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The Effects Of Catholic And Protestant Schools: A Meta-Analysis, William H. Jeynes

Journal of Catholic Education

A meta-analysis was undertaken including 41 studies to determine the influence of Catholic and Protestant schools. The analysis examined studies undertaken at both the elementary and secondary school level. The results indicate that both Catholic and Protestant school students do better than their counterparts in public schools. In addition, Protestant school students excelled more than their Catholic counterparts on most standardized tests, but Catholic school students did better than their Protestant school counterparts on non-standardized measures. The significance of these results is discussed.

An Introduction To Value-Added Analysis, Ron Costello, Peggy Elson, John Schacter

Journal of Catholic Education

For the last 3 years, more than 80% of the respondents to Annual Phi Delta Kappa/Gallup Poll of the Public’s Attitudes Toward The Public Schools have stated that they would rather see a school’s performance measure based upon “improvement shown by students” than the “percentage passing the test” (Rose & Gallip, 2007, p. 35). If this were to become the norm, the next question would be what “improvement” is significant? Educators need to understand “value-added” if they are going to use “improvement” to show that schools are improving student achievement.

A Special-Purpose Architecture For Solving The Breakpoint Median Problem, Jason D. Bakos, Panormitis E. Elenis

Faculty Publications

In this paper, we describe the design for a co-processor for whole-genome phylogenetic reconstruction. Our current design performs a parallelized breakpoint median computation, which is an expensive component of the overall application. When implemented on a field-programmable gate array (FPGA), our hardware breakpoint median achieves a maximum speedup of 1005times over software. When the coprocessor is used to accelerate the entire reconstruction procedure, we achieve a maximum application speedup of 417times. The results in this paper suggest that FPGA-based acceleration is a promising approach for computationally expensive phylogenetic problems, in spite of the fact that the involved algorithms are based …

Calculations Of K-Shell Fluorescence Yields And Photoabsorption Cross Sections For Carbon Ions At The K-Edge, Muhammet Fatih Hasoglu

Dissertations

The advent of new space missions providing high-precision observations has engendered the need for reliable and precise K-shell atomic data in order to interpret these X-ray spectra. In response to this need, we focused on the calculation of K-shell fluorescence yields for 2 nd -row ions. A secondary project was undertaken in order to treat theoretically the K-shell X-ray absorption processes in carbon ions. These calculated fluorescence yields of 2nd -row ions and theX-ray photoabsorption cross sections of carbon are astrophysically important in determining (1) charge-changing probabilities, such as Auger vs. radiative decay, and (2) chemical abundances of the interstellar …

Evaluation Of Electron Donor Materials Used To Create Subsurface Permeable Reactive Barriers For Enhanced Reductive Dechlorination Of Chlorinated Ethenes, Elizabeth S. Semkiw

Dissertations

Chlorinated ethenes (CEs) are widespread ground water contaminants, apparently due to their extensive migration from numerous contamination source points. In this study, a long-term field investigation and aquifer microcosm experiments were combined to evaluate the effectiveness of electron donor materials used to create and maintain subsurface permeable reactive barriers (PRBs) for the enhanced in-situ biodegradation of CEs. The laboratory component includes the first side-by-side comparison of electron donor materials dairy whey, lactate syrup, and Hydrogen Release Compound® (HRC), in which dechlorination rates, fermentation product distributions, and H₂ production were monitored as measures of substrate efficiency. Field study allowed the …

Switch On And Switch Off Nanosensors For The Detection Of Nerve Gas Agents, Shankar Varaganti

Dissertations

The central hypothesis of this research is the development of novel nanosensors by a bottom-up approach for the detection of nerve gas agents. The nanosensor assembly consists of four main parts; nanoparticles (N), Monomer (M), Complex (C) and Receptor (R). Two novel Ru (II)-bipyridyl and zinc complexes with tryptophan receptors either in 4,4' or 5,5' position of the bipyridyl ring have been synthesized and characterized by using ¹H NMR, ¹³C NMR, mass spectrometry and absorption spectroscopy. Silica nanoparticles or quantum dots are used as a platform for the nanosensors. Highly conjugated stilbene type compounds are used as monomers. …

Limitations Of A True Random Number Generator In A Field Programmable Gate Array, Jennifer L. Brady

