Digital Commons Network^™

A Healthy Pregnancy Curriculum For Adolescent Mothers: Participants' Perceptions And Effects On Infants' Birth Weight, Rae Konjoian

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to determine if there are differences in birth weight of infants, tobacco use during pregnancy, and Apgar scores of infants between pregnant adolescents who successfully complete a healthy pregnancy curriculum and those who do not and to further examine the adolescent mothers' perceptions of the major concepts included in a healthy pregnancy curriculum. The study involved the collection and analysis of retrospective data to determine differences in birth weight of infants, tobacco use during pregnancy, and Apgar scores of infants. Additionally, a questionnaire, focus group discussions, and follow-up interviews were conducted with former students …

Consanguinity, Sibling Relationships, And The Default Rules Of Inheritance Law: Reshaping Half-Blood Statutes To Reflect The Evolving Family, Ralph C. Brashier

SMU Law Review

No abstract provided.

A Study Of The Cost-Utility Of Outcomes Of Various Methods Of Increasing The Four-Year Graduation Rate In Osceola County Public Schools, Isaac Harold Berger

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to determine which interventions were deemed to be effective at increasing the four-year graduation rate in Osceola District Schools. This had become a concern due to the fact that this rate had decreased in recent years, and may be utilized as a predictor of the dropout rate. The interventions were then prioritized according to Levin's cost-utility theory, so that the order of implementation could be prioritized. The study was conducted in January and February of 2005, and responses were elicited from 600 people. Students currently in Osceola District Schools high schools comprised 200 of …

Schools Of Education, Theory Production, And Institutional Reform, Steve Loomis, Jake Rodriguez, Rachel Tillman

International Christian Community of Teacher Educators Journal

The purpose of this brief study is to examine the constraints on theory production in schools of education, especially relative to Christian schools of education.

Microstructural Characterization Of Ice Cores, Ian Baker, Daniel Iliescu, Rachel Obbard, Hui Chang, Benjamin Bostick, Charles Daghlian

Dartmouth Scholarship

No abstract provided.

A Compact Electronic Speckle Pattern Interferometry System Using A Photopolymer Reflection Holographic Optical Element, Guntaka Tulasi Sridhar Reddy, Raghavendra Jallapuram, Vincent Toal, Izabela Naydenova, Suzanne Martin, Svetlana Mintova

Conference Papers

A simple and compact electronic speckle pattern interferometry system using a reflection holographic optical element is presented. The reflection holographic optical element is recorded on an acrylamide based photopolymer formulated and prepared at the Centre for Industrial & Engineering Optics. Light intensity of 40mW/cm2 with an exposure time of 60 seconds was used in fabricating the holographic optical element. The vibration mode patterns of a 4 cm diameter thin circular sheet of brass metal attached to a 4 cm diameter paper cone loud speaker are presented.

The Reach Of Abduction: Insight And Trial (Book Review), G. C. Goddu

Philosophy Faculty Publications

The Reach of Abduction is the second volume in a planned three-volume set - A Practical Logic of Cognitive Systems - spanning relevance, abduction, and fallacious reasoning. Despite this fact, Gabbay and Woods write in the preface that "we have written the individual volumes with a view to their being read either as stand-alone works or as linked and somewhat overlapping items in the series" (p. xvii). The aim of The Reach of Abduction is to embed abduction "within a practical logic of cognitive systems" and in so doing, provide "an adequate stand-alone characterization of abduction itself' (p. 9). At …

Impact Of Audio Text, Visual Text And Cueing On Cognitive Load And Performance, Nardina N. Mein

Wayne State University Dissertations

The focus of this study is to examine the effects of cognitive load theory, particularly the effects of redundancy and cueing, when learning from text and diagrams. A review of the literature on cognitive load and cueing is presented in three sections; the literature on split-attention and redundancy, studies investigating the modality effect, and literature of signaling or cueing related to performance and cognitive load in instructional design. In one experiment three hypotheses were tested; that novice participants would have lower cognitive load, higher recall and higher performance with a) cued text vs. plain text, b) audio text vs. visual …

Stochastic Learning Feedback Hybrid Automata For Dynamic Power Management In Embedded Systems, T. Erbes, S. K. Shukla, Pushkin Kachroo

