This thesis contains the results from researching historic gas stations along U.S. 40 in Indiana and from exploring the effects of the automobile and oil industries on the evolution of this building type. It reaches conclusions about how the stations in the study area differ from national design trends and from the prototypes created by major oil companies.Of the major gas station design types, only residential and oblong box stations were found in the study area. Since the other design types were common across the country, it is reasonable to assume that such structures also appeared in Indiana and have subsequently been demolished. Although not all types and styles were found in the study area, those that were found were comparable in form and design to other stations throughout the country.Ultimately, this thesis is a case study of gas stations in Indiana. It can be used to evaluate stations throughout the state and provides a framework for further research on gas stations along other Indiana highways. / Department of Architecture

This project provides a method to improve the urban environment of Indianapolis by developing vacant lots currently used for parking lots. Redesigning vacant lots as public open spaces can enrich the downtown environment both culturally and economically.This project is comprised of four sections. The first section is the introduction of the project. The second section addresses the problems caused by vacant lots in cities and the influence of public open spaces on public life and the city environment. The third section consists of developing a plan for public open spaces by redesigning selected vacant lots in downtown Indianapolis, Indiana. The third section will present a model of development of public open spaces for the city and will legitimize the necessity for revitalization. The last section will conclude the project.The goal of the project is to present critical aspects regarding existing vacant lots in downtown areas and to develop new types of public open space that can benefit the citizens and environment of Indianapolis, Indiana. The design new types of public open space that can benefit the citizens and environment of Indianapolis, Indiana. The design strategy will integrate reevaluation of vacant lots, creation of new types of public open space, and improvement of the city environment. / Department of Landscape Architecture

Drinking water is a potential means for transmission of the opportunistic pathogen Legionella pneumophila. The objective of this research was to document the occurrence of L. pneumophila from source water, partially treated water after conventional water treatment, and distribution water. Water samples were examined for L. pneumophila by direct fluorescent antibody (DFA) techniques and by SYBR Green based real-time multiplex PCR. Primers were designed to amplify a 16S product of 490 bp and a mip product of 290 bp within L. pneumophila. Sensitivity of culture methods and PCR was determined by percent recovery and by using serial dilutions of positive control DNA, respectively. Eighty percent of source water samples were positive for L. pneumophila by real-time PCR versus 100% positive by DFA for L. pneumophila. Twenty percent of GAC filter water samples were positive for L. pneumophila by real-time PCR versus 40% positive by DFA. Distribution water samples yielded mixed results. Twenty percent of biofilms from the distribution system were positive for L. pneumophila by real-time PCR. This project confirms the potential for human infection by L. pneumophila from distribution water within the study area. / Department of Biology

Five darter species were collected from streams and rivers in two Indiana counties to determine patterns of microhabitat selection. Selection was based on three microhabitat variables and included flow (velocity), depth, and substrate. A Qualitative Habitat Evaluation Index (QHEI) was also performed at each sampling location to differentiate the habitat quality at each site. Darters were segregated from one or more species present and overlap between species was observed. Specifically, greenside and rainbow darters used intermediate substrate in higher flows and depths relative to fantail, johnny, and orangethroat darters. Fantail and orangethroat darters were found among intermediate-large substrate sizes in reduced flow and depth. Johnny darters preferred small-intermediate substrate in greater depths and lowered flow. Microhabitat use is often driven by competition for food and space. / Department of Biology

We determined foraging characteristics of Cerulean Warblers (Dendroica cerulea) in Morgan-Monroe and Yellowwood state forests in southern Indiana from 2007-2009. The average foraging height, tree height, and tree diameter at breast height (dbh) were greater for males than females. During 2008, areas of our study site received silvicultural manipulations that allowed us to compare foraging behavior before and after treatments. Harvesting techniques included shelterwood and clearcut or single and group tree selection. Foraging Cerulean Warblers in harvested areas had a lower average foraging height, tree height, and dbh during post-treatment than in pre-treatment years. Additionally, we examined foraging tree species selection and determined expected foraging tree species use based on basal area and stem density of tree species in the territories. We compared territory composition to random sites to explore tree selection on a larger scale. The most commonly used foraging tree species were bitternut hickory (Carya cordiformis), white oak (Quercus alba), and tulip tree (Liriodendron tulipifera). / Department of Biology

