Digital Commons Network^™

In Defense Of Conference Summaries: Widening The Reach Of Writing Center Work, Jane Cogie

The Writing Center Journal

No abstract provided.

Gender Faultlines Of Legal Liberalism And The Advance Of The Contemporary Right: The Case Of India, Radhika Desai

Osgoode Hall Law Journal

No abstract provided.

Training Variables Of Male And Female Collegiate Cross Country Runners, Kori J. Stoffregen

Dissertations and Theses @ UNI

The primary purpose of the study was to describe training variables of the individuals and teams that participated in the 1995 Men's and Women's NCAA Division 1,11,111 Cross Country Championships. Subproblems in this study were (a) to determine the relationship between weekly mileage and training intensity and performance within and across all divisions and (b) to determine if the differences exist between selected training variables by performance tiers and divisions. A questionnaire developed by the investigator was used to gather information regarding weekly mileage, intensity, and duration the months of August, September, October, and November. The questionnaire was sent to …

The Effect Of Stride Angle On Ball Velocity And Stride Length In Softball Pitching, Jeanna Marie Foster

Dissertations and Theses @ UNI

The purpose of this study was to determine differences in stride length and ball velocity which occur as a result of changes in the stride angle in the underarm fastball pitch. All subjects were female collegiate level softball pitchers who pitched windmill style. Each pitcher's preferred stride angle, stride length, and ball velocity were recorded. Stride lengths and ball velocities for predetermined stride angles were then recorded. An artificial environment was designed with a grid marked to measure stride length and stride angle. A radar gun was used to measure ball velocity. A repeated measures ANOVA was used to calculate …

Awareness Of Deficits In Dementia Of The Alzheimer’S Type And Normal Aging, Jay D. Anderson

Dissertations and Theses @ UNI

Past research has documented the presence of frontal lobe dysfunction in both dementia of the Alzheimer's Type (DAT) and normal aging. The purpose of the present study was to further investigate whether one particular type of frontal lobe dysfunction, unawareness of deficits or anosognosia, differs qualitatively or quantitatively when occurring in DAT versus the normal aging process. Anosognosia was investigated in three groups of subjects: individuals diagnosed with DAT (N = 25), older normal controls (N = 25), and middle-aged normal controls (N = 25). Unawareness of deficits was operationalized as the discrepancy between subjects' self-rating and that of another …

Experimental Testing And Modeling Of Automotive Automatic Belt Tensioners, Jiaxin Zhao, Clark R. Barker, Larry Oliver, William Breig, Joey Edson

Mining Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

Automatic belt tensioners are used in serpentine belt drive systems in many automotive front end accessory drive (FEAD) applications. The dynamic characteristics of the tensioner must be well defined in order to accurately model the entire belt drive system for system simulation studies. In order to determine required tensioner performance parameters, six different configurations of a production unit were tested over a wide range of frequencies at two different amplitudes of the arm travel. Data was recorded to define the total torque generated by the tensioner as a result of the known input motion to which the arm was subjected. …

Prospective Memory And Age-Related Impairment, Barry Robert Ardolf

Dissertations and Theses @ UNI

Research on age-related changes in prospective memory has yielded mixed research results. Some research has shown no age-related impairments, while other research has shown age-related impairments. The present study investigated variables affecting these different findings in prospective memory research. Subjects between the ages of 18-92 were asked to identify pictures presented to them. The prospective memory task required subjects to identify individuals wearing glasses and to indicate this by circling the number on their answer sheet corresponding to the picture being presented. Order of instructions presented to subjects was also manipulated. Half of the subjects received the prospective memory instructions …

Frontal Lobe Dysfunction In Non-Clinical Compulsive Checkers, Christopher J. Boys

Dissertations and Theses @ UNI

Recent studies suggest deficits in set-shifting ability, as assessed by tasks such as the Wisconsin Card Sorting Test (WCST), in patients with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). The present study examined the extent to which these deficits were demonstrated by nonclinical "checkers" selected on the basis of scores on the Maudsley Obsessional Compulsive Inventory. A modified version of the WCST was used, the Milwaukee Card Sorting Test (MCST), in order to determine whether the deficits in set-shifting ability are due to a complete lack of switching or to a dysregulation in switching. In the latter case, the individual illustrates correct set shifting …

Use Of Rapds To Develop Specific Primers For The Identification Of Mycorrhizal Fungi, Cynthia A. Boyd

Dissertations and Theses @ UNI

The restoration of damaged ecosystems, particularly at superfund sites is a complex issue. These sites present problems with revegetation attempts due to their unique chemical, physical, and biological properties. Revegetation of damaged ecosystems may be enhanced by mycorrhizal associations. The establishment of a facultative mycotroph, Festuca arundinacea Screb. (tall fescue) treated with a commercial fungal inoculum, was studied at a Galena, Kansas mining site. The evaluation of this revegetation project required the identification of endomycorrhizal fungi, Glomus c/arum and G/omus etunicatum in the inoculum. Traditional identification of these fungi based on spore morphology and other physical characteristics is not suitable …

Network Security: An Evaluation Of Security Policies And Firewall Implementations, Melanie L. Abbas

Dissertations and Theses @ UNI

This paper begins focusing on network security issues. The areas of physical security, access security, and connection security are explored. Connection security provides the biggest need for improvement in the entire security field. This type of security is managed best with firewall implementations. Various firewall models are discussed.

