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2001

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Ecology And Evolution Of An Annual Plant Following Fire In The Mojave Desert, Cheryl Hightower Vanier Jan 2001

Ecology And Evolution Of An Annual Plant Following Fire In The Mojave Desert, Cheryl Hightower Vanier

UNLV Retrospective Theses & Dissertations

Plant succession following disturbance in deserts is difficult to study because there is no well-defined series of species replacements and "successional stages" contain many of the same plant species. Persistence of the same species through successional stages introduces the possibility that desert species could respond to natural selection induced by disturbed environments. This study details changes in perennial vegetation, plant distribution, and small-scale abiotic environments on the scale of individual annual plants in order to examine corresponding changes in plant character phenotypes and natural selection in response to disturbance caused by fire. Two burned and two unburned populations of the …

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An Investigation And Analysis Of The Hispanic Students' Nationwide School Dropout Rates And The Difference Between Those Who Complete Their High School Diploma And Those Who Dropout, Maria Olivia Egemba Jan 2001

An Investigation And Analysis Of The Hispanic Students' Nationwide School Dropout Rates And The Difference Between Those Who Complete Their High School Diploma And Those Who Dropout, Maria Olivia Egemba

UNLV Retrospective Theses & Dissertations

As the United States embarks on the twenty-first century, anxiety continues about the American educational system. The dropout crisis in the United States and particularly among the Hispanic students is a matter of serious concern for parents, educators, politicians, and the general public. Due to the rapid technological advances, staying in school and graduating is crucial for preparing a skilled, knowledgeable, and flexible work force needed by America to compete in the global economy. Hispanic students are the largest-growing sector of the population and have the highest dropout rate of any major segment of the U.S. population (Hispanic Dropout Project, …

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Postmodern American Sociology: A Response To The Aesthetic Challenge, Jongryul Choi Jan 2001

Postmodern American Sociology: A Response To The Aesthetic Challenge, Jongryul Choi

UNLV Retrospective Theses & Dissertations

Over the past two decades, American sociologists have debated about the postmodern and what we might call "postmodern American sociology" began to emerge at the turn of this century. This dissertation examines the nature of the postmodern in general, and postmodern American sociology in particular, in terms of three models of knowledge: science, morality, and aesthetics; This dissertation pays close attention to the fact that science, morality, and aesthetics began to be differentiated from religion in the modern era, which posited two problems: the problem of legitimacy of knowledge and the problem of figuring out the relationship among science, morality, …

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Effects Of Elevated Carbon Dioxide On Primary Productivity In A Mojave Desert Ecosystem, David Charles Housman Jan 2001

Effects Of Elevated Carbon Dioxide On Primary Productivity In A Mojave Desert Ecosystem, David Charles Housman

UNLV Retrospective Theses & Dissertations

Growth and gas exchange are predicted to be most responsive to future atmospheric CO2 concentrations within and ecosystems. It is hypothesized that elevated CO2 will result in enhanced seasonal growth, increased leaf area and extension of the growing season via increased water-use efficiency (WUE). Greater WUE could result in increased survivorship and productivity of desert shrubs, and may increase the importance of this biome in the global carbon budget. Elevated CO2 is also expected to influence future species distribution and abundance, which could alter structure and function, especially in arid ecosystems. For these reasons, we measured aboveground production, gas exchange, …

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Instructional Differentiation In General Education And The Gifted Resource Room: Teacher And Student Perceptions, Mary Trombatore Greene Jan 2001

Instructional Differentiation In General Education And The Gifted Resource Room: Teacher And Student Perceptions, Mary Trombatore Greene

UNLV Retrospective Theses & Dissertations

This study compared the perceptions of three groups concerning differentiated educational opportunities provided for students with gifts and talents. The perceptions of general education teachers, gifted resource room teachers, and students with gifts and talents were collected using a questionnaire that encompassed questions focused on cognitive, interpersonal, and intrapersonal skill development; Results indicated that gifted resource room teachers and general education classroom teachers perceived that they provided differentiated instruction more often in the cognitive and interpersonal domains than in the intrapersonal domain. The most frequent differentiated instructional practices used by teachers (general education and gifted resource room) were in the …

