Digital Commons Network^™

The Practitioner, The Priest, And The Professor: Perspectives On Self-Initiation In The American Neopagan Community, Marty Laubach, Louis Martinie’, Roselinda Clemons

Sociology and Anthropology Faculty Research

Initiation is a religious practice that is generally understood as involving socialization and acceptance into a religious community, but American Neopaganism, with its emphasis on individualism and autonomy, has evolved a meaning that challenges that simple understanding. American Neopagan communities are marketplaces of ideas that are comprised of groups and solo practitioners, all in interaction in which they might conduct main holidays together, but not necessarily work together in what they would consider more “serious” practices in which they receive the spirit communications with which they develop the ideas. Among groups, these practices include initiations through which candidates are trained …

Citax: Defining Xml Standards For Data Exchange In The Construction Industry Supply Chain, Alan V. Hore, Roger West

Conference papers

The current methods of ordering, delivering and invoicing of products in the construction industry is enormously inefficient, with vast quantities of paperwork, duplication of effort, scanning, re-keying and resolving mismatches between invoices, delivery dockets and purchase orders. The purpose of this paper is to introduce the Construction IT Alliance eXchange (CITAX) project and, in particular, to outline the work carried out-to-date by a special interest group within the project. They are seeking to define a universal set of eXtensible Mark-Up Language (XML) message standards that will allow suppliers and contractors to exchange information with each other in supply chain activity. …

Building Bridges: The Transition From Preschool To Primary School For Children In Ireland, Mary O'Kane

Doctoral

The overarching aim of this study was to provide an information base on the transition from preschool to formal schooling in Ireland, and to improve understanding about how best to support children’s learning during this time. The theoretical framework for the project was based on the ecological systems model of development proposed by Bronfenbrenner. As there was no previous Irish research in this area, the study took an exploratory approach, and drew on a variety of sources to present the perspectives of preschool practitioners, primary school teachers, parents and children themselves. Phase 1 involved a questionnaire being completed by a …

Towards A Personal Automatic Music Playlist Generation Alogorithm: The Need For Contextual Information, Gordon Reynolds, Dan Barry, Ted Burke, Eugene Coyle

Conference papers

Large music collections afford the listener flexibility in the form of choice, which enables the listener to choose the appropriate piece of music to enhance or complement their listening scenario on-demand. However, bundled with such a large music collection is the daunting task of manually searching through each entry in the collection to find the appropriate song required by the listener. This often leaves the listener frustrated when trying to select songs from a large music collection. In this paper, an overview of existing methods for automatically generating a playlist is discussed. This discussion outlines advantages and disadvantages associated with …

Shared And Mutual Knowledge In Language Learning, Marty Meinardi

Articles

This article discusses the matter of shared knowledge from the perspective of the different deictic centres of understanding. Difficulties, which may result from a possible lack of a shared knowledge between NSs and NNSs due to differences in language experiences and personal backgrounds, are identified.

University Futures: The Direction, Shape And Provision Of Higher Education In The University Of The Future, Arlene Finn, John Ratcliffe, Lorcan Sirr

Reports

The aim of this study is to help create an awareness of the changing milieu within which Higher Education (HE) will operate over coming decades, while concurrently exploring its possible alternative forms. The specific objectives of the study are to review literature relevant to the University of the Future in a global, European and Irish context. We have sought to determine key trends which have the potential to affect the future of Higher Education (and the institutions charged with its delivery), under the headings of Demography, Society, Technology, Governance, Economy and Environment, and to identify different possible formats for the …

A Brief Introduction To Speech Synthesis And Voice Modification, Alan O'Cinneide, David Dorran, Mikel Gainza

Conference papers

For both engineers and linguists, the computer synthesis of natural speech is an objective that would provide many useful applications to human-computer interaction, including the realm of electro-acoustic music. The purpose of this paper is to introduce the area of speech synthesis by providing an overview of the three main methods of computer speech synthesis; namely concatenative, articulatory and formant syntheses. Some aspects of the current state of the technology are illuminated and the final section will explain the author’s motivation and current research approach to the field of voice modification.