Software evaluations were performed on three different commercial Internet security tools. The software was compared on the basis of ease of installation, functionality, level of security provided, and output available. In summary, the value of the firewall is dependent on the need to implement a firewall in an organization.

However, a security …

Relationship Between Television Viewing And Physical Activity Levels Among College Students, Sarah Joan Brummer

Dissertations and Theses @ UNI

The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between leisure time physical activity levels and time spent viewing television (including video or computer game play) among college students. Sub-problems included the physical activity profiles of males compared to females and the association between self-reported intensity of physical activity and time spent viewing television. The present study utilized a nonexperimental research design. Specifically, survey methodology using a self-report questionnaire was used as the means of data collection. The self-report questionnaire was designed to measure demographic characteristics, leisure time television viewing, and physical activity behaviors. A total of 789 students …

Playing The Game: Female Graduate Students’ Communication Experiences, Jacqueline Marie Brucher

Dissertations and Theses @ UNI

In this thesis I examine the communication experiences of four female graduate students and the language they use to describe those experiences. Specifically, the women's use of metaphor to describe their academic environments is explored. A qualitative analysis of the linguistic choices of these women is achieved by applying Kenneth Burke's cluster analysis. I attempt to break the boundaries of rhetorical criticism by applying cluster analysis to conversation. Not only does this application open up new uses for the methodology, it also introduces additional means of analyzing various types of communication. All four women describe graduate school as "a game." …

Low-Cost Videoconferencing For The Clinical Management Of Speech & Language Disorders, Dale Lee Burgess

Dissertations and Theses @ UNI

Videoconferencing allows participants separated by distance to see and hear each other in real time. Traditionally, videoconferencing has been associated with expensive, room-based systems that limit the number of potential users. Recent advances in technology have made it possible to videoconference via desktop computers using inexpensive software programs. This has allowed broader participation in videoconferencing, thus, making it a more affordable means of communication. The purpose of this study was to determine if desktop videoconferencing (DVC) could be used in the clinical management of individuals with communication disorders. One of the potential advantages of DVC over traditional therapy programs is …

Employee Expectations And Job Stress: A Study Of Attrition In The Employment Of Telemarketers, Jeff Cooper

Dissertations and Theses @ UNI

The present study investigated the factors associated with the extremely high attrition rate of a large midwestern telemarketing firm. Factors associated with employee expectations, stressful organizational characteristics, and job satisfaction were explored. The research strategy involved multiple questionnaires, dissatisfaction surveys, and a semi-structured interview, that were developed by the researchers based on information obtained from the company. Current and former employees of the company participated in the study. Results indicated the presence of stressful organizational characteristics that were common between current and former employees. Sale conversion rate pressure from supervisors and inadequate training were identified as the most salient factors …

Simulation Of Madmel Power Systems Components, Timothy L. Skvarenina, Oleg Wasynczuk, Paul C. Krause, Steven Pekarek

Electrical and Computer Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

Detailed computer models of system components for More Electric Aircraft have been developed using the Advanced Control System Language (ACSL) and its graphical front-end, Graphic Modeller. Among the devices modeled are a wound-rotor synchronous generator with parallel bridge-rectifier outputs, a switched-reluctance generator, and various loads including a DC-DC converter, an inverter-driven induction motor, and an electro-hydrostatic actuator. Results from the simulations are presented together with corroborating experimental test results. Copyright © 1998 Society of Automotive Engineers, Inc.

Evaluating Information Modeling Methods – A Review, Keng Siau, M. Rossi

Research Collection School Of Computing and Information Systems

Hundreds of modeling methods are in existence today, yet practitioners and researchers are zealously “producing” new modeling methods. The “blooming” of modeling methods is not the problem; the lack of standardized techniques for evaluating them is. To further complicate the matter, most of the modeling methods are introduced based on common sense and intuition. Theoretical foundations and empirical evidence are severely lacking. With the current state of affairs, evaluation of modeling methods has become necessary. Comparing modeling methods provides us with the necessary knowledge and understanding on the strengths and weaknesses of each method. This knowledge can also guide us …

Measurement Of The Axial-Vector Τ Spectral Functions And Determination Of Αs (M2Τ) From Hadronic Τ Decays, R. Barate, M. Thulasidas

