Digital Commons Network^™

A New Framework For Grading, Kris H. Green, W. Allen Emerson

Mathematical and Computing Sciences Faculty/Staff Publications

Grading is one of the least liked, least understood and least considered aspects of teaching. After years of work, we have developed a grading system that is quite different from traditional and reformed approaches to grading and which meaningfully incorporates and integrates the collection of evidence, the evaluation of evidence, and the reporting of judgments about that evidence. This system satisfies the requirements of good grading system and answers many of the problems faced by more traditional methods by substantially changing the way in which grade information is aggregated, resulting in a final course grade that aligns qualitative evaluation with …

Eradicating House Mice From Islands: Successes, Failures And The Way Forward, James W. B. Mackay, James C. Russell, Elaine C. Murphy

Managing Vertebrate Invasive Species

The house mouse (Mus musculus) has been spread throughout the world by the actions of humans. It causes severe impacts to native ecosystems, especially in areas where there are no native mammals. It is possible to eradicate mice from islands but they are harder to eradicate than rats. A review of reported eradication attempts found that 17 attempts on 45 islands worldwide failed; a failure rate of 38%. The effect of operational factors on eradication success was examined, but no significant model was formed. Brodifacoum is the most widely used toxicant and has a 49% success rate. Mouse …

Climate Matching As A Tool For Predicting Potential North American Spread Of Brown Treesnakes, Gordon H. Rodda, Robert N. Reed, Catherine S. Jarnevich

Managing Vertebrate Invasive Species

Climate matching identifies extralimital destinations that could be colonized by a potential invasive species on the basis of similarity to climates found in the species’ native range. Climate is a proxy for the factors that determine whether a population will reproduce enough to offset mortality. Previous climate matching models (e.g., Genetic Algorithm for Rule-set Prediction [GARP]) for brown treesnakes (Boiga irregularis) were unsatisfactory, perhaps because the models failed to allow different combinations of climate attributes to influence a species’ range limits in different parts of the range. Therefore, we explored the climate space described by bivariate parameters of …

Towards A More Physically Adequate Definition Of Randomness: A Topological Approach, Vladik Kreinovich

Departmental Technical Reports (CS)

Kolmogorov-Martin-Lof definition describes a random sequence as a sequence which satisfies all the laws of probability. This notion formalizes the intuitive physical idea that if an event has a probability 0, then this event cannot occur. Physicists, however, also believe that if an event has a very small probability, then it cannot occur. In our previous papers, we proposed a modification of the Kolmogorov-Martin-Lof definition which formalizes this idea as well. It turns out that our original definition is too general: e.g., it includes some clearly non-physical situations when the set of all random elements is a one-point set. In …

Towards Efficient Prediction Of Decisions Under Interval Uncertainty, Van Nam Huynh, Vladik Kreinovich, Yoshiteru Nakamori, Hung T. Nguyen

Departmental Technical Reports (CS)

In many practical situations, users select between n alternatives a1, ..., an, and the only information that we have about the utilities vi of these alternatives are bounds vi- <= vi <= v-+. In such situations, it is reasonable to assume that the values vi are independent and uniformly distributed on the corresponding intervals [vi-,vi+]. Under this assumption, we would like to estimate, for each i, the probability pi that the alternative ai will be selected. In this paper, we provide efficient algorithms for computing these probabilities.

Department Of Chemistry News For Alumni And Friends, August 2007, Illinois State University, Department Of Chemistry

Chem Letter

Newsletter of the Illinois State University Department of Chemistry

News From Hope College, Volume 39.1: August, 2007, Hope College

News from Hope College

No abstract provided.