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A Comparative Study Of Funding Mechanisms For Community Colleges In The State Of Nevada And Selected States, Christopher Pat Kelly Jan 2001

A Comparative Study Of Funding Mechanisms For Community Colleges In The State Of Nevada And Selected States, Christopher Pat Kelly

UNLV Retrospective Theses & Dissertations

The purpose of this dissertation was to compare the mechanism utilized by the State of Nevada to fund its community colleges with the models used by other selected states to fund their two-year institutions. The comparison states that were chosen represented peer institutions of Nevada community colleges or systems held in high regard by the American Association of Community Colleges; These selected states, as well as Nevada, face difficult fiscal challenges funding their two-year colleges. Not only is there increasing competition for limited state resources, but virtually all of the states are projecting budget shortfalls due to the slowing economy; …

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Television As A Medium To College Students' Predispositions: Portrayals Of Professors And Their Profession, Mona Millicent Lauber Jan 2001

Television As A Medium To College Students' Predispositions: Portrayals Of Professors And Their Profession, Mona Millicent Lauber

UNLV Retrospective Theses & Dissertations

Students bring preconceived beliefs and attitudes to their initial college experience. These predispositions influence their communication and interaction with faculty and others in the higher education environment. Previous research identified family, school, and peers as sources that contribute to the formation of students' predispositions. This study was designed to explore television as a fourth medium to college students' predispositions; Drawing from the perspectives of social cognitive theory and cultivation theory, portrayals of professors were analyzed in 15 episodes across three television programs. The content analysis employed both quantitative and qualitative techniques. Personality categories for the quantitative portion were adapted from …

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Technology Leadership At A Junior High School: A Qualitative Case Study, Alvin Wesley Matthews Jan 2001

Technology Leadership At A Junior High School: A Qualitative Case Study, Alvin Wesley Matthews

UNLV Retrospective Theses & Dissertations

The purpose of this case study was to explore and describe the technology leadership at a junior high school. Technology-related attitudes, behaviors, and skills that have an impact on the school's technology program were examined with emphasis on the building principal. Interviews, observations, and other documents were the means of data collection. This study has implications for people who want to support computers and other educational technology. This case study included the principal, computer specialist, and teachers with varying degrees of computer experience. In addition to Kearsley's three roles of leader, manager, and politician (1991), four other technology-related roles emerged …

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A Study Of Allied Health Care Entry -Level Employee Workplace Basic Skills And Competencies, Mildred Arroyo Mcclain Jan 2001

A Study Of Allied Health Care Entry -Level Employee Workplace Basic Skills And Competencies, Mildred Arroyo Mcclain

UNLV Retrospective Theses & Dissertations

This study utilized quantitative research methodologies to investigate the perceptions of Nevada allied health care providers regarding the importance of the workplace basic skills and competencies identified by the United States Department of Labor Secretary's Commission on Achieving Necessary Skills (SCANS,1991). Since it was assumed that employers possess direct knowledge of their employees' work skills, a questionnaire was developed and distributed to allied health care department supervisors in all of the identified hospitals within the state of Nevada; A primary purpose of this study was to determine the extent to which allied health care providers in Nevada considered each of …

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Facilitating The Process Of Knowledge Construction Among Preservice Teachers Through Computer -Mediated Communications, Jennifer Ann Peterson-Lewinson Jan 2001

Facilitating The Process Of Knowledge Construction Among Preservice Teachers Through Computer -Mediated Communications, Jennifer Ann Peterson-Lewinson

UNLV Retrospective Theses & Dissertations

This study was concerned with the potential for asynchronous computer-mediated communications (CMC) to facilitate the process of knowledge construction among preservice teachers. Using both quantitative and qualitative research methods, this study examined the extent to which the CMC among six groups of preservice teachers was influenced by (a) the structure and focus of CMC, and (b) the interactions among peers. Of particular interest was (a) how these factors influenced the depth in cognitive processing that was displayed throughout the course of the semester, and (b) the patterns of social dialogue and interactions that were involved with the displayed levels in …

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Effects Of Social Skill Training For High -Functioning Adolescents With Autism Spectrum Disorder, Barbara Jane Webb Jan 2001

