Best Selling Books by Ryan W

Current health strategy has usually concentrated on the treatment of diseases after its start within a general health-care system. The way is harsh for the people. The trend of expenditures in health care will nearly undoubtedly lead to massive rises in medical expenses, likely failing the national health insurance system. The flow of healthcare would be set to change, with more critical rank involved in preventive medicine. Thus, with its focus on aging, anti-aging medicine might play a vital character in preventive medicine. For example, there are two anti-aging drugs (USA) and one anti-aging nutraceutical (Japan) for the human clinical trials under the approvals by Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and these tests are ongoing. The term for anti-aging clinical trials is the first time to be used approved by FDA for the clinical trial using metformin. The first example of this standard change is approval by FDA of the clinical trial for deciding the efficacy of metformin, in reducing the risk for aging-associated diseases. This book is intended to introduce these messages to ordinary people. Hopefully, people will have a better future.

A Black Myth: Wukong Game Guide and Strategy Book. Whether you''re a seasoned gamer or new to the legendary tales, this comprehensive guide is your ultimate companion for mastering the game. Explore the rich lore and history of Sun Wukong, the Monkey King, as you embark on an epic adventure filled with challenging quests and formidable foes. This guide provides detailed walkthroughs, in depth strategies, and expert tips to enhance your gameplay. Learn how to master combat mechanics, harness magical abilities, and execute flawless combos. Discover hidden secrets, unlock powerful upgrades, and tackle boss battles with confidence. With step by step instructions and tactical insights, this book will help you navigate every twist and turn of the game. In addition to gameplay strategies, Unleash the Power of Wukong offers a comprehensive look at character progression, crafting, and resource management. Unlock the full potential of Wukong''s abilities and customize your playstyle to suit your strengths. The book also includes a detailed list of achievements and trophies, a glossary of terms, and links to valuable resources and community forums. Whether you''re playing solo or engaging in multiplayer modes, this guide equips you with the knowledge and skills needed to conquer the challenges that await. Immerse yourself in the world of Wukong and become a true legend. Embark on your journey today with Unleash the Power of Wukong: A Black Myth: Wukong Game Guide and Strategy Book-the ultimate resource for mastering the game. Disclaimer Please note that this book is an unauthorised game guide and is not affiliated with, endorsed by or connected to the original production of Black Myth.

A Circus Mind is a compilation of rock n roll inspired poems by Ryan Cox. The book weaves through the annals of rock n roll to paint an expressive history of the bands and their music. Exploring the reaches of every corner of the music world from the Rolling Stones recording of Exile on Main St in Nellcote, France to the Willie Nelson long-haired outlaw country of the 70''s and the socially conscious island rhythms of Bob Marley to the explosive grunge rock of the Seattle trio, Nirvana. Carefully crafting intricate rhymes with surreal imagery of the real life events that characterized the careers of many of the defining artists of the 20 century, Ryan delivers a unique perspective and fresh take of the rock n roll elite. Along with the vivid written imagery, the book is accompanied with a striking collection of illustrations by an international collection of six illustrators. Former Abbey Road Studios lead designer and London based illustrator, Andy Potts, mixes hand crafted elements with digital collage and lots of color. 2012 Applied Arts Photography & Illustration Award winner, Dushan Milic, has taken the lead of the design and layout of A Circus Mind, as well as a contributing illustrator. Dushan specializes in people, concepts & portraits that are drawn via pen & ink, or with Wacom & digitally colored, movement & gesture dominate with a quirkiness generated from a drawn-from-the-gut approach that breathes life into his illustrations. Past Applied Arts Photography & illustration winner, Julia Minamata, contributes illustrations as a living embodiment of the written word with bold colors and style. Jacqui Oakley specializes in portraiture, unexpectedly blending patterns and textures. Based in Chile, Zela Lobb produces powerfully sharp and emotional illustrations. Elissa Parente brings a spontaneous and expressive flavor to A Circus Mind with ink, acrylics, oil and collage.