Stress Analysis Of An Ellipsoidal Inclusion, Mahesh Kailas

Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering Theses - Archive

The focus of the present thesis is to develop a mathematical model to calculate the stresses inside an ellipsoidal inclusion present in an infinitely extended matrix region and to validate the mathematically derived model by the Finite Element Method. To this end, a theoretical model has been developed to predict the stress inside an ellipsoidal inclusion. This model is based on equivalent inclusion method used to evaluate the stress distribution theoretically. Though there have been many theories to predict the stress distribution inside an ellipsoidal inclusion, its numerical validation is new despite its importance. A finite element model of a …

Development Of A Broadband Multi-Channel Nirs System For Quantifying Absolute Concentrations Of Hemoglobin Derivatives And Reduced Scattering Coefficients, Dheerendra Kashyap

Bioengineering Dissertations - Archive

Near infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) has been widely applied to investigate hemoglobin oxygenations of muscles, brain and breast tumors. Steady state reflectance techniques developed previously have been restricted to determination of relative concentrations. To overcome these limitations, this dissertation describes the development, validation and applications of broadband, steady-state, optical spectroscopic systems and algorithms to quantify absolute concentrations of hemoglobin derivatives and reduced light scattering coefficients using (1) thin optical probes with small (100 μm - 1 mm) source-detector separations and (2) a large separation (< 4 cm) probe.. A recently developed mathematical model by Zonios and Dimou for reflectance at small source-detector separations was used to develop techniques to quantify chromophore concentrations and light scattering coefficients (Chap. 2). Blood-intralipid phantom models were used to determine empirical coefficients to model reflectance spectra. This technique was further applied to quantify hemodynamic changes during formalin- induced pain behaviors in rats (Chap. 3). To overcome limitations in penetration depth and investigated tissue volume, another approach to quantify concentrations of chromophores in tissues at large source-detector separations was also developed. This novel approach uses the process of second differential spectroscopy to quantify concentrations of deoxygenated hemoglobin with respect to the tissue water content. Based on such quantification, an adaptation of the ant colony optimization algorithm was utilized to quantify absolute concentrations of other constituent tissue chromophores. The developed techniques were validated with the reflectance measurements from blood-intralipid phantoms and further applied to monitoring of ex vivo human prostate lesions and of rat brain tumor growth in vivo (Chap. 4). In the second stage of my doctoral development, a multi-channel, broadband, steady-state, NIRS imaging system was developed to determine spatial distributions of hemoglobin concentrations and reduced light scattering coefficients. The imager was calibrated with laboratory phantoms to eliminate deterministic instrumentation bias of CCD-spectrometers, optical fibers, and multiplexer channels. Calibration procedures also include determinations of the source strength and boundary coefficients in order to obtain accurate image reconstructions. A multi-wavelength, spectrally constrained reconstruction algorithm was developed to obtain tomographic maps of hemoglobin derivative concentrations and reduced scattering coefficients, using laboratory tissue phantoms. The developed imaging system and reconstruction algorithms were validated with both static and dynamic multi-tube phantoms.

A Rotating Panel Survey To Assess Quality Of Hunter College Education, Jennifer Sousa Brennan, William (Bill) H. Williams

Publications and Research

A rotating sample design is proposed to most accurately measure the perceived quality of a Hunter College education. A representative sample of Hunter College students will belong to one of six rotating panels. Students will be contacted during four rotation periods and report their assessment of the two most recent months. It is advantageous to use a rotating panel design as opposed to a fixed panel design in order to guard against the negative effects of a deteriorating response rate. Stratified sampling will help to ensure representation across major departments and academic year of study. Methods for sampling procedures, stratification, …

Modified Fenton Oxidation Of Hydrocarbon Contaminated Soils With Cao2: Microbial Survival And Surfactant Production, Abraham Matthew Northup

Dissertations

The efficacy of CaO₂ for use in modified Fenton's (MF) reactions was investigated in this study, with the goal of developing a CaO₂-based MF oxidation technology for use in in situ chemical oxidation. Traditionally, liquid H₂O₂ (HP) is used, and is injected into the subsurface in excess to ensure a sufficient radius of influence. CaO₂ was investigated as an alternative source of H₂O₂ for MF reactions.

