Digital Commons Network^™

Signal Processing With Neural Networks, Pero Smrzlic

Masters Theses

In this study, we introduce the Adaptive Back Propagation (ABP) learning algorithm, computationally superior to the standard Back Propagation. The ABP is based on the new activation function, with its corresponding adaptive learning parameter. By using the combination of computer simulations and analysis in the domain of activation function, the Method of One Hidden layer was developed for the effective utilization of units in one-hidden layer networks. A parallel version of the ABP was designed and implemented on a nCUBE-2 supercomputer with 128 processors.

The simulation results suggested a strong correlation between frequency of signals and the role of hidden …

Failure Of Methamphetamine Withdrawal To Produce Behavioral Disruptions In Pigeons, William F. Potter

Masters Theses

Methamphetamine, a widely used recreational drug, is not known to produce physiological dependence. Few studies to date have examined whether behavioral dependence occurs upon sudden withdrawal from methamphetamine. In this study, pigeons (n=4) were trained to respond under a multiple FR 25 IRT > 6-s schedule of reinforcement, allowing for examination of drug effects upon a relatively high rate of responding (FR) and a relatively low rate of responding (IRT > t). Acute adminstrations of methamphetamine showed rate-dependent effects at low doses, while higher doses decreased responding under both schedules. Tolerance was demonstrated for all subjects except one at the highest dose …

Enhanced Retroreflection Of Light From Rough Metal Surfaces, Sivakumar Natarajan

Masters Theses

The optical constants n and k measured by Johnson and Christy (1972) for the noble metals (gold, silver and copper) are used to analyze the relationship between the surface characteristics and the peak height and half-width of the backscattering peak which is observed in the angular distribution of the intensity of diffusely reflected light at a vacuum-metal interface in a direction antiparallel to the original incident beam. Surfaces with surface roughness of heights less than 200 A to 300 A will be considered and a recently developed perturbation treatment will be used in these studies.

The backscattering of light from …

The Effects Of Parental Tutoring On Reading Achievement, Cara K. Krumrie

Masters Theses

Supplemental parent tutoring was investigated to determine its effects on student reading and error rate. This study used a multiple baseline design and was implemented in classrooms at Project Help, a remedial reading center, located on Western Michigan University's campus. Seven subjects were involved in this research, four serving as experimental subjects and three serving as controls. Both groups were observed during their reading checks. Results of the study indicate no observable difference in reading and error rate between those students receiving supplemental home tutoring and those receiving no supplemental tutoring.

Groundwater Chemistry Analysis Of The Saginaw Formation In Delhi Township, Michigan, Sam L. Kitchin

Masters Theses

Groundwater chemistry and well data provided by the Ingham County (Michigan) Health Department were used to evaluate the distribution of inorganic chemical constituents in the groundwater flow system of the Saginaw Formation, in Delhi Township, Michigan. The data also were used to study the distribution of chemical constituents with respect to different rock types of the Saginaw Formation. The data were analyzed to examine if variations in the concentrations of the chemical constituents and the values of other chemical parameters relate to rock-water interactions, groundwater flow systems, or groundwater contamination.

The results indicate that patterns of increasing or decreasing concentrations …

Western News, May 20,1993, Western Michigan University

Western News (1972-2018)

Story highlights: Haenicke urges employees to learn about ballot initiative, Byle; Kundel selected for Distinguished Service Awards, Three departments in student affairs renamed; Bryan chosen for position in Career Services, Capozzi on research council, Bernhard Center to become smoke free Tuesday, June 1.

Western News, May 6,1993, Western Michigan University

Western News (1972-2018)

Story highlights: Miller remembered for leadership during great growth, Haenicke testifies before House subcommittee; legislators concerned about tuition, compensation, 2,500 expected here for 28th Medieval Congress, New Mathematics Education Center previewed, Gary Fund moves to WMU Foundation offices.