Disclaimer Please note that this book is an unauthorised game guide and is not affiliated with, endorsed by or connected to the original production of " Men of War" Are you new to the world of Men of War and feeling overwhelmed? Are you struggling to navigate the game''s complex mechanics and strategies? Do you wish you had a comprehensive guide to help you improve your gameplay and dominate the battlefield? Men of War can be a daunting game, especially for beginners. With its intricate gameplay mechanics, complex maps, and intense multiplayer modes, it''s easy to get lost and frustrated. You may find yourself wondering: - How do I effectively manage my troops and resources? - What are the best strategies for success in different game modes? - How can I improve my chances of winning in multiplayer? A New Player''s Guide to Men of War Game is here to help! This comprehensive guide is designed specifically for beginners, providing you with the tips, tricks, and strategies you need to succeed. Inside, you''ll find: - A thorough introduction to the game''s mechanics and basics - Detailed strategies for success in single-player and multiplayer modes - Expert advice on troop management, resource allocation, and map navigation - Tips for improving your gameplay and dominating the competition This book is your ultimate solution to mastering Men of War. With its easy-to-follow guidance and expert insights, you''ll be able to: - Improve your gameplay and win more matches - Develop effective strategies for success in different game modes - Dominate the competition and become a top player Don''t let frustration hold you back from enjoying Men of War any longer! Get your copy of A New Player''s Guide to Men of War Game today and start playing like a pro! With this comprehensive guide, you''ll be well on your way to becoming a top player and enjoying the game to its fullest.

This volume contains the next three action-packed standalone novels in the bestselling War''s Edge: Berserkers series: Pound of Flesh, Crimson Snow, and Magnificent Bastards, from renowned military science fiction author Ryan W. Aslesen. The most dangerous job in the galaxy... As the galaxy''s preeminent mercenary force, the Berserkers are equipped with the latest weaponry and hardware, hired by governments and corporations to do the jobs deemed too dangerous and difficult for their forces. Adaptable, agile, and hostile, the Berserkers are built to win battles, able to deploy on short notice to hotspots throughout the galaxy. But it takes more than high-tech weapons to fulfill a contract, it takes men and women with the balls to go into harm''s way and do whatever it takes to get the job done. They aren''t parade soldiers and nobody survives long in this ugly business without getting their hands dirty. If you find yourself fighting them, you better have your affairs in order, because there is no better friend and no greater enemy. Considered by many readers and critics as the hardest military sci-fi available, the Berserkers are a must-read for science fiction and thriller fans alike. Volume 2 includes three full-length novels from the bestselling series: Pound of Flesh, Crimson Snow, and Magnificent Bastards. Pound of Flesh The mission was simple: escort Dr. Nadir and a team of aid workers through insurgent-held territory to a remote village on Idun-3. Lieutenant Ralph Hague and his platoon had completed far more dangerous assignments fulfilling the Berserker''s contract with Biodyne Industries. When an army of radical cultists, The Immortals, arrive in search of Biodyne''s research on a life-extending drug, Hague and his troops are redirected into the heart of a war-torn planet to rescue Biodyne personnel and their data from a secret research facility called Outpost 16. Barely escaping, Hague''s platoon and the civilians in his charge trek through the deadly jungle, pursued by fanatical Immortal troops and local insurgents hell bent on killing them. Crimson Snow Released early from a triple-max military prison, Berserker Lieutenant Allison Rave is given a second chance at a mercenary career. Ordered to the remote, ice-covered world of Lucent-2, she is assigned as a gravtank platoon commander in Task Force Metal, a crack unit tasked with quelling a bloody insurgency. Fanatical enemies and unforgiving weather aren''t her only concerns. She must also endure the sadistic brutality and sociopathic machinations of her commander Major Marder, a man willing to sacrifice all-including his Berserkers-to secure his objectives. Magnificent Bastards Corporal Jake Murray was determined to make a name for himself in the Berserkers. He had, but in the worst possible way. Banished to the planet Desol for insubordination, Murray finds himself in a tank platoon tasked with protecting a mining colony that doesn''t want them there. Desperate for action, Murray finds the greatest enemy is boredom, with little to do other than to drink and fight. That all changes when a remote drill site doesn''t report in. Sent to investigate, he and his platoonmates find themselves pitted against an enemy the likes none of them have seen before. Facing a swarm of alien creatures that threaten to annihilate the entire settlement, the mercenaries find themselves fighting for more than just money. Warning: These books contain graphic violence, profanity, and sexual content. Reader discretion is advised.

