Digital Commons Network^™

Differences In Spatial Visualization Ability And Vividness Of Spatial Imagery Between People With And Without Aphantasia, Anita Crowder

Theses and Dissertations

Mathematics education researchers have examined the relationship between visualization and mathematics for decades (e.g., Arcavi, 2003; Bishop, 1991; Duval, 1999; Fennema & Tartre, 1985; Presmeg, 1986). Studies have linked spatial visualization ability, such as measured in mental rotation tasks, directly to mathematics self-efficacy (Pajares & Kranzler, 1995; Weckbacher & Okamoto, 2014), which in turn influences mathematics achievement (Casey, Nuttall, & Pezaris, 1997). With the important role that spatial visualization plays in learning mathematics, the recent identification of congenital aphantasia (Zeman, Dewar, & Della Sala, 2015), which is the lack of mental imagery ability, has raised new questions for mathematics education …

The Effects Of Computer-Assisted Instruction On The Mathematics Achievement Of Students With Emotional And Behavioral Disorders, Kenya Williams

Theses and Dissertations

Mathematics is essential in everyday life activities and most educational opportunities and careers require mathematical knowledge, thus it is vital that students with emotional and behavioral disorders (EBD) receive sufficient instruction that leads to proficiency in the subject. Performing poorly in mathematics can result in dire future outcomes. This is particularly true for students with EBD, who already experience significant difficulties throughout and after their educational career. While studies have documented the academic and behavioral problems of students with EBD, not until recently have studies begun to concentrate on academic interventions that may aid in preventing some of the academic …

An Applied Mathematics Approach To Modeling Inflammation: Hematopoietic Bone Marrow Stem Cells, Systemic Estrogen And Wound Healing And Gas Exchange In The Lungs And Body, Racheal L. Cooper

Theses and Dissertations

Mathematical models apply to a multitude physiological processes and are used to make predictions and analyze outcomes of these processes. Specifically, in the medical field, a mathematical model uses a set of initial conditions that represents a physiological state as input and a set of parameter values are used to describe the interaction between variables being modeled. These models are used to analyze possible outcomes, and assist physicians in choosing the most appropriate treatment options for a particular situation. We aim to use mathematical modeling to analyze the dynamics of processes involved in the inflammatory process.

First, we create a …

Accelerating Computational Algorithms, Michael Risley

Theses and Dissertations

Mathematicians and computational scientists are often limited in their ability to model complex phenomena by the time it takes to run simulations. This thesis will inform interested researchers on how the development of highly parallel computer graphics hardware and the compiler frameworks to exploit it are expanding the range of algorithms that can be explored on affordable commodity hardware. We will discuss the complexities that have prevented researchers from exploiting advanced hardware as well as the obstacles that remain for the non-computer scientist.

Analysis Of Mathematical Models Of The Human Lung, Cooper Racheal

Theses and Dissertations

The processes of lung ventilation and perfusion, diffusion, and gas transport make up the system of breathing and tissue oxygenation. Here, we present several mathematical formulations of the essential processes that contribute to breathing. These models aid in our understanding and analysis of this complex system and can be used to form treatments for patients on ventilators. With the right analysis and treatment options, patients can be helped and money can be saved. We conclude with the formulation of a mathematical model for the exchange of gasses in the body based on basic reaction kinetics.

An Agent Based Model Of Tumor Growth And Response To Radiotherapy, Nicole O'Neil

Theses and Dissertations

An agent based model was developed to examine the growth of a tumor in a healthy cell population. Response to radiation and impact of mutation and bystander effects were studied. In the growth model, the cancer cells proliferated outward becoming invasive. The mass of cancer cells developed a necrotic core. Various treatment protocols of radiation were compared. Timing of treatments was critical to the success of therapy. The event of mutation was rare. When mutation occurred, either unsuccessful treatment or re-growth could result. Multiple rounds of radiation potentially led to increased mutation. Low levels of the bystander effect had little …