In this thesis, a cost based process control model is formulated. A dynamic programming approach is used and along with the techniques of Bayesian decision theory, an optimal set of steady state control policies are shown to exist which are dependent upon prior beliefs about the condition of the process. It is the objective of this thesis to compare the results obtained from this approach to those of an X̅ control chart approach. The model proposed by Knappenberger and Grandage [20] is used as a basis for comparison. Numerical examples are used to illustrate each procedure. The results obtained illustrate that by using the operating policies specified by the dynamic approach, a savings of from 29% to 40% in the optimal cost per unit to operate the quality control procedure can be achieved rather than utilizing the policies of the X̅ control chart model. / Master of Science

The data gathered for this exploratory study of parental influence on mate selection supported the thesis that parents influence their childrens' mate selection. Fifty married university students were interviewed and fifty-five of their parents returned mailed questionnaires. Although students indicated that they, themselves, had chosen their spouses, seventy per cent of the students perceived parental influence on their choice of mate. Thirty-six per cent of the parents felt that they had influenced their childrens' choice of a spouse. It was postulated that parents through socialization and by acting as validators of their childrens' choices--by encouraging approved matches and discouraging opposed matches, exerted influence. Three types of influence were found which were classified according to BurKess' typology of parental influence: controlling of social contacts, opposition to disapproved matches, and the child's conscious desire to choose a mate his or her parents would approve. In these ways, by determining an appropriate field of eligibles, the parents directly and indirectly had input into their childrens' choice of mates. The great majority of parents met the individuals dated and/ or courted by their children. Of these parents, most approved of the individuals met; if they disapproved they communicated their feelings very overtly. The “individual choice" explorations of mate selection are questioned, and it is suggested that a study with a larger representative sample be undertaken to ascertain parental influence on mate selection for the population. / Master of Science

The project included surface runoff and groundwater drainage measurements in addition to determinations of physical and chemical characteristics from three watersheds located within the same drainage basin in Montgomery County, Virginia. Watershed number 1 included 80 acres of heavily forested land; number 2 consisted of 50 acres of pasture land and approximately 0.1 acre of barren land; and number 3 included 20 acres of brush land and steep embankments adjoining a paved highway. The research period covered from March 15 to July 1, 1974. Dry weather groundwater drainage was sampled on four separate occasions. Surface runoff was sampled during five storms. A single composite sample was made from individual samples taken periodically from each watershed. The amount of rainfall which was present as runoff from watershed number 3 averaged over 85 percent and was much greater than that from the other two watersheds. Significant concentrations of TKN and N0₃-N were found in both groundwater drainage and surface runoff from all three watersheds. Steep embankments contributed the largest amount of TKN, N0₃-N, and COD, averaging 0.290, 0.203, and 19.2 lb/acre respectively in surface runoff. Pasture and barren land contributed the most total phosphorus and suspended matter, with values averaging 0.084 lb/acre P0₄-P and 167 lb/acre SS. / Master of Science

Media containing Weblite were compared to various media for its effectiveness in germination, plant growth and rooting. The 2M media were compared by determining the percentage germination and the dry weight after U2 days of Lycopersicon esculentum cv Better Boy, grown to transplant size. These media were composed of various proportions and combinations of Weblite, vermiculite, Jiffy Mix, peat moss and sand. The available moisture, porosity,field capacity and permanent wilting point of these 2b media were determined. This information was compared with the results from the germination and growth study of tomato plants. Weblite was a constituent of the seven best media for germination. Tomato plants grown in media containing vermiculite had the highest dry weights. Chrysanthemum morifolium cv Sunny Mandalay stem cuttings were rooted in six media. These media were composed of various proportions and combinations of sand, peat moss, Weblite, and perlite. Their root system and foliage condition were evaluated 18 days later. Weblite was significantly better in rooting Chrysanthemums than the six other media.Dianthus caroyphyllus cv Caribe stem cuttings were rooted in nine media. These media were composed of various proportions and combinations of sand, peat moss, Weblite. perlite, and vermiculite. Their roots, stem and foliage condition were evaluated 26 days later. The best root system developed in media with vermiculite as its main constituent. / Master of Science

