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Analysis Of Growth Curves Under Some Special Covariance Structures, Shobha Prabhala

Mathematics & Statistics Theses & Dissertations

In this dissertation we consider the growth curve or generalized MANOVA model in its most general form given by and develop statistical methodology for analyzing data using this model. Here g represents the number of groups, Y_ij is the observation matrix, ξ is a matrix of unknown parameters, A_i is a known matrix of rank g, and B_ij is a matrix of rank k. Further, the rows of the error matrix ∈_ij are independent and each distributed as N_pij (0, Σ_ij).This model accommodates different kinds of unbalanced data, such as, monotone data, data …

Exorcising The Evil Of Forum-Shopping, Kevin M. Clermont, Theodore Eisenberg

Cornell Law Faculty Publications

Most of the business of litigation comprises pretrial disputes. A common and important dispute is over where adjudication should take place. Civil litigators deal with nearly as many change-of-venue motions as trials. The battle over venue often constitutes the critical issue in a case.

The American way is to provide plaintiffs with a wide choice of venues for suit. But the American way has its drawbacks. To counter these drawbacks, an integral part of our court systems, and in particular the federal court system, is the scheme of transfer of venue "in the interest of justice." However, the leading evaluative …

A Preliminary Analysis Of The Theoretical Parameters Of Organizational Learning, Jeffery D. Loyd

Theses and Dissertations

The goal of this research was to develop an instrument capable of measuring the theoretical parameters of organizational learning that could be used as a diagnostic tool to measure an organization's learning potential. This goal was accomplished by developing a pilot questionnaire based on 27 potential learning parameters. The potential parameters of learning were extracted from the literature. A scale of behavioral statements was developed for each potential parameter. The pilot questionnaire was completed by 108 Air Force personnel in Air Force Institute of Technology (AFIT) graduate education programs. The results confirmed 85% of the original scales. Ten refined scales …

A Study Of Cumulative Trauma Disorders Of The Upper Extremities And Occupation In Wright-Patterson Adir Force Base Civilian Personnel, Scott T. Hillstead

Theses and Dissertations

This study utilized a case-control methodology to describe and analyze the 115 cases of occupational illnesses reported by civilian employees of Wright-Patterson Air Force Base (AFB) between 1990 and 1995. Determining if a statistically significant association existed between age and duration of employment risk factors and cumulative trauma disorders (CTDs) was a primary objective. The frequency of CTDs among the various organizations at Wright-Patterson AFB are also described. The research could not prove the existence of a significant association for the 44 subjects and 176 controls matched on occupational group. However, the demographic and other descriptive results may form a …

The Implementation Of Federal Government Policy In The Reuse Planning Of Military Installations: A Case Study Of Gentile Air Force Station, John L. Hoover

Theses and Dissertations

Local communities affected by a base closure are uncertain as to their future and look to the federal government for guidance and economic assistance in rebuilding their local economy. The local communities want to close the base with as little federal government interference as possible and convert the base to civilian use with as much federal financial assistance as possible. During 1993-1994 two Air Force Institute of Technology research teams began longitudinal case studies of the base closure and rescue process at Gentile Air Force Station, Ohio to determine the effectiveness of the federal government's current approach. These research teams …

Performance Indices For On-Ice Hockey Statistics, William (Bill) H. Williams

Publications and Research

No abstract provided.

Stability Of Growing Front Of Yba(2)Cu(3)O(X) Superconductor In The Presence Of Pt And Ceo(2) Additions, Gregory Kozlowski, Tom Svobodny

Physics Faculty Publications

Distinctive microstructures of textured YBa₂Cu₃O_x (123) superconductors were examined by scanning electron microscopy and metallurgical microscopy. The samples were synthesized under a residual thermal gradient by using a modified melt textured growth on a Y₂BaCuO₅ (211) substrate. Also, the unidirectional solidification by a zone‐melting method was performed to fabricate 123 superconducting bars up to 12 cm long placed on the 211 substrate in the horizontal arrangement, with a growth rate R=0.5 mm/h and a temperature gradient of G=20 °C/cm (G/R=400 °C h/cm²). A ramping …

Examination Of Knowledge And Attitudes About Human Sexuality As Predictors Of Adolescent Sexual Behavior, Diane Waymire

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

This study investigated the variables influencing adolescent sexual behavior. Using cognitive learning theory, social learning theory, and social development as an organizing framework, factors influencing adolescent sexual behavior and the respondent's personal demographics were examined for their contribution to explaining adolescent decision-making about sexual activity.

