This dissertation uses Talmy’s linguistic analysis to evaluate the Typological Prevalence Hypothesis – the idea that concepts that are consistently lexicalized across languages are easier to learn than less-consistently-lexicalized concepts, especially for young language learners (Gentner & Bowerman, 2009). We predicted that, for 2-year-olds, who have just begun verb acquisition, mapping a novel verb onto its referent should be easiest for categories that are consistently represented in the world’s verb systems (PATH of motion), followed by less consistently-represented concepts (MANNER of motion), and then concepts that are never represented (COLOR of an actor) (Research Question 1). We also evaluated whether this mapping pattern was predicted by age (Research Question 2) or individual differences in vocabulary levels (Research Question 3). Largely confirming our prediction, 2-year-olds were better at mapping verbs for PATH and MANNER than COLOR. Thus, at the early stage of verb acquisition, children are already equipped with basic knowledge of what verbs should encode. Later into development, 4-year-olds showed the language-specific verb-to-MANNER bias. Further, adults were most likely to associate a novel verb with MANNER, followed by PATH, and then COLOR, exactly mirroring the way the English verb system encodes motion events. Individual differences in language skills predicted the verb learning patterns in adults but not in children. Taken together, this dissertation provides an important step towards understanding how the semantic organization of language may relate to the process of verb acquisition. / Psychology

<p> When a polymer system is strained below its glass transition temperature, T9 , deformed regions called crazes may be formed that have a characteristic extension ratio, λ. Examining the regions of deformed material, which are almost visible to the naked eye, and measuring λ with the use of atomic force microscopy gives information about the space between entanglements along a polymer chain, which is a truly molecular quantity. In this work we present the results of experiments in which entanglements in high molecular weight polystyrene (PS) samples have effectively been swelled by diluting the network with low molecular weight PS. We find that these experiments not only tell us how the molecular weight of a polymer can affect its contribution to the polymer network, but also give an entirely new method of determining the entanglement molecular weight, Me, of a polymer system. </p> / Thesis / Master of Science (MSc)

Climate disasters are on the rise, with devastating effects on communities around the globe. Scientists have provided evidence that severe weather events due to climate change will continue to increase in frequency and severity. Extreme weather events are often referred to as the great equalizers, disregarding the socioeconomic status and race of those affected during widespread destruction. However, the literature suggests that people of color are disproportionately exposed to and affected by climate change and extreme weather events. In this study, I examine how exposure to extreme weather events will influence climate change policy support amongst different races. I argue that people of color will support climate change policy more than white people. I run regression models using data from Collaborative Multiracial Post-Election Survey and National Centers for Environmental Information. I do not find support for my hypothesis, but I do find that among the Black population, climate change policy support increases as respondents get older.

Drawing from the meta-construct model of cognition (Ingram, 1984; Ingram & Kendall, 1986), the goal of the present study was to examine whether the structural (i.e., self-complexity; SC, Linville, 1985) and propositional components of schemas (dysfunctional attitudes; DAS, Weissman & Beck, 1978), independently and in interaction with each other and stressors, lead to changes in depressive symptoms. The prediction was that if negative self-attributes across different self-aspects in a specific domain, interpersonal or achievement, are highly distinct (i.e., high negative SC) or if positive self-attributes across different aspects of self are redundant (i.e., low positive SC), then the DAS would be more likely to lead to higher levels of depression when domain-congruent stressors occur. To test the main effect, two-way interaction, and three-way interaction hypotheses, the present study used a two month longitudinal design involving three assessment periods, separated by one month. At the baseline, a total of 189 students participated in the study. Of these students, 163 and 121 students participated in the first and second follow-ups, respectively. Multiple hierarchical regression analyses were used to examine two-way and three-way interactions. Results showed strong support for the predictive power of negative SC with respect to depressive symptomatology. The DAS, on the contrary, was a concurrent factor related to depressive symptoms. Further, the present study did not provide supportive evidence for the diathesis-stress model of depression. Although contradicting expectations, the pattern of relationships between interpersonal negative SC, DAS, distal stressors suggested promising venues for future research. / Ph. D.

