Digital Commons Network^™

Christian Students' Worldviewsand Propensity For Missionteaching, Richard Patrick Dolan

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The research conducted sought to find evidence to answer the following questions: Do students in teacher preparation programs who feel called to enter the Christian mission field as general education teachers have a worldview that is more closely aligned with biblical principles than other teacher groups? Is there a correlation between the worldview of mission general education teachers and propensity to volunteer for the field? What do students consider as influence in their decisions to commit to the Christian mission service profession? The data gathered indicated that participants who intended to volunteer at mission schools had significantly higher scores in …

Number Line Estimation: The Use Of Number Line Magnitudes Estimation To Detect The Presence Of Math Disability In Postsecondary Students, Steven A. Mcdonald

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This study arose from an interest in the possible presence of mathematics disabilities among students enrolled in the developmental math program at a large university in the Mid-Atlantic region. Research in mathematics learning disabilities (MLD) has included a focus on the construct of working memory and number sense. A component of number sense is the formation of a mental number line. This study looked at the mental representations of the number line in postsecondary developmental math students. It was found that the overall representation was linear, linear for three of four academic levels, and there were linear representations based upon …

Student Perceptions Of A Dropout Prevention Academy, Dale Edward Miller

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to determine if the Academy Program of Fargo North High School helped students reach graduation, and to identify the respondents’ perceptions of the Academy Program of Fargo North High School. This study examined the relationship between respondents’ participation in the Academy Program in 9th grade and 10th grade and the Average Freshman Graduation Rate (AFGR) of their 9th grade cohort, respondents’ perceptions of the Academy Program, and the transition to their 11th grade year.

The research questions which guided this study were:

1. What is the graduation rate of students in the Academy Program of …

Trade And Divergence In Education Systems, Pao Li Chang, Fali Huang

Research Collection School Of Economics

This paper presents a theory on the endogenous choice of a country's education policy and the two-way causal relationship between trade and education systems. The setting of a country's education system determines its talent distribution and comparative advantage in trade; the possibility of trade by raising the returns to the sector of comparative advantage in turn induces countries to further diferentiate their education systems and reinforces the initial pattern of comparative advantage. Specifically, the Nash equilibrium choice of education systems by two countries interacting strategically are necessarily more divergent than their autarky choices, although the difference is still less than …

Xpath-Based Template Language For Describing The Placement Of Metadata Within A Document, Vijay Kumar Musham

Computer Science Theses & Dissertations

In the recent years, there has been a tremendous growth in Internet and online resources that had previously been restricted to paper archives. OCR (Optical Character Recognition) tools can be used for digitalizing an existing corpus and making it available online. A number of federal agencies, universities, laboratories, and companies are placing their collections online and making them searchable via metadata fields such as author, title, and publishing organization. Manually creating metadata for a large collection is an extremely time-consuming task, and is difficult to automate, particularly for collections consisting of documents with diverse layout and structure. The Extract project …

Sequential Investment, Hold-Up And Strategic Delay, Juyuan Zhang, Yi Zhang

Research Collection School Of Economics

We investigate hold-up with simultaneous and sequential investment. We show that if the encouragement effect of sequential complementary investments dominates the delay effect, sequential investment alleviates the underinvestment caused by the hold-up problem. Further, if it is allowed to choose when to invest, strategic delay occurs when the encouragement effect of sequential complementary investments dominates the delay effect.

Traffic Velocity Prediction Using Gps Data: Ieee Icdm Contest Task 3 Report, Wei Shen, Yiannis Kamarianakis, Laura Wynter, Jingrui He, Qing He, Rick Lawrence, Grzegorz Swirszcz

Research Collection School Of Computing and Information Systems

This report summarizes the methodologies and techniques we developed and applied for tackling task 3 of the IEEE ICDM Contest on predicting traffic velocity based on GPS data. The major components of our solution include 1) A pre-processing procedure to map GPS data to the network, 2) A K-nearest neighbor approach for identifying the most similar training hours for every test hour, and 3) A heuristic evaluation framework for optimizing parameters and avoiding over-fitting. Our solution finished Second in the final evaluation.