A collection of quirks, and homages, Bradley''s debut offers 18 short punches to the gut. The stories will surprise and humor you, maybe even make you gasp a little. They are stories not for the faint of heart... or loins.

Current health strategy has usually concentrated on the treatment of diseases after its start within a general health-care system. The way is harsh for the people. The trend of expenditures in health care will nearly undoubtedly lead to massive rises in medical expenses, likely failing the national health insurance system. The flow of healthcare would be set to change, with more critical rank involved in preventive medicine. Thus, with its focus on aging, anti-aging medicine might play a vital character in preventive medicine. For example, there are two antiaging drugs (USA) and one antiaging nutraceutical (Japan) for the human clinical trials under the approvals by Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and these tests are ongoing. The term for anti-aging clinical trials is the first time to be used approved by FDA for the clinical trial using metformin. The first example of this standard change is approval by FDA of the clinical trial for deciding the efficacy of metformin, in reducing the risk for aging-associated diseases. This book is intended to introduce these messages to ordinary people. Hopefully, people will have a better future.

Disclaimer Please note that this book is an authorised Game guide and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or connected to the original production of Hogwarts Legacy. Are you a beginner to the magical world of Hogwarts Legacy, feeling overwhelmed by the complexity of the game? Do you find yourself lost in the vastness of the Hogwarts universe, unsure of where to start or how to become a pro?Navigating the enchanting yet intricate world of Hogwarts Legacy can be daunting for beginners. The game is filled with intricate puzzles, powerful spells, and hidden secrets that can be challenging to uncover. The vast array of choices and paths can leave players feeling confused and directionless. "Game Guide for Hogwarts Legacy: A Beginners Complete Guide" is your comprehensive guide to mastering this game. It is packed with pro strategies and secrets that will help you navigate the game with ease. Expect detailed walkthroughs, character analysis, spell guides, and secret locations within the game. This book will also provide you with strategies to overcome the toughest bosses and challenges. This guide is designed to turn your worries into excitement. It provides step-by-step strategies, helping you to understand the game mechanics and storyline better. With this guide, you will learn how to effectively use spells, solve puzzles, and uncover secrets. It will equip you with the knowledge and strategies needed to transform from a beginner to a pro player. Don''t let the challenges of Hogwarts Legacy overwhelm you. Grab your copy of "Game Guide for Hogwarts Legacy: A Beginners Complete Guide" today and start your magical journey with confidence and ease. Unleash the pro gamer in you!

Disclaimer Please note that this book is an unauthorised game guide and is not affiliated with, endorsed by or connected to the original production of Roblox Are you frustrated with your Roblox game not gaining traction? Are you struggling to create engaging content and attract players? Do you dream of becoming a top Roblox developer, but don''t know where to start? Building a successful Roblox game requires more than just creativity - it demands expertise in game design, marketing, and community-building. You may be facing challenges such as: - How to create games that stand out from the crowd - How to grow and engage with your player base - How to optimize your game for maximum performance and profitability - How to stay ahead of the competition and adapt to changing trends "The Roblox Pro''s Game Guide: Advanced Strategies to Building, Creating, and Thriving in the Roblox Universe" is your comprehensive roadmap to success. Inside, you''ll discover: - Expert-level game design and development techniques - Proven marketing and promotion strategies to grow your player base - Advanced tips for optimizing game performance and earning Robux - Insights into the latest Roblox trends and updates - Interviews with top Roblox developers and industry experts - And much more! This book is your ultimate resource for mastering the art of Roblox game development. With its expert advice and real-world examples, you''ll be equipped to overcome any challenge and achieve success in the Roblox universe. Take your Roblox game to the next level with "The Roblox Pro''s Game Guide". Order your copy today and unlock the secrets to building, creating, and thriving in the Roblox universe!

