A study was initiated to adapt the REGEN regeneration prediction model to the Appalachians of Virginia and West Virginia. REGEN generates predictions via expert created REGEN knowledge bases (RKBs) that contain competitive rankings and stochastic parameters for selected species and size classes of advance reproduction. We developed RKBs for four site productivity classes (xeric, subxeric, submesic, mesic), and tested two (subxeric and submesic) using field collected inventory data in this study. To test the model we collected data from 48 paired sites which contained a mature stand and an adjacent regenerating stand (clearcut) of similar site productivity harvested within the past 20 years. Across all 48 sites, model predictions were within 5% of measured values on average, and explained 32% (R2 = 0.32) of the variation in species composition in regenerating stands. The species compositions of 41 of the paired stands on the Appalachian Plateau in West Virginia were further analyzed to compare species composition. Species composition was compared between the mature and regenerating stands in the subxeric and submesic site classes. A comparison of the upper canopy (dominant and codominant) species composition in regenerating stands to that of all stems ≥ 1.5 in dbh in the mature stands was conducted as well. Our results suggest that the future species composition of stands regenerating following clearcut harvests will likely differ from previous rotations with mesophytic, shade intolerant species being more numerous. Oaks will likely assume a smaller role as the clearcuts mature, particularly on the submesic sites. / Master of Science

Thematic tourist maps provide users with a tangible geographic route to their travel destinations and also may contain a wide variety of additional information to enhance traveler experiences. Unlike other types of maps that focus on accurate topographic representation of an area or on depiction of spatial data, tourist maps should be specifically constructed to appeal directly to the end-user. Toward that end, this research developed and implemented a model to incorporate user opinion on content, levels of detail, and labeling conventions during the process of designing and creating a wine tourism map for southwest Virginia. Over 700 (total) wine tourists completed brief questionnaires during five distinct phases of data collection and map modeling. At each point, we incorporated user input into map design for the preceding phase, and a final assessment surveyed tourist attitude of the finished product. Interestingly, surveys indicated a propensity for users to highly rank the idea of more and more detailed content data, as well as high levels of spatial detail, but when presented with the corresponding maps, they tended to favor a cleaner more simplified display. This finding underscores our conclusion that while user input is critical for developing successful tourist maps, cartographic training and skill is still required to achieve a quality product. Overall, the final map incorporating user input received overwhelmingly positive user reviews when compared to existing regional maps indicating that our iterative method of seeking user input at various stages of map development was successful, and facilitated creation of an improved product. / Master of Science

The incidence of type 2 diabetes has greatly increased in the U.S. population over the last decade and continues to increase each year. Over 90% of those with diabetes have type 2 diabetes, for which obesity, diet, and inadequate physical activity remain the strong nongenetic determinants. In Virginia between 1994 and 1996, the estimated number of people with diabetes was 220,000 and another 75,000 were estimated to have the disease, but did not know it (http://www.vahealth.org accessed 7/10/01). A study has been conducted that involves two separate surveys. The Community Diabetes Education Survey (CDES) was an interview questionnaire or mailed questionnaire for assessing community diabetes education resources and was completed by Extension Nutrition and Wellness Specialty Agents and five Area EFNEP/FSNEP coordinators located throughout Virginia. The Diabetes Patient Survey was a client interview questionnaire assessing the attitudes, behaviors, and knowledge of persons with diabetes. This survey was conducted by FSNEP Program Assistants. More than 150 low-income adults who have type 2 diabetes and were enrolled in FSNEP at the time of data collection were interviewed. The results from this study showed hospitals were the main health agency to fill out CDES-II. Most diabetes education done by extension is delivered through a combination of methods like group classes, individual counseling sessions, phone or e-mail, and providing handouts. Almost all of the health agencies offer diabetes diagnosis and treatment for adults. Results from this study showed on gender, age, and race, the study sample was similar to the total FSNEP population, except that the percentage of African Americans was higher among the diabetes patients than among the general FSNEP population. The African American subjects also had diabetes longer (12 years vs. 8 years), although their current mean age was the same as Caucasians. The study did not reveal substantial differences in African Americans and Caucasians regarding recommendations they had received on dietary practices. Forty-nine percent of study's participants were physically active. Most participants exercised two to three times per week, for only 15 to 30 minutes at a time. The purpose of this research was to assess the extent to which diabetes education is available and easily accessible to the low-income adult population in Virginia and to assess FSNEP clients regarding attitudes, behaviors, and knowledge that may affect their management of diabetes. / Master of Science

No description available.

