Digital Commons Network^™

Chapter 1. What Is Meritocracy?, Richard T. Longoria

Political Science Faculty Publications

No abstract provided.

Distribution And Geochemical Speciation Of Pb, Cd, Zn, Cr, And Cu In Sediments Of Major Dams In Uae, Mona Rashed Musabah Al-Alili

Theses

Assessment of availability and mobility is required to predict the behavior of heavy metals in dam's sediments, which hold up rainwater and make use of them. Therefore, a total number of ninety-three of sediments samples collected from the major dams AI-Shuweib, AI-Bih, AI-Tawiyeen and Ham dam were analyzed by several sedimentological and geochemical analyses procedures for Cu, Cd, Cr, Pb, Zn, AI, and Fe. The samples were investigated for mineralogy using X-ray diffraction analyses for non-clay and clay fractions. ICP-OES and Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer (AAS) were used to measure the concentration of heavy metals. The statistical treatments and graphical presentations …

Modelling Hydrocarbons Transport In The Aquifer Of Bu Hasa Field And Evaluation Of Remediation Alternatives, Nawal Eisa Saleh Al Junaibi

Theses

The release of non-aqueous phase liquids (NAPLs) to groundwater reservoirs is a serious and widespread environmental problem. In 2000, free phase hydrocarbon was discovered in Liwa aquifer under Bu Hasa Liquid Recovery Plant (LRP). Liwa aquifer is a shallow unconfined aquifer and represents the main water supply in the camp area of Bu Hasa field. Dissolved benzene is observed in at least one observation well in the site. This research is conducted to simulate the fate and transport of the dissolved benzene plume in the groundwater of Liwa aquifer using the finite element model (METABIOTRANS).

The mam objective of this …

Cognitive Agents Integrating Rules And Reinforcement Learning For Context-Aware Decision Support, Teck-Hou Teng, Ah-Hwee Tan

Research Collection School Of Computing and Information Systems

While context-awareness has been found to be effective for decision support in complex domains, most of such decision support systems are hard-coded, incurring significant development efforts. To ease the knowledge acquisition bottleneck, this paper presents a class of cognitive agents based on self-organizing neural model known as TD-FALCON that integrates rules and learning for supporting context-aware decision making. Besides the ability to incorporate a priori knowledge in the form of symbolic propositional rules, TD-FALCON performs reinforcement learning (RL), enabling knowledge refinement and expansion through the interaction with its environment. The efficacy of the developed Context-Aware Decision Support (CaDS) system is …

Scaling Up Multi-Agent Reinforcement Learning In Complex Domains, Dan Xiao, Ah-Hwee Tan

Research Collection School Of Computing and Information Systems

TD-FALCON (Temporal Difference - Fusion Architecture for Learning, COgnition, and Navigation) is a class of self-organizing neural networks that incorporates Temporal Difference (TD) methods for real-time reinforcement learning. In this paper, we present two strategies, i.e. policy sharing and neighboring-agent mechanism, to further improve the learning efficiency of TD-FALCON in complex multi-agent domains. Through experiments on a traffic control problem domain and the herding task, we demonstrate that those strategies enable TD-FALCON to remain functional and adaptable in complex multi-agent domains

A Fast Pruned‐Extreme Learning Machine For Classification Problem, Hai-Jun Rong, Yew-Soon Ong, Ah-Hwee Tan, Zexuan Zhu

Research Collection School Of Computing and Information Systems

Extreme learning machine (ELM) represents one of the recent successful approaches in machine learning, particularly for performing pattern classification. One key strength of ELM is the significantly low computational time required for training new classifiers since the weights of the hidden and output nodes are randomly chosen and analytically determined, respectively. In this paper, we address the architectural design of the ELM classifier network, since too few/many hidden nodes employed would lead to underfitting/overfitting issues in pattern classification. In particular, we describe the proposed pruned-ELM (P-ELM) algorithm as a systematic and automated approach for designing ELM classifier network. P-ELM uses …

On Visualizing Heterogeneous Semantic Networks From Multiple Data Sources, Maureen Maureen, Aixin Sun, Ee Peng Lim, Anwitaman Datta, Kuiyu Chang

Research Collection School Of Computing and Information Systems

In this paper, we focus on the visualization of heterogeneous semantic networks obtained from multiple data sources. A semantic network comprising a set of entities and relationships is often used for representing knowledge derived from textual data or database records. Although the semantic networks created for the same domain at different data sources may cover a similar set of entities, these networks could also be very different because of naming conventions, coverage, view points, and other reasons. Since digital libraries often contain data from multiple sources, we propose a visualization tool to integrate and analyze the differences among multiple social …

Innovation In The Programmable Web: Characterizing The Mashup Ecosystem, C. Jason Woodard, Shuli Yu

