SEMI-CONTINUOUS AEROSOL CARBON MEASUREMENTS : ADDRESSING ATMOSPHERIC PROCESSES OF LOCAL AND GLOBAL CONCERN

Lim, Ho Jin Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey 2001 해외박사

Time-resolved ambient particulate organic (OC) and elemental carbon (EC) data measured in Atlanta, GA during the 1999 Atlanta Supersite Experiment and over the Northwestern Pacific Ocean during ACE-Asia were investigated to determine the temporal and spatial trends of atmospheric carbonaceous aerosol affecting local to global-scale processes, to examine the relative contributions of primary and secondary OC to measured particulate OC, and to evaluate the state-of-science for time-resolved aerosol carbon measurements. Mean 1-hr average concentrations (ranges in parentheses) of PM2.5 OC, EC, and total carbon in the summertime urban polluted area of Atlanta during the Atlanta study were 8.3 (3.6-15.8), 2.3 (0.3-9.6), and 10.6 (4.6-24.6) μgC m^(-3), respectively, based on Rutgers University/OGI in-situ thermal-optical carbon analyzer measurements. In contrast, background OC and EC concentrations over the Pacific Ocean during ACE-Asia were 0.21 and 0.09 μgC m^(-3), respectively. The highest total carbon concentration during ACE-Asia (5.3 μgC m^(-3)) was measured over the East Sea (Sea of Japan) and was comparable to the lowest summertime concentrations in Atlanta. The low OC/EC ratio of 2.5 over the background Pacific Ocean relative to 3.7 in polluted marine environmentsnear East Asia coupled with backward trajectory results suggests a longer lifetime for EC relative to OC. Carbonaceous matter (organic material 40%; EC 8%) comprised about 48% of PM2.5 mass in Atlanta. Secondary OC was estimated to contribute approximately 46% of measured particulate OC with 1-hr average contributions between 24 and 88 %. Distinctive diurnal and weekly patterns of PM2.5 EC concentrations in Atlanta that are similar to traffic patterns in the area and the close tracking of EC and estimated primary OC concentrations to changes in CO concentrations indicate that vehicle emissions were the dominant contributor to measured EC and primary OC concentrations. Secondary OC concentrations in Atlanta were influenced by "fresh" secondary organic aerosol formed by photochemical reactions locally in the early afternoons as seen in the Los Angeles air basin and "aged" secondary organic aerosol transported from upwind regions. The vertical transport of upper air to ground level and the favorable partitioning of semivolatile organic compounds to the particulate phase driven by temperature decreases and relative humidity increases at night are the most probable explanation for observed nocturnal jumps of secondary OC and ozone concentrations. The good performance of the in-situ thermal-optical carbon analyzer in urban and remote environments and the much better agreement among several semi-continuous methods in Atlanta than among integrated methods suggest that time-resolved articulate OC and EC measurements provide more reliable particulate OC and EC data in the atmosphere than integrated filter sampling.

An exploration of instructional practices, problems, and alternatives in general English courses in Madras (Chennai) University, India

Seetharaman, Sundari Rutgers The State University of New Jersey - New B 2003 해외박사(DDOD)

소속기관이 구독 중이 아닌 경우 오후 4시부터 익일 오전 9시까지 원문보기가 가능합니다.

Discontinuity between the preparation of professors teaching General English at Madras University, India, and their students' academic and linguistic background produces frustration for these educators, and failure for the students. To explore instructional alternatives that might alleviate the situation, a questionnaire was prepared to secure quantitative (close-ended items) and qualitative (comments) data on three questions: (1) What are the current instructional practices of college instructors? (2) What are their instructional problems? (3) What are potential ways of improving instruction?. The first two queries sought descriptive data on the setting—Madras University—and the sample population—one hundred General English professors; the last evaluated the subjects' receptivity to research proposed instructional alternatives. The instrument was administered on site by a professional surveyor and returned to the researcher with a 100% completion rate. Quantitative data analysis revealed the subjects' tendency to perpetuate traditional teaching practices, while showing significant receptivity to instructional innovations. Qualitative data analysis confirmed their desire for change, but one initiated in the university system and the antecedents of at-risk students, not in their own instructional practices. Clearly, the respondents (99 out of 100) had not internalized the alternative strategies listed in the questionnaire (or in previous workshops). However, their openness to these suggestions pointed to potential benefits in field-testing a comprehensive training program on instructional alternatives, to determine their effect on student learning. Meanwhile, it was concluded that General English instructors needed to take charge of their own professional development in order to equalize educational opportunities for disadvantaged students.