Effects Of Social Skill Training For High -Functioning Adolescents With Autism Spectrum Disorder, Barbara Jane Webb

UNLV Retrospective Theses & Dissertations

The purpose of the study was to investigate the efficacy of using the SCORE Skills Strategy to teach high-functioning adolescents with autism spectrum disorder five social skills that are needed to work in cooperative groups. Ten male subjects ranging in age from 12 to 17, participated in a 10-week evening program. The subjects were in grades 6 through 11, and spent 17% to 100% of their school day in general education classes. The effects of the intervention were evaluated using a multiple-baseline across-skills and a multiple probe design. Data were collected to answer seven research questions related to subjects' abilities …

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Description And Effects Of Teacher Motivation, Teacher Efficacy, And Sequential Behavior Practice In Physical Education Teacher Education (Pete), Hosung So Jan 2001

Description And Effects Of Teacher Motivation, Teacher Efficacy, And Sequential Behavior Practice In Physical Education Teacher Education (Pete), Hosung So

UNLV Retrospective Theses & Dissertations

Prior to this dissertation, a valid and reliable cognitive measurement instrument was not available in the physical education teacher education (PETE) literature to analyze and evaluate teacher motivation and teacher efficacy. The first important purpose of this dissertation was, therefore, to develop and validate two such instruments to measure teacher motivation (TMT-PE) and teacher efficacy (TES). This purpose was accomplished through the implementation of various statistical methods related to the testing of reliability and validity issues when involved in constructing cognitive measurement instruments. As a second purpose of this dissertation, correlation data among teacher motivation and teacher efficacy, and teacher …

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Numerical And Experimental Investigation Of Deformation And Strength Properties Of Lithophysae -Rich Tuff And Analog Materials, Bahri Burcin Avar Jan 2001

Numerical And Experimental Investigation Of Deformation And Strength Properties Of Lithophysae -Rich Tuff And Analog Materials, Bahri Burcin Avar

UNLV Retrospective Theses & Dissertations

Portions of the high-level nuclear waste repository in Yucca Mountain will be located in lithophysae-rich tuff formations. Understanding the mechanical properties of the lithophysae-rich tuff, including deformation modulus, deformation ratio and compressive strength, is an important issue for design and the performance of the repository tunnels. These properties are expected to be significantly affected by lithophysal porosity; Two different research directions are implemented in this dissertation. First, uniaxial compression testing is simulated using finite difference technique on models containing circular holes in order to investigate the effect of porosity on deformation parameters. Numerical results are compared with biaxial test results …

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Student Search And Seizure Since Tlo, Darryl Craig Wyatt Jan 2001

Student Search And Seizure Since Tlo, Darryl Craig Wyatt

UNLV Retrospective Theses & Dissertations

When students in public schools are searched or seized by school officials for any reason, it can sometimes be a violation of the their Fourth Amendment right to be free from unreasonable searches and seizures. Two United States Supreme Court decisions---New Jersey v. T.L.O., 469 U.S. 325 (1985), and Vernonia v. Acton, 515 U.S. 646 (1995), have addressed student searches. T.L.O. dealt with the search of a student's purse after she was caught breaking a school rule, smoking in the bathroom. Vernonia established ground rules for dealing with drug-testing policies in the school environment. In both cases the Supreme Court …

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Mentoring Toward Technology Use: Cooperating Teacher Practice In Preparing Student Teachers, Karen Jane Grove Jan 2001

Mentoring Toward Technology Use: Cooperating Teacher Practice In Preparing Student Teachers, Karen Jane Grove

UNLV Retrospective Theses & Dissertations

This study investigated the practices of cooperating teachers as they prepared student teachers to integrate technology into teaching and learning activities. Descriptive statistics and qualitative methods were used in this study; Participants included 16 cooperating teachers from grades K--12 and seven of their student teachers. The cooperating teachers attended a series of monthly full-day workshops during the semester long project. The school district and the university jointly sponsored the workshops. Seven of the cooperating teachers and their student teachers were selected for case studies; Data sources included electronic transcripts from discussion forums, transcripts of workshop discussions among the cooperating teachers, …

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Starbursts In The Uv Bright Interacting Galaxies Ngc 3395 And Ngc 3396, Mark Hancock Jan 2001