Ibm Power Systems And Service Oriented Architecture At Bank Of America’S Foreign Items Systems Office, Keng Siau, D. Dewester

Research Collection School Of Computing and Information Systems

This is a teaching case on a real life scenario in an organization involving IT solution evaluation and selection. This case involves the Bank of America’s Foreign Items Systems office in Toronto. The officers from the Bank of America’s Foreign Items Systems office in Toronto were discussing how to respond to a Request for Proposal (RFP) from a major U.S. bank to provide foreign currency services. The case discusses three options: Standard J2EE Web Application Global Foreign Currency, Modified J2EE Web Application with Single Sign On, and Service-Oriented Architecture (SOA) via Web Services. The case can be used to complement …

Chosen-Ciphertext Secure Bidirectional Proxy Re-Encryption Schemes Without Pairings, Jian Weng, Huijie, Robert Deng, Shengli Liu, Kefei Chen

Research Collection School Of Computing and Information Systems

Proxy re-encryption realizes delegation of decryption rights, enabling a proxy holding a re-encryption key to convert a ciphertext originally intended for Alice into an encryption of the same message for Bob. Proxy re-encryption is a very useful primitive, having many applications in distributed file systems, outsourced filtering of encrypted spam, access control over network storage, and so on. Lately, Weng et al. proposed the first unidirectional proxy re-encryption scheme without using bilinear pairs. However, Weng et al.'s construction does not possess collusion resilience, in the sense that a coalition of the proxy and the delegatee can recover the delegator's private …

Protecting And Restraining The Third Party In Rfid-Enabled 3pl Supply Chains, Shaoying Cai, Chunhua Su, Yingjiu Li, Robert H. Deng

Research Collection School Of Computing and Information Systems

“Symmetric secret”-based RFID systems are widely adopted in supply chains. In such RFID systems, a reader’s ability to identify a RFID tag relies on the possession of the tag’s secret which is usually only known by its owner. If a “symmetric secret”-based RFID system is deployed in third party logistics (3PL) supply chains, all the three parties (the sender of the goods, the receiver of the goods and the 3PL provider) should have a copy of those tags’ secrets to access the tags. In case the three parties in 3PL supply chain are not all honest, sharing the secrets among …

Exploiting Intensity Inhomogeneity To Extract Textured Objects From Natural Scenes, Jundi Ding, Jialie Shen, Hwee Hwa Pang, Songcan Chen, Jingyu Yang

Research Collection School Of Computing and Information Systems

Extracting textured objects from natural scenes is a challenging task in computer vision. The main difficulties arise from the intrinsic randomness of natural textures and the high-semblance between the objects and the background. In this paper, we approach the extraction problem with a seeded region-growing framework that purely exploits the statistical properties of intensity inhomogeneity. The pixels in the interior of potential textured regions are first found as texture seeds in an unsupervised manner. The labels of the texture seeds are then propagated through their respective inhomogeneous neighborhoods, to eventually cover the different texture regions in the image. Extensive experiments …

Map Estimation For Graphical Models By Likelihood Maximization, Akshat Kumar, Shlomo Zilberstein

Research Collection School Of Computing and Information Systems

Computing a maximum a posteriori (MAP) assignment in graphical models is a crucial inference problem for many practical applications. Several provably convergent approaches have been successfully developed using linear programming (LP) relaxation of the MAP problem. We present an alternative approach, which transforms the MAP problem into that of inference in a finite mixture of simple Bayes nets. We then derive the Expectation Maximization (EM) algorithm for this mixture that also monotonically increases a lower bound on the MAP assignment until convergence. The update equations for the EM algorithm are remarkably simple, both conceptually and computationally, and can be implemented …

Opportunistic Routing In Wireless Sensor Networks Powered By Ambient Energy Harvesting, Zhi Ang Eu, Hwee-Pink Tan, Winston K. G. Seah

