Digital Commons Network^™

Growth And Survivorship Of Meandrina Meandrites And Montastrea Cavernosa Transplants To An Artificial Reef Environment, And The Effectiveness Of Plugging Core Holes In Transplant Donor Colonies, Elizabeth Glynn Fahy

HCNSO Student Theses and Dissertations

The growth and survivorship of two species of scleractinian coral transplants, Meandrina meandrites and Montastrea cavernosa, were investigated. Identically sized replicate transplants were obtained from the second reef, off Dania Beach, using a hydraulic drill fitted with a 4” core barrel. The transplants were fixed to Reef Ball™ substrates using an adhesive marine epoxy. Drill holes in the donor corals (core holes) were filled with concrete plugs to prevent the detrimental effects of bioeroders. Control corals, of comparable size to both the donor colonies and the transplant corals, were selected for comparison. The transplant corals, donor corals, and controls …

Center For Undergraduate Studies 2003-2004 Catalog, Nova Southeastern University

Undergraduate Programs Course Catalogs

No abstract provided.

Osteopathic Medical Education Program Brochure, Nova Southeastern University

Health Professions Divisions Course Catalogs and Course Descriptions

No abstract provided.

Winter 2003, Nsu Oceanographic Center

Currents

No abstract provided.

A Comparative Analysis Of Design Techniques For The Construction Of An Expert System For Aircraft Engine Diagnostics, Mitch Raton

CCAC Theses and Dissertations

The lack of knowledge and understanding of diagnostic aircraft propulsion systems causes inappropriate problem diagnosis. Because of increasing complexity, technicians are incapable of performing the necessary tasks in accordance with standard regulations. More sophisticated systems are needed today to "assist" the user technician in decision-making. This work provided a study of rule-based and frame-based expert system techniques to determine the most appropriate solution in the domain of complex diagnosis using large amounts of deterministic data. The study produced a framework that facilitates the diagnosing of faults on aircraft engines, thus reducing the burden on the aircraft mechanic regardless of experience …

An Integrated, Secured, Open-Source Medical Prototype For Collaborative Patient Management On The Internet, Joseph Dabre Ramsey

CCAC Theses and Dissertations

Conventional approaches to building critical and secured systems are based on the use of commercial tools for development and maintenance. Changes in the marketplace and the acceptance of the open-source model have brought this assumption into question. The combination of open-source's rapid rise and the introduction of pervasive computing has made the computing industry more receptive to open-source tools and products. The open-source model allows systems to be controlled by a single individual or a small developer group that reduces dependence on individual experts. The availability of free system source codes, an expanding commercial support market, and increasing global collaborative …

Master Of Science Degree Programs 2003-2005, Nova Southeastern University

College of Engineering and Computing Course Catalogs

No abstract provided.

Graduate School Of Computer And Information Sciences 2003, Nova Southeastern University

College of Engineering and Computing Course Catalogs

No abstract provided.

Nsu Fischler Graduate School Of Education And Human Services 2003, Nova Southeastern University

Abraham S. Fischler College of Education and School of Criminal Justice College Archive

No abstract provided.

Nova Law Review 27, 3

Nova Law Review

No abstract provided.

Breed-Specific Legislation Revisited: Canine Racism Or The Answer To Florida's Dog Control Problems?, Karyn Grey

Nova Law Review

No abstract provided.

Finding Unexpected Events In Staring Continuous-Dwell Sensor Data Streams Via Adaptive Prediction, Peter G. Raeth

CCAC Theses and Dissertations

This research produced a Predictive Anomaly Detector (PAD). It is an adaptive prediction-based approach to detecting unexpected events in data streams drawn from staring continuous-dwell sensors. The underlying technology is spectrum independent and does not depend on correlated data (neither temporal nor spatial) to achieve improved detection and extraction in highly robust environments. ("robust environment" refers to the data stream's control law being variable and the spectral content covering a wide range of wavelengths.)

