addition, we discuss various examples of spaces of test functions in infinite dimensional analysis and relations among them.
Advisors/Committee Members: Dynin, Alexander.
Subjects: Mathematics
Keywords: White Noise Operators; Biorthogonal Appell systems
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2.
Yacks, Craig Thomas.
A Disaster Preparedness Plan for Small Islands: The Case of Santorini, Greece.
Degree: MCP, Design, Architecture, Art and Planning : Community Planning, 2006, University of Cincinnati
► Due to their locations around the world, small islands are especially vulnerable…
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▼ Due to their locations around the world, small islands are especially vulnerable to natural disasters. Most of the islands are in hurricane and cyclone paths, and many are of volcanic origin, thus increasing the threat of an earthquake. However, the natural beauty of these locals and the uniqueness of their geographical features often make these islands magnets for tourism. As a result, the limited area for development is often dense, located near the most aesthetically striking features which also are the most vulnerable locations. The goal of the study was to prove that the present models for small island disaster planning are inadequate, and furthermore, a more complete model could be developed. By not just comparing the two models and case studies, but by understanding the methodologies of each, as well as citing additional cases, these goals were achieved.
Advisors/Committee Members: Romanos, Michael.
Keywords: Disaster Planning; Small Island; Disaster preparedness; Disaster; Santorini
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3.
Yadama, Gautam Nagabushana.
Comparative analysis of governmental and nongovernmental community development programs: A study of community forestry programs in Andhra Pradesh, India.
Degree: Doctor of Philosophy, Sociology, 1990, Case Western Reserve University
► This study compares the effectiveness of Nongovernmental and Governmental organizations involved in…
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▼ This study compares the effectiveness of Nongovernmental and Governmental organizations involved in planning and implementing community forestry and social forestry programs. The study was conducted in Vishakapatnam district, Andhra Pradesh, India. The following study also compares the participation of small and large farmers in these community development programs to determine if non-governmental organizations are in fact more receptive to low income groups than governmental organizations. Data were collected in two non-governmental and two governmental social fores try programs. The study is based on a sample size of two hundred respondents. One hundred respondents were from the non-governmental organizations and the remaining one hundred respondents were from the governmental organizations. The study found that participants in governmental social forestry programs were more involved in decision making and implementation aspects of these programs than the participants in non-governmental organizations. The study also found that the larger farmers were more involved in decision making activities and the small farmers were more involved in implementation activities of these programs. Overall the study also concludes that non-governmental organizations are not any more effective in involving the poor in project activities than the governmental social forestry programs. The findings of the study challenge the current assumption that non-governmental organizations are more effective than governmental organizations in carrying out development work. The study calls for a closer monitoring and evaluation of non-governmental organizations and a reevaluation of the assumption that invariably non-governmental development work is better than governmental development work.
Advisors/Committee Members: Coulton, Claudia J.
Keywords: community forestry Andhra Pradesh
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4.
Yadav, Ajay D.
Process Analysis and Design in Stamping and Sheet Hydroforming.
Degree: Doctor of Philosophy, Industrial and Systems Engineering, 2008, Ohio State University
► This thesis presents initial attempts to simulate the sheet hydroforming process using…
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▼ This thesis presents initial attempts to simulate the sheet hydroforming process using Finite Element (FE) methods. Sheet hydroforming with punch (SHF-P) process offers great potential for low and medium volume production, especially for forming (a) lightweight materials such as Al- and Mg- alloys and (b) thin gage high strength steels (HSS). Sheet hydroforming has found limited applications and is thus still a relatively new forming process. Therefore, there is very little experience-based knowledge of process parameters (namely forming pressure, blank holder tonnage) and tool design in sheet hydroforming. For wide application of this technology, a design methodology to implement a robust SHF-P process needs to be developed. There is a need for a fundamental understanding of the influence of process and tool design variables on hydroformed part quality. This thesis addresses issues unique to sheet hydroforming technology, namely, (a) selection of forming (pot) pressure, (b) excessive sheet bulging and tearing at large forming pressures, and (c) methods to avoid leaking of pressurizing medium during forming. Through process simulation and collaborative efforts with an industrial sponsor, the influence of process and tool design variables on part quality in SHF-P of axisymmetric punch shapes (cylindrical and conical punch) is investigated. In stamping and sheet hydroforming, variation in incoming sheet coil properties is a common problem for stamping plants, especially with (a) newer light weight materials for automotive applications (aluminum-, magnesium- alloys) and (b) thin gage high strength steels. Even though incoming sheet coil may meet tensile test specifications, high scrap rate is often observed in production due to inconsistent material behavior. Thus, tensile test specifications may not be adequate to characterize sheet material behavior in production stamping/hydroforming operations. There is a strong need for a discriminating method for testing incoming sheet material formability. The sheet bulge test emulates biaxial deformation conditions commonly seen in production operations. This test is increasingly being applied by the European automotive industry, especially for obtaining reliable sheet material flow stress data that is essential for accurate process simulation. This thesis presents a new 'inverse-analysis' methodology for calculating flow stress curves at room temperature, using the biaxial sheet bulge test. This approach overcomes limitations of previously used closed-form membrane theory equations and exhibits great potential for elevated temperature bulge test application. To verify the developed methodologies presented in this thesis, selected case studies are presented, to (a) demonstrate the successful application of finite element (FE) simulation in tool design, process sequence design and springback reduction in stamping and sheet hydroforming and, (b) validate the developed methodology for automation/standardization of tool and process sequence design procedure and recording of existing design guidelines in transfer die stamping.
Advisors/Committee Members: Altan, Taylan.
Subjects: Automotive materials; Industrial engineering; Mechanical engineering
Keywords: sheet metal forming, sheet hydroforming, process simulation, material characterization
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5.
Yadav, Priyanka.
Factors affecting mosquito populations in created wetlands.
Degree: Master of Science, Environmental Science, 2009, Ohio State University
► Constructed, created and restored wetlands are gaining popularity due to multiple benefits…
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▼ Constructed, created and restored wetlands are gaining popularity due to multiple benefits they provide. However, there is a concern that wetlands increase mosquito breeding in urban areas. This is especially due to the recent concern regarding mosquito borne viral encephalitis and other diseases. Published studies to quantify mosquito population in constructed and natural wetlands are inconclusive. This study quantified the population of mosquitoes from two experimental flow-through created wetlands and two stormwater fed wetland at the Olentangy River Wetland Research Park (ORWRP) in Columbus, Ohio in summer. Sampled mosquitoes were identified to species level to investigate their disease vector potential. The study also compared mono specific and multispecies small (1 m2) mesocosms being used for another experiment. The flow-through created wetlands were less conducive to mosquito breeding compared to the pond (p<0.00001) and stormwater wetland (p=0.002). Outflow regions and emergent vegetation sites in the flow-through wetlands were most conducive to mosquito breeding than were inflows (p=0.009) and floating vegetation sites (p=0.023). Mixed vegetation communities (Sparganium eurycarpum, Juncus effusus, and Schoenoplectus tabernaemontani) rather than mono specific Typha communities provided most conducive environment for mosquito breeding (p<0.0001). Mesocosm plots with steady inflow (10 cm depth) and with deep water (20 cm) in summer and shallow water (5 cm) in spring had higher mosquito densities than did mesocosm plots with pulsed flow (10 cm depth with inflow rate according to the river stage) and deep water (20 cm) in spring and shallow water (5 cm) in fall. Among water quality parameters, conductivity (p=0.004) and, to a lesser extent, dissolved oxygen (p=0.052) correlated with mosquito larval density (adjusted R2 of 0.67). Six mosquito species identified in all water bodies were Cx. pipiens, Cx. salinarius, Cx. restuans, Ur. sapphirina, An. quadrimaculatus, and An. punctipennis. Among these Cx. pipiens and Cx. salinarius are both avian and mammalian blood feeders and hence are potential bridge vectors of the encephalitis viruses. An. quadrimaculatus, one of the most potent vector of malaria in U.S. and also a major host of the nematode that causes dog heartworm, was present in all the water bodies. Cx. pipiens was the dominant mosquito species in all the water bodies sampled. The information obtained can be incorporated in construction design of wetlands, can be used in the future to target mosquito control tactics and can provide baseline at the ORWRP for future surveillance.