In today’s deeply divided world, how can people find common ground with each other? One of the earliest goals of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints was to build a modern Zion—a community where people would share one heart and one mind. That vision raises questions that are profoundly relevant in today’s divided society. Is unity of feeling and belief desirable or even possible? If so, what does it look like? Ryan Davis explores these questions by reflecting on personal stories from his life and work in the present-day Latter-day Saints faith community. The stories that Davis is interested in are ones in which relative strangers or mere acquaintances catch a glimpse of each other’s humanity. Within that liminal space—which Davis calls “Mormon Zion”—they are able to listen to each other, learn from each other, and find common ground, qualities that are sorely needed in today’s public square. Combining gifted storytelling with keen analysis, Davis illuminates people’s lived experiences within the Latter-day Saints community and offers thoughtful reflections on what it might mean to share one heart and one mind in today’s polarized world.

This thesis presents the development of and the findings from the design and evaluation of a hidden semi- Markov model (HSMM)-based operator state monitoring display. This operator state monitoring display is designed to function as a decision support tool (DST) for the supervisor of a small team of operators (between 2 and 4 team members) that are each monitoring and controlling multiple highly autonomous heterogeneous unmanned vehicles (UVs). Such displays are important in real-time, mission-critical complex systems because both operator and vehicle state monitoring are difficult, and failure to appropriately handle emerging situations could have life or mission-critical consequences. Recent research has shown that HSMM-based models can be used to model the time-sensitive behavior of operators controlling multiple heterogeneous UVs. Because this method requires substantial knowledge in probability theory to understand, the difficulty lies in the accurate, useful display of the HSMM information to a team commander in the field. It must be assumed that the team commander generally does not have the required background in stochastic processes to understand the method and may be biased in interpreting probabilistic functions. This further increases the difficulty of the proposed method. In this thesis, a cognitive task analysis (CTA) was performed to determine the functional and information requirements of the DST, and a human systems engineering design process was used to develop a prototype display. A human subject experiment was then conducted to test the effectiveness of the DST. The DST was shown to improve team supervisor performance in terms of increased decision accuracy, decreased incorrect interventions, and decreased response times in single alert scenarios. The DST was also shown to decrease the number of incorrect interventions, while having no affect on decision accuracy and total response time scenarios when the supervisor faced multiple simultaneous alerts. Additionally, the DST was not shown to increase operator mental workload, as measured by a secondary task, for any of the scenarios. Overall, the results suggest that HSMM-based operator state modeling can be effectively utilized in a real-time DST for team supervisors. While this research was focused on a team supervisor of multiple operators each independently controlling multiple heterogeneous UVs, the results are generalizable, and any research in time-critical team HSC domains may benefit from this work.

