Digital Commons Network^™

Social Emotional Competence And Teacher Stress, Leslie Carole Forcina

College of Graduate Studies: Theses & Dissertations

Teacher stress and continuing high attrition rates for the teaching profession have significant multiple impacts, although arguably the most important is student achievement. Research indicates that as teacher stress increases to high levels, teacher effectiveness decreases. Attempts to reduce stress have historically focused on organizational or systemic change with minimal success. There remains a clear and distinct call to pursue individual factors that may influence teachers’ abilities to moderate stress. Social emotional competence (SEC) is a set of skills that allows individuals to understand themselves, their emotions, the social context as well as relationships and decision making. Existing research has …

Curriculum Circus: Juggling Curriculum, Science, And The Arts, Domenica Devine

College of Graduate Studies: Theses & Dissertations

Education should open the door to better lives and better jobs. The fact is that it does not. In part, there are many causes including rigidity, political interference, and the separation between disciplines that we teach without context and without dialogue with our students. Specifically, I think that we should use education as a way to help students make better choices and have a better life. One way we can do it is by reconciling science with the other disciplines. And that is what is at the heart of curriculum studies.

There is a pervasive belief that the Western ideology …

High School Administrators' Perception Of The Effectiveness Of Professional Development, Rodney J. Williams

College of Graduate Studies: Theses & Dissertations

The importance of professional development has been emphasized in recent legislation and accountability acts. As Georgia competes for Race to the Top Funds, high school administrators are being required to attend various professional development activities. These may address the new teacher evaluation system, common core, and techniques on how to close the gap between high-achieving students and students with a learning disability. Therefore, the purpose of this qualitative study was to understand high school administrators’ perceptions of the effectiveness of professional development. This qualitative study used a case study design with purposive sampling. Participants included twelve high school administrators currently …

Factors Associated With Adult Literacy Student Outcomes In Campus-Based Versus Community-Based Programs, Charles Hall

College of Graduate Studies: Theses & Dissertations

In Georgia, the Technical College System of Georgia (TCSG) formally trains over 100,000 adult literacy students each year free of charge at a variety of campus-based and community-based programs located at community centers, churches, libraries, or businesses. A common, yet unproven, assumption among senior administrators and adult literacy faculty members at TCSG colleges is that adults who attend literacy classes embedded in the traditional college campus environment have better academic outcomes than those who attend only community-based programs. However, a gap currently exists in the literature with respect to a clear understanding of which student outcome variables are impacted when …

Homogeneous Symplectic Manifolds Of The Galilei Group, Michael S. Davis

College of Graduate Studies: Theses & Dissertations

In this thesis we classify all symplectic manifolds admitting a transitive, 2-form preserving action of the Galilei group G. Using the moment map and a theorem of Kirillov-Kostant-Souriau, we reduce the problem to that of classifying the coadjoint orbits of a central extension of G discovered by Bargmann. We then develop a systematic inductive technique to construct a cross section of the coadjoint action. The resulting symplectic orbits are interpreted as the manifolds of classical motions of elementary particles with or without spin, mass, and color.

Infeasible Full-Newton-Step Interior-Point Method For The Linear Complementarity Problems, Antré Marquel Drummer

College of Graduate Studies: Theses & Dissertations

In this tesis, we present a new Infeasible Interior-Point Method (IPM) for monotone Linear Complementarity Problem (LPC). The advantage of the method is that it uses full Newton-steps, thus, avoiding the calculation of the step size at each iteration. However, by suitable choice of parameters the iterates are forced to stay in the neighborhood of the central path, hence, still guaranteeing the global convergence of the method under strict feasibility assumption. The number of iterations necessary to find -approximate solution of the problem matches the best known iteration bounds for these types of methods. The preliminary implementation of the method …

Calcium Montmorillonite Clay Reduces Urinary Biomarkers Of Fumonisin B₁ Exposure In Rats And Humans, Abraham Robinson, Natalie M. Johnson, A. Strey, John F. Taylor, Alicia Marroquin-Cardona, N. J. Mitchell, Evans Afriyie-Gyawu, Nii-Ayi Ankrah, Jonathan H. Williams, Jia-Sheng Wang, Pauline E. Jolly, R. J. Nachman, Timothy D. Phillips