Sediment pulses are defined as large amounts of loose sediment that are suddenly deposited in river corridors due to the action of external factors or processes of natural or anthropogenic origin. Such factors and processes include landslides, debris flows from tributaries, volcanic eruptions, dam removal projects, and mining-related activities. Their occurrence is associated with a surplus in sediment load to downstream reaches, and therefore, with severe channel aggradation and degradation, significant floodplain deposition, increase in flood frequency, damage of infrastructure, and impairment of aquatic habitats. The main objective of this research is to develop a better understanding of the fundamental mechanisms that govern the propagation of these sediment-flow hazards in alluvial sand-bed rivers. Specifically, the study presented herein is divided into three separate parts to achieve this overarching goal. First, a component intended to improve the numerical modeling of morphodynamic processes in alluvial sand-bed rivers by proposing a novel solution methodology that applies either the decoupled or the coupled modeling approach based on local flow and sediment transport conditions. Secondly, a detailed numerical analysis to characterize the behavior of fine-grained sediment pulses (i.e. composed of granular material in the sand size range) in alluvial sand-bed rives by identifying the properties of these types of pulses, as well as the characteristics of riverine environments, that are most relevant to their downstream migration. And lastly, a case study application to assess the effect of the magnitude, duration, and frequency of severe hydrologic events on the overall propagation behavior of fine-grained sediment pulses in alluvial sand-bed rivers. Ultimately, this research aims to contribute towards reducing the uncertainty associated with the impact of these phenomena, and hence, improving the resilience of rivers corridors. / Ph. D.

This research is focused on driver behavior in traffic, especially during car-following situations and safety critical events. Driving behavior is considered as a human decision process in this research which provides opportunities for an artificial driver agent simulator to learn according to naturalistic driving data. This thesis presents two mechine learning methodologies that can be applied to simulate driver naturalistic driving behavior including risk-taking behavior during an incident and lateral evasive behavior which have not yet been captured in existing literature. Two special machine learning approaches Backpropagation (BP) neural network and Neuro-Fuzzy Actor Critic Reinforcement Learning (NFACRL) are proposed to model driver behavior during car-following situation and safety critical events separately. In addition to that, as part of the research, state-of-the-art car-following models are also analyzed and compared to BP neural network approach. Also, driver heterogeneity analyzed by NFACRL method is discussed. Finally, it presents the findings and limitations drawn from each of the specific issues, along with recommendations for further research. / Master of Science

The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between potential stressors and stress symptoms mediated by family adaptability and cohesion. This study also examined whether the Family Adaptability and Cohesion Scale (FACES III) provides data to support Olson's Circumplex Model of Marital and Family Systems. That is, the results of the present project were used to supplement the current debate over FACES III's curvilinearity. The data used in this sample are the data from a two-year research project about commercial airline pilots. The first hypothesis tested whether the FACES III sub-scales; cohesion and adaptability were linear measures or curvilinear measures. The second was that those individuals who had higher levels of family functioning would have fewer stress symptoms, while taking number of potential stressful life events into account. The results for the cohesion sub-scale supported using it as a linear measure. The results for the adaptability sub-scale were inconclusive. The results also demonstrated that life events and cohesion were Significant predictors of stress and that family cohesion is a mediating factor in the relationship between potential stressors and experienced stress symptoms. / Master of Science

A nomadic con artist, bent on inflating the price of his family land, deceives a small Irish town on the verge of bankruptcy into hosting an international sporting event.

The growth of online learning has provided opportunities for skills otherwise taught traditionally in a face-to-face learning environment to be taught in an online learning environment. Procedural skills, which have traditionally been taught in a face-to-face environment, can also be taught in an online learning environment using various delivery modes including virtual reality, augmented reality, simulations and videos. However, producing materials using some of these delivery modes could be expensive and might require advanced skills. However, video could be cost effective and might not require advanced skills based on the video produced. This study seeks to produce guidelines for using video to teach procedural skills in an online learning environment based on Gagné's Nine Events of Instruction (Gagné, 1975). To accomplish this goal, this study employed a design and development research methodology. The guidelines produced will assist instructors and course developers intending to use video to teach procedural skills based on Gagné's Nine Events of Instruction (Gagné, 1975). A systematic literature review was used to create the initial guidelines which were distributed to expert reviewers. Expert reviewers provided feedback which was used to revise the guidelines for using video to teach procedural skills based on Gagné's Nine Events of Instruction (Gagné, 1975). / Doctor of Philosophy / Procedural knowledge is defined as the knowledge of steps needed to attain a goal (Byrnes et al., 1991). Procedural skills can be taught in an online learning environment using various delivery modes including virtual reality, augmented reality, simulations and videos. However, some of the delivery modes can be expensive and might require advanced skills to use. Videos, on the other hand, can be cost effective and might not require advanced skills to produce depending on way it is produced. This study utilized a design and development research methodology to produce guidelines for using video to teach procedural skills based on Gagné's Nine Events of Instruction (Gagné, 1975). A systematic literature review was used to create the initial guidelines which were distributed to expert reviewers. Expert reviewers from diverse backgrounds related to the study provided feedback which was used to revise the guidelines for using video to teach procedural skills based on Gagné's Nine Events of Instruction (Gagné, 1975).