Electrical & Computer Engineering Faculty Research

Dynamic power management (DPM) refers to the strategies employed at system level to reduce energy expenditure (i.e. to prolong battery life) in embedded systems. The trade-off involved in DPM techniques is between the reductions of energy consumption and latency suffered by the tasks. Such trade-offs need to be decided at runtime, making DPM an on-line problem. We formulate DPM as a hybrid automaton control problem and integrate stochastic control. The control strategy is learnt dynamically using stochastic learning hybrid automata (SLHA) with feedback learning algorithms. Simulation-based experiments show the expediency of the feedback systems in stationary environments. Further experiments reveal …

Control Algorithms For Large Scale Adaptive Optics, Piotr Piatrou

Dissertations, Master's Theses and Master's Reports - Open

In this dissertation, the problem of creating effective large scale Adaptive Optics (AO) systems control algorithms for the new generation of giant optical telescopes is addressed. The effectiveness of AO control algorithms is evaluated in several respects, such as computational complexity, compensation error rejection and robustness, i.e. reasonable insensitivity to the system imperfections. The results of this research are summarized as follows:

1. Robustness study of Sparse Minimum Variance Pseudo Open Loop Controller (POLC) for multi-conjugate adaptive optics (MCAO). The AO system model that accounts for various system errors has been developed and applied to check the stability and performance …

Effectiveness Of A Nondestructive Evaluation Technique For Assessing Standing Timber Quality, Crystal L. Pilon

Dissertations, Master's Theses and Master's Reports - Open

The research presented in this thesis was conducted to further the development of the stress wave method of nondestructively assessing the quality of wood in standing trees. The specific objective of this research was to examine, in the field, use of two stress wave nondestructive assessment techniques.

The first technique examined utilizes a laboratory-built measurement system consisting of commercially available accelerometers and a digital storage oscilloscope. The second technique uses a commercially available tool that incorporates several technologies to determine speed of stress wave propagation in standing trees.

Field measurements using both techniques were conducted on sixty red pine trees …

Corrugated Wood Composite Panels For Structural Decking, Wei Chiang Pang

Dissertations, Master's Theses and Master's Reports - Open

High flexural strength and stiffness can be achieved by forming a thin panel into a wave shape perpendicular to the bending direction. The use of corrugated shapes to gain flexural strength and stiffness is common in metal and reinforced plastic products. However, there is no commercial production of corrugated wood composite panels. This research focuses on the application of corrugated shapes to wood strand composite panels.

Beam theory, classical plate theory and finite element models were used to analyze the bending behavior of corrugated panels. The most promising shallow corrugated panel configuration was identified based on structural performance and compatibility …

Beneficial Reuse And Sustainability: The Fate Of Organic Compounds In The Land-Applied Waste, M. R. Overcash, Ronald C. Sims, J. L. Sims, K. C. Nieman

Biological Engineering Faculty Publications

Land application systems, also referred to as beneficial reuse systems, are engineered systems that have defined and permitted application areas based on site and waste characteristics to determine the land area size requirement. These terrestrial systems have orders of magnitude greater microbial capability and residence time to achieve decomposition and assimilation compared with aquatic systems. In this paper we focus on current information and information needs related to terrestrial fate pathways in land treatment systems. Attention is given to conventional organic chemicals as well as new estrogenic and pharmaceutical chemicals of commerce. Specific terrestrial fate pathways addressed include: decomposition, bound …

Effects Of A Dependent Group Contingency On The Verbal Interactions Of Middle School Students With Emotional Disturbance, S. Hansen, Benjamin Lignugaris / Kraft

Special Education and Rehabilitation Counseling Faculty Publications

This study examined the effects of a dependent group contingency to increase positive verbal interactions among nine middle school-aged males in a self-contained classroom. Prior to implementing the group contingency, the students received social skills instruction. A withdrawal experimental design was then used to evaluate the effects of the dependent group contingency. Students' positive verbal interactions increased and negative verbal interactions decreased with the implementation of the dependent group contingency. When the group contingency was faded, positive and negative interaction levels were maintained. The results are discussed in terms of developing positive interaction skills among youth with emotional disturbance and …

Guide For Prospective Financial Information With Conforming Changes As Of May 1, 2005; Audit And Accounting Guide:, American Institute Of Certified Public Accountants. Financial Forecasts And Projections Task Force

Industry Guides (AAGs), Risk Alerts, and Checklists

No abstract provided.

