Digital Commons Network^™

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 …

Discrete Metric Design And Discrete Tangent Bundles: From Surfaces To 3-Manifolds, Xiaotian Yin

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

One of the fundamental tasks in geometric modeling and computer graphics is to study shapes, such as surfaces and volumes, and differential objects associated with them, such as vector fields. For the study of shapes, the challenge in many cases comes from the need of a parameter domain that has a canonical and simple shape, which is equivalent to designing a metric of special properties. For differential objects, a fundamental problem is how to represent tangent bundles in a discrete setting, so that covariant differentiation and connections can be computed accordingly. This dissertation aims to design rigorous and practical methods …

Sonographic Fetal Biometry Charts For A Pakistani Cohort., W. Akhtar, A. Ali, M. A. Arain, F. Saeed, S. Siddiqui, A Memon

Department of Radiology

This study aimed to develop growth centiles at different gestational weeks for fetal biparietal diameter, abdominal circumference, femur length and head circumference in a Pakistani cohort. Data were collected at a tertiary referral hospital from pregnant women at gestational ages 13-40 weeks referred for obstetric ultrasound as a part of routine antenatal care. A total of 1599 fetal sonographic biometric measurements were collected after screening for the inclusion criteria. For each measurement, separate regression models were derived to estimate the mean, standard deviation and reference percentiles at each week of gestational age for this cohort. The best fitting model for …

Problem-Based Learning Curriculum: Problems And Possible Solutions, Robert M. K. W. Lee

Journal of Medical Education

The use of problem-based learning (PBL) approach in education by medical schools around the world is still evolving based on local environmental factors, such as the willingness and ability of the teachers to adjust to this style of learning, and government regulations. In this article, I will present my personal views on the problems and challenges teachers/tutors may face in different components of a PBL medical education, and suggest some solutions or approaches PBL teachers may wish to consider in confronting or solving these problems. I will focus on lectures, tutorial process, teaching of clinical skills, and evaluation. In the …

The Relationship Among Personality Traits, Perceived Emotional Intelligence, Andphysician Empathy In Medical Students, Molly Hsieh, Yi-Hsuan Wang

Journal of Medical Education

Objectives: Empathy is an essential factor for physician-patient communication. Personality traits and emotional intelligence can enhance the quality of one's empathic relating. This study explored the relationships among personality traits, perceived emotional intelligence (PEI), and physician empathy in medical students. Methods: Three hundred and twenty-three Taiwanese medical students completed a survey packet consisting of three standardized instruments: the Mini-Marker Scale, the Trait Meta-Mood Scale (TMMS), and the Jefferson Scale of Physician Empathy ‒ Student Version (JSPE-S). Results: Male medical students had higher scores in ”Neuroticism” than did the female respondents. Students in Years 2 and 3 had higher ”Neuroticism” scores …

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 …

An Evaluation Of Coating Material Dependent Toxicity Of Silver Nanoparticles, Thilini Upekshika Silva

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) synthesized using numerous types of coating materials may exhibit different toxicity effects. The study evaluated coating material dependent toxicity by selecting 3 types of AgNP synthesis methods with different coating materials (citrate, polyvinyl pyrrolidone, and branched polyethyleneimine, coated AgNPs as citrate-AgNPs, PVP-AgNPs, and BPEI-AgNPs respectively). Two acute aquatic toxicity tests were performed; 48hr D. magna and MetPLATE E. coli toxicity tests. Significantly different toxicity effects were observed in D. magna test exhibiting lethal median concentrations (LC50) for citrate-AgNPs, PVP-AgNPs, and BPEI AgNPs respectively as, 2.7, 11.2, and 0.57μg/L. Median inhibitory concentrations (EC50) for MetPLATE tests were 1.27, …

Implementation Of Medicinal Leech Preparation To Investigate The Connection Between The Motor Neuron And Muscle Fiber Via Sharp Electrode Electrophysiology, Chandra Nikole Miller

Master's Theses

There are forty registered organophosphates in the United States and they range from pesticides and insecticides to nerve agents or neurotoxins such as sarin. Organophosphates (OP’s) have been used in chemical warfare for years and tend to lead to death due to an attack on the nervous system. Chemical assays and mass microscopy have been used to assess the concentration of OP’s in the environment, but both methods require the body to metabolize the OP first, which can be detrimental to the victim. It is crucial to come up with a method to investigate and detect these neurotoxins without causing …

Simulated Effects Of Varied Landscape-Scale Fuel Treatments On Carbon Dynamics And Fire Behavior In The Klamath Mountains Of California, Kevin J. Osborne

