Digital Commons Network^™

A Deadline-Driven Epidemic Data Collection Protocol Suitable For Tracking Interpersonnel Rendezvous, Avranil Tah

Open Access Theses & Dissertations

This thesis describes a peer-to-peer wireless data collection algorithm that uses epidemic communication to propagate time-sensitive sequentially sampled data records from sensors toward infrastructure connected upload stations via mobile data mules. These records are labeled with sequence numbers and delivery deadlines, and are transmitted in sequential order. Delivery deadlines enable transmission prioritization and trigger alarms warning of violations.

The sequential ordering of records simplifies the protocols transmission-control and garbage collection mechanisms: only two monotonically increasing scalar sequence indices associated with a particular sensor must be exchanged between peers prior to selecting which records need to be communicated. One of these …

Preliminary Archaeological Investigations At The Sierra Diablo Cave Site: Paleoindian And Archaic Occupations In Hudspeth County, Texas, Jose Javier Vasquez

Open Access Theses & Dissertations

It is generally rare to find archaeological sites in the Southwest that retain the type of contextual integrity that the Sierra Diablo Cave exhibits. Often times, cave sites such as the one currently studied offer excellent preservation of cultural materials due to the general lack of moisture and isolation from wind and water erosion. The research aimed to determine when the site was occupied as well as the types of activities that were occurring during those occupations. It exhibits an extensive stratigraphic sequence that contains a well pronounced Late Archaic Period assemblage (Strata A and B) and a Late Pleistocene/Early …

Beyond "Infinite Jest": Post-Postmodern Solidarity In 9/11 Narratives, Najwa Heather Al-Tabaa

Open Access Theses & Dissertations

My thesis interrogates the postmodern view of popular culture as being banal and questions Theodore Adorno's view of postmodern consumer culture as ultimately anti- human(istic). My re-reading of postmodern popular culture finds that there is potential for meaningful human interaction through popular culture. My re-reading asserts that popular culture is capable of being a vehicle for solidarity. In my analysis I locate a postmodern paradigm shift in which human solidarity becomes a necessary consideration and focus of postmodern narratives and art forms. I term this shift "post-postmodernism" which is marked by a focus on solidarity.1 While the shift to the …

Closing The Achievement Gap: Impact Of Inclusion Upon Achievement Rates Of Students With Special Needs, Kathleen Black

Open Access Theses & Dissertations

The purpose of this research study was to examine the relationship between the amount of time a student with special needs spends in the inclusive classroom and their achievement passing rates in mathematics and reading. TAKS passing rates for mathematics and reading for third graders in 2007-2008, and the same cohort of fourth graders in 2008-2009 were analyzed to determine the strength of relationship between the predictor variable of TAKS achievement passing rates, and the independent variables of amount of time included (PEIMS Instructional Setting) and socioeconomic status.

Logistic regression was utilized to analyze the relationship between amount of time …

Recasting The Role Of Memory In The History Of Rhetoric: The Case Of Nineteenth And Twentieth Century Autobiographies By Rhetors Of Color, Hector Carbajal

Open Access Theses & Dissertations

The primary object of study in this dissertation is memory within autobiographical writing among writers of color. Specifically, this project uses autobiographies by Gloria E. Anzaldúa and Frederick Douglass as case studies for how minority writers of color remember within the act of writing. Memory is an important object of study because it is partially the medium by which knowledge is reproduced, reconstructed, and invented. Autobiographical writing is significant because it is a genre that has enabled individuals to write themselves as part of history. Being a part of history is important because it allows a subject to change the …

A Survey Of Variables Influencing Speech-Language Pathologists' Use Of Evidence-Based Practice In Clinical Settings, Ailbhe Tressan Cormack

Open Access Theses & Dissertations

Although the need for evidence-based practice (EBP) in speech-language pathology has been well attested, multiple barriers hamper its implementation. Purpose: The purpose of this study was to compare variables influencing the use of EBP by practicing speech-language pathologists (SLPs). Method: Eighty-five SLPs based out of different primary work settings in El Paso, Texas responded to a survey addressing: 1. attitudes and perceived barriers toward EBP, 2. exposure to EBP, research methodology and statistics in graduate courses, 3. time in practice, 4. practice setting(s), 5. amount and nature of support for EBP in work settings, and 6. use of research literature …

Automated Fluid Handling And Leveling System For Multiple Material Stereolithography, Yinko I. Grajeda

