Digital Commons Network^™

Fault-Tree Model For Bridge Collapse Risk Analysis, Caitlyn Davis-Mcdaniel

All Theses

Bridges are vital components of the United States surface transportation infrastructure and, moreover, support the growth of our nation's economy. However, over the past few decades the design capacity and service condition of many bridges in the U.S. has been challenged. Numerous incidents of bridge collapse call for an urgent need to develop a systematic method of assessing the failure risks and identifying the initiating events that can lead to a bridge collapse. This thesis presents a process of bridge failure risk analysis through fault-tree modeling and identification of specific countermeasures, to minimize failure risk, related to structural health monitoring …

Teacher Collaboration And Student Achievement, Cordie E. Wimberley

Dissertations

This study was conducted to explore the relationship between teacher collaboration and student achievement. The pedagogical model espoused by Howland and Picciotto (2003b) defined teacher collaboration as a pedagogy that involves two or more teachers who regularly discuss teaching and learning, including learning activities, lesson plans, assignments, pacing, course design, evaluating, and revising the program. Five hundred twenty three school districts were invited to be part of this study. Then, 100 public school districts were randomly selected from 201 responses to an online survey addressed to Professional Development Chairpersons in Missouri. School districts were divided into two groups, collaborative and …

Plcs: Student Outcomes Evaluation In Midwest High School, Kelly E. Dickinson

Dissertations

This study was an evaluation of student outcomes following a five year implementation of PLCs at Midwest High School in the U.S. Three research questions were addressed: (1) Has student achievement increased during the course of implementing PLCs? If so, is there evidence that this is a result of a contribution from PLC implementation from 2006-2011? (2) Have teacher attitudes toward curriculum rigor, public image, quality of education, and post-high school preparedness changed during the implementation of PLCs from 2006-2011? (3) Is the staff, in April 2011, a mature PLC? For research question one, eight hypotheses resulted in the evaluation …

Stochastic Policy Search For Variance-Penalized Semi-Markov Control, Abhijit Gosavi, Mandar Purohit

Engineering Management and Systems Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

The variance-penalized metric in Markov decision processes (MDPs) seeks to maximize the average reward minus a scalar time the variance of rewards. in this paper, our goal is to study the same metric in the context of the semi-Markov decision process (SMDP). in the SMDP, unlike the MDP, the time spent in each transition is not identical and may in fact be a random variable. We first develop an expression for the variance of rewards in the SMDPs, and then formulate the VP-SMDP. Our interest here is in solving the problem without generating the underlying transition probabilities of the Markov …

Executable System Architecting Using Systems Modeling Language In Conjunction With Colored Petri Nets In A Model-Driven Systems Development Process, Renzhong Wang, Cihan H. Dagli

Engineering Management and Systems Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

This work proposes an executable system architecting paradigm for discrete-event system modeling and analysis through integration of a set of modeling tools, executable formalisms, analytical tools, and animation tools. the essential step is converting SysML-Based specifications into colored Petri nets through a conversion scheme proposed here. Such a paradigm permits rigorous static and dynamic system analysis, as well as formal verification of the behavior and functionality of the SysML-Based design. This paper also compares the capabilities of the proposed executable system architecting paradigm with other executable formalisms. Further, it discusses the basic principles of executable architecture specification and analysis for …

Justices Denied: The 2010 Iowa Supreme Court Retention Election, Andrew John Clopton

Honors Program Theses

States vary widely in their judicial selection systems, with some seeking more judicial accountability and others preferring more independence. Most states, including Iowa, strike a perceived balance between independence and accountability with the implementation of the Missouri (Merit) Plan. With gubernatorial nomination from selected candidates chosen by a committee, judges must only directly face the electorate every few years. Retention elections provide near certainty that a judge will continue to serve. In 2010, the Iowa electorate shattered the norms because all three Supreme Court justices failed to retain their seats. We examine county-level voter characteristic variables and construct a model …

Parties Annexes

Présence Francophone: Revue internationale de langue et de littérature

No abstract provided.

