Digital Commons Network^™

Integral And Non-Integral Dimension Of Modules Over Non-Commutative Rings., Sejal K. Dharia

Master's Theses

This thesis studies the conditions under which certain U (G)-modules have integral dimension. Specifically, the paper explores the circumstances under which certain U (G)-modules are free modules. Two main theorems are proven for this endeavor. The first theorem takes the matrix representation A of a submodule N of a free left module M over an arbitrary ring R. The theorem states that if A can be put into reduced row echelon form, then N and M/N are both free left R-modules. The second theorem takes the matrix representation B of an arbitrary left R-module homomorphism T. If B can be …

Fred Vargas: Les Echos D'Autres Mondes., Carol Kristine Masinter

Master's Theses

Fred Vargas, author of detective novels that have in recent years garnered critical praise and public enthusiasm, transcends the limitations of the genre of detective fiction. In relation to other notable authors in the genre, Vargas is exceptional. Vargas' principal protagonist, Adamsberg, is complex and multifaceted, and the novels contain multiple layers of meaning, including the symbolism of the four elements, and direct or indirect references to the Homeric epics, popular legends and folklore, fairy tales, and medieval literature. Adamsberg can be compared to the archetypal hero, as defined by Joseph Campbell. Fred Vargas is not only a novelist, but …

Immigrant Iranian Women In Search Of Sociopolitical And Religious Freedoms., Khatoun Nourallahi

Master's Theses

This study focuses on the causes of migration of female immigrants from Iran to the United States over the past several decades. The purpose of this study is to determine whether the main cause of migration was the pursuit of sociopolitical and religious freedom rather than just economic opportunities.

Self-Esteem In Adolescent Girls: The Interaction Of Sleep, Puberty, And Age., Sharon R. Turlington

Master's Theses

Adolescence is a period of dramatic physical, social, and emotional development and of increased vulnerability for development of psychological problems, especially in girls. Alterations in sleep composition, behavior, and timing are particularly dramatic, often leading to chronic sleepiness that amplifies other psychological issues. The present study investigated the relationship between pubertal changes, sleep changes, and self-esteem changes in a cross-sectional sample of adolescent girls all attending a single sex middle school. Sleep time decreased, circadian phase became delayed, sleepiness increased, and self-esteem decreased from 6th to 8th grade, as anticipated. A novel finding was an interaction between sleep quality, pubertal …

Portrayals Of Motherhood In Four Women's Magazines: 1985 And 2009., Kristen A. Sato

Master's Theses

This thesis concerns representations of women as mothers in women's magazines during 1985 and 2009. It analyzes the images, symbols, and textual messages within the advertisements of these magazines. Gender roles and gender scripts for women during the respective years are then considered with the collected data, in order to contrast portrayals of mothers in the advertisements against aspects of actual motherhood.

Analysis Of California Surface Temperature Trends Based On Observations., Wittaya Kessomkiat

Master's Theses

Analysis of California surface temperature based on observations has been conducted using United States Historical Climatology Network (USHCN) stations and Cooperative Weather (COOP) stations throughout California to understand spatial and temporal changes in temperature. Monthly maximum and minimum temperatures (Tmax and Tmin) were used to calculate and analyze annual and seasonal trends over the last 86 years via statistical analyses. For annual trends, Tmin is warming faster than Tmax for both 1918--2006 and 1950--2006 time periods. Since 1970, both Tmax and Tmin, however, have increased at the same rate. For seasonal trends, interestingly, by far the largest warming trends are …

Urban Creek Restoration, Adobe Creek, Santa Clara County, California., Chris D. Pilson

Master's Theses

Increased urban development has encroached upon and impacted Adobe Creek by constricting the route and volume of flow to predetermined corridors, often irrespective of the original creek morphology. The headwaters geology and human influences have contributed to the creek's disequilibrium. Channelization and instream modifications have segmented the creek system limiting the transfer of changes through the system. Located east of the San Andreas fault (SAF) in the Franciscan Complex, Adobe Creek flows from the eastern foothills of the Santa Cruz Mountains and empties into the San Francisco Bay.