Open Access Theses & Dissertations

This work addresses the development of an automated multiple material fluid handling and leveling system for its implementation into a Multiple-Material Stereolithography (MMSL) apparatus. A patent filed by Wicker et al. (US Patent 7,556,490) disclosing a MMSL apparatus served as the basis for the development of this work. The system is designed to operate in a variety of MMSL apparatus configurations. Fluid vats are designed to meet the enclosure constraints, facilitate the interface to the pump and sensor, and support the handling of the fluids. Due to its fluid isolation and bi-directional flow capabilities, a digital drive peristaltic pump is …

Analysis Of Secondary Data On The Causes And Consequences Of Migration In Central American Children, Jacquelin Hawley

Open Access Theses & Dissertations

It is said that immigration is approaching historic levels, and it is believed that one-third of the foreign-born population in the United States is undocumented. By examining the available research on Central American families that migrate to the United States, it seems plausible to argue that one of the main causes for migration is the lack of employment opportunities in their home country. The purpose of this study is to analyze the relationship between the migration of Central American youth and low employment opportunities. The paper intends to address the following questions. Is lack of employment opportunities a cause for …

Perception And Identification Of Voice Disorders: A Comparison Study Between Hispanic And Non-Hispanics, Jacqueline Nicole Lopez

Open Access Theses & Dissertations

The extent of public education in the Hispanic population regarding voice disorders has been unidentified thus far, motivating the current study to assess knowledge and perception of functional and organic voice disorders among Hispanic individuals in the El Paso region. The project involved an experimental research design to investigate whether demographic variables influenced the accuracy of knowledge of voice disorders in the general population residing in the Greater El Paso Region. Results indicate that the majority of the participants perceive articulation, fluency, and voice disorders as interchangeable and are unaware of the role of medical and rehabilitation professionals in the …

A Comparison Of Career Technical Education - 16 Career Pathway High School Participants With Non-Participants On Academic Achievement, School Engagement, And Development Of Technical Skills, Edith Aimee Orozco

Open Access Theses & Dissertations

The objective of this research was to compare Career Technical Education- 16 Career Pathway high school participants with non-participants on academic achievement, development of technical skills and school engagement. Academic achievement was measured by Exit Level Math and English Language Arts Texas Assessment of Knowledge and Skills (TAKS) 2008-2009 scale scores. Development of technical skills and school engagement was examined through a developed survey using the High School Survey of Student Engagement (HSSSE) as a reference. TAKS scale scores employed to measure academic achievement was obtained from secondary data and perceptions regarding development of skills and school engagement were obtained …

What Motivates Young Latina Females Along The U.S. Mexico Border Region To Participate In Team Sports?, Dora A. Pichardo

Open Access Theses & Dissertations

Physical activity gives women and girls an overall better quantity of life and positive health benefits. Statistics indicate lack of participation in physical activity and exercise by the U.S. general population and among the Latino population in particular. The primary purpose of this study is to explore the variables that motivate young Latinas to play and eventually continue to stay involved in team sports. This is a survey correlational study including young Latina females a U.S.-Mexico border community. Statistical analysis included frequencies, means, and Pearson Product Momentum Correlations. Sixty-nine participants (12 to 15 years old) completed the survey. The response …

Safe Medication Use Among Hispanic College Students: Knowledge, Attitudes And Behaviors, Tania Guadalupe Quiroz

Open Access Theses & Dissertations

College students are at increased risk of medication errors. Research suggests that young adults are active users of over-the- counter (OTC) medications and other products that may increase the risk for negative health outcomes. Therefore, it is very important to analyze young adults' attitudes, beliefs, and behaviors about medication use among college students in order to provide them with the necessary information. Due to language and cultural factors, the issue is particularly relevant in U.S.-Mexico border communities. This casual-comparative study examined knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors regarding medication use among Hispanic college students. Data was collected through a survey developed by …

A Survey Of Choral Music Of Mexico During The Renaissance And Baroque Periods, Eladio Valenzuela Iii

Open Access Theses & Dissertations

Discussion of music from Mexico during the Renaissance and Baroque Periods from 1575-1775. Contains a discussion of early music history in Mexico beginning with the arrival of Hernan Cortes. Composers contained in this work include Hernando Franco ( 1532-1585), Juan de Lienas (active in Mexico between 1630-1650), Juan Gutierrez de Padilla (c. 1590-1664), Francisco Lopez de Capillas (1608-1674), Antonio de Salazar (c. 1650-1715), Manuel de Sumaya [Zumaya] (1678-1754), and Ignacio de Jerusaelm (1707-1769).

A Formal Mentoring Program And Its Relationship To Academic Success And Retention Rates Of First-Time Freshman College Students At Walla Walla University, Sallieann Brown Hoffer

Dissertations

Problem. For almost 160 years, researchers have studied freshman college students because attrition is heaviest during the first year. At Walla Walla University, statistics have shown that approximately 30% of each incoming freshman class will not return their sophomore year. The attrition rates represent an astounding loss of resources for the institution and in many cases a devastating loss of time, money, and self-worth for the students. Across the United States a concerted effort is being made to develop mentoring programs for undergraduate students, creating an environment where they could thrive socially and academically.

