Digital Commons Network^™

The Case For Selective Abolition Of The Rules Of Evidence, David Crump

Hofstra Law Review

This article advocates selectively abolishing the exclusionary components in the Federal Rules of Evidence. Arguing that some parts of the existing rules cost more than the value of any benefits they provide, it is the author's position that the current system is sufficiently dysfunctional so as to make significant revisions in the Rules of Evidence worthwhile. The article examines the hearsay rule, the rules governing repetitive-behavior evidence, and issues regarding opinion evidence, experts, and authentication. The article proceeds to consider the rest of the FRE 400 series - particularly Rules 401 through 403 - and proposes modifications. Next, the article …

Edison Community College General Catalog 2005-2006, Edison Community College

FSW Course Catalogs

Edison Community College General Catalog Volume Forty Four. 2005-2006. Scanned by Internet Archive.

Improving Disaster Response Efforts With Decision Support Systems, Steven M. Thompson, Nezih Altay, Walter G. Green Iii, Joanne Lapetina

Management Faculty Publications

As evidenced by Hurricane Katrina in August, 2005, disaster response efforts are hindered by a lack of coordination, poor information flows, and the inability of disaster response managers to validate and process relevant information and make decisions in a timely fashion. A number of factors contribute to current lackluster response efforts. Some are inherent to the complex, rapidly changing decision-making environments that characterize most disaster response settings. Others reflect systematic flaws in how decisions are made within the organizational hierarchies of the many agencies involved in a disaster response. Slow, ineffective strategies for gathering, processing, and analyzing data can also …

Responding To Michigan's Legislative Mandates, Ellen H. Brinkley

Language Arts Journal of Michigan

No abstract provided.

Phytophthora Diseases Of Cutflower Crops, Department Of Agriculture And Food, Western Australia

Bulletins 4000 -

Phytophthora root rot is the most common soil borne disease causing plant death in native cut flower production. It is also a pathogen of exotic cutflower crops such as rose, lily, carnation, proteas and gerbera. The fungus, Phytophthora cinnamomi, the cause of jarrah dieback is the pathogen that first comes to mind when Phytophthora is mentioned. This has one of the widest host ranges of all Phytophthora species, particularly amongst native Australia species. P.nicotianae also has a wide host range, infecting a wide range of exotic, as well as Australian native flower crops. There are also a number of …

An Evaluation Of The Effects Of Dc's Voucher Program On Public School Achievement And Racial Integration After One Year, Jay P. Greene, Marcus A. Winters

School Choice Demonstration Project

This study evaluates the initial effect Washington D.C.'s Opportunity Scholarship Program (OPS) on the academic performance of public schools and its effects on the opportunities District students have to attend integrated schools. OPS is a federally sponsored school voucher program that provides vouchers worth up to $7,500 for an estimated 1,800 to 2,000 students in the District of Columbia. Students can use the scholarships to pay tuition at participating private schools in the District. The pilot program is designed to last for 5 years.

Applications Of Regularization Techniques To Data Fitting With Pde Models, Alina Alt

Master's Theses

No abstract provided.

Estimating And Forming Confidence Intervals For Extrema Of Random Polynomials, Sandra Desousa

Master's Theses

No abstract provided.

Construction Of Symmetric Matrices With Prescribed Spectra, Viet H. Nguyen

Master's Theses

No abstract provided.

Understanding The Cayley-Hamilton Theorem, Tue Saxon Rust

Master's Theses

No abstract provided.

Sulcular Sulfide Monitoring: An Indicator Of Early Dental Plaque-Induced Gingival Disease, Aleksandra Pavolotskaya, Gayle Mccombs, Michele Darby, Kenneth Marinak, Naik N. Dayanand

Dental Hygiene Faculty Publications

Purpose. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the relationship between volatile sulfur compounds (VSC) and gingival health status and to determine if volatile sulfur compounds can detect early dental plaque-induced gingival disease. Methods. A split-mouth design with randomly selected quadrants of the mandibular arch enabled 39 participants to serve as their own controls. At baseline and at three subsequent appointments (days 7, 14, and 21) gingival inflammation (GI), bleeding on probing (BOP), and sulfide levels (SUL) were measured using the Gingival Index and the Diamond Probe/Perio 2000 System. For three weeks, participants refrained from brushing and flossing one …

