Digital Commons Network^™

Parallel Error Tolerance Scheme Based On The Hill Climbing Nature Of Simulated Annealing, Bruce M. Mcmillin, Chul-Eui Hong

Computer Science Faculty Research & Creative Works

In parallelizing simulated annealing in a multicomputer, maintaining the global state S involves explicit message traffic and is a critical performance bottleneck. One way to mitigate this bottleneck is to amortize the overhead of these state updates over as many parallel state changes as possible. Using this technique introduces errors in the calculated cost C(S) of a particular state S used by the annealing process. Analytically derived bounds are placed on this error in order to assure convergence to the correct result. The resulting parallel simulated annealing algorithm dynamically changes the frequency of global updates as a function of the …

Fast Power Flow With Capability Of Corrective Control Using A Neural Network, Badrul H. Chowdhury, B. M. Wilamowski

Electrical and Computer Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

The authors present a number of different configurations of a neural network and identify a particular case which is most suitable for power flow analysis in real-time applications. The advantage of fast computation of the artificial neural network (ANN) is used for obtaining power flow solutions in real time. The inputs to the ANN are the real and reactive power generating and demand in the system, and the output data are the complex bus voltages. A few configurations of the neural network were experimented with, and the best results were achieved with a single-layer feedforward neural network with nonlinear feedback. …

New Emc Design Guidelines For Multilayer Printed Wiring Boards, Todd H. Hubing, Thomas Van Doren

Electrical and Computer Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

No abstract provided.

Effect Of Strain Rate On Cold-Formed Steel Stub Columns, M. Kassar, C. L. Pan, Wei-Wen Yu

Civil, Architectural and Environmental Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

The material properties of steel and the strength of steel members are affected by strain rate to investigate this characteristic for compression members 49 stub columns fabricated from 35XF sheet steel and 48 stub columns fabricated from 50XF sheet steel are studied experimentally and analytically under different strain rates The strain rate ranged from 10^-5 to 0.1. in./in./sec (10^-5 to 0.1 mm/mm/s). The material properties of 35XF and 50XF sheet steels developed from previous tests are used for the evaluation of the test data obtained from the member tests using specimens fabricated from the same sheet steel. The …

Early Clinical Differentiation Of Cerebral Infarction From Severe Atherosclerotic Stenosis And Cardioembolism, S. G. Timsit, R. L. Sacco, J. P. Mohr, M. A. Foulkes, T. K. Tatemichi, P. A. Wolf, T. R. Price, D. (Daniel) B. Hier

Chemistry Faculty Research & Creative Works

Background and Purpose: Hyperacute Cerebral Infarction Trials Require Early Differentiation of Infarction Subtype. Our Aim Was to Determine Clinical Factors Predictive of Infarction Subtype from Data Collected in the Early Hours of Admission. Methods: using the 1,273 Patients Enrolled in the Stroke Data Bank, Stroke Risk Factors and Demographic, Clinical, and Radiological Features Were Compared between the 246 Cardioembolic and 113 Large-Vessel Atherosclerotic Cerebral Infarcts. Results: Stroke Data Bank Definitions Ensured More Transient Ischemic Attacks in Atherosclerotic Infarcts and More Cardiac Disease in Cardioembolic Infarcts, But the Diagnosis Was Distinguished Further using a Logistic Regression Model. Fractional Arm Weakness (Shoulder …

A Wear Analysis Study Of Selected Alternative Foundry Tooling Materials Using Impact Abrasion Testing, L. Fred Vondra

Dissertations and Theses @ UNI

The purpose of this study was to simulate the wear characteristics of foundry tooling using an impact abrasion test apparatus. The wear characteristic was exhibited by non-metallic materials and was measured as a function of percentage weight loss and was benchmarked against Class 30 gray iron. The research question focused on whether or not a non-metallic material exists that exhibits comparable or superior wear characteristics to Class 30 gray iron for possible consideration as tooling materials for foundry applications. The information obtained adds to knowledge and is useful to foundry professionals in making tooling decisions.

The 34 test materials were …

Development Of An Automated Ultrasonic Inspection Cell For Detecting Subsurface Discontinuities In Cast Iron, John Scott Burningham

Dissertations and Theses @ UNI

Manufacturing of value added products by companies in todays global marketplace requires the vendors to meet certain minimum standards, SAE, ASTM, ISO, etc. In a global economy, as a manufacturer for the year 2000 and beyond, preferred vendors will become ISO 9000 certified to maintain a market share of produced goods.

An automated inspection cell was developed for the inspection of cast iron ports to detect subsurface discontinuities. The cell consists of an ultrasonic flaw detector (UFD), transducer, robot, immersion tank, computer, and software. Normal beam pulse-echo ultrasonic nondestructive testing is performed on each rough casting.

