Physical Sciences and Mathematics Commons^™

Implementing A Virtual Reality Paradigm In Human Anatomy/Physiology College Curricula, Helen St. Aubin

CCE Theses and Dissertations

Modes of instruction in the college course called Human Anatomy/Physiology are changing. Due to ethical concerns and the ever-increasing source of new physiological data, there is a need for enhancements to assist the instructor and student. The computer science of virtual reality (VR) provides a method to electronically educate, train, prototype, and test and evaluate new enhancements to the college curricula. This study detailed the modeling and simulation of a skeletal human hand with degrees of freedom of movement, which provided the students with a physiological representation of some of the movements of the hand. The primary objectives of the …

A Model For Transforming Legacy Systems In A Client/Server Environment Based On The Unified Modeling Language(Uml), Leon Stevens

CCE Theses and Dissertations

In this dissertation the researcher developed the methodology for the migration of computer programs from a legacy architecture to client/server architecture. System migrations have failed frequently, and even so-called successful migrations may have serious usability problems. Additional difficulties include missing documentation of the existing program(s), the persons who developed the existing system are not available for consultation, and, frequently, there are important operational and economic issues that must be considered. The client/server environment is quite different from the source environment; the operating system and implementation languages have changed, and system requirements may have been greatly expanded, frequently including the Internet. …

Smart Card Systems: Development Of A Paradigm For A University-Wide Smart Card Student Identification System, Joanne M. Marlowe

CCE Theses and Dissertations

College and university campuses present an ideal environment for smart card systems and offer one of the best opportunities for the early adoption of smart card technology in the United States. This study investigated the design, development, and implementation of a smart card system in the university environment, specifically Nova Southeastern University. Additionally, this dissertation investigation developed a paradigm for a university-wide smart card student identification system capable of providing multiple applications such as portable identity, secure access, and electronic purse function. This dissertation investigation employed a Modern Systems Development Life Cycle (MSDLC) methodology along with a case study strategy. …

State Government Cost Recovery For Electronic Information Dissemination: A Comparative Study, Donald R. Wismer

CCE Theses and Dissertations

Prior to this study, no paradigm common among state governments regarding public policy principles on cost recovery for the dissemination of public information had been described. The study revealed that U.S. federal government policy has served as a model from which a majority of the states have proceeded. This study has compared the states with the federal government and with themselves to determine the policy boundaries. Themes from in the literature were presented and summarized, and measurable elements were isolated. Data from statutory, regulatory, and case law, and from explicit policy statements, were gathered and compared within graphical formats. A …

Complete Randomized Cutting Plane Algorithms For Propositional Satisfiability, Stephen Lee Hansen

CCE Theses and Dissertations

The propositional satisfiability problem (SAT) is a fundamental problem in computer science and combinatorial optimization. A considerable number of prior researchers have investigated SAT, and much is already known concerning limitations of known algorithms for SAT. In particular, some necessary conditions are known, such that any algorithm not meeting those conditions cannot be efficient. This paper reports a research to develop and test a new algorithm that meets the currently known necessary conditions.

In chapter three, we give a new characterization of the convex integer hull of SAT, and two new algorithms for finding strong cutting planes. We also show …

Persistence Differences In Community College Courses Taught In Classrooms And Through Alternative Formats, Andrew A. Runyan

CCE Theses and Dissertations

While distance education programs continue to expand, the occurrence of higher dropout rates in those programs as compared to the same courses offered in lecture/lab settings remains a point of contention between supporters and detractors of non-traditional forms of education. This study used a foundation of research on dropout in higher education as the basis for an investigation of dropout rates in non-traditional forms of instruction in a community college setting. Course delivery formats studied included videotape-based courses, Internet-based courses, and courses offered in a self-paced laboratory environment. For each of these formats, the same course, offered in a lecture/lab …

The Feasibility Of Developing A Computer Based Expert System To Mitigate Nuclear Power Plant Accidents, Jesse E. Smith

CCE Theses and Dissertations

This study investigated the feasibility of developing a rule-based expert system to support nuclear plant operators in the mitigation of accidents. Human error in the use of Emergency Operating Procedures (EOPs) was the problem to be addressed. The goal was to determine if the Nuclear Plant Information System (NPIS) at one specific power plant would support development of an EOP operator aid to reduce the number of human errors.

A review of the literature confirmed that human error is a recurring problem. This is particularly evident during high stress situations, such as accidents. A rule-based operator aid can reduce human …