Advisors/Committee Members: Grewal, Parwinder.
Subjects: Environmental science
Keywords: EXPERIMENTAL WETLANDS, CREATED WETLANDS, MOSQUITO LARVAE, ORWRP
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6.
Yadav, Susheel.
Development of Zero Emission Chromium Plating Process.
Degree: MS, Engineering : Chemical Engineering, 2001, University of Cincinnati
► Hard chromium plating is extensively used in the industry to improve the…
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▼ Hard chromium plating is extensively used in the industry to improve the wear characteristics of metal parts. EPA has identified hexavalent chromium, used in chromium plating, as one of the 17 high-priority toxic chemicals. The purpose of this project was to design a new process that will prevent the release of chromic-acid mist into the workplace. Traditionally, temperature control and mixing have been achieved by bubbling air at the bottom of the plating bath using a sparger. These air bubbles burst at the surface of the plating solution and produce aerosols that are responsible for the chromium emissions. The proposed process uses a silicone fluid layer at the top of the plating solution to trap the aerosols. Mixing and heat transfer are achieved by sparging this fluid. Mathematical models have been developed to predict hexavalent chromium emissions, heat transfer, and health risks associated with conventional plating tanks.
Advisors/Committee Members: Govind, Rakesh.
Keywords: Chromium plating, Hexavalent chromium emissions, Aerosols
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7.
Yafetto, Levi.
Biomechanics of Rhizomorph Development in Armillaria mellea.
Degree: Doctor of Philosophy, Botany, 2008, Miami University
► Fungal rhizomorphs are complex, multicellular, root-like organs formed through the aggregation, interlacing,…
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▼ Fungal rhizomorphs are complex, multicellular, root-like organs formed through the aggregation, interlacing, and adhesion of millions of tip-growing hyphae. There has been very little research on the invasive mechanism utilized by rhizomorphs to penetrate compacted soils and woody substrates. Initial studies with Meruliporia incrassata, a wood-decay fungus that decomposes wooden components of buildings with an annual value of destruction estimated in millions of dollars, was aimed at inducing rhizomorphs in vitro. This attempt was not very successful, as only mycelial cords were produced. The pathogen Armillaria mellea was therefore chosen because it readily forms rhizomorphs in culture and serves as an excellent model for developmental studies. This dissertation presents findings from experiments designed to study (i) comparative features of rhizomorph anatomy in M. incrassata and A. mellea that support its invasive behavior; (ii) the adaptive growth response of rhizomorphs subjected to mechanical stress; (iii) the biochemical basis of turgor generation within rhizomorphs, and (iv) novel measurements of the forces exerted by growing rhizomorphs. Anatomical studies of rhizomorphs of A. mellea cultured in potato dextrose agar (PDA) revealed zones of hyphal tissues namely, an outer layer of peripheral hyphae, radial hyphae, longitudinal hyphae, and a central cavity. A. mellea rhizomorphs were observed to have faster growth than mycelia in PDA. We determined that increasing concentration of agar stimulated the production of more rhizomorphs, with those in media having higher concentration of agar extending faster with tapered tips. Turgor generation within A. mellea rhizomorphs was shown to be partially due to the accumulation of osmolytes. Erythritol and mannitol were identified using Gas Chromatography/Mass Spectrometry (GC/MS) and quantitatively determined to be the most dominant osmolytes that contribute to turgor generation. Osmometric studies revealed that substantial portion of turgor generated was used to exert pressure at the tip of the rhizomorphs during invasive growth. The varying amounts of force that these A. mellea rhizomorph tips exert were measured, using a sensitive strain gauge. Our experiments provide the first clear picture of the mechanical processes that allow rhizomorphs to function as migratory, exploratory and invasive organs in low-moisture and nutrient-poor environments that present substantial obstacles to fungal colonization.
Advisors/Committee Members: Money, Nicholas P.
Subjects: Botany
Keywords: basidiomycota; biomechanics; fungi; hyphae; invasive growth; osmotic pressure; osmolyte; rhizomorph; spectroscopy; turgor pressure
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8.
Yaganti, Sushmita.
Immunolocalization and Changes in Expression Levels of Glyceroporin HC-3 in Several Tissues of Gray Tree Frogs, Hyla chrysoscelis Under Different Physiological Conditions.
Degree: Master of Science (MS), Biological Sciences, 2009, Wright State University
► Previous studies show that aquaporin HC-3 in gray tree frogs, Hyla chrysoscelis,…
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▼ Previous studies show that aquaporin HC-3 in gray tree frogs, Hyla chrysoscelis, a homolog of mammalian AQP3 is an aqua glyceroporin also responsible for freeze tolerance. Our study tried to localize and compare the protein expression levels of aquaporin HC-3 in seven different organs of gray tree frogs under five different physiological conditions using immuno histofluorescence and western blot. HC-3 was immunolocalized in the epidermis and dermis of the skin, basolateral portion of the collecting ducts in the kidney, red blood cells in the liver and other tissues, muscle Schwann cells and the basolateral portion of the large intestine epithelial membrane. HC-3 cannot be immunolocalized in the stomach and the small intestine tissues. The basolateral expression of aquaporin HC-3 in the epidermis of the skin is similar to the expression in the mammalian skin. The intensity of the labeling was different in the various physiological conditions. There was a noticeable increase in the intensity of the HC-3 expression in warm (hydrated, 23º C, control) skin, kidney and liver compared to dehydrated (loss of 20% of standard body mass over one week at 23º C) and the cold ( hydrated 4º C). The intensity of labeling in large intestine had varied pattern with more expression in the warm, slightly less in the cold and absolutely negligible in the other conditions. The up-regulation of the aquaporin HC-3 protein expression in the dehydrated skin and the kidney may be due to its regulated role in the water conservation whereas its up-regulation in the cold liver can be due to synthesis and release of glycerol in this organ.
Advisors/Committee Members: Goldstein, David.
Keywords: Keywords: Aquaporin, aquaglyceroporin, skin, kidney, liver, muscle, stomach, intestine, Hyla chrysoscelis (Gray tree frog).
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9.
Yagi, Rieko.
Bcl-2 Regulates Chondrocyte Phenotype Through MEK-ERK1/2 Pathway; Relevance to Osteoarthritis and Cartilage Biology.
