Open land has historically been considered an expendable resource. This concept has abetted the sprawl which occurs in all urbanizing areas of our country. With the United States urbanizing at a rate of more than a million acres a year, this concept can no longer be tolerated. In the last fifteen years, urban development has consumed approximately two-thirds as much new land as it did in all the previous years in the history of our country. Virginia has not been an innocent bystander in this process. This thesis points up the necessity for immediate action to preserve open space in the State of Virginia. It examines the human as well as the economic values that can be derived from open space through an analysis of both the active and passive uses to which open space or low-density use lands can be put. This is accomplished through the establishment and critical analysis of the goals and objectives of an open space program for Virginia. The law on open space in Virginia is a mass of detail buried in traditional legal categories developed for other purposes. This thesis has examined the existing constitutional and statutory powers available to local governmental subdivisions for developing an open space program. In addition, it examines and appraises significant proposals for acquiring and controlling open space. From this analysis, alternative programs for open space acquisition and control are presented including the acquisition of development rights, the land bank, fresh concepts of zoning and subdivision regulations, and expanded concepts in the use of the taxing power. / Master of Science

The line-of-sight angle (LOSA) was investigated for a simple tracking task. The distance from the eyes of the subject to the image was varied through the use of optical lenses. The subject was seated in a chair with 5 different back angles: 90 degrees, 111.6 degrees, 125 degrees, 158.5 degrees, and 177.1 degrees. No significant difference in the selection of LOSA was found between image distances of .5 meters, 1 meter, 2 meters, and infinity. The subjects' selection of LOSA was affected by the change in seat inclination angles. / Master of Science

The objective was to quantify sublethal effects of two insecticides on the common damsel bug, a major predator in alfalfa. Groups of 2-day-old adult nabids were exposed for 12 h to filter paper treated with LC₅ or LC₄₅ carbofuran, or LC₅ or LC₂₅ methidathion. Males that survived the 4-day acute mortality period lived only 60 percent as long as control males, with low and high concentrations of insecticides producing similar decreases in longevity. More females who survived acute exposure to methidathion were missing portions of appendages at the time of death than in the controls. Although larger pronotal width was related to increased female longevity, to increased egg production, and to increased progeny production, exposure to insecticide had no consistently positive or negative effect. Pretreatment refrigeration affected neither postexposure longevity nor total eggs laid by females. Second instar nabids were exposed for 12 h on filter paper treated with LC₁₅ or LC₃₅ carbofuran, or LC₀ or LC₅ methidathion. Female nymphs which survived exposure to LC₃₅ carbofuran reached the 3rd instar more quickly than control nymphs, whereas methidathion tended to slow development to the 3rd instar. Neither insecticide significantly affected the duration of the 3rd-5th instars. While carbofuran reduced the longevity of adults compared to controls, methidathion only reduced the longevity of the LC₀ group compared to the LC₅ group. Although LC₁₅ carbofuran increased egg production per day alive, carbofuran did not affect total egg production. In laboratory studies male nabids were observed dispersing mistlike droplets (probably pheromone) by rapid movement of a hind leg, or by flicking, a term proposed here. Exposure to carbofuran or methidathion appeared to decrease the frequency of flicking in surviving nabids; however, the decreases were not always significant. Oviposition rates of control females averaged 3-4 eggs/female/d for adults from field-collected nymphs and 6 eggs/female/d for adults from insectary-reared nymphs with peaks around 18-22 d after the final molt. A tachinid, Leucostoma simplex (Fallen), was the most common nabid parasite reared (parasitization rates of up to 40%), while the braconid, Wesmaelia pendula Foerster, parasitized 0-4% of R. americoferus. / Ph. D.

Data from 135 parents were used to explore and compare perceptions of process and outcome for court-ordered and voluntary participants in child custody/visitation mediation. Information from the Clients Assessment of Mediation Services (CAMS) is used to analyze six process and four outcome variables for male/female and agreement/no agreement groups. Data were reported on mediated agreements and reasons for termination of mediation prior to reaching agreement. The results of this study indicated voluntary mediation participants, more than court-ordered participants, were 1) emotionally satisfied with the agreement, 2) believed mediators were warm, sensitive, and Sympathetic, and 3) mediation improved their relationship with their (ex) spouse. Voluntary and court-ordered participants were similar on process variables of empowerment, adequacy of information, and mediator impartiality, and outcome variables of satisfaction with custody and adequacy of information about child issues. There were significant differences between court-ordered agreement/no agreement groups on the process variables of sensitive/effective mediator, empowerment, adequacy of information and focus on issues, and outcome variables of satisfaction with agreement, emotional satisfaction, satisfaction with custody and adequacy of information on child issues. / Ph. D.