A convenience sample of high school students from a Riverside county school district provided data for the study. Data was gathered by using a self-administered questionnaire. A total of 55 students from two of the three school sites within the district participated in the study during the winter quarter of 1995.

The findings of the …

Space Closure Efficiency With Modified Ceramic Brackets : A Comparative Study, Kirk A. Specht

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

The purpose of this study was to determine if the rate of extraction site closure was determined by the type of ceramic bracket used. A new ceramic bracket with a metal archwire slot was compared with a conventional ceramic bracket. Twenty patients were randomly assigned the metal slot ceramic bracket and conventional ceramic to one half of their maxillary arch respectively. The distribution was even left and right.

Retraction was started and completed on an 0.016" stainless steel round continuous archwire. One hundred gram sentalloy springs provided a uniform retraction force and were reactivated every four weeks to maintain a …

Periodontal Repair In Dogs : Evaluation Of Rhbmp-2 Carriers, Lauralee Nygaard

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

This study evaluated candidate carriers for recombinant human bone morphogenic protein-2 (rhBMP-2) in periodontal reconstructive surgery.

Canine demineralized bone matrix (DBM), bovine inorganic crystallene bone matrix (Bio-Oss), bovine derived microfibrillar collagen matrix (Helistat), poly (D,L-lactide-coglycolide) micropaiticles (PLGA), and polylactic acid granules (Drilac) were used with rhBMP-2 (20 (µg/100 µl implant volume) in routine critical size canine supraalveolar periodontal defects. Contralateral defects in six beagle dogs were randomly assigned to receive: DBM/rhBMP-2, DBM-control, Bio-Oss/rhBMP-2, Helistat/rhBMP-2, PLGA/rhBMP-2, or Drilac/rhBMP-2, all with autologous blood except for Helistat and PLGA. Animals were sacrificed eight weeks post-surgery and block sections of the defects were processed …

Population Genetics: Estimation Of Distributions Through Systems Of Non-Linear Differential Equations, Nacer E. Abrouk, Robert J. Lopez

Mathematical Sciences Technical Reports (MSTR)

In stochastic population genetics, the fundamental quantity used for describing the genetic composition of a Mendelian population is the gene frequency. The process of change in the gene frequency is generally modeled as a stochastic process satisfying a stochastic differential equation. The drift and diffusion coefficients in this equation reflect such mechanisms as mutation, selection, and migration that affect the population. Except in very simple cases, it is difficult to determine the probability law of the stochastic process of change in gene frequency. We present a method for obtaining approximations of this process, enabling us to study models more realistic …

Discovery Of Integrity Relationships In Relational Databases, D. Harrier, D. C. St. Clair

Computer Science Technical Reports

The use of database management system integrity constraints has been a powerful tool in raising the quality of data within an application subject database. Unfortunately, the successful use of integrity constraints requires that the database administrator has implemented the constraint before data are inserted into the database.

The results of this research provide a methodology for discovering previously unknown integrity relationships in a relational database. The methodology uses the principles of knowledge discovery from the artificial intelligence community, and Quinlan's ID3 machine learning algorithm as the discovery tool. Experimental results are provided that demonstrate how the methodology can be applied.

Free-Boundary Problems For Potential And Stokes Flows Via Nonsmooth Analysis, Srdjan Stojanovic, Tom Svobodny

Mathematics and Statistics Faculty Publications

A new approach to some free boundary problems of the type of jets and cavities for potential flows is introduced. Both potential and Stokes flows are considered. The variable domain problems are relaxed so that they become nonsmooth optimization problems on fixed domains for somewhat singular state equations. State equations are considered, and multivalued generalized gradients of the variational functionals are studied. The method is constructive.

A Robust Method Of Solving Nonlinear Boundary Value Problems Via Modified Compromise Programming, John L. Zornick

Theses and Dissertations

This study is an extension of Ng's previous work in which goal programming was used to determine an approximate solution to a boundary value problem. This approach follows the same basic approach developed by Ng in which the method of collocation was recast as a compromise programming model. Hence, instead of solving a system of simultaneous nonlinear equations, one seeks a compromise solution which minimizes (in a weighted residual sense) a vector norm of the differential equation residuals. A difference in this approach is that it makes use of a genetic algorithm as the optimizing engine as opposed to the …

Effects Of Tactical Responses And Risk Aversion On Farm Wheat Supply, Ross S. Kingwell

Natural Resources Research Articles

A discrete stochastic programming model of the farming system of the eastern wheatbelt of Western Australia is used to examine the effect of tactical responses and risk aversion on wheat supply. Including within-season tactical changes to wheat areas decreases the own-price elasticity of supply. By contrast, introducing risk aversion has no consistent effect on the own-price elasticity of supply. The implications for supply models are discussed.

