No description available.

Dye tracer and time-lapse ground-penetrating radar (GPR) were used to image preferential flow paths in the shallow, unsaturated zone on hillslopes in two adjacent watersheds within the Susquehanna-Shale Hills Critical Zone Observatory (CZO). At each site we injected about 50 L of water mixed with brilliant blue dye (4 g/L) into a trench cut perpendicular to the slope (~1.0 m long by ~0.20 m wide by ~0.20 m deep) to create a line of infiltration. GPR (800 MHz antennae with constant offset) was used to monitor the movement of the dye tracer downslope on a 1.0 m x 2.0 m grid with a 0.05 m line spacing. The site was then excavated and the stained pathways photographed to document the dye movement. We saw a considerable difference in the pattern of shallow preferential flow between the two sites despite similar soil characteristics and slope position. Both sites showed dye penetrating down to saprolite (~0.40 m); however, lateral flow migration between the two sites was different. At the Missed Grouse field site, the lateral migration was ~0.55 m as an evenly dispersed plume, but at distance of 0.70 m a finger of dye was observed. At the Shale Hills field site, the total lateral flow was ~0.40 m, dye was barely visible until the excavation reached ~0.10 m, and there was more evidence of distinct fingering in the vertical direction. Based on laboratory and field experiments as well as processing of the radargrams, the following conclusions were drawn: 1) time-lapse GPR successfully delineated the extent of lateral flow, but the GPR resolution was insufficient to detect small fingers of dye; 2) there was not a distinct GPR reflection at the regolith-saprock boundary, but this interface could be estimated from the extent of signal attenuation; 3) the preliminary soil moisture conditions may explain differences in the extent of infiltration at the two sites; 4) rapid infiltration into the underlying saprock limited the extent of shallow lateral flow at both sites and can be seen using the mass balance calculation and the lateral extent of dye within the radargrams; and 5) variations in flow patterns were observed between sites with similar settings at Susquehanna-Shale Hills CZO. / Geology

The Poplar Hill area lies in the southwest corner of Giles County, Virginia and contains marine sedimentary rocks that range in age from Middle Cambrian to Middle Bilurian. The formations trend northeast in narrow outcrop belts. The summit of Walker Mountain is the southeastern boundary of the area and the southern slopes of Brushy and Buckeye Mountains form the northwestern boundary. Nineteen different rock formations are recognized and are mapped, measured, and described in detail. The geologic structure of the area is described and includes a major thrust fault, a homocline, two synclines, and two anticlines, all illustrated on the geologic map (P1. 1). The geologic history of the area is briefly discussed and several possible localities for limestone and dolomite quarries are described. / Master of Science

Current U.S. Army Corps of Engineers water resources planning guidance directs the planners to consider all design alternatives with economic efficiency as the primary criterion. Recent criticism of the flood loss reduction planning is directed at the Corps. One criticism is that the traditional design practices of the Corps address only large flood events. The emphasis on large flood events precludes the use of nonstructural methods, whose economically feasible range is at smaller scales. However, the advantage of having nonstructural measures available to federal water resources planners is widely recognized. This study seeks to demonstrate that nonstructural means are at a disadvantage in the Corps planning process. It examines the institutional framework that directs the planning of these projects. Using data from Corps reports, the economically feasible ranges and optimal sizes are determined for selected nonstructural measures through a series of case studies. The resulting optimal sizes are compared to those recommended in the Corps reports. The optimal sizes of the nonstructural alternatives developed for this study are smaller than the recommended levels. In the current budget climate, the implementation of flood loss reduction projects may occur more frequently with the increased use of nonstructura1 measures since they require less investment. / Master of Science

Reality TV is a growing form of entertainment, with streaming giants like Netflix and Hulu offering an extensive array of programs catering for different audiences. Currently one of the most popular franchises is “The Real Housewives”, within the franchise itself “The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills” is ranking at the top. Despite it`s high entertainment value, much of Reality TV has been critiqued for perpetuating harmful stereotypes.  This study therefore aimed to uncover the underlying messages regarding femininity, power, and social roles that are communicated to the viewers of the popular reality show “The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills”. The following research question was formulated; How does "The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills" portray women in ways that either challenge or reinforce (gender) stereotypes? The study has employed a multimodal critical discourse analysis to the last three episodes of “The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills” latest season (season 13). The episodes were watched and discussed multiple times, leading to the identification of four overarching themes; romantic relationships, career, conflict and physical appearance. Scenes from the show regarding these themes were analyzed, using theoretical frameworks concerning stereotypes, hegemony and gender.  The results showed some gender stereotypes being reinforced while others were challenged. The reinforcement of stereotypes through “The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills” lies in stereotypes being used as a weapon by the women against each other, portrayed by the network. The challenge of stereotypes lies in the way the program portrays the women as they contradict these narratives.