Novice Special Educators' Perceptions And Use Of Research -Validated Classroom Practices For Students With High Incidence Disabilities, Melissa L. Jones

All-Inclusive List of Electronic Theses and Dissertations

With the implementation of NCLB (2001) and IDEIA (2004), the research-to-practice gap in specialEducation has garnered increased attention. This qualitative investigation involved a collective case study that explored the phenomenon through the eyes of 10 novice special educators. Specifically, the study sought to determine the teachers' perceptions of research in general as well as their use of six broad practices that have been validated by research for students with disabilities. Interviews, observations, and self-report measures resulted in findings that indicate low rates of implementation as well as a lack of alignment between the educators' words and actions. Finally, barriers and …

Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder And The Process Of Diagnostic Decision Making Between Psychologists And Psychiatrists, Katrin Woodworth Carlson

All-Inclusive List of Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PNMD) is included in the DSM-IV (APA, 1994) Appendix A, Criteria Son and Axes Provided for Further Study. Its symptoms overlap significantly with mood and anxiety disorders, but occur in the late luteal phase of the menstrual cycle and remit by the early follicular phase. Thus, PMDD is a challenging differential diagnosis that relies upon establishing a temporal relationship between symptoms and the menstrual cycle, and it provides an opportunity for examining gnostic decision making processes. A national sample of psychologists (n = 155) and psychiatrists (n = 139) were presented with an Internet web page with …

Differential Cryptanalysis Of Substitution Permutation Networks And Rijndael-Like Ciphers, Gnanasekaran Sakthivel

Theses

A block cipher, in general, consist of several repetitions of a round transformation. A round transformation is a weak block cipher which consists of a nonlinear substitution transformation, a linear diffusion transformation and a key mixing. Differential cryptanalysis is a well known chosen plaintext attack on block ciphers. In this project, differential cryptanalysis is performed on two kinds of block ciphers: Substitution Permutation Networks(SPN) and Rijndael-like Ciphers. In order to strengthen a block cipher against differential attack, care should be taken in the design of both substitution and diffusion components and in the choice of number of rounds. In this …

Jini Distributed Key Exchange And File Transfer Service With Digital Signatures, Kevin Ligozio

Theses

This thesis compares security algorithms for the Jini Networking Technology. The first method is to add security at the infrastructure level, and is the method chosen by the Jini Community in Jini version 2.0. The second method is the original research portion of this thesis, and explores adding security in the application layer. In order to explore the application layer security, the thesis includes four components. First, we investigate and implement some cryptographic algorithms. Specifically, we use a Java Cryptography Extension (JCE) Provider containing the Diffie-Hellman Key Agreement algorithm and the RSA Digital Signature Algorithm. Second, we perform a novel …

Polynomial Time Primality Testing Algorithm, Takeshi Aoyama

Theses

In August 2002, three Indian researchers, Manindra Agrawal and his students Neeraj Kayal and Nitin Saxena at the Indian Institute of Technology in Kanpur, presented a remarkable algorithm (the AKS algorithm) in their paper "PRIMES is in P." It is a deterministic polynomial-time algorithm that determines whether an input number is prime or composite. No such algorithm was known so far and it has fundamental meaning for complexity theory. This project is centered around the AKS algorithm from the "PRIMES is in P" paper. The objectives are both experiments with the AKS algorithm and theorems and lemmas showing the correctness …

Graph Reconstruction Numbers, Jennifer Baldwin

Theses

One of the most important open questions in graph theory is the graph reconstruction conjecture, first proposed by P. J. Kelly and S. M. Ulam in 1941. The conjecture states that every graph with at least 3 vertices is reconstructible if there exists some multi-subset of vertex-deleted subgraphs that reconstructs G uniquely up to isomorphism. This project computes the existential and universal reconstruction numbers for all graphs of order at most nine. The existential reconstruction number is the number of vertex-deleted subgraphs, or cards, required to reconstruct G uniquely up to isomorphism. The universal reconstruction number is the minimum num- …