The majority of research dealing with the eating disorder of bulimia has focused on characteristics of college-aged women, with those findings forming a basis for treatment planning with younger, adolescent women. While research in recent years has begun to examine those characteristics specifically related to bulimia in adolescence, there has been a relative lack of consideration of the effect of the developmental stage of the individual on these psychological characteristics. Such differential characteristics, if found to be present, would have implications for both the prevention and treatment of bulimia in younger populations. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the concerns of high school and college females at high risk for bulimia at different developmental levels as well as to identify the psychological characteristics of high risk subjects across the age groups. Participants were asked to complete questionnaires assessing their self-perceptions on a variety of intrapersonal and interpersonal dimensions. Individuals aged 12-14 who were also at high risk for bulimia reported greater levels of depression and more feelings of inefficacy than did older, high risk individuals. Across all ages, women at high risk for bulimia were more dissatisfied with their body shape, were more depressed, experienced more difficulty with peer and family relationships, and felt more alienated from others than did individuals at low risk for bulimia. These results were discussed within a developmental framework, and it was suggested that individuals who cannot come to terms with the multiple changes of adolescence are at increased risk for engaging in bulimic behavior. / Ph. D.

La maîtrise effectuée au laboratoire de Combustion de l'Université Laval s'est inscrite dans un projet de conception d'un nouveau système de combustion pour de petites turbines à gaz, intégrant un atomiseur rotatif dénommé atomiseur fronde ou plus communément slinger. Ce projet est proposé et en partie financé par Pratt & Whitney Canada (P&WC). L'objectif final est de fournir un système d'injection de carburant simple, peu coûteux, léger et efficace, grâce à la suppression - permise par l'atomiseur rotatif centrifuge - de la pompe à carburant à haute pression. La maîtrise se situant dans la première phase du projet, les travaux réalisés se sont donc concentrés au niveau de la section interne de l'atomiseur où le carburant est encore sous forme de jet puis de film liquide, c'est-à-dire avant sa désintégration dans la zone primaire de la chambre de combustion. Les objectifs propres à cette maîtrise comprenaient : (1) la modélisation analytique du système d'alimentation du carburant dans la cavité au regard des phénomènes physiques s'y déroulant (chute de pression, écoulement transversal), (2) la modélisation par Mécanique des Fluides Numérique (MFN) du film liquide sur la paroi de l'atomiseur en rotation dans le but d'évaluer l'épaisseur de film (paramètre influençant directement la qualité de Tatomisation et dès lors la future combustion) avant Tatomisation. Concernant le système d'alimentation en carburant, une configuration optimale en termes de nombre, de diamètre et de forme de trous a été déterminée en garantissant théoriquement un jet jusqu'à impact sur l'atomiseur. Quant aux simulations numériques exécutées avec le code de calcul FLUENTMD, elles ont abouti à la validation du code vis-à-vis de la prédiction de l'épaisseur de film liquide se développant sur un disque plat rotatif. Une légère sous-estimation systématique a été observée due à la non prise en compte de l'effet de glissement dans le code. Enfin, diverses simulations sur la géométrie réelle simplifiée proposée par P&WC ont servi à déceler certaines limitations du code, reliées à l'effort numérique conséquent imposé par le modèle multiphase Volume de Fluide (VOF ou Volume of Fluid). Le présent mémoire se termine sur une série de recommandations pour les futures recherches, dans l'optique d'obtenir à terme un outil numérique fiable à l'égard de la prédiction de l'épaisseur de film liquide sur la surface rotative de l'atomiseur fronde.