Baugruppe - Lessons From Freiburg On Cooperative Housing : Lessons From Freiburg On Cooperative Housing, Joseph Little

Articles

Creating Sustainable Communities in the UK and Ireland

The Genesis of Quartier Vauban

Exploring The Fate Of No Longer Relevant Spatial Information Using A Modified Sternberg Task, Kirsten Burghardt

School of Psychology Theses

Forgetting, the breakdown of memory, is often associated with inconveniences in everyday life when the car key has been left on the kitchen table or when a phone number will simply not come to mind. However, forgetting has its justified and valued place in cognition. Forgetting allows us to remember the place where we parked our car today, rather than two weeks ago, it enables us to update previously incorrect information in our memory, and It gives us the opportunity to move on from unpleasant past experiences.

The Social And Psychological Effects Of Sms Text Messaging, Donna Reid

School of Psychology Theses

This thesis reports an exploration of the phenomenon of mobile phone SMS text messaging and examines the applicability of two key theories of computer-mediated communication that forecast contrasting outcomes of this medium for personal relationship development and maintenance. It explores how SMS texting is being used, the impact it can have on the formation and maintenance of interpersonal relationships, and its attraction to particular groups of users. The importance of individual differences in moderating the use and outcomes of text messaging is emphasised throughout the studies reported. The investigation was split into two phases. An exploratory phase analysed samples of …

Error Performance Of Double Space Time Transmit Diversity Systems, Jingxian Wu, Y. Rosa Zheng, Ashwin Gumaste, Chengshan Xiao

Electrical and Computer Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

The theoretical error performance of double space time transmit diversity (DSTTD) system with optimum combining receiver is analyzed in this paper. by employing both spatial multiplexing and transmit diversity in one system, DSTTD provides practical tradeoff between system spectral efficiency and diversity gain. We derive exact analytical expressions to describe the symbol error rate for DSTTD systems. The effects of both diversity gain and antenna interference introduced by spatial multiplexing are quantified in the results. In addition, the performance of DSTTD system with successive interference cancellation is also investigated. Simulation results are in excellent agreement with the theoretical results obtained …

Frequency-Domain Channel Estimation And Equalization For Broadband Wireless Communications, Y. Rosa Zheng, Chengshan Xiao

Electrical and Computer Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

Frequency-domain equalization (FDE) is an effective technique for high data rate wireless communication systems suffering from very long intersymbol interference. Most of existing FDE algorithms are limited to quasi-static or slow time-varying fading channels, where least mean squares (LMS) or recursive least squares (RLS) adaptive algorithms were utilized for channel estimation. In this paper, we employ interpolation method to develop channel estimation algorithm in the frequency domain. We show that the new channel estimation algorithm can significantly outperform LMS and RLS algorithms. Numerical examples demonstrate that the new algorithm can track time-varying fading channels with Doppler up to 300-400 Hz. …

Near Optimal Output-Feedback Control Of Nonlinear Discrete-Time Systems In Nonstrict Feedback Form With Application To Engines, Peter Shih, Brian C. Kaul, Jagannathan Sarangapani, J. A. Drallmeier

Electrical and Computer Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

A novel reinforcement-learning based output-adaptive neural network (NN) controller, also referred as the adaptive-critic NN controller, is developed to track a desired trajectory for a class of complex nonlinear discrete-time systems in the presence of bounded and unknown disturbances. The controller includes an observer for estimating states and the outputs, critic, and two action NNs for generating virtual, and actual control inputs. The critic approximates certain strategic utility function and the action NNs are used to minimize both the strategic utility function and their outputs. All NN weights adapt online towards minimization of a performance index, utilizing gradient-descent based rule. …

Neural Network Control Of Robot Formations Using Rise Feedback, Jagannathan Sarangapani, Travis Alan Dierks