The purpose of this study was to determine perspectives related to nutrition education needs and interests of elderly people who currently participate in a congregate meal program in East Central Indiana in order to improve the current nutrition education materials that are being presented to those who dine at LifeStream Inc., senior cafes. Subjects in this study included sixty participants from 11 LifeStream Services Inc. congregate meal sites across East Central Indiana. Focus groups were conducted by the primary researcher at each site to determine nutrition needs and interests of elderly Americans participating in a congregate meal program concerning nutrition education and other health related topics. The elderly at LifeStream sites were most interested in having more information about specific disease states, most specifically diabetes. Currently nutrition information is received by many different venues with handouts being the most popular and accepted with this population. Ideas that were suggested to improve LifeStream nutrition education included more one-on-one interaction to teach new nutrition information. Keeping lessons simple and interactive is also important when teaching elderly Americans about nutrition topics. / Department of Family and Consumer Sciences

This study employed qualitative research methods to explore the motivations, perceptions, and regional contextual factors that influence the management decisions of small-scale farmers in East Central Indiana (ECI). In-depth, semi-structured interviews with 15 key informants and 29 farmers were recorded, transcribed, and coded using content analysis to understand the factors most relevant to small-scale farming in the region. Several important themes and subthemes arose in the data related to farming motivations, barriers to farm sustainability, and farmer learning and education. The results of this study complement the findings of previous work that describe the complex framework farmers navigate when making decisions on the farm. Still, this study identifies subtle regional factors (i.e., market conditions, farming culture, local economy)that significantly impact farmers’ decisions, and emphasizes the importance of local context in crafting agricultural policies and outreach efforts. Implications and recommendations for East Central Indiana are discussed. / Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Management

This proposed thesis is essentially a methodology for producing and assembling the graphic photo/documentation package of a large group of structures distributed over a broad geographic area. During the 1984/85 Indiana State Hospital Documentation Project, Department of Architecture, College of Architecture and Planning, it became evident that neither standards nor precedent existed within the State of Indiana for establishing appropriate levels of documentation for individuals, firms and/or agencies applying to the State Review Board/Division of Historic Preservation and Archaeology for Certificates of Approval for demolition of historic structures.This thesis will begin with brief discussions of: 1) various levels of documentation, including identifying one (or several) levels appropriate for this project; 2) preliminary field survey of the sites and structures, including photography, field notes and the acquisition of historic architectural drawings; and, 3) planning and contract development stages.Following this introduction the thesis will treat, in detail, the development of graphic materials (photo and line) utilized i n both the printed text and its accompanying photo/data package. Of note will be sections pertaining to: 1) the development of a sequential format, treating the project as both a written document and a graphic product; 2) field photographic techniques; 3) acquiring/developing/utilizing maps/site plans; 4) obtaining historic architectural drawings; 5) producing H.A.B.S. drawings; 6) reducing for reproduction and subsequent archiving of historic and H.A.B.S. drawings; 7) completing approved survey cards; and, 8) developing a comprehensive indexing system for all graphic materials.A summary will include, but not be limited to: 1) an assessment of the project's immediate ability to satisfy contractual requirements; 2) the project's long term value as both a written and graphic thematic study; 3) suggestions for the establishment of a hierarchy of levels of documentation for structures of recognized or potential historic significance facing certain demolition; and, 4) recommendations for the establishment of minimum state standards of graphic documentation for each specific level identified in 3). / Department of Architecture

There is no abstract available for this thesis. / Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Management

This study investigated the vascular flora diversity, seed bank composition, and physical parameters of the fen at Red-Tail Nature Preserve (RTNP) in Delaware County, Indiana for a better understanding of plant community composition. Data were collected from eighty sample points established on transects occurring in four sampling zones. The results of the study were subjected to detrended correspondence analysis (DCA) in order to analyze plant community data and to provide an indication of differences in community composition between the sampling zones. Results from DCA analysis were compared to physical parameter analysis of soil and water from each sampling zone to determine relationships between plant community types and environmental factors.Ball State UniversityMuncie, IN 47306 / Department of Biology