Digital Commons Network^™

Ultracapacitor Frequency Analysis And Its Equivalent Circuit Modeling, Xiaomeng Li, Mariesa Crow

Electrical and Computer Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

Energy storage system is becoming more and more important in power electronics device. the Ultracapacitor or so-called electrochemical capacitor is one of the most popular choices for the energy storage system because of its distinct characters. in the application UCAP's transient behavior need to be studied for design purpose. Usually, these transient characters are not shown in the product data sheet. in this paper UCAP frequency analysis is performed, and based on the test data the equivalent model of the UCAP is built. the fitting result shows that using multi-level ladder circuit can perfectly fit the UCAP transient characters.

Layered Frequency-Domain Equalization For Single Carrier Mimo Systems With Multiple Carrier Frequency Offsets, Jian Zhang, Yahong Rosa Zheng

Electrical and Computer Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

In this paper, carrier frequency offsets (CFOs) are considered in a layered frequency-domain equalization (LFDE) architecture for a single carrier (SC) broadband wireless multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) system. at each layer of detection, a group of best data streams are selected to be equalized and reliably detected via removing the phase and amplitude distortion caused by the multiple CFOs. the estimated phase rotations and amplitude scalars are required to be compensated to the detected data streams in order to reconstruct the interference signals which are canceled out from the received signals. Instead of direct estimation of CFOs, our algorithm is to …

Equivalent Mixed-Mode Characteristic Impedances For Differential Signal Vias, Siming Pan, Jun Fan

Electrical and Computer Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

Differential signal via structures in multi-layer printed circuit boards (PCBs) and packages are studied using an equivalent coupled multi-conductor transmission-line model. Thus, easy-to-understand transmission-line concepts, such as mixed-mode characteristic impedances and propagation constants, can be used to characterize the performance of differential signal via structures in a signal path. the closed-form expressions of per-unit-length parameters in the equivalent coupled multi-conductor transmission-line model are derived based on a physics-Based via circuit model with parallel-plane impedances and via-plate capacitances. Mode conversions are discussed for different via structures. Effects of geometrical parameters on equivalent differential via impedances are studied in the paper as …

A Frequency Domain Doubletalk Detector Based On Cross-Correlation And Extension To Multi-Channel Case, Mohammad Asif Iqbal, Steven L. Grant, Jack W. Stokes

Electrical and Computer Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

Most teleconferencing conversations are conducted in the presence of Acoustic echoes. Typically, an adaptive filter is used to cancel the echo, with a control device called the doubletalk detector which controls the adaptation. We derive a novel test statistic for the doubletalk detection based on the cross-correlation between the microphone signal and the cancellation error for the frequency domain adaptive algorithm. the main advantage of the proposed algorithm is its simplicity and computational efficiency. We compare our results with the normalized cross-correlation based doubletalk detector proposed in [2]. We also generalize the idea of the proposed doubletalk detector (single channel) …

Bio-Inspired Node Localization In Wireless Sensor Networks, Raghavendra V. Kulkarni, Ganesh K. Venayagamoorthy, Maggie X. Cheng

Electrical and Computer Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

Many applications of wireless sensor networks (WSNs) require location information of the randomly deployed nodes. a common solution to the localization problem is to deploy a few special beacon nodes having location awareness, which help the ordinary nodes to localize. in this approach, non-beacon nodes estimate their locations using noisy distance measurements from three or more non-collinear beacons they can receive signals from. in this paper, the ranging-Based localization task is formulated as a multidimensional optimization problem, and addressed using bio-inspired algorithms, exploiting their quick convergence to quality solutions. an investigation on distributed iterative localization is presented in this paper. …

Test Bed Evaluation Of Future Power Distribution Systems With Renewable Resources, Bharadwaj R. Sathyanarayana, Gerald T. Heydt, Mariesa Crow, Fanjun Meng