The resulting approach uses a network of simple building-block equations (basis functions) to predict the non-event data and thereby present subtle sub-streams to a detection model …

Improving Character Education In Preschool Programs Through Improved Program Policies, And Through The Training Of Teachers And University Student Teachers, Cheryl N. Priest

Abraham S. Fischler College of Education ETD Archive

This applied dissertation was designed to provide training, coursework, resources, children’s materials, and program policies that would improve the development of character within preschool children enrolled in a university laboratory preschool setting. Many of the young children enrolled in this school were not exhibiting the skills often associated with character development. A number of these children were not working with others to solve social problems, did not verbalize feelings or expressed feelings in unacceptable ways, and did not identify classmates as friends. Classroom teachers also found that some children were unwilling to help others and that they were doing nothing …

Case Study Of Public School 370 And Implementation Of An Education Program For Disabled 18- To 21-Year-Old Detainees, Dawn A.J. Downing

Abraham S. Fischler College of Education ETD Archive

This applied dissertation describes an alternative public high school for adjudicated youth. This report discusses the legal and social issues that justify the need for the implementation of an education program for 18- to 21-year-olds detained in the Baltimore City Detention Center. Analysis of internal and external data sources indicated the need for this case study.

The focus of this study was creating a learning community where educational staff and security staff work together to provide an appropriate education for adjudicated students. The relationship between educators and correctional staff can be an uneasy one when the security and education staffs …

The Effects Of Home-School Communication On Parental Involvement, Donna Demusis Dekle

Abraham S. Fischler College of Education ETD Archive

This applied dissertation was designed to determine the effectiveness of an integrated reading and study skills program intervention implemented for seventh and eighth grade middle school students identified as having problems in motivation and academic achievement. The design of the program was based on current research regarding best practices on improving the motivation and literacy skills of middle school students. Student achievement results for this new program were compared with those for a previous program that did not integrate content area curriculum.

Participants attended the program for one class period each day and received instruction on reading strategies to improve …

Increasing Students’ Performance In English Within A Two-Way Bilingual Immersion Program, Jacquelyne Hoy

Abraham S. Fischler College of Education ETD Archive

During the 2000-2001 school year, 30.76% of the 1st- through 3rd-grade students performed below grade level in the English reading comprehension test. Consequently, 35% of the students withdrew from Lycée Franco-American during the 2000-2001 school year because their parents feared that their children would not perform at or above grade level in English.

This writer conducted an initial analysis of the study in May of 2001, which revealed the following causes for the low performance in English reading comprehension: (a) teachers’ lack of training and experience in 2-way bilingual immersion programs, (b) the English program was too cumbersome and did …

Third Grade Struggling Readers And Fast Forword, Jeannie Gallo

Abraham S. Fischler College of Education ETD Archive

This applied dissertation utilized an adaptive computer training program known as Fast ForWord as an intervention to improve the literacy skills of struggling, below-level third grade readers at Smyser Accelerated School. The intent of the intervention was to improve students’ phonemic awareness, reading comprehension, and spelling skills on standardized tests and to improve classroom performance grades in reading and spelling.

A large number of students in third grade are not able to achieve at or above level on the reading comprehension test of the Iowa Tests of Basic Skills. It was believed that a high mobility rate in second and …

Increasing Student Achievement Through Formative Assessment And Teacher Support, Nancy Nichols

Abraham S. Fischler College of Education ETD Archive

The purpose of this applied dissertation was to increase student achievement on the Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test (FCAT) through formative assessments, tracking student progress, and targeting instruction to deficit areas important for standardized tests and to use this data to group students for reteaching. The school had maintained the school grade of C for 2 consecutive years but had not been able to raise the school grade to a B. By increasing student achievement, the school grade would also improve. This study was also designed to provide support to new teachers to identify, diagnose, and provide remediation for failing students. …

Block Scheduling Versus Traditional Scheduling: A Comparative Study Of The Academic Achievement Of Seventh Graders, Grace W. Reese

Abraham S. Fischler College of Education ETD Archive

This study compared the academic achievement of 7th-grade students using a block schedule with the academic achievement of 7th-grade students using a traditional schedule. The goal was to determine what impact, if any, block scheduling had upon academic achievement. The sample included 7th-grade students at Semmes Middle School in the Mobile County Public School System in Mobile, Alabama.