Using multiple-possibility physics problems in introductory physics courses

Shekoyan, Vazgen Rutgers The State University of New Jersey - New B 2009 해외박사(DDOD)

소속기관이 구독 중이 아닌 경우 오후 4시부터 익일 오전 9시까지 원문보기가 가능합니다.

I have explored the instructional value of using multiple-possibility problems (MPPs) in introductory physics courses. MPPs are different from problems we most often encounter in textbooks. They are different from regular problems since (1) they have missing information, vaguely defined goals or unstated constrains, (2) they possess multiple solutions with multiple criteria for evaluating the solutions, (3) they present uncertainty about which concepts, rules, and principles are necessary for the solution or how they are organized. Real-life problems and professional problems are MPPs. Students rarely encounter such problems in introductory physics courses. Kitchener (1983) proposed a three-level model of cognitive processing to categorize the thinking steps one makes when faced with such problems (cognition, metacognition, epistemic cognition). The critical and distinctive component of MPP solving is epistemic cognition. At that level individuals reflect on the limits of knowing, the certainty of knowing, the underlying assumptions made. It is an important part of thinking in real life. Firstly, I developed and tested a coding scheme for measuring epistemic cognition. Using the coding scheme I compared the epistemic cognition level of experts and novices by conducting think-aloud problem-solving interviews with them. Although experts had higher epistemic cognition level than novices, I documented some instances where a novice showed an expert-like epistemic cognition. I found that prompting question during interviews were 50% effective for students. Secondly, I tested the following two hypotheses by conducting two experimental design and one pre-post treatment design investigations in an algebra-based physics course at Rutgers University: Hypothesis 1: Solving MPPs enhances students' epistemic cognition; Hypothesis 2: Solving MPPs engages students in more meaningful problem solving and thus helps them construct a better conceptual understanding of physics. I found supporting evidence for both hypotheses. Although not all of my studies produced the results that would unquestionably support the hypotheses strongly, I can say that they show much promise for the use of MPPs in introductory physics courses. I have also created a bank of MPPs freely available for use.

Genetic control of rhizome formation and rapid tillering rate in tall fescue

Saxena, Priti Rutgers The State University of New Jersey - New B 2014 해외박사(DDOD)

소속기관이 구독 중이 아닌 경우 오후 4시부터 익일 오전 9시까지 원문보기가 가능합니다.