Theses and Dissertations

Random number generators are used in many areas of engineering, computer science, most notably in simulations and cryptographic applications. There are true random number generators (TRNG) and pseudo random number generators (PRNG). Only a true random number generator is secure because the output bits are non-repeating and nonreproducible. As society has become more dependent on electronic technology the need for true random number generators has increased due to processes that require encryption in everyday use. A fast true random number generator on a field programmable gate array presents digital designers with the ability to have the generator on chip. Since …

Remarks On The Stability Of Some Size-Structured Population Models Iii: The Case Of Constant Inflow Of Newborns, Mohammed El-Doma

Applications and Applied Mathematics: An International Journal (AAM)

The stability of some size-structured population dynamics models are investigated. We determine the steady states and study their stability. We also give examples that illustrate the stability results. The results in this paper generalize previous results, for example, see Calsina, et al. (2003), El- Doma (2006) and El-Doma (2008).

Editorial

Teacher journal archive (2004-2011)

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National News

Teacher journal archive (2004-2011)

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Operational Report 2008, University Of Montana--Missoula

University of Montana Annual Financial Reports, 1918-2012

University of Montana annual financial report for fiscal year ending June 30, 2008.

Development Of Regression Tree For Processing Satellite Images, Indrani Kommareddy

Masters Theses & Doctoral Dissertations

Satellite images are used more and more to analyze global tree and forest cover change. It is also extensively used in modeling the climatic change. These are becoming very important tools for the policy makers to discuss treaties and policies for global climatic change. Geographic Information System Center of Excellence (GIScCE) at South Dakota State University has become leader in development of such information (products). It extensive contracts with various world organizations is a testament to their work in this area. Hence it has become imperative that they would be able to analyze satellite images and provide the products in …

Solving Higher Dimensional Initial Boundary Value Problems By Variational Iteration Decomposition Method, Muhammad A. Noor, Syed T. Mohyud-Din

Applications and Applied Mathematics: An International Journal (AAM)

In this paper, we apply a relatively new technique which is called the variational iteration decomposition method (VIDM) by combining the traditional variational iteration and the decomposition methods for solving higher dimensional initial boundary value problems. The proposed method is an elegant combination of variational iteration and the decomposition methods. The analytical results of the problems have been obtained in terms of convergent series with easily computable components. The method is quite efficient and is practically well suited for use in these problems. Several examples are given to verify the accuracy and efficiency of the proposed technique.

Nonlinearity And Gestalt Therapy : Back To The Beginning, Darryl G. Kim

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Gestalt methods are explored in the context of the nonlinear view. The original Lewinian equations are updated to the current notions of nonlinear dynamics and current Gestalt Therapy theory. Ordinary differential equations and nonlinear processes are applied some of the key features of Gestalt Theory. Theoretical positions are explored and therapeutic impact considered.

Use Of Micropiles For Foundations Of Transportation Structures Final Report, Hoyoung Seo, Monica Prezzi

JTRP Technical Reports

In pile design, piles must be able to sustain axial loads from the superstructure without bearing capacity failure or structural damage. In addition, piles must not settle or deflect excessively in order for the serviceability of the superstructures to be maintained. In general, settlement controls the design of piles in most cases because, by the time a pile has failed in terms of bearing capacity, it is very likely that serviceability will have already been compromised. Therefore, realistic estimation of settlement for a given load is very important in design of axially loaded piles. This notwithstanding, pile design has relied …

Reporting And Comparing School Performances, Geoff N. Masters, Glenn Rowley, John Ainley, Siek Toon Khoo

Assessment and Reporting

This report provides advice on the collection and reporting of information about the performances of Australian schools. The focus is on the collection of nationally comparable data. Two purposes are envisaged: use by education authorities and governments to monitor school performances and, in particular, to identify schools that are performing unusually well or unusually poorly given their circumstances; and use by parents/caregivers and the public to make informed judgements about, and meaningful comparisons of, schools and their offerings. Our advice is based on a review of recent Australian and international research and experience in reporting on the performances of schools. …

A Novel Method For Characterization Of Peripheral Nerve Fiber Size Distributions By Group Delay, Robert B. Szlavik

