Digital Commons Network^™

Hardware Implementation Of An Ann Trained By Ga And Pso Based On Fpga, Hanan A. R., Sundus Dhamad Hasan

Iraqi Journal of Computers, Communications, Control and Systems Engineering

In this paper, Particle Swarm Optimization-feedforward Neural Network (PSONN) and Genetic Algorithm-Neural Network (GANN) are proposed to enhance the learning process of ANN in term of convergence rate and classification accuracy. They have been tested and compared and the results applied in pattern classification. The experiments show that both algorithms produce feasible results in terms of convergence time and classification percentage. At the end of the eVolutionary process of GANN for optimal structure, not only the best network structure for a particular application but also the trained network with few numbers of epochs is provided. A Hardware Design of ANN …

Analog Signal Processing Elements For Energy-Constrained Platforms, Kyle Robert Mcmillan

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Energy constrained processing poses a number of challenges that have resulted in tremendous innovations over the past decade. Shrinking supply voltages and limited clock speeds have placed an emphasis on processing efficiency over the raw throughput of a processor. One of the approaches to increase processing efficiency is to use parallel processing with slower, lower resolution processing elements. By utilizing this parallel approach, power consumption can be decreased while maintaining data throughput relative to other more power-hungry architectures.;This low resolution / parallel architecture has direct application in the analog as well as the digital domain. Indeed, research shows that as …

Ultrasonic Instrumentation Instruction In Dental Hygiene Programs In The United States, Sharon Lee Stemple Hinchman

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

The purpose of this study is to determine the existence and extent of ultrasonic scaling instrumentation instruction in dental hygiene programs nationally. Currently, there is no research available defining a consensus of instruction for ultrasonic instrumentation in dental hygiene programs. An email survey was sent to all directors of dental hygiene programs in the United States (n=323). The response rate was 45%. No significant differences in methods or extent of instruction were found between associate and baccalaureate degree granting programs. Eighty-nine percent of programs introduce hand scaling prior to ultrasonic scaling instrumentation instruction. Students in 96% of the programs are …

Ambulatory Blood Pressure Monitoring In Stroke Survivors: What Do We Add To The Care Of Our Patients?, Shaista Anwar Sidddiqi, Ayeesha Kamran Kamal

Section of Neurology

No abstract provided.

Quaker Campus, December 1, 2011 (Vol. 98, Issue 12), Whittier College

Quaker Campus

No abstract provided.

Sex, Privacy And Public Health In A Casual Encounters Culture, Mary D. Fan

Articles

The regulation of sex and disease is a cultural and political flashpoint and recurring challenge that law's antiquated arsenal has been hard- pressed to effectively address. Compelling data demonstrate the need for attention—for example, one in four women aged fourteen to nineteen is infected with at least one sexually transmitted disease ("STD"); managing STDs costs an estimated $15.9 billion annually; and syphilis, once near eradication, is on the rise again, as are the rates of HIV diagnosis among people aged fifteen to twenty-four. Public health officials on the front lines have called for paradigm changes to tackle the enormous challenge. …

Aquatic Plant Surveys In The Bureau Of Land Management, Medford District, 2010-2011, Mark D. Sytsma, Rich Miller, Vanessa Morgan

Center for Lakes and Reservoirs Publications and Presentations

The introduction of invasive aquatic plant species (IAPS) can cause significant ecological and economic harm. IAPS can displace native aquatic plant species, impair recreation, and degrade water quality. Early detection of new invasions can improve chances for successful eradication or containment to reduce the risk of IAPS spread. The Oregon Department of Agriculture (ODA) lists the most egregious offenders as “Noxious Weeds” which are defined as plants classified by the Oregon State Weed Board that are injurious to public health, agriculture, recreation, wildlife, or any public or private property (ODA 2011).