Electrical and Computer Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

Recently, the National Science Foundation (NSF) has inaugurated an Engineering Research Center dedicated to Future Renewable Electric Energy Distribution Management (FREEDM). the premise of the center is to enable the utilization of renewable resources in power distribution systems through the utilization of solid-state controllers and direct digital control. the center is at an initial stage and the focus of some effort is on the development of a test bed that will allow the evaluation of alternative system configurations, controls, solid state controllers, and operations strategies. This paper describes some of those considerations and the requirements for a test bed for …

Body Self-Esteem And Sexual Risk-Taking In Caribbean Adolescents, Stephanie Anne Devore

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

One of the primary tasks of adolescence is the development of body self-esteem as they transition from children to young adults. This is also a time when many adolescents make decisions about risk behaviors that may affect their developing bodies such as drug use, smoking, and engaging in sexual activity. The current study examined the link between body self-esteem and sexual activity with the aim of predicting if high body self-esteem individuals differ from low body self-esteem individuals with regards to sexual risk-taking. This study was part of a larger study whose survey was based on two widely used and …

School Emergency Preparedness In North Dakota Public School Districts, Steven Wayne Swiontek

Theses and Dissertations

The basis for this study was to determine: (1) If school districts in North Dakota have an emergency response plan; (2) How comprehensive their emergency response plan is; (3) How well prepared school districts in North Dakota are for any type of disaster; and (4) The extent to which North Dakota LEAD Center school emergency response training and resources have impacted school emergency preparedness in North Dakota.

There were 120 school districts and their superintendents that participated in the Emergency Preparedness in North Dakota Public School District's survey. School administrators who completed the Emergency Preparedness Survey were asked to indicate …

Lived Experiences Of Men In Nursing: Chickadees, Stepping Stones, And Muddling Through Maternity, Julie E. Klein

Theses and Dissertations

The profession of nursing is facing an imminent shortage of health care providers within its discipline. Registered Nurses comprise the largest group of health care professionals in the United States. The profession of nursing has experienced cycles of worker shortages in the past but this current situation is predicted to be unlike previous shortages. Efforts to alleviate previous nurse shortages focused primarily on efforts to glorify the feminine image of nursing to increase the recruitment of young women into the profession but the profession can no longer rely on an unlimited supply of women to become nurses because of an …

Fighting Freestyle: The First Amendment, Fairness, And Corporate Reputation, Rebecca Tushnet

Georgetown Law Faculty Publications and Other Works

There are three distinct groups who might want to engage in speech about commercial entities or to constrain those commercial entities from making particular claims of their own. Competitors may sue each other for false advertising, consumers may sue businesses, and government regulators may impose requirements on what businesses must and may not say. In this context, this Article will evaluate a facially persuasive but ultimately misguided claim about corporate speech: that because consumers regularly get to say nasty things about corporations under the lax standards governing defamation of public figures, corporations must be free to make factual claims subject …

Neo-Orthodoxy In Academic Freedom, J. Peter Byrne

Georgetown Law Faculty Publications and Other Works

This review essay analyzes two recent books that advance neo-orthodox theories of academic freedom: Matthew Finkin and Robert Post, For the Common Good: Principles of American Academic Freedom, and Stanley Fish, Save the World on Your Own Time. Both books develop principles articulated in the American Association of University Professors 1915 Declaration, which emphasize the role of faculty in advancing knowledge and the need to insulate professional evaluation of academic work from lay, political interference. This review essay defends the return to protection of the scholarly search for truth as the touchstone of academic freedom, offers critiques of the authors’ …

Archiving & Records Management Perspectives On Electronic-Only Publications For Nomenclature, Sue Ann Gardner

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Libraries: Faculty Publications

I fully support the establishment of taxonomic names in electronic-only publications and would like to make some recommendations based on my professional experience in archival sciences, as a Scholarly Communications Librarian. The proposed amendment to the Code needs only to be explicit in what is required of authors and publishers for electronic-only publication, and all contingencies can be covered. In this generation we have one foot in the world of paper and the other now firmly planted in the electronic realm. This special position will be relatively short-lived, and we would be doing a great service to our successors if …