Degree: PHD, School of Biomedical Sciences, 2005, Kent State University
► Bcl-2 is an anti-apoptotic protein that has recently been shown to regulate…
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▼ Bcl-2 is an anti-apoptotic protein that has recently been shown to regulate other cellular functions. We previously reported the novel function of Bcl-2 that regulates chondrocyte matrix gene expression, independent of its anti-apoptotic function. The first hypothesis was that Bcl-2 regulates chondrocyte phenotype through the specific pathways. The role of three intracellular signaling pathways likely to be associated with Bcl-2 function, namely, NFkappaB, PKCalpha, and ERK1/2, was examined. The NFkappaB and PKCalpha signaling pathways were not involved in Bcl-2 regulated matrix expression, even thought these are known to regulate Sox9. The ERK1/2 signaling pathway was activated in Bcl-2 deficient cells that lost the chondrocyte phenotype by decreasing chondrocyte matrix protein expression and increasing fibroblastic collagen expression. The inhibition of phopspho-ERK1/2 reversed cells to have chondrocyte phenotype. Moreover, the MEK-ERK1/2 pathway limits the gene expression of matrix protein in wild type chondrocytes. These data indicate that Bcl-2 regulates chondrocyte phenotype through the MEK-ERK1/2 pathway. The second hypothesis was that Bcl-2 regulates chondrocyte phenotype in vitro as well as in vivo specifically, in human osteoarthritis. Osteoarthritis (OA) is an age-related degenerative cartilage disease and is known that the chondrocyte phenotype is altered. However, the significance of the altered phenotype in OA is unclear due to the use of non-age match samples, different source of samples, and lack of precise determination of the stage of OA progression. We developed an intrajoint comparison model using human OA samples to control for patient age and genetic background effects. The advanced OA cartilage was taken from within 1cm of overt lesions. In contrast, minimal OA cartilage was taken from areas without any obvious lesions. The chondrocyte matrix protein and Bcl-2 mRNA expression was decreased in advanced OA cartilage compared with minimal OA cartilage in most of patients studied. In contrast, osteopontin mRNA expression was up-regulated in advanced OA cartilage compared with minimal OA cartilage. A correlation was observed between the steady state mRNA coding for aggrecan and Bcl-2, and Bcl-2 and Sox9. These results support the hypothesis that Bcl-2 regulates chondrocyte phenotype in vivo as well as in vitro.
Advisors/Committee Members: Horton, Walter E.
Keywords: Chondrocytes; Osteoarthritis; Sox9; Bcl-2; MEK-ERK1/2
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10.
Yahl, Ryan Michael.
Attitudes of High School Band Directors and Students Regarding Ohio Music Education Association Large Group Adjudicated Events.
Degree: Master of Music (MM), Music Education, 2009, Bowling Green State University
► The purpose of this study was to determine attitudes of high school…
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▼ The purpose of this study was to determine attitudes of high school band directors and students regarding Ohio Music Education Association (OMEA) Large Group Adjudicated Events. Subjects were high school band directors (n = 11) and students (n = 214) from 12 bands in OMEA District I, which consists six counties in Northwest Ohio (Defiance, Fulton, Lucas, Napoleon, Williams, and Wood). Subjects represented each of the OMEA performance classifications (AA, A, B, C, and D) and three geographic regions (rural, suburban, and urban). Participants completed the OMEA Large Group Adjudicated Events Survey, which consisted of three sections: (a) background information, (b) personal opinion, and (c) free response. Based on data collected from survey responses, both directors and students agree that Large Group Adjudicated Events are an important part of high school band programs. Subjects also agree that, although the rating earned at contest is important, making music and receiving comments from adjudicators are of higher importance.
Advisors/Committee Members: Thompson, Kenneth.
Subjects: Music; Music education
Keywords: band directors; band contest; adjudicated events; Ohio Music Education Association; student attitudes
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11.
Yahsi, Sebnem Emine.
Application of the solar energy at Ohio public highway rest areas.
Degree: Master of Science (MS), Civil Engineering (Engineering), 1992, Ohio University
► Solar power as partial source of energy for public highway rest areas…
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▼ Solar power as partial source of energy for public highway rest areas is being evaluated in Ohio. In this study two highway rest areas were instrumented with solar water heating system and monitoring equipment. Results for one of the two instrumented rest areas were monitored over a one year period. The performance of the solar collector and their components were evaluated and economical comparisons made between the conventional system and the solar system using life-cycle cost analysis. In comparison to the conventional system, the solar hot water system was found to be an economical alternative energy source. The results suggest that solar contribution was only 4% in winter but 100% in summer. The emergency lighting provided by a photovoltaic system was enthasiaitically endorsed by rest area personnell. Power usage indicates that the system was over designed.
Advisors/Committee Members: Hazen, Glenn.
Subjects: Engineering, Civil
Keywords: Application of solar energy; Ohio public highway; Rest areas
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12.
Yahsi, Ugur.
Statistical thermodynamics of chain molecular fluids: Equation of state parameters for PVT scaling and their group contributions.
Degree: Doctor of Philosophy, Physics, 1994, Case Western Reserve University
► Extensive experimental studies of fluid hydrocarbons in the lubricating range of molar…
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▼ Extensive experimental studies of fluid hydrocarbons in the lubricating range of molar mass have been undertaken sometime ago by American Petroleum Institute Project 42, located in the Departments of Chemistry and Physics at Pennsylvania State University. In these studies systematic structural changes were introduced, so that the equation of state (e.o.s.) as well as the viscosities of linear paraffins, branched hydrocarbons, and various rings attached to n-alkanes tails are known. Hence this material became the basis for various semi-empirical or empirical structural correlations. We proceed here with the hole theory of Simha-Somcynsky (SS) which has proven quantitatively successful for low as well as high molar mass system and examine e.o.s. data. We demonstrate the success of the theory and obtain the characteristic volume (ν*), energy (varepsilon*) and flexibility (c) parameters as functions of chain length for the different structures. For the short chains in question these represent averages over the terminal and internal units. By suitable generalization of the SS theory developed for physical mixtures we decompose these averages into the individual group contributions. The accuracy of the numerical procedures employed is tested by back computations. Sometime ago A. Bondi developed structural rules for the computation of Van der Waals excluded group volumes. Interesting correlations between these and the above ν* values, defined for a 6-12 potential, are obtained. In the same way we examine correlations between D. W. Van Krevelen's and P. J. Hoftyzer's cohesive group energies and varepsilon* values.
Advisors/Committee Members: Simha, Robert.
Keywords: Statistical thermodynamics; chain molecular fluids; state parameters; PVT scaling; group contributions
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13.
Yakey, Abigail Brodrick.
COMPARING FOOT PRESSURES DURING FEEDING IN TWO DISTINCT GROUPS OF CHILDREN.
Degree: Master of Arts, Speech Pathology and Audiology, 2007, Miami University
► The purpose of this study was to observe typically developing children ages…
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▼ The purpose of this study was to observe typically developing children ages 6 to 18 months during feeding times and to study trends between foot pressures and awake arousal and attention levels. Ten subjects sat in a prototype highchair for three feeding trials and foot pressures were collected. Study results show that the older children exerted more foot pressure for a greater amount of time. Older children also used both feet more consistently when pushing. Future research is needed to determine the effects of foot pressure as a means of self-regulating and transitioning between awake arousal and attention levels.
Advisors/Committee Members: Scarborough, Donna R.
Keywords: children; feeding; foot pressure; arousal and attention levels
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14.
Yakoub, Mohammed Ibrahim.
THE RELATIONSHIP OF DIABETES MELLITUS TO VENTILATOR-ASSOCIATED PNEUMONIA, BLOODSTREAM INFECTION, HEALTH-RELATED QUALITY OF LIFE, AND MORTALITY IN CHRONICALLY CRITICALLY ILL PATIENTS.
