Digital Commons Network^™

Dec. 2005

NASIG Newsletter

No abstract provided.

Review Of Unity Of Knowledge And Action: Toward A Nonrepresentational Theory Of Knowledge, Sor-Hoon Tan

Research Collection School of Social Sciences

The title of this book is inspired by the Neo-Confucian scholar, Wang Yangming (1472-1529). However, the volume is not devoted solely to Wang Yangming's philosophy about the unity of knowledge and action. Wang is only one of several thinkers brought into this philosophical conversation and does not even receive the most attention (Richard Rorty has that honor). The conver- sation is interesting and occasionally illuminating, although one is not sure at the end whether it is moving toward one particular nonrepresentation theory of knowledge or whether the conversation partners who share an aversion to representational theories might disagree profoundly about …

Cultural Crossings Against Ethnocentric Currents: Toward A Confucian Ethics Of Communicative Virtues, Sor-Hoon Tan

Research Collection School of Social Sciences

Despite contemporary Confucianism's aspirations to be a world philosophy, there is an ethnocentric strand within the Confucian tradition, most glaringly exemplified in Han Yu's attacks on Buddhism. This paper re-assesses Confucian ethnocentrism in the context of contrary practices that indicate a more pragmatic attitude among Confucians toward cross-cultural interactions. It argues that while the ethnocentric tendency serves as constant reminder of the need for vigilance, and recognition of the difficulties of crossing cultural boundaries, there are nevertheless resources within Confucianism for constructing an ethics of communication that is urgently needed to deal with the moral problems of cultural pluralism. The …

Earmstrong, Armstrong Atlantic State University

Armstrong News & Publications: e-Armstrong Newsletter (Archived)

No abstract provided.

Georgia Technical College Administrators' Perceptions Of The Future Vocational And Academic Roles Of Georgia's Technical Colleges, Thomas Ennis Bragg

College of Graduate Studies: Theses & Dissertations

In 2000 the Georgia General Assembly passed House Bill 1187 giving the Georgia Department of Technical and Adult Education (DTAE) schools the right to change their names from technical institutes to technical colleges. This event could have led to a change in the type and method of delivery of course offerings at the technical colleges in Georgia. This study was designed to examine the technical college administrators' perceptions of the future vocational or academic roles of Georgia's technical colleges. A 21-question survey was designed to assess the administrators' perceptions of the future vocational and academic role of the 35 technical …

Theorizing Agency, Susan Carle

American University Law Review

Progressive legal scholars today exhibit contrasting views on the scope of legal actors' agency in making "choices" about how to lead their lives. Feminist legal scholar Joan C. Williams, for example, challenges claims that women who leave the paid workforce to stay home with children have made a voluntary choice to take this path. Critical race scholar Ian Haney López, on the other hand, argues that the social construction of racial identity occurs precisely through the many voluntary choices members of both subordinated and dominant racial groups make about matters that implicate racial meanings. Williams contests the idea of voluntary …

Homegrown Child Pornography And The Commerce Clause: Where To Draw The Line On Interstate Production Of Child Pornography, Lauren Bianchini

American University Law Review

No abstract provided.

Mutual Ionization In 200-Kev H⁻+ He Collisions, T. Ferger, Daniel Fischer, Michael Schulz, R. Moshammer, A. B. Voitkiv, B. Najjari, J. Ullrich

Physics Faculty Research & Creative Works

We studied mutual ionization in 200-keV H-⁺He collisions in a kinematically complete experiment by measuring the fully momentum-analyzed recoil ions and both active electrons in coincidence. Comparison of the data to our calculations, based on various theoretical models, show that mutual ionization proceeds predominantly through the interaction between both electrons. The post-collision interaction between the outgoing ejected electrons as well as higher order processes involving the interaction between the core of both collision partners are also important.

A Dynamic Economic Dispatch Solution Method Using Hopfield Neural Network, Q. M. Alias, F. Ben Hameda

Iraqi Journal of Computers, Communications, Control and Systems Engineering

This paper analyzes and tests a proposed neural network (NN) to solve the Dynamic Economic Dispatch (DED) as part of the unit commitment problem. The proposed NN is a fast and direct computation solver using a Hopfield model for solving the dynamic economic dispatch problem of thermal generators which is a dynamic optimization problem taking into account the constraints imposed on system operation by generator ramping rate limits. Formulations for solving the ED and DED problems are explored. Through the application of these formulations, direct computation instead of iterations for solving the problem becomes possible. Not like the usual Hopfield …

A Generic Object-Oriented Tabu Search Framework, Hoong Chuin Lau, Xiaomin Jia, Wee Chong Wan

Research Collection School Of Computing and Information Systems

Presently, most tabu search designers devise their applications without considering the potential of design and code reuse, which consequently prolong the development of subsequent applications. In this paper, we propose a software solution known as Tabu Search Framework (TSF), which is a generic C++ software framework for tabu search implementation. The framework excels in code recycling through the use of a well- designed set of generic abstract classes that clearly define their collaborative roles in the algorithm. Additionally, the framework incorporates a centralized process and control mechanism that enhances the search with intelligence. This results in a generic framework that …

The Missouri Miner, December 1, 2005

The Missouri Miner Newspaper

No abstract provided.