California Librarians And The Vietnam War, 1967--1972., Daryn Eller

Master's Theses

Just like other segments of society, librarianship was affected by the Vietnam War and the parallel antiwar movement, though in varying degrees. The war precipitated a debate among librarians about whether, in a profession that prides itself on neutrality, it is appropriate to speak out on political matters. In California, a state that was both heavily dependent on military spending and the home of a strong antiwar movement, some individual librarians did take a stand against the war, as did the California Library Association. Primarily, though, librarians concentrated on providing information to citizens to help them make informed decisions, coming …

Information Management Professionals And Programs In U.S. Architecture Firms., Lynne M. Kemmer

Master's Theses

This research study identifies an active population of librarians and information management (IM) professionals and describes library and IM programs in architectural design firm offices in the United States. The levels of education, job titles, and duties of the professionals managing and assisting with the libraries and IM programs are clarified. Designated spaces, budgets, resources, systems, services, evaluation, and communication methods for the libraries and IM programs, are determined. The information needs of management and employees in the architecture firms are specified. The support materials the librarians and IM professionals utilize to administer their library and IM program's resources and …

Investigation Of The Origins Of Prospective Memory Under Various Cognitive Loads., Sarah V. Ligda

Master's Theses

This thesis examined if prospective memory ability was selected for increased survival skills under a specific cognitive load level. Two-hundred seventy San Jose State University students under the age of 35 participated in this study that manipulated prospective memory type and cognitive load level and that employed a novel ratio scale measurement. Prospective memory performance was found to be more expeditious in the survival-based condition, F(1, 176) = 5.41, p=.02 and high cognitive load condition, F(1, 176) = 5.41, p=.02 for those that execute prospective memory tasks directly after recalling those tasks at the appropriate time. No difference was found …

Dodge-Romig Sampling Plans: Misuse, Frivolous Use, And Expansion For Usefulness., Avik Ganguly

Master's Theses

The Dodge-Romig plans and the Military Standard 105 Plans are the most popular published sampling plans covered in detail in many standard textbooks on statistical quality assurance such as Introduction to Statistical Quality Control by Douglas C. Montgomery. In this thesis, we focus on Dodge-Romig AOQL plans. The Dodge-Romig AOQL plans are designed to minimize the average total inspection (ATI) for a given AOQL and a specified process average. It is argued that the Dodge-Romig plans as currently tabulated (particularly in the standard publications or textbooks on acceptance sampling), are not useful. However, they can be made useful if the …

Japanese Bibliographic Records And Cjk Cataloging In U.S. University Libraries., Mie Onnagawa

Master's Theses

In the last two decades, American university libraries have developed Chinese, Japanese, and Korean (CJK) enhancements to their library automation systems and transitioned from conventional card catalogs to online public access catalogs (OPAC) by using CJK vernacular scripts, although non-Roman script search options of these systems are still limited.

The Personality And Mental Health Of Physical And Social Scientists., Chad Richard Kempel

Master's Theses

The decision to pursue a career as a scientist and the likelihood of becoming successful is dependent upon a variety of factors, including a unique blend of personality characteristics and mental health. Being either thing- or people-oriented may also be related to whether or not an individual chooses to travel down either the Science-Technology-Engineering-Math (STEM) or Social Science path. In order to examine these relationships, 214 academic scientists throughout the United States were assessed on a battery of personality and mental health measures. As was expected, social scientists scored higher than STEM scientists in general on a measure of extraversion. …

"I'M Korean, Living In The United States", Youngmin Seo

Master's Theses

This study explores the acculturation process of generation 1.5 Korean immigrants in the United States with special attention to their construction of ethnic identity as it influences their adjustment to the new culture. The researcher defines generation 1.5 Korean as those who were born in Korea and immigrated to the United States between age 5 and 16. For the purpose of this study, the researcher conducted in-depth semi-structured interviews on the participants' immigration experiences, focusing on how they have developed their ethnic identities over time. Twenty Korean immigrants were recruited and interviewed in the area of San Jose, California.

Ideodyssey, Vincent Bergado

Master's Theses

This novel begins during Gabe's junior year at Harbor High School, in a time of his adolescence that is challenging in unexpected ways. Two girls suddenly vie for his attention in surprisingly forward manner, straining his long-standing friendship with Mo. In the foothills outside Oak Bend, a new neighbor antagonizes him, and a new student, the first at Harbor high with Indian heritage, brings a radical shift in perspective to the small town. Gabe is perplexed by the mixed heritage of his own family, and his loneliness deepens as the color line divide in the community grows. As racial tensions …

Barriers To Mitigation: Incentives And The Influence Of Social Networks., Crystal Paul