Research Collection School Of Computing and Information Systems

Energy consumption is an important issue in the design of wireless sensor networks (WSNs) which typically rely on portable energy sources like batteries for power. Recent advances in ambient energy harvesting technologies have made it possible for sensor nodes to be powered by ambient energy entirely without the use of batteries. However, since the energy harvesting process is stochastic, exact sleep-and-wakeup schedules cannot be determined in WSNs Powered solely using Ambient Energy Harvesters (WSN–HEAP). Therefore, many existing WSN routing protocols cannot be used in WSN–HEAP. In this paper, we design an opportunistic routing protocol (EHOR) for multi-hop WSN–HEAP. Unlike traditional …

Modeling And Simulation Of Jp-8 Fuel Based Hybrid Solid Oxide Fuel Cell System, Kalyan Nishtala

Theses

Solid Oxide Fuel Cells (SOFC) are solid state energy conversion devices that operate at high temperatures (800 to 1000 ±C). Their inherent advantage of fuel flexibility, tolerance to impurities, faster chemical kinetics with non precious catalyst materials and capability of supporting bottoming cycle components make them an attractive proposition for energy generation in comparison to other fuel cell technologies. To assist the advancement of this technology, this work develops dynamic, computer-based, mathematical models of an Auto-thermal reformer (ATR) based SOFC system with Jet Propellant-8 as the fuel to the ATR. Limitations in the existing models of SOFC systems lie in …

Measuring Aberrations In Lithographic Projection Systems With Phase Wheel Targets, Lena Zavyalova

Theses

A significant factor in the degradation of nanolithographic image fidelity is optical wavefront aberration. Aerial image sensitivity to aberrations is currently much greater than in earlier lithographic technologies, a consequence of increased resolution requirements. Optical wavefront tolerances are dictated by the dimensional tolerances of features printed, which require lens designs with a high degree of aberration correction. In order to increase lithographic resolution, lens numerical aperture (NA) must continue to increase and imaging wavelength must decrease. Not only do aberration magnitudes scale inversely with wavelength, but high-order aberrations increase at a rate proportional to NA2 or greater, as do aberrations …

Scattering Matrix Elements For The Nonadiabatic Collision B (2PJₐ) + H2 (1Σ+G, Ν, Ј) ↔ B (2PJ’ₐ) + H2 (1Σ+G, Ν’, J’), Luke A. Barger

Theses and Dissertations

Scattering matrix elements are calculated for the nonadiabatic inelastic collision B (²P_jₐ) + H₂ (¹Σ⁺_g, ν, ј) ↔ B (²P_j’ₐ) + H₂ (¹Σ⁺_g, ν’, j’). This calculation utilizes the effective potential energy surfaces for this collision generated by Garvin along with a correction to the asymptotic H₂ potential. Wavepackets are propagated on these surfaces using a split-operator propagator. This propagation yields correlation functions between reactant and product Møller states which are used to calculate the scattering …

Amaila Falls Hydroelectric Project Model Development And Scenarios, Chris Berger, Scott A. Wells, Vanessa Wells

Civil and Environmental Engineering Faculty Publications and Presentations

The focus of this present study is to perform the following tasks:

* Develop a hydrodynamic and water quality model of the reservoir formed by the Amaila Falls Hydroelectric Project

* Develop and run modeling scenarios

Water quality model simulations of the 23.3 km² reservoir for Amaila Falls Hydroelectric Project were conducted for low, average, and high flow years. A scenario with no vegetation removed from the reservoir for an average flow was also simulated. Conditions downstream of the reservoir were also modeled using a river model.

The model used for the reservoir formed by Amaila Falls Hydroelectric Project …

A Little Bat And A Big City: Nocturnal Behavior Of The Tricolored Bat (Perimyotis Subflavus) Near Indianapolis Airport, Jared Scot Helms

All-Inclusive List of Electronic Theses and Dissertations

I captured 16 Perimyotis subflavus on property owned by the Indianapolis International Airport, of those 16 animals I obtained roosting data on all 16 and foraging data on 11 individuals. The goal of this project was to see if a short broad winged bat’s foraging and roosting habits were affected by the fragmentation of habitat due to rapid urbanization. Using radio telemetry to find roosts and to create multi-azimuth triangulation I was able to create data points and place them onto a habitat map inside ArcGIS software. Sampling the size of woodlots available to the bats I was able to …