Detecting The Process' 1.5 Sigma Shift: A Quantitative Study, James R. Stevenson

Dissertations and Theses @ UNI

Process behavior can change with time. In this study an attempt was made to discover whether the Six Sigma™ claim of changes in the process mean stayed within +/- 1.5 sigma units. Several process groups were examined for a particular firm that made metal castings, machined parts, tested major components and assembled these into a vehicle that was a product sold to the customer. As the assembly progressed, deficiencies were identified and recorded. Analyses employed cumulative sum (CUSUM) sequence charts, Autoregressive Integrated Moving Average (ARIMA) time series analyses, minimum mean square error (MMSE) exponentially weighted moving average (EWMA), Shewhart control …

Applications Of Variable Number Tandem Repeat Genotyping In The Validation Of An Animal Medical Model And Gene Flow Studies In Threatened Populations Of Reptiles, Candace D. Smith

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

We used variable number tandem repeats (VNTR) to validate the chicken as a human medical model for Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension. We identified seven regions on four chromosomes and interrogated for VNTR markers that significantly associate with Pulmonary Hypertension Syndrome/ascites. In those regions, we identified 7 candidate genes; AGTR1, ACE, p38MAPK, SST, 5HT2B, NET1, and CALM3 for further analysis as significantly contributing QTL for ascites/PHS. We also used variable number tandem repeats to measure gene flow and gather evidence for multiple paternity in a population of Timber rattlesnakes, Crotalus horridus. We were able to verify 1 VNTR that can be used …

Press The Cancel Button! A Performance Evaluation Of Scalable In-Network Data Aggregation, Jamie Macbeth, Majid Sarrafzadeh

Computer Science: Faculty Publications

We perform real-world tests of the performance of medium access control protocol schemes for scalable data aggregation in sensor networks. Specifically, we evaluate the performance of a Listen-and-Suppress Carrier Sense Multiple Access (LAS-CSMA) scheme on the duplicate-insensitive exemplary monotonic aggregates MAX and MIN. These schemes reduce power consumption, network bandwidth usage and delays by suppressing node packet transmissions that are proven to be unnecessary in the query response. This is possible when nodes listen to the transmissions of other nodes as they respond.

Scalability tests were performed for 8 networks of various sizes, the largest having 24 Crossbow IRIS wireless …

Community Voices—A Leadership Program Making A Difference In Rural Underserved Counties In North Carolina, Jane T. Walker, Benjamin Gray

Journal of Extension

Leadership is critically important to rural communities. The study reported here compared the leadership practices of leaders who are graduates of Community Voices Leadership Development for Community Decision Making (CV), a leadership program, to leaders who did not participate in the program. A telephone survey, which included questions from a modified version of the Leadership Practices Inventory (Kouzes & Posner, 1993), was used to collect the data. The study provides evidence that the CV program implemented in rural underserved counties in North Carolina is making a difference in the practices of rural leaders who have undergone the training.

Exploring The Positive Impact Of 4-H Camp On Youth: Identifying Differences Based On A Camper's Gender, Years Of Attendance, And Age, Jason Hedrick, Greg Homan, Jeff Dick

Journal of Extension

When substantiating the positive impacts youth attain through the 4-H camping experience, it is important to consider influencing variables. The findings of the research project reported here show that, from a parent/guardian's perspective, youth gain multiple benefits from 4-H camp experiences in the areas of leadership, character development, self-esteem, decision-making skills, independent living skills, and citizenship. Beyond showing that 4-H camp has positive impacts for youth, the study reveals the degree to which these improvements are dependent on a camper's gender, years of camp experience, and age.