The Westerner Vol. 13 No. 3, Western Michigan University

The Westerner (1980-1997)

• Intolerance: one common thread connecting nations • Improvements in athletic, recreation facilities force teams to 'practice' creativity • Beulah Kendall remembered for exceptional generosity • President Emeritus James W. Miller remembered as fine arts champion • University News in Brief • Sunseeker 93 powers up for 1,000-mile race • Universities across the country grapple with real-world diversity challenges • Prototype institute seeks better race, ethnic relations • Despite the positives, students sag problems, frustrations persist • Alumnotes • It's high time that you joined us! • Homecoming 1993: Let the games begin • Two 'wheelers' and dealers share expertise …

The 1993 Cistercian Studies Conference, The Institute Of Cistercian Studies

Conference on Cistercian Studies Programs

Program for the 1993 Cistercian Studies Conference at Western Michigan University in conjunction with the Annual International Congress on Medieval Studies. This conference happened between May 5-9 1993.

Reasonable Children, Michael Pritchard

Center for the Study of Ethics in Society Papers

Presented to the WMU Center for the Study of Ethics in Society - May 19, 1993.

Purchase Of Service Contracting In The 1990s: Have Expectations Been Met?, Peter M. Kettner, Lawrence L. Martin

The Journal of Sociology & Social Welfare

Privatization and purchase of service contracting (POSC) are generally considered to be two of the most important factors that have helped shape the human service system during the 1970s and 1980s (Gilbert, 1983, 1986; Kammerman, 1983; Demone and Gibelman, 1984, 1989; Weddell, 1986; Kettner and Martin, 1985; Termell, 1987; Rein, 1989). Therefore, as we enter the decade of the 1990s, it would seem both appropriate and worthwhile to reflect on the original expectations for privatization and POSC and to assess the extent to which these expectations have been realized.

The Impact Of Work History On Economic Security At Old Age Among Africans In South Africa, Martha Tshitshi S. Mbatha

The Journal of Sociology & Social Welfare

Work histories of most Africans in South Africa determine whether or not they will be poor at old age. To illustrate this point, the author uses the literature and data collected from elderly Africans. Findings show racial discrimination in education and in the labor market as resulting in the concentration of the majority of Africans in low paying jobs. Low wages and the absence of a national pension scheme prevent most Africans from saving for their retirement. African workers constitute the largest percentage of the working poor in South Africa. Their circumstances are unlikely to change even after retirement. At …

The Commitment Of Social Workers To Affirmative Action, Karen D. Stout, William E. Buffum

The Journal of Sociology & Social Welfare

This study examines the relationship of commitment to affirmative action principles, knowledge about affirmative action, and positive or negative experiences with affirmative action in a sample of 193 members of the Texas Chapter of NASW. The results were that knowledge was not significantly associated with commitment to affirmative action, although both positive and negative experience with affirmative action was strongly associated with commitment. Ways to build support for affirmative action through positive experience are discussed. Differences among sub-groups of the sample are examined.

Book Notes

The Journal of Sociology & Social Welfare

BOOK NOTES

• The Strengths Perspective in Social Work Practice. Dennis Saleeby
• Research on Social Work Practice. Mark A. Mattiani
• The Child Welfare Challenge. Peter J. Pecora, James K. Whittaker, Anthony N. Maluccio with Richard Bath & Robert D. Plotnick
• Community Organizing in a Diverse Society. F. Rivera & J. Erlich
• Brief Counseling: A Practical Guide for Beginning Practitioners. Windy Dryden & Colin Feltham
• Who Benefits from the Non-Profit Sector? Charles T. Glotfelter
• Contemporary Perspectives on Crisis Intervention and Prevention. Albert Roberts
• Alternative Models of Family Preservation: Family Based Services in Context. Kristine E. Nelson & Mariam J. Landsman

Child Care Needs Of Welfare Recipients In Maryland's Welfare Reform Program, Barbara H. Vann, Todd W. Rofuth

The Journal of Sociology & Social Welfare

Legislation mandating participation of welfare recipient parents in education and employment and training programs has created increased demand for provision of child care. Providing the most appropriate care for this unique population depends, ideally, on its needs and preferences. This study examines child care needs and preferences of a sample of participants in Maryland's welfare reform employment and training programs. Although care by a relative is most widely used by these respondents, it is not clear that this is the type of care preferred by the majority of respondents. This has important implications for policy decisions regarding child care funding.

