Digital Commons Network^™

Three Dimensional Modeling And Animation Of Facial Expressions, Alice J. Lin

University of Kentucky Doctoral Dissertations

Facial expression and animation are important aspects of the 3D environment featuring human characters. These animations are frequently used in many kinds of applications and there have been many efforts to increase the realism. Three aspects are still stimulating active research: the detailed subtle facial expressions, the process of rigging a face, and the transfer of an expression from one person to another. This dissertation focuses on the above three aspects.

A system for freely designing and creating detailed, dynamic, and animated facial expressions is developed. The presented pattern functions produce detailed and animated facial expressions. The system produces realistic …

Three Essays Evaluating Choices Of Teachers And Administrators In Kentucky Public Schools, Nathan Barrett

University of Kentucky Doctoral Dissertations

Public K-12 education is a large enterprise in the United States. Through local, state and federal sources, the U.S. allocated over $610 billion to K-12 public education in 2009 (NCES). Not only is the commitment of public funds for education substantial, the provision of K-12 education is primarily administered by the government in non-market settings through local school districts. It is this institutional environment that generates the impetus for evaluating how those in education make choices in the absence of markets.

Like traditional markets, non-market solutions often fail because the incentives facing individuals and agencies elicit choices which produce outcomes …

California High School Exit Exam For Students With Disabilities : The Impact Of Setting, Anxiety, And Stereotype Threat On Stuents' Math Performance, Tracy M. Fields

Doctoral Dissertations

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The Effects Of Math Instruction On Fifth Grade Elementary Students' Math Performance Across Four Inclusive General Education Classrooms Infused With The Afrocultural Dimensions Of Communalism, Orality, And Movement, Rosalind J. Simpson

Doctoral Dissertations

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The Effects Of Three Concept Mapping Strategies On Seventh-Grade Students' Science Achievement At An Urban Middle School, Navdeep Dosanjh

Doctoral Dissertations

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Collaborative Planning And Prewriting : The Effects Of Structured Peer Collaborations On Primary-Age Students' Writing Development, Mary Elizabeth Niesyn

Doctoral Dissertations

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Transcending Borders: The Experience Of Six Undocumented Immigrant Mothers In The United States, Patricia Derobles

Doctoral Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to gain meaningful insights into the experiences of six undocumented immigrant mothers as they settled in the United States while they raise and participate in the educational life of their children. Currently 10 % of California's 6 million students originate from homes where one or two parents are undocumented, poor and have limited English skills. Undocumented immigrants live in constant fear of deportation, live and work in the shadows of mainstream society, are stigmatized by the media, are criminalized by immigration law and exploited by their employers. Historically, children originating from immigrant homes have …

The Frequency Of Implementation Of Lasallian Pedagogy In Traditional College-Preparatory High Schools Sponsored By The De La Salle Christian Brothers In The United States, Kristopher White

Doctoral Dissertations

Since the Second Vatican Council (1962-1965), the De La Salle Christian Brothers have re-examined the charism of their founder, St. John Baptist De La Salle, and the meaning of their founding documents in light of modern circumstances. Only recently have Lasallian scholars (Campos & Sauvage, 1981, 1999; Lauraire, 2004, 2006; Poutet, 1997; Van Grieken, 1995, 1999) been bridging the gap between the spiritual awareness of the Lasallian charism and the implications for classroom practice.

This study established a baseline measurement for the frequency of implementation of Lasallian pedagogy according to the seven dimensions of Lasallian pedagogy, as defined by White …

To Know, Love, And Serve God: The Characteristics Of A Holy Cross School, Walter E. Jenkins

Doctoral Dissertations

Religious congregations have contributed notably to the shaping of the American Catholic experience through their schools. Many of these congregations, founded in Europe in the 19th and 20th centuries, brought to the United States their values, traditions and expertise to sustain and complement the growing American Catholic community. However, in the later part of the 20th century, a dramatic decline in the number of religious in these communities posed a challenge to the American Church and its schools. In spite of the dramatically decreasing membership, the Congregation of Holy Cross continues to sponsor 13 secondary schools in the United States. …

Grading And Reporting Purposes And Practices In Catholic Secondary Schools And Grades' Efficacy In Accurately Communicating Student Learning, Peter Imperial