This thesis explores the definition of an urban canopy, how civic architecture can create a space for the pedestrian in the city, and the elements which can compose such a space. Experimentation in the urban canopy allows definition into the protective nature of such an archetype. Filtering and entrance techniques are discovered to allow access by the pedestrian only. The structural and spatial composition of the space is also developed to enhance human interaction and usability. Layering provides different levels of access and privacy as different groups use the space. And finally the employment of light highlights key elements and creates a presence in the space. This covering is designed to protect more than just the citizens below. It creates a place that fosters civic community under the a the generous shelter of a new urban institution. / Master of Architecture

Physical education programs, athletic programs and intramural sports programs are a vital part of the American educational system. However, since the mid-sixties, there has been an increase in sports injury litigation against the teachers and coaches who direct and supervise these programs. The purpose of this study was twofold. First, the study was to report the legal liability of elementary, secondary and higher education physical educators, athletic coaches and intramural sports directors from 1977-1987. In addition this study compared the holdings of the court cases from 1977-1987 to the holdings of the court cases found in five unpublished manuscripts. From 1977 to 1987 there were 92 elementary and secondary lawsuits and 19 college lawsuits involving these professionals, including their supervisors. There were 41 cases involving liability against the boards of education and boards of trustees. The groups were found not liable in 23 of the cases. The primary reason for not being liable was their protection from suit because of the doctrine of governmental immunity. However, in states where the doctrine of governmental immunity did not exist boards of education and boards of trustees were found liable for improper supervision, lack of proper medical assistance and creating a dangerous situation or hazard. Sixteen cases were reported against school employees. In 10 of the cases the court rulings were held against these employees. The reasons included: improper supervision, failure to follow state athletic association rules and improper instruction. Cases held in favor of the school employees resulted when: employees were acting within the scope of their employment, the employees were providing adequate supervision and instruction and the students purposely disregarded safety rules. The results of this study, when compared to five previous studies, indicated that even though the number of cases reported were similar the present study showed an increase in the number of decisions favoring the plaintiff at the elementary and secondary level. Also, the present study revealed an increase of 250% in the number of lawsuits reported at the college level and a 23% increase in the number of cases favoring the plaintiff. / Ed. D.

A new, standardized food label developed by the Food and Drug Administration is appearing on products this year. Extensive research on consumer use suggests that approximately 20 % of the U.S. population, composed mainly of elderly and minorities, cannot correctly interpret the nutrition information on the label. This research explored the specific knowledge required for correct interpretation based on a model in which nutrition knowledge was organized in hierarchical levels: food groups, macronutrients and micronutrients in foods, with each level including dimensions of nutrition terminology, health relationships and related mathematics skills. An instrument was developed and pilot tested to measure knowledge at each level, as well as to measure accuracy in food label interpretation. Test items were revised based on peer input, correlational data, item analysis, and reliability. The revised instrument was then administered to purposive samples of adults (250 subjects) representing the range of nutrition knowledge measured by the test. Scores were re-analyzed to establish the validity and reliability of the new instrument. Factor analysis was used to explore the value of the original hierarchical model and to posit an additional model based on conceptual complexity. Hierarchical multiple regression was used to predict accuracy of food label interpretation based on factors depicted by both models. Findings indicated that the structures outlined in each model are useful predictors of food label interpretation, accounting for over 52 percent of the variance. Suggestions are made for further development of the test instrument and on how to incorporate learner pre-assessment in designing nutrition education interventions. / Ed. D.

L'étude vise à faire une climatologie de l'ensoleillement au Québec. Pour ce faire, des données d'ensoleillement direct cumulées, dans le cadre du programme de surveillance du climat du ministère du Développement durable, de l'Environnement et des Parcs (MDDEP), ont été validées. Une mise à jour de la méthodologie fut élaborée pour une nouvelle climatologie de l'ensoleillement. Suite à la validation de la banque de données, différentes corrections ont été effectuées afin de pouvoir en faire une utilisation adéquate pour le projet. Une modélisation de la radiation, avec le modèle d'Angstrôm, fut réalisée. Cette modélisation à permit de cartographier, en autre, la radiation au Québec méridional. Une fois la radiation calculée, cette dernière fut vérifiée à l'aide de mesures directes de la radiation ce qui a donné un coefficient de corrélation supérieur à 98%. Les analyses des différentes cartes créées lors de cette étude permettent une distinction à plusieurs niveaux de la climatologie de l'ensoleillement. Les structures d'ensoleillement évoluent de façon différente durant l'année. Lors des périodes hivernales, une structure principalement parallèle à l'axe du fleuve St-Laurent prédomine. Tandis que pour les autres mois (mai à août), une structure de l'ensoleillement plutôt latitudinal prédomine. De plus, on remarque que durant la période hivernale, il y a une plus grande complexité dans les structures d'ensoleillement que dans la période estivale.