Master's Theses

This study is an expansion of previous research and a pilot study conducted on the barriers to hazard mitigation. Using a sample of 235 American Red Cross staff members and volunteers, factors such as the barriers and incentives around earthquake mitigation were assessed. Demographic characteristics and threat perceptions were also measured and compared to respondents' mitigation activities. While few demographic characteristics could be related to mitigation activity overall, findings were consistent with information found in the literature review and the pilot study. Barriers to mitigation were generally cost, time required, lack of information, and a feeling that it was unnecessary …

Host Majority Group Members' Acculturation Attitudes Towards Immigrant Groups., Kanako Miwa

Master's Theses

One out of every four individuals residing in the U.S. lived in another country before moving to the U.S. Such an individual has to face acculturation. Research has consistently shown that immigrants differ in how they go about their acculturation. However, little is known about what acculturation strategies the majority group members believe immigrants should adopt in the host country. Therefore, the present study examines the host majority group members' (Euro-Americans) acculturation orientations toward two immigrant groups (Mexican and Japanese) on different life domains and identifies individual difference factors (e.g., social dominance orientation, social distance, and self-efficacy) that are related …

Negotiating Multicultural Identities Within The Classroom., Teresa Lee Teng

Master's Theses

This thesis explores cultural identity negotiation among American born Chinese (ABC) college students. Specifically analyzing their communication patterns within the classroom, the author illuminates how ABC students negotiate their multicultural identities through emergent dialectical tensions and patterns of praxis.

The History Of The Adventist Interpretation Of The "Daily" In The Book Of Daniel From 1831 To 2008, Denis Kaiser

Master's Theses

During the more than 160 years since Adventism's inception, the interpretation of the tamid or "daily" in the book of Daniel underwent several changes with respect to the argumentation, as well as the way differing views are handled. This study analyzes various Millerite and Adventist interpretations of the tamid in Dan 8 between 1831 and 2008 focusing especially on the approach to the biblical text, the argumentation, and the atmosphere during the time of conflict (1900 - 1930), as well as on Ellen White's counsels during the period, puzzling statement, and possible explanations. This documentary study was based primarily on …

The Doctrine Of Sin In The Thought Of George R. Knight: Its Context And Implications, Jamie Kiley

Master's Theses

George R. Knight attempts to chart a middle course between various historical extremes on the doctrine of sin. His view of the Fall and of the consequent effects on human nature is not as pessimistic as that of theologians in the Augustinian tradition (including Martin Luther and John Calvin), who stress the complete corruption of human nature and the loss of free will. On the other hand, Knight’s view is not as optimistic as the views of such theologians as Pelagius or M. L. Andreasen, who tend not to see the Fall as having affected human nature itself, and believe …

Theodicy And Execution For Expiation In 2 Samuel 21:1-14, Carrie S. Rhodes

Master's Theses

Problem The execution of Saul’s descendants in 2 Sam 21:1-14 has long been interpreted as resulting from David’s succession motives, and may appear to be posthumous ruler punishment, expiation on Saul’s behalf, or an error in judgment on David’s part in whom to turn to in order to know what to do in this case. In addition, the delay in justice until David’s reign for something that Saul had done is puzzling. Method Analysis of the Hebrew text, comparison between ANE and biblical homicide law, examination of the sociological structure of the ANE family, examination of the characters of Saul …

Josiah Litch: His Life, Work, And Use Of His Writings, On Selected Topics, By Seventh-Day Adventist Writers, Daniel David Royo

Master's Theses

Problem: Josiah Litch was a leading figure in the Millerite movement from 1838-1844. During this time he developed ideas that would appear again as part of the Seventh-day Adventist understanding of prophecy and end-time events. This present study sought to determine how Litch's ideas developed throughout his life, and how his understanding of the Bible, specifically during the Millerite time period, affected Seventh-day Adventist doctrines. Method: This thesis is divided into five chapters. The first chapter is an introduction. The second is a biographical overview of Litch's life. The third deals with Litch's historical and theological research, and how three …

Tall Fescue (Lolium Arundinaceum (Schreb.) S.J. Darbyshire) Cultivar Performance In The Central California Coastal Region, Seril Shimizu

Master's Theses

Tall fescue (Lolium arundinaceum (Schreb.) S.J. Darbyshire) has long been known as a turfgrass that utilizes lower levels of inputs than most other cool season turfgrasses (Turgeon, 2005). In recent years, turf breeders have been selecting for cultivars of tall fescue that have finer leaf textures. As the use of tall fescue expands, consumers want to now what cultivar to use and how to manage it. This study looked at 18 tall fescue cultivars grown at two mowing heights of five and 10 centimeters and evaluated plant quality based on stand density, leaf texture, and genetic plant color. In the …

Analysis And Design Of Continuous Input Current Multiphase Interleaved Buck Converter, Sean Michael Zich

Master's Theses

The power requirements for microprocessors have been increasing per Moore's Law. According to International Technology Roadmap (ITRS), Voltage Regulator Module (VRM) for microprocessors will be about 200 W at 1 V output in 2010. With the VRM’s topology of synchronous buck, serious technical challenges such as small duty cycle, high switching frequencies, and higher current demands, contribute to decreased power density and increased cost.