Environmental Health Sciences: Faculty Publications

Fumonisin B1 (FB1) is often a co-contaminant with aflatoxin (AF) in grains and may enhance AF’s carcinogenicity by acting as a cancer promoter. Calcium montmorillonite (i.e. NovaSil, NS) is a possible dietary intervention to help decrease chronic aflatoxin exposure where populations are at risk. Previous studies show that an oral dose of NS clay was able to reduce AF exposure in a Ghanaian population. In vitro analyses from our laboratory indicated that FB1 (like aflatoxin) could also be sorbed onto the surfaces of NS. Hence, our objectives were to evaluate the efficacy of NS clay to reduce urinary FB1 in …

Faculty Senate Librarian's Report-2012, Georgia Southern University

Faculty Senate: Librarian's Reports

No abstract provided.

Faculty Handbook, Georgia Southern University

Faculty Handbooks

Faculty Handbook for Georgia Southern University for the 2012-2013 academic year. The Faculty Handbook is published online by the Office of the Vice President for Academic Affairs and archived in Digital Commons@Georgia Southern.

Advance (Spring 2012), Georgia Southern Division Of Continuing And Professional Education

Division of Continuing & Professional Education

No abstract provided.

Yin Yang Bipolar Atom - An Eastern Road Toward Quantum Gravity, Wen-Ran Zhang

Computing: Faculty Publications

Based on bipolar dynamic logic and bipolar quantum linear algebra, a causal theory of YinYang bipolar atom is introduced in a completely background independent geometry that transcends spacetime. The causal theory leads to an equilibrium-based super symmetrical quantum cosmology of negative-positive energies. It is contended that the new theory has opened an Eastern road toward quantum gravity with bipolar logical unifications of particle and wave, matter and antimatter, relativity and quantum entanglement. Information recovery after a black hole is discussed. It is shown that not only can the new theory be applied in physical worlds but also in logical, mental, …

Beyond Spacetime Geometry – The Death Of Philosophy And Its Quantum Reincarnation, Wen-Ran Zhang

Computing: Faculty Publications

Contrary to the “end” and “death” assertions on philosophy, this paper predicts an equilibrium-based and harmony-centered scientific reincarnation of philosophy. Logically, the reincarnation is backed by a formal system and a background independent geometry that transcends spacetime. Physically, it is supported by definable quantum causality and bipolar logical unifications of matter and antimatter, particle and wave, big bang and black hole, relativity and quantum entanglement. Philosophically, it is distinguished from Western metaphysics and dialectics as well as the Dao of Laozi. It is named a quantum reincarnation for its central claim that YinYang bipolar quantum entanglement is the source of …

2012 Fall Commencement, Georgia Southern University

Commencement Programs

No abstract provided.

Georgia Southern Magazine, Georgia Southern University

Georgia Southern Magazine

• The Beat Goes On
• Research on the Horizon
• Reaching for the Stars
• Visionary Leader
• Dream Team

Gera Conference Program [2012], Gera

Georgia Educational Research Association Conference

Conference program for 2012.

A Ray Model Of Sound Focusing With A Balloon Lens: An Experiment For High School Students, Cleon Dean, Kendez Parker

Physics & Astronomy: Faculty Publications

A weather balloon filled with carbon dioxide gas is used as a positive spherical acoustic lens. High frequency but audible sound from a circular loudspeaker ensonifies the balloon and produces increased sound pressure levels in a region along the principal axis according to a ray acoustics model. This enhancement was measured experimentally and was found to agree with theory. The possibility that interference from reflected sound off walls or the floor could mask or mimic the expected focusing was countered by calculating and measuring within a “shadow zone” in which only direct rays or rays refracted by the balloon exist …

Metric Theory Of Gravity With Torsion In An Extra Dimension, Karthik H. Shankar, Anand Balaraman, Kameshwar C. Wali

Physics & Astronomy: Faculty Publications

We consider a theory of gravity with a hidden extra dimension and metric-dependent torsion. A set of physically motivated constraints are imposed on the geometry so that the torsion stays confined to the extra dimension and the extra dimension stays hidden at the level of four-dimensional geodesic motion. At the kinematic level, the theory maps onto general relativity, but the dynamical field equations that follow from the action principle deviate markedly from the standard Einstein equations. We study static spherically symmetric vacuum solutions and homogeneous-isotropic cosmological solutions that emerge from the field equations. In both cases, we find solutions of …