Citizens in many provinces in South Africa have increasingly become more vocal about their unhappiness concerning service delivery in many departments of Government; their needs are not being met. Their violence and anger are usually aimed at emergency planners and government institutions, such as the police services, emergency medical services and fire services, therefore adding to various other challenges and difficulties these institution experience in carrying out their responsibilities (News Today, 2008). These institutions are also directly involved in the Disaster Risk Reduction process and play a key role in building a culture of safety and prevention within their communities by distributing knowledge and teaching skills (Twigg, 2004). Twigg (2004) argues that providing communities with information is the only way in which the scale, frequency, and complexity of disasters can be addressed. This should be done by following a multi–disciplinary approach that includes participatory development communication as a tool. The term participatory development communication refers to communication between parties where information transfer is de–emphasised and the process of dialogue between participants is favoured (Jacobson & Kolluri, 1999). This allows for solutions to problems to be identified in a collective fashion (Twigg, 2004; Jacobson & Kolluri, 1999). In light of the above the Maquassi Hills Fire Service’s relationship with the community has a major impact on the contribution the fire services make to building a culture of safety and also to what extent the community works towards building a culture of safety –– and thereby reducing disaster risk within the community. This study, consequently, aims to investigate the current relationship between the Maquassi Hills Fire Services and the community they serve, as well as the role of participatory development communication in this relationship. In order to do so this study explore various guidelines and principles set out by the literature in terms of participatory development communication and culture of safety to establish to what extent the Maquassi Hills Fire Services adhere to these principles and guidelines in their day–to–day functioning. This has been done by using a qualitative research design. Data collection methods appropriate to the qualitative research design were used to collect the necessary data. These methods included focus group discussions with members of the communities in the Maquassi Hills area and semi–structured interviews with the staff and management of the Maquassi Hills Fire Services. Guidelines and principles established in theory were used to describe and evaluate the current situation between the Maquassi Hills Fire Services and the surrounding communities to 5 whom they provide the service of fire fighting. The two main areas of theory addressed were that of Participatory Development Communication and that of a culture of safety as it presents in the Disaster Risk Reduction field. These were also the two main areas investigated in the empirical phase of the study. From the research it was found that in terms of Participatory Development Communication very little is being done by the fire services to establish dialogical communication. Thus creating opportunities for communities to communicate with the fire services by developing relevant communication channels is not being facilitated. However communities are eager to establish such an interactive relationship with the fire services. The data indicated that when the principles and guidelines for building a culture of safety are considered there exist various positive aspects. If these aspects are utilised and facilitated in the correct manner it may facilitate the process of building a culture of safety. It is therefore recommended that the fire services should start interacting with the communities in the Maquassi Hills area. Most of the issues experienced in the relationship between the fire services and the communities can to some extent be ascribed to the fact that the fire services do not reach out to the communities they serve. Interactions with the community should be based on the principles of participatory development communication which will ensure that dialogue is established and information is exchanged. Also very important in the Maquassi Hills area is supplying the communities with relevant, regular, correct and coherent fire safety information and skills. People in these communities need the necessary fire safety information to ensure their safety in terms of fire. By allowing people in these communities to participate in planning and implementing initiatives aimed at informing people, awareness campaigns and information sessions will be suited to the specific areas. This will mean that communities receive information relevant to their situation and circumstances and ultimately initiatives will be more effective, allowing the opportunity for a good culture of safety with regard to fire to be built. / Thesis (M. Development and Management)--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2012.