This thesis proposes a Continuous Input Current Multiphase Interleaved Buck topology to solve the technical challenges of powering future microprocessors. This new topology is aimed to improve past topologies by providing continuous input current and improved …

The Effects Of Aging On Muscle Loss And Nuclear Factor Kappa-B Levels In Rats Fed A Diet Containing Suboptimal Leucine Levels, Corinne Rose Kohlen

Master's Theses

Loss of muscle due to aging is often associated with significant detrimental effects. Therefore, it is crucial to understand signaling molecules that may trigger the muscle loss or prevent the process. The transcription factor, Nuclear Factor Kappa-B (NF-κB), is associated with both catabolic and anabolic pathways of muscle metabolism and may be involved in age-related muscle loss. Leucine is an essential amino acid that is required for both protein synthesis and intracellular signaling pathways that regulate protein synthesis and degradation. The current study examined muscle NF-kB levels in male Sprague-Dawley rats, aged 6 (adult) and 21 months (old) fed a …

Lean Erp Systems: Existence And Viability In Today's Manufacturing Industry, Miroslav Djuric

Master's Theses

This thesis evaluates the existence and viability of lean ERP systems in today’s manufacturing industry. Results from the research show that current practitioners of lean – who also utilize ERP systems – do not have a strong enough link between the two to consider their ERP systems, and overall organizations, as being truly lean.

Few articles and research papers in today’s body of knowledge contain information on the concept of lean ERP. A survey, sent to numerous industry professionals and posted on lean manufacturing websites, provided the results necessary for statistical analysis. The conclusions obtained from this survey analysis provided …

Programming And Conceptual Design Using Building Information Modeling, Mary-Alice Avila

Master's Theses

This thesis explores the benefits of using Building Information Modeling (BIM) during the programming and conceptual design phase of a project. The research was based on a case study undertaken dealing with the decisions and assumptions made during the design phases of the Center for Science at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo. The project team used a traditional approach to project plan development. The finding of this study was that the project process would have greatly benefited utilizing BIM tools and a collaborative team approach in the programming and conceptual design phase. Because decisions made early in the project have …

A Study Of The Seismic Performance Of Early Multi-Story Steel Frame Structures With Unreinforced Masonry Infill, Kristin Potterton

Master's Theses

Steel frame construction with unreinforced masonry infill walls is a common system found in high-rise structures built in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. Recorded performance of this dual system during seismic events shows that the structures are able to resist a high level of lateral loads without collapse, primarily because a majority of damage is confined to the infill walls instead of the gravity carrying frame. To better understand expected performance of this structural system in different seismic risk regions, a prototypical building was analyzed using modal and nonlinear static procedures based on currently accepted evaluation guidelines. Nonlinear …

The Fruiting And Berry-Chemistry Responses Of Zinfandel Grapes To Cluster Thinning, Cameron John Mauritson

Master's Theses

A field experiment was conducted in the Rockpile appellation of Sonoma County during 2007 and 2008. The experimental design was a randomized complete block with five replicates. Zinfandel vines were subjected to three levels of cluster thinning during the lag phase of berry growth: vines were thinned to 2 clusters per shoot with shoulders retained if present (2CS), 1 cluster per shoot with shoulders retained if present (1CS), or 2 clusters per shoot with shoulders removed if present (2CNS).

Cluster thinning Zinfandel grapevines during lag phase led to reductions in yield and crop load and increased °Brix of the fruit. …

A Unified Resource Platform For The Rapid Development Of Scalable Web Applications, Russell Palmiter

Master's Theses

This thesis presents Web Utility Kit (WUT): a platform that helps to simplify the process of creating modern web applications. It addresses the need to simplify the web development process through the creation of a hosted service that provides access to a unified set of resources. The resources are made available through a variety of protocols and formats to help simplify their consumption. It also provides a uniform model across all of its resources making multi-resource development an easier and more familiar task. WUT saves the time and cost associated with deployment, maintenance, and hosting of the hardware and software …