Digital Commons Network^™

Technology, Professional Development, And Student Achievement: Using The Tell Survey In A Study Of Low Socioeconomic Schools In Kentucky, Holly Mcleod Ross

Dissertations

In order to compare the accessibility, need, and extent of professional development, technology, and its relationship to low socioeconomic (SES) schools and achievement, data were accessed from the Kentucky Department of Education, Division of School and Community Nutrition Qualifying Data Report to identify schools with a greater than 50% free and reduced lunch rate. Data also came from the TELL Kentucky survey instrument results specific to questions related to professional development and technology. Kentucky Performance Rating for Educational Progress (KPREP) school rankings were also utilized to determine the highest and lowest ranked schools among those with greater than 50% free …

A Collaborative Perspectives Approach For Understanding Effective Care Coordination In Autism Spectrum Disorder, Rachel Severs

Dissertations

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder that causes significant impairment in social and communication areas. The severity of the disorder can often result in a substantial degree and amount of service access and expenditures relating to a child’s needs. This study examined the experiences of how family caregivers and service providers of children with ASD view service delivery using a basic qualitative research design. For the study, 10 participants (five family caregivers and five service providers) were enrolled and interviewed. Interview data were collected and coded to produce a qualitative analysis of the experiences of these individuals who …

High-Performance Reductive Strategies For Big Data From Lc-Ms/Ms Proteomics, Muaaz Gul Awan

Dissertations

Mass Spectrometry (MS)-based proteomics utilizes high performance liquid chromatography in tandem with high-throughput mass spectrometers. These experiments can produce MS data sets with astonishing speed and volume that can easily reach peta-scale level, creating storage and computational problems for large-scale systems biology studies. Each spectrum output by a mass spectrometer may consist of thousands of peaks, which must all be processed to deduce the corresponding peptide. However, only a small percentage of peaks in a spectrum are useful for further processing, as most of the peaks are either noise or are not useful. Our experiments have shown that 90 to …

Developing Early Warning Systems For Debris Flows And Harmful Algal Blooms, Sita Karki

Dissertations

This study focused on developing early warning systems for two types of geohazards using methods that heavily rely on remote sensing data. The first investigation attempted to develop a prototype version of an early warning system for landslide development, whereas the second focused on harmful algal bloom prediction.

Construction of intensity-duration (ID) thresholds, and early warning and nowcasting systems for landslides (EWNSL) are hampered by the paucity of temporal and spatial archival data. This work represents significant steps towards the development of prototype EWNSL to forecast and nowcast landslides over Faifa Mountains in the Red Sea Hills. The developed methodologies …

The Role Of Sampling Variability In Developing K-8 Preservice Teachers’ Informal Inferential Reasoning, Omar Abu-Ghalyoun

Dissertations

Recent influential policy reports, such as the Common Core State Standards (CCSS-M, 2010) and Guidelines for Assessment and Instruction in Statistics Education Report, (GAISE, 2007), have called for dramatic changes in the statistics content included in the K-8 curriculum. In particular, students in these grades are now expected to develop Informal Inferential Reasoning (IIR) as a way of preparing them for formal concepts of inferential statistics such as confidence intervals and testing hypotheses. Ben-Zvi, Gil, & Apel, (2007) describe IIR as the cognitive activities involved in informally making statistical inferences. Over this path from informal to formal inference, many important …

Uniformly Connected Graphs, Nasreen Almohanna

Dissertations

Perhaps the most fundamental property that a graph can possess is that of being connected. Two vertices u and v of a graph G are connected if G contains a u-v path. The graph G itself is connected if every two vertices of G are connected. The well-studied concept of connectivity provides a measure on how strongly connected a graph may be. There are many other degrees of connectedness for a graph. A Hamiltonian path in a graph G is a path containing every vertex of G. Among the best-known classes of highly connected graph are the Hamiltonian-connected graphs, …

Social-Emotional Intelligence (Ei), Graduates And The Workplace – A Study Of A Tailored Approach To Ei Competency Development For Final Year Engineering Students, Ailish Jameson

Dissertations

Previous research has demonstrated that higher social and emotional competence (EI) results in increased life and career success. To date, EI coaching programmes have been delivered in higher education and in the workplace and have demonstrated success in terms of increased EI competence, post intervention. However, to date no attempt has been made in an Irish context to design and deliver a tailored EI coaching programme, based on the stated needs of employers. This study aimed to address this gap in EI research. It was exploratory in nature with a mixed method design being employed. In Phase One, a survey …

The Efficacy Actions Of Priority School Leaders During The Dynamic Change Of School Reform, Micole D. Dyson

Dissertations

There are increasing demands and challenges from the state and federal government for continual academic improvement for all schools. Each year, the Michigan Department of Education creates a “Top to Bottom” list of schools, with the lowest-performing schools designated as priority schools. This priority designation invariably creates the need for principals to examine their own self-efficacy beliefs as they work with teachers to improve these schools.

