Report (M.S.)--Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, 1994. / Vita. Abstract. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 54-56). Also available via the Internet.

Made available in DSpace on 2015-07-22T20:49:27Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 0 Previous issue date: 2006-12-31 / Objetivo: Estabelecer o diagnóstico laboratorial da leucemia mielóide aguda (LMA), leucemia aguda indiferenciada (LAI) e leucemia aguda bifenotípica (LAB), através de um estudo prospectivo, observacional e descritivo de 62 pacientes atendidos consecutivamente na Fundação de Hematologia e Hemoterapia do Amazonas – FHEMOAM, no período de Setembro de 2000 a Setembro de 2003, avaliar a freqüência, características clínicas e laboratoriais com a finalidade de permitir um diagnóstico mais preciso com conseqüente melhor escolha terapêutica. Método: A classificação da LMA foi realizada utilizando os critérios morfológicos do grupo cooperativo franco-americano-britânico (FAB). Estudos imunológicos foram realizados utilizando a técnica imunoenzimática EnVision System Alkaline Phosphatase (DAKO), que permite identificar a reação nas células leucêmicas em esfregaços de medula óssea e/ou sangue periférico e em preparados de citocentrífugas (spins), com a utilização de um amplo painel de anticorpos monoclonais. Os subtipos FAB de LMA foram analisados em relação a características clínicas idade (crianças e adultos), sexo, linfonodomegalias (>2cm), esplenomegalia (≥3cm), dados laboratoriais (níveis de hemoglobina, contagem de glóbulos brancos e plaquetas, características morfológicas, citoquímicas e perfil imunofenotípico dos blastos). Resultados: A LMA ocorreu em 62 pacientes sendo 25 crianças (40,3%, idade mediana de 6 anos e 9 meses) e 37 adultos (59,7%, com idade mediana de 30 anos); houve predomínio do sexo masculino (41 pacientes - 66% dos casos). A distribuição dos casos de acordo com os subtipos FAB foi 1 caso M0, 12 M1(19%), 15 M2(24%), 8 M3(13%), 6 M4 (10%), 15 M5 (24%), 1 M6 e 4M7(6%). Entre as crianças M2 foi o tipo mais comum (32%) e entre os adultos a LMA M5 (27%). Os antígenos mielóides mais freqüentes foram CD13, CD33 e anti– MPO. A LAI ocorreu em 3 pacientes e a LAB em 1 paciente. Conclusão: Neste trabalho, observamos algumas diferenças em relação a estudos nacionais e internacionais como a faixa etária mais baixa e a menor freqüência da LMA M3 entre nossos pacientes. A classificação FAB é ainda de grande importância no diagnóstico da LMA, porém a contribuição dos dados da imunofenotipagem é fundamental na classificação da LMA subtipo M0 e M7, assim como na caracterização da leucemia aguda indiferenciada e bifenotípica. / Objective: The present study investigated the best laboratorial diagnosis methods to acute myeloid leukemia, acute undifferentiated leukemia and biphenotypic acute leukemia. We have prospective, observacional and descriptive study about 62 patients from Fundação de Hematologia e Hemoterapia do Amazonas - FHEMOAM, in the period of September of 2000 at June of 2003. The frequency, clinical and laboratories characteristics was analyzed. .Methods: The classification of the acute myeloid leukemia – LMA was stablished by morphological and cytochemical criteria according by the French-American-British (FAB) classification and immunologic aspects using the imunoenzymatic technique from DAKO - EnVision System Alkaline Phosphatase, that allows to identify to leukemia subgroups in bone marrow smears and/or peripheral blood and in cytospins, with a large monoclonal antibody panel. The LMA subtypes had been analyzed according age (children and adults), sex, morphologic and cytochemistry characteristics, immunophenotipic profile, lymph node and a variety of organs masses occurrence (lymph node ≥ 2 cm, spleen and liver ≥ 3 cm), laboratories findings as leucocytes and platelets counts, hemoglobin, countings. Results: We observed that the LMA occurred in 62 patients, being 25 children (40,3%) and 37 adults (60%); with predominance of the masculine sex happening in 66% of the cases (41 patients). The most common subtypes had been the LMA M2 in children and LMA M5, in adults; the phenotype more common had been CD13, CD33 and anti – MPO myeloid antigens. Auer’rod occurred in 26 cases (42%) and the more frequent laboratories findings had been leucocyte and platelets accounts below of 100.000/mm3 and hemoglobin below of 10g/dl. Limph node with more than 2 cm of diameter, spleen and liver with size bigger than 3 cm was observed in less than half of cases. The LAI was observed in 3 patients and the LAB in only 1 patient. Conclusion: The results indicate that FAB classification was very important at LMA diagnostic, however immunophenotyping has a strong importance in the M0 and M7 subtype of LMA classification, as well as in the characterization of the undifferentiated and biphenotypic acute leukemia. In this work, we observed some differences between data of the northeast region and Southeastern of Brazil as the frequency of the LMA M3 lower between our patients. In order hand, in our region we observed that LMA occurs in more young patients in relation to described in literature about other countries / TEDE / BV UNIFESP: Teses e dissertações

