Digital Commons Network^™

Subspace Detection And Scale Evolutionary Eigendecomposition, Spyros C. Kyperountas

Electronic Theses and Dissertations 2000 - 2009

A measure of the potential of a receiver for detection is detectability. Detectability is a function of the signal and noise, and given any one of them the detectability is fixed. In addition, complete transforms of the signal and noise cannot change detectability. Throughout this work we show that "Subspace methods" as defined here can improve detectability in specific subspaces, resulting in improved Receiver Operating Curves (ROC) and thus better detection in arbitrary noise environments. Our method is tested and verified on various signals and noises, both simulated and real. The optimum detection of signals in noise requires the computation …

Testing An Integrated Model Of Crime: Traditional And General Strain, Differential Association, And Control Theories, Michael K. Ostrowsky

Electronic Theses and Dissertations 2000 - 2009

Theories of criminal behavior have been tested individually and in integrated models incorporating multiple theories. Using data from the National Youth Survey Wave VII (1987), an integrated model incorporating traditional strain, differential association, and control theories is tested. Results show that each theory alone is a significant predictor of criminal behavior. Also, the integrated model enhances explanatory power of criminal behavior, over that of each individual theory. General strain theory (GST) variables are then added into the integrated model. In fact, this thesis is the first study, using young adults, that tests for the effects of multiple GST variables on …

Theory Of And A Novel Approach To High-Stability Frequency Control Circuits, David J. Brunell

Electronic Theses and Dissertations 2000 - 2009

Portable, wireless devices have become ubiquitous, and ever-increasing requirements of functionality and reliability are being placed upon these devices. There is a need to accommodate the oft-conflicting requirements of small size, low power consumption, low cost, and extremely accurate control of frequency. To address these RF design requirements, a comprehensive survey of existing frequency-control methods is presented, followed by a novel design which accomplishes a high degree of frequency accuracy through the use of direct digital synthesis and a software seeking algorithm. The proposed design can be implemented pursuant to the requirements of current and future portable wireless devices.

Transducer Design For Underwater Acoustic Communications Using The Finite Element Method, Jean-Philippe M J Jacquemin

Electronic Theses and Dissertations 2000 - 2009

The behavior of radially polarized free-flooded ring (FFR) transducers is studied for application in underwater acoustic communications. Theoretical models are first presented. Then the finite element method (FEM) is introduced and a FEM model for the FFR transducer is proposed. Experimental data are collected and compared to the simulation results with good correspondence. A series of FEM simulations lead then to optimum geometrical parameters for a fine-tuned FFR transducer dedicated to underwater acoustic communications. Finally, stack transducers models and the piezocomposite technology are presented as possible improvement of the present transducer.

Thermal And Stress Analysis Of Heterojunction Bipolar Transistor, Jose Fernando Rivero

Electronic Theses and Dissertations 2000 - 2009

The objective of this work is to perform the current induce thermal stress analysis of heterojunction bipolar transistor and to determine the implications of the variation of the thermal shunt thickness. A thesis presented on multi-physics using finite element analysis, covering fluid, thermal and stress with fatigue life analysis of a microelectronic heterojunction bipolar transistor.

Underwater Analysis Of The Behavioral Development Of Free-Ranging Atlantic Spotted Dolphin Calves (Birth To 4 Years Of Age), Jessica Ann Bayer

Electronic Theses and Dissertations 2000 - 2009

This investigation is the first to focus on the underwater behaviors and development of free-ranging Atlantic spotted dolphin (Stenella frontalis) mothers and calves. Underwater video recordings of 30 mother/calf pairs, during the calves' first three years of life, and 10 additional videos of four-year-old calves, were analyzed. Behavioral event frequencies were compared to the calf's age bracket (i.e. year-one, two, three and four). Results demonstrate an increase in calf independence in year-four shown by a significant reduction in Nursing Act behaviors, significantly more Feeding/Foraging behaviors, and increased behaviors performed in the proximity of individuals other than the mother or alone. …

War On Two Fronts: Steven Spielberg's "Saving Private Ryan" And Terrence Malick's "The Thin Red Line", Tibe Patrick Jordan

Electronic Theses and Dissertations 2000 - 2009

In 1998 Saving Private Ryan and The Thin Red Line debuted in theatres and critics in the popular press were quick to discuss the revival of the World War Two film and to classify both films within this genre. Through an examination of genre, art cinema, the styles of the Steven Spielberg and Terrence Malick, and a close textual analysis of both films, this thesis argues that Saving Private Ryan, although updating generic conventions of violence through its opening segment, quickly turns traditional in its depiction of plot, character, masculinity, and nation. The Thin Red Line, however, combines conventions of …