Tall fescue [Lolium arundinaceum, (Schreb.) Darbysh.] is commonly known as a bunch type cool season turfgrass that spreads primarily by erect tillers. Some genotypes in tall fescue were found to have rhizomes or rapidly spreading tillers. The rapid tillering types produce lateral tillers that allow the plants to spread faster laterally and produce higher number of tillers. Rhizome formation has been reported to improve the recuperative ability from mechanical damage, extend persistence under drought and temperature extremes, and enhance sod strength. Rapid tillering improves turf density, spreading ability, wear tolerance and compactness in tall fescue. The determination of the genetic control of growth habit in tall fescue is important to allow the breeders to improve the rhizome and tillering characteristics in tall fescue. The objectives of this dissertation were to: (i) study the effects of photoperiod and temperature on the rhizome formation and tillering rate, (ii) estimate the general and specific combining abilities of tall fescue parents for rhizome formation, rapid tillering rate and ground coverage (iii) to estimate the narrow sense heritability using progeny regression analysis for rhizome formation, rapid tillering rate and ground coverage, (iv) to calculate Pearson correlation coefficient between rhizome formation, rapid tillering and ground coverage, and between NDVI and rapid tillering in tall fescue, (v) Comparison between commercial cultivars and experimental breeding populations of tall fescue for rhizome formation, rapid tillering and ground coverage. The effects of environmental conditions were estimated on the growth habits of tall fescue in growth chambers with different photoperiods and day/night temperature combinations. The response of rhizome and tiller development to temperature and photoperiod varied with genotypes; longer photoperiod appeared to promote rhizome formation, regardless of temperature while lower temperature stimulated rapid tiller production in tall fescue. A diallel and polycross mating design were employed to estimate the role of additive and non-additive gene effects on the rhizome formation, rapid tillering and ground coverage in tall fescue. The field experiment was conducted at Rutgers Plant Science and Extension Research Station, Adelphia, NJ. Data were analyzed for number of rhizomes per plant, rapid tillering (number of tillers per 7.62 cm plug) and ground coverage (average of length and breadth (cm)) for analysis of variance, narrow sense heritability, general combining ability and specific combining ability, and correlation coefficient. The progenies from the rhizome parents were highest for rhizome formation whereas progenies from rapid tillering types x bunch type parents showed significant rapid tillering rate and ground coverage. Narrow sense heritability estimates for rhizome formation were low, moderately high for rapid tillering and very high for ground coverage. The combining ability analysis showed that rhizome formation was influenced by both additive and non-additive gene effects whereas tillering rate and ground coverage were controlled mainly by additive gene effects. Significant negative correlation was found between rapid tillering and rhizome formation whereas a positive correlation was found between rapid tillering and ground coverage. No correlation was found between rhizome formation and ground coverage. High correlation was found between rapid tillering and NDVI indicating that remote sensing techniques can accurately estimate tiller density in tall fescue. Another study comparing tall fescue commercial cultivars, new Rutgers's populations and introduced Moroccan accessions for rhizome formation, rapid tillering and ground coverage was also conducted at the Rutgers Plant Science and Extension Research Station, Adelphia, NJ. The results showed significant genotypic variations between entries. Moroccan accessions had higher mean values for rhizome formation followed by Rutgers's populations: PSG 8Az Rh, and cultivars: Ky-31, Grande, and Jaguar 3. The rapid tillering and ground coverage were greatest in the Rutgers's populations: CCRI, LSD Comp, Regenerate and TPC; and cultivars: Turbo TF, Falcon V, and Shenandoah III. A significantly negative correlation coefficient was obtained between rhizome formation and rapid tillering over all the entries indicating with increase in rhizome formation, the rapid tillering rate decreased or vice-versa. Similarly, a significant negative correlation coefficient was found between rhizome formation and ground coverage over all the entries. However, a significant positive correlation coefficient was found between rapid tillering and ground coverage indicating that with an increase in rapid tillering, ground coverage increased in tall fescue. The results showed genotypic and phenotypic differences in tall fescue growth habit and illustrated considerable need to improve tall fescue to enhance rhizome formation and rapid tillering rate in tall fescue. Based on the presence of the additive genetic variance in the population, phenotypic recurrent selection should improve the rapid tillering and rhizome formation in tall fescue. The genetic variations present in tall fescue for the different growth habits would aid in development of superior tall fescue cultivars and its utility in different regions.

Investigating the use of the clinical interview method in an elementary mathematics methods course

Arias Pablopulos, Cecilia Carolina Rutgers The State University of New Jersey - New B 2015 해외박사(DDOD)

소속기관이 구독 중이 아닌 경우 오후 4시부터 익일 오전 9시까지 원문보기가 가능합니다.