On Sequential And Fixed Designs For Estimation With Comparisons And Applications, Mekki Terbeche, Broderick O. Oluyede, Ahmed Barbour

Mathematical Sciences: Faculty Publications

A fully sequential approach to the estimation of the difference of two population means for distributions belonging to the exponential family of distributions is adopted and compared with the best fixed design. Results on the lower bound for the Bayes risk due to estimation and expected cost are presented and shown to be of first order efficiency. Applications involving the Poisson and exponential distributions with gamma priors as well as the Bernoulli distribution with beta priors are given. Finally, some numerical results are presented.

Memahami Metode Kualitatif, Gumilar Rusliwa Somantri

Makara Human Behavior Studies in Asia

Qualitative method has been widely be adopted in research practices in Indonesian tradition of social sciences including sociology. However, it seems there is misunderstanding on the method that is seen as additional to the quantitative one. This literature study intend to discuss related issues to the strengths and weaknesses of qualitative method. We do conclude here, that the method has productive potential for fostering the develomment of social theories as well as methodology in the context of Indonesian world. Hence, it is possible to bring Indonesian social sciences especially sociology into equal position of future dialog with the counterparts from …

Nonrelativistic Qed Approach To The Lamb Shift, Ulrich D. Jentschura, Andrzej Czarnecki, Krzysztof Pachucki

Physics Faculty Research & Creative Works

We calculate the one- and two-loop corrections of order α(Zα)⁶ and α²(Zα)⁶, respectively, to the Lamb shift in hydrogenlike systems using the formalism of nonrelativistic quantum electrodynamics. We obtain general results valid for all hydrogenic states with nonvanishing orbital angular momentum and for the normalized difference of S states. These results involve the expectation value of local effective operators and relativistic corrections to Bethe logarithms. The one-loop correction is in agreement with previous calculations for the particular cases of S, P, and D states. The two-loop correction in the order α²(Zα)⁶ includes …

Extreme Sensitivity Of Differential Momentum Transfer Cross Sections To Target Atom Initial Conditions, Ronald E. Olson, J. Fiol

Physics Faculty Research & Creative Works

Heavy-particle cross sections differential in the momentum transferred to the target are investigated using the classical trajectory Monte Carlo method. with the 3.6  MeV/u Au53++He system as a test case, it is shown that these cross sections are extremely sensitive to the initial target temperature. In particular, when thermal motion is varied for one of the target's initial momentum components between 0 and 25 K the absolute cross sections vary by orders of magnitude and, in addition, their relative shapes undergo major changes. We find that by setting one of the target's transverse momenta to a temperature of 16 K, …

Does Malaria During Pregnancy Affect The Newborn?, Mohammad Yawar Yakoob, Asma Zakaria, Saima Naheed Waqar, Samiah Zafar, Ali Saeed Wahla, Sarah Kulsoom Zaidi, Arif R. Sarwari, Rahat N. Qureshi, Amna Rehana Siddiqui

Community Health Sciences

Objective: To investigate the effect of malarial infection during pregnancy on the newborn.Methods: A retrospective cohort study was conducted at The Aga Khan University Hospital (AKUH), Karachi, using in-patient hospital records over an 11-year period from 1988 to 1999. The incidence of preterm delivery, low birth weight (LBW) and intrauterine growth retardation (IUGR) in 29 pregnant women with malaria, was compared with that in 66 selected pregnant women without malaria, who delivered at the AKUH during the same time period.Results: Pregnant women with malaria had a 3.1 times greater risk of preterm labor (p=0.14). They were more likely to be …

Exafs Studies Of Bimetallic Ag-Pt And Ag-Pd Nanorods, Debdutta Lahiri, Soma Chattopadhyay, B. A. Bunker, Cm Doudna, Massimo F. Bertino, Frank D. Blum, Akira Tokuhiro, J. Terry