Method. In this study, an ex-post-facto …

An Investigation Of The Relationship Between Community Connectedness And Congregational Spiritual Vitality, Rhonda Louise Whitney

Dissertations

Problem. Discussion over how to achieve church growth has been prominent over the first decade of this century and the last half of the 1900s as membership growth in mainline Christian denominations faltered to flat or negative growth. Membership growth in the Oregon Conference of Seventh-day Adventists over the past 10 years has also flattened. Church leaders have responded by putting increased resources and emphasis on evangelism. At the same time, some megachurches that have developed multiple connections with their communities have seen spectacular growth.

Method. This study was conducted to determine if there is a relationship between levels …

The Structural Causes Of Mortgage Fraud, Jim Smith

Scholarly Works

Mortgage fraud, often a violation of federal and state criminal statutes, covers a number of different types of behavior, all of which have the common denominator of conduct that has the intent or effect of impairing the value of residential mortgage loans. Mortgage fraud has become prevalent over the past decade and shows no signs of diminishing despite the collapse of domestic housing markets during the past two years. This paper analyzes the complex relationships between prime mortgage loan markets, subprime markets, and various types of mortgage fraud. This paper concludes that the root causes of mortgage fraud are associated …

Flawed Assumptions: A Corporate Law Analysis Of Free Speech And Corporate Personhood In Citizens United, Anne M. Tucker

Scholarly Works

No abstract provided.

The Impact Of Physical Classroom Environment On Student Satisfaction And Student Evaluation Of Teaching In The University Environment, Mary C. Hill, Kathryn K. Epps

Faculty Articles

Recently, many colleges and universities have made significant investments in upgraded classrooms and learning centers, incorporating such factors as tiered seating, customized lighting packages, upgraded desk and seat quality, and individual computers. To date, few studies have examined the impact of classroom environment at post-secondary institutions. The purpose of this study is to analyze the impact of classroom environment factors on individual student satisfaction measures and on student evaluation of teaching in the university environment. Two-hundred thirty-seven undergraduate business students were surveyed regarding their perceptions of classroom environment factors and their satisfaction with their classroom, instructor, and course. The results …

Statement, Winter 2010, Office Of Alumni Relations. Morehead State University

Morehead State Alumni Association Publications

Statement Magazine of Morehead State University from Winter of 2010.

A Dangerous Undertaking Indeed: Juvenile Humor, Raunchy Jokes, Obscene Materials And Bad Taste In Copyright, David E. Shipley

Scholarly Works

Some of the most important statements in our nation’s rich copyright jurisprudence were written by Justice Holmes over a century ago in Bleistein v. Donaldson Lithographing Co.,a case holding that circus posters were entitled to copyright protection.

In Bleistein, Justice Holmes stated that “[i]t would be a dangerous undertaking for persons trained only to the law to constitute themselves final judges of the worth of [writings, illustrations, music and other forms of expression] outside of the narrowest and most obvious limits.” This announced what has been called the principle of “aesthetic non-discrimination.

“Pull My Finger Fred,” and many other …

Wilderness And The Courts, Peter A. Appel

Scholarly Works

This Article examines how the decisions of four land management agencies governing wilderness areas under the Wilderness Act fare in the federal courts. Agencies normally prevail in the majority of their cases before the federal courts because courts employ doctrines of deference to agencies' decisions. In the context of wilderness management, however, the success rates of the agencies varies drastically depending on the type of challenge brought. The Article provides a historical overview of different schemes for wilderness protection, from administrative regulatory schemes to the adoption of the 1964 Wilderness Act and subsequent enactments. It then examines specific case studies …

2010 Acl Conference Update, Ruth Mcguire, Brent Etzel

The Christian Librarian

No abstract provided.

Communication And Essentialism: Grounding The Shared Reality Of A Social Category, Yoshihisa Kashima, Emiko S. Kashima, Paul Bain, Anthony Lyons, R Scott Tindale, Gary Robins, Cedric Vears, Jennifer Whelan

Psychology: Faculty Publications and Other Works

Essentialism is an ontological belief that there exists an underlying essence to a category. This article advances and tests in three studies the hypothesis that communication about a social category, and expected or actual mutual validation, promotes essentialism about a social category. In Study 1, people who wrote communications about a social category to their ingroup audiences essentialized it more strongly than those who simply memorized about it. In Study 2, communicators whose messages about a novel social category were more elaborately discussed with a confederate showed a stronger tendency to essentialize it. In Study 3, communicators who elaborately talked …

Innovate Magazine / Annual Review 2009-2010, San Jose State University

Innovate Magazine (School of Information)

No abstract provided.