In producing a user interface design to visualize search results for a digital library called Envision [Nowell, France, Hix, Heath, &amp; Fox, 1996] [Fox, Hix, Nowell, et al., 1993] [Nowell &amp; Hix, 1993], we found that choosing graphical devices and document attributes to be encoded with each graphical device is a surprisingly difficult task. By <i>graphical devices</i> we mean those visual display elements (e.g., color, shape, size, position, etc.) used to convey encoded, semantic information. Research in the areas of psychophysics of visual search and identification tasks, graphical perception, and graphical language development provides scientific guidance for design and evaluation of graphical encodings which might otherwise be reduced to opinion and personal taste. However, literature offers inconclusive and often conflicting viewpoints, suggesting a need for further research. The goal of this research was to determine empirically the effectiveness of graphical devices for encoding nominal and quantitative information in complex visualization displays. Using the Envision Graphic View, we conducted a within-subjects empirical investigation of the effectiveness of three graphical devices - <i>icon color, icon shape,</i> and <i>icon size</i> - in communicating nominal (document type) and quantitative (document relevance) data. Our study provides empirical evidence regarding the relative effectiveness of icon color, shape, and size for conveying both nominal and quantitative data. While our studies consistently rank color as most effective, the rankings differ for shape and size. For nominal data, icon shape ranks ahead of icon size by all measures except time for task completion, which places shape behind size. For quantitative data, we found, by all measures, that encodings with icon shape are more effective than with icon size. We conclude that the <i>nature of tasks</i> performed and the relative <i>importance of measures of effectiveness</i> are more significant than the type of data represented for designers choosing among rankings. / Ph. D.

Public-private partnerships (P3) are outperforming other delivery methods in their ability to meet sustainability objectives. The main driver for decisions in any project has been seen as linked to a cost analysis. This research aims to determine why and how P3 projects are more likely to implement more effective sustainable decisions throughout a project's lifecycle. In this context, the decision-making is directed explicitly at the project team's reasoning for implementing sustainable practices beyond cost-effectiveness. The researcher generated questions to ask potential project teams to understand why and how P3 projects were better at implementing sustainable decisions. Sustainability was operationalized using Envision's framework. Interviews with project teams that utilized the P3 project delivery method and received the highest sustainability rating provided a first-hand account of the decision-making process. The interviews are analyzed utilizing framework analysis. The results will identify the motivations for implementing sustainability. The results suggest that the P3 contract structure is the most compelling reason these projects can implement sustainable decisions better than other project delivery methods. The written requirements from the contract documents or legislative requirements and the Contractor's desire to do a good job are other drivers for this increased sustainability. / Master of Science / The infrastructure in the United States is reaching the end of its useful life. These assets need significant investments to continue serving their original function. Various project delivery methods exist that either deliver a product or a service. Delivery methods such as design-bid-build or design-build focus on delivering an asset such as a bridge or road at the end of the contract. The public-private partnership (P3) delivery method focuses on delivering an asset and operating that asset for an extended period until the end of the contract, typically no less than 25 years. Building these assets sustainably will help drive down costs and increase useful life. Sustainability goals cover the economic, environmental, and social aspects of the project. The economic goals include providing a responsible cost-benefit to the users or taxpayers and lasting for an extended period. The environmental goals include minimizing the project's impact on the environment. The social goals include building the right project so that it solves the correct community issue. The P3 delivery method of delivering an asset and service has outperformed other delivery methods in sustainability. This paper explored the reasons that project teams make decisions to include sustainable choices throughout their project contract.