The Role Of Operative Temperature In Prickly Pear Use By Nesting Northern Bobwhite, Fidel Hernández, Scott E. Henke, Nova J. Silvy, Dale Rollins

Bulletin of the Texas Ornithological Society

High temperatures can negatively impact Northern Bobwhite (Colinus virginianus) populations by reducing reproductive effort or altering habitat use. In western Texas, Northern Bobwhite commonly nest in prickly pear cactus (Opuntia spp.) instead of their typical nesting substrate of bunchgrass habitat. We tested the hypothesis that bobwhites nest in prickly pear cactus because it offered a cooler microclimate than bunchgrass. Our objectives were to compare 1) operative temperature between bunchgrass and prickly pear habitat and 2) egg hatchability and clutch size between bobwhite nests located in either prickly pear or bunchgrass plants. We collected microclimate data at both habitat types during …

Tourism And Karst Areas, Volume 4, No. 2, 2011, Heros Augusto Santos Lobo

KIP Articles

Contents: Efeitos do uso turístico sobre cavidades subterrâneas artificiais: subsídios para o uso antrópico de sistemas subterrâneos -- The conservation of speleological tourist attractions in the Central Amazon: Situation and Perspectives for the Environmental Protection and Tourist Management in the Maroaga Cave -- Turismo em Unidades de Conservação: resultados do plano de manejo da RPPN Fazenda Cabeceira do Prata – Jardim - MS -- Macroinvertebrate community in recreational areas in a karst river (Bonito, Brazil): Implications for biomonitoring of tourist activities -- Sumário de títulos -- Índice de assuntos -- Índice de autores -- Quadro de avaliadores -- Gestão editorial

Adaptation By Group Selection: Elimination Acts On All Levels, Jeremy Khai Tran

Stony Brook Theses and Dissertations Collection, 2006-2020 (closed to submissions)

Due to criticisms of early na?Ève group selection arguments, most evolutionary biologists hesitate to invoke selection at any level higher than the individual. Subsequent group selection arguments, while attempting to address conflicts between individual and group interests, have remained focused on individuals as units and have consequently been limited in scope. By focusing on groups as evolutionary units while avoiding the errors of earlier arguments, a simple, yet informative view emerges in which selection for groups capable of persisting favors those that are both superior in terms of group formation/extinction rates and stable with respect to individual selection. Hence, apparent …

Cross-Layer Modeling And Algorithm Design For Mimo Ad Hoc Networks, Shan Chu

Stony Brook Theses and Dissertations Collection, 2006-2020 (closed to submissions)

With the fast progress of MIMO technology and its growing applications in networks, it is important to develop techniques to enable more efficient MIMO network communications. However, in a dynamic ad hoc network with changing channel conditions and topology, it is very challenging to coordinate channel evaluations and data transmissions as well as fully exploit the advantages of MIMO technology. Having observed that most of the literature works lack realistic model of the interaction between physical layer and the upper layers, we are trying to model the realistic physical layer characteristics and constraints to assist the design of algorithms and …

New Test Set For Video Quality Benchmarking, Joaquin Raventos

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

A new test set design and benchmarking approach (US Patent pending) allows a "standard observer" to assess the end-to-end image quality characteristics of video imaging systems operating in day time or low-light conditions.

It uses randomized targets based on extensive application of Photometry, Geometrical Optics, and Digital Media.

The benchmarking takes into account the target’s contrast sensitivity, its color characteristics, and several aspects of human vision such as visual acuity and dynamic response. The standard observer is part of the "extended video imaging system" (EVIS).

The new test set allows image quality benchmarking by a panel of standard observers at …

Digitally Controlled, Modular Electronic Load, Jason L. March

Master's Theses

This project entails the design and development of a digitally controlled, modular electronic load. The proposed load is unique from existing designs because it has the added ability to increase its maximum current level by adding identical modules in parallel. Each module is designed to sink a maximum of 5A at 60V but more modules allow for more current. The cost and simplicity of the design are considered such that it can be reproduced in-house to replace, whenever possible, the resistor box for load testing of any analog circuits but more specifically power electronic circuits.