Citizens in many provinces in South Africa have increasingly become more vocal about their unhappiness concerning service delivery in many departments of Government; their needs are not being met. Their violence and anger are usually aimed at emergency planners and government institutions, such as the police services, emergency medical services and fire services, therefore adding to various other challenges and difficulties these institution experience in carrying out their responsibilities (News Today, 2008). These institutions are also directly involved in the Disaster Risk Reduction process and play a key role in building a culture of safety and prevention within their communities by distributing knowledge and teaching skills (Twigg, 2004). Twigg (2004) argues that providing communities with information is the only way in which the scale, frequency, and complexity of disasters can be addressed. This should be done by following a multi–disciplinary approach that includes participatory development communication as a tool. The term participatory development communication refers to communication between parties where information transfer is de–emphasised and the process of dialogue between participants is favoured (Jacobson & Kolluri, 1999). This allows for solutions to problems to be identified in a collective fashion (Twigg, 2004; Jacobson & Kolluri, 1999). In light of the above the Maquassi Hills Fire Service’s relationship with the community has a major impact on the contribution the fire services make to building a culture of safety and also to what extent the community works towards building a culture of safety –– and thereby reducing disaster risk within the community. This study, consequently, aims to investigate the current relationship between the Maquassi Hills Fire Services and the community they serve, as well as the role of participatory development communication in this relationship. In order to do so this study explore various guidelines and principles set out by the literature in terms of participatory development communication and culture of safety to establish to what extent the Maquassi Hills Fire Services adhere to these principles and guidelines in their day–to–day functioning. This has been done by using a qualitative research design. Data collection methods appropriate to the qualitative research design were used to collect the necessary data. These methods included focus group discussions with members of the communities in the Maquassi Hills area and semi–structured interviews with the staff and management of the Maquassi Hills Fire Services. Guidelines and principles established in theory were used to describe and evaluate the current situation between the Maquassi Hills Fire Services and the surrounding communities to 5 whom they provide the service of fire fighting. The two main areas of theory addressed were that of Participatory Development Communication and that of a culture of safety as it presents in the Disaster Risk Reduction field. These were also the two main areas investigated in the empirical phase of the study. From the research it was found that in terms of Participatory Development Communication very little is being done by the fire services to establish dialogical communication. Thus creating opportunities for communities to communicate with the fire services by developing relevant communication channels is not being facilitated. However communities are eager to establish such an interactive relationship with the fire services. The data indicated that when the principles and guidelines for building a culture of safety are considered there exist various positive aspects. If these aspects are utilised and facilitated in the correct manner it may facilitate the process of building a culture of safety. It is therefore recommended that the fire services should start interacting with the communities in the Maquassi Hills area. Most of the issues experienced in the relationship between the fire services and the communities can to some extent be ascribed to the fact that the fire services do not reach out to the communities they serve. Interactions with the community should be based on the principles of participatory development communication which will ensure that dialogue is established and information is exchanged. Also very important in the Maquassi Hills area is supplying the communities with relevant, regular, correct and coherent fire safety information and skills. People in these communities need the necessary fire safety information to ensure their safety in terms of fire. By allowing people in these communities to participate in planning and implementing initiatives aimed at informing people, awareness campaigns and information sessions will be suited to the specific areas. This will mean that communities receive information relevant to their situation and circumstances and ultimately initiatives will be more effective, allowing the opportunity for a good culture of safety with regard to fire to be built. / Thesis (M. Development and Management)--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2012.