Master of Landscape Architecture / Department of Landscape Architecture/Regional and Community Planning / William P. Winslow III / A 2009 survey conducted by the Pew Research Center for Social & Demographic Trends found that people living in suburban areas are significantly more satisfied with their communities than are residents of cities, small towns, or rural areas. With almost 50 percent of Americans living in suburban areas, and not enough infill opportunities to accommodate future population growth, suburban development will likely continue to be a primary location for development (Berens 2010). As suburbia continues to develop there are two options: continue to use conventional suburban strategies or implement alternative suburban strategies. The city of Springville, Utah is currently experiencing suburban growth near a future transit station to the west of the downtown core. Since suburban sprawl has already begun in this area, the city has an opportunity to design for growth and become a positive example of suburban development in the region. What are the possibilities and impacts of using conventional suburban strategies versus alternative suburban methods? A 60-acre tract of land in west Springville, Utah is planned and designed for development. The first master plan is designed to demonstrate Conventional Suburban Development. The second plan is designed to demonstrate Alternative Suburban Development. A comparative analysis of the two master plans accompanies the designs to compare the two solutions. This method has been used by New Urbanists to illustrate the difference in their method of suburban development. This tract includes a future transit station, a major highway corridor, and nearby access to Interstate 15. Additionally, the tract is located approximately two miles from downtown Springville. The focus of this study is to provide the background and evidence that there are design alternatives which can contribute to the mending of suburban sprawl. In this project, city officials, planners, developers, business owners, and housing consumers are provided with an objective comparative analysis of conventional versus alternative methods of suburban development in the Wasatch Front Region of Utah. The analysis of the two design proposals provides valuable insight into the feasibility or desirability of key design principles contained in each design proposal. The study provides compelling evidence that alternative methods of community design and suburban development are to be considered to help the region achieve its long range planning goals set forth in the Envision Utah initiative.

Biocomposites have gained increasing attention in recent years. The environmental impacts of common plastics have led researchers and industrials to develop alternatives to fully petro-sourced materials (Beigbeder et al., 2019). This paper presents the results obtained from the life cycle assessments conducted for polystyrene (PS) and biocomposite DuraSense® Pure S40 Impact D (DS40). The aim is for DS40 to serve as a more environmentally friendly option to fossil-based plastic in the manufacturing and recycling of hangers. By replacing 40% of the fossil-based PS with wood fibers, DS40 gains an advantage with regard to its environmental impact. Exercising an LCA on a product offers the opportunity to analyze its environmental impacts and sustainability performance based on a cradle to grave perspective. Thus, to determine which factors that could create an adverse effect in the multiple lifecycles of hangers when recycled, four potential environmental factors were used for modelling several scenarios: loss in quality, end-of-life, travel distance, and packaging. The Global Warming Potential (GWP) - kg CO2 equivalent/functional unit was calculated using the GaBi Envision LCA software for each scenario, which subsequently were compared between PS and DS40. After the modelling of multiple scenarios, this study concludes that a hanger recycling system can be a viable activity due to the improved environmental sustainability. However, to remain as the alternative with the lowest GWP, it is necessary to keep what could be detrimental throughout the lives of the hangers made with DS40 to remain out of the loop. Preventing that the incorrect EoL is chosen, abstaining from the use of PE film as packaging, creating products with competent mechanical properties to have good longevity, and reducing the wasted material in each conversion step, make altogether the replacement of PS with DS40 in the production of hangers a less polluting alternative. The result showed that except for travel distance, all other factors considered have the potential to affect the GWP account, and with this, showing that there is more to consider than just the raw materials needed in the manufacturing of goods.

