The ideals of a democratic society coupled with the vast expansiveness of the American landscape have led to settlement patterns within the urban environment that are distinctively American and non-traditional. The continual tension between principles of collective majority rule and rights of individual equality has led to an identifiable urban form that is neither city, with its collective characteristics, nor country, with its sense of individual freedom, but a vast middle landscape where the majority of Americans live, work, shop, and recreate. The current middle landscape has developed into a place where accommodation of the automobile, providing its sense of autonomous movement, dictates the form and order of the built environment. While investing great efforts toward the development of means of movement between places - the places themselves have been forgotten. The middle landscape, a legitimate urban form rooted in the history, culture, and natural environment of American city development, has become a place that is vastly scaled and oblivious to human existence. The thesis is an examination of this middle landscape with an attempt at the making of place within an otherwise place-less environment. / Master of Architecture

In the face of technological developments, economic demands, and cultural desires that can encourage buildings devoid of character and permanence, we need to look for attributes of architecture that evoke strength and elude the undulations of time. / Master of Architecture

By drawing upon the essential characteristics of a locality, an architect may, through reinterpretation, reconstitute a place. This occurs when mundane characteristics of a locality are reformulated in such a manner that their presence becomes significant. / Master of Architecture

Les inquiétudes excessives sont centrales au Trouble d'Anxiété Généralisée (TAG) (DSM-IV; American Psychiatrie Association, 1994). Au cours des dernières années, les chercheurs ont tenté d'identifier les principales caractéristiques de cette variable et de clarifier ses mécanismes de base (e.g. Borkovec et Roemer, 1995; Davez et Tallis, 1994; Dugas, Freeston, & Ladouceur, 1994). Selon certains chercheurs, l'Intolérance à l'Incertitude serait la principale variable impliquée dans l'acquisition et le maintien des inquiétudes dans le TAG (Dugas & Ladouceur, sous presse; Ladouceur, Freeston, & Dugas, 1993). L'Intolérance à l'Incertitude mènerait notamment à percevoir des problèmes qui n'existent pas objectivement et à s'investir dans des stratégies inefficaces de résolution de problèmes. Le rôle fondamental de l'incertitude dans l'anxiété d'appréhension a conduit bon nombre d'auteurs à inclure cette notion dans leur conceptualisation du TAG (Andrews & Borkovec, 1988; Dugas & Ladouceur, sous presse; Tallis & Eysenck, 1994) et de l'anxiété en général (Garber, Miller, & Abramson, 1980; Krohne, 1993). Cependant, ce n'est que récemment que l'Intolérance à l'Incertitude est étudiée de façon systématique dans le TAG. Une étude est présentée évaluant les liens entre l'Intolérance à l'Incertitude, l'état d'anxiété et les manifestations comportementales associées au TAG. Soixante sujets participent à l'étude. Quatre groupes sont formés selon le résultat au Questionnaire d'intolérance à l'Incertitude (Til ou ¿11) et selon la condition expérimentale (anxiété induite ou non induite). Les sujets effectuent trois tâches expérimentales ambiguës permettant l'observation de certaines manifestations comportementales du TAG telles que le doute et le nombre d'indices de certitude requis avant la prise de décision. Les résultats sont discutés en fonction d'une formulation cognitive-behaviorale du TAG et des plus récentes données dans ce domaine. Cette étude jette une lumière nouvelle sur les mécanismes propres à ce trouble et sur l'implication de l'Intolérance à l'Incertitude comme facteur de vulnérabilité cognitive.

La présente étude a poursuivi deux objectifs principaux: (1) déterminer l'influence sur l'intimité de cinq craintes intrapsychiques postulées par Feldman (1979) et (2) examiner le rôle potentiellement médiateur des craintes intrapsychiques dans la relation entre la psychopathologie et l'intimité. Ces évaluations ont tenu compte de l'influence sur l'intimité de six variables sociodémographiques. Deux objectifs secondaires ont été (1) de comparer les relations entre la psychopathologie, les craintes et l'intimité observées chez des individus suivis par un professionnel en santé mentale à celles observées chez des individus non consultants et (2) d'examiner l'influence du statut marital sur l'intimité et sur la présence de craintes auprès de ces mêmes groupes. Enfin, l'expérience de l'intimité est explorée selon une perspective phénoménologique. Les résultats de cette étude ont démontré que les craintes de se dévoiler, de la fusion et d'être attaqué contribuent significativement, bien que modestement, à la prédiction de l'intimité et que les craintes intrapsychiques n'exercent pas un rôle médiateur dans la relation entre la pathologie et l'intimité. De plus, le revenu, le sexe, la scolarité et le statut marital des participants contribuent également à la prédiction de l'intimité. Les relations entre la pathologie, les craintes et l'intimité ne s'avèrent pas significativement plus élevées chez les individus suivis par un professionnel en santé mentale que chez les individus non suivis. De même, le statut marital ne s'avère pas influencer significativement ni le niveau d'intimité ni la présence de craintes chez ces deux groupes. Enfin, l'analyse qualitative a révélé que l'intimité représente essentiellement une proximité affective où l'on se sent à l'aise de se révéler complètement.