Doctoral Dissertations

Few aspects of school are as controversial as the practice of grading, for grades affect students' educational opportunities. The purpose of this study was to identify the practices Catholic high-school teachers employed in determining students' grades. The study investigated the extent to which academic achievement comprised the grades teachers reported, and the extent to which teachers' practices are consistent with their expressed purposes for grading. The study also explored the extent to which Catholic teachers' grading practices are consistent with their schools' purpose for grading. Using random sampling, 486 Catholic secondary school teachers and 50 administrators from 33 high schools …

Perceptions Regarding The Identity And Culture Of A Lasallian Catholic Secondary School In Australia, Adrian Watson

Doctoral Dissertations

This 2010 qualitative case study explored the perceptions of administrators and teachers regarding the Lasallian Catholic identity and culture of St. John's College (a pseudonym), a secondary school located in Australia. Data collection occurred over a 10-week period primarily from the researcher's interviews with three administrators and 12 teachers, and supplemented by his observations of school events and analysis of school documents.

Overall, the participants in the study identified numerous characteristics of a Lasallian Catholic school, and perceived St. John's College as reflecting many of them. The observed school and faculty activities and the analyzed school documents validated their perceptions. …

Perceptions Of Middle School Latina Students On Factors Effecting Their Education : A Participatory Action Research Study, Katherine L. Johnson

Doctoral Dissertations

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Text And Mimesis : Reconfiguring Technology And Adult Learning, Nicholas P. Recchia

Doctoral Dissertations

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The Doubly Inflated Poisson And Related Regression Models, Manasi Sheth-Chandra

Mathematics & Statistics Theses & Dissertations

Most real life count data consists of some values that are more frequent than allowed by the common parametric families of distributions. For data consisting of only excess zeros, in a seminal paper Lambert (1992) introduced Zero-Inflated Poisson (ZIP) model, which is a mixture model that accounts for the inflated zeros. In this thesis, two Doubly Inflated Poisson (DIP) probability models, DIP (p, λ) and DIP ( p1, p2, λ), are discussed for situations where there is another inflated value k > 0 besides the inflated zeros. The distributional properties such as identifiability, moments, and conditional probabilities …

Elementary Teachers' Views Of Environmental Education, Rose M. Hotchkiss

Teaching & Learning Theses & Dissertations

The purpose of this research is to examine teachers' views of environmental education (EE) at the elementary level. The study addresses teachers' attitudes toward the EE at the elementary school level and their self-efficacy in teaching EE.

The study's sample consisted of 201 randomly selected kindergarten through fifth grade United States public school teachers. The participants completed an on-line survey with eight percent of the respondents participating in follow up interviews. The questionnaire measured two constructs; Teachers Attitudes Toward EE and Teacher Efficacy in EE. Teachers Attitudes Toward EE had 3 subscales; Advocacy for EE, Stewardship in EE, …

How “Struggling” Readers Engage In Literacy Events In Middle School Science: An Analysis Of Interactions In Literacy Events, Kristin Cartwright Palmer

Teaching & Learning Theses & Dissertations

This study examined opportunities for participation and learning for "struggling" readers in a sixth grade science classroom. Literacy practices, language differences, activity structures, and the social and cultural identities and associated practices and everyday funds of knowledge of both "struggling" and nonstruggling readers in one sixth grade science classroom were documented and analyzed using a qualitative research design. Over sixteen hours of audio and video recordings as well as numerous student work samples were transcribed and analyzed. Analyses of the classroom interactions and artifacts documented in this study revealed several important affordances available in the context of this classroom related …

Modeling And Analysis Of Repeated Ordinal Data Using Copula Based Likelihoods And Estimating Equation Methods, Raghavendra Rao Kurada

Mathematics & Statistics Theses & Dissertations

Repeated or longitudinal ordinal data occur in many fields such as biology, epidemiology, and finance. These data normally are analyzed using both likelihood and non-likelihood methods. The first part of this dissertation discusses the multivariate ordered probit model which is a likelihood method based on latent variables. We show that this latent variable model belong to a very general class of Copula models. We use the copula representation for the multivariate ordered probit model to obtain maximum likelihood estimates of the parameters. We apply the methodology in the analysis of real life data examples.