Using test blocks and …

Predicting Adolescent Aids-Related Risk Behavior From Psychosocial Factors: A Path Analysis, Sharon M. Hays

Dissertations and Theses @ UNI

This study had two purposes. The first was to develop a model for relating the unique and combined contributions of knowledge about AIDS, attitudes toward AIDS, and several psychosocial characteristics to the self-reported sexual activity of adolescents. The second purpose was to validate the proposed causal paths by studying a sample of ninth-grade adolescents and using the results of a path analysis to revise the a priori model.

The model validation study was conducted among 179 ninth-grade adolescents. A questionnaire involving knowledge, attitudinal, psychosocial characteristics, and self-report behavioral information was administered (spring, 1989). The instrument used combined a questionnaire developed …

Effects Of Electronic Mail On Staff Communication Satisfaction And Computer Anxiety, Donald D. Luck

Dissertations and Theses @ UNI

Research indicates teacher isolation and computer anxiety are significant problems effecting teachers. This study examined the influence of electronic mail on these two problems. The research hypotheses questioned whether electronic mail installation positively effected a staff's level of communication satisfaction and/or lowered their level of computer anxiety.

Three sites were used in the study. Site One had electronic mail at the time of both measurements, Site Two implemented electronic mail immediately following the first measurement, and Site Three never used electronic mail. Ten months separated the measurements.

The study used the Computer Satisfaction Questionnaire to measure eight components of communication …

An Evaluation Of The Deputy Principals' Leadership Development Program, Ronald F. Chalmers

Theses: Doctorates and Masters

The Deputy Principals' Leadership Development Program (DPLDP) was researched and developed by the Calgary Board of Education from 1983 to 1987. It was conducted for the first time in Western Australia when deputy principals from schools in the Narrogin Education District participated in the program during the period 1989-91. This study is an evaluation of the DPLDP. It was designed to determine whether there is justification for the continued use of the program as a means of enhancing the instructional leadership capacities of deputy principals in the Narrogin Education District. This research is located within the naturalistic paradigm. It can …

Measuring The Quality Of Service Within Challenge Bank, George M. Gilchrist

Theses : Honours

This research project looks at how the management and counter staff of four branches of the Challenge Bank define quality of service and asks them to judge if they deliver that quality. lt also examines the climate for service in which staff operate. The project simultaneously explores the customers' idea of what constitutes quality service, and whether or not customers consider they receive it consistently. A review of the most recent literature on customer service from Australia and overseas, has provided a theoretical framework for the interpretation of the data. It was necessary to first define quality of service then …

Costing Employee Absenteeism At Three Local Organisations, Justin Ponton

Theses : Honours

This thesis looks at a methodology that can be used to cost a specific human resource activity - absenteeism. It applies the costing framework established by Cascio (1991) to three local organisations, with differing results and reactions. The cost of absenteeism ranged from $461 per employee up to $1,454 per employee per annum. Other costing techniques for Human Resource Departments are also looked at, but the main thrust of this thesis is the costing of absenteeism. Absenteeism is studied in terms of its causes, costs, and possible solutions. Each of three organisations studied, is discussed in terms of the cost …

The Effect Of Word Processing On The Revising/Editing Strategies Of Primary Esl Writers, L. John Oliver

Theses : Honours

The focus of this study was on the effect of word processing on the revising and editing strategies of primary ESL writers. Six year 5/6 'intensive' ESL students completed a number of written tasks, using both computer and conventional 'pen and paper' methods. Their handwritten and word processed work was analysed and compared in terms of the frequency, nature and extent of changes made. Statistical analysis of these data, as well as audio-taped verbal protocols, interviews, and observational notes, was used to determine the effect(s) of word processing on the revising/editing strategies of these students. Of the four major revision …

Inquiry Based Mental Mathematics Versus Traditional On The Performance And Attitudes Of Year Four Children, Anita Jurat

Theses : Honours

This study Investigated the effect of Inquiry based mental mathematics compared to traditional mental mathematics, with respect to the performance and attitudes of a sample of year four children. Using a quasi-experimental non-equivalent control group design, and applying a t test for non-Independent samples, It was found that after an eight week period, the Inquiry based mental mathematics group achieved significantly higher scores on a mental mathematics test, and showed a more Improved attitude toward mental mathematics than the traditional group. Qualitative analyses of attempts to create calculations to make a given number, revealed that the Inquiry based group had …

A Study Of Children's Television Viewing Patterns, Ronald D. Gorman

Theses : Honours

This study examines the television viewing patterns of primary school children. The major questions this study asks are; -How much time do children spend watching television texts? -What types of programmes do children watch? -Who chooses what children watch? Previous work on children's television viewing patterns is discussed; this indicates that (a) viewing patterns are influenced by the age of the child and the mode of access available to the child, and (b) educators are responsible for the development of children's visual literacy. To ascertain the nature of children's television viewing patterns, a questionnaire was administered and viewing record timetables …

