Digital Commons Network^™

Literacy Stories: Attitudes Toward Literacy And Motivation To Read Among African-American Males In An Urban Community., Donna Parham Washington

LSU Historical Dissertations and Theses

Through methods of ethnographic research this study explores the attitudes toward literacy and the motivation to read of African American male secondary school students in an urban community. This study includes historical inquiry obtained through the gathering of oral histories from men who experienced their youth and adolescence in the same geographic area as the secondary school students. Over the past fifty years the neighborhood focused on in this study has undergone tremendous change, both societal and structural. Information obtained through the interviews of the older men and the younger men will be compared to determine changes in literacy attitudes, …

Parallelization And Implementation Of Approximate Root Isolation For Nonlinear System By Monte Carlo., Ebrahim Khosravi

LSU Historical Dissertations and Theses

This dissertation solves a fundamental problem of isolating the real roots of nonlinear systems of equations by Monte-Carlo that were published by Bush Jones. This algorithm requires only function values and can be applied readily to complicated systems of transcendental functions. The implementation of this sequential algorithm provides scientists with the means to utilize function analysis in mathematics or other fields of science. The algorithm, however, is so computationally intensive that the system is limited to a very small set of variables, and this will make it unfeasible for large systems of equations. Also a computational technique was needed for …

Synthesis And Physical Characterization Of Solid-State Materials., Patrick Allen Kolniak

LSU Historical Dissertations and Theses

Two quantitative X-ray powder diffraction methods were used to analyze Phosphogypsum, a currently underutilized solid by-product of phosphoric acid production. Three kinds of synthetic mixtures were prepared to reflect the variable composition of phosphogypsum: AG (anhydrite and gypsum), QCD (quartz, calcite, and dolomite), and AGQCD. Compositions derived from the Whole Pattern fitting method for the binary and ternary mixtures agreed reasonably well with known values, with residuals $\rm\langle R\sp2\rangle = 0.10$ for eleven AG samples, and $\rm\langle R\sp2\rangle = 0.018$ for thirteen QCD samples. However, in the five-component mixtures, overlap of anhydrite, dolomite and gypsum peaks prevented quantitation. Compositions derived …

The Selective Digital Integrator: A New Device For Modulated Polarization Spectroscopy., Aljosa Vrancic

LSU Historical Dissertations and Theses

A new device, a selective digital integrator (SDI), for the acquisition of modulated polarization spectroscopy (MPS) signals is described. Special attention is given to the accurate measurement of very small (AC component of interest $<$10$\sp{-3}$ x DC component), rapidly modulated ($\sim$50 kHz) signals at or below noise levels. Various data acquisition methods and problems associated with the collection of modulated signals are discussed. The SDI solves most of these problems and has the following advantages: it provides the average-time resolved profile of a modulated signal; it eliminates errors if the modulation is not sinusoidal; it enables separate measurements of the various phases of the signal modulation cycle; it permits simultaneous measurement of absorption, circular dichroism (CD) and linear dichroism (LD) spectra; it facilitates 3-D absorbance measurements; it has a wide gain-switching-free dynamic range (10 orders of magnitude or more); it offers a constant S/N ratio mode of operation; it eliminates the need for photomultiplier voltage feedback, and it has faster scanning speeds. The time-resolution, selectivity, wide dynamic range, and low-overhead on-the-fly data processing are useful for other modulated spectroscopy (MS) and non-MS experiments such as pulse height distribution and time-resolved pulse counting measurements. The advantages of the MPS-SDI method are tested on the first Rydberg electronic transitions of (+)-3-methylcyclopentanone. The experimental results validate the predicted SDI capabilities. However, they also point to two difficulties that had not been noted previously: the presence of LD in a gaseous sample and a pressure-dependence of the relative peak heights of the CD spectrum. Models for these anomalies are proposed. The presence of the oscillatory LD (but not an LD background) is explained with a sample cell model based on the observed polarization-dependent time-resolved profiles of transmitted light intensity. To obtain expressions for these intensities, a theoretical background, which provides a new approach to the treatment of light/matter interaction, is included as an Appendix. To explain the second anomaly, present only at high optical densities, a model based on the presence of scattered light is introduced and verified. The mode of correction for the scattering problem is outlined.

