Digital Commons Network^™

Latin American Resistance Movements In The Time Of The Posts, Glen Kuecker

History Faculty publications

This article examines the flood of resistance movements in today’s Latin America. It places them in the context of the great economic changes that have swept the world since the end of the Cold War, what is often called “globalization.” Analysis focuses on the “newness” of our contemporary period, especially the importance of the transnational political and economic order. This essay illustrates how social scientists attempt to understand this moment of change, and emphasizes the limitations to their theory. Special emphasis is on the utility of New Social Movement theory as a tool for understanding today’s resistance movements as well …

Protecting Us From Pictures : Gender And Support For Legal Restrictions On Pornography, Elizabeth Lynne Chivers

Dissertations and Theses @ UNI

Research and debate concerning pornography has been controversial, primarily focusing on the perceived harmful effects. The current study addresses support for legal restrictions and the effect of gender on this support. Based on the internalization of gender roles, perspectives, and identities through socialization, gender is constructed differently for men and women. Because this socialization is constructed around an oppositional male-female dichotomy, men and women experience the world differently. While there have been previous research addressing gender differences, the gendered nature of attitudes merits further study.

The current study is based on data collected for 451 undergraduate students at the University …

Drug Use And Pool Performance : An Exploratory Study, Robert P. Hansen

Dissertations and Theses @ UNI

This is an exploratory project assessing various aspects of drug use by Competitive Amateur Pool Players. Although the primary focus is on alcohol and its effects on performance, the prevalence of illegal narcotics use is also given considerable attention. The primary research tool was a questionnaire designed to (a) identify the Competitive Amateur status of the respondent, (b) identify the type of drugs used by pool players, and (c) determine the effects these drugs may have on pool performance. The questionnaire was distributed to 55 pool players and the statistical analyses of their responses were supplemented by a limited number …

Effects Of Localization And Amplification On Intensity Distribution Of Light Transmitted Through Random Media, Alexey Yamilov, Hui Cao

Physics Faculty Research & Creative Works

We numerically study the statistical distribution of intensity of light transmitted through quasi-one-dimensional random media by varying the dimensionless conductance g and the amount of absorption or gain. A markedly non-Rayleigh distribution is found to be well fitted by the analytical formula of Nieuwenhuizen et al. [Phys. Rev. Lett. 74, 2674 (1995)] with a single parameter g′ . We show that in the passive random system g′ is uniquely related to g , while in amplifying or absorbing random media g′ also depends on the gain or absorption coefficient.

Traversal Times For Random Walks On Small-World Networks, V. M. Kenkre, Paul Ernest Parris

Physics Faculty Research & Creative Works

We study the mean traversal time tau for a class of random walks on Newman-Watts small-world networks, in which steps around the edge of the network occur with a transition rate F that is different from the rate f for steps across small-world connections. when f>>F, the mean time tau to traverse the network exhibits a transition associated with percolation of the random graph (i.e., small-world) part of the network, and a collapse of the data onto a universal curve. This transition was not observed in earlier studies in which equal transition rates were assumed for all allowed steps. …

Determining Criminal Motive Using Deductive Profiling: A Feasibility Study, Kelly J. Dupont

Dissertations and Theses @ UNI

In recent years criminal profiling has gained increasing popularity and attention as a result of media and law enforcement interest. It is becoming increasingly apparent that the field is lacking in essential empirical support. The FBI's Crime Classification Manual, used to train FBI profilers, states in its opening pages that the information provided in the manual is not empirically derived; rather it is based on the collective opinion of those with experience in law enforcement (Douglas, Burgess, & Burgess, 1992). An area particularly in need of research is the relationship between motive and criminal behavior. Understanding motive can be a …

Children’S Perceptions Of Peers’ Intentions In Ambiguous And Aggressive Situations, Tara Jo Finch

Dissertations and Theses @ UNI

The purpose of the study was to examine high aggressive and low aggressive children's perceptions of their peers' intentions in ambiguous and aggressive situations. Teacher ratings of aggression were assessed for 25 first grade children. Measures were taken to evaluate children's judgments about aggressors' intentions in ambiguous and aggressive acts. In the first part of the assessment, children were read three stories about an ambiguously aggressive situation, asked whether or not it was okay for the provoker to perform the action, and asked why they believed the provoker carried out the aggressive act. In the second part, children were read …

Interactive Dna Sequence And Structure Design For Dna Nanoapplications, Mingjun Zhang, Chaman Sabharwal, Weimin Tao, Tzyh-Jong Tarn, Ning Xi, Guangyong Li

Computer Science Faculty Research & Creative Works

DNA sequence and structure design is very important for DNA nanoapplications. A computer-aided design tool is needed for exploring DNA sequence and structure of interests before experimental synthesis, which is a time- and labor-consuming process. In this paper, an interactive DNA sequence and structure design software tool called DNA shop is proposed and implemented. The visualization tool can generate DNA structures by specifying, selecting, and moving DNA sequences around and display corresponding structures. Using the tool, DNA sequence and structure can be visually inspected in three-dimensional space before experimental studies.