Increased focus on the preparation of early childhood educators (AMTE, 2010; NCTM, 2000; USDOE, 2002), underscores the importance of providing prospective teachers with experiences that will help them to become more aware of children's mathematical thinking. One type of experience, the focus of this study, involves using the clinical interview method (Piaget, 1952). The six prospective teachers reported on here were enrolled in a mathematics methods course offered at Rutgers University - Newark, during Fall 2008. The prospective teachers utilized VITAL (Video Interactions for Teaching and Learning) software, designed by Columbia University's Center for New Media Teaching and Learning. VITAL is an online repository of clinical interview videos, along with other videos, of young children engaged in mathematical activities (Sorkin & Preston, 2010). As part of the course requirements, the prospective teachers provided weekly reflections about children's mathematical thinking using VITAL. In addition, they were required to plan, conduct, and reflect on their own clinical interviews with young children. The following research questions guided this study: (1) in what ways did the prospective teachers' observations about young children's mathematical thinking change, if at all? (1a) How did their observations and reflections on children's errors, as seen in the VITAL videos, change throughout the semester? (1b) How did their observations and reflection, as seen in their own clinical interviews, change throughout the semester? (2) What, if any, general observations and insights did the prospective teachers have about the use of the clinical interview method?. Results indicate that the prospective teachers were able to describe and provide explanations for children's mathematical thinking in VITAL and in their own clinical interviews with children. They noted instances where children made mathematical errors and tried to understand the errors by providing a variety of explanations: confusion with learned algorithms, children's reluctance to admit their errors, and child's developmental level, for example. Moreover, they documented when appropriate follow-up questions allowed children to consider their errors. Results from this dissertation add to the research base documenting the use of the clinical interview method as a tool for helping prospective teachers reflect on young children's mathematical thinking.

Conceptions and practice of information literacy in academic libraries: Espoused theories and theories-in-use

Kerr, Paulette A Rutgers The State University of New Jersey - New B 2010 해외박사(DDOD)

소속기관이 구독 중이 아닌 경우 오후 4시부터 익일 오전 9시까지 원문보기가 가능합니다.

This research was conducted to investigate the relationships between conceptions and practice of information literacy in academic libraries. To create a structure for the investigation, the research adopted the framework of Argyris and Schon (1974) in which professional practice is examined via theories of action, namely espoused theories and theories-in-use. Espoused theories were examined by investigating understandings and beliefs of information literacy and learning as seen in a range of policy documents including mission and goal statements of eleven academic libraries as well as those of their parent universities. These libraries were recognized by the academic library community for exemplary instruction resources. Theories-in-use were identified by analyzing information literacy practice via online tutorials utilized by these libraries in instruction initiatives. These documents and representations of practice were augmented by semi-structured interviews conducted with practitioners of information literacy education in these libraries. A constant comparison approach (Strauss & Corbin, 1998) was used to develop broad themes, subcategories and statements of claims from these multiple data sources. Meta-claims developed provided rich descriptions towards a comprehensive, holistic picture of information literacy education. The research findings establish that information literacy education in the selected academic libraries is multi-dimensional, complex, and contradictory. The analysis revealed (1) explicit espoused theories of information literacy which coalesce around themes of knowledge creation and lifelong learning; (2) varied, less explicit and sometimes conflicting theories-in-use which emphasize engagement with information sources; (3) ad hoc levels of congruence in the relationships between espoused theories and theories-in-use as indicated by the few successful attempts to realize goals and outcomes in instruction initiatives; (4) major contradictions and incongruence in the relationships between the espoused theories and theories-in-use as indicated by significant gaps in addressing goals and missions; (5) enablers and barriers to achieving effective practice; 6) emergent trends in information literacy practice. Implications for practice include issues of pedagogy and instruction design towards consistency and congruence. The study suggests areas for future research. The research process is presented as a model and tool for evaluating varied dimensions of information literacy practice including multiple online resources and classroom initiatives.

Utilizing Video Analytics to Examine the Role of Representations in Problem Solving Across Grade Bands

Horwitz, Kenneth A Rutgers The State University of New Jersey - New B 2016 해외박사(DDOD)

소속기관이 구독 중이 아닌 경우 오후 4시부터 익일 오전 9시까지 원문보기가 가능합니다.