Physics Faculty Research & Creative Works

Nanoparticles of Ag-Pt and Ag-Pd with high aspect ratios were synthesized using a radiolysis method. Gamma rays at dose rates below 0.5 kGy/h were used for irradiation. the nanoparticles were characterized by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), optical absorption spectroscopy and x-ray Absorption Fine Structure (XAFS) spectroscopy. Bright field micrographs show that Ag-Pt nanowires are composed of large particles with diameters ranging from 20-30 nm and joined by filaments of diameter between 2-5 nm. the Ag-Pd nanowires have diameters of 20-25 nm and lengths of 1.5 μm. for XAFS measurements, the Pt L3 edge (11.564 keV), Ag K-edge (25.514 keV) and …

The Effects Of A Redirecting Strategy On Self Injurious Behavior Manifested By A Subject With Multiple Disabilities, Maria Estevanes Strickland

Theses and Dissertations - UTB/UTPA

The purpose of this investigation was to determine if a strategy involving redirection would reduce or extinguish self-injurious behavior (SIB). The subject, a ten-year-old girl, diagnosed with a seizure disorder, functioned at as eight month old level is confined to a wheel chair and is completely dependent on others for transportation and self-care needs. A single subject, ABAB design was used. The study was aimed at measuring SIB episodes during the baseline and treatment phases. A communication board was used during the treatment phases. The results indicate that the use of the communication board successfully reduced the episodes of self-injurious …

University Of Northern Iowa Graduate Council Minutes, December 1, 2005, University Of Northern Iowa. Graduate Council.

Documents - Graduate Council

Meeting minutes from the Graduate Council of the University of Northern Iowa.

Are Specific Language Impairment And Dyslexia Distinct Disorders?, Hugh W. Catts, Suzanne M. Adlof, Tiffany Hogan, Susan Ellis Weismer

Faculty Publications

Purpose - The purpose of this study was to determine whether specific language impairment (SLI) and dyslexia are distinct developmental disorders.

Method - Study 1 investigated the overlap between SLI identified in kindergarten and dyslexia identified in 2nd, 4th, or 8th grades in a representative sample of 527 children. Study 2 examined phonological processing in a subsample of participants, including 21 children with dyslexia only, and 43 children with SLI only, 18 children with SLI and dyslexia, and 165 children with typical language/reading development. Measures of phonological awareness and nonword repetition were considered.

Results - Study 1 showed limited but …

Pervasive Cracking Of The Northern Chilean Coastal Cordillera: New Evidence For Forearc Extension, John P. Loveless, Gregory D. Hoke, Richard W. Allmendinger, Gabriel González, Bryan L. Isacks, Daniel A. Carrizo

Geosciences: Faculty Publications

Despite convergence across the strongly coupled seismogenic interface between the South American and Nazca plates, the dominant neotectonic signature in the forearc of northern Chile is arc-normal extension. We have used 1 m resolution IKONOS satellite imagery to map nearly 37,000 cracks over an area of 500 km2 near the Salar Grande (21°S). These features, which are best preserved in a ubiquitous gypcrete surface layer, have both nontectonic and tectonic origins. However, their strong preferred orientation perpendicular to the plate convergence vector suggests that the majority owe their formation to approximate east-west extension associated with plate boundary processes such as …

Men As Caregivers At The End Of Life, Erik K. Fromme, Linda L. Drach, Susan W. Tolle, Patricia Ebert, Pamela Miller, Nancy Perrin, Virginia P. Tilden

School of Social Work Faculty Publications and Presentations

Background: Few studies have focused on men as caregivers at the end-of-life. The objective of this secondary data analysis was to examine the experiences of men involved in end-oflife caregiving, focusing on caregiver strain.

Methods: We used a random sample of Oregon death certificates to telephone survey family caregivers of Oregonians who had died 2 to 5 months earlier in private homes, nursing homes, and other community-based settings. Measurements included single-item indicators and embedded scales to measure caregiver strain and perceived decedent symptom distress. For the 25 husbands, sons, wives, and daughters who reported the highest levels of strain, we …

Royal Diplomacy In Renaissance Italy: Ferrante D’Aragona (1458–1494) And His Ambassadors, Paul M. Dover

Faculty Articles

This article examines the diplomatic challenges faced by the king of Naples, Ferrante d'Aragona (1458-1494) and the activity of his ambassadors in meeting those challenges. It identifies Rome, Florence and Milan as the three most important nodes of Ferrante's diplomacy and looks in detail at the activity of the ambassadors who served in these postings. In the area of diplomatic praxis, Ferrante enthusiastically embraced changes pioneered by Francesco Sforza, the Duke of Milan (1450-1466), including the use of permanent resident ambassadors and diplomatic chanceries. This was very much in keeping with Ferrante's pragmatic approach to statecraft and counters the widely …

Studying The Performance Of A Firewall In Network Courses, José M. Garrido

Faculty Articles

This paper presents a simple simulation model of a firewall to derive several performance metrics and briefly argues on the importance and value of modeling and simulation in courses that study various aspects of perimeter defense in network security.

