Master of Science

thesisGlaciers contribute to the hydrology of many mountainous watersheds worldwide. Significant attention has been given to seasonal discharge measurements and modeling and relatively little to shorter timescale glacier discharge; thus, our understanding of high frequency variability is more limited. This high frequency variability impacts sediment flux, hydropower generation, montane ecosystems, and so forth. Here we seek to improve our understanding of glacial meltwater processes that control diurnal melt cycles. In particular, we used isotopic and electrical conductivity measurements and discharge estimates in three glaciated watersheds (Rhonegletscher, Gornergletscher, and Langgletscher) and two nonglaciated watersheds within the Upper Rhone Watershed, Switzerland, to test our understanding of diurnal fluctuations and to validate a glacier melt model. We chose these particular watersheds because they represent a significant range in size, shape, slope, and other topographical features that likely impact the shape, magnitude, timing, and duration of daily peak glacial melt. Physical data show differences in magnitude and timing of peak melt between these watersheds. We use a modeling approach to assess the underlying causes of these differences. In particular, we use a temperature index model to calculate hourly melt on each glacier and model meltwater flow on the glacier’s surface. The modeled melt volumes were used as input for a watershed model that routed all meltwater to the glacier terminus and the proglacial stream system as surface flow. The total volume of meltwater reaching the proglacial stream was tracked, and a modeled hydrograph was produced for each glacierized watershed. We used the resulting hydrograph to evaluate which processes are the dominant controlling factors of diurnal melt, focusing on snowpack and exposed ice, to increase our understanding of high frequency melt variability. Results suggested that by the end of the melt season, the shape of the hydrograph was dominantly controlled by air temperature, and ice melt was the primary contributor to total melt volume. The timing of peak melt is strongly influenced by snowpack distribution; when less than 50% of the glacier surface was snow-covered, we observed no delay in the timing of meltwater delivery to the glacier terminus and the proglacial stream system, while the reverse is true as snow cover exceeds 50%. By identifying these parameters at a high temporal resolution, we create a framework to better understand the impact diurnal variations have on various hydrologic, ecologic, and human systems that rely on glacial melt

An Application of The Solo Taxonomy to Classify Strategies Used by Pre-Service Teachers to Solve “One Question Problems”

: The purpose of this article is to report on the strategies of secondary mathematics pre-service teachers (PSTs) as they solved conceptually rich problems. Using the Structure of Observed Learning Outcomes by Biggs and C (1982) (SOLO) Taxonomy, 15 PSTs’ solutions (in groups of 3 or 4) were analyzed by a panel of three mathematics educators. In addition, the authors studied questions posed by PSTs during their student teaching experiences through video analysis. Questions were then categorized using Crespo’s criteria of problem posing. Results showed a significant majority of the problems posed were procedural while PSTs own problem solutions showed a lack of conceptual understanding and depth of knowledge. The authors found the SOLO Taxonomy, together with PSTs scores on the state licensure exam and Crespo’s (2003) problem posing practices criteria to be a useful combination of tools to explore connections between PSTs’ mathematical and pedagogical content knowledge

When should patients with asymptomatic aortic stenosis be evaluated for valve replacement?

For patients whose echocardiograms show advanced calcification of the aortic valves, a jet velocity of > 4.0 m/s, or a progression in jet velocity of 0.3m/s/year; and for patients who have an abnormal exercise response or an impaired functional status, consider referral for valve replacement prior to the onset of symptoms (Grade of Recommendation: C)

Adjustable Medical Assistance Bed

The objective of this project is to design and manufacture a bed that provides increased safety and convenience to patients needing physical assistance and their caregivers, specifically catering to special needs patients. The bed is designed to have variable height between 0” and 30” from the bottom of the mattress to the ground, allowing the patient to get into bed with minimal physical assistance from the caregiver. The design process for this product was organized in three subsystems: lifting mechanism, escape prevention, and frame. The lifting mechanism is designed to accommodate the bed’s variable height, as well as support the weight of the mattress and patient up to 800 lb. The escape prevention system prevents the patient from escaping or accidentally falling out of bed. Finally, the frame provides structural support for the entire system, and is the framework for the other subsystems. This report discusses the planning, design, analysis, and manufacturing of the bed

A sustainable approach to Phytophthora-infested landscape beds: the search for tolerant or resistant annuals and herbaceous perennials

Abstracts from the April 12-14, 2019 MASC Conferenc

Engaging All Mathematical Learners Through Project-Based Design

The authors describe a project-based activity using TI calculators or Desmos within a high schoolmathematics classroom. As students learn about functions with technology using a project-based approach, they make connections between school mathematics and topics of personal interest