Drill cores through the Lower to Middle Cambrian Shady Dolomite carbonate platform (600 to 1200 m thick) in the Austinville, Virginia, region allow the evolution of the carbonate platform from a gently sloping ramp, to a high relief, rimmed shelf to be documented. The Shady Dolomite forms the initial carbonate foundation for the overlying Cambrian-Ordovician carbonate shelf sequence, which persisted for about 30 m.a. until it was destroyed by incipient collision during the Early Ordovician. The Shady Dolomite records several episodes of dolomitization during burial, coeval with late Paleozoic deformation. Rare relict corcs of zone 1 dolomite were replaced and overgrown by zone 2A dolomite, the dominant replacement phase. After replacement dolomitization, the sequence was subjected to dissolution and fracturing, followed by Pb-Zn mineralization, zones 2B, 3 and 4 dolomite cement, sphalerite, quartz, and calcite. Zone 1 dolomite apparently has similar isotopic and trace element composition as zone 2A dolomite. Zone 2A dolomite (δ¹⁸O = -10.2 to -7.0 °/oo PDB; δ¹³C = +1.0 to +1.6 °/oo PDB) is depleted in ¹⁸O and enriched in ¹³C relative to marine cements (δ¹⁸O = -7.5 to -6.1; δ¹³C = +0.2 to +0.8), reflecting precipitation at elevated temperatures from fluids in equilibrium with the host limestone. Zone 2B dolomite cement has identical δ¹⁸O values as zone 2A dolomite, indicating precipitation from similar fluids for the two dolomite generations. The Mn and Fe contents of zones 2A and 2B dolomite likely reflect a pH control over the fluid Mn and Fe chemistry; their similar low total Sr and nonradiogenic ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr, imply that Sr was largely derived from the limestone precursor. Zones 3 and 4 dolomite cements (δ¹⁸O = -13.8 to -11.3; δ¹³C = -0.7 to +0.9) are depleted in δ¹⁸O relative to previous dolomites, recording hotter fluids. Zone 3 dolomite is depleted in Fe, due to pyrite precipitation whereas zone 4 dolomite cement has relatively high Mn and Fe contents. Zones 3 and 4 dolomite cements and later calcite are enriched in total Sr and have high ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr, indicating late radiogenic Sr-enriched brines. Fluid inclusions indicate that zones 2A and 2B dolomite precipitated from warm (100-175°C), saline (23-26 wt.% NaC1 equiv.) fluids, followed by later hotter (175-225°C) more saline (30-33 wt.% NaCl equiv.) fluids. Pressure solution of the Knox Group dolomites during overthrusting provided much of the Mg²⁺ for dolomitization, this Mg²⁺ was transported by regional gravity-driven fluid flow that developed in response to tectonic uplift. / Ph. D.