Effect Of Core Strength On The Measure Of Power In The Extremities, Justin Shinkle

All-Inclusive List of Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of core strength on the transfer and production of forces in the extremities. Twenty-five division 1 collegiate football players performed a series of medicine ball throws in the forward, reverse, right and left directions in a static and dynamic position. The results of the medicine ball throws were compared to several athletic performance measurements including: push press power, 1RM squat, 1RM bench press, countermovement vertical jump, broad jump, 40 yard dash, 20 yard dash, pro agility to the right and left, and the L drill. Several strong correlations were found …

An Examination Of Chronic Pain Coping Strategies And Health Locus Of Control Among Prison Inmates, Joseph M. Mitrovich

All-Inclusive List of Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The present study evaluated the types of coping strategies for chronic pain implemented by 88 inmates, and the degree to which these inmates possessed an internal versus external locus of control. Based on the findings of previous research, it was expected that inmates would report utilizing passive coping strategies more often than active coping strategies, and that passive strategies would be associated with poorer adjustment to pain in terms of depression, pain intensity, and pain interference with daily activities. It was also expected that inmates would report higher levels of external locus of control beliefs than internal locus of control …

The Current Situation Of Supply Chain Management And Technology Structure At Al-Hassan Industrial Estate In Jordan, Mahmoud Alodeh

All-Inclusive List of Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Introduction: countries all over the world have competed to develop their economies through different methods. One of the ways is enhancing Logistics and Supply Chain Management (LSCM). The Jordanian government is one of the governments that found out that if it needs to improve the Jordanian economy it has to improve the supply chain management (SCM) in almost every aspect of life. Problem: The current status of the use of information systems for LSCM at Al-Hassan Industrial Estate (AIE), and the current enterprises’ policies for LSCM were not known. Purpose: The study aimed to answer the following questions: What are …

Developing Mathematical Content Knowledge For Teaching Elementary School Mathematics, Eva Thanheiser, Christine Browning, Meg Moss, Tad Watanabe, Gina Garza-Kling

Mathematics and Statistics Faculty Publications and Presentations

In this paper the authors present three design principles they use to develop preservice teachers' mathematical content knowledge for teaching in their mathematics content and/or methods courses: (1) building on currently held conceptions, (2) modeling teaching for understanding, (3) focusing on connections between content knowledge and other types of knowledge. The authors share results of individual research projects and teaching approaches focusing on helping preservice elementary teachers develop such knowledge. Specific examples from different content areas (whole number, fractions, angle, and area) are discussed.

Apertureless Near-Field/Far-Field Cw Two-Photon Microscope For Biological And Material Imaging And Spectroscopic Applications, Derek Brant Nowak, Andrew James Lawrence, Erik J. Sánchez

Physics Faculty Publications and Presentations

We present the development of a versatile spectroscopic imaging tool to allow for imaging with single-molecule sensitivity and high spatial resolution. The microscope allows for near-field and subdiffraction-limited far-field imaging by integrating a shear-force microscope on top of a custom inverted microscope design. The instrument has the ability to image in ambient conditions with optical resolutions on the order of tens of nanometers in the near field. A single low-cost computer controls the microscope with a field programmable gate array data acquisition card. High spatial resolution imaging is achieved with an inexpensive CW multiphoton excitation source, using an apertureless probe …

Faculty Senate Monthly Packet December 2010, Portland State University Faculty Senate

Faculty Senate Monthly Packets

The December 2010 Monthly packet includes the December agenda and appendices and the Faculty Senate minutes and attachments from the meeting held November 2010

Singular Value Decomposition Metrics Show Limitations Of Detector Design In Diffuse Fluorescence Tomography, Frederic Leblond, Kenneth M. Tichauer, Brian W. Pogue

