Digital Commons Network^™

Serving Sophomore Students, Jessica S. Lothman '06

Honors Projects

College sophomores have been deemed "invisible students." This label is the result of a combination of issues students typically face during their sophomore year. Problems include: integration into social networks, declaration of a major, decisions regarding study abroad and/or internships, and disenchantment with the university, among others. A review of survey data reveals that sophomores at Illinois Wesleyan University are no different and face all of these problems. In addition to the above, sophomores at Illinois Wesleyan University have some expectations of the University that are not being met, such as course availability, adequacy of food service, and advising. These …

Intuition Versus Analysis- Which Process Is Most Appropriate For Solving Everyday Problems With Differing Levels Of Social Content And Complexity?, Amy E. Kowalski '06

Honors Projects

The investigators wanted to test the theories laid out by Hammond (1987) and McMackin and Slovic (2001) that problem attributes affect the appropriateness of intuition for solving problems. The study investigated the appropriateness of strategy (intuition, analysis, or no strategy) for everyday problems that varied in social nature and complexity. It was hypothesized that problems high in social nature and complexity would be solved more accurately using intuition. Results were partially supported but only among novice participants. Results indicate that highly intuitive novice individuals score more accurately than those who are highly analytical when solving everyday problems. One of the …

Assessing Geo-Location And Gender Information In Han Chinese Personal Names, Deryle W. Lonsdale, Bruce Brown

Faculty Publications

Brigham Young University is a particularly optimal academic institution for comparative cross-cultural onomastic research. There are over 65 nations represented by five or more students at BYU, and in fall semester of 2004, 10252 of the 29729 students had lived for two years in a foreign country.

An Euler-Type Formula For Ζ(2k +1), Tian-Xiao He, Michael Dancs

Scholarship

In this short paper, we give several new formulas for ζ(n) when n is an odd positive integer. The method is based on a recent proof, due to H. Tsumura, of Euler’s classical result for even n. Our results illuminate the similarities between the even and odd cases, and may give some insight into why the odd case is much more difficult.

Numerical Approximation To Ζ(2n+1), Tian-Xiao He, Michael Dancs

Scholarship

In this short paper, we establish a family of rapidly converging series expansions ζ(2n +1) by discretizing an integral representation given by Cvijovic and Klinowski [3] in Integral representations of the Riemann zeta function for odd-integer arguments, J. Comput. Appl. Math. 142 (2002) 435–439. The proofs are elementary, using basic properties of the Bernoulli polynomials.

Multivariate Expansion Associated With Sheffer-Type Polynomials And Operators, Tian-Xiao He, Leetsch Hsu, Peter Shiue

Scholarship

With the aid of multivariate Sheffer-type polynomials and differential operators, this paper provides two kinds of general expansion formulas, called respectively the first expansion formula and the second expansion formula, that yield a constructive solution to the problem of the expansion of A(ˆt)f([g(t)) (a composition of any given formal power series) and the expansion of the multivariate entire functions in terms of multivariate Sheffer-type polynomials, which may be considered an application of the first expansion formula and the Sheffer-type operators. The results are applicable to combinatorics and special function theory.

On The Convergence Of The Summation Formulas Constructed By Using A Symbolic Operator Approach, Tian-Xiao He, Leetsch Hsu, Peter Shiue

Scholarship

This paper deals with the convergence of the summation of power series of the form Σ_{a ≤ k ≤ b}f(k)x^k, where 0 ≤ a ≤ b < ∞, and {f(k)} is a given sequence of numbers with k ∈ [a, b) or f(t) a differentiable function defined on [a, b). Here, the summation is found by using the symbolic operator approach shown in [1]. We will give a different type of the remainder of the summation formulas. The convergence of the corresponding power series will be determined consequently. Several examples such as the generalized Euler's transformation series will also be given. In addition, we will compare the convergence of the given series transforms.

Construction Of Rational Points On Elliptic Curves Over Finite Fields, Andrew Shallue, Christiaan Van De Woestijne

Scholarship

We give a deterministic polynomial-time algorithm that computes a nontrivial rational point on an elliptic curve over a finite field, given a Weierstrass equation for the curve. For this, we reduce the problem to the task of finding a rational point on a curve of genus zero.

Latency Compensation Control Of Computer Based Control Systems, Aidan O'Dwyer

Conference papers

This paper discusses the use of a modified Smith predictor for latency (i.e. time delay) compensation, to assist in the implementation of network computer based control systems. Such systems typically have a variable time delay associated with the transfer of information; the modified Smith predictor is robust to time delay variations.