Social Work Practice And Technological Disasters: The Navajo Uranium Experience, Susan E. Dawson

The Journal of Sociology & Social Welfare

Findings of a community case study of Navajo uranium workers and their families are presented in light of the effects of technological disasters. The workers and their families were exposed to occupational and environmental hazards associated with the mining and milling of uranium. Implications for social work practice and education are presented using the concepts of a therapeutic community and victim typology.

28th International Congress On Medieval Studies, Medieval Institute, Western Michigan University

International Congress on Medieval Studies Archive

The printed program of the 28th International Congress on Medieval Studies (May 6-9, 1993).

Victims Of Terrorism: Is It A 'Non-Issue'?, Uri Yanay

The Journal of Sociology & Social Welfare

Despite the growing 'detente' or because of it, the world faces the danger of an increased number of ethnic, religious and separatist movements that actively seek visibility, fearing that otherwise their case might be overlooked. This may be one of the reasons terrorism is a growing phenomena, causing injuries and death to people and significant damage to property.

Most governments ignore victims of terrorism. Denying the problem or providing scant help to victims does not solve the problem fairly. The political nature of the problem and the multitude of damages caused by terrorism requires legal entitlements and State resources to …

Journal Of Sociology & Social Welfare Vol. 20, No. 2 (June 1993)

The Journal of Sociology & Social Welfare

TABLE OF CONTENTS

• SOCIAL WORK PRACTICE AND TECHNOLOGICAL DISASTERS: THE NAVAJO URANIUM EXPERIENCE - Susan E. Dawson
• VICTIMS OF TERRORISM: IS IT A "NON-ISSUE" - Uri Yanay
• THE IMPACT OF WORK HISTORY ON ECONOMIC SECURITY AT OLD AGE AMONG AFRICANS IN SOUTH AFRICA - Martha Tshitsi S. Mbatha
• REFORMULATION OF THE CONTEXT OF COMMUNITY BASED CARE - Phillip Fellin
• CHILD CARE NEEDS OF WELFARE RECIPIENTS IN MARYLAND'S WELFARE REFORM PROGRAM - Barbara H. Vann & Todd W. Rofuth
• PURCHASE OF SERVICE CONTRACTING IN THE 1990'S: HAVE EXPECTATIONS BEEN MET? - Peter M. Kettner & Lawrence L. Martin
• CHARACTERISTICS OF SOCIAL …

Reformulation Of The Context Of Community Based Care, Phillip Fellin

The Journal of Sociology & Social Welfare

Community based care has traditionally been defined as residential location. An alternative is presented of including the patient's membership in multiple communities, both geographical and identificational. The literature on social supports is cited as a basis for social integration as a goal.

Characteristics Of Social Welfare Stasis And Change: A Comparison Of The Characteristics Of Two Child Welfare Agencies In The 1920s, Eve P. Smith

The Journal of Sociology & Social Welfare

This article describes and compares two child welfare agencies of the 1920's with regard to qualities that influenced or inhibited their ability to change. While one agency gave up its institution in favor of foster home care and mother's pensions; the other continued to provide only institutional care. Four characteristics may account for the difference. They are the organizations' networks; amount of "sunk costs" associated with change; ideologies and interests of organization leadership and the agencies' "boundary spanning" activities. If further studies confirm these, then we may encourage organizational changes so that contemporary agencies may meet emerging client needs.