This study uses RUanalytics to examine the representations created by fourth and eighth grade students' work in solving open-ended activities of comparing and ordering fractions on a number line and finding surface area and volume of various models of stacked Cuisenaire rods. This research study has developed from data collected from a longitudinal and cross sectional study of two focus groups of students, conducted at Rutgers University. The research reported here builds on this earlier work by using video clips and full video to construct video narratives of student learning. The methodology of this study is based on the viewing and analysis of archived video data, student transcripts and the creation of three RUanalytics, two showing problem solving of fourth graders and a third of eight graders. The video data were analyzed according to the model by Powell, Francisco and Maher (2003). The methodology was extended to include building video narratives with the RUanalytic tool. The study was guided by a single research question: What representations do fourth and eighth grade students use to express their ideas in problem solving? As the fourth-grade students transitioned from operator to number understanding of fraction, they used a variety of representations in their problem solving: manipulatives, pictorial, written, symbolic, imagistic and spoken language. Eight-grade students also used manipulative, pictorial, written, symbolic notation, imagistic, experiential and spoken language to represent their data when working to find a formula for the surface area and volume of rods and stacked rods. By using a variety of representations and moving between and among them, students uncovered important mathematical ideas and relationships in their problem solving. This research provides evidence of the importance of open-ended problem solving tasks in which students have an opportunity to call upon a variety of personal representations to explore their ideas prior to formal instruction. By tracking student representations in problem solving, the RUanalytics show, students growing understanding of rational number ideas and early algebra concepts.

Statistical mechanical modeling: Computer simulations, analysis and applications

Subramanian, Balakrishna Rutgers The State University of New Jersey - New B 2001 해외박사(DDOD)

소속기관이 구독 중이 아닌 경우 오후 4시부터 익일 오전 9시까지 원문보기가 가능합니다.

This thesis describes the applications of statistical mechanical models and tools, especially computational techniques to the study of several problems in science. We study in chapter 2, various properties of a non-equilibrium cellular automaton model, the Toom model. We obtain numerically the exponents describing the fluctuations of the interface between the two stable phases of the model. In chapter 3, we introduce a binary alloy model with three-body potentials. Unlike the usual Ising-type models with two-body interactions, this model is not symmetric in its components. We calculate the exact low temperature phase diagram using Pirogov-Sinai theory and also find the mean-field equilibrium properties of this model. We then study the kinetics of phase segregation following a quenching in this model. We find that the results are very similar to those obtained for Ising-type models with pair interactions, indicating universality. In chapter 4, we discuss the statistical properties of “Contact Maps”. These maps, are used to represent three-dimensional structures of proteins in modeling problems. We find that this representation space has particular properties that make it a convenient choice. The maps representing native folds of proteins correspond to compact structures which in turn correspond to maps with low degeneracy, making it easier to translate the map into the detailed 3-dimensional structure. The early stage of formation of a river network is described in Chapter 5 using quasi-random spanning trees on a square lattice. We observe that the statistical properties generated by these models are quite similar (better than some of the earlier models) to the empirical laws and results presented by geologists for real river networks. Finally, in chapter 6 we present a brief note on our study of the problem of progression of heterogeneous breast tumors. We investigate some of the possible pathways of progression based on the traditional notions of DCIS (Ductal Carcinoma in Situ) being a precursor of IDC (Invasive Ductal Carcinoma). We provide quantitative evidence about the fact that the traditional notion of progression might not be correct.

Male gender role strain, coping, and college adjustment

Stanzione, Doreen Rutgers The State University of New Jersey - New B 2005 해외박사(DDOD)

소속기관이 구독 중이 아닌 경우 오후 4시부터 익일 오전 9시까지 원문보기가 가능합니다.