Several IAPS classified as noxious have been detected within …

Airport Solar And Geothermal Power, Raymond Mills

Theses and Dissertations

This research study has been developed to understand how solar and geothermal energy systems are being utilized by airports throughout the United States. There is currently lit- tle specific research on this topic. As fuel prices continue to rise and sources of non- renewable energies begin to be unavailable and become economically unviable, it is im- portant that industries such as aviation continue to look toward clean, renewable sources of energy. A survey was developed and distributed to 178 airports throughout the United States to determine adoption rates of solar and geothermal energy systems and a host of other vari- …

Characterization Of Palmitic Acid Induced Lipotoxicity In Schwann Cells, Amelia Padilla

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Lipotoxicity is a response to lipid overload that has been associated with cellular dysfunction leading to cellular death. The mechanism of lipotoxicity and its impact on the nervous system is critical as it can lead to debilitating neurological conditions. This study examines key cellular events induced by palmitic acid lipotoxicity (PA-LTx) in Schwann cells cultured in euglycemic and hyperglycemic conditions. The data show that immortalized Schwann cell (iSC), as well as primary Schwann cell (pSC) cultures exposed to elevated levels of PA induced an apoptotic cell death that is dose and time-dependent. The earliest indication of cellular dysfunction was a …

Effects Of Neck Muscle Fatigue On The Vestibulo-Ocular Reflex, Amer Al Saif

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

In order to maintain balance, the brain receives and processes input from multiple sensory systems including the visual, vestibular, and somatosensory systems. The information from these systems is sent to the brain where the information is then combined, organized and interpreted. This results in the output of reflexes (vestibulo-ocular reflex [VOR] and vestibulospinal reflex [VSR]). The VOR and the VSR work together with other motor systems to control gaze stability and control whole body equilibrium. Impairment in any of these sensory systems can result in dizziness, loss of balance, and visual instability. While the contributions of the visual, vestibular, and …

Living Cities: The Integration Initiative In Cleveland, Ohio - Greater University Circle Community Wealth Building Initiative: Year One Formative And Summative Evaluation Report, Ziona Austrian, Kathryn W. Hexter, Candi Clouse, Matt Hrubey

All Maxine Goodman Levin School of Urban Affairs Publications

No abstract provided.

2011-12-01 Faculty Senate Meeting Minutes, Morehead State University. Faculty Senate.

Faculty Senate Records

Faculty Senate Meeting Minutes for December 1, 2011.

Process Parameter-Microstructure-Mechanical Property Relations Of Sicp-Reinforced Aluminum Composites Produced By Powder-Injection Casting, M Bunma, P Subarporn, R Bobuangern, T Patthannkitdamrong, T Thuanwong, T Patcharawit

Journal of Metals, Materials and Minerals

Aluminum composites are of interest for engineering applications such as electrical and especially automotive applications and their final physical and mechanical properties are usually determined by fabrication techniques. This research aimed to study effects of process parameters, which are i) argon gas flow rates at 5 and 10 l/min, and ii) casting temperatures at 620 and 680C, on integrity of the SiCp-reinforced 356 aluminum composites fabricated by powder-injection casting using a modified flux injection degassing machine. The SiCp additions are 0, 10 and 15 wt.%. Microstructure - mechanical property relations were constructed based on the predetermined process parameters. Aluminum 356 …

Synthesis Of Aligned Carbon Nanotubes By Floating Catalyst Method Using Ferrocene, R Ravindra, B R. Bhat

Journal of Metals, Materials and Minerals

The aligned carbon nanotubes (CNTs) have been synthesised by floating catalyst method using ferrocene as catalyst precursor and acetylene as carbon precursor. The reaction was carried out at 850C in double stage chemical vapor deposition (CVD) apparatus. The grown aligned CNTs were purified by air oxidation and acid treatment method. The aligned CNTs were characterised by using scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy and Raman spectroscopy. The purity of CNTs was determined by Thermal analysis and X-ray diffraction method. The average diameter of aligned CNTs were around 20nm. This process not only produces aligned CNTs but also avoids the preparation …

Lanthorn, Vol. 46, No. 28, December 1, 2011, Grand Valley State University

Volume 46, July 14, 2011 - June 18, 2012

Lanthorn is Grand Valley State's student newspaper, published from 1968 to the present.