In primates, corticomotoneuronal (CM) cells have sufficiently strong synaptic linkages to motoneurons to mediate post-spike facilitation in spike-triggered averages of muscle activity. We investigated the degree to which activity of CM cells and their target muscles could be independently controlled by operantly conditioning their relative activation levels. In two Macaca nemestrina monkeys, single cortical neurons were recorded with moveable microwires chronically implanted in the caudal bank of the pre-central gyrus. Rectified EMG of 12 distal forelimb muscles was recorded with sub-cutaneously implanted pairs of wires in each muscle in one monkey from which 35 unique cell-muscle pairs were operantly conditioned. In the other animal, surface electrodes were placed over wrist flexor and extensor muscles (9 unique cell-muscle pairs). Spike-triggered averages of rectified EMG were compiled while the monkeys performed a force target-tracking task about the wrist. Twenty-four CM cells, with post-spike effects at latencies between 6 and 16 ms in one or more forelimb muscles, were selected for activity dissociation conditioning. Monkeys performed an operant conditioning task through which relative activation of the CM cell and a target muscle could be explored (44 unique cell-muscle pairs). Cell and muscle activity controlled the position of a cursor on a screen, with cursor position determined by concurrent cell spike rates (C) and EMG activity of a target muscle (M); one activity assigned the horizontal direction the other, vertical. Monkeys received fruit sauce rewards for holding the cursor in target positions requiring at least four combinations of increased (+) and suppressed (-) activation relative to levels observed during force generation, namely C+M+; C+M-; C-M+ and C-M-. The monkeys learned to reciprocally activate cells and target muscles exhibiting post-spike facilitation (42 out of 44 cell-muscle pairs), in both directions. For muscles with post-spike suppression (4 out of 4 pairs), monkeys learned to co-activate these cell-muscle pairs. These results indicate that cortical cells with direct synaptic linkages to motoneurons can be flexibly activated relative to their target muscles. Further, CM cell-muscle activity dissociations can be rapid, robust, reversible and are subject to volitional control. Calculation of mutual information between CM cell and muscle activation patterns during reciprocal dissociation events, compared to force target-tracking, implicates involvement of other upstream sources. Activity independence between correlationally-linked components within a neural circuit favors strategies for brain computer interface (BCI) control in which individual neurons are each assigned an individual degree-of-freedom of device output. Operant conditioning of neural activity has typically been achieved under controlled behavioral conditions using food reinforcement. To reward cell activity during unconstrained behavior, we sought midbrain sites whose stimulation would support operant responding. Three nemestrina monkeys learned to perform a manual step-tracking task rewarded by fruit sauce. We found sites in nucleus accumbens and surrounding striatum whose stimulation could maintain task performance and verified that response rates increased monotonically with increasing pulse frequency and amplitude. We recorded activity of single neurons with moveable microwires chronically implanted in the precentral gyrus and documented neural modulation with a force-guided target-tracking task. We attempted to condition increased firing rates first with the monkey in the training booth and then during free behavior in the cage using the Neurochip-a head-fixed, autonomous recording and stimulating system. Spikes occurring above baseline rates triggered single or multiple electrical pulses to the reinforcement site (1 mA, 0.2 ms biphasic current pulses). This rate-contingent, unit-triggered stimulation was made available for periods of 1 to 3 minutes separated by 3 to 10 minute time-out periods without stimulation, regardless of cell activity. During in-booth sessions feedback was presented as vertical cursor movement and auditory clicks. During in-cage conditioning, barely audible clicks occurred during each spike-triggered stimulation event. In-booth conditioning produced increases in single neuron firing probability after transition to intracranial reinforcement in 48 of 58 cells. Reinforced cell activity could rise u003e 5 times that of non-reinforced activity, doubling in most sessions. Activity peaks typically occurred during the first 10 seconds of each time-in period and, for many cells, activity remained elevated above baseline for the full period. In-cage conditioning produced significant increases in post-transition activity in 21 out of 33 sessions. In-cage effects peaked later and lasted longer than in-booth effects but were often comparatively smaller, between 13 and 18 percent above non-reinforced activity. The difference in responding in the two conditioning environments could be due to the dynamic range of candidate cell firing rate, robustness of the reinforcement site and differing levels of attention and competing behaviors in the booth and cage. Controls indicate that stimulation of the reinforcement site did not directly evoke increased cell activity. In several sessions, neighboring, synaptically-linked motor cortex neurons were recorded simultaneously with the trigger cell, revealing network involvement in eliciting conditioned rate changes in the stimulation-triggering neuron.

"This thesis project was centered on developing an electronic tool for collecting observation data that could be used for functional behavioral assessments and individualized education programs. Currently, most behavioral data collection methods utitilize paper forms to record observations. Using paper forms and transcribing the information to another format for analysis is a long and arduous process. As a result, less data is collected and analyzed. The electronic tool developed for thesis project uses a Google Sheet that is owned and controlled by the user. The information in the spreadsheet is used to create a customized observation checklist and store the observations. Since the observations are recorded directly into an electronic format it is immediately available for analysis, saving the teacher a significant amount of time. The teacher has an instantaneous view of behavior trends, can track student progress and spend more time working with students in a meaningful way."--Abstract, leaf vi

Entitled "Preservation and the Production of Bare Life," my dissertation considers the role of late 19th and 20th century American literature as it negotiated and challenged contemporary discourses of preservation, which, I argue, were emerging in complicity with the silencing and cultural dismissal of multiethnic populations within the rapidly expanding United States and its imperial peripheries. From George Catlin''s vision of "a nation''s park, containing man and beast," to William Faulkner''s depiction of Haiti as an historical island "set aside by Heaven itself," preservation was employed not only for the disinterested acquisition of knowledge, but also as an ideological tool used to encapsulate and redefine certain subjects as static and unchanging, barred from civil lives and political representation. My research goes on to explore the writings of Yankton Sioux essayist, Zitkala-Sa, and African American labor organizer, Angelo Herndon, who envisioned and articulated new anti-colonial definitions of preservation, using their memoirs as a means to contest their presumed containment within these enclosed histories. In our own current moment, when conversations regarding preservation (ecological, historical and cultural) continue to dominate the popular imaginary, my work traces the contested genealogy of this term as it was inspired, influenced, and subsequently transformed by the diverse and multivalent literatures of the late 19th and 20th century United States.