The role and function of school psychologists and changes in such since Public Law 94-142 have been the subject of research by numerous authors. However, more speculation than empirical data exists on the topic. Although speculation in the profession has suggested about equally that the role and function of the school psychologist has changed and has not changed since Public Law 94-142, studies have failed to substantiate such speculation one way or the other. The population of school psychologists in Virginia was chosen for the present study because of existing research using this population conducted by Murray in 1975, before Public Law 94-142 came into full effect. The study was designed to answer the following eight research questions: (1) What expectations do school psychologists have for attributes? (2) What is the relative degree of importance that school psychologists attach to participations in various professional activities? (3) What is the relative degree of importance that school psychologists attach to the various functions of their present position? (4) What is the relative frequency with which school psychologists perform the various functions of their present position? (5) What is the relative degree of importance that school psychologists attach to the various functions of their present position compared to the relative frequency with which they actually perform those same functions? (6) What are school psychologists' expectations for their performances of specific functions? (7) What is the influence of selected demographic variables on school psychologists' expectations for their performances of specific functions? (8) What is the degree of consensus between the results obtained in this study and those obtained in Murray’s study relative to the areas outlined above? Data were collected via mailed surveys using a personal data form, to gain demographic information, and a modified form of the questionnaire used by Murray (1975). Three hundred nineteen members of the Virginia Association of School Psychologists were mailed survey materials, and a response rate of 80.5% was obtained. Of this total, one hundred seventy-six met the requirements necessary to be included in the data analysis. Demographic information was obtained and frequency counts of modified questionnaire responses revealed information relative to school psychologists’ expectations for attributes, participations in professional activities, and performances of functions, as well as importance attached to, and frequency of performance of, various functions. One-way ANOVA procedures were used to determine the relationship between overall expectations for performances of various functions scores and demographic variables. No significant differences were found among demographic variables. Chi-square procedures were used to compare the present expectations for role and function with those of Murray (1975). Results indicated that many specific aspects of the Virginia school psychologist's expectations for role and function have changed since 1975 and new roles have emerged. Changes were seen in expectations for attributes, participation in professional activities, and performance of various functions yet these specific changes in expectations have not led to changes in importance attached to, or actual frequency of performance of, functions. Several implications were drawn from the results of the present study leading to recommendations for school psychologists and trainers, and employers of school psychologists, as well as professional school psychology organizations. The recommendations focused on training for school psychologists and topics for further research. / Ed. D. / incomplete_metadata

The seasonal abundance of the imported cabbageworm, <i>Artogeia rapae</i> (L.)), cabbage looper <i>Trichoplusia ni</i> (Hubner)) and diamondback moth (<i>Plutella xylostella</i> (L.)) was determined in 1982 to 1984 on cabbage in southwest Virginia. The imported cabbageworm was the most important pest. It had one and a partial second generation in 1982 and 1983, and two and a partial third generation in 1984. Market Prize and Green Winter varieties had lower <i>A. rapae</i> infestations than Abbott & Cobb #5 or Rio Verde. Two generations of the diamondback moth, which preferentially fed on cabbage leaves versus heads, were seen in 1983 and 1984. <i>Diadegma insularis</i> (Meus.) (Hymenoptera: Ichneumonidae) parasitized 46% and 69% of the diamondback moth in 1983 and 1984, respectively. Higher parasitization of <i>P. xylostella</i> was found in pupae collected from Abbott & Cobb #5. Two generations of the cabbage looper were seen in 1983 and a single generation in 1984. <i>Pteromalus puparum</i> (L.) (Hymenoptera: Pteromalidae) parasitized 64.1% and 32.5% of imported cabbageworm pupae in 1983 and 1984; parasitism was most pronounced in the latter part of the season. High percentages of parasites successfully emerged as adults, indicating efficient host utilization. Most parasite mortality within the host occurred in the larval stage; mean adult parasite emergence per host for 1983 and 1984 was 52.3 with a 1:1 sex ratio. <i>P. puparum</i> parasitized either host sex, producing equal proportions of male and female parasites. Adult female <i>P. puparum</i> were not adversely affected by residues of methomyl (Lannate®), permethrin (Pounce®) and fenvalarate (Pydrin®), but males showed significantly higher mortality than controls following exposure to methomyl after 12 h, and methomyl and permethrin after six days. <P. puparum</i> adults were successfully refrigerated for up to 15 days at 3°C in individual gelatin capsules. Survival beyond 15 days was better at l5°C and 23°C. <i>A. rapae</i> larvae could be reared at densities of 30 to 60 larvae per 70±10 g on a high wheat germ artificial diet. Pupae from the lowest density were larger in length and weight than those reared at the two higher densities, and all laboratory-reared pupae were smaller than either normal or parasitized field pupae. / Ph. D.