The 2000-2001 and 2001-2002 Stanford Achievement Test, Ninth Edition (SAT-9) test results in reading, mathematics, and science, which are required of all students in Grades 3-8 in the Mobile County Public School System, provided the necessary data.

A t test was used …

Improving Fourth-Grade Students’ Success In Mathematics Using Multiple Strategies Proposed In The Literature, Benny Steve Lenderman

Abraham S. Fischler College of Education ETD Archive

The problem identified for this applied dissertation was that 4th-grade students were not achieving success in mathematics. The results of 3 diagnostic and achievement tests--the STAR Math Test, the Diagnostic Achievement Battery-3, and the Peabody Individual Achievement Test- Revised/Normative Update--confirmed that the problem existed. The goal for this applied dissertation was that 4th-grade students would achieve success in mathematics.

The attempt to solve the problem involved several solution strategies. Children worked in cooperative pairs and small groups as they participated in manipulativebased mathematics lessons and problem-solving lessons. They experienced reading for understanding the mathematics lessons in their reform-based textbooks. In …

Improving School Attendance Of Special Education Students Through Tangible Rewards And Concrete Incentives, Lenell Q. Navarre

Abraham S. Fischler College of Education ETD Archive

This applied dissertation was designed to provide concrete incentives and tangible rewards for the special education students in a high school. Mediocre attendance is a serious problem in many schools with students identified as meeting the criteria for special education. It impacts the student, school, parents, and community. Research shows that poor attendance can be associated to behavioral problems, academic failure, and leading to dropout tendencies.

The writer developed a program that provided concrete incentives and tangible rewards. Planned solution strategies to improve attendance included (a) distributing concrete incentives to students, (b) distributing tangible rewards to students, (c) forming an …

Political Agitation: Can A Political Mandate Be Used As A Catalyst For Creating A Learning Organization?, James W "Kip" Stevens

Abraham S. Fischler College of Education ETD Archive

This applied dissertation dealt with the efforts of the principal at Turner County Middle School to use state mandates as a catalyst for creating a learning community of teachers. The hypothesis was that the teachers’ anger at the politicians could be redirected by the principal into a unified vision of raising their students’ reading test scores on standardized tests. The principal sought to use inclusion, empowerment and co-operative peer led instruction for the mandated staff development course. The question was asked, “Can peer led staff development that has specific teacher and student outcomes outlined in advance increase student learning, resulting …

The Role Of The School Administrator In Building A Positive Culture In A New Elementary School Setting, Amy R. Davis

Abraham S. Fischler College of Education ETD Archive

This applied dissertation was designed to study the role of the school administrator in building a positive school culture in a new setting. As an administrator in a newly established elementary school, the writer found that, with staff coming from various prior work settings, set rituals and culture were nonexistent. The applied dissertation was designed to provide a vehicle for establishing a positive school culture in this setting.

The writer provided opportunities for staff to plan collaboratively and to develop collegial relations over a 9-month period of time. Staff development that focused on team building and collaboration was planned and …

Using Online Spatial Visualization Activities In A Geometry Course For Preservice Elementary Teachers, Kathy Bauman Burgis

Abraham S. Fischler College of Education ETD Archive

Spatial visualization is critical in learning and using geometry and other mathematics, science, and various technologies. Many preservice teachers lacked the spatial visualization skills and knowledge necessary to effectively teach a rich elementary mathematics curriculum. This applied dissertation was designed to improve preservice elementary teachers’ spatial visualization skills.