Research Collection School Of Computing and Information Systems

An analysis based on 124 000 selected ττ pairs recorded by the ALEPH detector at LEP provides the vector (V)(V) and axial-vector (A)(A) spectral functions of hadronic ττ decays together with their total widths. This allows the evaluation of finite energy chiral sum rules that are weighted integrals over the (V−A)(V−A) spectral functions. In addition, a precise measurement of αsαs along with a determination of nonperturbative contributions at the ττ mass scale is performed. The experimentally and theoretically most robust determination of αs(M2τ)αs(Mτ2) is obtained from the (V+A)(V+A) fit that yields αs(M2τ)=0.334±0.022αs(Mτ2)=0.334±0.022 giving αs(M2Z)=0.1202±0.0027αs(MZ2)=0.1202±0.0027 after the extrapolation to the mass …

Pure-Tone Thresholds And Otoacoustic Emission Strength As A Function Of Language Delay In Children, Emily Ann Haisman

Dissertations and Theses @ UNI

This study investigated the relationship between ultra-high frequency hearing loss and delays in speech and language development in 10 language delayed children and 10 nonlanguage delayed children. The study utilized both pure-tone sensitivity measures and distortion product otoacoustic emission (DPOAE) strength to assess hearing capability. Behavioral audiometric thresholds were obtained at 250, 500, 1000, 2000, 4000, 8000, 10000, 12500, 16000, 18000, 19000, and 20,000 Hz with standard air conduction audiometry and ultra-high frequency air conduction audiometry. DPOAE strength was measured at approximately 1000, 1100, 1500, 2000, 2500, 3000, 4000, 5000, 6000, 8000, 12000, 16000, and 20000 Hz using a standard …

Ionization Dynamics In Fast Ion-Atom Collisions. Ii. Final-State Momentum Distributions Of The Ionization Products In Collisions Of He With Bare Carbon Ions, Lokesh C. Tribedi, P. Richard, Y. D. Wang, C. D. Lin, Ronald E. Olson, L. Gulyas

Physics Faculty Research & Creative Works

We have used the energy and angular distributions of the low-energy electron emission cross sections from the preceding paper [Lokesh C. Tribedi et al., Phys. Rev. A 58, 3619 (1998)] to derive the doubly differential final-state longitudinal momentum distributions of the electrons, recoil ions, and projectiles in ion-atom ionization for [Formula Presented] The complementary nature of the electron spectroscopy and the recoil-ion momentum spectroscopy have been investigated using a formulation based on three-body kinematics to explore the ionization dynamics in detail. The influence of the three-body ionization as well as the binary-encounter processes on the recoil-ion (and projectile) longitudinal momentum …

The War At Home: Prisoner Of War Camps In Iowa During World War Ii, Julie K. Heintz

Dissertations and Theses @ UNI

Two base camps, along with their branch camps, located in the state of Iowa will provide the focus for this study. The camps in Iowa, located near the towns of Algona and Clarinda, provide an example of two camps that met or exceeded the criteria set by the Geneva Convention of 1929. The creation and administration of the camps raises three questions which constitute the body of this thesis. The first deals with the founding, administration and operation of the camps. Secondly, the study investigates the daily life of the camp inmates. Finally the third question examines how townspeople and …

Utopia In Iowa?: Etienne Cabet And The Icarian Concept Of Progress, John Davis Higdon

Dissertations and Theses @ UNI

Nineteenth century America was a period of transition. Reform movements paralleled and sometimes replaced politics as idealistic people worked for a cornucopia of social causes. Believing man capable of finding a universally correct lifestyle, numerous activists designed communities to guide the world to peace and prosperity. One of these groups, the Icarians, following the teachings of their founder Etienne Cabet, built several utopian hamlets in the United States and existed for over half a century. Their longevity can be primarily accredited to their espousal of the philosophical doctrine of Progress. An examination of the Icarian's history shows that a quasi-religious …

The Identity Quest In Margaret Laurence’S The Diviners, Markus Hornburg

Dissertations and Theses @ UNI

This thesis is designed to explain and explore the Canadian identity quest as it appears in Margaret Laurence's novel The Diviners. It consists of three chapters and a conclusion to sum up the main aspects of the quest. The thesis gives an overview on Canadian history and therefore puts every reader into the position to understand the accompanying details which are so important to understand what is going on in this huge country. I deal with political, social and cultural surroundings in Canada and prepare the ground for the literary history. The literary history of Canada, as it will-through The …