Predicting Utility Bills For Air Combat Command A Study Of Forecasting Techniques, William L. Luthie

Engineering Management & Systems Engineering Theses & Dissertations

Many companies use forecasting techniques as a tool in managing their assets. Trends in such items as sales, population and inventory levels have all been determined at one time or another using forecasting, yet research indicates that these tools have not been utilized to predict utility budgets. This research was conducted to determine if such techniques could be applied to the specific task of predicting the utility bill at an Air Force base. Three quantitative models were chosen, the Moving Average, Exponential Smoothing and Regression, to determine their applicability to the task at hand. One base within Air Combat Command, …

Groundwater Model Parameter Estimation Using Response Surface Methodology, Richard M. Cotman

Theses and Dissertations

This thesis examined the use of response surface methodology (RSM) to estimate the parameters of a finite-element groundwater model. An existing two-dimensional, steady-state flow model of a fractured carbonate groundwater system in southwestern Ohio served as the calibration target data set. A Plackett-Burman screening design showed that only four of the ten hydraulic conductivity zones significantly contributed to the output of the finite-element model. Also, the effective porosity parameter did not significantly affect the model's output. Using only the four significant hydraulic conductivity parameters; four two-level, four-factor designed experiments were conducted to exploit the first-order response surface defined by a …

Response Surface Methodology As A Sensitivity Tool In Decision Analysis, David A. Meyers

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study is to evaluate response surface methodology as a sensitivity analysis tool in the area of decision analysis. The advent of low-cost personal computer software, such as DPLTM, has created an accessible tool with the ability to frame and solve influence diagrams for decision problems. This study provides a comparison of current sensitivity analysis techniques vs those made possible through response surface methodology (RSM). Sensitivity analysis alternatives are demonstrated on a decision problem concerning the evaluation of force structure options for the Department of Defense. Sensitivity analysis is performed on both one-way and two-way perturbations of …

Estimation Of The Captive-Carry Survival Function For The Advanced Medium Range Air-To-Air Missile (Amraam), David R. Denhard

Theses and Dissertations

This thesis considers the problem of estimating the survival function of an item (probability that the item functions for a time greater than a given time t) from sampling data subject to partial right censoring (a portion of the items in the sampling data have not yet been observed to fail). Specifically the thesis describes several parametric and non-parametric statistical models that can be used when the sampling data is subject to partial right censoring. These models are applied to the case of estimating the captive-carry survival function of the AIM-120A Advanced Medium Range Air-to-Air Missile (AMRAAM).

A New Goodness-Of-Fit Test For The Gamma Distribution Based On Sample Spacings From Complete And Censored Samples, Huseyin Duman

Theses and Dissertations

This thesis studies a new goodness-of-fit test for the gamma distribution with known shape parameter. This test statistic, Z*, is based on spacings from complete or censored samples. The size of samples varied between 5 and 35. The critical value tables were generated for the Z* test statistic for complete and censored samples. The critical values were obtained for five different significance levels: 0.20 0.15, 0.10, 0.05, and 0.01. An extensive power study, containing 50,000 Monte Carlo runs was conducted using nine alternative distributions, H_a. It was observed that the Z* test statistic was more powerful against certain …

Spatial Time-Series: Pollution Pattern Recognition Under Irregular Interventions, Samuel A. Wright

Theses and Dissertations

The Fernald Environmental Restoration Management Corporation (FERMCO) has noted the introduction of arsenic contamination to groundwater around the area of the groundwater recovery system, which captures uranium contaminated groundwater. The introduction of arsenic occurs during high levels of pumping and is particularly sensitive to the western two of the five pumps. Auto-Regressive Moving Average (ARMA) and Spatial-Temporal ARMA (STARMA) empirical analyses are used to model the level of arsenic contamination found through time. The intervention of varied levels of pumping is modeled with a transfer function using analytic techniques to create a causal intervention transfer function input series to give …