Creativity And The Cathartic Moment: Chaos Theory And The Art Of Theatre., Robert E. Brooks

LSU Historical Dissertations and Theses

This dissertation investigates the potential applications of the scientific paradigm known as "chaos theory" in the examination of dramatic theory. By illuminating the limitations of traditional Newtonian physics and Euclidean geometry, chaos theory conveys philosophical implications that transcend the scientific and provide suitable tools for describing cultural and artistic phenomena. These implications include emphasis on unpredictability, interaction and feedback, qualitative rather that quantitative analyses, and a nonlinear, continuous, even holistic perspective of systems traditionally viewed as dischotomous (such as order and disorder or part and whole). This study examines several standard works of dramatic theory, concentrating on the relationship of …

Multiobjective Optimal Filtering And Control., Xiang Chen

LSU Historical Dissertations and Theses

A fundamental question in feedback control design is how to achieve desired performance under system uncertainties and external disturbances. The well-known LQG and ${\cal H}\sb2$ control design techniques are well suited for achieving some well-defined optimal transient performance under certain classes of stochastic external disturbances such as white noise. However, these optimal control design techniques are highly model dependent and may be very sensitive to parameter variations and system uncertainties. The ${\cal H}\sb{\infty}$ control theory, on the other hand, was developed precisely because of the desire to overcome these deficiencies. One potential shortfall of the existing ${\cal H}\sb{\infty}$ control design …

Development And Assessment Of A Property Rights-Based Measure Of State Regulatory Climate., Ferdinand Francis Wirth Iii

LSU Historical Dissertations and Theses

States implement many of the environmental laws enacted during the last thirty years. A key policy issue is the effect of differences in state institutions and environmental policies on the location of livestock agriculture. There is widespread belief that the stringency of state environmental regulations, known as regulatory climate, is an important factor influencing the location, growth and expansion decisions of livestock agriculture. Existing regulatory climate measures are not tailored to agriculture, and their use has given mixed results. Conceptual and empirical models were developed for the U.S. aquaculture industry, based on elements of public choice and firm location theories …

Wavelet-Based Registration Of Medical Images., Raj Sharman

LSU Historical Dissertations and Theses

Registration is the process of spatially aligning two objects and is normally a preprocessing step in most object recognition algorithms. Registration of images and recognition of signatures of objects in images is important for clinical and diagnostic purposes in medicine. Recognizing structure, potential targets for defense purposes and changes in the terrain, from aerial surveillance images and SAR images is the focus of extensive research and development today. Automatic Target Recognition is becoming increasingly important as the defense systems and armament technology move to use smarter munitions. Registration of images is a preprocessing step in any kind of machine vision …

1998-1999 Southern Illinois University Bulletin Carbondale Campus (Mechanical Engineering And Energy Processes), Southern Illinois University Carbondale

SIU Bulletins and Course Catalogs Archives

No abstract provided.

1998-1999 Southern Illinois University Bulletin Carbondale Campus (Undergraduate Catalog), Southern Illinois University Carbondale

SIU Bulletins and Course Catalogs Archives

No abstract provided.

1997/98 Faculty Senate Membership, Uah Faculty Senate

Senate Rosters

No abstract provided.

Can Games Help Develop Mathematical Thinking?, Dilshad Ashraf, Habib Hussain, Abdul Ghafoor, Dulshon Shamatov

Book Chapters / Conference Papers

No abstract provided.

Catalog 1998-99, Dmacc

Catalogs

No abstract provided.

Local Academic Knowledge Spillovers And The Concentration Of Economic Activity, Attila Varga

Regional Research Institute Working Papers

Agglomeration effects on the intensity of local knowledge spillovers from universities to high technology innovations are examined within the modified Griliches-Jaffe knowledge production function framework. Estimations are carried out at the level of US metropolitan areas. Concentration of high technology employment turns out to be the most important factor promoting local academic knowledge spillovers. It is found that a “critical mass” of agglomeration needs to be reached in order to expect substantial local economic effects of academic research spending.

從朗吉弩斯的崇高觀念看岑參的邊塞詩, Yicong Cai

Dissertations from all years

崇高(the Sublime)，是西方美學理論的一個重要範疇。相傅在公元三世紀，羅馬的希臘學者卡西烏斯.朗吉弩斯(Cassius Longinus，213-273)在〈論崇高〉(On the Sublime)一文中首先提出 "崇高" 這一概念，這是與古希臘以來和諧、靜穆的美完全不同的另一種美。至十八世紀， "崇高" 才引起西方美學家的普遍關注，不少美學家乏對崇高進行了分析、演繹和補充。其中，英國的柏克(Edmund Burke，1729-1797) 提出了 "崇高" 與 "美" 的對立，而德國的康德(Immanuel Kant，1724-1804)則將崇高分析為 "教學的崇高" 和 "力學的崇高"。儘管他們從不同的角度對崇高作出不盡相同的分析，但對崇高的事物所引起的審美感受的描述，卻是基本一致的。