Interactive Dna Sequence And Structure Design For Dna Nanotechnology And Dna Computation, Mingjun Zhang, Chaman Sabharwal, Weimin Tao, Tzyh-Jong Tarn, Ning Xi, Guangyong Li

Computer Science Faculty Research & Creative Works

DNA sequence and structure design are very important for DNA nanotechnology and DNA computation. A computer aided design tool is needed for exploring DNA sequence and structure of interests before experimental synthesis, which is a very time and labor consuming process. In this paper, an interactive DNA sequence and structure design software tool called DNA shop is proposed and implemented.

An Intelligent Dissolved Oxygen Microsensor System With Electrochemically Actuated Fluidics, Chang-Soo Kim, Jongwon Park, Xinbo He

Electrical and Computer Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

A new dissolved oxygen monitoring microsystem is proposed to achieve in situ intelligent self-calibration by using an electrochemically actuated fluidic system. The electrochemical actuation, based on water electrolysis, plays two critical roles in the proposed microsystem. First, the electrochemically generated gases serve as the calibrants for the in situ 2-point calibration/diagnosis procedure of the microsensor in a chip. Secondly, the electrochemical generation and collapse of gas bubbles provide the driving force of the bidirectional fluidic manipulation for sampling and dispensing of the sample solution. A microsystem including a dissolved oxygen microprobe, electrochemical actuators, and a fluidic structure are prepared by …

Teaching, Learning And Research: Linking High School Teachers To Information Literacy, Stephanie Davis-Kahl

Scholarly Publications

The Compton Teacher Information Literacy Institute (CTILI) is a teacher professional development program funded by the Compton (CA) Unified School District and delivered by the University of California at Irvine Libraries’ Department of Education and Outreach. Teacher professional development, university and library outreach activities and influences are discussed to give background on CTILI curriculum development. Institute goals and objectives are outlined, as is our curriculum remodeling effort after a mid-year assessment. Plans for future institutes are included.

Child Sexual Abuse In Sub-Saharan Africa: A Literature Review, Kevin Lalor

Articles

Objective. This article reviews the English-language literature on child sexual abuse in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). The focus is on the sexual abuse of children in the home/community, as opposed to the commercial sexual exploitation of children. Method. English language, peer-reviewed papers cited in the Social Sciences Citation Index (SSCI) are examined. Reports from international and local NGOs and UN agencies are also examined. Results. Few published studies on the sexual abuse of children have been conducted in the region, with the exception of South Africa. Samples are predominantly clinical or University based. A number of studies report that approximately five …

Matt Christopher Papers - Accession 1092, Matthew Frederick Christopher, Fredric Martin

Manuscript Collection

The Matt Christopher Papers consist of published manuscripts, published short stories (1943-1994) (drafts, synopses, plot outlines, and magazines, comics, and newspapers with articles and short stories), galleys (1954-1990s), leather bound author’s editions (1954-1991), and publisher’s editions of Matt Christopher’s children’s books (1954-2004). The collection contains many unpublished manuscripts and drafts outside the children’s book field (1954-1997), unpublished poems (1938-1993), unpublished screenplays (1940-1997), and unpublished short stories (1954-1997). Also included are taped (audio and video) interviews of Matt Christopher, as well as, puzzles for children (1988-1992), research materials and notes (1954-1997), sports rule-books (1954-1995), and writing guides (1909-1995), personal (1949-1997) and …

Ethnics, Violence, And Truth: Soccer's American Past, Lindsay Hawley

Constructing the Past

This article discusses research done on the reports of soccer matches in the American media and whether or not those reports are biased according to ethnic stereotypes. It concludes that there may be some truth to the image of the soccer match as a violent event, despite the author's first thoughts on the issue.