Electrical and Computer Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

In this paper, a combined kinematic/torque control law is developed for leader-follower based formation control using backstepping in order to accommodate the dynamics of the robots and the formation in contrast with kinematic-based formation controllers that are widely reported in the literature. A neural network (NN) is introduced along with robust integral of the sign of the error (RISE) feedback to approximate the dynamics of the follower as well as its leader using online weight tuning. It is shown using Lyapunov theory that the errors for the entire formation are asymptotically stable and the NN weights are bounded as opposed …

Optimal Wide Area Controller And State Predictor For A Power System, Salman Mohagheghi, Ganesh K. Venayagamoorthy, Ronald G. Harley

Electrical and Computer Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

An optimal wide area controller is designed in this paper for a 12-bus power system together with a Static Compensator (STATCOM). The controller provides auxiliary reference signals for the automatic voltage regulators (AVR) of the generators as well as the line voltage controller of the STATCOM in such a way that it improves the damping of the rotor speed deviations of the synchronous machines. Adaptive critic designs theory is used to implement the controller and enable it to provide nonlinear optimal control over the infinite horizon time of the problem and at different operating conditions of the power system. Simulation …

Frequency-Domain Channel Estimation And Equalization For Single Carrier Underwater Acoustic Communications, Y. Rosa Zheng, Chengshan Xiao, T. C. Yang, Wen-Bin Yang

Electrical and Computer Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

A new frequency-domain channel estimation and equalization (FDE) scheme is proposed for single carrier (SC) underwater acoustic communications. The proposed SC-FDE employs a small training signal block for initial channel estimation in the frequency domain and converts the estimated transfer function to a desired DFT (discrete Fourier transform) size for channel equalization of the data blocks. The frequency domain equalizer is designed using the linear minimum mean square error criterion. A new phase coherent detection scheme is also proposed and deployed to combat the phase drift due to the instantaneous Doppler in the underwater channels. The channel transfer functions and …

Mobile Speed Estimation For Broadband Wireless Communications, Y. Rosa Zheng, Chengshan Xiao

Electrical and Computer Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

In this paper, a new algorithm is proposed to estimate mobile speed for broadband wireless communications, which often encounter large number of fading channel taps causing severe intersymbol interference. Theoretical analysis is first derived and practical algorithm is proposed based on the analytical results. The algorithm employs a modified auto-covariance of received signal power to estimate the speed of mobiles. The algorithm is based on the received signals which contain unknown transmitted data, unknown frequency selective multipaths possibly including line-of-sight (LOS) component, and random receiver noise. The algorithm works well for frequency selective Rayleigh and Rician channels. The algorithm is …

Neural Network Controller Development And Implementation For Spark Ignition Engines With High Egr Levels, Jonathan B. Vance, Atmika Singh, Brian C. Kaul, Jagannathan Sarangapani, J. A. Drallmeier

Electrical and Computer Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

Past research has shown substantial reductions in the oxides of nitrogen (NOx) concentrations by using 10% -25% exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) in spark ignition (SI) engines (see Dudek and Sain, 1989). However, under high EGR levels, the engine exhibits strong cyclic dispersion in heat release which may lead to instability and unsatisfactory performance preventing commercial engines to operate with high EGR levels. A neural network (NN)-based output feedback controller is developed to reduce cyclic variation in the heat release under high levels of EGR even when the engine dynamics are unknown by using fuel as the control input. A separate …

On The Error Performance Of Wireless Systems With Frequency Selective Fading And Receiver Timing Phase Offset, Jingxian Wu, Y. Rosa Zheng, Khaled Ben Letaief, Chengshan Xiao

Electrical and Computer Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

No abstract provided.