The purpose of this basic qualitative study is to identify and describe principals’ beliefs in their abilities to organize and execute complex actions to achieve changes within priority schools. Identifying and naming a leader’s …

Positionality Matters: School Choice Decisions Based On Ethnographic Accounts Of African American Parents, Dr. Stacy L. Thomas

Dissertations

This research delves into experiences with reasoning and selected criteria for choosing the right school for their children. Beginning with a series of vignettes that assist with recognition of parental empowerment, this research archives acknowledgement of their own positionality when it comes to making life changing decisions. As selected parents of African American children grapple with the strategic balance and possibilities of educational outlets, family and finances, they offer ethnographic accounts of their successes and failures with school choice. Individual accounts of parental school choice decisions posing as data ascertained from interviews provided research that explored the critical frequencies and …

Hardware/Software Co-Design Of A Reconfigurable Accelerator Platform For Fuzzy Logic-Based Spatial Image Processing Filters, Aous Hammad Kurdi

Dissertations

Rapid development in the architecture and fabrication technology of field programmable gate array (FPGA) and system on a chip (SoC) in the last two decades is dramatically increasing the reliability of those devices as a cost-effective alternative for traditional real-time image processing systems. Module reusability nature of FPGA and SoC development decreases design and implementation time noticeably. On-site reconfigurability allows for intensive design alterations to occur at a small cost. This study is presenting the design and implementation of a new hardware accelerator for an edge detector on Xilinx 7 series FPGA devices based on a fuzzy logic approach. The …

Network Equivalents Applied To Transient Analysis Of Large Distribution Systems, Ghassan Abdul-Hussein Bilal

Dissertations

Frequency domain (FD) methods for electromagnetic transient analysis of electric power systems offer outstanding simplicity and accuracy when dealing with distributed parameter elements and components that exhibit frequency-dependent behavior. However, the use of FD methods is usually restricted to the simulation of small and simple networks, since it is commonly believed that their application implies a very large computational burden when compared to time domain methods. This study demonstrates that FD methods can accommodate the detailed simulation of large distribution networks within acceptable computer times and in a very straightforward manner, thus offering an attractive complement or alternative to common …

Parameter Determination And Modeling Of Transformer Windings For Fast Transients Including Frequency Dependent Effects, Yazid Al-Kraimeen

Dissertations

Power transformers are static devices capable of transferring energy from one electrical circuit to another by means of electromagnetic induction at the same frequency. The most common application of transformers in an electric power system is to step up or down the voltage level of an electric grid. This is essential for the efficient transmission and distribution of electricity from generating plants to different types of consumers. Electrical energy used in residential, commercial and industrial settings is delivered to consumers by means of transformers, which normally operate 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Therefore, design improvements that result …

Towards An Architecture For Secure Privacy-Preserving Opportunistic Resource Utilization Networks, Ahmed A. Al-Gburi

Dissertations

The paradigm of Opportunistic Resource Utilization Networks (oppnets) advances technology in the field of ad hoc networks. The salient feature of oppnets is their use of “helpers” to expand opportunistically when the need for more resources or capabilities arises. Like any other pervasive computing systems, oppnets face numerous security and privacy challenges. These challenges are addressed by utilizing two major ideas: Pervasive Trust Foundation (PTF) and Active Data Bundles (ADBs). The PTF paradigm makes trust the basis for security and privacy in pervasive computing systems, including oppnets. The ADBs are self-protecting data constructs that encapsulate together—in an inseparable way—sensitive data, …

Variations In Ramsey Theory, Drake Olejniczak

Dissertations

The Ramsey number R(F,H) of two graphs F and H is the smallest positive integer n for which every red-blue coloring of the (edges of a) complete graph of order n results in a graph isomorphic to F all of whose edges are colored red (a red F) or a blue H. Beineke and Schwenk extended this concept to a bipartite version of Ramsey numbers, namely the bipartite Ramsey number BR(F,H) of two bipartite graphs F and H is the smallest positive integer rsuch that every red-blue coloring of the r-regular complete bipartite graph results in either …

A New Chronostratigraphic Framework For The Silurian (Wenlockian) Niagara And Salina Units Of The Michigan Basin, Matthew Rine

Dissertations

Constraining the ages of sedimentary strata is challenging and is the principle source of stratigraphic uncertainty in sedimentary basins worldwide. The story is no different in the Michigan Basin, where our current understanding of the Silurian Niagara-Lower Salina stratigraphic record is based in large part on limited sedimentological and chronological data, resulting in a collection of models that disagree about the timing of deposition. This disagreement marks the starting point for the dissertation research presented here. The studies included in the dissertation integrate conventional and novel approaches to address the stratigraphic uncertainty that has plagued Silurian reef researchers for decades. …