The Photographs Of Jacob Riis: History In Relation To Truth, Lauren Jensen

Constructing the Past

This article discusses the photographs and writing of Jacob Riis, who was instrumental in informing middle and upperclass people in the 1870's about the poverty and conditions in the slums. It suggests that Riis may have staged some of his photographs, and that he was not without bias in his reporting, but that his pictures and writing did help in charging the social reform movements.

Efficient Path Search In Intermodal Transportation Optimization, Daniel Y. Yankov

Theses

As the economies of the world become more interrelated and Supply Chains are globalizing, the need arises to create efficient transportation network. This reality in conjunction with conservation of fuel and environmental friendliness gives rise to the research of Efficient Intermodal Transportation System. In particular, the underutilization of railroads in the United States motivates us to research the development of optimal procedures in the transportation of containers in a rail network. With this thesis we search for a cost, time and capacity effective algorithm for solving transportation problem in a graph of intermodal centers (IMC's). We consider discrete model of …

In-Situ Apparent Conductivity Measurements And Microbial Population Distribution At A Hydrocarbon-Contaminated Site, Estella A. Atekwana, D. Dale Werkema, Joseph W. Duris, Silvia Rossbach, Eliot A. Atekwana, William A. Sauck, Daniel P. Cassidy, Jay Means, Franklyn D. Legall

Geosciences and Geological and Petroleum Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

We investigated the bulk electrical conductivity and microbial population distribution in sediments at a site contaminated with light nonaqueous-phase liquid (LNAPL). The bulk conductivity was measured using in-situ vertical resistivity probes; the most probable number method was used to characterize the spatial distribution of aerobic heterotrophic and oil-degrading microbial populations. The purpose of this study was to assess if high conductivity observed at aged LNAPL-impacted sites may be related to microbial degradation of LNAPL. The results show higher bulk conductivity coincident with LNAPL-impacted zones, in contrast to geoelectrical models that predict lower conductivity in such zones. The highest bulk conductivity …

Modeling The Wave Propagation Properties Of Power Cables Using Numerical Simulations, R. Papazyan, David Pommerenke, R. Eriksson

Electrical and Computer Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

The high frequency properties of coaxial power cables are modeled using time- and frequency-domain numerical simulations. This is required due to the complex helical structure of the outer metallic screen. It is established that this screen design causes a dependence of the cable characteristics on the surrounding medium

Optimal Pso For Collective Robotic Search Applications, Ganesh K. Venayagamoorthy, Venu Gopal Gudise, Sheetal Doctor

Electrical and Computer Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

Unmanned vehicles/mobile robots are of particular interest in target tracing applications since there are many areas where a human cannot explore. Different means of control have been investigated for unmanned vehicles with various algorithms like genetic algorithms, evolutionary computations, neural networks etc. This work presents the application of particle swarm optimization (PSO) for collective robotic search. The performance of the PSO algorithm depends on various parameters called quality factors and these parameters are determined using a secondary PSO. Results are presented to show that the performance of PSO algorithm and search is improved for a single and multiple target searches.

Micro Spies, Georae W. Zobrist

Computer Science Faculty Research & Creative Works

No abstract provided.

Learning To Learn-Concepts In A First Power Engineering Course, Badrul H. Chowdhury

Electrical and Computer Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

Three well-known and widely accepted concepts in educational psychology are revisited. These are "inventory of learning styles," "taxonomy of educational objectives," and "metacognition." Relationships among these concepts are highlighted. Often, a student can develop his (or her) own learning style by the process of metacognition. Ideas are borrowed from these concepts for use in a first-level power systems course. It is beyond a doubt that both cognitive and metacognitive skills are necessary for students to succeed in any course. While a semester-long power systems course leaves little time for critical thinking and passive reflection for students, certain activities may very …

Navigation Of Mobile Sensors Using Pso And Embedded Pso In A Fuzzy Logic Controller, Ganesh K. Venayagamoorthy, Sheetal Doctor

Electrical and Computer Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

This paper presents novel structures for optimization and communication of a swarm of mobile sensors or robots for maximizing local and global tasks such as firefighting, landmine detection, radioactivity detection, etc. The navigation of the sensors is carried out using two strategies. The first strategy is based on particle swarm optimization (PSO) and the second strategy is based on a swarm of fuzzy logic based controllers. In addition, the membership functions and the rules of the fuzzy logic controller (FLC) are optimized using the PSO algorithm. Navigation of mobile sensors is considered in this paper to locate desirable target sources …

Educational Change Process: A Case Study Of A Rural School District's Reading Reform, Barbara M. Havel Bohach

Dissertations and Theses @ UNI

Beginning reading instruction is the subject of much debate in educational fields as well as in the political arena. The product of such debates is often a push to reform reading programs and teachers are targeted as the ones to carry out these reforms. If reading educators have been actively involved in a reading change process, what are their concerns about change and the influence of mandated legislation?