As approximately one third of students leave college without a degree (U.S. Department of Education, 2003), the examination of factors contributing to college adjustment is warranted. This study used a mediation model to investigate the relationship between Male Gender Role Strain, Coping, and College Adjustment. A total of 195 18--23 year old male freshman and sophomore students were recruited from a psychology subject pool at a large eastern US state university. It was hypothesized that Coping would be a mediating factor between Male Gender Role Strain and College Adjustment. It was predicted that male students showing higher evidence of Male Gender Role Strain would demonstrate poorer adjustment to college than those experiencing less Male Gender Role Strain. It was also believed that those experiencing higher levels of Male Gender Role Strain would demonstrate poorer coping that, in turn, relates to poorer college adjustment. Five instruments were used to assess these hypotheses: The Gender Role Conflict Scale (GRCS) (O'Neil, Helms, Gable, David, & Wrightsman, 1986), Masculine Gender Role Stress Scale (MGRS) (Eisler & Skidmore, 1987), The Ways of Coping Questionnaire (WCQ) (Folkman & Lazarus, 1988), The COPE (Carver, Scheier, & Weintraub, 1989), and The Student Adaptation to College Questionnaire (SACQ) (Baker & Siryk, 1984). Analyses used included correlations and regressions with tests for mediation. Some support was found for several aspects of Coping mediating Male Gender Role Strain and College Adjustment. In particular, avoidant coping processes mediated the emotional restriction aspect of Male Gender Role Strain and adjustment to college. The prediction that students demonstrating higher levels of Gender Role Strain would display poorer college adjustment was supported. Emotional restriction was significantly related to poorer academic, social, and personal/emotional adjustment in participants. It was also found that students with higher levels of gender role strain demonstrated poorer coping including more avoidant processes. The findings of this study suggest that early intervention with students who are most likely to use avoidant strategies and isolate themselves may ease the college transition.

Jetting Through the Primordial Universe

Kunnawalkam Elayavalli, Raghav Rutgers The State University of New Jersey - New B 2017 해외박사(DDOD)

소속기관이 구독 중이 아닌 경우 오후 4시부터 익일 오전 9시까지 원문보기가 가능합니다.

Collisions of heavy ion nuclei at relativistic speeds (close to the speed of light), sometimes referred to as the "little bang", can recreate conditions similar to the early universe. This high temperature and very dense form of matter, now known to consist of de-confined quarks and gluons is named the quark gluon plasma (QGP). An early signature of the QGP, both theorized and seen in experiments, was the aspect of "jet quenching" and understanding that phenomenon will be the main focus of this thesis. The concept behind quenching is that a high energetic quark or gluon jet undergoes significant energy loss due to the overall structure modifications related to its fragmentation and radiation patterns as it traverses the medium. The term jet, parameterized by a fixed lateral size or the jet radius, represents the collimated spray of particles arising from an initial parton. In this thesis, Run1 experimental data from pp and heavy ion collisions at the CERN LHC is analyzed with the CMS detector. Analysis steps involved in the measurement of the inclusive jet cross section in pp, pPb and PbPb systems are outlined in detail. The pp jet cross section is compared with next to leading order theoretical calculations supplemented with non perturbative corrections for three different jet radii highlighting better comparisons for larger radii jets. Measurement of the jet yield followed by the nuclear modification factors in proton-lead at 5.02 TeV and lead-lead collisions at 2.76 TeV are presented. Since pp data at 5.02 TeV was not available in Run1, an extrapolation method is performed to derive a reference pp spectra. A new data driven technique is introduced to estimate and correct for the fake jet contribution in PbPb for low transverse momenta jets. The nuclear modification factors studied in this thesis show jet quenching to be attributed to final state effects, have a strong correlation to the event centrality, a weak inverse correlation to the jet transverse momenta and an apparent independence on the jet radii in the kinematic range studied. These measurements are compared with leading theoretical model calculations and other experimental results at the LHC leading to unanimous agreement on the qualitative nature of jet quenching. This thesis also features novel updates to the Monte Carlo heavy ion event generator JEWEL (Jet Evolution With Energy Loss) including the boson-jet production channels and also background subtraction techniques to reduce the effect of the thermal background. Keeping track of these jet-medium recoils in JEWEL due to the background subtraction techniques significantly improves its descriptions of several jet structure and sub-structure measurements at the LHC.