Acquiring Consistent Knowledge For Bayesian Forests, Darwyn O. Banks

Theses and Dissertations

This thesis develops a methodology and a tool for knowledge acquisition with the new probabilistic knowledge representation-the Bayesian Forest. It establishes the structure of the Knowledge Acquisition and Maintenance module of the Probabilities. Expert Systems, Knowledge and Inference (PESKI) architecture. The tool, MACK, is designed to be used directly by the domain expert(s) rather than by knowledge engineer(s), and thus supports automated knowledge acquisition. This research determines and implements the constraints necessary to ensure the consistency of Bayesian Forest knowledge bases as data is both acquired and subsequently maintained. The impact to the PESKI architecture of time-dependent information and default …

Principal Points And Self-Consistent Points Of Elliptical Distributions, Thaddeus Tarpey, Luning Li, Bernard Flury

Mathematics and Statistics Faculty Publications

In this paper we study principal points and self-consistent points of p-variate elliptical distributions. We also discuss implications of our results for the computation and estimation of principal points.

Periodicity And Indecomposability, William Thomas Ingram

Mathematics and Statistics Faculty Research & Creative Works

In this paper we characterize the existence of periodic points of odd period greater than one for unimodal mappings of an interval onto itself. The interesting juxtaposition of this condition with the occurrence in inverse limits of the well-known Brouwer-Janiszewski-Knaster continuum is explored. Also obtained is a characterization of indecomposability of certain inverse limits using a single unimodal bonding map. © 1995 American Mathematical Society.

Point-Valued Mappings Of Sets, Matt Insall

Mathematics and Statistics Faculty Research & Creative Works

Let X be a metric space and let CB(X) denote the closed bounded subsets of X with the Hausdorff metric. Given a complete subspace Y of CB(X), two fixed point theorems, analogues of results in [1], are proved, and examples are given to suggest their applicability in practice.

Brain State In A Convex Body, S. Hui, Martin Bohner

Mathematics and Statistics Faculty Research & Creative Works

We study a generalization of the brain-state-in-a-box (BSB) model for a class of nonlinear discrete dynamical systems where we allow the states of the system to lie in an arbitrary convex body. The states of the classical BSB model are restricted to lie in a hypercube. Characterizations of equilibrium points of the system are given using the support function of a convex body. Also, sufficient conditions for a point to be a stable equilibrium point are investigated. Finally, we study the system in polytopes. The results in this special case are more precise and have simpler forms than the corresponding …

Asymptotic Analysis Of The Linearized Navier-Stokes Equations In A Channel, Roger Temam, Xiaoming Wang

Mathematics and Statistics Faculty Research & Creative Works

In this article we study and derive explicit formulas for the boundary layers occurring in the linearized channel flows in the limit of small viscosity. Our study is based on classical boundary layer techniques combined with a new global treatment of the pressure term. © 1995, Khayyam Publishing.

Stability Properties And Integrability Of The Resolvent Of Linear Volterra Equations, Muhammad Islam, Paul W. Eloe

Mathematics Faculty Publications

Integrability of the resolvent and the stability properties of the zero solution of linear Volterra integrodifferential systems are studied. In particular, it is shown that, the zero solution is uniformly stable if and only if the resolvent is integrable in some sense. It is also shown that, the zero solution is uniformly asymptotically stable if and only if the resolvent is integrable and an additional condition in terms of the resolvent and the kernel is satisfied. Finally, the integrability of the resolvent is obtained under an explicit condition.

Analysis Of Rule Sets Generated By The Cn2, Id3, And Multiple Convergence Symbolic Learning Methods, Elizabeth M. Boll, Daniel C. St. Clair

Mathematics and Statistics Faculty Research & Creative Works

The ability to learn has long been an area of interest to researchers in artificial intelligence. Symbolic inductive learning algorithms have evolved as a class of algorithms that can be used to learn concepts from training examples. The knowledge acquired is represented in the form of rules. Since symbolic learning methods develop distinctive sets of rules when given identical training data, questions arise as to the quality of the different rule sets produced. The results of this research provide techniques for comparing and analyzing rule sets. Numerous rule sets were generated using three well-known symbolic learning methods; Quinlan's ID3, Clark …

Posterior Convergence Given The Mean, Bertrand S. Clarke, J. K. Ghosh

Department of Statistics: Faculty Publications

For various applications one wants to know the asymptotic behavior of w(θ | X), the posterior density of a parameter θ given the mean X of the data rather than the full data set. Here we show that w(θ | X) is asymptotically normal in an L¹ sense, and we identify the mean of the limiting normal and its asymptotic variance. The main results are first proved assuming that X₁,...,X_n,... are independent and identical; suitable modifications to obtain results for the nonidentical case are given sepa- rately. Our results may be used to …