The design process as well …

Impact Of Collateral Enlargement On Smooth Muscle Phenotype, Alexander Jerome Bynum

Master's Theses

Peripheral Artery Disease is a very serious disease characterized by an arterial occlusion due to atherosclerotic plaques. In response to an arterial occlusion, arteriogenesis occurs, causing smooth muscle cells to transition from a contractile to synthetic state. Also following an arterial occlusion, functional impairment was seen in the collateral circuit. An immunofluorescence protocol was developed in order to assess the impact of collateral enlargement (arteriogenesis) on smooth muscle phenotype at various time points. Smooth muscle α-actin was used to mark all smooth muscle cells, Ki-67 was used to label proliferating smooth muscle cells, and a fluorescent nuclear stain was used …

Experimental Investigation Of A 2-D Air Augmented Rocket: Effects Of Nozzle Lip Thickness On Rocket Mixing And Entrainment, Trevor Allen Montre

Master's Theses

Cold-flow tests were performed using a simulated Air Augmented Rocket (AAR) operating as a mixer-ejector in order to investigate the effects of varied primary nozzle lip thickness on mixing and entrainment. The simulated primary rocket ejector was supplied with nitrogen at a maximum chamber stagnation pressure of 1712 psi, and maximum flow rate of 1.67 lb_m/s. Secondary air was entrained from a plenum, producing pressures as low as 6.8 psi and yielding maximum stagnation pressure ratios as high as 160. The primary ejector nozzles each had an area ratio of approximately 20, yielding average primary exit Mach numbers …

When Souls Had Wings: Pre-Mortal Existence In Western Thought, Jesse D. Hurlbut, James L. Siebach, David B. Paxman, Dana M. Pike, Terryl L. Givens

BYU Studies

Four experts in different branches of study review Terryl L. Givens's expansive new book When Souls Had Wings: Pre-mortal Existence in Western Thought.

Annual Financial Report 2011, University Of Montana--Missoula

University of Montana Annual Financial Reports, 1918-2012

University of Montana annual financial report for fiscal year ending June 30, 2011.

Curriculum Subcommittee Agenda, December 1, 2011, Utah State University

Educational Policies Committee

Department of Animal, Dairy and Veterinary Sciences

• New Course
• Credit Hour Change
• Title Change, Course Description Change
• Credit Hour Change, Course Description Change
• Title Change, Credit Hour Change, Course Description Change
• Inactivate Course
• Delete Course

Department of Nutrition, Dietetics and Food Sciences

• Credit Hour Change

School of Applied Sciences, Technology and Education

• Title Change, Prerequisite Change, Description Change
• Title Change, Description Change
• Title Change, Credit Hour Change, Prerequisite Change, Description Change
• Title Change

Department of Art and Design

• University Studies Request

Department of Theatre Arts

• Prerequisite Change
• Title Change, Prerequisite Change
• Title Change, Credit Hour Change, Prerequisite Change, Course Description …

Antitrust Review Of Accountable Care Organizations: An Assessment Of Ftc And Doj's Relaxed Approach To Regulating Physician-Hospital Networks, Andrew A. Kasper

North Carolina Law Review

No abstract provided.

Long-Term Suspensions And The Right To An Education: An Alternative Approach, Mary Kenyon Sullivan

North Carolina Law Review

No abstract provided.

The 1970 Osaka Expo And/As Science Fiction, William O. Gardner

Japanese Faculty Works

No abstract provided.

Spatiotemporal Computed Tomography Of Dynamic Processes, Anders Kaestner, Beat Münch, Pavel Trtlk, Les Butler

Faculty Publications

Modern computed tomography (CT) equipment allowing fast 3-D imaging also makes it possible to monitor dynamic processes by 4-D Imaging. Because the acquisition time of various 3-D-CT systems is still in the range of at least milliseconds or even hours, depending on the detector system and the source, the balance of the desired temporal and spatial resolution must be adjusted. Furthermore, motion artifacts will occur, especially at high spatial resolution and longer measuring times. We propose two approaches based on nonsequential projection angle sequences allowing a convenient postacquisition balance of temporal and spatial resolution. Both strategies are compatible with existing …

A Connection Between The Poissonian Wick Product And The Discrete Convolution, Alberto Lanconelli, Luigi Sportelli

Communications on Stochastic Analysis

No abstract provided.