Effects of electrostatic fields on insects were studied using cabbage loopers, Trichoplusia ni (Hubner) and houseflies, Musca domestica L. Two series of tests were conducted; one to determine the electrostatic field effect on the locational preference and the other to determine the field effect on wingbeat. Among the field gradients examined (250, 500, 750, 1000, 1250, 1500 v/crn), those with 750 v/cm and up had significant influence on the locational preference of houseflies at the five percent significance level. With a choice between two regions, having no field and with field at an e.f.i. of 750 v/cm, houseflies preferred to be in the field. For gradients above 750 v/cm the houseflies preferred the region with no field. Electrostatic fields with gradients 500, 750, 1000, 1250, and 1500 v/cm had significant effect on the wingbeat frequency of male cabbage loopers and no effect on females. The change in wingbeat among males was found to increase linearly with increasing e.f.i. Removal of part or full antenna did not effect the response of loopers to electrostatic fields. / Master of Science

The capability of the activated sludge process to operate with sea water included in the influent substrate. Sea water was added at various percentages from 5-40. The study concluded that from a biological standpoint the activated sludge process could operate successfully. However, rapid settling problems because of a build up of total solids became the limiting factor. / Master of Science

This study investigated the effectiveness of teaching basic food safety principles by programmed instruction for consumers. A linear-type programmed text was developed and evaluated. The difference between initial behavior and terminal behavior of subjects using the programmed text was assessed in relation to the terminal objectives of the programmed material. The terminal objectives of the programmed material were expressed in a criterion test used as a pretest and post-test. The criterion test and programmed text were administered to 2 groups of consumers consisting of 20 subjects and 17 subjects, respectively. A positive change in scores between the pretest and post-test was significant at the 0.001 level for both groups. The error rate of the programmed text was within the specified 10 per cent level. The maximum time required to complete the programmed text was estimated to be 1 hour. The results obtained indicated that food safety could be taught effectively to consumers through programmed instruction. / Master of Science

This thesis describes the system of timber limits used in Canada's Quebec Province and the methods of wood transportation associated with it. Each of these wood-transportation methods is weighed, and its future under the New Land-Management System proposed by the Department of Lands and Forests is assessed. This New Land-Management System is analyzed, primarily from the viewpoint of wood transportation. The base of a transportation model using linear programming is introduced. The supply sources are defined, and the method of calculating the allowable cut of timber is presented. The wood industries which produce chips are considered as supply sources additional to roundwood from the forests. For the purpose of this paper, the demand sources or destinations are the 59 pulp and paper mills presently operating in Quebec. The proposed transportation model would be subject to some exogenous constraints. These are political constraints--e.g., laws governing transportation; economic constraints, which include wood coming from the private forests; social constraints, such as those imposed by the desirability of maintaining employment in each community; and the constraints introduced by forest fires, insects, and diseases. Methods for handling these constraints are discussed. / Master of Science

The mixed oak-pine cover type was evaluated as white-tailed deer range on four study areas by measuring dry matter production of key forages and determining their nutrient composition. Composite diets containing plant species which represented the major portions of each seasonal diet as indicated by food habits studies, were mixed for the summer, fall and winter seasons. For the spring flush and spring seasons, individual key forages were analysed. All samples were assayed for soluble carbohydrates, lignin, phosphorus, gross energy, proximate composition, and in vitro dry matter digestibility. Digestible energy production in kcal/ha/day was calculated seasonally for key forages. The ratios of digestible energy available in key forages to that required by the estimated deer herd were 3.01, 5.94, 0.96, 2.14, and 1.23, for the spring flush, spring, summer, fall, and winter, respectively. These ratios indicate the potential of the study areas to support the estimated population density of 1 deer per 16.4 ha. The mixed oak-pine cover type appears to be adequate to support the estimated deer herd if 50 percent of the key forages are consumed seasonally but inadequate if only 25 percent are used. During all seasons, forage protein appeared to be adequate and phosphorus was possibly lower than that required for optimal animal performance. / Master of Science

M. S.