Starbursts In The Uv Bright Interacting Galaxies Ngc 3395 And Ngc 3396, Mark Hancock

UNLV Retrospective Theses & Dissertations

We have obtained ultraviolet and visible wavelength images for the interacting galaxies, NGC 3395/6, using the Space Telescope Imaging Spectrograph (STIS) on Hubble Space Telescope (HST). The images show many isolated sources of ultraviolet emission which are young star forming regions with ages ≤8 x 107 years. Reddening of the star forming knots ranges from E(B--V) = 0.0 to E(B--V) = 0.3, indicating variable amounts of dust surrounding these regions. The full width at half maximum of most of the knots in both galaxies are ≤20 pc. The distribution of far ultraviolet (FUV) fluxes in the knots corresponds to ∼3 …

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The Ecological Role Of Beavers (Castor Canadensis) In A Southwestern Desert Stream, Bryan James Harper Jan 2001

The Ecological Role Of Beavers (Castor Canadensis) In A Southwestern Desert Stream, Bryan James Harper

UNLV Retrospective Theses & Dissertations

The ecological impact of beavers on a stream in the southwestern United States was investigated to determine if beavers have impact on community and ecosystem level processes in a manner similar to what has been documented in more mesic regions. Specifically, my goals were to determine: (1) whether beaver pond densities differ in an arid Mojave Desert system from densities reported for those of more mesic regions, (2) what riparian plant species beaver are foraging on most frequently in this system, and (3) to determine if beaver ponds alter the system retention of nitrogen, a nutrient that often limits primary …

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Questions And Conjectures About Multinomial Coefficients, Troy Richard Kessler Jan 2001

Questions And Conjectures About Multinomial Coefficients, Troy Richard Kessler

UNLV Retrospective Theses & Dissertations

The purpose of this thesis is to try to answer some of the questions in Dr. Bachman's paper "On Divisibility Properties of Certain Multinomial Coefficients". First we let {ai} be any sequence (finite or infinite) of positive integers such that i1ai ≤1 . It is clear that n!&sqbl0;na1 &sqbr0;!&sqbl0;na2&sqbr0; !&sqbl0;na3&sqbr0;!&ldots; is an integer because it is a multiple of a certain multinomial coefficient. We let fan=n! Ln&sqbl0;n a1&sqbr0;!&sqbl0;na 2&sqbr0;!&sqbl0;na3 &sqbr0;!&ldots; where L(n) = lcm(1, 2, 3, .., n). It is easy to show that fa(n) is integer-valued. In particular, we would like to study the sequence a1 = b1 = …

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Muscle Performance During Slow Isokinetic Speeds, Jonathan Michael Kwantes Jan 2001

Muscle Performance During Slow Isokinetic Speeds, Jonathan Michael Kwantes

UNLV Retrospective Theses & Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to investigate the possible mechanism responsible for the decrease in force during the 5°/sec velocity compared to the isometric velocity. Subjects (n = 9) completed MVC knee extension exercises during eccentric speeds of 5, 10, and 15°/sec, as well as isometric contractions. Extensor force and average EMG (aEMG) of the vastus lateralis (VL) and biceps femoris (BF) were quantified at knee angles of 55° and 65°. Six ANOVA (alpha = 0.05) tests determined a decrease in FT (p < 0.05) at both knee angles and a decrease in VL aEMG (p < 0.05) at 55° during 5°/sec condition compared to the isometric condition. No change in BF aEMG was observed across speeds (p > 0.05). It was concluded that there is a controlling mechanism which is neurological in nature which …

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The Fixture And Methodologies For Evaluating Vibration Characteristics Of Hand-Held Pneumatic Impact Tools, Jeffrey G Markle Jan 2001

The Fixture And Methodologies For Evaluating Vibration Characteristics Of Hand-Held Pneumatic Impact Tools, Jeffrey G Markle

UNLV Retrospective Theses & Dissertations

A test fixture has been designed for the testing of hand held pneumatic impact tools. The test fixture was modeled after a one-degree of freedom mass-spring-damper system. The design of the test fixture allows for a broad range of testing scenarios intended to simulate the methods in which impact tools are used in industry. Sustained use and assembly operations performed by impact tools were simulated on the test fixture. Acceleration measurements at the impact tool's handle and on the test fixture's mass were recorded during the simulations. From the measurements made on the test fixture's mass, the acceleration levels at …