Digital Signal Processing (Second Edition), Jonathan Blackledge

Books/Book chapters

This book provides an account of the mathematical background, computational methods and software engineering associated with digital signal processing. The aim has been to provide the reader with the mathematical methods required for signal analysis which are then used to develop models and algorithms for processing digital signals and finally to encourage the reader to design software solutions for Digital Signal Processing (DSP). In this way, the reader is invited to develop a small DSP library that can then be expanded further with a focus on his/her research interests and applications.

There are of course many excellent books and software …

Characterization Of An Acrylaminde Based Photopolymer For Fabrication Of Liquid Crystal Devices, Pavani Kotakonda

Conference Papers

Photopolymers are increasingly interesting as new materials for the fabrication of electro optical liquid crystal devices. Photoinduced surface relief gratings in dry, self developing acrylamide based photopolymers can be used to align liquid crystals (LCs) as an alternative to the rubbing technique. These optically recorded surface relief patterns can be used to fabricate electro-optical switchable LC Bragg gratings. An investigation of the dependence of photoinduced surface relief gratings on recording intensity and thickness of the photopolymer layer is reported. The surface relief gratings were filled with E7 LCs and a switchable LC diffraction grating was fabricated.

Holographic Recording In Nanoparticle-Doped Photopolymer, Izabela Naydenova, Hosam Sherif, Svetlana Mintova, Suzanne Martin, Vincent Toal

Conference Papers

A nanoparticle-doped acrylic photopolymer is characterised as a material for holographic recording. The influence of nanoparticles on the photopolymer dynamic range, dynamics of recording, temporal stability and mechanical stability in terms of shrinkage has been studied. The dynamics of recording and the temporal stability are investigated by real time monitoring of the build up of diffraction gratings of spatial frequencies of 200 to 2000 l/mm. The shrinkage has been characterised by recording slanted transmission gratings and observation of the change in the Bragg angle.

Two Way Diffusion Model For The Recording Mechanism In A Self-Developing Dry Acrylamide Photopolymer, Suzanne Martin, Izabela Naydenova, Raghavendra Jallapuram, Robert Howard, Vincent Toal

Conference Papers

In our most recent study [1] diffusion constants were measured in the simplified monoacrylamide version of a dry acrylamide based photopolymer holographic recording material developed in the Centre for Industrial and Engineering Optics. In this paper we report diffusion constants for the commonly used photopolymer formulation, which also contains the crosslinker bisacrylamide. A physical model for the recording mechanism is proposed which explains the two way diffusion observed in both systems, and is in agreement with much of the previously observed behaviour of the material, particularly in regard to dependence of diffraction efficiency growth on spatial frequency and persistence of …

In-Use Emission Measurements Of Snowmobiles And Snowcoaches In Yellowstone National Park, Gary A. Bishop, Daniel A. Burgard, Thomas R. Dalton, Donald H. Stedman

Fuel Efficiency Automobile Test Publications

No abstract provided.

A Collision Avoidance System For Autonomous Underwater Vehicles, Chiew Seon Tan

School of Engineering, Computing and Mathematics Theses

The work in this thesis is concerned with the development of a novel and practical collision avoidance system for autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs). Synergistically, advanced stochastic motion planning methods, dynamics quantisation approaches, multivariable tracking controller designs, sonar data processing and workspace representation, are combined to enhance significantly the survivability of modern AUVs. The recent proliferation of autonomous AUV deployments for various missions such as seafloor surveying, scientific data gathering and mine hunting has demanded a substantial increase in vehicle autonomy. One matching requirement of such missions is to allow all the AUV to navigate safely in a dynamic and unstructured …

The Role Of Technology Support Centres In Stimulating Entrepreneurship And Innovation In Sme Clusters, Aj Robotham, J Gatcha

School of Engineering, Computing and Mathematics

The Innovative Product Development Centre (IPDC) was established at the University of Wolverhampton in the West Midlands region of the UK with a mission “to help small and medium sized companies improve their business, secure jobs and contribute to the economic regeneration of the West Midlands Region”. Since 2000, the IPDC has helped several hundred enterprises to develop their businesses through innovation and new product development. Demand for help is high, which reflects a healthy desire by the SMEs to innovate. The assistance given is time limited, but its impact on the business is extremely varied. This paper will discuss …