Leveraged Buyouts, Kurt J. Smith

Theses : Honours

This study comprehensively reviews theoretical and empirical literature pertaining to leveraged buyouts. An agency theory framework best describes the source of LBO value creation. Agency conflicts are mitigated through extensive utilisation of debt capital and concentrated equity ownership, which are functions of asset and organisation structures. The evidence generally supports the hypothesis that economic wealth is created by leveraged buyouts, rather than merely redistributed among stakeholders. This thesis uses a multiple case design to examine leveraged buyouts in Australia. It compiles data from a broad range of public and private sources, and conducts qualitative and quantitative analysis on six (6) …

The Development Of A Test Of Concept Identification, Semantic And Syntactic Performance For Use With Hearing Impaired Children, Heather Joan Hussey

Theses : Honours

The purpose of this study was to develop the Concept Identification Instrument (CII); an instrument for measuring prelinguistically deaf children's concept identification, semantic and syntactic abilities in a reading situation. Analysis of the related literature suggested that isolation of some of the factors which contribute to the problems faced by deaf children in reading development, such as concept identification, may lead to improved chances of understanding, reducing or eliminating reading problems and improving reading outcomes for these children. The subjects were 21 prelinguistically deaf children who attended or had previously attended the Speech and Hearing Centre for Deaf Children (WA) …

The Measurement Of Knowledge, Attitudes And Knowledge-Seeking Behaviours Of Women In Relation To The Menopause And Health Related Issues, Amanda Devine

Theses : Honours

Research suggests that women are not well informed about the health related issues which are associated with the menopause. The purpose of this study was to determine women's: current knowledge of the menopause and of the disease osteoporosis; attitudes to estrogen replacement therapy (ERT); frequency of menopausal symptoms; knowledge-seeking behaviours In relation to the menopause; and, open-ended responses to menopausal issues. This study surveyed 70 women who responded to an advertisement in Community Newspapers. Data were collected using a "Knowledge and attitudes to the menopause and health related issues" (KAMHRI) questionnaire. The KAMHRI questionnaire was developed by the researcher and …

Tied To Tradition: The Silenced Rage Of The African Woman In Selected Novels Of Buchi Emechata, Marie Giselle Martine Raphael

Theses : Honours

In addressing the myths of past and present social and familial structures and hierarchies. Post-Colonial Literatures are forced to confront complex assertions of identity, evolved through an inheritance shaped by both traditional and foreign influence. In a study of Buchi Emecheta' s novels, The Slave Girl, The Joys of Motherhood and Second Class Citizen, a tension is thus seen to emerge within the African heroine, between “her communally bred sense of herself as an African, and her feminist aspirations for autonomy and self-realization as a woman" (Frank, 1987, 45). Though the female protagonists of these narratives are placed within different …

In Search Of The Expert Pedagogue: How Is The Expert Physical Education Teacher Perceived?, Christine Albert

Theses : Honours

Like most professions, teaching needs to be concerned with the notions of expertise and effectiveness. This study aimed to determine how the expert physical education teacher is perceived by pupils, student teachers, and teacher educators. Perceptions were compared and contrasted to identify both areas of discrepancy and consensus with respect to subjects' views of expertise. Subject groups involved in the study consisted of 30 year 10 pupils, 30 student teachers completing a BArts degree majoring in physical education (3rd year), and 28 teacher educators (physical education specific). Perceptions of expertise were determined through the administration of a questionnaire which specifically …

A Gender Analysis Of Teacher Feedback In Coeducational Secondary Physical Education Lessons, Paul R. Watson

Theses : Honours

The purpose of this study was to examine whether the verbal feedback distribution patterns of teachers in coeducational secondary physical education lessons were gender equitable. Previous literature indicated that inequality in verbal interaction and feedback existed in coeducational secondary physical education classes. This inequality tended to favour males to the disadvantage of females.

Fourteen lessons by male teachers and fourteen lessons by female teachers were video-recorded. The study utilized a modification of the systematic behaviour observation instrument developed by Siedentop (1983). Data obtained were categorized for analysis and interpretation. Statistical procedures were applied to establish the significance of the findings. …

Prose Fiction Preferences Of Lower Secondary Urban Aboriginal Boys, Stephen James White

Theses : Honours

The purpose of this study was to investigate the prose fiction preferences of lower secondary urban Aboriginal boys. The Likert scale scores from the 2 x 4 factorial design were analysed using an ANOVA test of significance. It was found that the research group significantly preferred action genres to non-action genres, Aboriginal characterisations to white Australian characterisations, and contemporary story extracts to traditional story extracts.