Biomedical Engineering

The ability to determine the characteristics of peripheral nerve fiber size distributions would provide additional information to clinicians for the diagnosis of specific pathologies of the peripheral nervous system. Investigation of these conditions, using electrodiagnostic techniques, is advantageous in the sense that such techniques tend to be minimally invasive yet provide valuable diagnostic information. One of the principal electrodiagnostic tools available to the clinician is the nerve conduction velocity test. While the peripheral nerve conduction velocity test can provide useful information to the clinician regarding the viability of the nerve under study, it is a single-parameter test that yields no …

Annual Pastural Land Condition Report: 2007 / 2008 Financial Year, Department Of Agriculture And Food, Western Australia

Natural resources published reports

The Commissioner of Soil and Land Conservation is required under section 137 (2) of the Land Administration Act 1997 to provide the Pastoral Lands Board with a report on the current condition of land under pastoral leases in the State. This report presents information from the Department of Agriculture and Food’s pastoral lease inspection program for the 2007/2008 financial year.

Pastoral leases cover 36% (89 million hectares) of Western Australia and range from the tropical grasslands in the north through to the arid shrublands in the south, with rainfall ranging from 1,400 mm in the north Kimberley to less than …

Evaluation Of Skin Factor From Single-Rate Gas Well Test, Fahad M. Al Mutairi

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Skin factor is generally used as an indicator for well flow efficiency and the criterion for performing stimulation treatment to improve well productivity. This skin factor is a composite factor and should be divided into its different components in order to evaluate near-wellbore damage. Therefore, the total skin factor obtained from a gas well pressure transient test has two primary components, rate-independent and rate-dependent skins. Both of these skin factors can be determined directly from the interpretation of pressure transient well tests if several transient tests are performed at different rates. However, the multi-rate tests are time consuming and expensive. …

Optimization Of Bit Interleaved Coded Modulation Using Genetic Algorithms, Raghu Chaitanya Doppalapudi

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Modern wireless communication systems must be optimized with respect to both bandwidth efficiency and energy efficiency. A common approach to achieve these goals is to use multi-level modulation such as quadrature-amplitude modulation (QAM) for bandwidth efficiency and an error-control code for energy efficiency. In benign additive white Gaussian noise (AWGN) channels, Ungerboeck proposed trellis-coded modulation (TCM), which combines modulation and coding into a joint operation. However, in fading channels, it is important to maximize diversity. As shown by Zehavi, diversity is maximized by performing coding and modulation separately and interleaving bits that are passed from the encoder to the modulator. …

A Study Of Switched-Capacitor Filters, Kacie Thomas

Electrical Engineering Undergraduate Honors Theses

This paper presents the basic principles of the switched-capacitor circuit. In order to become more acquainted with the workings and design of filters and switched-capacitor filters specifically, an example filter was designed based on a set of parameters. It was constructed starting in the passive stage, then the active stage and finally the switched-capacitor filter was generated. All of these circuits were also simulated using SwitcherCAD and Saber. Then, a switched-capacitor filter designed by Auburn University was redesigned using the same process as the example circuit. It was also simulated in all three stages. The results from this design are …

The Effect Of Classroom Experiences On Future Success, Jennifer R. Presson

Senior Honors Theses

This thesis explores the impact that classroom experiences have upon students’ academic and future success. It begins by discussing Charles Dickens’ criticism of education in his works, specifically in the novel Hard Times. Next, the thesis examines a number of studies that have sought to identify the factors that determine students’ academic success. Finally, the careers of Erin Gruwell and Rafe Esquith are described as ‘real life’ examples of the way that teachers can impact students’ success.

A Three-Dimensional Pattern-Space Representation For Volumetric Arrays, William C. Barott, Paul G. Steffes

Publications

A three-dimensional pattern-space representation is presented for volumetric arrays. In this representation, the radiation pattern of an array is formed by the evaluation of the three-dimensional pattern-space on a spherical surface. The scan angle of the array determines the position of this surface within the pattern-space. This pattern-space representation is used in conjunction with a genetic algorithm to minimize the sidelobe levels exhibited by a thinned volumetric array during scanning.