Performances Of Stochastic Approaches In Generating Low Streamflow Data For Drought Analysis

Journal of Spatial Hydrology

This study analyzed the monthly-minimum daily discharge data of each month from three gauge stations on Cekerek Stream for forecasting using stochastic approaches. Initially non- parametric test (Mann-Kendall) was used to identify the trend during study period. The two approaches of stochastic modeling, ARIMA and Thomas-Fiering models, were used to simulate the monthly-minimum daily discharge data of each month. The error estimates (RMSE and MAE) of forecasts from both approaches were compared to identify the most suitable approach for reliable forecast. The two error estimates calculated for two approaches indicate that ARIMA model appear to be slightly better than Thomas-Fiering. …

Building Zion: The Latter-Day Saint Legacy Of Urban Planning, Craig D. Galli

BYU Studies

As with the founding of Plymouth Colony, distinctive historical circumstances and theological beliefs converged to motivate early Latter-day Saint community builders. While the historic roots of Salt Lake City are well known to virtually every grade school student in Utah and to Church members around the world, aspects of our remarkable legacy of urban and transportation planning remain obscure. The physical design and community values underlying early attempts to build Zion provide useful perspective and inspiration as today's community leaders now grapple with managing urban growth along Utah's Wasatch Front (from Brigham City to Nephi and Grantsville to Kamas) and …

Computer-Supported Rehabilitation Management A Case Study Of Using Virtual Reality Technology In Ambulatory Training For Post-Acute Stroke Patients, Felix O. Akinladejo

CCAC Theses and Dissertations

This study investigated the use of virtual reality (VR) technology in ambulatory training for post-acute stroke patients, and sought to determine whether skills gained in virtual environments transfer to real-world conditions. Patients with stroke typically suffer dysfunctions that impair the complex set of motions involved in walking. The limited amount of therapy and resources offered by the current health care system does not provide the frequency and intensity of training needed for functional recovery of the walking skills in patients following stroke assaults. This study, therefore, developed and investigated an alternative intervention technique capable of providing the frequency and intensity …

Cover And Contents

Turkish Journal of Zoology

No abstract provided.

Cover And Contents

Turkish Journal of Zoology

No abstract provided.

Spectral Imaging Using A Commercial Colour-Filter Array Digital Camera, Roy Berns, Lawrence Taplin, Mahdi Nezamabadi

Articles

A multi-year research programme is underway to develop and deliver spectral-based digital cameras for imaging cultural heritage at the National Gallery of Art, Washington DC, and the Museum of Modern Art, New York. The cameras will be used for documentation, production imaging, and conservation science. Three approaches have undergone testing: a liquid-crystal tunable filter (LCTF) coupled with a monochrome camera, a six-position filter wheel containing absorption filters coupled with a monochrome camera, and a two-position filter slider containing absorption filters coupled with a colour-filter array (CFA) colour camera. The last approach is the most practical as it uses conventional digital …

Evaluation Of A Modified Sinar 54m Digital Camera At The National Gallery Of Art, Washington Dc During April, 2005, Roy Berns, Lawrence Taplin

Articles

On April 26 – 27 2005, the RIT team brought their prototype Sinar 54M camera system to the National Gallery of Art’s Imaging Department. The team included Lawrence Taplin, Mitchell Rosen, and Roy Berns. RIT brought a spectroradiometer to measure the daylight fluorescent viewing illumination and if time allowed, NGA’s CRT display. They also brought a Macintosh G5 to control the camera and for image processing. NGA is using a production Sinar 54M. This enabled a direct comparison between NGA’s digital imaging workflow and the RIT workflow. Both cameras used the same lighting, Broncolor pulsed Xenon, lighting geometry, and photography …

Solving An Mri Spin Relaxometry Problem With Parallel Computing, Alan Kaminsky, Luke Mcomber