Coastal flood impacts are increasing in severity with the rising sea levels, causing damage to ecological and human systems. Climate-hazards may also result in cascading impacts, where an initial disaster sets off a chain of events that extends beyond the initial spatiotemporal point of impact. Coastal flood events may result in consecutive disasters in which the initial flood event results in a secondary technological disaster, prompting disruptions to socio-economic systems and resulting in a public health crisis. Flood events that trigger technological emergencies through the inundation and dispersion of hazardous materials are known as Natech disasters. However, current research on the cascading impacts of Natech events is limited. Hampton Roads, Virginia, is experiencing an accelerated rate of sea level rise and a proportionally higher risk of storm surge, potentially leading to a greater risk of Natech disasters. The main objective of this study is to evaluate the impact of Natech events on surrounding communities in Hampton Roads. This study uses geospatial analysis to identify the current (2021) and future (2051) threats of flood-induced Natech disaster and assess its exposure to different coastal populations and ecosystems. The present study calculated the Flood Hazard Density Index (FHDI), using a 1-mile radius around the significantly flooded facilities to determine the spatial dispersion of Natech disasters. The flood risks were determined using the 100-year flood plain and intermediate (RCP 4.5) climate scenario. The risk of a Natech disaster was identified by combining the spatial extent of flood risk with the location of Toxics Release Inventory (TRI) facilities and National Priorities List (NPL) designated Superfund sites. The exposed environmental and social systems to Natech events were chosen through the literature gap analysis. Sociodemographic data from the American Community Survey were collected to examine its correlation with 2021 and 2051 FHDI-affected block groups. Findings reveal that block groups with higher proportions of minorities, people in poverty, and people without a vehicle experience significant exposure to a Natech disaster compared to those who are living further away from the TRI and Superfund facilities. Additionally, open water and wetland environments will also experience significant exposure to Natech events, which could indicate a loss of ecosystem services. This study suggests a need for proactive policy and programmatic interventions to minimize the potential impacts of Natech events on the surrounding communities, such as the remediation of Superfund sites and the development of hazard mitigation plans for TRI facilities. / Master of Science / Coastal flood impacts are increasing in severity with the rising sea levels, causing damage to ecological and human systems. Climate-hazards may also result in cascading impacts, where an initial disaster sets off a chain of events that extends beyond the initial spatial origin of impact, prolonging the effects of the initial disaster. Coastal flood events may result in consecutive disasters, where an initial flood event results in a secondary technological disaster, prompting disruptions to socio-economic systems and resulting in a public health crisis. Flood events that trigger technological emergencies causing the inundation and dispersion of hazardous materials are known as Natech disasters. However, current research on the cascading impacts of Natech events is limited. Hampton Roads, Virginia, is experiencing accelerated sea level rise and a proportionally higher risk of storm surge, potentially leading to a greater risk of Natech disasters. The main objective of this study is to evaluate the impact of Natech events on surrounding communities in Hampton Roads. This study uses geospatial analysis to identify the current (2021) and future (2051) threats of flood-induced Natech disaster and assess its exposure to different coastal populations and ecosystems. The present study used a 1-mile radius around the significantly flooded facilities to determine the spatial dispersion of Natech diasters. The flood risks were determined using the 1 in 100 annual flood risk and an intermediate climate projection. The risk of a Natech disaster was identified by combining the spatial extent of flood risk with the location of U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (U.S. EPA) regulated Toxics Release Inventory (TRI) facilities and National Priorities List (NPL) designated Superfund sites. The most susceptible social, economic, and environmental subsystems to Natech events were identified using a literature gap analysis. Sociodemographic data were collected from the American Community Survey to examine its relationship to the 2021 and 2051 Natech affected census block groups. Findings reveal that block groups with higher proportions of minorities, people in poverty, and people without a vehicle experience significant exposure to a Natech disaster compared to those who are living further away from the TRI and Superfund facilities. Additionally, open water and wetland environments will also experience significant exposure to Natech events, which may indicate a loss of ecosystem services. This study suggests a need for proactive policy and programmatic interventions to minimize the potential impacts of Natech events on the surrounding communities, such as the remediation of Superfund sites and the development of hazard mitigation plans for TRI facilities.