Research Collection School Of Computing and Information Systems

This paper investigates the structure and dynamics of the Web 2.0 software ecosystem by analyzing empirical data on web service APIs and mashups. Using network analysis tools to visualize the growth of the ecosystem from December 2005 to 2007, we find that the APIs are organized into three tiers, and that mashups are often formed by combining APIs across tiers. Plotting the cumulative distribution of mashups to APIs reveals a power-law relationship, although the tail is short compared to previously reported distributions of book and movie sales. While this finding highlights the dominant role played by the most popular APIs …

Ambiguous Optimistic Fair Exchange, Qiong Huang, Guomin Yang, Duncan S. Wong, Willy Susilo

Research Collection School Of Computing and Information Systems

Optimistic fair exchange (OFE) is a protocol for solving the problem of exchanging items or services in a fair manner between two parties, a signer and a verifier, with the help of an arbitrator which is called in only when a dispute happens between the two parties. In almost all the previous work on OFE, after obtaining a partial signature from the signer, the verifier can present it to others and show that the signer has indeed committed itself to something corresponding to the partial signature even prior to the completion of the transaction. In some scenarios, this capability given …

Text Cube: Computing Ir Measures For Multidimensional Text Database Analysis, Cindy Xinde Lin, Bolin Ding, Jiawei Han, Feida Zhu, Bo Zhao

Research Collection School Of Computing and Information Systems

Since Jim Gray introduced the concept of ”data cube” in 1997, data cube, associated with online analytical processing (OLAP), has become a driving engine in data warehouse industry. Because the boom of Internet has given rise to an ever increasing amount of text data associated with other multidimensional information, it is natural to propose a data cube model that integrates the power of traditional OLAP and IR techniques for text. In this paper, we propose a Text-Cube model on multidimensional text database and study effective OLAP over such data. Two kinds of hierarchies are distinguishable inside: dimensional hierarchy and term …

Compared To What? A Comment On "A Robust Transformation Procedure For Interpreting Political Text" By Martin And Vanberg, Kenneth Benoit, Michael Laver

Research Collection School of Social Sciences

In “A Robust Transformation Procedure,” Martin and Vanberg (2007, hereafter MV) propose a new method for rescaling the raw virgin text scores produced by the “Wordscores” procedure of Laver, Benoit, and Garry (2003, hereafter LBG). Their alternative method addresses two deficiencies they argue exist with the transformation of virgin text scores proposed by LBG: First, that the LBG transformation is sensitive to the selection of virgin texts, and second, that it distorts the reference metric by failing to recover the original reference scores when reference texts are scored and transformed as if they were virgin texts. Their proposed alternative is …

Remove Personal Information For Review & Quicker Review Results!, Laura Hoelscher

Journal of Extension

"Remove Personal Information for Review & Quicker Review Results!" discusses the paramount importance of removing personal information from submission files, gives instructions for doing so, and announces that, starting in 2009, authors are going to be receiving review results electronically. "February Issue Heads Up" points to the redesign we're rolling out with the February 2009 issue. "Keyword Offer" repeats an offer I've made before. "December JOE" highlights, among other great articles, the Commentary on "Extension's Response to the Housing Crisis" and anticipates more submissions on ways you're responding to help our clients through the current financial crisis.

Extension's Response To The Housing Crisis, Pamela R. Turner

Journal of Extension

Extension needs to react quickly to the current housing crisis. Rising mortgage delinquencies and foreclosures negatively affect the families and communities where we work. Extension is well placed to meet the needs of individuals and families as they weather the economic downturn. We need to respond by providing information, resources, and programs on financial and stress management. Working with local partners, we can help families and stabilize the communities we serve.

Keeping Our Charm: Residents, Growth, And Quality Of Life Issues In A Small But Growing Texas Coastal Community, Michael A. Schuett, John S. Jacob, Jiaying Lu, Logan Respess

Journal of Extension

The study reported here assessed residents' perception of small, fast-growing coastal community on issues of quality of life, conservation, and growth. Data for the study were collected from an on-site survey in Aransas County, Texas from 2006 to 2007. Results show that the residents are concerned about preserving their natural resources, maintaining a small town atmosphere in their community, and ensuring citizens' involvement in future planning efforts, especially with tourism. The implications of the study are discussed for Extension professionals and residents, suggestions for future research are provided.

Understanding Community Impacts: A Tool For Evaluating Economic Impacts From Local Bio-Fuels Production, T Randall Fortenbery, Steven Deller

Journal of Extension

The popularity of public investment in local bio-fuel production as a rural development initiative is growing. An important consideration in determining the level of public support for a plant's development, however, is accurately measuring public benefits resulting from plant activity. The purpose of the research reported here was to first develop a set of community multipliers associated with various bio-fuel plant configurations and then to develop an easy-to-use tool that allows local communities to measure potential benefits based on varying levels of plant activity.

