Authors Thomas Hardy and D.H. Lawrence were both influenced by the old traditions of the 19 th century and the new ideals of the early 20 th century. By comparing Hardy’s final novel, Jude the Obscure , originally published in 1895, to Lawrence’s early novel Sons and Lovers , released in 1913, one recognizes thematic similarities signifying the influence of Hardy on Lawrence’s work. This novel-to-novel approach allows for a tightly focused comparison between the two authors that reflects similarities found in their other bodies of work (including novels, poems, plays, and criticism), while the relative chronological closeness of the two novels---a mere eighteen years apart---emphasizes the authors’ function of providing a literary link between Victorian and Modernist ways of thought. By also examining the influence of psychoanalysis, and specifically Sigmund Freud, on Lawrence’s novel, one better understands the way in which this budding field of psychology enhanced the descriptive quality of writing and helped to distinguish Lawrence from Hardy. Hardy touched upon topics of sexuality and internal conflict that Lawrence later expanded upon in his own novels. Though both authors emphasized similar themes and character traits, Hardy proved unable to address them as thoroughly and lucidly as Lawrence because he lacked the critical psychological vocabulary to which Lawrence, as a Modernist, had access. At the same time, both writers addressed subject matters at odds with his society’s moral standards and gained notoriety due to the content of their novels. (Abstract shortened by UMI.) / Thesis (M.A.)--Wichita State University, College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, Dept. of English. / "December 2005."

The aim of the present study was to determine whether a reduction in lung volume and chest wall movement using an externally applied thoracic constriction band over an eight-week training period, could improve aerobic capacity and running performance. Participants included 22 healthy, non-active adults (26 ± 4 year (mean ± SD)) who were studied over a period of eight weeks during which they participated in aerobic exercise for three days/week for 30 minutes/session at a moderate intensity estimated at 65% to 80% of their maximal exertion. Aerobic capacity (VO 2max ) and pulmonary lung function (FVC, FEV 1 , FEF 25-75% , PEF) were measured pre-, mid-, and post-eight weeks. Following the pre-testing, participants were randomly placed into one of two groups: (1) Chest Wall Restriction (CWR), or (2) a control group (Non-Chest Wall Restriction (NCWR)). The CWR Group performed the exercise sessions while wearing an elastic strap. Participants were encouraged to use a treadmill, elliptical machine, and/or stationary cycle in random order to complete the exercise session. Pulmonary lung function measures were not changed over the eight weeks for either group. At eight weeks, CWR and NCWR groups had significant increases in VO 2max (from 33.55 ± 6.48 to 37.78 ± 7.11 and 33.30 ± 10.39 to 35.99 ± 9.09 ml · min -1· kg -1 ± SD, respectively). However, a significant improvement of 11.0 ± 4.0% in aerobic capacity was observed in the experimental group at just four weeks compared to the control group (3.0 ± 6.0%, P < 0.05). These results suggest that the use of an externally applied thoracic constriction band during aerobic exercise assists in increasing aerobic capacity more rapidly than training without a band, because of the greater increase in VO 2max seen within the first four weeks for the CWR group compared to the NCWR group. / Thesis (M.Ed.)--Wichita State University, College of Education. / "December 2005."

Using secondary data analysis of the 2003 American Time Use Survey (ATUS), this thesis examines why and how the pay gap exists between married and never-married women using an income determination model. The income determination model consists of three component parts: the individual, structural, and gender model segments. The individual-level model segment looks at variables such as education and age. The structural-level model segment of the income determination model looks at variables such as hours worked, occupation and industry level. Last, the gender-level model segment looks at variables like occupational sex segregation, having children, minority status, marital status, and household labor activities. The most salient finding of this research is that net of other factors, never-married women earn $30.40 less a week than married women. This finding is discussed in relation to how the marriage premium is more advantageous for men compared to women. / Thesis (M.A.)--Wichita State University, College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, Dept. of Sociology. / "December 2005."

The purpose of this study was twofold: (a) to determine if there is a relationship between middle school students’ epistemological beliefs and Piagetian stages of cognitive development and (b) if there is a relationship between epistemological beliefs and academic performance. Epistemological beliefs were defined as how individuals come to know and the beliefs they hold about this knowledge. A middle school version of an epistemological beliefs questionnaire was administered in conjunction with a Piagetian assessment of cognitive development to 163 seventh and eighth grade students. Students’ academic performance was measured using the Kansas State Assessment results. Finding showed that there is a relationship between cognitive development and epistemological beliefs. Cognitive development was a predictor in all four domains---math, science, social studies, and reading. Simple knowledge predicted performance in mathematics and social studies, even after accounting for cognitive development. Therefore, epistemological beliefs play a unique role in academic performance / Thesis (M.Ed.)--Wichita State University, College of Education. / "December 2005."

This thesis proposes a new antenna selection scheme for the conventional space-frequency block code (SFBC) - orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) system using adaptive modulation. In the proposed scheme, the antenna selection criterion is based on fading coefficients at all frequency components instead of Frobenius norms. The best fading coefficient is chosen at each frequency for different antennas, and then data is sent on those antennas with the best fading coefficients at that particular frequency. The coding and diversity advantages of the proposed system are examined. It is shown that this new antenna selection scheme greatly improves the performance of the conventional SFBC-OFDM system, which is a significant achievement. / Thesis (M.S.)--Wichita State University, College of Engineering, Dept. of Electrical and Computer Engineering. / "December 2005."