Articles

MRI spin relaxometry is the process of recovering the spin density spectrum from the time samples of the spin signal for each pixel of a magnetic resonance image. Since healthy tissue exhibits different spin relaxation rates from diseased tissue, MRI spin relaxometry potentially has utility for diagnosing disease. However, recovering the spin relaxation rates involves solving an inverse problem which requires substantial computation. The computation's running time can be reduced by processing the pixels in parallel on a parallel computer. A parallel program for solving the MRI spin relaxometry problem, SRSolve, was implemented in Java with MPI, its running time …

Geometric Modeling Of Engineered Abrasive Processes, Andres L. Carrano, James B. Taylor

Articles

One of the common issues that arises in abrasive machining is the inconsistency of the surface roughness within the same batch and under identical machining conditions. Recent advances in engineered abrasives have allowed replacement of the random arrangement of minerals on conventional belts with precisely shaped structures uniformly cast directly onto a backing material. This allows for abrasive belts that are more deterministic in shape, size, distribution, orientation, and composition. A computer model based on known tooling geometry was developed to approximate the asymptotic surface profile that was achievable under specific loading conditions. Outputs included the theoretical surface parameters, R^sub …

Loving Your Students - A Faculty Model For Today's Classroom, Anthony Trippe

Articles

This paper reviews research related to four recent business management models of charismatic and inspirational leadership. It goes on to select the key traits and behaviors of these leadership models for the workplace environment and use them as the foundation of a model for a loving faculty member. Like the business leader, the devoted, caring professor leads his engineering students in their quest for knowledge, growth and learning. Based upon peer-reviewed leadership research which reports the value and benefits of a caring, mentoring and loving leader in the business world, the loving professor will also be successful in meeting the …

The Unique Benefits Of Treating Personal Goodwill As Property In Corporate Acquisitions, Darian M. Ibrahim

Faculty Publications

Corporate acquisition talks may not get far if buyer and seller disagree over transaction structure, which can have significant after-tax effects. But the parties may have overlooked an item that, due to its potential tax treatment, could be the key to facilitating the acquisition. That item is the selling shareholder's "personal goodwill."

Personal goodwill exists when the shareholder's reputation, expertise, or contacts gives the corporation its intrinsic value. It is most likely to be found in closely held businesses, especially those that are technical, specialized, orprofessional in nature or have few customers and suppliers. If personal goodwill is treated as …

The 2003 Boumerdes, Algeria Earthquake: Regional Moment Tensor Analysis, Jochen Braunmiller, Fabrizio Bernardi

School of Geosciences Faculty and Staff Publications

We used regional broadband seismograms to determine seismic moment tensors for the destructive May 21, 2003 Boumerdes (Algeria) M_w = 7.0 earthquake and its larger aftershocks. Fully automatic inversions using near-real time data provided solutions for seven M_w ≥ 4.7 events within 90 minutes after event occurrence. After adding off-line data, we manually obtained 30 solutions (M_w ≥ 3.8) from May 2003 to January 2004. All have shallow source depths (6–21 km). The median P-axis orientation (338°) of 24 thrust and four strike-slip events is consistent with Africa-Eurasia plate motion (330°). The main shock hypocenter at 8–10 …

Modeling Forest Planning Trade-Offs On The Colorado Front Range, Using Magis, An Optimization, Spatial Decision Support Tool, Edward B. Butler

Graduate Student Theses, Dissertations, & Professional Papers

No abstract provided.

Baseball And Literature| The Center Field Cannot Hold| Examining The Failure Of The American Pastoral In Postwar Baseball Literature, David Thomas Holmberg

Graduate Student Theses, Dissertations, & Professional Papers

No abstract provided.

Isram: Information Security Risk Analysis Method, Bilge Karabacak, Ibrahim Sogukpinar

All Faculty and Staff Scholarship

Continuously changing nature of technological environment has been enforcing to revise the process of information security risk analysis accordingly. A number of quantitative and qualitative risk analysis methods have been proposed by researchers and vendors. The purpose of these methods is to analyze today's information security risks properly. Some of these methods are supported by a software package. In this study, a survey based quantitative approach is proposed to analyze security risks of information technologies by taking current necessities into consideration. The new method is named as Information Security Risk Analysis Method (ISRAM). Case study has shown that ISRAM yields …