Living Well: National Extension Association Of Family And Consumer Sciences National Media Campaign, Jean Clarkson-Frisbie, Debra Bartman, Carolyn Gregov, Elizabeth Gregory

Journal of Extension

In 2000, a benchmark survey gathered information from the 18-44 age general urban population about where that group seeks Extension information and the level of the group's awareness of the Cooperative Extension Service. The information was used to develop a Family and Consumer Sciences media public relations campaign that allowed all FCS Extension agents in the U.S. to make a programming impact using the same logo, slogan, and items. The campaign has been heavily used by Extension Family and Consumer Sciences educators to educate the public about Cooperative Extension. The results have application for all components of Cooperative Extension.

Use Of County Tax Rolls For The Creation Of Mailing Lists For Extension Programming, Andrew J. Londo, John D. Kushla, Peter Smallidge

Journal of Extension

The Extension forestry programs at Mississippi State and Cornell use county tax rolls for developing county landowner mailing lists. The use of these mailing lists, when combined with traditional past program attendee mailing lists, has increased the visibility and activities of both programs by reaching out to a larger clientele base, including uderserved landowners.

Landowner Characteristics Associated With Receiving Information About Invasive Plants And Implications For Outreach Providers, Jennifer Steele, David W. Mcgill, Rakesh S. Chandran, William N. Grafton

Journal of Extension

Based on a survey of woodland owners in West Virginia, we examined the possibility of differences in the characteristics of those who had and had not received information about local invasive plants and implications for outreach providers. Findings suggest that landowners who farmed on their property, held recreation objectives, and lived in the local area were significantly more likely than their counterparts to have received information. A majority of landowners with these characteristics, however, had not heard or read such information. Implications for expanding awareness through both traditional and non-traditional information channels are presented.

Short-Cut Estimates For Annual Hog Cafo Production: Relationship Between Hog Cafo Inventory And The Annual Production, Nalitra Thaiprasert

Journal of Extension

The increasing numbers of hog CAFOs has become a pressing issue around the country, yet estimating the annual hog CAFO production can be a daunting task for local communities. Current accessible information about hog production levels is either complicated or not useful for most interested parties. This article aims to provide a straightforward calculation of annual hog production adjusted to the full-grown hog equivalent based on available inventory data. The calculation could then be applied to the state, county, or farm level, and results easily compared among same-level study areas.

Marketing Local Foods To Gourmet Restaurants: A Multi-Method Assessment, Kynda R. Curtis, Margaret W. Cowee, Michael Havercamp, Robert Morris

Journal of Extension

The study reported here examines the gourmet restaurant market for local agricultural products in Nevada. A multi-method assessment was implemented to collect data for the study. Study results indicate that both local producers and gourmet chefs lack appropriate information concerning production possibilities and gourmet chefs' needs and preferences. Chefs indicated preferences for high-quality products and viewed quality and freshness as positive aspects of purchasing locally. Chefs desired small quantities of unique and specialty products. The impacts of the study have been positive, in that gourmet restaurant purchases of local products expanded in both the Reno and Las Vegas markets.

Do Workshops Work For Building Evaluation Capacity Among Cooperative Extension Service Faculty?, Kathleen D. Kelsey

Journal of Extension

A case study used survey design (pre-test, satisfaction, and post-test) to determine if a 1-day workshop affected participants' skills and self-efficacy in regard to conducting evaluation and if workshop participants applied evaluation skills afterwards. Findings indicate that the workshop was effective in building self-efficacy; however, it did not sustain evaluation practice. Formal training may be necessary to develop skills such as logic modeling, data collection and analysis, and reporting findings to solidify evaluation competencies among participants. It is recommended that Extension faculty engage in continuing education in program evaluation as part of a career development ladder to build evaluation capacity.

Using Risk Management Tools And Training To Protect Youth And Adults In Overnight Settings, Janet E. Fox, Lanette Hebert, Mark Tassin, Charles Hebert

Journal of Extension

Providing a safe environment for youth is an essential element for effective youth development programs. This article describes the Louisiana 4-H Youth Development Program's efforts in attaining this essential element through the Overnight Chaperone Program. Derived from a mixed-model, 33-item survey, results indicate that 98% of program participants gained information on how to create a positive environment for youth. Of those, only 31% indicated that they had received any related training previously. Multi-faceted approaches that include screening and training are critical to providing safe environments for youth as well as increasing satisfaction among volunteers.

Using Local Farmer's Markets To Promote Extension Programming, Mary E. Burrows

Journal of Extension

A booth at the farmers' market was set up in Bozeman, Montana during 2007 to promote Extension activities at Montana State University. This was a highly effective, low time-input and cost-effective method of promoting Extension activities to an audience that is often not aware of the resources available from Extension programs. It is recommended that other states use this as a model for promoting Extension programming in their communities.

