Many years of continuous collections of deer kill data on state game management areas have largely been poorly utilized by deer biologists. Recent computer modeling developments have provided a vehicle for the examination of these collections of data. This thesis represents an attempt to demonstrate the usefulness of minimum population reconstruction in defining those populations that best contrast different harvest strategies. Buck-only deer hunting is compared to either-sex hunting on two similar areas. To determine if variables such as weather are acting to alter hunter participation and harvest in southeastern deer herds, 25 independent variables were tested. Correlation coefficients and maximum R² improvements provided the statistical basis for drawing conclusions concerning the relative "strength" of these variables. Higher than normal temperatures before and during the hunt were found to be positive contributors to harvest, as was precipitation before the hunt. Hunt days that followed nights of full moon also demonstrated a positive, but generally weak association with kill. The size of the deer population on an area, and the number of hunters that participate in a hunt were found to be the most powerful contributors to overall deer harvest. An evaluation of vegetative density indicated that buck hunting is most successful on areas that are more open, whereas doe harvest was related more to a denser vegetative classification. Buck-only hunting, when promoted over long periods of time, was found to drastically distort male age structure in favor of young age classes. Heavy either-sex harvests, however, provided not only a greater harvest of deer, but sex and age classes remained relatively stable in the herd. Continual monitoring of deer kill and careful analysis of reliable data through modeling is a most efficient method for not only detecting potential problems in herd welfare, but also in the establishment of forthcoming hunt regulations. / Master of Science

For indoor wireless communication systems, RF transceivers need to be placed strategically to achieve optimum communication coverage at the lowest cost. Unfortunately, the coverage region for a transceiver depends heavily on the type of building and on the placement of walls within the building. Traditionally, therefore, transceiver locations have been selected by human experts who rely on experience and heuristics to obtain the optimum (or near-optimum) placement. This thesis describes an interactive software system that can be used to assist in transceiver placement. It is intended to be easy to use by individuals who are not experts at wireless communication system design. After the user has selected transceiver locations within a graphical floor plan, the system interprets the floor plan and uses simple path loss models to estimate coverage regions for each transceiver. These regions are highlighted, enabling the user to assess the total coverage. This thesis describes the methodology used to compute the coverage regions for multifloored buildings. The effect of interference sources on coverage regions has also been analyzed using simple propagation prediction models. The resulting system is expected to be useful in the deployment of indoor wireless systems. / Master of Science

The primary objectives this investigation are: 1. To present a discussion of known submerged arc welding variables and their general affect on weld bead appearance 2. To design an experiment to investigate the affect on weld joint strength and hardness distribution across the weldment by using (1) Four different welding currents (450, 500, 550, and 650 amps). (2) Three different steels (M 1020, SAE 1045 and SAE 1095) and (3) Two different electrodes (Hobart type C-10 and C-20) as variables in the experiment. 3. To establish the welding technique and procedure to control welding variables. 4. To collect unavailable data about the submerged arc process by experimentation and statistically interpret this data. After the preliminary investigation, the author statistically designed the testing procedure for the randomized test specimens for hardness of weld zone and hear-affected zone and applied statistical technique to determine significant effects on weld quality due to the variables. The conclusions are given in chapter I. / Master of Science

This thesis is a study of the development of a linear urban environment formed through the arrangement of a repetitive structure. My aim is to propose a prototypical model in which the dwelling, workplace and related amenities can function satisfactorily together within the same structure. / Master of Architecture