Dartmouth Scholarship

The spatial resolution and recovered contrast of images reconstructed from diffuse fluorescence tomography data are limited by the high scattering properties of light propagation in biological tissue. As a result, the image reconstruction process can be exceedingly vulnerable to inaccurate prior knowledge of tissue optical properties and stochastic noise. In light of these limitations, the optimal source-detector geometry for a fluorescence tomography system is non-trivial, requiring analytical methods to guide design. Analysis of the singular value decomposition of the matrix to be inverted for image reconstruction is one potential approach, providing key quantitative metrics, such as singular image mode spatial …

Phosphorus Export From A Restored Wetland Ecosystem In Response To Natural And Experimental Hydrologic Fluctuations, Marcelo Ardón, Shaena Montanari, Jennifer L. Morse, Martin W. Doyle, Emily S. Bernhardt

Environmental Science and Management Faculty Publications and Presentations

Wetland restoration is a commonly used approach to reduce nutrient loading to freshwater and coastal ecosystems, with many wetland restoration efforts occurring in former agricultural fields. Restored wetlands are expected to be effective at retaining or removing both nitrogen and phosphorus (P), yet restoring wetland hydrology to former agricultural fields can lead to the release of legacy fertilizer P. Here, we examined P cycling and export following rewetting of the Timberlake Restoration Project, a 440 ha restored riverine wetland complex in the coastal plain of North Carolina. We also compared P cycling within the restored wetland to two minimally disturbed …

Recreational Boats As Potential Vectors Of Marine Organisms At An Invasion Hotspot, Ian C. Davidson, Chela J. Zabin, Andrew L. Chang, Christopher W. Brown, Mark Sytsma, Gregory M. Ruiz

Center for Lakes and Reservoirs Publications and Presentations

With more than 200 aquatic nonindigenous species (NIS), San Francisco Bay (California, USA) is among the world’s most invaded harbors. Hard-substratum benthic (biofouling) organisms, which dominate NIS richness, have arrived primarily as a result of shipping and aquaculture activity over past centuries. To date there has been no assessment of the leisure craft vector in the Bay. We aimed to characterize (1) biofouling on boats’ submerged surfaces and (2) boater behavior likely to affect the risk of NIS transfers. We used an underwater pole-cam, specimen collections, and a boater questionnaire to quantify the extent and composition of biofouling on recreational …

Comparison Among New Residual-Based Person-Fit Indices And Wright's Indices For Dichotomous Three-Parameter Irt Model With Standardized Tests, Rashid Al-Mehrzi

Journal of Educational and Psychological Studies

Wright's residual-based person fit indices were the first person fit indices with dichotomous IRT model and commonly used with Rasch model software. Although there were number of studies which suggested modifications to improve the statistical properties of the Wright's indices, they remained to lack good statistical properties.The study presented a new person fit index and how it can be interpreted and applied for detecting person misfit. Moreover, through a simulated data, the study investigated the statistical properties and the power rates of the new index and compared it with Wright's indices. Results showed that the new index had superior statistical …

Prediction For Resolution Time Of Software Defect, Da Wang

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

In practical software development projects, solving test issues efficiently during Software Development Life Cycle is critical to release software products on time. Different test environments, test resources and test requirements could result in different outcomes. Therefore, getting accurate prediction of the software defects' resolution time could be beneficial to the practical projects.;In our study, data mining techniques offer great promise in prediction of software defects' resolution time. Our research is conducted based on the NASA Metrics Data Program (MDP). We first calculate the resolution time for available projects. Using unsupervised discretization methods, we split resolution time into certain interval as …

Pulsar Populations In The Galaxy And Magellanic Clouds, Joshua P. Ridley

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Pulsars are great tools for studying the Universe. From energetics to radio emission, many of the properties of pulsars can be used to understand other physical phenomena occurring throughout the Universe today. This dissertation examines pulsars and their properties through the use of computer simulations, describes the basic pulsar search procedure, and presents the results of a search for millisecond pulsars (MSPs) and fast radio transients in the Small Magellanic Cloud (SMC).;Using Monte Carlo simulations, a working model of normal pulsars that accurately represents the observed population was created. These simulations allow for changes to be made to the initial …