Eastern Idaho Teens Learn Table Etiquette, Barbara D. Petty, Lorie Dye, Janice Stimpson

Journal of Extension

University of Idaho Extension Educators developed Manner Mishaps to teach teenagers skills for familial, social, and professional dinner settings. Through the use of PowerPoint® slides, demonstrations, the video Etiquette Hotline, and an interactive game, the students learned proper table settings and the use of tableware. Of the 1,086 participants, 97% agreed or strongly agreed that the program was interesting and that participating in the program would be helpful in their future. Student knowledge of etiquette rules and behaviors increased from an average of 65.9% on the pre-test to 95.0% after completing the course.

Cooperative Effort Leads To The Development Of Tools To Assist Pork Producers In Evaluating Structural Soundness Of Replacement Gilts, Kenneth Stalder, Dale Miller, Colin Johnson, Mark Boggess

Journal of Extension

The objective of the project described here was to develop and deliver new visual tools to assist pork producers to evaluate the structural and reproductive soundness of replacement gilts within their sow herds. The development and distribution of the posters demonstrates how Extension, industry commodity groups, industry partners, and business media can work together to deliver the tools needed to have a positive economic impact at the farm level. Ideas like these are needed to meet the increasingly complex educational needs of modern agricultural industries like the U.S. pork industry.

Pond Appeal Series: Teaching Community Stakeholders To Manage Pestiferous Aquatic Midge Emergences From Storm Water Retention Ponds, Kenneth T. Gioeli, R Leroy Creswell, Jeffrey P. Gellermann, Edward A. Skvarch

Journal of Extension

Saint Lucie West (Florida) residents living adjacent to storm water retention ponds complained about the emergence of large swarms of pestiferous aquatic midges. Pond Appeal is a program developed by the Saint Lucie County Cooperative Extension to educate residents about pond best management practices that would result in a reduction in midge emergences. One hundred and fifty people participated in the program. All participants indicated they increased their understanding of pond management techniques and adopted practice changes that enabled them to better manage these ponds. This resulted in a reduction in pestiferous aquatic midges and improved quality of life.

Safety "Pays" For Hispanic Employees, Company Owners, And Extension Professionals Active In Urban Agriculture Industries, Ellen M. Bauske, Alfredo D. Martinez-Espinoza, Karen Maqueda, Willie Chance

Journal of Extension

The landscape industry and other urban agriculture industries are dangerous, and many of the workers in these industries are Hispanic. The financial, emotional, and social costs of workplace injuries are substantial. Extension personnel, business owners, and all workers benefit when safety trainings are held in Spanish. The impact, benefits, and ease of conducting safety trainings in Spanish for Hispanic workers in urban agriculture industries are discussed.

Financial Simulations For Young Adults: Making The "Real World" Real, Barbara O’Neill

Journal of Extension

Simulations are a useful tool for teaching personal finance concepts. Keys to a successful simulation experience are easy to replicate materials, realistic scenarios, clear instructions for participants, and a thorough debriefing where students discuss their experiences and what they learned. Simulations provide an opportunity for students to appreciate the economic impact of a post-secondary education and to practice financial management skills such as check writing and budgeting. In addition, they are interactive, which makes learning fun. This article provides Extension educators with brief summaries of a "toolkit" of 11 simulation products that teach personal finance concepts to young adults.

How To Make A Multidisciplinary Ipm Guide For Growers Using Adobe Pagemaker® Templates, Denise Thomas, Jennifer Gillett

Journal of Extension

Constructing a multidisciplinary IPM guide can be overwhelming. This article provides the backbone for developing a guide using a publication produced at the University of Florida as a model. A crucial step in creating these guides is to build a network of qualified professionals who can contribute to the writing. By providing authors with instructions and templates for their section, the guide can be more consistent. Examples of these instructions and Adobe PageMaker® templates are available for free on the UF/IFAS IPM Florida Web site. Disseminating of the final product is critical, and we found that Web delivery was very …

Adoption Of 3-D Virtual Worlds For Education, X. Chen, Keng Siau, Fiona Fui-Hoon Nah

Research Collection School Of Computing and Information Systems

As an emerging phenomenon, virtual world education is rarely researched in MIS literature. With stiff competition among institutions using virtual worlds for education, a legitimate research question is: What factors influence students’ intention to adopt 3-D virtual world environment for their education needs? Drawing on existing technology acceptance models and studies in other IS contexts, we developed a model to predict students’ acceptance of a 3-D virtual world education environment and plan to empirically test the model using survey data collected from college students. From the academic research perspective, studies on the use of the new technology for education will …