An Interpretivist Agenda, Gary S. Lawson

Faculty Scholarship

As I write these words, bevies of law clerks assigned to cases involving the Bill of Rights are dutifully editing their bench memos for publication in the national reporter system. Once printed, these bench memos will be solemnly treated by lawyers, scholars, other law clerks, and the occasional judge who runs across them as legally significant, or even binding, interpretations of the Constitution. Two features of this burgeoning mass of otherwise unpublishable law review comments bear mention. First, most of them are tedious, tendentious, pretentious, and badly reasoned when reasoned at all, just as one would expect from authors who …

L'Arbitrage Et Le Recouvrement Des Prêts Consentis À Des Débiteurs Étrangers, William W. Park

Faculty Scholarship

L'auteur explore le rile complexe de 'arbitrage dans le rglement des difflrends financiers intemationaux impliquant des dettes privies et publiques. II onus rappelle que le diveloppement 6conomique global bnlficie d'un climat de confiance dons les relations commerciales internationales. Los doctrines juridiques et les procidures qui ajoutent de l'incertitude dans le processus de remboursement des prfts ne peuvent que freiner I'allocation de crdits qui pourraient autrement favoriser le commerce et l'investissement outre-frontikre, particuli~rement dons les pays en vole do diveloppement.

The author explores the complex role of arbitration in the settlement of international financial controversies involving both private and public debt. …

Application Of Substructuring Methods To The Dynamic Finite Element Analysis Of A Container Refrigeration Unit Frame Structure, Chung-Kang Chen

Theses

Substructuring is a technique in finite element analysis for solving mechanical engineering problems involving large structures which are too enormous for existing computer hardware and software to handle. This technique involves breaking the system into parts, analyzing the parts, and then re-assembling the total system using selected degrees of freedom from the parts. This thesis also provides a review of substructure theory as a background. The state-of-art involving different approaches of the method is presented . The ANSYS finite element analysis program is used for the case studies of analyzing a container refrigeration unit frame structure. The experimental vibration test …

The Differences In Maternal Stress Levels Between Participants And Non-Participants In Formal Parenteducation Programs, Nancy Jean Tully

All-Inclusive List of Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This study examined the differences in stress levels of first time mothers of newborn children as measured by The Parenting Stress Index (PSI) (Abidin, 1986). Two groups of mothers were compared. One group of parents were subscribers to the monthly publication, Growing Child, and another group of mothers did not receive any specific instruction regarding child development. The data were gathered in a pretest-posttest format with an approximate interval of six months. Data were analyzed using t-tests and scatterplots. Results showed insignificant differences between pretest to posttest gain scores on the Child Domain, Parent Domain and Total Stress scales of …

A New Method For Calculating The Economic Benefits Of Varying Degrees Of Power Factor Correction For Industrial Plant Loads, Mohammed Ishaque

Dissertations and Theses

A comparative study of the economic benefits that can be obtained from different degrees of power factor correction for medium and small scale industrial installations is shown. A new approach for precise calculation of kws and kvars required at different power factors is presented. These calculated values are used to find the return on investments for the capacitors needed for power factor correction. The developed method is easy to use, cost effective, accurate and will help electrical engineers with minimum knowledge of power systems to precisely determine the savings available by improving the power factor of an industrial load.

Good Faith In English Law, Howard Hunter

Research Collection Yong Pung How School Of Law

'Good faith' is a term often used but rarely defined or analysed with care. In this short volume O'Connor has undertaken a formidable task: the development of a general principle of good faith that is applicable throughout English law. He begins with a proposed definition and then proceeds through brief analyses of the good faith concept in six areas of the law (administrative law, contracts, company law, criminal law, torts, trusts and property). He makes a quick excursion across the Channel to consider the civil law approach to the principle of good faith and then concludes with a chapter devoted …

A Comparison Of The Effects Of Reading From A Vdu And From Paper As Measured In Terms Of Reading Speed And Comprehension, Elizabeth Payumo

Theses: Doctorates and Masters

This study investigates the legibility and visual effects of eight combinations of font and colour on VDU and two different fonts on paper. Forty subjects, sixteen females and twenty-four males, were exposed to three of the ten different conditions, one in each of the set of readings, on either VDU or paper. They were asked to read different sets of stories in each condition on different days where each condition lasted for approximately two hours. Reading speed and comprehension scores were measured in every story read in the set of stories. The change of mood and physical symptoms states of …

The Development Of The Contingency Plans For Oil Spill And Maritime Search And Rescue On The Coast Of Uruguay, Jose Eduardo Aguiñaga Corbo

World Maritime University Dissertations

No abstract provided.