The author used online Java applets to deliver spatial visualization instruction in a geometry course for preservice elementary teachers. Data was collected from convenience samples formed from two intact classes. There were 27 students in the treatment group and 22 students in the control group. Participants worked independently, outside of class, using …

Transition Of Ninth-Grade Students To Tenth Grade Using A Mentorship Program, Maryann Joanna Giacchino

Abraham S. Fischler College of Education ETD Archive

Falcon Family was a peer mentoring project implemented at Dunedin High School in the 2001-2002 school year as one method of improving academic performance by ninth-grade students. The project was based, in part, on research showing that ninth-grade students are frequently unprepared for high school and that teachers generally prefer not to teach ninth-grade classes. The literature showed that peer mentorship can act as a deterrent that might result in reducing the retention rate.

As part of the Falcon Family project, an upper-class student was assigned to a ninth grader to assist in developing strategies for completing the ninth grade …

Improving The Academic Performance Of Students On The Georgia High School Graduation Assessment Through The Use Of Technology, Vickie Perdue Scott

Abraham S. Fischler College of Education ETD Archive

This applied dissertation was designed to improve the academic performance of students in the Bibb County Public School System taking the Georgia High School Graduation Assessment through the use of technology. An analysis of test results over the last 3 years showed a failure rate of 53% on the Georgia High School Graduation Assessment with the majority of the 1st-time test takers having repeated 1 or more of the Graduation tests.

After reviewing the Spring 2001 Georgia High School Graduation Assessment results, the students’ academic history, and feedback from the faculty and student interviews, the writer implemented an afterschool and …

A Comprehensive Reading Program To Increase Reading Skills Of Low-Performing Students, Annie C. Savage

Abraham S. Fischler College of Education ETD Archive

This dissertation describes a schoolwide program that was designed to improve reading skills of students at a middle school with a population of 700 students. Located in the northwest section of Huntsville, Alabama, the public school houses students in grades 6, 7, and 8. An analysis of data from the Stanford Achievement Test, the Qualitative Reading Inventory, and the Student Test and Assessment of Reading indicated that more than 50% of the students in the school were reading below their grade-level equivalency.

Several previously implemented instructional strategies, such as Accelerated Reader and the Alabama Reading Initiative Program had not impacted …

Effects Of A Violence Prevention Program On The Safe School Component Of School Climate, Vickie G. Tribble

Abraham S. Fischler College of Education ETD Archive

The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of a violence prevention program at Robert Wood Johnson Memorial Comprehensive High School (hereafter referred to as Johnson High School) on the safe school component of the school climate through discipline data and perceptions of school personnel and clients about safety. Johnson High School, which is located near a large metropolitan area in the south, is a multicultural school with approximately 1,032 students. The school opened in 1972 with approximately 1,200 predominately Caucasian students. With the growth in the community over the last 30 years, there was a noted shift …

Development Of Strategies To Increase The Enrollment And Retention Of Female Engineering Honor Students At Purdue University With A Plan For Evaluation And Implementation, Gayle E. Hartleroad

Abraham S. Fischler College of Education ETD Archive

The Purdue University Schools of Engineering committee, charged with development of a new strategic plan, set a recruitment and retention goal to “. . . increase the percentage of women undergraduates in engineering to 30 percent” (Purdue University Schools of Engineering Compton Committee, 2002).

A ten-year decline in female enrollment at Purdue University’s Schools of Engineering became a topic of true concern, especially to the Freshman Engineering Honors Program. This enrollment decline is exceedingly problematic because the Schools of Engineering has had a reputation of graduating a nationally known, large population of female engineers. The previously noted goal of 30% …

Possible Factors For Achievement Gap In Reading For Eighth-Grade African American Males, Sherry L. Harrison

Abraham S. Fischler College of Education ETD Archive

This applied dissertation was designed to gain insight into the reading achievement gap of African American males in Grade 8 on the North Carolina (NC) End of Grade (EOG) test, to provide insight into 4 schools in NC. Schools in which this group of students scored better on the NC EOG test were compared with schools in which this group of students did less well on the NC EOG test. Two randomly selected low Level 1 schools and 2 randomly selected high Level 2 schools identified by the NC 1999-2000 EOG test scores of 8th-grade African American male students were …