Nonlinear Interactions Of Waves And Currents With Structures In Nearshore Environments, Baoxing Wang

School of Engineering, Computing and Mathematics Theses

In this thesis, nonlinear interactions of waves and currents with structures in nearshore environments are investigated. The emphasis of the research is to model the encountered multiple scales of hydrodynamics (e. g. monochromatic waves and three-dimensional currents) in a numerically efficient and accurate way on a beach and around a structure in the shallow coastal region. The radiation stress and mass flux have been analytically derived by inclusion of higher-order surface elevations. The Boussinesq-type model COULWAVE is used to assess the fully nonlinear wave transformation on a beach. The research unveils the essential roles of the Ursell parameter, Irribarren number …

Towards Non-Prescriptive Issues: A Teaching Framework For Selecting Marketing Dissertation Topics, Conor Horan

Conference papers

There is a significant absence in academic literature, textbooks and practical teaching tools for advising or guiding student learning, in a practical non-prescriptive manner, toward topic selection and development. Prescriptive or rational approaches, taken by many research methods textbooks, are not adequate or sufficient when teaching this important first stage in the research process. Non-prescriptive approaches describing manageable steps should be researched more to fill this pedagogic gap. This paper attempts to promote academic discussion on a pedagogic gap that is broadly overlooked, and to examine how marketing and business academics can better instruct dissertation students in the area of …

Implications Of Mass Education On Chemistry Higher Education, Christine O'Connor

Level 3

The following paper discusses the implications of government policy for widening access and participation in third level institutes. The increase in ‘non-traditional’ students has been widely recognised on an international scale; however, some issues of inequality still exist. The ‘struggles’ associated with widening participation and the creation of a ‘new’ student type are discussed, with particular reference to chemistry education. A change is needed with regard to the pedagogical approach taken by staff in order to cater for a diverse student body comprising a broad range of learner types, and this must be supported both at departmental and institutional levels. …

The Application Of Learning Skills In An Engineering Programme, Leslie Shoemaker

Level 3

At the Dublin Institute of Technology, an engineering programme in the School of Control Systems and Electrical Engineering has successfully incorporated a study skills module into the core curriculum. The module, titled Academic Development and Key Skills, is part of the first year of the programme and has a two-fold purpose. Primarily the goal is to assist the students with the transition from second level education to third level by teaching them a more competent learning style. This, in turn, helps to create a positive impact with respect to the retention of this student group within the programme. The second …

Impact Of Dietary Carotenoid Deprivation On Macular Pigment And Serum Concentrations Of Lutein And Zeaxanthin, James Loughman, John Nolan, Stephan Beatty

Articles

No abstract provided.

Can Blending Face-To-Face Teaching With E-Learning Support The Development Of Phase 4 Apprentices In Mathematics? A Formative Evaluation Research Study., Peter Hinch

Theses

This thesis is a formative evaluation research study. Its purpose is to establish if blending face-to-face and e-learning delivery methods can support the development of Phase 4 apprentice plumbers in mathematics in the Department of Construction Skills in the Technologicl University Dublin. The study also included the design, development and evaluation of a mathematics web site called Plumatics 4 U which is grounded in established theoretical criteria for effective blended delivery within third level education. This web site is currently in use by Phase 4 apprentice plumbers and is delivered through WebCT. The CD accompanying this thesis contains a short …

Using Sketches And Knowledge Bases For Geo-Spatial Image Retrieval, Michela Bertolotto, James Carswell, E Mcloughlin, D O'Sullivan, C Wilson

Articles

This paper presents research in the field of knowledge management for geo-spatial imagery including scanned aerial photos and satellite images. We have developed a web-based system that allows users to query a database of images not only using metadata, but also drawing sketches of configurations of objects they are interested in as well as inputting textual descriptions of their intended task. Our system integrates case-based reasoning techniques to form a knowledge base from previously issued queries that can be exploited to improve future query processing and to build organizational memory through experience capture. The effective design and implementation of a …

Measured Stark Widths And Shifts Of The Neutral Argon Spectral Lines In 4s–4p And 4s–4p′ Transitions, Vladimir Milosavljevic, Albert R. Ellingboe, Stevan Djenize