Interscholastic athletic participation has increased significantly over the last twenty years; with this increase the need for more and qualified coaches is necessary. The purpose of this study was to investigate, in the state of Virginia, the opinions of school superintendents, principals, and athletic coaches toward the practicality of requiring a coaching endorsement for high school coaches, analyze the professional preparation of high school coaches, and what criteria administrators utilize in the selection of coaches. The population of this research was randomly selected. A total of 315 administrators and 1469 coaches represented each of the three school enrollment divisions. The data received were arranged in tabular form and analyzed according to frequency, the chi-square procedure, and linkage analysis. The results suggested that: 1. Endorsement at this point in time is the ideal and not a reality. 2. The burden of ensuring a minimal level of competency will rest with the local school system, and with help from the state this could be accomplished by sponsoring inservice programs or requiring coaches to enroll in similar programs in colleges and universities. 3. Administrators should develop and use written qualifications and job analyses for head coaching positions. An intensive review of preparation, experiences, competences, and personality traits should be made prior to the coach's appointment. 4. Administrators and coaches agreed that the following areas of knowledge are necessary for coaches and should be included in a coaching curriculum: (a) care and prevention of athletic injuries, (b) skills and techniques of each sport, (c) rules interpretation of each sport coached, (d) sports physiology, (e) legal aspects of coaching, (f) coaching theory and strategy, (g) sports psychology, and (h) administrative skills. It may also be concluded that both groups, administrators and coaches, place a heavy emphasis upon the health and safety of each participant, as well as the teaching of proper skills to student athletes at all levels of competition. 5. The administrators indicated that there is a need for a college or university coaching preparation to improve the standards of coaching especially for academic teachers who desire to coach as well as teach in the classroom. 6. A physical education degree is not a necessary prerequisite for coaching; however, an assistant coaching position or an internship program and participation on an interscholastic and/or intercollegiate athletic team are considered important experiences for a coach to possess. / Ed. D.

The teacher dismissal process is of critical importance to educators involved in both administrative and teaching positions. The legal prerequisites, opinions, and cases have been frequently reviewed and presented in countless studies. This study was designed to examine the dismissal process from the perspective(s) of the participants involved in the procedure. The study investigated the question: Do commonalities exist surrounding the circumstances and personalities involved in teacher dismissal proceedings during the school years 1987-88, 1988-89, or 1989-90? The study consists of ten field studies randomly selected from Virginia school divisions indicating a teacher dismissal during the period school years 1987-90. Field interviews were conducted to develop each of the ten case studies. The data were analyzed in two ways. First, like job participants were compared across case studies to identify commonalities during their involvement in the teacher dismissal process. Secondly, a profile of these commonalities was developed to show a typical pattern of circumstances and personalities involved in the teacher dismissal process. The study revealed that eight of the ten cases were based on issues outside of classroom instructional problems. Six of the ten teachers facing dismissal were ethnic minorities. Nine of the ten superintendents and all ten of the principals in the study did not hire the teacher facing dismissal in the cases. Finally, none of the teachers facing dismissal in the case studies was an active participant in a plan for improvement or a work plan. / Ed. D.

This study was designed to investigate the attitudes, degree of participation, and knowledge of both small and large flue-cured tobacco producers regarding the Virginia Cooperative Extension Service. The population for this study consisted of the 6,937 flue-cured tobacco producers from the ten largest flue-cured tobacco producing counties in Virginia. A randomly selected proportional stratified sample was used to select the 400 producers included in the study. Producers in the sample were later grouped, as small or large producers, based on the median tobacco acreage of the producers in the sample which was 9 acres. A four-part survey instrument was used to collect data. The mailed instrument was returned by 252 producers ( 63 percent). Statistical techniques used to analyze the data were frequencies, percentages, independent t-test, Pearson Product-Moment Correlation, and One-Way Analysis of Variance. Eight null hypothesis statements were established and tested for statistical significance. The major conclusions reached in this study were: (1) Large flue-cured tobacco producers' attitudes were more positive than the small flue-cured tobacco producers' attitudes toward the Virginia Cooperative Extension Service flue-cured tobacco program. (2) Small flue-cured tobacco producers had a less positive attitude than the large flue-cured tobacco producers toward the overall agricultural program of the Virginia Cooperative Extension Service. (3) Both small and large flue-cured tobacco producers possessed positive attitudes toward the qualifications of the Virginia Cooperative Extension Service local professional staff. (4) Large flue-cured tobacco producers participated in more programs of the Virginia Cooperative Extension Service than the small flue-cured tobacco producers. (5) Both small and large flue-cured tobacco producers were knowledgeable of the functions of the Virginia Cooperative Extension Service. (6) Producers' knowledge of the Virginia Cooperative Extension Service functions was positively related to their attitudes toward the Virginia Cooperative Extension Service. The data suggested that flue-cured tobacco producers had positive attitudes toward the Virginia Cooperative Extension Service. / Ed. D.