The Study Of Ramsey Numbers R(C_K, C_K, C_K), Yan Li

Theses

The Ramsey number r(C_k, C_k, C_k), denoted as r_3(C_k), is the smallest positive integer n such that any edge coloring with three colors of the complete graph on n vertices must contain at least one monochromatic cycle C_k. In this project, most literature on the Ramsey numbers r_3(C_k) are overviewed. Algorithms to check if a graph G contains any specific path or cycle and to construct extremal graphs for cycle C_k are developed. All good 3-colorings of complete graph K_10 are constructed to verify the value of Ramsey number r_3(C_4). Ramsey number value of r_3(C_3) is verified by direct point …

R(W5 , K5) = 27, Joshua Stinehour

Theses

The two-color Ramsey number R(G , H) is defined to be the smallest integer n such that any graph F on n vertices contains either a subgraph isomorphic to G or the complement of F contains a subgraph isomorphic to H. Ramsey numbers serve to quantify many of the existing theorems of Ramsey theory, which looks at large combinatorial objects for certain given smaller combinatorial objects that must be present. In 1989 George R. T. Hendry presented a table of two-color Ramsey numbers R(G , H) for all pairs of graphs G and H having at most five vertices. This …

Genetic Music, Ryan Becker

Theses

Algorithmic music composition has long been an active area of research in computer science, but the need for a human element only recently began to be more widely acknowledged. Interactive Evolutionary Computing (IEC), made popular by Karl Sims, effectively solves many high dimension problems, like music composition, involving creative and subjective elements. This work applies several Genetic Algorithm (GA) and Genetic Programming (GP) approaches, inspired by Karl Sims, to algorithmic music composition. The implementation of these IEC algorithms is described and their effectiveness compared.

Web-Based 3-D Theatre Seating Charts And Ticket Reservation Application, Patrick Henstebeck

Theses

Seating charts for theatres and stadia have always been an important part of buying tickets to a staged event, despite offering little information about the view from any particular seat. While the internet has increased the potential to provide this information, most official arena websites and online ticket brokers still only provide the standard two-dimensional diagram whose detail is limited to the approximate location of each section and which offers no guidance as to the height or slope of the section, nor any warning of any obstructing objects that would depreciate a seat s true value. The few three-dimensional models …

Algorithms For Bounding Folkman Numbers, Jonathan Coles

Theses

For an undirected, simple graph G, we write G -> (a_1,...,a_k)^v (G -> (a_1,...,a_k)^e) if for every vertex (edge) k-coloring, a monochromatic K_(a_i) is forced in some color i in {1,...,k}. The vertex (edge) Folkman number is defined as F_v(a_1,...,a_k;p) = min{|V(G)| : G -> (a_1,...,a_k;p)^v, K_p not in G} F_e(a_1,...,a_k;p) = min{|V(G)| : G -> (a_1,...,a_k;p)^e, K_p not in G} for p > max{a_1,...,a_k}. Folkman showed in 1970 that these numbers always exist for valid values of p. This thesis concerns the computation of a new result in Folkman number theory, namely that F_v(2,2,3;4)=14. Previously, the bounds stood at 10 <= F_v(2,2,3;4) <= 14, proven by Nenov in 2000. To achieve this new result, specialized algorithms were executed on the computers of the Computer Science network in a distributed processing effort. We discuss the mathematics and algorithms used in the computation. We also discuss ongoing research into the computation of the value of F_e(3,3;4). The current bounds stand at 16 <= F_e(3,3;4) <= 3e10^9. This number was once the subject of an Erd s prize---claimed by Spencer in 1988.

Faculty Scheduling Using Genetic Algorithms, Kevin Soule

Theses

The problem of developing a class schedule for a faculty has been proven to be NP-complete. Therefore when the schedule is large enough, finding just one feasible solution can be impossible for any direct search algorithm within a reasonable time. This project is geared toward investigating the possibility of using genetic-based algorithms to solve faculty scheduling problems of 100 courses or larger quickly. Multiple versions of genetic algorithms and heuristics are tested. Many parameter levels for these algorithms are optimized for fastest convergence.