The simulation model mentioned previously is part of an effort by faculty of our department to develop a multi-disciplinary repository of computational models that includes object-oriented discrete-event simulation models. One of the goals of this repository is to build resources that help educate students of computer science, software engineering, and information technology, in modeling and information security.

This and other network …

J2me Programming, Chong-Wei Xu

Faculty Articles

Handheld devices, such as programmable cell phones and personal digital assistants (PDAs), have already become more numerous than PCs. Students need to be prepared today to work on the most widely available computing platforms of tomorrow. With their small size and mobility, these handheld devices present both new opportunities and unique software engineering challenges. J2ME stands for Java 2 Micro Edition that is one of the three Java Editions (J2SE, J2EE, and J2ME) specially designed for handheld devices. J2ME plus handheld devices are the platforms for wireless Internet and mobile business in the future.

Smoke And Mirrors: Internalizing The Magic Lantern Show In Villette, Diane Hoeveler

English Faculty Research and Publications

With considerable historical background in mind, I would like to examine a number of the stock gothic tropes, including the mysterious nun, the paintings of women, the theater scene, and the fête in Villette as examples of not simply one of last gasps of high Victorian gothicism, but also of the internalization and critique of gothic theatrical technology. As Castle observes, the "phantasmagoria should [have] become a kind of master trope in nineteenth-century romantic writing," and certainly she applies the representation in provocative ways to the symbols and imagery in Thomas Carlyle's French Revolution. In a similar fashion, I …

A Steerable, Untethered, 250x60 Micron Mems Mobile Micro-Robot, Bruce R. Donald, Christopher G. Levey, Craig D. Mcgray, Igor Paprotny, Daniela Rus

Computer Science Technical Reports

We present a steerable, electrostatic, untethered, MEMS micro-robot, with dimensions of 60 µm by 250 µm by 10 µm. This micro-robot is 1 to 2 orders of magnitude smaller in size than previous micro-robotic systems. The device consists of a curved, cantilevered steering arm, mounted on an untethered scratch drive actuator. These two components are fabricated monolithically from the same sheet of conductive polysilicon, and receive a common power and control signal through a capacitive coupling with an underlying electrical grid. All locations on the grid receive the same power and control signal, so that the devices can be operated …

Variations In Races Of The Honeybee Apis Mellifera (Hymenoptera: Apidae) In Kenya, S. K. Raina, D. M. Kimbu

All Peer-Reviewed Publications

The three races of the honeybee Apis mellifera Linnaeus in Kenya (A. m. scutellata, A. m. monticola and A. m. litorea) differ from each other with respect to size, cubital index and abdominal colour banding pattern. These differences were used to assess the extent of interbreeding and hybridization between the races. This was verified on the basis of selected morphometric traits. Bee samples were collected from traditional log hives in seven geographical locations throughout Kenya ranging from lowland Mombasa in the coastal region to the highland Kinangop ranges. The length and width of the right forewing, length of proboscis, right …

The Effect Of Nitrogen Fertilizer Application To Maize And Sorghum On The Bionomics Of Chilo Partellus (Lepidoptera: Crambidae) And The Performance Of Its Larval Parasitoid Cotesia Flavipes (Hymenoptera: Braconidae), N. Jiang, F. Schulthess

All Peer-Reviewed Publications

Laboratory and field trials were conducted to evaluate the effect of plant species (maize, sorghum), plant age (young, middle, old) and four different nitrogen fertilization levels (N0-N3) on the bionomics of the invasive crambid Chilo partellus and the performance of its braconid larval parasitoid Cotesia flavipes. Plant N varied significantly between N0 and N1-N3, but the differences among the latter were not significant. Intrinsic rates of increase and net-reproductive rates of C. partellus followed the same trends: they were lowest with N0 and similar among the other treatments. On maize only, mortality of C. partellus and parasitism by C. flavipes …

Perception And Reality: An Examination Of American Print Advertising, Angela Rose Ryczkowski

College of Graduate Studies: Theses & Dissertations

I contend current American print advertising relies on the objectification of the body, both male and female, in conjunction with the use of utopian ideals to sell products. The nature of the print ad and mass media is such that they gratuitously inform our cultures ideas on gender and normalcy. By depicting unrealistic images of normalcy and unattainable representations of beauty, advertising not only creates consumer anxiety to purchase products beyond economic means, but also to manipulate our bodies unnaturally, and it creates tension in relations between genders. As a Graphic Designer, I strive to not only reverse this process …