Teacher And Technology: How Faculty Resource Centers Can Enhance Higher Education Teaching And Learning, John T. Freden

Theses and Dissertations

As many classrooms around the world utilize instructional technology to attempt to enhance student learning, the faculty resource centers that support this instructional technology are sometimes left out of the equation. This study asks the question "What can faculty resource centers do to help teachers integrate instructional technology to improve student learning?" To help answer this question surveys were sent out to educators at two different higher education institutions. Questions were asked in a survey about the educators' background information, instructional technology, and faculty resource centers. The , information gathered from this survey is useful to faculty resource centers as …

Organizational Change In A Higher Education Institution: The Impact Of Increasing International Student Enrollment On University Of Services, Glenda Kim Cousins

Theses and Dissertations

Using a grounded theory approach, this study explored organizational change in higher education, the research examined how direct service staff, directors, and administrators perceived and responded to changes created by increasing international student numbers, and how the organization of Academic and Student Affairs adapted to these changes. The data supported that every person perceived having a certain level of power to influence change but the amount of power depended on an individual's understanding of a situation, persuasiveness in motivating people, relational dynamics with others, and participation within the flow of communication. The study found two processes operating simultaneously as individuals …

Chebyshev Collocation Method For The Effect Of Variable Thermal Conductivity On Micropolar Fluid Flow Over Vertical Cylinder With Variable Surface Temperature, Nasser S. Elgazery, Nader Y. Abd Elazem

Applications and Applied Mathematics: An International Journal (AAM)

An analysis is performed to study the role of a variable thermal conductivity on unsteady free convection in a micro-polar fluid past a semi-infinite vertical cylinder with variable surface temperature in the presence of magnetic filed and radiation. The surface temperature is measured to vary as a power of the axial coordinate measured from the leading edge of the cylinder. The governing non-linear partial differential equations are transformed into a linear algebraic system utilizing Chebyshev collocation method in spatial and Crank-Nicolson method in time. Numerical results for the velocity, angular velocity and temperature profiles as well as for the local …

If Rumors Were Horses, Katina Strauch

Against the Grain

No abstract provided.

Introducing Classcrits: Rejecting Class-Blindness, A Critical Legal Analysis Of Economic Inequity, Athena D. Mutua

Journal Articles

In 2007, two workshops at the University at Buffalo launched a project bringing together legal scholars interested in exploring the relationship between law and economic inequality. This article provides an overview of the workshops’ key understandings and discussions. The essay suggests that these understandings, informed by critical legal scholarship, constituted a set of shared assumptions among the participants and informed the groups’ rejection of class blindness, a society-wide blindness to the existence and use of economic power. Discussing some of the functional similarities of gender, race and class blindness, the article argues that feminist and critical race scholars’ critiques of …

Developing A Grounded Theory Model On Collaboration In Learning, Michelle J. Boese, Hong Sheng, Richard H. Hall

Business and Information Technology Faculty Research & Creative Works

The Purpose of This Research is to Develop a Grounded Theory Model to Explain the Factors Influencing Collaborative Learning in Higher Education, the Role of Technology in Facilitating Collaboration, and the Outcome of Collaboration. We Assigned 28 Participants to Small Groups to Work on Course-Related Questions; Half of the Groups Were Face-To-Face Groups and the Other Half Groups Were Collaborating in a Simulated Virtual Environment with the Aid of Information Technology. Interview Data Was Collected and Analyzed Following the Grounded Theory Approach. Congruent with Distributed Cognition Theories, the Results of Our Study Suggest that Both Social and Technological Factors Were …

Tolerance And Accumulation Of Copper, Lead And Zinc By Ceratopteris Richardii, Dorothy Jelagat Cheruiyot

Theses and Dissertations

Environmental contamination has increased rapidly in recent years. There is a need to develop cheap and environmentally friendly remediation methods. Numerous studies have evaluated the ability plants to remove contaminants from the environment. The present study evaluated the ability of Ceratopteris richardii gametophytes and sporophytes to tolerate copper, lead and zinc and for the sporophytes to accumulate the three metals in their shoots. Spores were sown in plant medium treated with varying concentrations of Cu, Pb and Zn. Fifteen-day- old sporophytes were transferred into medium mixed with varying concentrations of the three metals. Ceratopteris richardii tolerated and accumulated each of …