Though likelihood methods are preferable, there …

A Qualitative Investigation Of The Use Of An Art-Based Technique In Counselor Group Supervision, Cheryl Shiflett

Counseling & Human Services Theses & Dissertations

While the counseling community embraces the use of creative approaches in counseling and supervision, few researchers have attempted to empirically describe the process of including an art-based technique into counselor group supervision. A grounded theory design guided the exploration of the factors and processes of including one art-based technique into six counselor supervision groups. Six doctoral-level supervisors who were trained in an art-based technique known as the visual case processing method introduced the method to their group supervisees who were completing a semester-long practicum or internship. Data collection methods included individual and focus group interviews, observations of visual case presentations, …

Persistence To An Associate Of Applied Science Registered Nurse Degree: The Impact Of Placing Into Developmental Education Courses On Student Success, Caroline Clark Rivera

Educational Leadership & Workforce Development Theses & Dissertations

Student retention and success in nursing school has gained favor in educational research due to an increasing shortage of Registered Nurses. The purpose of this study is to measure the impact of student placement recommendation into developmental education courses on persistence to an Associate of Applied Science Registered Nurse degree. Using ex post facto research methodology rooted in the retention theories of Tinto, Bean and Metzner, and Jeffreys, this study aims to measure the effect of high school diploma type, age, race/ethnicity, and pre-requisite courses on student placement recommendation in developmental education and persistence to an Associate of Applied Science …

Student Achievement As An Investment In Human Capital: Using Longitudinal Patterns Of Per Pupil Instructional And Capital Expenditures, Socioeconomic Status, And Past Performance In Predicting Student Achievement, Charles Anthony Roberts

Educational Leadership & Workforce Development Theses & Dissertations

Existing research illustrating a significant relationship between school spending and student achievement is expanding. However, research specifically investigating the relationships between capital expenditures (maintenance, renovations, and construction) and instructional expenditures (teacher quality, teacher salaries, textbooks, class size) with student achievement both individually, and as a function of overall school spending, is lacking. Recent studies have linked school spending to student achievement in an attempt to increase school funding as a response to No Child Left Behind Act (2001) mandates. This study attempts to augment this area of inquiry by providing feedback across the Commonwealth of Virginia on longitudinal patterns of …

Design Of Multi Agent Based Crowd Injury Model, Emin Kugu

Electrical & Computer Engineering Theses & Dissertations

A major concern of many government agencies is to predict and control the behavior of crowds in different situations. Many times such gatherings are legal, legitimate, and peaceful. But there are times when they can turn violent, run out of control, result in material damages and even casualties. It then becomes the duty of governments to bring them under control using a variety of techniques, including non-lethal and lethal weapons, if necessary.

In order to aid decision makers on the course of action in crowd control, there are modeling and simulation tools that can provide guidelines by giving programmed rules …

Education And Economy: The Impact Of Investment In Human Capital Through Education On Unemployment, Zafer Pirim

Educational Leadership & Workforce Development Theses & Dissertations

The impact of investment in human capital on economy has always been discussed in the literature. Existing studies in the literature generally focus on short term impacts of investment in human capital. While some studies see significant impact, some other ones see little or no impact. This study manipulated data that was cover a long span of time, a 25-year period. In this study the researcher inquired whether there is a significant correlation between education and economy in terms of the impacts of investment in human capital on unemployment over a long span of time. In this empirical study panel …

Understanding The Elements Of Executable Architectures Through A Multi-Dimensional Analysis Framework, Edwin A. Shuman Iv

Computational Modeling & Simulation Engineering Theses & Dissertations

The objective of this dissertation study is to conduct a holistic investigation into the elements of executable architectures. Current research in the field of Executable Architectures has provided valuable solution-specific demonstrations and has also shown the value derived from such an endeavor. However, a common theory underlying their applications has been missing.

This dissertation develops and explores a method for holistically developing an Executable Architecture Specification (EAS), i.e., a meta-model containing both semantic and syntactic information, using a conceptual framework for guiding data coding, analysis, and validation. Utilization of this method resulted in the description of the elements of executable …

Hybrid Inorganic/Organic Nanostructured Tandem Solar Cells: Simulation And Fabrication Methods, Patrick Michael Boland Jr.