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Peer Education And Its Effects On The Beliefs Of Rape Myths, Allison Marmer Jan 2001

Peer Education And Its Effects On The Beliefs Of Rape Myths, Allison Marmer

UNLV Retrospective Theses & Dissertations

Research has found that there is a relationship between men's acceptance of rape myths and violence against women (Malamuth, 1989). These stereotypical ideas about rape, rape victims, and rapists, perpetuate rape. Peer education may play a beneficial part in teaching students about rape, and is the primary focus of this study. The hypothesis of this study was that the rape myth prevention intervention would reduce the beliefs in myths about rape. The intervention, or informative lecture that was given to the experimental group was a derivative of material geared towards high school students. In summary, this research study succeeded to …

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Anomaly Detection In Hyperspectral Signatures Using Automated Derivative Spectroscopy Methods, Srilatha Panchanathan Jan 2001

Anomaly Detection In Hyperspectral Signatures Using Automated Derivative Spectroscopy Methods, Srilatha Panchanathan

UNLV Retrospective Theses & Dissertations

The goal of this research was to detect anomalies in remotely sensed Hyperspectral images using automated derivative based methods. A database of Hyperspectral signatures was used that had simulated additive Gaussian anomalies that modeled a weakly concentrated aerosol in several spectral bands. The automated pattern detection system was carried out in four steps. They were: (1) feature extraction, (2) feature reduction through linear discriminant analysis, (3) performance characterization through receiver operating characteristic curves, and (4) signature classification using nearest mean and maximum likelihood classifiers. The Hyperspectral database contained signatures with various anomaly concentrations ranging from weakly present to moderately present …

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Deterrence And Urinalysis Of Probationers, James Pierre Perdue Jan 2001

Deterrence And Urinalysis Of Probationers, James Pierre Perdue

UNLV Retrospective Theses & Dissertations

Urinalysis of offenders under community supervision has become a standard procedure for probation offices in the United States. The District of Nevada reports proportionally half the rate of positive urine tests compared to the national average. The current research utilized a survey and field study of the offenders under federal supervision in the District of Nevada who were court ordered to submit to urine testing. The research addresses questions regarding deterrence and the accuracy of the urine testing program. Results indicate that there was little difference between groups of offenders who reported using drugs while in the testing program. A …

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Parent Pathology And Family Environment As Correlates Of Child Separation Anxiety Disorder, Courtney Ryan Pursell Jan 2001

Parent Pathology And Family Environment As Correlates Of Child Separation Anxiety Disorder, Courtney Ryan Pursell

UNLV Retrospective Theses & Dissertations

Forty-four families whose children were tested for Separation Anxiety Disorder three years ago were again contacted for a follow-up study focusing on stability of the diagnosis over time and the associative characteristics of parent pathology and aspects of their family environment. Children were diagnosed with either no symptoms of separation anxiety, subclinical symptoms of separation anxiety (1 or 2 symptoms), or clinical Separation Anxiety Disorder (3 or more symptoms). Parent pathology focused on depression, obsessive/compulsive, phobic anxiety, and somatization. Family environment examined parental control and level of expression in the family. Current levels of parental pathology were found to be …

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The Experience Of Successful Smoking Cessation: A Phenomenological Inquiry, Gail Ann Rattigan Jan 2001

The Experience Of Successful Smoking Cessation: A Phenomenological Inquiry, Gail Ann Rattigan

UNLV Retrospective Theses & Dissertations

Cigarette smoking is a significant public health issue and despite efforts, prevalence of smoking has not decreased in accordance with national goals. This study utilized a phenomenological approach to describe women's experience of successful smoking cessation. Pender's Health Promotion Model (1996) and Prochaska and DiClementes' Transtheoretical Model of Change (1996) were utilized. Twelve women who had successfully quit smoking were interviewed; Data analysis yielded a core theme of transformation to non-smoker. Sub-themes included motivational factors of image conflict and cues for action. Other themes included barriers to cessation and coping mechanisms. Interpersonal factors and unconditional resolve were influential. Activity-related affect …