Book Reviews

The Journal of Sociology & Social Welfare

BOOK REVIEWS

• Achieving Power: Practice and Policy in Social Welfare. Stuart Rees, Reviewed By: James Midgley, Louisiana State University
• Models for Change in Social Group Work. M. Fatout, Reviewed By: Richard J. Estes, University of Pennsylvania
• Cultural Diversity and Social Work Practice. Dianne F. Harrison, John S. Wodarski, and Bruce A. Thyer, Reviewed By: Dorcas D. Bowles, Louisiana State University
• Controversial Issues in Social Work. Eileen Gambrill & Robert Pruger, Reviewed By: Ram A. Cnaan, University of Pennsylvania
• Social Work and Social Order: The Settlement Movement in Two Industrial Cities, 1889-1930. Ruth Hutchinson Crocker, Reviewed By: Howard Jacob Karger, Louisiana …

Wmu Board Of Trustees Regular Meeting April 23, 1993, Wmu Board Of Trustees

WMU Board of Trustees Meetings

• Acceptance of the Agenda
• Approval of the Minutes
• Correspondence
• Remarks by the President
• Recommendation re Honorary Degree
• Authorization to Confer Degrees
• Student Room and Board and Apartment Rental Rates
• Grant Report
• Personnel Report
• Ph.D. in Economics
• Gift Report
• Remarks by the Provost
• Introductions
• Public Comments
• Adjournment

The Investigation Of Object-Oriented Methodology As An Enabling Technique For End-User Application Development, Eng Chong Lim

Honors Theses

This research studies the value of object-oriented methods to design information systems that can then be developed and implemented by end-users.

A Collection Of Short Stories, Charlotte Miller

Honors Theses

Syncopation; The Color of Massasaguas; Minnows' Inlet; A Seahorse Made of Wire; Cleaning; A Concert in Autumn

Western News, April 15, 1993, Western Michigan University

Western News (1972-2018)

Story highlights: Reish chosen as dean of Lee Honors College, WMU program putting first-grade readers back on track, Smith earns highest tribute from state organization, Stenesh book offers new approach to biochemistry, Maier directing project to compile oral history recorded by prominent Kalamazoo physician, Castel book on Civil War wins prestigious prize.

Wobbling Gear Drivetrain For Cordless Screwdriver, David K. Kedrowski, Scott P. Slimak

Honors Theses

Manufacturers of cordless screwdrivers use two planetary gear trains in series to reduce speed and multiply torque from a small electric motor. Alternately, a nutating gear drivetrain has the potential to create comparable speed reductions and torque multiplications. To apply nutating gear theory to a cordless screwdriver drivetrain, a study of spur gears, planetary gear reducers, bevel gears, and the theory of nutation was undertaken. Finally, a nutating design was proposed. The advantages of a nutating gear drivetrain over a conventional planetary gear train include: a decreased number of drivetrain parts, an ability to use lower-strength gear materials, a higher …

Western News, April 8, 1993, Western Michigan University

Western News (1972-2018)

Story highlights: Founding director and new graduates will share the limelight in Lee Honors College observance, From two to 276 students - Department of Occupational Therapy has come a long way, Noted Australian entomologist will lead sessions as part of Visiting Scholars and Artists Program, Race relations institute works to ease tensions with seminars for city of Kalamazoo employees.

Utilization Of Paper Mill Primary Sludge, Daniel D. Schultz

Paper Engineering Senior Theses

Recyclable fines and filler contribute to approximately one half the primary sludge stream, and is often disposed of instead of utilized to its fullest potential. With successful recovery of the fines and filler from the primary sludge, less raw material will be needed in the production of paper. This will decrease the cost of virgin material and the cost of disposing the sludge, while at the same time decreasing the volume of waste sent to landfills. Primary sludge was collected from a local paper mill and stored at the facilities of Western Michigan University. Solids and ash testing was done …

Western News, April 1, 1993, Western Michigan University

Western News (1972-2018)

Story highlights: Senate approves lion's share of proposal for revised general education policy, WMU 'committed to proper zoning' for most of research and business park land, official says, Undergraduate researchers to showcase work, Sharma, Ellin to lead Faculty Senate in 1993-94.