Wavelet-Based Detector For Underwater Communication, Branko. Petljanski

Electronic Theses and Dissertations 2000 - 2009

The need for reliable underwater communication at Florida Atlantic University is critical in transmitting data to and from Autonomous Underwater Vehicles (AUV) and remote sensors. Since a received signal is corrupted with ambient ocean noise, the nature of such noise is investigated. Furthermore, we establish connection between ambient ocean noise and fractal noise. Since the matched filter is designed under the assumption that noise is white, performance degradation of the matched filter due non-white noise is investigated. We show empirical results that the wavelet transform provides an approximate Karhunen-Loeve expansion for 1/f-type noise. Since whitening can improve only broadband signals, …

Using Computer Self-Efficacy Scale To Measure The Attitudes Of Taiwan Elementary Preservice Teachers Toward Computer Technology, Wan-Yu Chao

Electronic Theses and Dissertations 2000 - 2009

The purpose of the study was to identify the attitudes of preservice teachers enrolled in one elementary teacher training college in Taiwan toward selected issues related to computer technology as measured by the Computer Self-Efficacy (CSE) scale. The focus of this study, as measured by the CSE scale, was to determine whether significant differences existed between the attitudes of Taiwan preservice teachers regarding computer experience, computer training course, and computer ownership. The sample was comprised of 200 preservice teachers enrolled in one elementary teacher training college in Taiwan during the 2000--2001 school year. The instrument utilized in this study, CSE …

William A. Dunning Revisited: The Mind Or Malice Of Reconstruction?, Kathleen P. Barsalou

Electronic Theses and Dissertations 2000 - 2009

Historian William A. Dunning was responsible for the first scholarly treatment of the Reconstruction era. The terms which his contemporaries used to describe him differ strikingly from those historians may choose today. Since the 1930s, American historiography has reflected the new emphasis on sociology and psychology with a radical shift in subject matter away from the traditional political focus. Surely, certain truths are known to the modern historian which were not known to those who lived earlier. However, to discard the insights of one generation of historians is, perhaps, to ignore some of history's most important resources.

Faculty Perceptions Of Competencies In The Nursing Profession, Debra A. Filer

Theses and Dissertations

In order to respond to the needs of a rapidly changing health care environment, nursing educators must redefine the competencies needed by the beginning registered nurse. The study was designed to assess nursing faculty members' perceptions of competencies used by the beginning registered nurse in practice and their perceptions of the degree to which those same nursing competencies were presented in the nursing curriculum. Faculty members' perceptions were compared also to the results of a previous study which included a survey of beginning nurses to identify their perceptions of such competencies.

Nursing faculty members who teach in professional nursing programs …

The Tower Clock 2001, Tower Clock

Tower Clock Yearbooks

No abstract provided.

Development Of An Industrial Technology Associates Degree For Lake Region College, Michael L. Nottestad

Theses and Dissertations

No abstract provided.

Breaking Down Barriers To Health Care Access In Rural North Dakota : The Impact Of Telemedicine, Larry L. Timmerman

Theses and Dissertations

No abstract provided.

Factors Of Team Success : A Study Of North Dakota State University Extension Service Professionals In A Volunteer Setting, Michael E. Hanson

Theses and Dissertations

No abstract provided.

The Effects Of Freshman Intervention Programs Upon Academic Achievement, Scott Lowell Thompson

Theses and Dissertations

No abstract provided.

Student Perception Of The Online Approach To Technology Teacher Education At Valley City State University : A Study Of Twenty Students, James Allen Boe

Theses and Dissertations

No abstract provided.

The Systematic Exploration Of A Whole Language Curriculum In Order To Discover The Learning Potential Of The Curriculum, Nicole J. Weisz

Theses and Dissertations

No abstract provided.

The Grand Forks Public Schools Frameworks Project : Building-Level Leadership Factors In A District-Wide Change, Daniel E. Kimzey

Theses and Dissertations

No abstract provided.

The Value Of Semantic Networking Tools For Instruction In The Creation Of A Hypermedia Environment, Carla Hodgins Haaven

Theses and Dissertations

No abstract provided.

The Cost Of Eliminating A Military Standard, Andrew Stark

Theses and Dissertations

No abstract provided.