Heat Transfer Coefficients In A High-Pressure Bubble Column, Chengtian Wu, Muthanna H. Al-Dahhan, Anand Prakash

Chemical and Biochemical Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

Time-Averaged Local Heat Transfer Coefficients Were Studied in a 0.16 M Inner Diameter High-Pressure Air-Water Bubble Column. the Effects of the Superficial Gas Velocity (Up to 0.30 M/s), Pressure (Up to 10 Bar), Probe Position, and Probe Orientation Were Investigated. the Heat Transfer Coefficients Increased with Superficial Gas Velocity, and the Values in the Center of the Column Were 9-16% Greater Than Those Near the Wall Region under Atmospheric Pressure (1 Bar). with the Increase in Pressure, the Heat Transfer Coefficients Decreased Due to Combined Effects of Bubble Size Decreasing, Gas Holdup Increasing, and Bubble Number Increasing. the Heat Transfer …

Gas-Liquid Mass Transfer In A High Pressure Bubble Column Reactor With Different Sparger Designs, Lu Han, Muthanna H. Al-Dahhan

Chemical and Biochemical Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

The Gas-Liquid Mass Transfer in a 0.162 M High-Pressure Stainless-Steel Bubble Column Was Investigated using Three Different Gas Sparger Designs. an Oxygen-Enriched-Air Dynamic Method and an Optical Oxygen Probe Technique Were Implemented to Measure K1 a Values in the Bubble Column Reactor. using the Interfacial Area (A) Values Measured by a Four-Point Optical Probe Technique at Similar Conditions (Xue, 2004), the K1 Values Were Estimated. Axial Dispersion Model (ADM) and Continuous Stirred Tank Reactor (CSTR) Model Were Used to Calculate K1 a as a Fitted Parameter with the Measured Data. the ADM Gave Better Fits to the Experimental Data Than …

Adaptive Power Control Protocol With Hardware Implementation For Wireless Sensor And Rfid Reader Networks, Kainan Cha, Jagannathan Sarangapani, David Pommerenke

Electrical and Computer Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

The development and deployment of radio frequency identification (RFID) systems render a novel distributed sensor network which enhances visibility into manufacturing processes. In RFID systems, the detection range and read rates will suffer from interference among high-power reading devices. This problem grows severely and degrades system performance in dense RFID networks. Consequently, medium access protocols (MAC) protocols are needed for such networks to assess and provide access to the channel so that tags can be read accurately. In this paper, we investigate a suite of feasible power control schemes to ensure overall coverage area of the system while maintaining a …

Design Of An Fpga Logic Element For Implementing Asynchronous Null Convention Logic Circuits, Scott C. Smith

Electrical and Computer Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

Two versions of a reconfigurable logic element are developed for use in constructing afield-programmable gate array NULL convention logic (NCL) field-programmable gate array (FPGA): one with extra embedded registration capability, which requires additional area, and one without. Both versions can be configured as any of the 27 fundamental NCL gates, including resettable and inverting variations, and both can utilize embedded registration for gates with three or fewer inputs; however, only the version with the additional embedded registration capability can utilize embedded registration with four-input gates. These two approaches are compared with each other and with an existing approach, showing that …

Doppler Spread Estimation For Broadband Wireless Ofdm Systems, Jun Tao, Jingxian Wu, Chengshan Xiao

Electrical and Computer Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

In this paper, we present a new Doppler spread estimation algorithm for broadband wireless orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) systems with time-varying and frequency-selective Rayleigh fading. The algorithm is developed by analyzing the statistical properties of the power of received signals in the time domain, thus it excludes the influence of inter- carrier interference introduced by channel variation within one OFDM symbol. The operation of the algorithm doesn't require the knowledge of fading coefficients, transmitted data symbols, or signal-to-noise ratio (SNR). It works well under time-selective and frequency-selective Rayleigh fading channel with SNR as low as 0 dB. Moreover, unlike …

Route Aware Predictive Congestion Control Protocol For Wireless Sensor Networks, Carl Larsen, Maciej Jan Zawodniok, Jagannathan Sarangapani