Degree: Doctor of Philosophy, Nursing, 2008, Case Western Reserve University
► This study examined the relationship of diabetes mellitus to in-hospital and post-discharge…
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▼ This study examined the relationship of diabetes mellitus to in-hospital and post-discharge mortality, risk for developing infections (Ventilator-Associated Pneumonia and bloodstream infection), and health- related quality of life in chronically critically ill patients. Chronically critically ill (CCI) patients, who require prolonged mechanical ventilation after acute illness, represent a growing and distinct group of patients in the health care system. Their poor short- and long-term outcomes are a point of substantial concern. Despite the intensive care they receive, in-hospital mortality and post discharge mortality remain high with no significant change in the last two decades, along with extreme functional dependence among survivors. Decreasing the mortality rate and returning these survivors of chronic critical illness to functional independence and an acceptable quality of life remains a major challenge. Complications are frequent in chronically critically ill patients, either as part of the etiology of the prolonged intensive care unit (ICU) stay or as a risk of prolonged use of invasive technology. Complications of long-term hospital care such as pneumonia and sepsis were identified among the mechanisms associated with ventilator dependence. Examining patients’ characteristics that might lead to developing such complications will help nurses and other clinicians to anticipate or predict which patients will have a complicated pattern of chronic critical illness. The presence of diabetes (history of diabetes) in chronically critically ill patients was hypothesized in this study to have a negative effect on in-hospital and post-discharge (at 2 months) mortality. Results from this study showed that there was not a statistically significant direct relationship between diabetes and in-hospital and post-discharge mortality after adjusting for other study covariates (age, APS scores, pre-existing medical and surgical conditions, LOMV, use of general anesthesia, presence of risk factors (renal dialysis and immunosuppression), development of ventilator-associated pneumonia, and bloodstream infection). With all 9 predictor variables in the equation, the strongest predictor for in-hospital death was the development of a bloodstream infection. The presence of a bloodstream infection increased the likelihood of hospital death by two times. CCI patients in this study had high infection rates. In particular, and as hypothesized, VAP and bloodstream infection were shown to be important factors in the CCI patients in this study and contributed to poor outcomes. This study showed diabetes to be a significant risk factor for VAP and bloodstream (clinical sepsis or laboratory confirmed) infection development. Diabetes was not shown to influence Health-Related Quality of Life in this study. As expected, the strongest predictor was pre-admission Health-Related Quality of life. Length of mechanical ventilation, development of Ventilator-Associated Pneumonia, and Bloodstream infection negatively affected Health-Related Quality of Life- Physical component. Age, on the other hand, had a positive influence on Health-Related Quality of life-Physical component. Prevention of infectious complications is key to helping CCI patients to have a less complicated pattern of illness. Efforts at prevention originate from an improved understanding of the factors associated with the development of such infectious complication. In this study diabetes, as a host-related factor, emerged as a potential risk factor for such infection. Continuous efforts still need to be made to identify patients at increased risk so that appropriate interventions can be proposed to improve quality of care and outcomes in CCI patients.
Advisors/Committee Members: Daly, Barbara J.
Subjects: Health Sciences, Nursing
Keywords: Chronically Critically Ill Patients; Diabetes Mellitus; Ventilator-Associated Pneumonia; Bloodstream Infection
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15.
Yakovich, Adam J.
Old targets and new beginnings: a multifaceted approach to combating Leishmaniasis, a neglected tropical disease.
Degree: Doctor of Philosophy, Pharmacy, 2007, Ohio State University
► Leishmaniasis, a broad spectrum of disease which is caused by the protozoan…
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▼ Leishmaniasis, a broad spectrum of disease which is caused by the protozoan parasite Leishmania, currently affects 12 million people worldwide, with over 2 million of new cases occurring annually. There are several clinical manifestations, including visceral leishmaniasis, which attacks the reticuloendothelial system and has a fatality rate near 100% if untreated. All currently available therapies all suffer from drawbacks including expense, route of administration and developing resistance. Tubulin, a heterodimeric protein, comprises microtubules which are critical for eukaryotic cell mitosis. We have previously identified a series of dinitroaniline compounds which inhibit Leishmania growth in vitro by inhibiting tubulin polymerization. These compounds selectively inhibit Leishmania tubulin, indicating it may be a useful chemotherapeutic target. Evaluation of future generations of analogues will require purified Leishmania tubulin. Previously, the pathogenic species L. amazonensis has been used as a tubulin source, however, we have modified the protocol to utilize the non-pathogenic species L. tarentolae. Genetic sequencing and drug activity/affinity assays indicates that L. tarentolae tubulin is a suitable alternative for drug screening. Modeling studies with our compounds bound to Leishmania tubulin suggest the the bind to a previously uncharacterized site on á-tubulin. To confirm this, an attempt was made to acquire a crystal structure of tubulin with our compounds bound. Previously, mammalian tubulin has been crystallized by using the protein stathmin to sequester it in tetramers. Efforts were made to identify and purify a stathmin like protein in Leishmania capable of sequestering tubulin in tetramers. Unfortunately attempts to identify a low molecular weight protein present in Leishmania capable of sequestering tubulin were unsuccessful. In an ever expanding search for novel lead compounds, our lab has recently purchased the ChemBridge CNS set of 10,000 druglike molecules. These compounds were screened against Leishmania donovani axenic amastigotes. The screen of 10,000 compounds revealed 75 compounds which inhibited Leishmania growth by 50% or greater at 10 µM. Of these 75 compounds 17 were found to exhibit at least 25-fold selectivity for inhibiting Leishmania cell proliferation when compared to mammalian Vero cells. The selective compounds will continue to be evaluated in an effort to identify novel lead compounds
Advisors/Committee Members: Werbovetz, Karl A.
Keywords: Leishmania; Leishmaniasis; Kinetoplastid; Tubulin; Microtubule; Stathmin; High throughput screen; Parasite
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16.
Yalcinalp, L. Umit.
Meta-programming for knowledge-based systems in Prolog.
Degree: Doctor of Philosophy, Computer Engineering, 1991, Case Western Reserve University
► Meta-programming languages provide a high level abstraction for explicit representation of other…
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▼ Meta-programming languages provide a high level abstraction for explicit representation of other languages and their control mechanisms. It is easy to define, extend and alter a model of computation by meta-programming techniques. Tools for representing special purpose domain languages and inference mechanisms are crucial for developing knowledge based systems. This thesis concerns the use of meta-programming for this purpose, by identifying and extending relevant meta-programming techniques in Prolog for building expert system shells. Prolog's representation can be used directly to represent the rules of a knowledge based system. However, this approach is very limited because of a hard-wired representation of a domain language and its interpretation. In Prolog, we can represent and access the language constructs of the language and also its interpretation by meta-programming. A meta-interpreter provides an explicit representation based on an abstraction of a computational model. Using meta-interpreters as a basis for writing special purpose shells is well known. The selected model is then extended by techniques to write special purpose interpreters for revealing, altering and extending Prolog's representation. This thesis studies known meta-interpreters and demonstrates techniques to enhance them as e xpert systems shells. The extensions in the literature are based on the well known vanilla meta-interpreter for modelling Prolog's computation in Prolog. The novel concept in this thesis is a layered abstraction where the computation is described in two layers. The layered interpreter provides a flexible framework as the computation can be tailored for a single line or multiple lines of reasoning, unlike extensions to vanilla interpreter. This abstraction allows us to model failure and negation, and also cuts explicitly in a single interpreter. It is used as a proper basis to develop expert system shells for explanation and uncertainty. The explanation shell can explain successes, failures and negation and also illustrates the effects of cuts in the computation. For uncertainty, the shell can be tailored to accomodate different belief calculi for combining multiple evidence, such as point valued certainties or multi-valued Dempster-Shafer theory. We also demonstrate the development and integration of a language for ordinal reasoning within Prolog and discuss emerging approaches in other logic programming languages for meta-programming.
