A field investigation of the pollution existing in the Roanoke River within the Roanoke Metropolitan district was carried out from June, 1940 to May, 1941 by various departments of the Virginia Polytechnic Institute with the material aid of several other interested groups. Studies of the chemical and bacteriological conditions, and of the microscopic life existing in the stream were made by P. H. McGauhey and H. F. Eich, of the Department of Civil Engineering. The invertebrate and vertebrate life of the stream, as well as the toxicity of viscose wastes to fishes, was investigated by H. W. Jackson and Croswell Henderson, of the Department of Biology. Monthly mineral analyses of water were made by F. H. Fish and others of the Department of Chemistry, and data relative to certain industrial wastes were furnished by R. A. Fisher and Dudley Thompson, of the Department of Chemical Engineering. / Master of Science

The purpose of this research is to explore the relationship between fatherless homes and juvenile delinquency, especially as it is perceived by African American adolescent males (N=23) who have been detained in a juvenile detention facility. This study is ethnographic, exploratory, and inductive in its approach. Hypotheses are generated or discovered rather than tested. The methodology that is employed is multi-dimensional as it includes in-depth interviews, self-reports, and participant observation. The findings suggest that adolescent African American males perceive father-absence as a partial causal factor in their own delinquency, and their peers’ delinquency as well (suggesting most strongly a social control hypothesis, although other possible explanations exist). Family structure (i.e., father-absence) appears to be related to delinquent behavior through the mediating variables of parental supervision, discipline, and gender role modeling. The results from this study suggest that the dynamics within a family system are more important in explaining delinquent behavior than is the actual family structure. Some of the most insightful research into family structure and delinquency, especially research that aims to inform prevention and treatment programs, may come from examinations of how family structure and function are related. / Master of Science

Two watersheds on the southern end of Havens State Wildlife Management Area, Roanoke County, Virginia, were sampled for vascular plant species richness. Two-hundred and forty-eight species were identified. Three methods of sampling for species richness in eastern forests were compared: timed-search meanders, belt transects, and plots. Meanders and transects located more species in the same amount of time as plots. Plot sampling encompassed only two-thirds of the richness known from the site. Species-area and species-effort relationships were described by exponential models (number of species = In (area + 1), and number of species = In (time + 1)). Models were used to predict numbers of species which might have been found had more area been sampled or had more time been spent searching. Species-area models yielded more conservative, and probably more accurate, predictions than species-time models. Predictions of species numbers were reasonable for areas as large as 60 ha, but were rather large for areas the size of Havens (2800 ha). Sufficiency of search effort was judged using species-area and species-effort curves. However, it was difficult to tell whether the curves approached horizontal or not. Therefore, this was not a good technique to judge sampling adequacy. Species composition observed by each of the three methods was different. Composition of species lists was 65% similar between meanders and transects, and only 51-58% similar between plots and other methods. These figures were within an expected range. A combination of two methods or repeated meanders was recommended in order to identify a higher proportion of the species present. Seasonal and observer differences, and the effect of learning and taxonomy on richness estimates were discussed. / Master of Science

A range of views exist on the question of the effects of the Judeo-Christian tradition on environmental ethics. Some believe that the Judeo-Christian tradition has played the significant role in bringing about the present environmental situation. Others maintain that the current environmental crisis is much more complicated, resulting from many divergent factors. Still others would say that the Judeo-Christian tradition, as expressed in the Bible, calls man into a sacred relationship with nature which can be defined as the environmental ethic of stewardship. This thesis studies the relationship between Christian religious commitment and attitudes toward the environment. A questionnaire completed by 242 individuals who attend church in the Roanoke Valley provides the case study data. The survey instrument measures Christian religious commitment and attitudes toward the environment. The results of this study will provide further understanding of indicators for environmenta1 ethics. / Master of Landscape Architecture

This thesis explores the concept of design guidelines as they relate to the context of small community-based residential facilities for disabled children. Each of the major issues which are relevant to these types of facilities were looked at in some detail. These issues were therapeutic environments in general, small residential facilities, community-based facilities, and disabled children, as well as the concept of design guidelines and what types of information they contain. Soae existing architectural examples of these types of facilities are briefly discussed. Further exploration of the concept was gained through the use of a case study of an existing residential facility for emotionally disturbed children located in Roanoke, Virginia. Included is a discussion of the research methods used in the Post-Occupancy Evaluation of the existing facility. The result of these two sets of explorations was the creation of design guidelines for small community-based residential facilities for disabled children. Also included in this thesis is the resulting renovation of the interior spaces of the existing facility where the case study project was conducted. The renovation of the facility spaces was based upon the design guidelines as well as other site- and program- specific considerations. / Master of Architecture

As reality continues to shift from the made fact to the idea: We conclude that creativity is a state of mind; measured by what is made. It is only when extended beyond oneself that an idea can become real to more than one. We Extend thru our talents and skills. The significance of that made is its Presence measured in time / Master of Architecture

I examined the abundance, composition, and distribution of fish communities in the lower Roanoke River, a hydropeaking system in North Carolina. Fishes were sampled at before and after peaking events over three years; 2007 to 2009. I evaluated trends in species richness, diversity, and assemblage composition. There were no significant differences in either richness or diversity suggesting consistent trends in richness and diversity throughout the study. I used non-metric multidimensional scaling (NMDS) to create a community composition model. Fish composition was noticeably greater post-peaking and changed minimally across time and event. There were no statistically significant differences in species composition among pre or post peaking samples, sites, or years (ANOSIM p < 0.05). I concluded that the small amount of fish community variation observed supports the possibility that the present assemblage has adapted to a regulated flow regime, however a direct relationship between peaking and community composition cannot be established. Additionally, fishes were sampled at three longitudinal sites during summer months of 2007 to 2009. I examined fish community composition to assess longitudinal gradients away from the source of peaking. Differences among fish species within each longitudinal site were examined by use of trophic and habitat/reproductive guilds. Statistically significant differences were detected between both trophic and reproductive guilds among sites and therefore aided in creating a pattern of longitudinal separation in community structure. The fish community of the Roanoke River between Roanoke Rapids and Hamilton does not appear to show signs of variation that may be attributed exclusively to hydropeaking. Changes in hydrology, river morphometry and topography, and habitat structure may account for the longitudinal variation observed in the community structure analyses. The Roanoke River has been regulated for over 50 years. It is possible that the existing fish community has adapted to fluctuating flows created by seasonal hydropeaking. I concluded that in order to develop an appropriate community model and evaluate the full extent of changes in fish community characteristics over time long-term monitoring is needed in the Roanoke River.

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to examine the social determinants of CHIP (Child Health Investment Partnership) of Roanoke Valley children who participated in the preventive oral health program compared to those who did not. Methods: This is a retrospective cohort study of children (n=2,425) enrolled in CHIP of Roanoke Valley from September 2008-September 2014. Bivariate analysis and multivariable logistic regression models were used to compare age, gender, race, locality, parents’ education level, age at enrollment, and length of enrollment for oral health program participants versus those who did not participate. Results: Children who were Hispanic as well as children who enrolled in CHIP at an earlier age were more likely to enroll in the oral health program. Conclusions: By focusing on enrolling children at earlier ages, there is the potential to increase the use of dental care to match the recommended periodicity of dental care for young children.

Thesis (D. Min.)--Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, 2000. / Includes bibliographical references (leaves 77-79).

Thesis (D. Min.)--Reformed Theological Seminary, 2006. / Abstract and vita. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 323-341).