Soybeans within a specific seed size range are often preferred for the manufacture of specialty soy products. This study examined the influence of row spacing and seeding rate on seed yield, average seed size, and seed size uniformity of Camp (small seeded) and V71-370 (large seeded) soybean cultivars [Glycine max (L.) Merr.]. Experiments were conducted in 1992 and 1993 at Kentland Farm near Blacksburg, Virginia. Row widths of 38 and 76 cm and seeding rates of 125, 250, 500, and 750 thousand seeds ha⁻¹ were used. Averaged over treatments, 38-cm row spacings yielded higher than 76-cm row spacing by 11.6%. Additionally, each increase in seeding rate resulted in increased yield up to 500,000 seeds ha and then leveled off. Yield of useful seed of Camp (total yield multiplied by the proportion of seed between 4.8 and 5.6 mm in diameter) was maximized at narrow row spacings and 500,000 seeds ha⁻¹. Neither row spacing nor seeding rate influenced V71-370 yield of usable seed (larger than 7.9 mm). Averaged over years and cultivars, soybean seed size was not influenced by row spacings or seeding rates. However, in 1993, smaller Camp seed was favored by narrow rows and low seeding rate. Seed size uniformity, as determined by analysis of variance of individual seed weights was, in general, not influenced by row spacing or seeding rates. In a separate investigation in 1992, heritabilities were estimated by two methods using plot data from two replications of lines from crosses of Camp with Jizuka, MD87L-0198, and Stafford soybean cultivars. Heritabilities based on F₃ progeny means regressed on F₂ parental means ranged from 24% to 41% and were lower than the corresponding heritability estimates based on analysis of variance which ranged from 43% to 83%. Correlations of seed size with other agronomic traits were generally low. Although low in magnitude, significant positive correlations of seed size with yield in some crosses might hinder progress of breeders when selecting for small-seeded, high yielding cultivars. / Ph. D.

Due to its relatively cool, humid summers, southwestern Virginia provides an ideal climate for European earwigs, Forficula auricularia. In 1990 - 1992, nymphs were captured in wooden groove-board traps beginning in late May, adults were captured beginning in mid-June, and disappeared from sampling sites by September or October. Sex ratios were significantly female-biased most of the season, becoming more marked by the fall. The pest status of F. auncularia is exacerbated by its gregarious nature. Gas chromatography-mass spectroscopy and accompanying behavioral bioassays showed that aggregation occurred as a result of a pheromone located on the male cuticle, which is probably a minor component of the hydrocarbon profile. Approximately 88% of the detected volatiles on the cuticle were identified as a series of normal and branched alkanes. Fatty acids and hydrocarbons were also identified in nymphal and adult legs, but these extracts were not attractive. Frass, which also contained fatty acids and hydrocarbons, was attractive, but likely acquired its attractancy through the earwigs' proclivity for consuming carcasses and exuviae. The defensive quinones produced by F aunculana repel conspecifics. A study of the behavioral repertoire of F. aunculana showed that, contrary to previous reports, only nymphs are nocturnal. Many differences in behavior were due to gender, age, and partner age. (e.g., females spent more time feeding than did males, adults fed more when paired with nymphs than when paired with adults). Social behaviors (communal feeding, aggression, contact, and dorsal palpation) comprised <10% of the insect's behavioral repertoire. Since dorsal palpation, a previously undescribed behavior and a form of allogrooming, occurred more frequently during reproductive periods, it may have a sexual significance. Dorsal palpation also may augment the distribution of defensive quinones on the cuticle of F. auricularia. An analysis of nymphal group dynamics demonstrated that as group size increased, nymphs spent significantly less time feeding alone and grooming, but more time resting. Antennal contact rates between group members increased significantly with group size. Detailed observations of the courtship and mating of F. auricularia revealed a complex of sexual behaviors for both males and females. Receptive females were behaviorally active during courtship. The significance of the male cerci was demonstrated by their use in early courtship with displays, and later use as a tactile stimulus for the female; and study of males from which the cerci had been removed, which showed no mating by amputated males. Male forcep length was bimodally distributed and positively allometric, while female forcep length was normally distributed. Males with longer forceps did not have a mating advantage. Further research is needed to identify the chemical composition of the aggregation pheromone, and to quantify any advantages of body and forcep size on mating success. / Ph. D.