Advisors/Committee Members: Sterling, Leon S.
Keywords: Meta-programming; knowledge-based systems; Prolog
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17.
Yalcinoglu, Pelin.
Evolution as represented through argumentation: a qualitative study on reasoning and argumentation in high school biology teaching practices.
Degree: Doctor of Philosophy, Teaching and Learning, 2007, Ohio State University
► This study aimed to explore high school biology teachers’ epistemological criteria and…
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▼ This study aimed to explore high school biology teachers’ epistemological criteria and their attention to reasoning and argumentation within their instructional practices. This study investigated: (1).what epistemological criteria do high school biology teachers use when justifying the validity of conclusions, (2) what is the frequency of the explicit use of reasoning and argumentation, if any, in high school biology teachers’ instructional practices, and to what extend are reasoning and argumentation skills reflected, if at all, in high school biology teachers’ modes of assessment. Three different data collection methods were employed in this study; face-to-face interviews, classroom observations, and document collections. This investigation was made by having teachers provide an argument about the validity of hypothetical conclusions drawn by the students based on two different scenarios related to evolution. Toulmin’s Argument Pattern used to create rubric to analyze high school biology teachers’ levels of reasoning through argumentation. Results of the data analysis suggested following findings. First, high school biology teachers participated in this study presented variety of epistemological criteria which were presented as high, moderate and low levels of reasoning through the argumentations. Second, elements of Toulmin’s Argument Pattern were visible in the participants teaching practices, however students were not explicitly introduced to a well structured argument in those classrooms. Third, Interview Protocols designed for this study were found useful to identify the epistemological criteria and level of reasoning through argumentation. Results of this study suggest the following implications for improving science education. Toulmin’s Argument Model should be introduced to teachers through teacher education or professional development programs to increase the use of reasoning and argumentation in instructional practices. The results suggest that use of Toulmin’s Argument Pattern to evaluate high school biology teachers’ presented levels of reasoning is a promising approach to understanding the structure of reasoning and argumentation that biology teachers use when providing judgments about the validity of hypothetical conclusions. The interview protocols and the rubrics used in this study should be tested in different subject areas in order to enhance and validate the use of Toulmin’s Argument Pattern in measuring individuals’ epistemological criteria and level of reasoning.
Advisors/Committee Members: Haury, David L.
Subjects: Education, Sciences
Keywords: Reasoning; Argumentation; Toulmin; Evolution
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18.
Yale, Robert Nathan.
INSTANT MESSAGING COMMUNICATION: A QUANTITATIVE LINGUISTIC ANALYSIS.
Degree: Master of Arts, Speech Communication, 2007, Miami University
► This study used quantitative content analysis software to create a linguistic profile…
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▼ This study used quantitative content analysis software to create a linguistic profile of college student instant messaging (IM) behaviors to investigate sex differences in text-based communication. Linguistic indicators of psychological states, differences in affective language use by conversation dyad type, and gender differences within the context of IM were investigated. Linguistic markers did not indicate positive psychological effects of frequent IM communication. Significant differences were found between female-male, female-female, and male-male dyads in the use of affective language. Additionally, a multi-dimensional profile of linguistic characteristics by gender revealed significant differences between males and females in areas such as use of psychological process words, relativity words, and words about personal concerns.
Advisors/Committee Members: Patterson, James D.
Subjects: Speech Communication
Keywords: IM; instant messaging; LIWC; Linguistic Inquiry Word Count; gender differences in communication; dyadic communication; CMC; computer mediated communication
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19.
Yamamoto, Brenda Michiyo.
Molecular Analysis of Human T-cell Leukemia Virus Type 2 Accessory Protein p28.
Degree: Doctor of Philosophy, Veterinary Biosciences, 2009, Ohio State University
► The human T-cell leukemia virus type 1 (HTLV-1) and type 2 (HTLV-2)…
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▼ The human T-cell leukemia virus type 1 (HTLV-1) and type 2 (HTLV-2) are two pathogenic retroviruses. Although both viruses share a common genome organization and amino acid homology in common viral proteins, the incidence of disease with infection is distinct. Infection with HTLV-1 may result in the development of adult T-cell leukemia/lymphoma (ATL), an aggressive neoplastic disease, or a variety of immune-mediated/inflammatory disorders such as HTLV-1 associated myelopathy/tropical spastic paraparesis (HAM/TSP), whereas HTLV-2 is less pathogenic. Our studies focused on the open reading frame II encoded p28 protein of HTLV-2, which has been shown to negatively regulate viral expression by the nuclear retention of the tax/rex mRNA. A similar post-transcriptional regulatory function has been observed with HTLV-1 ORF-II p30. However, p28 contrasts p30 in that there appears to be no significant transcriptional effects.In Chapter 2, we examined the functional significance of p28 in HTLV-2 infection, proliferation, and immortalization of primary T-cells in culture, and viral infection and survival in a rabbit model of HTLV infection. We generated a novel HTLV-2 p28 termination clone (HTLV2Deltap28) in which a stop codon had been introduced into the p28 sequence without altering the amino acid sequence of the overlapping regulatory proteins, Tax and Rex. In short-term proliferation and long-term immortalization coculture assays, HTLV2Deltap28 infected and immortalized primary human T-cells, similar to wtHTLV-2. However, HTLV2Deltap28 had a lower capacity to establish persistent infection in rabbits, indicating the in vivo importance of HTLV-2 p28. These results are consistent with the hypothesis that p28 repression of Tax and Rex-mediated viral gene expression allows infected cells to avoid immune recognition and elimination, or acts to enhance early viral spread by enhancing the survival of HTLV-2 infected cells. In Chapter 3, we generated and characterized various dual-promoter and single-promoter lentiviral expression vectors. Post-transduction, p28 protein was readily detected with the dual-promoter vectors in 293T cells but not in Jurkat T-cells. The differential p28 protein expression was found to be due to cell-type specific translation mechanisms. To circumvent this problem we utilized a single-promoter lentiviral vector that expresses p28 via the murine stem cell virus (MSCV)-promoter, which resulted in efficient p28 protein expression in both T-cell lines and primary human CD8+ T-lymphocytes. In Chapter 4, the capacity of p28 to modify cellular gene expression was examined. In transient transfection studies, low doses of p28 modulated CRE- and NFκB-driven reporter constructs in 293T cells, suggesting the ability of p28 in modulating cellular gene expression. Interestingly, transduction of Jurkat T-cells with the lentiviral p28 expression vector had no significant effect on cellular proliferation. Additionally, initial analysis of global cellular gene expression by microarray analysis suggests that p28 results in nominal alterations in cellular gene expression. Collectively, data presented in this thesis indicates that p28 is critical for the establishment and survival of HTLV-2, compatible with the conclusion that the regulation of HTLV gene expression is a tightly controlled and complex process. Ultimately, while minimal, the impact of p28 upon cellular genes likely contributes to HTLV-2 establishment of infection in vivo.
Advisors/Committee Members: Green, Patrick.
Subjects: Virology
Keywords: HTLV, p28
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20.
Yamamoto, Kiyoshi.
Optical theory applied to thin films.