To educate older generations and engage younger generations in the authentic worship of God, this paper will develop an intentional strategy to create a culture of worship at Grace Baptist Church that is conducive to people at all ages and stages of life. The purpose of this three-part paper is to detail a strategy for introducing a biblically sensitive worship culture into the ministry of Grace Baptist. The goal is to unite those with enduring spiritual heritages and new worshippers who approach God through postmodern senses into a worship community that values diversity. One way to facilitate this is through a worship culture that reflects God''s glory and creatively retells his story. The first part of this discussion investigates the ministry context at Grace Baptist and traces its spiritual identity. Located in Fort Worth, Texas and steeped in Independent Baptist fundamentalism, the church has enjoyed a stable ministry during its over fifty-year existence. As it approaches midlife, however, Grace Baptist must adapt to reach emerging worshippers who have been influenced by changes in the broader culture. Part One will explore these cultural changes and relevant demographic data. The second part will detail the biblical and theological foundation of a worship culture that is sensitive to unbelievers and Christians alike. A brief overview of pertinent Scripture will highlight the creativity of God, his pursuit of those who worship him in spirit and truth, the example of Paul and his preferring others for the sake of the gospel, and the consummation of human relationship with God. A theology of ministry as it pertains to leading change will be included. Stemming from these underpinnings, the final part of the paper will offer a core strategy for creating a culture of worship and implementing worship renewal. Short-term and long-term ministry initiatives for enhancing the worship culture also will be presented. Finally, a tool to provide routine appraisal of the worship environment will be provided.

This paper presents various topics that contribute to understanding Sue Klebold, Monique Lépine, Terri Roberts, Laurel Harper, and Parvinder Sandhu as secondary victims of school shooting homicides. With the application of Becker''s (1963) labelling theory, there is an opportunity to examine the potential ramifications these secondary victims suffer as the result of the shootings, in addition to examining if they are subjected to social labels. By studying secondary victims of crime and the labels imposed on them, this study may be able to understand why such individuals suffer from mental illness and/or sociological drawbacks. The results of this study indicate that the social labelling of secondary victims is a social reaction to the victim''s behaviour and relationship with the offender. These victims are more likely to suffer from anxiety disorders such as Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).

Firms do not typically disclose information on their costs to produce a good to consumers. However, we provide evidence of when and why doing so can increase consumers’ purchase interest. Specifically, building on the psychology of disclosure and trust, we posit that cost transparency, insofar as it represents an act of intimate disclosure, fosters trust. In turn, this heightened trust enhances consumers’ willingness to purchase from that firm. This account was supported in four studies, conducted in the field and in the lab. A pre-registered field experiment indicated that diners were 21.1% more likely to buy a bowl of chicken noodle soup when a sign revealing the ingredients of the soup also included the cafeteria’s costs to make the soup (Study 1). Three subsequent lab experiments replicated and extended this basic effect, providing evidence of when and why it occurs (Studies 2–4). Taken together, these studies imply that the proactive revelation of costs can improve a firm''s bottom line.