Articles

We investigate the Stark widths (W) and the shift (d), of the seven neutral argon (Ar I) spectral lines from the 4s–4p and 4s–4p′ transitions. The line shapes are measured in a linear, low-pressure, optically thin pulsed arc discharge at about 16 000 K electron temperature (T) and about 7.0 × 10²² m^{− 3} electron density (N). The new data separates the electron width (W_e) and ion width W_i from the total Stark width (W_t), as well the separation of electron total Stark …

A Study Of The Relationship Between The Number Of High School Science Credits Earned And Successful Completion Of The First Year Of College At A Regents’ Institution, Amy Denise Jabens

Dissertations and Theses @ UNI

The purpose of this research was to study the relationship between the number of science credits a student completes at Prairie High School and the successful completion of his or her first year of college at an Iowa Regent's institution as defined by college grade point average and a minimum number of credits earned. Data for this study was collected from high school transcripts and Prairie High School's annual report from the Iowa State Board of Regents. This report outlines how many credits students earn and their cumulative grade point average at the end of their first year of college. …

Neural Network Control Of Spark Ignition Engines With High Egr Levels, A. Singh, Brian C. Kaul, J. A. Drallmeier, Jagannathan Sarangapani, Jonathan B. Vance

Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

Research has shown substantial reductions in the oxides of nitrogen (NOx) concentrations by using 10% to 25% exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) in spark ignition (SI) engines [1]. However under high EGR levels the engine exhibits strong cyclic dispersion in heat release which may lead to instability and unsatisfactory performance. A suite of neural network (NN)-based output feedback controllers with and without reinforcement learning is developed to control the SI engine at high levels of EGR even when the engine dynamics are unknown by using fuel as the control input. A separate control loop was designed for controlling EGR levels. The …

Effects Of Welding Current In Gas Metal Arc Welding, Junling Hu, Tai Lung Tsai

Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

In gas metal arc welding (GMAW), current is one of the most important factors affecting the mode of metal transfer, weld pool dynamics and subsequently the weld quality. in this paper, the comprehensive model recently developed by the authors was used to study the effects of different current levels on the droplet formation, plasma generation, metal transfer, and weld pool dynamics in GMA welding. Two welding currents were studied, including one low current and one high current. at each current level, the transient temperature and velocity distributions of the arc plasma and the molten metal, and the shapes of the …

Theoretical Treatment Of Electron-Impact Ionization Of Molecules, Junfang Gao, Jerry Peacher, Don H. Madison

Physics Faculty Research & Creative Works

There is currently no reliable theory for calculating the fully differential cross section (FDCS) for low energy electron-impact ionization of molecules. All of the existing experimental FDCS data represent averages over all molecular orientations and this can be an important theoretical complication for calculations that are computer intensive. We have found that using an averaged molecular orbital is an accurate approximation for ionization of ground states. In this paper, we will describe the approximation, discuss its expected range of validity and show some FDCS results using the approximation for ionization of H2 and N2

Ultraviolet Lasing In High-Order Bands Of Three-Dimensional Zno Photonic Crystals, Michael Scharrer, Alexey Yamilov, Xiaohua Wu, Hui Cao, Robert P. H. Chang

Physics Faculty Research & Creative Works

UV lasing in three-dimensional ZnO photonic crystals is demonstrated at room temperature. The photonic crystals are inverse opals with high refractive index contrast that simultaneously confine light and provide optical gain. Highly directional lasing with tunable wavelength is obtained by optical pumping. Comparison of the experimental results to the calculated band structure shows that lasing occurs in high-order bands with abnormally low group velocity. This demonstrates that the high-order band structure of three-dimensional photonic crystals can be used to effectively confine light and enhance emission. Our findings may also impact other applications of photonic crystal devices. ©2006 American Institute of …

Experimental And Theoretical (E,2e) Ionization Cross Sections For A Hydrogen Target At 75.3 Ev Incident Energy In A Coplanar Asymmetric Geometry, Junfang Gao, Don H. Madison, Jerry Peacher, Andrew James Murray, Martyn J. Hussey

Physics Faculty Research & Creative Works

Very recently it was shown that the molecular three-body distorted wave (M3DW) approach gives good agreement with the shape of the experimental data for electron-impact ionization of H₂ in a coplanar symmetric geometry, providing the incident electrons have an energy of 35 eV or greater. One of the weaknesses of these studies was that only the shape of the cross section could be compared to experiment, since there was no absolute or relative normalization of the data. Here we report a joint experimental/theoretical study of electron-impact ionization of H₂ in a coplanar asymmetric geometry where the energy of …