The purpose of this qualitative research study was to examine how teachers and administrators initiated and implemented a balanced reading innovation. It also investigated how the Concerns-Based Adoption Model identified teachers' concerns …

Copyright Under Siege: The First Amendment Front, Lackland H. Bloom Jr.

Computer Law Review and Technology Journal

For the past twenty-five years, I have taught courses in both Copyright and Freedom of Speech. Until quite recently, these two tangentially-related subjects have co-existed in peaceful harmony. Over the years, I have traditionally devoted about ten minutes of Copyright class time to the free speech issue and no time at all in Freedom of Speech class to issues of copyright. That was then; the old world has changed. Now, we have collectively become embroiled in what some are calling the "copyright wars", with the First Amendment (specifically, freedom of speech) as one of the central battlegrounds. In 1970, two …

Trademark Challenges, John M. Cone

Computer Law Review and Technology Journal

The proponent of a product design trade dress must show that the trade dress is non-functional. In 2001, the Supreme Court considered functionality in the context of a patented, dual-spring mechanism for temporary road signs, which were designed to withstand strong gusts of wind. In reversing the lower court's summary judgment, the Sixth Circuit held that the availability of spring mechanisms, functionally equivalent but with a different appearance, rendered the dual-spring mechanism non-functional.The Supreme Court reversed, finding instead that the TrafFix dual-spring design was functional as a matter of law. The Court thus held that the availability of functionally equivalent, …

Co-Operative Development Of Technology: Understanding The Risks And Creating Opportunities To Excel, David L. Hitchcock

Computer Law Review and Technology Journal

While technological advances come with increasing speed and complexity, the globalization of the economy has forced companies to become leaner and more focused on their core areas of expertise. As a result companies are forced to seek and acquire assistance from others when dealing with certain technological areas. In such cases, businesses often form co-operative relationships, such as outsourcing development work, mutual development agreements, joint ventures. These and other co-operative affiliations serve to facilitate a rapid adaptation to market and technology changes. These types of arrangements often come with significant risks, among them loss of trade secrets and competitive know-how, …

A Softer Side To Men, Michael J. Lenney

Theses: Doctorates and Masters

“I am on time. It’s the afternoon of my medical for life-insurance suitability. The AMP building in Sydney is my destination. I arrive with about twenty minutes to spare. I don’t remember the receptionist. I don’t remember the faces of the doctors who attended me that day. All I can remember is that I could see the clouds passing over the glass ceiling as my blood pressure was taken several times. The first doctor took my blood pressure three times before seeking another opinion. The second doctor confirmed his fears. I was in the “too high” risk category. At the …

Using Interactive Multimedia (Imm) To Help Year Four And Five Students Identified As Experiencing Reading Difficulties: A Formative Approach, Grace Oakley

Theses: Doctorates and Masters

This study involved four formative experiments, each of which investigated ways in which IMM (Interactive Multimedia) could be used to help children who experienced reading difficulties. In each of the four contexts, classroom teachers identified a number of students with reading difficulties, selected pedagogical goals for them and worked with the researcher to plan IMM-based activities that targeted the selected goals. The implementations were evaluated formatively and modifications were made accordingly, with the intention of 'fine-tuning' them to facilitate achievement of the pedagogical goals. Facilitative and inhibitive factors were identified during and after each formative experiment, as were unplanned outcomes. …

Optimisation Of John The Ripper In A Clustered Linux Environment, Christian Frichot

Theses : Honours

To aid system administrators in enforcing strict password policies, the use of password cracking tools such as Cisilia (C.I.S.I.ar, 2003) and John the Ripper (Solar Designer, 2002), have been employed as software utilities to look for "weak" passwords. John the Ripper (JtR) attempts to crack the passwords by using a dictionary, brute-force or "other" mode of attack. The computational intensity of cracking passwords has led to the utilisation of parallel-processing environments to increase the speed of the password-cracking task. Parallel-processing environments can consist of either single systems with multiple processors, or a collection of separate computers working together as a …

2004 Faculty Senate Meeting Minutes, Morehead State University. Faculty Senate.

Faculty Senate Records

Faculty Senate meeting minutes for the entire year of 2004.