Efficient Encryption On Limited Devices, Roderic Campbell

Theses

Encryption algorithms have been used since the dawn of time to ensure secure communication over insecure communication channels. Once a secret encryption key is established and as long as the key remains secret, two parties can communicate freely over open channels. The question of how to obtain such a secret key is a large dilemma. Many methods of obtaining such keys have been tried from the most basic form of a one-on-one encounter to more advanced techniques like Diffie-Hellman. This paper compares three versions of the Diffie-Hellman key exchange protocol -- using arithmetic in the field of integers modulo a …

Study Of Visualizations For N-Body Stellar Models, Christian Gray

Theses

The visualization of large datasets is invaluable to the advancement of scientific knowledge. N-Body problems produced large dataset that present several challenges to visualization. These challenges include over-plotting and self-obscuring data. Using the general visualization framework, Spiegel, five different visualization techniques are explored to solve these problems: slicing, projection, 3D projection, 3D density shells, and direct volume rendering. Each visualization looks to solve the problem in a slightly different manner while all have kernel density estimation as their starting point. While none of the visualization is ground breaking or perfectly solves the problems they do provide new insight allowing for …

A Charge Control Model For Iii-V Hemts Using A Self-Consistent Numerical Solution Of The Schrodinger And Poisson Equations, Melissa Manney

Theses

"With the increasing demand for smaller devices that can perform faster and more reliably there is a need to explore options that allow for this combination in spite of the fact that smaller size tends to lead to a reduction in reliability and overall device performance. High electron mobility transistors (HEMTs) have proven superior to MOSFETS and BJTs in the areas of voltage and temperature ranges in which they can operate as well as their high breakdown fields, carrier density and velocity saturation. Studying HEMTs and understanding their constraints and how they respond to variations in their makeup and in …

Indium Tin Oxide (Ito) Deposition, Patterning And Schottky Contact Fabrication, Jianming Zhou

Theses

As a transparent conductive material, indium tin oxide (ITO) has been utilized as electrodes in liquid crystal displays, solar cells, heat reflecting films and gas sensors. In general, the desired properties are high conductance and transmission. However, due to the complexity of ITO, the film properties strongly depend on the deposition processes. In this study, the deposition conditions for ITO film were optimized to get both high conductivity and transmission. The emphasis was on investigating the effects of various deposition parameters, such as oxygen partial pressure, total gas flow, annealing conditions and power. These are the most critical parameters for …

Parent Perceptions Of School Climate And Its Impact On Their Child's School Performance, Danielle Malinowski

Theses

This study compared the relationship of student and parent perceptions of school climate to the student's academic performance and school problem behaviors (disciplinary referrals, unexcused absences, and tardiness). A sample of students (n=531), grades 7-12, completed the School Climate Survey (Haynes et al., 1996). Additional information was obtained regarding each student's academic performance and school problem behaviors. A randomly selected sample of parents were sent the School Climate Survey,

Parent Edition and were asked to voluntarily return them (n=45). Correlation results found no significant relationship between parent and student perceptions of school climate. A significant relationship was found between Parent …

Dynamic Analysis Of Hollow Tapered Isotropic And Composite Shafts Using Finite Element Techniques, Lindsay Larocca Parslow

Theses

Finite element techniques were used to analyze the dynamic characteristics of hollow tapered isotropic and composite shafts. Mathematical models of hollow tapered isotropic and composite shafts were developed, which were then discretized using Galerkin's Method to produce standard vibration equations. The solutions to the standard vibration equations were coded into two com puter programs, which can be used to calculate the torsional dynamic characteristics of an isotropic rotor system, and the coupled axial-torsional dynamic characteristics of a composite shaft. Several examples using each computer program are presented, illustrating their ability to predict natural frequencies and mode shapes of torsional systems.

The Consideration Of Camera Testing For Accurate Color Reproduction Within Museums And Institutions, Natalie Russo

Theses

The need for color accurate digital images for fine art reproduction is a reality faced by art museums and institutions around the world. It is the goal of most institutions to replace old, sometimes used and abused, transparency archives with digital image archives; many institutions have already begun this work. A number of different imaging systems with varied workflows, some idiosyncratic, are being used for this work. There is, therefore, an urgent need for the development and sharing of working methods that will ensure efficient, consistent, and color accurate results. These workflows must use camera systems to their fullest capability. …