Degree: Doctor of Philosophy, Macromolecular Science, 1994, Case Western Reserve University
► Kramers-Kronig analysis, using exact spectral simulation and a noise free complex refractive…
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▼ Kramers-Kronig analysis, using exact spectral simulation and a noise free complex refractive index based on dispersion theory, is studied for wide variety of reflection techniques in order to extract the complex refractive index. It is shown that a complex refractive index can be extracted for isotropic bulk material under external, internal, and total internal reflection conditions. For external reflection, only an angle of incidence is necessary for the calculation in Kramers-Kronig analysis. However, the sample must be thick enough to avoid the reflection from the back surface or interface. The advantage of this technique is pronounced for a near normal reflection because the uncertainty in the angle of incidence affects the spectrum less than for grazing angle reflection. For internal reflection, a flat sample surface can be easily obtained, especially for liquid material. For total internal reflection, the sample thickness can be thinner than the other techniques but must be thicker than the penetration depth of the electric field. This technique requires the refractive index of the sample material at a frequency with no absorption. For uniaxially anisotropic materials, the complex refractive index parallel and normal to the surface can be extracted from the reflection with s and p polarization, respectively. The matrix method for spectral simulation is generalized to both isotropic and anisotropic films. The optical behavior of thin films is theoretically and phenomenologically studied by applying a thin film approximation to the generalized matrix method. The optical behavior of reflection absorption spectroscopy (RAS), as well as transmission and reflection techniques is simulated using the exact spectral simulation and compared with the prediction under the thin film approximation. The concept of transverse and logitudinal optical mode is very important in the interpretation of the observed spectrum. The refractive index and thickness of the substrate is also shown to affect the absorption strength of thin films for transmission technique. The application of Kramers-Kronig analysis to RAS is developed. This technique can extract the complex refractive index only normal to the surface. The thickness and refractive index at a frequency with no absorption are necessary for the calculation
Advisors/Committee Members: Ishida, Hatsuo.
Subjects: Physics, Optics
Keywords: Thin films, optical theory
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21.
Yaman, Gülşah.
Chemistry of a new trispyrazolylborate ligand with some group 1 group 2 ions.
Degree: Doctor of Philosophy, Chemistry, 2008, Ohio State University
► Single-site metal alkoxides are used to catalyze the controlled ring-opening polymerization (ROP)…
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▼ Single-site metal alkoxides are used to catalyze the controlled ring-opening polymerization (ROP) of lactides and other cyclic esters. In this study, a new trispyrazolylborate ligand, Tp*, containing a 3-substituted pyrazole with ─CMe2CH2OMe group has been synthesized. By synthesizing this new ligand we aimed that this ligand can form a pocket around Ca2+ in order to protect the metal center against ligand scrambling, transesterification, or deactivation by impurities, such as water. First, the synthesis of 3-(2-methoxy-1,1-dimethylethyl)pyrazole, pz*H is described together with its reactions with the borohydrides MBH4, where M = Li, Na, and K, under melt conditions. At 180°C, this procedure leads to a mixture of products for M = Li, and at higher temperatures, a derivative LiTp'pz*H is isolated, wherein a B-H bond and a methyl group have been eliminated and a B-O bond has been formed. For M = Na, the reaction proceeds to give NaTp* but at higher temperatures NaB(pz*)4 is obtained. The reactions involving KBH4 and pz*H yield the dinuclear complex K2(Tp*)2pz*H. The reaction between NaTp* and TlOAc in dichloromethane at room temperature gives TlTp* along with NaOAc. TlTp* reacts with methyllitium in diethylether to give LiTp* and thallium metal, and, similarly, TlTp*and KH react in THF to give KTp* and Tl(0). In addition, the heavier alkaline earth metal iodides (Tp*MI where M = Ca, Sr and Ba) were synthesized by using TlTp* and the corresponding metal diiodide, MI2 in THF. However, Tp*MgI and Tp*ZnI were obtained from the reaction of MI2 and NaTp* in THF and dichloromethane, respectively. The reaction between Ca[N(SiMe33)](THF)2 and TlTp*yieldsTp*Ca[N(SiMe3)]2-via [CaTp*]+{Ca[N(SiMe3)2)3]}-.-Heating-Tp*CaN(SiMe3)2-gives-CaTp*2-by disproportionation. Whereas MgTp*2 is prepared from MgBu2 and TlTp* in THF. Both CaTp*3 and MgTp*2 exist as salts in the solid state: [Tp*M]+[Tp*], but in solution the CaTp*3 undergoes dynamic Tp* exchange on the NMR time-scale. Slower ligand exchange in MgTp*2 is studied by variable temperature 13C{1H}-NMR spin saturation transfer experiments. The reaction between Tp*CaN(SiMe3)2 and p-cresol in benzene gives Tp*CaOC6H*4-p-Me which can initiate the ROP of L-LA, rac-LA, trimethylene carbonate (TMC) and ε-caprolactone (ε-CL) in benzene-d6.
Advisors/Committee Members: Chisholm, Malcolm H.
Subjects: Chemistry, Polymer; Chemistry, General; Chemistry, General; Chemistry, Inorganic
Keywords: trispyrazolylborate, hemilabile ether appendages, group 1 and group 2 ions, thallium(I), zinc(II), ring-opening polymerization
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22.
Yaman, Ibrahim.
Mechanisms of Post-transcriptional Regulation of Cat-1 Gene Expression by Amino Acid Starvation.
Degree: Doctor of Philosophy, Nutrition, 2005, Case Western Reserve University
► The cationic amino acid transporter, cat-1, is a high affinity transporter of…
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▼ The cationic amino acid transporter, cat-1, is a high affinity transporter of the essential amino acids arginine and lysine. Induced expression of the cat-1 gene is essential for cell survival during nutritional stress. Amino acid starvation induces coordinate increases in the stability and translation of the cat-1 mRNA. It is shown here that increased mRNA stability is due to an 11 nucleotide AU-rich element (ARE) within the distal 217 bases of the 3’-untranslated region (UTR) of the 7.9 kb cat-1 mRNA, which is able to confer mRNA stabilization when it is present in the chimeric mRNA. This element binds to the nucleo-cytoplasmic protein HuR whose cytoplasmic concentration increases during amino acid starvation. In addition to mRNA stabilization, the adaptive response to nutritional stress also involves increased translation of cat-1 mRNA via an internal ribosome entry site (IRES). Induction of cat-1 IRES activity requires both translation of a small upstream open reading frame (uORF) within the IRES and phosphorylation of the translation initiation factor eIF2?. We show here that translation of the uORF unfolds an inhibitory structure in the mRNA leader, eliciting a conformational change that yields an inducible IRES. This study suggests that the structure of the IRES is dynamic and regulation of this RNA structure is a mechanism of translational control. The lag time between the activation of cat-1 IRES and the length of amino acid starvation led us to propose that the remodeled leader by uORF translation is stabilized by putative trans-acting factors that are either synthesized or modified by eIF2? phosphorylation. hnRNP L and PTB are among the proteins identified as potential trans-acting factors. The binding specificity of these hnRNP proteins were confirmed by in vitro binding assays. Furthermore, it is shown that increased cytoplasmic localization of hnRNP L and PTB proteins during amino acid starvation paralleled increased binding to cat-1 leader. It is shown here that hnRNP L can modulate cat-1 IRES activity in vivo by means of over-expression or siRNA based knock-down of hnRNP L expression. We show here that the translation efficiency of the endogenous cat-1 mRNA increased by amino acid starvation. Altogether our data further support the role of hnRNP L and PTB in IRES-mediated translation and these proteins are involved in cat-1 IRES regulation during nutritional stress.
Advisors/Committee Members: Hatzoglou, Maria.
Subjects: Health Sciences, Nutrition
Keywords: AU-rich element; mRNA stability; translational control; IRES; amino acid starvation; ITAF
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23.
Yamashita, Lina A.
Learning to Eat Appreciatively and Thoughtfully (EAT): Connecting with Food through School Gardens.