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An Assessment Of Financial Ratios As Predictors Of Casino Stocks' Behavior, Flavia Godoy Razuk Jan 2001

An Assessment Of Financial Ratios As Predictors Of Casino Stocks' Behavior, Flavia Godoy Razuk

UNLV Retrospective Theses & Dissertations

The purpose of this research is to assess the effectiveness of financial ratios as predictors of casino stocks' performance. The financial ratios used in this study were EBITDA/sales, adjusted EBITDA/shares, asset turnover ratio, current ratio, and debt/equity ratio. A regression analysis tested the correlation between the percentage changes in the financial ratios and the percentage change in the E/P ratio. In addition, a regression analysis tested the correlation between the percentage changes in financial ratios and the percentage change in the market capitalization of the companies in the sample. The statistical test used was a multiple regression analysis; The findings …

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The Effect Of Surface Compliance On The Cost And Benefit Of Performing Drop-Jumps, Michele Nicole Reid Jan 2001

The Effect Of Surface Compliance On The Cost And Benefit Of Performing Drop-Jumps, Michele Nicole Reid

UNLV Retrospective Theses & Dissertations

The purpose of the study was to investigate the effect of surface compliance on the cost and benefit of performing drop jumps (DJ). The cost was quantified using peak ground reaction force (GRF) (FPEAK), time to peak GRF (TFPEAK) and loading rate (LR). The benefit was quantified using lower extremity stiffness (K) and amortization phase (AMORT). Ten female subjects performed five DJ trials each on a force plate (C1), turf surface (C2) and aerobics mat (C3). GRF and kinematic data were recorded concurrently at 1000 Hz and 200 Hz, respectively. Dependent variables were analyzed using a repeated measures ANOVA. FPEAK …

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Motivations Of Elders Who Volunteer With Youth In Intergenerational Programs, Christine Alberta Stergios Jan 2001

Motivations Of Elders Who Volunteer With Youth In Intergenerational Programs, Christine Alberta Stergios

UNLV Retrospective Theses & Dissertations

Intergenerational programs have been found to benefit both the youths and elders who participate in them. Successful programs that serve youth are dependent on obtaining sufficient older adult volunteers. However, program directors report a shortage of older volunteers, despite various recruitment methods. Understanding the motivations of older adults who volunteer for intergenerational programs may help recruiters more effectively secure additional elderly volunteers, and provide optimal volunteer experiences. Qualitative methods were used to study nineteen elderly volunteers who provide service to youth programs or projects. Results found that these elders wanted to contribute to the lives of youth, feel connected to …

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Self-Stabilizing Interval Routing Algorithm With Low Stretch Factor, Sripriya Sundaram Jan 2001

Self-Stabilizing Interval Routing Algorithm With Low Stretch Factor, Sripriya Sundaram

UNLV Retrospective Theses & Dissertations

A compact routing scheme is a routing strategy which suggests routing tables that are space efficient compared to traditional all-pairs shortest path routing algorithms. An Interval Routing algorithm is a compact routing algorithm which uses a routing table at every node in which a set of destination addresses that use the same output port are grouped into intervals of consecutive addresses. Self-stabilization is a property by which a system is guaranteed to reach a legitimate state in a finite number of steps starting from any arbitrary state. A self-stabilizing Pivot Interval Routing (PIR) algorithm is proposed in this work. The …

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Multi-Object Recognition And Retrieval Using Puma560 Robot, Bharatha R Viswanadha Jan 2001

Multi-Object Recognition And Retrieval Using Puma560 Robot, Bharatha R Viswanadha

UNLV Retrospective Theses & Dissertations

The objective of the research described here is to develop efficient algorithm and software tools for multiobject recognition and retrieval. This research project addresses two major issues: The first issue is the identification of features and efficient methods for feature extraction which can completely describe an object. These features can be acquired using visual and ultra-sonic sensors. The second issue is the development of efficient algorithms for the retrieval of multi-objects based on their features; The methods and algorithms developed in this research are verified on a Unimation PUMA 560 robot. Non contact sensors (a vision and a range sensor) …

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