Gangs, Drugs, And Delinquency, Tina Renea Engstrom

Dissertations and Theses @ UNI

The main objective of this thesis is to study the link between gangs, drug use, and delinquency. Previous literature suggests that social learning and social control theories commonly provide theoretical contexts for explaining deviant behavior. The present research applies the principles of Sutherland's (1949) theory of differential association and Hirschi' s (1969) theory of social control to the delinquent behavior of gang members and their drug involvement. The present study does not attempt to explain why youths become gang members. Rather, this research uses an integration of social learning and social control theories to explain why gang members become involved …

Analysis Of The Value Of The Fe Examination For The Assessment Of Student Learning In Engineering And Science Topics, John L. Watson

Materials Science and Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

This paper presents the results of a project, which investigated the potential of fully using previously unreleased data from the nationally normed Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) examination to assess learning in key engineering and science topics. In the past, very limited information was released by the National Council of Examiners for Engineers and Surveyors (NCEES) for the eight hour FE examination, which is composed of 150-200 questions in ten morning and five afternoon topics. For the purposes of this project the NCEES agreed to release information to the University of Missouri-Rolla (UMR) to permit the value of the FE data …

Organically Deposited Metallic Films For Device Fabrication, Thomas J. O'Keefe, M. Stroder, Matthew O'Keefe

Materials Science and Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

Advances in integrated circuit density, speed and complexity are dependent on lower resistance, finer line width on-chip interconnections. Methods for incorporating copper interconnects into IC fabrication processes have been developed which accomplish this objective but most of these methods use some form of blanket metal deposition that requires mechanical and/or chemical removal of excess material. To date, investigations into the selective deposition of conductor materials for device fabrication have met with limited success. A new process for selectively depositing metallic conductors using inexpensive, organic-based chemical solutions could potentially force a paradigm shift in the deposition of metals for microelectronic applications. …

An Evaluation Of The Responses Of Clinical And Non-Clinical Boys On The Social Skills Inventory For Youth, Rachel Frederickson

Dissertations and Theses @ UNI

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the responses of adolescent boys on a newly developed measure, the Social Skills Inventory for Youth. Participants were recruited from two residential institutions, an outpatient clinic, a laboratory school associated with a medium-sized university, and two middle schools all located in the Midwest. Participants ranged in age from 11 to 17 years. A multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA) was conducted to determine if there were differences between boys diagnosed with AD/HD and appropriate nonclinical controls. Results showed a significant effect for group. However, only one subscale was found useful in differentiating between …

A Transaction Model For Mobile Computing, Sanjay Kumar Madria, Bharat Bhargava

Computer Science Faculty Research & Creative Works

We introduce a prewrite operation before a write operation in a mobile transaction to improve data availability. A prewrite operation does not update the state of a data object but only makes visible the value that the data object will have after the commit of the transaction. Once the transaction has read all the values and declares all the prewrites, it can precommit at a mobile host. The remaining transaction's execution is shifted to the stationary host. Writes on a database consume both time and resources at the stationary host and are therefore delayed. A pre-committed transaction's prewrite values are …

Systolic Algorithm For Processing Rle Images, Hao Feng, Fikret Erçal, Filiz Bunyak

Computer Science Faculty Research & Creative Works

Image difference operation is commonly used in on-line automated printed circuit board (PCB) inspection systems as well as many other image processing applications. In this paper, we describe a new systolic algorithm and its system architecture which computes image differences in run-length encoded (RLE) format. The efficiency of this operation greatly affects the overall performance of the inspection system. It is shown that, for images with a high similarity measure, the time complexity of the systolic algorithm is a small constant. A formal proof of correctness for the algorithm is also given in the paper.

Optical Digital Fragmentation Measuring Systems -- Inherent Sources Of Error, Norbert H. Maerz, Wei Zhou

Geosciences and Geological and Petroleum Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

Automated optical imaging systems of measuring fragmentation are increasingly being used in the mining, comminution, and materials handling industries. These methods have been well received in many of the industries involved. Considering that in many of these applications there are no alternative ways of sizing material, having even a rudimentary measurement of size distributions allows evaluations of explosive, blast design, detonator performance, crusher and milling performance, and material degradation due to transport.

Optical methods have inherent limitations, which reflect on accuracy, precision, and reproducibility of measurement results. This stems from the fact that there are myriads of variables, which affect …

A Practical Continually Online Trained Artificial Neural Network Controller For A Turbogenerator, Ganesh K. Venayagamoorthy, Ronald G. Harley

Electrical and Computer Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

This paper reports on the simulation and practical studies carried out on a single turbogenerator connected to an infinite bus through a short transmission line, with a continually online trained (COT) artificial neural network (ANN) controller to identify the turbogenerator, and another COT ANN to control the turbogenerator. This identifier/controller augments/replaces the automatic voltage regulator and the turbine governor. Results are presented to show that this COT ANN identifier/controller has the potential to allow turbogenerators to operate more closely to their steady-state stability limits and nevertheless “ride through” severe transient disturbances such as three phase faults. This allows greater usage …