Repetitive Elements May Comprise Over Two-Thirds Of The Human Genome, A. P.Jason De Koning, Wanjun Gu, Todd A. Castoe, Mark A. Batzer, David D. Pollock

Faculty Publications

Transposable elements (TEs) are conventionally identified in eukaryotic genomes by alignment to consensus element sequences. Using this approach, about half of the human genome has been previously identified as TEs and low-complexity repeats. We recently developed a highly sensitive alternative de novo strategy, P-clouds, that instead searches for clusters of high-abundance oligonucleotides that are related in sequence space (oligo "clouds"). We show here that P-clouds predicts >840 Mbp of additional repetitive sequences in the human genome, thus suggesting that 66%-69% of the human genome is repetitive or repeat-derived. To investigate this remarkable difference, we conducted detailed analyses of the ability …

Infectious Disease And The Worldwide Distribution Of Iq, Christopher Guiles Eppig

Biology ETDs

We show that infectious disease is a major contributor to the worldwide distribution of human cognitive ability, as measured by psychometric IQ. In areas where infectious disease is high, average human intelligence tends to be lower, and in areas where infectious disease is low, average human intelligence tends to be higher. In separate studies, we tested this across world nations (chapter 2) and across states of the USA (chapter 3). In efforts to disseminate our research to wider audiences, I reviewed the findings contained in chapters 2 and 3 using language that is accessible to non-biologists (chapter 4). Although it …

The Pan American (2011-12-01), Alma E. Hernandez, Roxann Garcia

UTPA Archives - The Pan American Newspaper

Vol. 68, No. 12

Nonparametric Inference Based On Conditional Moment Inequalities, Donald W.K. Andrews, Xiaoxia Shi

Cowles Foundation Discussion Papers

This paper develops methods of inference for nonparametric and semiparametric parameters defined by conditional moment inequalities and/or equalities. The parameters need not be identified. Confidence sets and tests are introduced. The correct uniform asymptotic size of these procedures is established. The false coverage probabilities and power of the CS’s and tests are established for fixed alternatives and some local alternatives. Finite-sample simulation results are given for a nonparametric conditional quantile model with censoring and a nonparametric conditional treatment effect model. The recommended CS/test uses a Cramér-von-Mises-type test statistic and employs a generalized moment selection critical value.

Severe Grace: An Examination Of The Benevolence Of The God Character In The Ten Plagues In Exodus 7:1-12:32 And In The Book Of Jonah, Paul Faust

Masters Theses

In Exodus 34:6-7, God claims to be "a God merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness, keeping steadfast love for thousands, forgiving iniquity and transgression and sin, but who will by no means clear the guilty." This claim to coexistent mercy and wrath figures as a central claim regarding the benevolence of the God character in both the Ten Plagues Narrative in Exodus 7:1-12:32 and in the Book of Jonah. This thesis examines the God character's claim to benevolence in those two passages and claims that, based upon the literary data of those primary …

An Examination Of Adaptive Leadership Processes Using Action Research, Margaret Bright

All Dissertations

School districts are knowledge producing organizations faced with adaptive challenges that require new learning, innovation, and new patterns of behavior. Traditional, entity-based models of leadership rely on the knowledge of only a handful of leaders at the top of the bureaucratic ladder and fail to tap collective creativity inherent at all levels of a school or district. The purpose of this study was to engage in action research to identify emergent, interactive dynamics that resulted in a creative solution to an adaptive special education problem of closing the achievement gap for students with disabilities in one geographical area of a …

A Tale Of Two Eddies: Diagnosing Coherent Eddies Through Acoustic Remote Sensing, T. Rossby, C. Flagg, P. Ortner, C. Hu

Marine Science Faculty Publications

A 38 kHz vessel-mounted acoustic Doppler current profiler is used to explore in detail the dynamics of an anticyclonic and a cyclonic eddy during two transits of the cruise vessel Explorer of the Seas from the Caribbean to New Jersey in July 2007. The radial scale of the two eddies is similar, but whereas the cyclone is strongly surface intensified, the anticyclone has its maximum expression with near–solid body rotation between 200 and 800 m depth. The anticyclone has a minimum in relative vorticity very close to −f at 800 m depth and the cyclone has a maximum of about …