Pittsburg State University Annual Commencement, December 2011, Pittsburg State University

Commencement, 1903-Present

Program of undergraduate and graduate commencement exercises at Pittsburg State University on December of 2011

Proliferating Tricholemmal Tumour: Clinicopathological Aspects Of A Case., Adeel Khoja, Yan B, Lee Sj, Cheong E. C, Tan K B

Department of Medicine

We report the case of a 49-year-old man who presented with an enlarging mass over his occipital scalp. The clinical impression was either a squamous cell carcinoma or an unusual adnexal tumour. A wide excision was performed with skin grafting. Gross examination revealed a large exophytic tumour mass measuring 10 cm. Histopathological examination showed a circumscribed, well-differentiated squamoproliferative lesion with a lobulated architecture. Clear cell features, pilar-type keratinisation, microcalcifications and the presence of mucinous degeneration were noted. A diagnosis of proliferating tricholemmal tumour was made. This entity incorporates a spectrum of lesions, ranging from the mostly benign proliferating tricholemmal cyst …

Visualizing Social Studies, Sarah Christine Larsen

Honors Program Theses

The purpose of this thesis is to determine the benefits of incorporating visual learning methods into high school social studies curricula through a thorough examination of the history of the study of intelligence and learning, focusing on several studies that made significant contributions. From my personal experience throughout school, I have observed that many of my peers appear to be visual learners. While I myself am an auditory learner, I believe that, due to the large amount of visual stimulation students are exposed to in American society, most students respond best to visual styles of teaching. This thesis will investigate …

Montana Kaimin, December 1, 2011, Students Of The University Of Montana, Missoula

Montana Kaimin, 1898-present

Student newspaper of the University of Montana, Missoula.

Common Crowd Dynamics: Shaping Behavioral Intention Models, Marcel Bouchard

Theses

As the human population grows, so too does the need to understand human behavior. One particularly important aspect of human behavior is how it changes within conglomerations of people, i.e. crowds. In this thesis, a method for modeling crowd behavior is proposed. This method draws inspiration from the concept of behavioral intention and the related forces of attitudes, influences, and social norms. These topics are first defined and detailed, followed by a survey of related research. Next, the model is presented and adapted to three common crowd dynamics, each stressing a different component of behavioral intention. Observations are made about …

Erosion From A Cross Country Gas Pipeline In The Central Appalachians, Bridget Mae Harrison

Theses

Increasing energy demand, coupled with the recent emphasis on domestic production, has resulted in an increase in natural gas exploration and pipeline construction in the central Appalachian region. Very little is known about the effects of natural gas pipeline construction on sediment production. The goals of this project were to measure erosion and examine the effects of vegetation and precipitation characteristics on erosion on a newly constructed pipeline in the Fernow Experimental Forest in West Virginia. The study explored whether seed rate, slope class, or aspect, influenced erosion. The cross country pipeline was buried beneath the surface on study hillslopes …

Anatonical Correlates Of Executive Functioning In Children With Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder And Developmental Dyslexia, Jacqueline Marie Klaver

Theses

The purpose of this study was to explore the brain-behavior relationship of the frontostriatal circuit to executive functioning (EF) in children with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and developmental dyslexia. It was expected that the volume and asymmetry of the caudate nucleus head and body would be related to ADHD; the relationship between caudate volume and asymmetry and dyslexia was exploratory. It also was expected that children with ADHD and children with dyslexia would be impaired on measures of EF compared to those without each disorder. Lastly, it was predicted that verbal and spatial working memory would mediate the relationship between the …

Thermal Conductivity Enhancement In Nanofluids -Mathematical Model, Anand Natchimuthu Chinnaraj

Theses

The study on developing a mathematical model for thermal conductivity enhancement in nanofluids was based on formation of nanoparticles into nanoclusters, nanolayer thickness, Brownian motion and volume fraction of nanoclusters. An equation for the thermal conductivity of nanofluids was developed. The expression developed successfully explained the enhanced thermal conductivity of nanofluids and led to some important conclusions. It was found that in this study the nanoparticles tend to form nanoclusters and the volume fraction of the nanoclusters and the trapped fluid in the nanocluster was contributing to the overall thermal conductivity enhancement. Various types of cluster formation was analyzed and …

The Competitive Response Of Panicum Virgatum Cultivars To Non-Native Invasive Species In Southern Illinois, Lauren Michele Schwartz