Sustainability is a complex socio-technical challenge that requires new ways of thinking. To help meet this challenge, I have created three case-based modules that teach engineering students how to apply sustainability principles and help them recognize potential cognitive traps, or barriers, that may prevent more consideration for sustainability during design. Each of my three case studies is built into a PowerPoint-guided module for undergraduate engineering classes, which may be taught in 1-3 class days. I have implemented each of the three modules in senior-level classes at Virginia Tech, assessed survey data, and scored student assignments. This work and the underlying literature background is reflected in three journal papers, one for each module. My case study modules, along with all associated teaching materials, are shared in the Center for Sustainable Engineering repository for other instructors to adapt and use. Each module includes a case study about an infrastructure project recognized and awarded by the Envision rating system, demonstrating a case of sustainability done well. Adaptable PowerPoint slides are used to teach about the Envision rating system and credits particularly relevant to the project. Active learning assignments allow students to apply the Envision framework and design criteria to complex and ill-structured problems related to the case study. Slides also cover the relation of three selected behavioral decision science concepts to each case study; these include cognitive biases and barriers which tend to inhibit sustainability outcomes, as well as some potential solutions to mitigate or overcome such barriers. Paired with the decision-making framework of Envision, awareness of these transdisciplinary concepts will allow students to more effectively manage the complex decisions found in real-world projects. Results were assessed through a variety of methods to determine the modules' level of effectiveness in accomplishing defined student learning outcomes. Pre-module and post-module student surveys were employed to measure several indicators: changes in self-assessed confidence levels, perceptions of sustainable design (characteristics and barriers), and accuracy of module concept definitions. Each of several active learning assignments was scored on a simple rubric. Concept maps were also tested as further type of assessment, and scored with both traditional and holistic methods. However, fully integrating the concept mapping approach is left to the future work of others. These modules are a significant contribution to engineering education, as they integrate diverse topics and disciplines into a unified and relevant teaching package. Over 350 students have already been reached through the three modules, and sharing the materials in a peer-reviewed repository allows for expansion, adaptation, and capacity building. Each module's content and pedagogy align with ABET accreditation requirements and ASCE's Body of Knowledge, making them relevant tools for equipping the future generation of engineers. Future development of similar case studies can build partnerships between academia and industry, as well as increase cross-disciplinary collaboration. These efforts will both improve undergraduate education and advance the profession. / Master of Science / Civil infrastructure includes many systems including water and wastewater pipelines and treatment plants, power plants, roads, bridges, and parks, which must provide an adequate level of service to society. Civil engineers must sustain and improve these systems and the people’s quality of life for many generations into the future. For this to happen, engineering students must be taught the immense value of sustainability and how to make effective decisions during design for sustainable infrastructure. My research involves three specific infrastructure projects: (1) the Historic Fourth Ward Park in Atlanta, Georgia, (2) the Tucannon River Wind Farm in Dayton, Washington, and (3) the West Park Equalization Facility in Nashville, Tennessee. Each of these has received an award from the Institute for Sustainable Infrastructure’s rating system called Envision, and serves as a case study of sustainability done well. For each of the three projects, I interviewed members of the engineering design team and gathered information about the project to write a case study, which was used as the basis for a PowerPoint teaching module. The modules connect engineering to the social sciences by discussing relevant cognitive and behavioral barriers in decision making, and then present the Envision rating system as a tool for sustainable design. After conducting a literature review of engineering education, I developed specific learning outcomes, before and after surveys, and a variety of active learning assignments to assess the student learning and effectiveness of each module. This thesis presents results from teaching the modules in classes at Virginia Tech, and v demonstrates their value as transdisciplinary links between engineering, sustainability, and decision making. The modules have been made publicly available at the Center for Sustainable Engineering website for other instructors to use in their own class teaching.