Complete Plastome Sequences Of Equisetum Arvense And Isoetes Flaccida: Implications For Phylogeny And Plastid Genome Evolution Of Early Land Plant Lineages, K. G. Karol, K. Arumuganthan, J. L. Boore, A. M. Duffy, K. D. E. Everett, J. D. Hall, S. K. Hansen, J. V. Mandoli, D. F. Mandoli, B. D. Mishler, R. G. Olmstead, K. S. Renzaglia, Paul G. Wolf

Biology Faculty Publications

Background Despite considerable progress in our understanding of land plant phylogeny, several nodes in the green tree of life remain poorly resolved. Furthermore, the bulk of currently available data come from only a subset of major land plant clades. Here we examine early land plant evolution using complete plastome sequences including two previously unexamined and phylogenetically critical lineages. To better understand the evolution of land plants and their plastomes, we examined aligned nucleotide sequences, indels, gene and nucleotide composition, inversions, and gene order at the boundaries of the inverted repeats. Results We present the plastome sequences of Equisetum arvense, a …

In Vitro Mammalian Cytotoxicological Study Of Pamam Dendrimers -Towards Quantitative Structure Activity Relationships, Sourav Prasanna Mukherjee, Maria Davoren, Hugh Byrne

Articles

Dendritic polymer nanoparticles such as polyamidoamine dendrimers (PAMAM) show exciting potential for biomedical applications. While the potential commercial applications of such dendrimers have received considerable attention, little is known about their possible adverse effects on both humans and the environment. In this study, the in vitro cytotoxicocity of full generation PAMAM dendrimers to two mammalian cell lines was investigated. Generations G4, G5 and G6 were chosen. Metabolic, lysosomal and mitochondrial activities were evaluated after 24 h exposure. Long term toxicity was evaluated using the clonogenic assay. Particle size and zeta potential were measured in all media. In culture medium, the …

Frequency And Antibiotic Susceptibility Of Pasteurella Multocida And Mannheimia Haemolytica Isolates From Nasal Cavities Of Cattle, Kaan Önat, Serpi̇l Kahya, K. Tayfun Çarli

Turkish Journal of Veterinary & Animal Sciences

The aim of the present study was to determine the frequency of Pasteurella multocida and Mannheimia haemolytica from nasal cavities of cattle, and to find antibiotic susceptibility profiles of the isolates. Bilateral nasal swab samples were collected from 47 clinically healthy Holstein cattle, with no history of antimicrobial treatment prior to sampling. Respectively, 5 and 27 isolates were identified as M. haemolytica and P. multocida. Seventeen samples from cattle of 1 year or younger were found to have P. multocida. On the other hand, from 29 samples from cattle of 2 years or older, 10 P. multocida and 5 M. …

Prevalence And Antimicrobial Resistance Of Salmonella Serovars Isolated From Poultry Meat In Hyderabad, Pakistan, Aijaz Hussain Soomro, Muhammad Khaskheli, Muhammad Bachal Bhutto, Ghiasuddin Shah, Azizullah Memon, Parkash Dewani

Turkish Journal of Veterinary & Animal Sciences

This study was conducted to investigate the prevalence of Salmonella in broiler chicken meat sold in Hyderabad, Pakistan. A total of 100 samples were randomly collected from poultry meat retail markets and examined for the presence of Salmonella. The prevalence rate recorded was 38%. The most prevalent serogroups were S. enteritidis, S. typhi, S. pullorum, and S. typhimurium. All the Salmonella isolates showed resistance to ampicillin, and sensitivity to tetracycline, streptomycin, cefotaxime, ceftazidime, gentamicin, tobramycin, ciprofloxacin, ofloxacin, and chloramphenicol. The findings highlighted the magnitude of Salmonella contamination in chicken meat sold in the city, and the antibiotic resistance of Salmonella …

An Assessment Of David Hollenbach's Contribution To The Debate On Human Rights And Its Future Promise, Joseph Oppong

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The issue of human rights represents what is probably the primary ethical concern in the world today. No human problem transcends national boundaries to the degree that violations of human rights do, not only with regard to their causes, but also in search for human solutions. There are many important philosophers and theologians, from a various philosophical and religious traditions, engaged in an on-going discussion and debate about the meaning, purpose, and limits of human rights language. This study is aimed at assessing the work of one important contributor to this discussion, the prominent Roman Catholic moral theologian, David Hollenbach, …

Can Txting Benefit Engl?, Aaron Steinkraus

Fresh Voices: Composition at Cal Poly

No abstract provided.