First, the rate of dissolution of powdered CaO₂ and the yield of HP was investigated. Our results showed that the rate of dissolution …

An Integrated Framework For Enhancing User Experience For Different Data Services In Multi-Rate Wireless Systems, Sourav Pal

Computer Science and Engineering Dissertations - Archive

Technological advances in multi\--rate wireless systems have made wireless data services an intrinsic part of human life. An abundance of wireless devices, both in the wireless enabled home multimedia systems as well as in corporate offices, have trigerred an array of research in enhancing the wireless data services. The success and acceptance of these various rich data services Technological advances in multi\--rate wireless systems have made wireless data services an intrinsic part of human life. An abundance of wireless devices, both in the wireless enabled home multimedia systems as well as in corporate offices, have trigerred an array of research …

Enhanced Targeting In A Haptic User Interface For The Physically Disabled Using A Force Feedback Mouse, Brian Holbert

Computer Science and Engineering Dissertations - Archive

Although the human computer interface continues to evolve by engaging sight, voice, sound, and touch to manipulate the environment, the marriage between mouse and graphic based operating systems remains one of the primary relationships through which we interact with the computer. With the advent of haptics it has become possible to enhance the GUI/mouse relationship with the sense of touch using a haptic mouse, opening new avenues of interaction, in particular for those with disabilities. For the majority of users the mouse is an effective and proven device for human computer interaction. However it is not as well suited for …

Design And Implementation Of Reconfigurable Hardware For Real-Time Particle Filtering, Akshay Athalye

Stony Brook Theses and Dissertations Collection, 2006-2020 (closed to submissions)

[to be added]

Battery-Aware And Energy-Efficient Algorithms For Wireless Networks, Chi Ma

Stony Brook Theses and Dissertations Collection, 2006-2020 (closed to submissions)

[to be added]

Characteristics Of Short-Period Wavelike Features Near 87 Km Altitude From Airglow And Lidar Observations Over Maui, J. H. Hecht, A. Z. Liu, R. L. Walterscheid, S. J. Franke, R. J. Rudy, Michael J. Taylor, Pierre-Dominique Pautet

All Physics Faculty Publications

Small-scale (less than 15 km horizontal wavelength) wavelike structures known as ripples are a common occurrence in OH airglow images. Recent case studies attribute their origin to the presence of either convective or dynamical instabilities. However, little is known about their frequency of occurrence and period. The Maui-MALT Observatory, located at Mt. Haleakala, is instrumented with a Na wind/temperature lidar, which allows the determination of whether the atmosphere is dynamically or convectively unstable, and a fast OH airglow camera which takes images every 3 s with a sensitivity high enough to see the ripples. This study reports on 2 months …

West Nile Virus Monitoring In North Central Texas And A Proposed Surveillance Model, Mark Edward Dinubila

Earth & Environmental Sciences Theses - Archive

West Nile virus monitoring among mosquito populations in Tarrant County, Texas has been ongoing for more than 4 years. Coupled with RT-PCR Testing by the North Texas Regional Laboratory, Tarrant County and the cities that reside within its borders have been able to get an estimate of the location of the virus in their cities. As the participants select trap locations based on convenience, past experience and public interest, it should be beneficial to use geomorphological characteristics to dictate future trapping locations. This surveillance model using existing land maps of Tarrant County, past trap locations and their test results. The …

Forecasting Prescription Of Medications And Cost Analysis Using Time Series., Mussie Angesom Tesfamicael 1975-

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this research study is to examine the use of time series forecasting and text mining to investigate the prescription of antibiotics. The specific objective is to examine the relationship between the total payments, private insurance payments, Medicare payments, Medicaid payments, number of prescriptions and quantity of prescriptions for different antibiotics. Currently, there is no method available to forecast antibiotic prescription costs, so we have adopted several methods that will help health care providers and hospitals to know about the prescription of the antibiotics being prescribed. The payment made for each antibiotic is based upon an average cost …

On The Cover

Sci-Tech News

No abstract provided.

Sla 2007 Annual Conference Session Reports

Sci-Tech News

No abstract provided.

Engineering Division, Bob Tolliver

Sci-Tech News

No abstract provided.