The Consumer Education Program For Residential Energy Efficiency, Joseph Laquarta, Mark R. Pierce, Nicholas Helmholdt

Journal of Extension

Rising energy prices resulting from global increases in energy demand highlight the importance of energy efficiency. The Consumer Education Program for Residential Energy Efficiency is an educational effort conducted in partnership with Cornell Cooperative Extension and the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority. This article describes program strategies and impacts and features efforts county Extension educators have implemented to engage adults and youth in learning practical aspects of energy efficiency. Extension's historical role in developing effective educational programs at critical periods in U.S. history is discussed, and a national approach for education on residential energy efficiency is recommended.

Examining Information Search Strategies Of Ohio Farmers, Florian Diekmann, Marvin T. Batte

Journal of Extension

As information becomes more ubiquitous than ever before, understanding the what, how, and why of farmers' information search strategies becomes more important to Extension professionals. Based on a mail survey of farmers in Ohio, the study reported here examined farmers' informational needs and identified factors that influence farmers' information choices. Specifically, the results highlight the differences in farmers' search strategies regarding type, amount, and sources of information. Findings show farmers practiced high-, moderate-, and low-search strategies to stay current on topics important to their farm business. The implications for Extension professionals are discussed.

The Scholarship Of Extension: Practical Ways For Extension Professionals To Share Impact, Ken Culp Iii

Journal of Extension

Traditionally, scholarship in Extension has been defined by the same parameters as those in academia. Primarily, research conducted, journal articles published, presentations at state and national meetings, and grant dollars funded. It is, therefore, difficult for Extension professionals, particularly field staff, to be rewarded for scholarly efforts. This article redefines the scholarship of Extension as "creative intellectual works that are validated by peers and communicated." Six types of scholarship for Extension are identified. To integrate scholarship into Extension activities, devote time during program planning to practicing scholarship and communicating results and impacts.

Program Update: Multi-State Extension Conference Addresses Food Diversity From Farm To Table, Daniel Thomas Remley, Gae Broadwater, James Jordan, Rosie Allen, Peggy Ehlers

Journal of Extension

In 2005 and 2006, The Ohio State University Extension, University of Kentucky, Kentucky State University, and Purdue University Cooperative Extension Services developed and coordinated two conferences addressing food diversity from farm to table. The overall goal of the conferences was to foster a tri-state network of multi-disciplinary approaches to meet the needs of diverse audiences related to food. Self-reported email evaluation surveys suggested that conference goals and objectives were achieved. Future diversity trainings should continue to be multidisciplinary and should seek to attract others working in non-extension roles.

A Regional Multicultural Approach To Sustaining Wild Rice, Patrick Robinson, Scott Herron, Rebecca Power, Deborah Zak

Journal of Extension

Outreach programming can often involve issues that have complex multicultural and regional dimensions. Those dimensions, while challenging, can represent important opportunities. This article describes the methods and outcomes associated with integrating multicultural and regional perspectives into efforts to sustain wild rice in the Upper Great Lakes Region. The outcomes highlight the importance of utilizing multicultural approaches, addressing issues at appropriate scales, and enabling diverse partnerships. This project underscores the importance of integrating multicultural and regional perspectives into appropriate outreach programming.

An Examination Of The Impact Of Organizational Restructuring On Identification Within Extension, Cynthia B. Torppa, Keith L. Smith

Journal of Extension

Many Extension organizations enjoy strong Organizational Identification (OI) among personnel. But organizational change may negatively influence identification, and many Extension organizations have been changing the way they serve their publics. To examine the impact of change on OI, we compared Extension personnel's OI scores following a major restructuring to OI scores gathered during a period of relative stability reported in previous research from another Extension organization. Findings indicated that OI scores were slightly lower following restructuring; however, the pattern of scores across four targets (Extension, program area, counties, and centers) remained constant, suggesting personnel will rarely identify with mid-level targets.

4-H Youth Worker Characteristics: Comparisons With Workers From Other Youth-Serving Organizations, William P. Evans, Lorie L. Sicafuse, Eric Killian

Journal of Extension

Participation in 4-H has been linked to a variety of positive youth outcomes. Yet little is known about the youth workers responsible for the implementation of these programs. Using survey data collected from a national sample, the study reported here examined the characteristics of 4-H workers and youth workers from other organizations. Analyses revealed both the strengths of 4-H workers and the challenges they may face in expanding and promoting programming. Recommendations are offered to ensure the continued development and success of 4-H programs.