Electrical & Computer Engineering Theses & Dissertations

Organic solar cell technologies continue to be an extremely active area of scientific research. With their promise of providing low-cost, easily-processable, multi-application photovoltaics, these devices could very possibly be the most viable and practical form of renewable energy among many being explored. However, significant technological obstacles remain that must be overcome if this technology is to successfully realize the goal of providing abundant energy while simultaneously reducing dependence on fossil fuel-based sources. Compared with inorganic solar photovoltaics, power conversion efficiencies in organics are still too low to compete economically.

Much research has been accomplished over the past three decades in …

Photoproduction Of The Φ(1020) Meson In Neutral Decay Mode Γp → Φp → K(S)K(L)P, Heghine Seraydaryan

Physics Theses & Dissertations

The Φ(1020) meson photoproduction cross sections in the neutral decay mode Φ → K_SK_L are measured for the first time. This work presents measurements of differential cross sections, dσ/dt, dσ/d cos θ^Φ_c.m.; Φ decay angular distributions, W(cos θ) and W(Φ), and spin-density matrix elements, ρ⁰, in the Helicity and Gottfried-Jackson frames, in the energy range 1.6 GeV < E_γ < 2.6 GeV. We analyzed the photoproduction data of the g11a experiment collected on an LH2 target using the CLAS detectector at Hall B, TJNAF. The measured cross sections show some differences from the charged decay mode Φ → K⁺ K⁻.

Balloon Borne Mars Research Platforms, Sean Michael Hancock

Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering Theses & Dissertations

Aerial platforms can fill a measurement gap between orbiters and rovers, providing planetary scale high resolution in situ measurements, access to scientifically interesting terrain that is either inaccessible or hazardous to rovers, and serve as a planet-wide delivery platforms to deploy surface probes and rovers to areas inaccessible given existing entry, descent, and landing systems. A permanent robotic outpost on the Martian surface can utilize locally-derived hydrogen as a lifting gas for balloon systems deployed from Mars. That approach can simplify the inflation and launch of aerial vehicles while allowing for a long duration deployment campaign that is not constrained …

Evaluating Methods For Optimizing Classification Success From Otolith Tracers For Spotted Seatrout (Cynoscion Nebulosus) In The Chesapeake Bay, Stacy Kavita Beharry

OES Theses and Dissertations

Identifying the natal sources of fish is an important step in understanding its population dynamics. Adult recruits are often sourced from multiple nursery areas, with good quality locations contributing disproportionately more fish to the adult stock. Because population persistence is strongly influenced by nursery habitat, methods that correctly identify the source of recruits are necessary for effective management. Within the last decade, otolith chemistry signatures have been increasingly used as a natural marker to delineate fish from a mixture of nursery sources. Despite the widespread use of otolith trace element and stable isotope ratios as habitat markers, the statistical approaches …

The Impact Of Emergent Technologies On Interpersonal And Community Interaction Of The Future : A Thematic Analysis Of Selected Novels Of William Gibson And Vernor Vinge, Lyn Motai

Doctoral Dissertations

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Being And Becoming Public School Teachers: Career Mobility Of Chinese Overseas-Trained Teachers In The San Francisco Bay Area, Lily L. Chow

Doctoral Dissertations

Teacher shortage and retention has persisted in the United States for decades. Ethnic minority teachers are underrepresented in public K-12 schools as well as teachers for English learners. Untapped pools of overseas-trained teachers who are lawful permanent residents exist but are unemployed, underemployed, or working in other fields. To earn a local teaching credential, the immigrant bears the burden of proving equivalent knowledge and skills to re-enter her or his profession in the United States. At the time of this study, there was no research about overseas-trained immigrant teachers entering the teaching profession for primary and secondary public school students …

The Money Blind: How To Stop Industry Bias In Biomedical Science, Without Violating The First Amendment, Christopher Robertson

Faculty Scholarship

The pharmaceutical and medical device industries use billions of dollars to support the biomedical science that physicians, regulators, and patients use to make healthcare decisions—the decisions that drive an increasingly large portion of the American economy. Compelling evidence suggests that this industry money buys favorable results, biasing the outcomes of scientific research. Current efforts to manage the problem, including disclosure mandates and peer reviews, are ineffective. A blinding mechanism, operating through an intermediary such as the National Institutes of Health, could instead be developed to allow industry support of science without allowing undue influence. If the editors of biomedical journals …