A Hemoglobin-Based Multifunctional Therapeutic: Polynitroxylated Pegylated Hemoglobin, Carleton C. J. Hsia, Li Ma

Physics & Astronomy: Faculty Publications

Polynitroxylated pegylated hemoglobin (PNPH) as a multifunctional therapeutic takes advantage of the ability of hemoglobin (Hb) to transport oxygen, the antioxidative stress activities from the redox coupling of nitroxide and heme iron, and the hypercolloid properties of pegylation. The published preclinical data demonstrating that PNPH acts as a neurovascular protective multifunctional therapeutic in an animal model simulating prehospital resuscitation of traumatic brain injury (TBI) with hemorrhagic shock (HS) are reviewed. Preliminary results on the potential utility of PNPH for neurovascular protection in thrombolytic stroke therapy and for correction of vascular dysfunction through transfusion in sickle-cell disease (SCD) are also discussed. …

Polynitroxyl Albumin And Albumin Therapy After Pediatric Asphyxial Cardia Arrest: Effects On Cerebral Blood Flow And Neurologic Outcome, Mioara D. Manole, Patrick M. Kochanek, Lesley M. Foley, T. Kevin Hitchens, Hülya Bayır, Henry Alexander, Robert Garman, Li Ma, Carleton J. C. Hsia, Chien Ho, Robert S. B. Clark

Physics & Astronomy: Faculty Publications

Postresuscitation cerebral blood flow (CBF) disturbances and generation of reactive oxygen species likely contribute to impaired neurologic outcome after pediatric cardiac arrest (CA). Hence, we determined the effects of the antioxidant colloid polynitroxyl albumin (PNA) versus albumin or normal saline (NS) on CBF and neurologic outcome after asphyxial CA in immature rats. We induced asphyxia for 9 minutes in male and female postnatal day 16 to 18 rats randomized to receive PNA, albumin, or NS at resuscitation from CA or sham surgery. Regional CBF was measured serially from 5 to 150 minutes after resuscitation by arterial spin-labeled magnetic resonance imaging. …

Ascension, Megan Hopkins, David Thompson, Mary Beth Spence, Betsy Nolen, Katie Stambek, Paul Czech

Research & Economic Development

editor: Betsy Nolen director: Megan Hopkins designer: photographer: Victoria Sprankel

Full Newton-Step Interior-Point Method For Linear Complementarity Problems, Goran Lesaja, Antre M. Drummer, Ljiljana Miletić

Mathematical Sciences: Faculty Publications

In this paper we consider an Infeasible Full Newton-step Interior-Point Method (IFNS-IPM) for monotone Linear Complementarity Problems (LCP). The method does not require a strictly feasible starting point. In addition, the method avoids calculation of the step size and instead takes full Newton-steps at each iteration. Iterates are kept close to the central path by suitable choice of parameters. The algorithm is globally convergent and the iteration bound matches the best known iteration bound for these types of methods.

Structure Of Colored Complete Graphs Free Of Proper Cycles, Vincent E. Coll, Colton Magnant, Kathleen Ryan

Mathematical Sciences: Faculty Publications

For a fixed integer m, we consider edge colorings of complete graphs which contain no properly edge colored cycle Cm as a subgraph. Within colorings free of these subgraphs, we establish global structure by bounding the number of colors that can induce a spanning and connected subgraph. In the case of smaller cycles, namely C4,C5, and C6, we show that our bounds are sharp.