Degree: BA, Environmental Studies, 2008, Oberlin College Honors Theses
► Many young people today do not learn to cook, or eat nutritious,…
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▼ Many young people today do not learn to cook, or eat nutritious, regular meals together with their families, or go shopping for produce. Because of this, they do not have the opportunity to develop any real appreciation for food. To make matters worse, many public schools fail to teach students anything at all about the complex environmental and cultural history of food – how it is produced, preserved, prepared, and distributed. At the same time, schools serve lunches that often lack nutritional value. In this thesis, I argue the importance of giving students the opportunity to connect to food through school gardens and food education programs in schools. First, I trace the history and philosophical origins of school gardens, focusing particularly on the growth of school gardens and relevant literature at the turn of the 20th century and during the two world wars. I then examine the decline and subsequent rise of school gardens during the latter half of the 20th century and analyze two examples of current school gardening and food education programs in the United States: the Edible Schoolyard in Berkeley, California, and the Burlington School Food Project in Burlington, Vermont. Finally, I consider the feasibility of incorporating school gardens and food education into classrooms in Oberlin’s schools, and suggest that educating students to be “food literate” is one critical step towards addressing complex problems that we face today, including climate change and obesity.
Advisors/Committee Members: Newlin, Thomas.
Subjects: Education; Education history; History; Horticulture
Keywords: school gardens, food education, victory gardens, environmental education, Oberlin schools
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24.
Yamashita, Tatsuya.
Analysis of anisotropic material.
Degree: Master of Science (MS), Mechanical Engineering (Engineering), 1996, Ohio University
Analysis of anisotropic material
Advisors/Committee Members: Gunasekara, Jay S.
Subjects: Engineering, Mechanical
Keywords: Plastic Anisotropy; Hill's Conventional Criterion; Stress-Strain Relations
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25.
Yamauchi, Brian Masao.
Exploration and spatial learning in dynamic environments.
Degree: Doctor of Philosophy, Computer Engineering, 1995, Case Western Reserve University
► Mobile robots have the potential to be useful in a wide variety…
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▼ Mobile robots have the potential to be useful in a wide variety of domains, from delivering packages in office buildings to driving vehicles on highways to performing reconnaissance on battlefields. If mobile robots are to live up to their potential, they need to be able to deal with the changes that may occur in these environments, whether those changes consist of people walking about or bridges being washed away. This dissertation presents techniques developed for exploration, learning, and navigation in dynamic environments. Adaptive place networks, topological/metric maps incorporating variable-confidence adjacency links, are introduced as a means for dealing with topological changes. ELDEN is an integrated system that combines adaptive place networks with a reactive, behavior-based controller for dealing with transient changes and a relocalization system for correcting dead reckoning error. ELDEN has been implemented on a real mobile robot and has been able to explore and navigate successfully in a dynamic, real-world environment. Strategies for directing exploration are also presented, along with quantitative simulation experiments measuring the performance of these strategies.
Advisors/Committee Members: Beer, Randall.
Subjects: Computer Science
Keywords: Exploration; Spatial learning; Dynamic environments
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26.
Yamauchi-Gleason, Gayle R.
Making Sense of the Experience of Internalized Oppression and Oppression in Student Affairs Organizations in the Southwestern United States.
Degree: Doctor of Philosophy (PhD), Communication Theory and Process (Communication), 2004, Ohio University
► This study examines the linkages between macro (historical and systemic) aspects of…
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▼ This study examines the linkages between macro (historical and systemic) aspects of various oppressions (racism, sexism, classism, etc.) in two academic student affairs departments and details how they are dialogically perpetuated via tacit, micro communication practices during everyday, organizational life. In particular, this study unearths aspects of the expression and experience of internalized oppression that are misunderstood and inadequately addressed. Using an interpretive framework, organizational members’ stories were gathered through individual interviews and supplemented by meeting observations and documents. The methodologies of historical-cultural, case study, Sense-Making analysis and member checking are used to examine the data through a variety of lenses and levels of interaction. Auto ethnographic content is interwoven throughout providing a forthright discussion of the circumstances surrounding the creation, implementation and examination of the research idea. From a macro perspective, the historical-cultural analysis reveals the centuries and layers of unresolved oppression in the region including the indigenous, Spanish, Anglo and various mixed-heritage communities. The case studies of individual institutions reveal how these unresolved injustices compound institutional classism, affecting the current-day operation of two academic organizations. The Sense-Making analysis reveals the linkages between the taken for granted, macro-communication practices of society and organizations and how they influence and are influenced by the micro-communication tactics of various organizational members. The investigation uncovers and examines the types of intrapersonal, interpersonal, and organizational communication practices that help to undo internalized oppression and oppression and empower individuals, and which do not. The researcher also argues for the acceptance of the respectful, natural expression of emotion in organizational settings as a precursor to constructing work settings that empower individuals. It is proposed that organizational members can assist each other as they reconstruct their lives using a variety of self-directed, “consciousness-raising” communication practices outlined in the final chapter, becoming more personally and professionally effective in the process. These communication “inventions” for organizations are democratically based and address various issues in organizational life such as conflict resolution, problem solving, performance appraisal and improvement, and program evaluation and planning. These practices help foster supportive relationships with others, also serving to build and sustain a healthy sense of community.
Advisors/Committee Members: Descutner, David.
Subjects: Speech Communication
Keywords: Organizational Communication; Empowerment; liberation; Internalized Oppression; Oppression; Higher Education Administration; "Sense-Making" Methodology; Emotion in Organizations
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27.
Yamin, Moh'd.
LANDSLIDE STABILIZATION USING A SINGLE ROW OF ROCK-SOCKETED DRILLED SHAFTS AND ANALYSIS OF LATERALLY LOADED DRILLED SHAFTS USING SHAFT DEFLECTION DATA.
Degree: Doctor of Philosophy, Civil Engineering, 2007, University of Akron
► An accurate and practical methodology for stability analysis and design of drilled…
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▼ An accurate and practical methodology for stability analysis and design of drilled shafts reinforced slopes was developed utilizing limiting equilibrium method of slices. Complex soil stratifications and general failure slip surfaces can be handled in the developed method. The effect of soil arching due to the presence of the drilled shafts was accounted for by using a load transfer factor. The numerical values of the load transfer factor were developed based on 3-D FEM parametric study results. Many of the design variables controlling the slope/shaft systems, such: drilled shafts size, shafts location, shaft fixity (the necessary rock-socket length), and the required spacing between the drilled shafts to prevent soil from flowing around the shafts can be successfully determined from the developed method. The optimum location where the drilled shafts could be placed within the sliding soil mass so that the cost associated with the landslide repair using the drilled shafts is minimized can be searched for and determined from the developed methodology. From geotechnical point of view, the global factor of safety for slope/shaft systems can be determined. From structural point of view, the forces acting on the stabilizing drilled shafts due to the moving ground can be successfully estimated. In addition to the developed design methodology, Real-time instrumentation and monitoring were carried out for three landslide sites in the Southern part of Ohio. Various types of instruments were extensively installed inside the stabilizing shafts and the surrounding soils to monitor and better understand the behavior of slope/shaft systems. The UA Slope program developed by Dr. Robert Liang in corporation with ODOT and FHWA has been used in designing these landslides. The field instrumentation and monitoring processes have provided excellent and unique information on the lateral responses of shafts undergoing slope movements. Also, the results of the instrumented cases have provided that the structural design (moments, shear, lateral deflection, and shaft tip fixity) of the shafts are overestimated (i.e., estimated forces acting on the shafts are high), and the geotechnical design (FS of slope/shaft system: movement and rate of movement) is achieved in two case studies but not fully achieved for the third case. On the other hand, in an effort to develop an efficient analytical method for analysis of laterally loaded drilled shafts using only lateral shaft deflection data, numerical procedures were proposed based on the principle of superposition. The lateral shaft deflections along the shaft length due to superposition of the lateral applied load to the drilled shaft were added together to establish the compatibility equations that govern the lateral behavior of the drilled shaft system. The compatibility equations allow for the determination of the net applied loads to the drilled shaft responsible for specific amount of shaft deflections. Once the loads were determined, basic equilibrium equations were applied to calculate shear forces and bending moments along the shaft length. A computer program was developed implementing the proposed numerical procedures to facilitate numerical computations. Many laterally loaded drilled shaft examples were described and used to verify the validity of the developed method. Included in the cases for validation were two actual full-scale drilled shafts at Jefferson County: (1) landslide repair using drilled shafts; and (2) lateral load test, were demonstrated.