就文學作品而言，朗吉努斯認為，崇高是一種氣派高昂、矯健豪邁的風格，也是一切偉大作品所共同具備的一種風格。崇高給人的感受是 "偉大"、"莊嚴"、"壯麗"、"雄渾"、“奇特" 等，它能在剎那開迅速地征服讀者的心靈，使讀者為之震顫、激動。

岑參 (717-769) ¹ 是盛唐著名的邊塞詩人，他曾經兩度出塞西域邊陵， "往來鞍馬烽塵間十餘載，...... 城障塞堡，無不經行。" ² 期間詩作，描繪了雄奇壯美、絢麗多彩的邊地風光，抒發了安邦定國、立功塞垣的豪情壯志，在盛唐詩壇上，可謂別樹一幟。

岑參邊塞詩的藝街風格，既奇且麗。他筆下的塞外風光和戒馬生活，無不新鮮奇特，使人有蕩氣迴腸的驚讚，身心震撼的激動；給人以骨驚神悚的強烈的審美感受。然則，崇高可以說是構成了岑參詩歌的主體風格。

本文除了會介紹朗吉弩斯的崇高觀念，亦會看看西方美學家如柏克和康德對崇高概念的分析和演繹。此外，本文亦會在中國的審美概念中，找出與西方崇高相近的看法並加以論述。最後，本文試圖以朗吉弩斯的崇高觀念，去探討盛唐邊塞詩人本參的岑塞詩歌的崇高美。

Antiferromagnetic Hedgehogs With Superconducting Cores, Paul M. Goldbart, Daniel E. Sheehy

Faculty Publications

Excitations of the antiferromagnetic state that resemble antiferromagnetic hedgehogs at large distances but are predominantly superconducting inside a core region are discussed within the context of Zhang’s SO(5)-symmetry-based approach to the physics of high-temperature superconducting materials. Nonsingular, in contrast with their hedgehog cousins in pure antiferromagnetism, these texture excitations are what hedgehogs become when the antiferromagnetic order parameter is permitted to “escape” into superconducting directions. The structure of such excitations is determined in a simple setting, and a number of their experimental implications are examined. © 1998 The American Physical Society.

Single-Head Spin Modes In Frontal Polymerization, Victor M. Ilyashenko, John A. Pojman

Faculty Publications

The single-head spin mode is the first two-dimensional pattern of self-propagating thermal reaction fronts observed after the planar front loses stability. A "hot spot" is observed to propagate around the periphery of the front. The dynamics of the single-head frontal polymerization regime were studied experimentally, and two novel results were found. The "hot spot" was measured and found to be superadiabatic. The relationship between the rotational velocity and the propagating velocity was found. Experimental data were also compared with the theoretical results based on the linear stability analysis and found to be in a reasonable agreement. © 1998 American Institute …

The Effect Of Convection On A Propagating Front With A Liquid Product: Comparison Of Theory And Experiments, B. Mccaughey, J. A. Pojman, C. Simmons, V. A. Volpert

Faculty Publications

This work is devoted to the investigation of propagating polymerization fronts converting a liquid monomer into a liquid polymer. We consider a simplified mathematical model which consists of the heat equation and equation for the depth of conversion for one-step chemical reaction and of the Navier-Stokes equations under the Boussinesq approximation. We fulfill the linear stability analysis of the stationary propagating front and find conditions of convective and thermal instabilities. We show that convection can occur not only for ascending fronts but also for descending fronts. Though in the latter case the exothermic chemical reaction heats the cold monomer from …

Accelerated Degradation Tests: Modeling And Analysis, William Q. Meeker, Luis A. Escobar, C. Joseph Lu

Faculty Publications

High reliability systems generally require individual system components having extremely high reliability over long periods of time. Short product development times require reliability tests to be conducted with severe time constraints. Frequently few or no failures occur during such tests, even with acceleration. Thus, it is difficult to assess reliability with traditional life tests that record only failure times. For some components, degradation measures can be taken over time. A relationship between component failure and amount of degradation makes it possible to use degradation models and data to make inferences and predictions about a failure-time distribution. This article describes degradation …

Loss Limitation And Individual Minimum Tax After The Tax Reform Act Of 1986: Evolution Or Revolution?, Carter G. Bishop

William Mitchell Law Review

No abstract provided.