Comparing Student Achievement And School Climate In Four-Day And Five-Day Secondary Schools In Missouri, William Gordon Daleske

Dissertations

This quantitative study was conducted to determine whether a significant difference existed between secondary schools that observed the four-day school calendar and the five-day school calendar when comparing secondary schools’ Annual Progress Report (APR) scores of academic achievement levels and attendance levels, as well as the secondary school teachers’ perception of school climate. Five of the participating schools observed the four-day school week and five schools observed the five-day school week. The first portion of the study consisted of taking the average APR scores for attendance from both the four-day and the five-day schools and comparing them in an independent …

Delaying Kindergarten Entrance By Participating In Pre-Kindergarten And Academic Achievement In Elementary School: Red-Shirting And Achievement Scores, Rachael Postle-Brown

Dissertations

The purpose of this ex post facto causal comparative study is to examine the academic achievement of students entering the educational system, that is, kindergarten, either through pre-kindergarten or no pre-kindergarten. Allowing me to examine “red shirting,” a practice of giving children an additional year, in pre-kindergarten, to mature physically, socially, and academically before entering kindergarten. This study is important to school district personnel and parents whom need to make informed decisions concerning pre-kindergarten programs.

In this study, I compare the elementary academic achievement of students through 3^rd grade, who delayed kindergarten entrance with those who did not delay. …

Design Parameters For Planning Cluster Randomized Trials Of Cognitive Skill Interventions: An Empirical Analysis Using The Collegiate Learning Assessment, Yu Du

Dissertations

Recently, higher education has started to place a premium on rigorous research that uses randomized controlled trials (RCTs) to test the impact of educational interventions. This may be due in part to concerns about a deficiency of high-quality evidence of the effectiveness of programs, policies, and practices to improve undergraduate students’ outcomes. Given the naturally nested structure in higher education, e.g., students nested in colleges/universities, researchers in higher education start considering a specific type of RCT called a cluster randomized trial (CRT), which have been frequently used in K-12 impact research. In a CRT, whole clusters, such as colleges/universities, are …

The Impact Of Management Control Systems On Innovation Performance In Healthcare Organizations, Abdel-Haleem Iyad Al-Kade

Dissertations

The healthcare sector is one of the largest industries in the world, at close to 10 percent of global GDP. Healthcare providers are facing complex challenges arising from advances in medical treatment, an increase in patients’ demands, and decreasing resources to fund and support their activities. Healthcare organizations have resorted to innovation as a means to achieving a balance between cost containment and healthcare quality. While innovation is believed to be a critical element of business productivity and competitive survival, its implementation comes with risk. A systematic approach to managing and controlling the innovation process is therefore required in order …

Do After-School Performing Arts Programs Impact Student Attendance?, Robert G. Hubbird

Dissertations

This three-part dissertation concentrates on student attendance. It is clear that we have a student attendance problem in our nation, particularly in urban school districts. There have been other studies, discussions, and debates on how to improve student attendance, but identifying a single policy, program, incentive, and/or intervention to positively impact absenteeism is difficult. Student absenteeism has and will continue to be a national problem. Many factors play a role in student attendance, to a certain degree, some are controllable and others are extremely difficult to affect.

Part I of this dissertation is a Program Evaluation focusing on the correlation …

Attendance Matters! A Policy Advocacy Document, Robert G. Hubbird

Dissertations

This three-part dissertation concentrates on student attendance. It is clear that we have a student attendance problem in our nation, particularly in urban school districts. There have been other studies, discussions, and debates on how to improve student attendance, but identifying a single policy, program, incentive, and/or intervention to positively impact absenteeism is difficult. Student absenteeism has and will continue to be a national problem. Many factors play a role in student attendance, to a certain degree, some are controllable and others are extremely difficult to affect.

This Part III of the dissertation is a Policy Advocacy for absenteeism at …

Attendance Matters! We Must Decrease Student Truancy And Absenteeism, Robert G. Hubbird

Dissertations

This three-part dissertation concentrates on student attendance. It is clear that we have a student attendance problem in our nation, particularly in urban school districts. There have been other studies, discussions, and debates on how to improve student attendance, but identifying a single policy, program, incentive, and/or intervention to positively impact absenteeism is difficult. Student absenteeism has and will continue to be a national problem. Many factors play a role in student attendance, to a certain degree, some are controllable and others are extremely difficult to affect.