Estimation Of Parameters In Weighted Generalized Beta Distribution Of The Second Kind, Yuan Ye, Broderick O. Oluyede, Marvis Pararai

Mathematical Sciences: Faculty Publications

This paper applies the class of weighted generalized beta distribution of the second kind (WGB2) as descriptive models for size distribution of income. The properties of WGB2 including mean, variance, coefficient of variation (CV), coefficient of skewness (CS), coefficient of kurtosis (CK) are presented. Other properties including top-sensitive index, bottom-sensitive index, mean logarithmic deviation (MLD) index and Theil index obtained from generalized entropy (GE) are applied in this paper. WGB2 proved to be in the generalized beta-F family of distributions, and maximum likelihood estimation (MLE) is used to obtain the parameter estimates. WGB2 is fitted to U.S. family income (2001-2009) …

Estimating Population Exposure To Fine Particulate Matter In The Conterminous U.S. Using Shape Function-Based Spatiotemporal Interpolation Method: A County Level Analysis, Lixin Li, Xingyou Zhang, James B. Holt, Jie Tian, Reinhard Piltner

Mathematical Sciences: Faculty Publications

This paper investigates spatiotemporal interpolation methods for the application of air pollution assessment. The air pollutant of interest in this paper is fine particulate matter PM_2.5. The choice of the time scale is investigated when applying the shape function-based method. It is found that the measurement scale of the time dimension has an impact on the quality of interpolation results. Based upon the result of 10-fold cross validation, the most effective time scale out of four experimental ones was selected for the PM_2.5 interpolation. The paper also estimates the population exposure to the ambient air pollution of …

Student Perceptions Of Wikipedia As A Learning Tool For Educational Leaders, Jason Lafrance, Daniel W. Calhoun

Leadership, Technology & Human Development: Faculty Publications

This non-experimental qualitative study examined archival survey data collected to evaluate the e‑cacy of a research assignment utilizing Wikipedia. Respondents were 14 doctoral students enrolled in Educational Leadership coursework during Fall 2011. There is limited research available on this topic, as Wikipedia has been minimally utilized as a legitimate learning tool in the education setting. Parker and Chao (2007) noted that Wikis are one of many Web 2.0 components that could be used to enhance the learning process. The primary purpose of this study was to investigate doctoral student's perceptions of Wikipedia as an instructional tool in Educational Leadership coursework. …

Library Annual Report

Library Annual Reports

No abstract provided.

Honors Research Symposium Program [2012], University Honors Program Students And Staff

Honors College: News & Publications (2008-2020)

No abstract provided.

Creative Differences: Teaching Creativity Across The Disciplines, Elizabeth Marquis, Susan Vajoczki

International Journal for the Scholarship of Teaching & Learning

Several authors have suggested that educational institutions have a responsibility to foster creativity in their students. Yet, research has shown that creativity is a variable concept that can mean different things in different fields and contexts (Kaufman & Baer, 2005). As a result, generic pedagogical techniques for developing creativity may not be equally appropriate across domains.

In light of these factors, this pilot study explored (via an electronic survey of instructors) the ways in which creativity is defined and taught across McMaster University’s six faculties. Results suggested areas of both commonality and difference across disciplines in terms of academics’ understandings …

Assessing The Degree Of Integrated Learner-Centered Instruction On Student Outcomes In A Large Non-Major Environmental Science Course, Ruthanne “Rudi” Thompson, Greta Bolin, Alice Coe

International Journal for the Scholarship of Teaching & Learning

The decision to employ learner-centered teaching methods, teacher-centered teaching methods, or whether to integrate the two within large lecture halls in higher education continues to be heavily researched and hotly debated. All, in one form or another, have been shown effective at varying levels, throughout a myriad of disciplines and across diverse cultures. Yet there are fewer quantitative studies assessing the effects of implementing varying degrees of integrated learner-centered methods within large classroom environments. To that end, this study compared two sections of an undergraduate non-major environmental science large lecture course. One section received a minimal degree of learner-centered (MLC) …

A Difficult Journey: Transitioning From Stem To Sotl, Niamh Kelly, Susan Nesbit, Carolyn Oliver

International Journal for the Scholarship of Teaching & Learning

This essay unearths difficulties experienced by scholars trained in the STEM disciplines when transitioning into the research context that is SoTL. We, a scientist and an engineer, engaged in a series of audiotaped reflective discussions (facilitated by a social science researcher) designed to tease out the difficulties associated with this contextual shift. Our discussions pointed to issues that go beyond the oft-quoted methodological differences of a quantitative versus qualitative approach, speaking instead to barriers associated with: time, emotions, intellectual training and world-views. Embracing a complexity approach to the generation of knowledge and understanding led us to an appreciation of the …