Web Reviews, Diane F. Brenes

Sci-Tech News

No abstract provided.

New Science And Technology Journals, Earl Mounts

Sci-Tech News

No abstract provided.

Sci-Tech Book News Reviews, Susan Fingerman

Sci-Tech News

No abstract provided.

Editorial Board, About This Issue, Table Of Contents, Deirdre Greer

Perspectives In Learning

Welcome to Volume 8, Issue 2 of Perspectives in Learning. This issue represents our first fall publication and begins with an article by Lenoir Gillam and Lisa Shaw, which details the process of student placements in partner schools for a counseling program. The authors reveal how the use of data has improved this process.

Constructivism In Early Childhood Education, Joseph Mills

Perspectives In Learning

At most universities and colleges, a form of constructivism based on child psychological theories dominates the stage as the “official knowledge pre-service early childhood teachers must know to be proclaimed competent” (Livingston, 2003, p. 3). Why, then, have the understandings of how children learn and the teaching practices suggested by this theory not taken root in many early childhood classrooms? In attempting to answer this question through a review of current literature in the field, three topics of discussion have been suggested: an explanation of the development and learning theories which support constructivism, identifying classroom practices which are considered to …

Writing Across The Curriculum: Designing Science Lessons Using The Theory Of Multiple Intelligences To Promote Literacy, Bonita E. Flournoy, Ollie Manley

Perspectives In Learning

As science teacher educators, whose task is to facilitate learning for teachers of science, we impress upon our pre-service teachers to engage their students in writing activities to promote literacy in science. One of the issues that our teachers frequently express in class is that students don’t like to read their textbooks or engage in traditional writing exercises. As we work with these pre-service teachers we assist them with developing a repertoire of strategies that can be used to engage students in reading and writing as they learn science. One way to actively engage students in reading and writing is …

The Review Of Teacher Education For Languages Teachers : Final Report, Elizabeth Kleinhenz, Jenny Wilkinson, Margaret Gearon, Suzanne Fernandez, Lawrence Ingvarson

Initial Teacher education

This report produces a comprehensive national picture of the nature and effectiveness of teacher education and re-training opportunities for languages teachers. The report investigates course entry requirements, course content and structure for primary and secondary languages teachers; identifies structural impediments relating to the development of languages teachers' linguistic and pedagogical competency; and explores the potential application of the Professional Standards for Accomplished Teaching of Languages and Cultures, developed by the Australian Federation of Modern Language Teachers (AFMLTA), in teacher education for languages teachers.

Prediction Of Cyclin-Dependent Kinase Phosphorylation Substrates, Emmanuel J. Chang, Rashida Begum, Brian T. Chait, Terry Gaasterland

Publications and Research

Protein phosphorylation, mediated by a family of enzymes called cyclin-dependent kinases (Cdks), plays a central role in the cell-division cycle of eukaryotes. Phosphorylation by Cdks directs the cell cycle by modifying the function of regulators of key processes such as DNA replication and mitotic progression. Here, we present a novel computational procedure to predict substrates of the cyclin-dependent kinase Cdc28 (Cdk1) in the Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Currently, most computational phosphorylation site prediction procedures focus solely on local sequence characteristics. In the present procedure, we model Cdk substrates based on both local and global characteristics of the substrates. Thus, we define the …

Species-Specific Visitation And Removal Of Baits For Delivery Of Pharmaceuticals To Feral Swine, Tyler A. Campbell, David B. Long

United States Department of Agriculture Wildlife Services: Staff Publications

Within the domestic swine industry there is growing trepidation about the role feral swine (Sus scrofa) play in the maintenance and transmission of important swine diseases. Innovative disease management tools for feral swine are needed. We used field trials conducted in southern Texas from February to March 2006 to compare species-specific visitation and removal rates of fish-flavored and vegetable-flavored baits with and without commercially available raccoon (Procyon lotor/) repellent (trial 1) and removal rates of baits deployed in a systematic and cluster arrangement (trial 2). During trial 1, 1) cumulative bait removal rates after four nights …