Les méthodes d’ingénierie dirigée par modèle des systèmes, telles que la simulation, l’analyse formelle et l’émulation ont été intensivement utilisées ces dernières années pour étudier et prévoir les propriétés et les comportements des systèmes complexes. Les résultats de ces analyses révèlent des connaissances qui peuvent améliorer la compréhension d’un système existant ou soutenir un processus de conception de manière à éviter des erreurs couteuses (et catastrophiques) qui pourraient se produire dans le système. Les réponses à certaines questions que l’on se pose sur un système sont généralement obtenues en utilisant des méthodes d’analyse spécifiques ; par exemple les performances et les comportements d’un système peuvent être étudiés de façon efficace dans certains cadres expérimentaux, en utilisant une méthode appropriée de simulation. De façon similaire, la vérification de propriétés telles que la vivacité, la sécurité et l’équité sont mieux étudiées en utilisant des méthodes formelles appropriées tandis que les méthodologies d’émulation peuvent être utilisées pour vérifier des hypothèses temporelles et des activités et comportements impliquant des interactions humaines. Donc, une étude exhaustive d’un système complexe (ou même d’apparence simple) nécessite souvent l’utilisation de plusieurs méthodes d’analyse pour produire des réponses complémentaires aux probables questions. Nul doute que la combinaison de multiples méthodes d’analyse offre plus de possibilités et de rigueur pour analyser un système que ne peut le faire chacune des méthodes prise individuellement. Si cet exercice (de combinaison) permet d’aller vers une connaissance (presque) complète des systèmes complexes, son adoption pratique ne va pas de pair avec les avancées théoriques en matière de formalismes et d’algorithmes évolués, qui résultent de décennies de recherche par les praticiens des différentes méthodes. Ce déficit peut s’expliquer parles compétences mathématiques requises pour utiliser ces formalismes, en combinaison avec la faible portabilité des modèles entre les outils des différentes méthodes. Cette dernière exigence rend nécessaire la tâche herculéenne de créer et de gérer plusieurs modèles du même système dans différents formalismes et pour différents types d’analyse. Un autre facteur bloquant est que la plupart des environnements d’analyse sont dédiés à une méthode d’analyse spécifique (i.e., simulation, ou analyse formelle, ou émulation) et sont généralement difficiles à étendre pour réaliser d’autres types d’analyse. Ainsi, une vaste connaissance de formalismes supportant la multitude de méthodes d’analyse est requise, pour pouvoir créer les différents modèles nécessaires, mais surtout un problème de cohérence se pose lorsqu’il faudra mettre à jour séparément ces modèles lorsque certaines parties du système changent. La contribution de cette thèse est d’alléger les charges d’un utilisateur de méthodes d'analyse multiples, dans sa quête d’exhaustivité dans l’étude des systèmes complexes, grâce à un cadre qui utilise les technologies d’Ingénierie Dirigée par les Modèles (IDM) pour fédérer la simulation, l’analyse formelle et l’émulation. Ceci est rendu possible grâce à la définition d’un langage de spécification unifié de haut niveau, supporté par des capacités de synthèse automatiques d’artéfacts requis par les différentes méthodes d’analyse. (...) / Model-based systems engineering methodologies such as Simulation, Formal Methods (FM) and Enactment have been used extensively in recent decades to study, analyze, and forecast the properties and behaviors of complex systems. The results of these analyses often reveal subtle knowledge that could enhance deeper understanding of an existing system or provide timely feedbacks into a design process to avert costly (and catastrophic) errors that may arise in the system. Questions about different aspects of a system are usually best answered using some specific analysis methodologies; for instance, system's performance and behavior in some specified experimental frames can be efficiently studied using appropriate simulation methodologies. Similarly, verification of properties such as, liveness, safeness and fairness are better studied with appropriate formal methods while enactment methodologies may be used to verify assumptions about some time-based and human-in-the-loop activities and behaviors. Therefore, an exhaustive study of a complex (or even seemingly simple) system often requires the use of different analysis methodologies to produce complementary answers to likely questions. There is no gainsaying that a combination of multiple analysis methodologies offers more powerful capabilities and rigor to test system designs than can be accomplished with any of the methodologies applied alone. While this exercise will provide (near) complete knowledge of complex systems and helps analysts to make reliable assumptions and forecasts about their properties, its practical adoption is not commensurate with the theoretical advancements, and evolving formalisms and algorithms, resulting from decades of research by practitioners of the different methodologies. This shortfall has been linked to the prerequisite mathematical skills for dealing with most formalisms, which is compounded by little portability of models between tools of different methodologies that makes it mostly necessary to bear the herculean task of creating and managing several models of same system in different formalisms. Another contributing factor is that most of existing computational analysis environments are dedicated to specific analysis methodologies (i.e., simulation or FM or enactment) and are usually difficult to extend to accommodate other approaches. Thus, one must learn all the formalisms underlining the various methods to create models and go round to update all of them whenever certain system variables change. The contribution of this thesis to alleviating the burdens on users of multiple analysis methodologies for exhaustive study of complex systems can be described as a framework that uses Model-Driven Engineering (MDE) technologies to federate simulation, FM and enactment analysis methodologies behind a unified high-level specification language with support for automated synthesis of artifacts required by the disparate methodologies. This framework envelops four pieces of contributions: i) a methodology that emulates the Model- Driven Architecture (MDA) to propose an independent formalism to integrate the different analysis methodologies. ii) Integration of concepts from the three methodologies to provide a common metamodel to unite some selected formalisms for simulation, FM and enactment. Iii) Mapping rules for automated synthesis of artifacts for simulation, FM and enactment from a common reference model of a system and its requirements. iv) A framework for the enactment of idiscrete event systems. We use the beverage vending system as a running example throughout the thesis. (...)

Typescript (photocopy). / Digitized by Kansas Correctional Industries

Call number: LD2668 .T4 1986 W542 / Master of Arts / Geography