What Cooperative Extension Professionals Need To Know About Institutional Review Boards: Working With Youth, Jessica Tegt, Ben West

Journal of Extension

University Institutional Review Boards (IRB) carry the responsibility of reviewing and approving all research protocols involving human subjects. As Extension professionals prepare to assess the effectiveness of 4-H and other Extension youth programs, they should be aware of the general requirements imposed by IRBs and particularly of the special requirements for research involving youth. In this article, we outline the IRB requirements often applied to youth research and provide tips for Extension professionals involved in such projects.

Experiential Learning And Cooperative Extension: Partners In Non-Formal Education For A Century And Beyond, Jodi L. Torock

Journal of Extension

How often do Extension educators—those doing the planning, educating, and evaluating of Extension programming—pause to consider their role in the learning process? Joplin's (1981) model defining experiential learning should serve as a guide for educators planning Extension programs. Reflection is a key piece of the experiential learning process that is often ignored due to an overwhelming effort to have participants complete a program evaluation. By using the experiential learning model as a guide, Extension educators can be sure to incorporate this critical component into the program lesson.

Creating An External Funding Strategy: How To Thrive, Kristi N. Hughes, Lauren D. Ledbetter

Journal of Extension

Seeking external funding for Extension programs is an important investment in our future. Integral assets to Extension agents as they seek external funding are: understanding the relevance of their programming to the community, ensuring their reliability to conduct successful programming, and having the ability to communicate impact to stakeholders. An external funding strategy allows agents to speak their needs in the language of funders. Through this article, agents can examine strategic questions and logical reasoning and the theory behind them to refine an external funding proposal plan. The packaging checklist will ensure that each proposal is compiled for success!

Extending Expertise Through Conference Calls And Blogging, Lisa Dipietro, Michelle Miller

Journal of Extension

Due to the limited number of apple IPM consultants in Wisconsin and the high cost of hiring consultants, few Wisconsin apple growers have been able to take advantage of professional consultant expertise in implementing IPM on their orchards. To address this need, the Eco-Apple Project launched a blog in 2006 and free weekly conference calls with an apple IPM consultant in 2007. We found that the combined package of Web and telephone communications had a low cost relative to one-on-one service, gave growers a chance to learn from each other, saved the IPM consultant time, and was useful to growers.

You've Got Your Mother's Laugh: What Bankruptcy Mediation Can Learn From The Her/History Of Divorce And Child Custody Mediation, Nancy A. Welsh

Faculty Scholarship

Due to our current deep economic woes, growing bankruptcy filings, and apparent legislative unwillingness to expand the number of judges, bankruptcy courts are exploring the use of mediation to help resolve adversary proceedings, negotiate elements of reorganizations, and deal with claims that cannot be heard directly in bankruptcy proceedings. In addition, mediation advocates have been consistent in urging greater use of the process to reduce debtors’ and claimants’ costs, bridge the jurisdictional and standing challenges that bankruptcies can pose, and offer claimants the opportunity to be heard and determine their own resolution of claims. At this point, the relatively few …

The Bridge To Postsecondary Education For Students With Disabilities: Perceptions Of Emerging Best Practice In Preparation To Access Accommodations And Communication Across Systems, Sandra Fritton

Theses and Dissertations

Perceptions of college Disability Support Services (DSS) and school system personnel regarding emerging best practices, adequacy of preparation of students with disabilities to access accommodations in college, and communication across systems were examined in this study. Once in college, students with disabilities have a lower rate of completion/success than their peers. Accommodations promote success in college, yet students with disabilities are not accessing them, thereby reducing their success. Adequacy of student preparation to access accommodations and communication across systems affects the access of accommodations by college students with disabilities. This study is qualitative, with 43 participants. It includes DSS personnel …