No description available.

No description available.

No description available.

No description available.

A new environmental immersion school has opened in Canada. This case study examines early stages of the project's implementation in order to contribute to an understanding of how best to implement environmental education in schools. / Examination of the literature on educational change led to an analytical framework which included: (1) Characteristics of the innovation; (2) Strategies and tactics used; (3) Contextual characteristics; (4) Macro sociopolitical factors. This was used to categorize qualitative data collected through interviews, observation, a questionnaire and documents. / The study uncovered a number of obstacles to implementation in the school, principally: (1) Conceptual problems about environmental education; (2) Poorly defined school philosophy and goals; (3) Difficulties in coordinating the project between individual efforts and departments; (4) A hiatus between administration and teacher perceptions. / The case study provided insight on the process of curriculum implementation as well as specific issues relating to environmental education and the theme of sustainable development.

The purpose of this study was to assess the status of worksite smoking policies in Indiana's manufacturing industries and to describe the relationship between policy, workforce size, and manufacturing type. Of the 493 questionnaires distributed, 181 (36.7%) were returned. Approximately 67% percent of the industries reported having some type of restrictive policy with the majority of those policies not allowing smoking at the worksite except in designated areas. Most policies were developed within the last five years and were implemented due to a concern for employee health. Workforce size was directly related to the prevalence of significant restrictions. Those companies employing greater then 100 employees were the most likely to have a policy whereas the employing less than 11 were the least likely to have a policy. Standard industrial classifications 34 (fabricated metal products) and 35 (machinery, except electrical) had less restrictive policies as compared to other S.I.C. classifications. A follow up on 10% (n=30) of the nonrespondents yielded similar results to those who did respond. / Department of Physiology and Health Science

This study examines the sustainability of historic windows in comparison to modern replacement windows. A sustainable product is defined as one that lasts multiple generations without causing harm to the environment, either in its production, maintenance, or disposal. Historic windows are perceived as energy inefficient and are often removed and replaced. Historic windows can, however, be augmented to perform similarly to replacement windows. To determine sustainability, window materials were evaluated based on their life span, life cycle, energy efficiency, maintenance, and disposal. In general, historic windows are long lasting and retaining them conserves materials and energy used in their production. Based on the above criteria, historic wood windows were found to be highly sustainable due to their excellent energy performance (with the addition of storm windows), durability (with regular maintenance), and low environmental impact in processing and disposal. / Defining sustainability -- History of windows -- Window materials -- Windows and energy -- Embodied energy and life cycle analysis -- Durability -- Findings. / Department of Architecture

Six plant species were screened to determine potential suitability for phytoremediation of nitroglycerin (NG), a component in smokeless powders (SP). Seeds of Zea mays (corn), Triticum aestivum (wheat), Medicago sativa (alfalfa), Poa pratensis (Kentucky bluegrass), Trifolium pratense (red clover), and Phaseolus vulgaris (common bean) were sown into greenhouse mesocosms containing commercially prepared soil spiked with 0, 1, and 5% SP (w/w). Soil samples were collected 7, 60, and 90 days after seeding, extracted with ethanol, and analyzed for NG using a gas chromatograph with an electron capture detector. Plant growth observations were recorded using a simple scoring metric at 7, 14, 30, and 60 days after seeding. Soil nitrate and ammonium, potential by-products of NG decomposition, were quantified 90 days after seeding. NG disappearance in plant treatments was markedly, although not significantly (p > 0.05), higher than control at 1% SP, with legumes being the most successful treatment. Nitrate concentrations were significantly (p < 0.05) higher in legume than grass treatments. Soil ammonium was not correlated to any plant or SP treatment. Plant uptake of NG was minimal, suggesting a soil microbial effect in NG disappearance. More extensive screening studies are needed to determine which plants are the most successful remediators of NG. / Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Management

Access to abstract restricted until 05/2015. / Access to thesis restricted until 05/2015. / Department of Biology

This is a study of radon concentration levels in the air and water of homes in East-Central Indiana. The results of a survey of 69 homes in which both an air and water sample were analyzed for radon concentrations will be described; all homes in the survey derived their water sample from a well at the home site. Activated charcoal canisters were exposed in homes for two to three days; radon concentration levels in the air samples were then determined following the EPA procedures described by Gray and Windham (1). Radon concentrations in water were determined by the liquid scintillation method according to protocol utilizing the techniques described by Pritchard and Gesell (2). A questionnaire was completed by each participant which provided information such as home construction type, material, and location. Radon concentration results and questionnaire data were entered into a database; database searches were then conducted in order to establish conclusions associated with the study.(1) D.J. Gray and S.T. Windham, EERF Standard Operating Procedures for RN-222 Measurement Using Charcoal Canisters, EPA 520/5-87-005, (June 1987)(2) H.M. Pritchard and T.F. Gesell, Health Physics 33, 577, (1977). / Department of Physics and Astronomy