Part II of this dissertation is a Changed Leadership Plan focusing on a …

A Mixed-Methods Study Of How Middle School Principals Build Trust With Staff Using Weisman’S Five Domains Of Trust Model, Wendy Ryerson

Dissertations

Purpose. The purpose of this explanatory mixed-methods study was to identify and describe how middle school principals established trust with teachers using Weisman’s (2010) five domains of trust: connection, concern, candor, competence, and consistency (5Cs). In addition, it was the purpose of this study to determine middle school principals’ perceived degree of importance of the 5Cs for building trust.

Methodology. This explanatory mixed-methods study used surveys and face-to-face interviews with 12 middle school principals to gather data regarding the approaches used to build trust. The survey assessed the degree of importance of the 5Cs for building trust, whereas …

Academic Achievement And Participation In Out-Of-School Educational Robotics Competitions For High School Latino/A Students In Southern California, Jesus Ulloa-Higuera

Dissertations

Purpose. The purpose of this study was to examine the difference in academic performance in mathematics as measured by class grades between high school Latino/a students in Southern California who participated two consecutive years in robotics competitions and high school Latino/a students who did not participate. A secondary purpose was to examine the difference in mathematics academic performance between Latino and Latina students who participated in robotics competitions. A third and final purpose was to describe the experiences of Latino/a college students who participated in robotics competitions and how those experiences influenced their interest in pursuing a STEM college …

Perceptions Of A Traditional High School Bell Schedule In The 21st Century, Shelley Gates

Dissertations

The daily bell schedule in a comprehensive high school has a significant impact on teaching and learning, school climate, and the well-being of students and staff. An increasing emphasis on the need for students to have strong critical thinking, problem solving, collaboration, and creativity skills provides an impetus for questioning the length of traditional class periods. This change leadership plan focuses on one school’s effort to examine their current school day schedule to determine what, if any, changes should be made to insure alignment between the daily bell schedule and the school’s mission and goals. Based on the work of …

A Description Of The Maternal Decision-Making Process Regarding Circumcision, Cathy L. Rozmus

Dissertations

Mothers, as dependent-care agents for their child, must make multiple decision concerning the health care of the child. One of the first decisions that must be made by mothers of male children is a decision for or against circumcision. A conceptual framework consisting of Orem's (1988) model of deliberate action during dependent-care and Fishbein and Ajzen's (1975) theory of reasoned action was proposed as an explanation of the maternal decision-making process. A qualitative study was conducted to determine if the proposed conceptual framework could provide an accurate description of the maternal decision-making process regarding circumcision. Interviews were conducted with 20 …

Development And Testing Of A Cognitive Task Complexity Model, Marsha L. Lewis

Dissertations

The purposes of this study were (a) to develop a model of cognitive task complexity and (b) to test the extent to which four content characteristics in the model represent the complexity of decision-making tasks in the domain of nursing. A model of the defining characteristics of cognitive task complexity constitutes a first step toward understanding the relationship between the task itself and the decision maker's information processing, and offers direction for the teaching of clinical decision making-skills. The Cognitive Task Complexity Model has its roots in Newell and Simon's (1972) Information Processing Theory. The Cognitive Task Complexity Model includes …

Differentiating Successful And Unsuccessful Nursing Students, Trilla A. Mays

Dissertations

Administrators of nursing programs in community colleges are aware of the need to retain and to graduate students to meet the growing demand for licensed practical nurses (LPNs). High attrition in a 2-year nursing program in South Carolina affected the number of students either graduating as a LPN after completing the third semester, or continuing in the program to become a registered nurse (RN). Guided by Jeffreys's nursing undergraduate retention and success model, this causal comparative study investigated the differences between students who were and were not successful in the initial 3 semesters of the program. Archival student records for …

Predicting Certification Success For The Family Nurse Practitioner, Tammy Lee Gravel

Dissertations

High-stakes licensure or certification examinations are required for many health professions disciplines to ensure safe entry-level practice. Accrediting agencies set a benchmark for graduates' first-time licensure or certification success as a measure of program effectiveness. Failures of graduates on licensure or certification examinations may directly affect the school's recruitment and retention of qualified students and faculty, as well as institutional financial viability. A health science university has added Health Education System, Inc. (HESI) standardized examinations using computer adaptive testing into the family nurse practitioner (FNP) master's program to support certification success, although research on these advanced practice examinations as related …

Streaming Feature Grouping And Selection (Sfgs) For Big Data Classification, Noura Helal Hamad Al Nuaimi

Dissertations

Real-time data has always been an essential element for organizations when the quickness of data delivery is critical to their businesses. Today, organizations understand the importance of real-time data analysis to maintain benefits from their generated data. Real-time data analysis is also known as real-time analytics, streaming analytics, real-time streaming analytics, and event processing. Stream processing is the key to getting results in real-time. It allows us to process the data stream in real-time as it arrives. The concept of streaming data means the data are generated dynamically, and the full stream is unknown or even infinite. This data becomes …