The purposes of this study were to examine how a voluntary compliance school uniform policy was implemented at a public elementary school, what the results of the implementation were, and why the policy was rescinded. Utilizing a descriptive case study design, data were collected through document collection and interviews with a minimum sample (N = 25) of teachers, parents, and administrators who most intensely manifested an interest in the school uniform policy. Through interviewing the minimum sample, an additional information-rich sample (N = 2) was identified. Data were organized utilizing summary sheets and pattern coding, and matrices were used to display data and draw conclusions. Findings were presented in full narrative text and display, and conclusions were drawn from the data and the empirical framework established in the conceptual framework. An analysis of data indicated that the organization's adoption and implementation decisions were decentralized decisions in which decisions were shared by a wide variety of stakeholders. Individual decisions to adopt or reject occurred through the diffusion of information between and among opinion leaders and interpersonal networks. A "moderate plan" for implementation was in place, and the organization utilized regular feedback to reshape and develop the uniform policy. Initial compliance rates averaged 70%, and findings showed that no measurable outcomes were evident from the effects of uniforms. Initial compliance rates waned to a range between 30% and 40%; however, findings indicated that the decline was due to a variety of reasons other than outright rejection of the policy. As compliance waned, power and conflict were strategically used to create a dominant view and to influence rescission of the policy. The undesirable and unanticipated consequences of the policy outweighed those of the desirable and anticipated, and the policy was rescinded. / Ed. D.

Several decades of study have shown that school reform is a difficult process. Sharing the decision-making in a school and changing a school’s culture appear to be areas that promise some hope for making school reform a reality. It was the intent of this study to examine the use of action research in one school setting in addressing a school problem and its effectiveness in bringing about school reform or renewal. Data for the study were obtained from the investigator’s field notes and from participants’ journal entries, anonymous reflections, surveys, transcripts of meetings, and documents produced during the study. The investigator assumed both a participant and observer role in the study thus allowing an insider’s view of the process. Multiple sources of evidence and triangulation of data assured reasonable validity to the study. The results of this study indicated that action research is a vehicle to use to cross the disciplines in addressing a school problem. Action research 1s an effective route to increased collegiality, and professional and personal growth. It is a means of sharing leadership within a school. Although action research does not necessarily mean immediate student outcomes will be realized, it does have the potential for long-term change. This form of examining a school’s values and beliefs has implications for changing a school’s culture and thus leading to more long lasting reform. / Ed. D.

This study describes the students, educators, and programmatic thrusts of travel and tourism education programs at the public high school level in the United States. Specifically, it looked at 39 educators in 30 high school travel and tourism programs. Reviewing literature revealed that descriptions of these programs did not exist. Therefore, this study is exploratory in nature. The research population included regular members of the Society of Travel and Tourism Educators (STTE) and the Council for Hospitality, Restaurant, and Institutional Education (CHRIE). Questionnaires were mailed to a total of 87 members who were active in 1994. A total of 39 or 45% of the members were included in the data. The data were transcribed for statistical analysis; frequency and percentages were employed to describe these students, educators and programmatic thrusts. Based on the data the following conclusions were reached: 1. Travel and tourism programs at the secondary school level utilize articulation agreements; 2. The location of secondary school travel and tourism programs and significant tourism sites is high; 3. There is a need for ongoing staff development and/or vocational institutes in secondary school travel and tourism programs; 4. There are similarities of mission, structure, and curriculum among travel and tourism educational programs at the secondary school level, and 5. Travel and tourism programs at the secondary school level should be marketed more to the non-college bound, males, minorities, and to students with disabilities. / Ed. D.