The following work studies a conceptual design of a disc brake system. Disc brakes offer higher performance braking, simpler design, lighter weight, and better resistance to water interference than drum brakes. The aim of this conceptual design was to increase the strength of the caliper, without increasing the weight of the caliper by a large amount and reducing the thermal deformation at high operating temperatures. Since titanium is difficult to machine the mono block design of conventional machined caliper was not used in this work but an attempt was made to built a brake caliper with different parts and assembled together to make a single unit. Also titanium parts used were machined from plates with no complicated shapes to save on machining costs in future. Since titanium has higher mass density care was taken while designing the new brake system to keep the weight increase to minimum. 655 _0 |a Electronic dissertations. / Thesis (M.S.)--Wichita State University, College of Engineering, Dept. of Mechanical Engineering.

The potential of the Friction Stir Welding (FSW) process is easily observed in the creation of defect free welds in almost all of the Aluminum alloys. The success and applicability of the process, however, will depend on the performance of the welds compared to other joining processes. Experimental testing and evaluation are necessary for the determination of the mechanical response of Friction Stir Welds and vital to the development and optimization of the FSW process. The goal of this experimental testing of Friction Stir Welds is to obtain the data necessary to begin understanding the effects of the FSW process. An attempt has been made to systematically examine the effects of FSW process parameters and alloy on the weld properties. An attempt has been made to evaluate and compare High Speed and Low Speed Friction Stir Welds. / Thesis (M.S.)--Wichita State University, College of Engineering, Dept. of Mechanical Engineering. / "Dec 2005."

Transmission line construction is one of the most complex engineering projects. Routing a transmission line is much more difficult than routing any other public infrastructure. The present system used by utilities is time consuming and does not produce satisfactory results. Actual construction of a large transmission line can be completed in a year or two, but due to complexities involved in the approval procedure, and opposition from various groups it can take years to build a line, and in some cases projects are stopped altogether. The Geographic Information System is used in several ways by transmission line designers but its use in routing is limited. A new method, analytical minimum impedance surface (AMIS), developed by the University of Kentucky Transportation Research Center for routing highways is being adapted to routing transmission lines. This method will enhance the public involvement in the routing process, reduce opposition from stakeholders, and increase the probability of acceptance of the project. This thesis contains the preliminary work required to apply AMIS to transmission line routing. Landscape features that affect the route of the line are the most significant part of this research. These features are incorporated into raster based GIS, and using information gathered from stakeholders, the route with minimum opposition is developed between two substations. Routing a line is also affected by the rules and regulations in a particular state. In this thesis a brief introduction is given to the main legal requirements involved in line routing. Non-point impacts that are independent of terrain are also given in detail. Potential stakeholders and there importance in the routing process is also explained in this thesis. / Thesis (M.S.)--Wichita State University, College of Engineering, Dept. of Electrical and Computer Engineering. / "December 2005."

This study examines the influence family structure (two parent or single parent) has on academic achievement as measured through student test scores. In addition, an alternative model comprised of student role performance, school, and other family factors is used to examine various influences on academic achievement. This study employs a secondary data analysis of the Educational Longitudinal Study of 2002. Two hypotheses from each model segment are presented to test the relationship of each segment to academic achievement. Univariate, bivariate, and multivariate analyses are used to determine the relationship between the independent variables and the dependent variable by family structure. Analysis reveals that although family factors, including family structure, contribute more toward test scores than school factors, it is student role performance factors that influence test score outcomes the most, when controlling for other factors. Student Role Performance factors account for 18.3% of the variance in test scores while Family factors, including family structure account for 6.8%. / Thesis (M.A.)--Wichita State University, College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, Dept. of Sociology. / "December 2005."

Recent flight test experience and simulator studies have shown that the traditional test for static lateral stability, the steady heading sideslip, in some cases may be overly conservative and place unnecessary restrictions on the aircraft operation or design. In addition, effective dihedral need not be positive in all areas of the flight envelope to provide acceptable handling qualities. Positive static lateral stability is desired so that the aircraft will be safe and that the airplane handling characteristics will be "pleasant." The safety requirement stems from a desire for redundancy in the primary control system. However, safety analysis of modern aircraft often show this redundancy without effective dihedral through other means such as aileron trim, roll spoilers, etc. In terms of handling characteristics, positive static lateral stability usually provides for a more favorable rating of flying qualities by pilots. However, tests have shown that acceptable handling qualities are obtained in most areas of the flight envelope even with negative effective dihedral. Development flight testing on recent business jet aircraft have shown that the aircraft can be operated safely without use of the primary roll control system, even though the basic aircraft did not pass the traditional steady heading sideslip test in all configurations. Furthermore, the handling qualities of the aircraft were considered excellent. (Abstract shortened by UMI.) / Thesis (M.S.)--Wichita State University, College of Engineering, Dept. of Aerospace Engineering. / "December 2005."