Electrical and Computer Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

Congestion in wireless sensor networks (WSN) may lead to packet losses or delayed delivery of important information rendering the WSN-based monitoring or control system useless. In this paper a routing-aware predictive congestion control (RPCC) yet decentralized scheme for WSN is presented that uses a combination of a hop by hop congestion control mechanism to maintain desired level of buffer occupancy, and a dynamic routing scheme that works in concert with the congestion control mechanism to forward the packets through less congested nodes. The proposed adaptive approach restricts the incoming traffic thus preventing buffer overflow while maintaining the rate through an …

What Happens When Veteran And Beginner Teachers' Life Histories Intersect With High-Stakes Testing And What Does It Mean For Learners And Teaching Practice: The Making Of A Culture Of Fear, Shelly L. Counsell

Dissertations and Theses @ UNI

This qualitative study explored the phenomenon of what happened as Florida's high-stakes accountability system intersected with a beginning and veteran teachers' life histories and different stocks of lifeworldly knowledge at demographically different lifeworld communities. Habermas' (1987) theory of communicative action was used as the theoretical framework to explore what the teachers' responses meant for learners and teaching practice. The research purpose of this study (emphasizing an interpretive approach) sought to gain insights and understandings regarding the phenomenon specifically. The practical purpose (according to critical theory) was to then use the insights gained (enlightenment) in order to contemplate the kinds of …

Guess Who's Not Coming To Dinner: A Review Of The Policies And Practices In Three Urban Iowa School Districts To Recruit Teachers From Underrepresented Backgrounds, Willie B. Barney

Dissertations and Theses @ UNI

Although student diversity in public schools has increased at a rapid pace, teacher diversity has not matched the student pace. Schools in the United States have had a difficult time identifying strategies for the effective recruitment and hire of teachers from ethnically underrepresented backgrounds. The shortage has left many questioning the merit of their efforts.

The purpose of this study was to identify the steps taken by Iowa's urban school districts to recruit and hire teachers from ethnically underrepresented backgrounds. Four research questions were examined using a qualitative research methodology. Using inquiry techniques, school district personnel participated in individual interviews …

The Role Of Spirituality In Women's Leadership At Community Colleges, Carol L. Hedberg

Dissertations and Theses @ UNI

This qualitative research study examined the role of women's leadership in Iowa community colleges. Administrative leaders from community college settings, recommended by their presidents, wrote narratives about effective leadership traits and from these narratives, four women leaders were selected and later interviewed. Key thematic categories were developed from the written and verbal narratives. The resulting data set was then analyzed by a comparative case study approach. Emerging thematic categories were interpreted through the lens of four primary research questions addressing the relationship between gender, spirituality, and authentic leadership.

A plethora of issues surfaced from the data. Issues of gender and …

Pieces To The Puzzle, Ann L. Cracco

Dissertations and Theses @ UNI

Because low-income, first-generation, and disabled individuals have limited access to postsecondary education, Congress established TRIO, a series of programs designed to provide access to college for this targeted population. One initiative suggested to aid in retention and graduation for these TRIO students was mentoring. This study examined the perceived benefits of faculty mentoring for first-generation TRIO students to facilitate retention and graduation rates at a Midwestern Community College. Three faculty members and three TRIO students were interviewed to determine their perception of the benefits of faculty mentoring. The results were consistent with the literature that students who have access to …

Approaches To Studying And Study Tactics Of Baccalaureate Nursing Students, Lisa D. Brodersen

Dissertations and Theses @ UNI

This research was designed to describe study approaches and study tactics used by baccalaureate nursing students. Previous inquiry indicates that students will take a Deep, Strategic, or Surface approach to studying and will use specific study tactics to meet the demands of their learning contexts.

The Approaches to Study Skills Inventory for Students (ASSIST) was administered to 174 students in Anatomy and Physiology, Pathophysiology, and Nursing Care of the Adult Client. Failing students were less likely to participate. The ASSIST bad acceptable internal consistency reliability and construct validity. A majority (55%) of students took a Strategic approach to studying; smaller …