Advisors/Committee Members: Liang, Robert.
Subjects: Engineering, Civil
Keywords: landslide stabilization; drilled shafts; limiting equilibrium; finite element; field instrumentation and monitoring; factor of safety; geotechnical; structural; lateral deflection; nonlinear regression; and superposition principle.
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28.
Yamoah, Afia Boadiwaa.
The effects of fiscal decentralization on economic growth in U.S. counties.
Degree: Doctor of Philosophy, Agricultural, Environmental and Development Economics, 2007, Ohio State University
► This study investigates the effects of decentralization on economic growth in U.S.…
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▼ This study investigates the effects of decentralization on economic growth in U.S. counties. Decentralization has given counties the added responsibility of economic growth and welfare administration. Counties use various strategies to attract and retain businesses so they can provide income and jobs for residents. Localization of economic development and decentralization of welfare programs may have an effect on economic growth of county governments. County governments in the U.S. may act strategically by setting lower welfare benefit levels, and offering business incentives to new and existing firms, thus resulting in the possible under-provision of local public services and a decrease in economic growth. Key objectives of this study are to construct a measure of decentralization and investigate whether decentralization leads to differences in economic growth in U.S. counties. A simultaneous equation framework is used to explore the relationship between decentralization and economic growth. Economic growth is measured by population and employment growth. An interaction term is constructed between decentralization and rural status to verify whether decentralization’s effects differ by rural status of counties. County level data from forty-six states in the U.S. are used in the analyses. The hypothesis that the effect of decentralization on rural counties is different from that of urban counties is tested. The hypothesis that decentralization has a negative effect on economic growth of U.S. counties is also tested. Other hypotheses that are tested are that population growth and employment growth each has a positive effect on the other. The results reveal that population and employment growth both positively affect each other. Decentralization has a significant effect on population growth but no effect on employment growth. Both rural and urban counties show a negative relation with population growth so the hypothesis that decentralization results in lower economic growth (in terms of population) is accepted. Since population decreases might have a stronger effect on the economy of rural counties, a spatial marginalization hypothesis is accepted with caution. Crime rates and population density have a significant effect on economic growth but amenities and income show no effect. All other variables show mixed effects on growth.
Advisors/Committee Members: Kraybill, David S.
Subjects: Economics, Agricultural
Keywords: Fiscal decentralization; Economic growth; Welfare; County government
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29.
Yamokoski, Alexis.
Wealth inequality: effects of gender, marital status, and parenthood on asset accumulation.
Degree: Doctor of Philosophy, Sociology, 2007, Ohio State University
► Since the late 1970s, researchers find that an increasingly large percentage of…
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▼ Since the late 1970s, researchers find that an increasingly large percentage of the economically disadvantaged are women, a fact contributing to a severe gender gap in income attainment. Most research on poverty and gender inequality focuses on salaries and wages as the primary proxy for evaluating economic well-being. However, earned income fluctuates greatly and may not provide an accurate picture of the economic welfare of an individual over time. In contrast, wealth – understood as the value of person’s assets less their debts – captures long-term economic security. I broaden current research on gender and family status inequalities by using wealth as a measure of economic welfare. My research explores the joint effects of gender, marital status, and parenthood on net worth of economic assets and portfolio behavior in order to understand whether in the United States the feminization of the disadvantaged and the pauperization of motherhood extend to wealth. Further, to gain greater insight into the parental gap in wealth inequality, I focus on the timing of fertility behavior, specifically examining the effects of teen parenthood, adult parenthood, and childlessness on adult wealth for young baby boomers, born between 1957 and 1964.My analyses are based on the National Longitudinal Survey of Youth between 1979 and 2000. I find that young baby boomers’ marital status and parental status are very strong predictors of adult wealth. Overall, the discovered patterns suggest that married couples have much greater wealth accumulation than single adults. I find evidence of a minimal to moderate gender gap in wealth accumulation for single adults. Moreover, when I control for parenthood, I find strong evidence of a family gap in net worth and portfolio behavior for single men and women. Single mothers and fathers are economically disadvantaged in comparison to adults without children, with single mothers suffering the most severe economic penalties. In addition, young baby boomers that had a child during their teenage years experience great financial burdens, which in turn lead to large disadvantages in wealth accumulation, reflecting a strong parental gap between teen parents, adult parents, and those who never had a child.
Advisors/Committee Members: Slomzcynski, Kazimierz M.
Subjects: Sociology, General
Keywords: gender, women, wealth, inequality, divorce, marriage, teen parenthood
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30.
Yamokoski, Cynthia A.
ABC's of Suicidology: The Role of Affect in Suicidal Behaviors and Cognitions.
Degree: Doctor of Philosophy, Counseling Psychology, 2006, University of Akron
► The study of affect and cognition has been important in understanding suicide;…
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▼ The study of affect and cognition has been important in understanding suicide; however, the research and literature historically have placed more emphasis upon cognitive factors. Clearly, cognitive processes play a significant role in suicidal thoughts and behaviors, but it is also important to increase the focus on affect. There is support for the role of affect and the fact that cognition and affect combine with one another to impact suicidal behaviors. These findings may be advanced through the application of a theoretical model of affect in order to gain insight into the manner in which cognition and affect specifically relate to one another to impact suicidal thoughts and behaviors. Other goals of the current study were to examine the relationship between affect and cognition in suicidal individuals, to determine if different patterns of affect exist for different subtypes of suicidal individuals (i.e., no suicidality, suicidal ideation only, suicidal behaviors), and to assess the unique role of affect in relation to cognition. Participants in this study (n = 104) completed a series of questionnaires to measure suicidal thoughts and behaviors, hopelessness and affect. Results supported the hypothesis that positive affect and negative affect were related to suicidal thoughts and behaviors, and it was found that negative affect plays a more important role. Statistical analyses did not support the hypothesis that there were different patterns of affect for the various forms of suicidal behaviors, but visual analysis of graphs offered preliminary support for some unique patterns. An additional result of this study was that affect accounted for a significant amount of the variance in suicidal ideation, but not suicidal behaviors, above the cognitive variable of hopelessness. This means that it is important to study both cognitive and affect variables in order to gain more understanding about suicidal ideation. Some implications of this study are that therapists may gain more information about suicidal thoughts and behaviors if they assess both positive and negative affect, and it is possible that incorporating affect may enhance treatment outcomes. Follow up research is required to test these implications. In conclusion, affect is important to study in relationship to suicide, and it may provide additional information not gleaned from the more customary focus upon cognition in the suicide literature.
Advisors/Committee Members: Scheel, Karen R.
Subjects: Psychology, Clinical
Keywords: suicide; affect; circumplex model
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