Researchers have associated agenesis of the corpus callosum (ACC) with a range of mild cognitive deficits, especially involving higher order executive functions. In this study, I investigated the self-understanding of executive functions in individuals with ACC by comparing laboratory-controlled, self-report, and observer-report measures. I achieved this by gathering self- and observer-reported data of executive functions and comparing these data to each other and to a normative distribution. I also examined how strongly observer-perceptions of executive functions correlate with laboratory measurement. My results indicated (a) individuals with ACC self-report fewer problems with executive functions in their daily life than observers on the Behavioral Rating Inventory of Executive Function–Adult Version (BRIEF-A), (b) several significant correlations exist between observer ratings on the BRIEF-A Metacognition Index and the performance of individuals with ACC on aspects of the Delis-Kaplan Executive Function System (D-KEFS), and (c) the BRIEF-A appears to demonstrate greater sensitivity for poor executive functions associated with complex novel problems than the D-KEFS. These findings raise questions about the ecological validity of executive function instruments used for clinical assessment in the ACC population, provide evidence for a lack of self-understanding or insight in individuals with ACC, and support previous research demonstrating higher-order cognitive deficits in the clinical profile of ACC.

In the last decade processes known as living/controlled radical polymerizations (L/CRP) have been developed which permit the synthesis of high-value specialty polymers. Currently, the three processes that have demonstrated the most potential are: reverse addition fragmentation chain transfer polymerization (RAFT), atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) and stable free radical polymerization (SFRP). While each process has their strengths and weaknesses with regard to specific polymers and architecture, the viability of these systems to industrial scale production all lie in the ability to perform the polymerization in a water based system because of process, environmental and economic advantages. The most effective method of controlling the polymerization of vinyl acetate in bulk has been RAFT. We have developed a miniemulsion RAFT polymerization using the xanthate methyl (ethoxycarbonothioyl)sulfanyl acetate. The miniemulsion is stabilized with 3 wt% sodium lauryl sulfate, initiated with the azo-based water-soluble VA-060. The main focus of this research was adapting ATRP to a miniemulsion system. It was determined that ionic surfactants can be successfully employed in emulsion-based ATRP. The cationic surfactant cetyltrimethylammonium bromide provides excellent stability of the latex over a range of surfactant loadings (allowing the particle size to be easily manipulated), at temperatures up to 90 C, for a wide variety of ATRP formulations. A new method of initiation was developed for reverse ATRP, using the redox pair hydrogen peroxide/ascorbic acid. This nearly eliminated the induction period at the start of the polymerization, increased the polymerization rate 5 fold and, surprisingly, enabled the formation of well-controlled polymers with a number-average molecular (Mn) weight approaching 1 million (typically ATRP is limited to ~200 000). The ability to control the particle size and the number of polymer chains (through the target Mn) over a wide range of values allowed us to determine that ATRP is influenced by compartmentalization effects. The knowledge gained from our work in L/CRP was used to develop the surfactant-free SFRP of styrene. A multi-stage approach was adopted starting from dilute styrene/water solutions to favor the formation of the alkoxyamine and short chain SG1-oligomers (stage one) before the addition of the majority of the styrene (stage two).

In sum, this dissertation provides information useful to empirical scientists as they progress from study design through analysis, interpretation, and reporting for publication.

This thesis focuses on the current controversial issue involving traditional classroom vs. distance learning approaches to higher education classroom instruction. The most important question addressed is: "Are distance learning methods as effective as traditional approaches to instruction for achieving university level learning goals?"

With the rise of mobile computing and an increasing need for ubiquitous high speed data connections, Internet-in-the-sky solutions are becoming increasingly viable. To reduce the network overhead of one-to-many transmissions, the multicast protocol has been devised. The implementation of multicast in these Low Earth Orbit (LEO) constellations is a critical component to achieving an omnipresent network environment. This research examines the system performance associated with two terrestrial-based multicast mobility solutions, Distance Vector Multicast Routing Protocol (DVMRP) with mobile IP and On Demand Multicast Routing Protocol (ODMRP). These protocols are implemented and simulated in a six plane, 66 satellite LEO constellation. Each protocol was subjected to various workload,to include changes in the number of source nodes and the amount of traffic generated by these nodes. Results from the simulation trials show the ODMRP protocol provided greater than 99% reliability in packet deliverability, at the cost of more than S bits of overhead for every 1 bit of data for multicast groups with multiple sources. In contrast, DVMRP proved robust and scalable, with data-to-overhead ratios increasing logarithmically with membership levels. DVMRP also had less than 70 MS of average end-to-end delay, providing stable transmissions at high loading and membership levels. Due to the fact that system performance metric values varied as a function of protocol, system design objectives must be considered when choosing a protocol for implementation.