Economic Impacts Of Salinity On Townsite Infrastructure, Rural Towns Management Committee, Department Of Agriculture.

Bulletins 4000 -

The study looked at six case study towns: Katanning, Brookton, Corrigin, Cranbrook, Merriden and Morawa. Recommendations are mde for each town to manage salinity issues.

Soilguide (Soil Guide) : A Handbook For Understanding And Managing Agricultural Soils, Geoff Allan Moore

Bulletins 4000 -

This handbook integrates the current knowledge of soils in south-western Australia in a user-friendly form. It describes how to assess which soil properties influence production and land degradation in the agricultural area and summarises management options to remedy or minimise soil limitations. The potential for growing a large range of crops and pastures can be assessed. In particular, the links between soil morphology, soil properties, management and agronomy are emphasised. The manual is designed for use at the paddock scale or for site assessment, but it can also be used at a catchment or regional scale. It is specifically designed …

All That Glitters Is Not Gold: Bad Forgiveness In Counseling And Preaching, John M. Berecz

Faculty Publications

A 3 R's of Forgiveness model is presented in which forgiveness is seen as a complex therapeutic process involving both situational and personal variables. Forgivers are seen to utilize the cognitive processes of dialectical reasoning and reframing, modulated by the emotional experiences of empathy, guilt, and shame. Personality style and self-esteem significantly influence the process as well. Distinctions are maintained among various kinds of forgiveness. Divine forgiveness, seen as a partial component of a spiritual encounter with one's God, may be a valid experience for people of faith, but is not something that psychologists are equipped to experimentally analyze. Interpersonal …

Data Wars: How Superseding Forsham V. Harris Impacts The Federal Grant Award Process, Elizabeth G. Adelman

Journal Articles

No abstract provided.

Troxel And The Limits Of Community, Margaret F. Brinig

Journal Articles

The Troxel grandparent-visitation case that frames this symposium, the Washington statute included in Troxel, the mercifully completed odyssey of Cuban-born Elian Gonzalez, and the "right to die" case of Hugh Finn all illustrate both the fervor with which the broader community justifies its involvement with families and the extremes to which this involvement can spread. Using constitutional language, advocates point out the rights of extended family members to continue or strengthen ties to children, whether adult or minor. On the other side, parents and spouses claim their own rights not to have outsiders second-guess or interfere with their decisions.

Though …

A Quiet Faith? Taxes, Politics, And The Privatization Of Religion, Richard W. Garnett

Journal Articles

The government exempts religious associations from taxation and, in return, restricts their putatively political expression and activities. This exemption-and-restriction scheme invites government to interpret and categorize the means by which religious communities live out their vocations and engage the world. But government is neither well-suited nor to be trusted with this kind of line-drawing. What's more, this invitation is dangerous to authentically religious consciousness and associations. When government communicates and enforces its own view of the nature of religion - i.e., that it is a private matter - and of its proper place - i.e., in the private sphere, not …

Re-Interpreting The Effect Of Rights: Career Narratives And The Americans With Disabilities Act, David M. Engel, Frank W. Munger

Journal Articles

No abstract provided.

Making Deals In Court-Connected Mediation: What's Justice Got To Do With It?, Nancy A. Welsh

Faculty Scholarship

When mediation was first introduced to the courts, the process was hailed as “alternative.” Mediation gave disputants the opportunity to discuss and resolve their dispute themselves; the role of the third party was to facilitate the disputants’ negotiations, not to dictate the outcome; and because the disputants were able to focus on their underlying interests in mediation, the process could result in creative, customized solutions. The picture of mediation is changing, however, as the process settles into its role as a tool for the resolution of personal injury, contract, and other nonfamily cases on the courts’ civil dockets. Attorneys dominate …

Operational Research And The Royal Canadian Air Force Eastern Air Command's Search For Efficiency In Airborne Anti-Submarine Warfare, 1942-1945, Dean C. Ruffilli

Theses and Dissertations (Comprehensive)

This thesis analyses the contributions of operational research to the work of the Royal Canadian Air Force Eastern Air Command during the Second World War. The efforts of the handful of Canadian operational researchers in the Allied campaign against the German U-boat force, although having produced only modest results, did make a small but important contribution to the war which have been neglected by historians. The use of aircraft against submarines began during the First World War when both technologies were still in their infancy. Although initial results were poor, the handful of sinkings by aircraft demonstrated its potential as …