Master's Theses

I utilized forest growth model (FVS-FFE) and fire simulation software (FlamMap, Randig), integrated through GIS software (ArcMap9.3), to quantify the impacts varied landscape-scale fuel treatments have on short-term onsite carbon loss, long-term onsite carbon storage, burn probability, conditional flame length, and mean fire size. Thirteen fuel treatment scenarios were simulated on a 42,000 hectare landscape in northern California: one untreated, three proposed by the US Forest Service, and nine that were spatially-optimized and developed with the Treatment Optimization Model in FlamMap. The nine scenarios developed in FlamMap varied by treatment intensity (10%, 20%, and 30% of the landscape treated) and …

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 …

Adhesion And Durability Of Coatings On Polypropylene Exterior Sidings, Logan Riekio Stark

Master's Theses

Plastics have become a universal material for use in a myriad of commercial and consumer products. One such product, exterior siding, is the focus of this project. Although siding products were originally made from wood, vinyl siding, which offered superior performance, was introduced in the 1950’s. More recently, polypropylene (PP) siding has been introduced; PP provides a stronger product, which allows for deeper patterns and better edge detailing. PP siding, compared to traditional wood siding, doesn’t warp, crack, or degrade as easily with extended exposure to the elements, and is cheaper to maintain. However, even plastic siding must be coated. …

Freight Truck Traffic Associated With The Port Of Oakland: A Case Study Of Roadway Impacts, James Hinkamp

Master's Theses

The Port of Oakland (“Port”) is the 5th largest container seaport by volume in the U.S. and the largest in Northern California. Maritime shipping activity at the Port exceeds 2 million import and export twenty-foot equivalent unit (TEU) containers annually. Containers may be full or empty, but nonetheless typically require hinterland shipment and intermodal transfer between maritime and land-based freight distribution systems. The freight trucking mode (“drayage”) handles approximately 80% of all TEU throughput at the Port, thus constituting the majority of landside Port traffic. The Port is also situated adjacent to dense urban development thereby exacting certain external impacts. …

Coe Acclaim, December 2011, Issue 3, University Of Northern Iowa. College Of Education.

COE Acclaim

Inside This Issue:
--Heston Honored for UNI Service
--Partnership Grows Between UNI's COE and Local Schools
--UNI's STEM Initiatives Featured on Discovery Channel
--Students Gain International Experience, Exposure
--Faculty Acclamations

"Neat" As A Word Of Approbation, Clinton F. Larson

BYU Studies

No abstract provided.

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.

A Conceptual Learner-Centered E-Learning Framework, Fletcher H. Glancy, Susan K. Isenberg

Faculty Scholarship

e-Learning has increased rapidly in higher education. Most online education attempts to mirror the traditional face-to-face (FtF) classroom with less than favourable results. This paper proposes a conceptual e-learning framework based on andragogy theory, transformative learning theory, and media synchronicity theory. The conceptual e-learning framework supports the self-directed learning. e-learning based on this framework has the potential to out-perform not only current learning management systems such as Blackboard, but also traditional FtF learning for adult education and with different and better outcomes. Results of early testing of the concept showed increased learner’s online activity, innovation, and creativity.

First Choice, December 2011, Wusf Public Media

First Choice Monthly Newsletter

The December 2011 issue of WUSF's newsletter "First Choice."

Transient Receptor Potential Channel M4 And M5 In Magnocellular Cells In Rat Supraoptic And Paraventricular Nuclei, R. Teruyama, M. Sakuraba, H. Kurotaki, W. E. Armstrong

Faculty Publications

The neurohypophysial hormones, vasopressin (VP) and oxytocin (OT), are synthesised by magnocellular cells in the supraoptic nucleus (SON) and the paraventricular nucleus (PVN) of the hypothalamus. The release of VP into the general circulation from the neurohypophysis increases during hyperosmolality, hypotension and hypovolaemia. VP neurones increase hormone release by increasing their firing rate as a result of adopting a phasic bursting. Depolarising after potentials (DAPs) following a series of action potentials are considered to be involved in the generation of the phasic bursts by summating to plateau potentials. We recently discovered a fast DAP (fDAP) in addition to the slower …

Faculty Senate Newsletter, Holiday 2011, Louisiana State University And Agricultural & Mechanical College

LSU Faculty Senate Publications

Message from President: With the arrival of the Advent season comes the temptation to make lists. Universities and their assorted faculty, political, and professional leaders rejoice in lists, whether the ranking lists published by US News and World Report or Kiplinger’s or the eruditionflaunting lists more commonly known as curriculum vitae or the lists of problems with so many aspects of academic life that everyone carries in the ever-running journal of his or her mind. Among the most salient lists are those enumerating the parties responsible for the decay of education in Louisiana. Compiling a list of those who have …

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 …

Density Dependent Utilities With Transaction Costs, Eriyoti Chikodza, Julius N Esunge

Communications on Stochastic Analysis

No abstract provided.

Consistent Price Systems For Bounded Processes, Florian Maris, Eric Mbakop, Hasanjan Sayit

Communications on Stochastic Analysis

No abstract provided.