Computation On Metric Spaces Via Domain Theory, Jimmie Lawson

Faculty Publications

The purpose of this paper is to survey recent approaches to realizing (or embedding) a Polish space as the set of maximal points of a continuous domain. Such realizations provide a convenient framework in which to model certain computational algorithms on the space and a useful alternate approach via the probabilistic power domain to measure theory and integraion on the space. © 1998 Elsevier Science B.V.

Heat Conduction In Fine Scale Mixtures With Interfacial Contact Resistance, Robert Lipton

Faculty Publications

Heat conduction in a fine scale mixture of two conductors is examined in the presence of a contact resistance between phases. The problem is studied rigorously in the context of periodic homogenization. Unlike the case of perfect heat transmission between phases, the temperature gradients converge weakly as Radon measures. The strict ellipticity of the homogenized transport equation depends upon the geometry of the interface. The effective conductivity associated with the overall heat dissipation rate inside a composite cube is considered. It is shown that this property exhibits a size effect under rescaling.

The Second Stekloff Eigenvalue And Energy Dissipation Inequalities For Functionals With Surface Energy, Robert Lipton

Faculty Publications

A functional with both bulk and interfacial surface energy is considered. It corresponds to the energy dissipated inside a two-phase electrical conductor in the presence of an electrical contact resistance at the two-phase interface. The effect of embedding a highly conducting particle into a matrix of lesser conductivity is investigated. We find the criterion that determines when the increase in surface energy matches or exceeds the reduction in bulk energy associated with the particle. This criterion is general and applies to any particle with Lipschitz continuous boundary. It is given in terms of the of the second Stekloff eigenvalue of …

Influence Of Interfacial Surface Conduction On The Dc Electrical Conductivity Of Particle Reinforced Composites, Robert Lipton

Faculty Publications

We describe new effects associated with electrical conduction along phase interfaces for particle reinforced conductors. For particles of general shape we introduce a new quantity β1 called the 'surface to volume dissipation' of a particle. This quantity is a measure of the particle's ability to dissipate energy on its surface relative to the energy dissipated in its interior. It is described mathematically as the minimum value of a suitably defined Rayleigh quotient and is related to an eigenvalue problem posed on the particle surface. We consider the overall conductivity of a particle reinforced conductor when the particle conductivities are less …

On Weak Maps Of Ternary Matroids, James Oxley, Geoff Whittle

Faculty Publications

Let M and N be ternary matroids having the same rank and the same ground set, and assume that every independent set in N is also independent in M. The main result of this paper proves that if M is 3-connected and N is connected and non-binary, then M = N. A related result characterizes precisely when a matroid that is obtained by relaxing a circuit-hyperplane of a ternary matroid is also ternary. © 1998 Academic Press Limited.

On Packing 3-Connected Restrictions Into 3-Connected Matroids, James Oxley

Faculty Publications

Let M1,M2,...,Mn be 3-connected restrictions of a 3-connected matroid M on disjoint ground sets E1,E2,...,En, respectively. This paper proves that M has a 3-connected minor N that contains E1 UE2 U ··· UEn, has its restriction to each Ei, being Mi, and has at most 2n - 2 additional elements.

On Summability Of Distributions And Spectral Geometry, R. Estrada, J. M. Gracia-Bondía, J. C. Várilly

Faculty Publications

Modulo the moment asymptotic expansion, the Cesàro and parametric behaviours of distributions at infinity are equivalent. On the strength of this result, we construct the asymptotic analysis for spectral densities arising from elliptic pseudodifferential operators. We show how Cesàro developments lead to efficient calculations of the expansion coefficients of counting number functionals and Green functions. The bosonic action functional proposed by Chamseddine and Connes can more generally be validated as a Cesàro asymptotic development.

Shame And Identity Pope's "Critique Of Judgement" In An Essay On Criticism, Blakey Vermeule

1650-1850: Ideas, Aesthetics, and Inquiries in the Early Modern Era

No abstract provided.

Benjamin Whichcote's Aphorisms And The Importance Of Latitudinarianism, Melvyn New

1650-1850: Ideas, Aesthetics, and Inquiries in the Early Modern Era

No abstract provided.

The Pulses Of The Body Romantic Vegetarianism And Its Cultural Contexts, Timothy Morton

1650-1850: Ideas, Aesthetics, and Inquiries in the Early Modern Era

No abstract provided.