Theses

Historically, the tallgrass prairie (TGP) was the largest ecosystem in North America, but today only about 10-15% of the original extent exists today. Some areas have experienced more extreme loss, for example in the state of Illinois less than 0.01% of high-quality native tallgrass prairie remains. Non-native invasive species are a recent phenomenon that threatens the integrity of surviving TGP communities. Ecotypes of dominant C4 grasses are the basis of numerous cultivars, many of which are utilized in prairie restorations. In this study, the effects of three invasive species (Bromus inermis, Schedonorus phoenix, and Poa pratensis) on two lowland (`Alamo' …

Efficacy Of Tembotrione On Grass Species As Influenced By Herbicides And Adjuvants, Mark A. Waddington

Theses

Field and greenhouse experiments were conducted at Southern Illinois University-Carbondale in 2006 and 2007 to evaluate the herbicide tembotrione for postemergence grass control. Tembotrione inhibits the p-hydroxyphenylpyruvate dioxygenase (HPPD) enzyme, which aids in the formation of essential plant constituents for photosynthesis. Tembotrione efficacy was examined in the greenhouse on large crabgrass, giant foxtail, shattercane, and fall panicum. Significant activity that could translate to commercial levels of weed control in the field was found on all species except fall panicum. Greenhouse studies also compared the efficacy of tembotrione, mesotrione, and topramezone which represent the three HPPD-inhibiting herbicides commercially available in U.S. …

Social Responsibility, Views From Small And Medium Us Private Business Ceo/Owners, Joseph C. Thornton

Student Scholarship

Social responsibility (SR) is a topic of considerable interest to large and multinational companies--but less is known about the extent to which it is embraced by smaller organizations which constitute 99% of US firms. Most of the scant research on social responsibility and SMEs derives from Europe and demonstrates that SMEs understand and enact social responsibility differently than large companies. To address a gap in the literature about US SMEs we conducted interviews with owners/CEOs of private manufacturing firms in four regions of the US to determine how they understand and to what extent they embrace social responsibility as a …

Successful Alignment Of Mba Curriculum: A Product Of Attentional Change, Laurie A. Branch

Student Scholarship

This study examines the factors influencing business schools' decision to materially change their full-time MBA curriculum. Our qualitative study is based on 29 interviews with faculty and administrators at 14 business schools and one industry expert. We identify four domains--Constituents, Context, Constraints and Genuine Identity--which business schools consider when exploring a potential curricular change. We present a Model of Successful Curricular Change that recognizes attention to these inputs, in terms of both focus and capacity, affects the type of change the organization pursues. This model also takes into account the mediating effect of faculty tolerance for the discomfort on curricular …

Colonia Population And Housing Estimation [Dataset], Daren Ruiz

BBER Publications

Colonias are small, under-represented communities often characterized by poor socioeconomic conditions. There are 142 HUD-designated colonias in southern New Mexico. There is a great need for information on colonias: government agencies and community planners want to improve infrastructure and allocate resources to serve colonia populations. As part of the effort to compile information about colonias, the UNM Bureau of Business and Economic Research (BBER) developed a technique for tabulating U.S. Census Bureau data for colonia geography. This article explains the technique, demonstrated by an estimated population and household count for the Rancho Grande colonia in Catron County. Location coordinates for …

Communicating Through Thick Boundaries: The Case Of Informing National Policy Making, Adrian Wolfberg

Student Scholarship

Organizations increasingly face competitive and security threats that require better intelligence to guide action. National policy makers face an especially pressing need for intelligence\, and rely on complex\, diverse information from many sources in monitoring their environment. The primary formal information system for conveying knowledge to government leaders is the system of national intelligence briefings\, which collects data from a global network of analysts that is presented by a briefer to individual government leaders\, in a short daily session. The quantity of information created by intelligence analysts far exceeds the capacity of a policy maker to assimilate\, and the briefer …

Impact On Society Versus Impact On Knowledge: Scholarly Production And Sharing In Latin American Studies, Milagros Pereyra-Rojas

Student Scholarship

Although home to 8% of the world's population (Guarda 2002), only 1.7% of the scholarly knowledge about Latin America is produced domestically (UNESCO 2010). The limited voice of Latin American scholars in Latin American studies constitutes a loss of a valuable and unique cultural perspective which is aggravated by the fact that the research object is Latin America itself. The failure of Latin American intellectuals to claim a prominent place on the international academic stage has not been explained and cannot be attributed simply to lack of academic knowledge exposure (Alperin, Fischman et al. 2008). To address this gap in …