Digital Commons Network^™

The Effects Of The Environmental Design Instruction On The Students' Gymnastics Skill Refinement, Han Chen

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

The study compared the effects of Direct Instruction (DI) with DI+Environmental Design Instruction (EDI) on the refinement of both simple and difficult gymnastics skills refinement. Four boys aged six to eight with two years of gymnastics training experiences participated in the simple skill experiment (running tuck jump on the springboard). Four boys aged 11 to 13 with more than three years of gymnastics training experiences participated in the difficult skill experiment (mushroom circles). Three dependent variables were measured in the experiment of running tuck jump and they were: (1) the participant's hip angle while they jumped at the highest point, …

Selection Of Benthic Habitat By Yellow-Phase American Eels (Anguilla Rostrata), Melissa A. Braham

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

This thesis examines habitat preference of yellow-phase American eels (Anguilla rostrata) and relationships between age and length with that preference. The thesis is comprised of two chapters: (1) an introduction and literature review on American eel life history, their habitat selection, and the study of resource selection, and (2) an experimental study of yellow-phase American eel habitat preference and relationships between preference and age and length. Given widespread habitat alteration of North American rivers, an understanding of the use and selection of habitat is important to conservation and management of the American eel. Yellow-phase American eels are often considered as …

Nnll Resummation For W-Boson Production At Large Pt, Nikolaos Kidonakis, Richard J. Gonsalves

Faculty Articles

We present new results for W-boson production at large transverse momentum at the LHC and the Tevatron. The contribution of soft-gluon corrections is derived from NNLL resummation and added to the exact NLO result. Numerical results and their uncertainties for the approximate NNLO W-boson transverse momentum distributions are derived and compared to recent data from the LHC.

Effects Of Video Feedback On Students' Performance Of A Back Handspring, Kristi A. Kiefer

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Purpose: Video technology has become a viable resource for teachers and coaches as a method of providing feedback to students and athletes. Studies support the use of this strategy when applied to teaching adolescents and adults with a proficient skill base. To date little research has identified the use of video technology as a method of feedback in the skill acquisition of children at a novice level. The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of video feedback on the performance of a back handspring. Methods: A multiple-treatment reversal design within each participant with a counter balance was …

Mindfully Teaching In The Classroom: A Literature Review, Nicole J. Albrecht, Patricia M. Albrecht, Marc Cohen

Australian Journal of Teacher Education

The practice of mindfulness is being used with increased frequency in schools around the world. In the current literature review we outline some of the core concepts and practices associated with mindfulness and discuss studies analysing the process of mindfulness teacher training. Preliminary research in this emerging field suggests that mindfulness has the potential to improve classroom management, teacher-student relationships and instructional strategies. Mindfulness instructors recommend that before teachers can feel comfortable and effectively teach mindfulness in the classroom they need to embody and practice mindfulness in their own lives. It is proposed that in order to improve our knowledge …

Prospective Teachers' Comprehension Levels Of Special Relativity Theory And The Effect Of Writing For Learning On Achievement, Ali Yildiz

Australian Journal of Teacher Education

In the present study, the comprehension levels of special relativity theory in prospective teachers who take the Introduction to Modern Physics lesson in the faculty of education science teaching department and the effect of writing for learning on their achievement is researched. In the research, a control group pre-test post-test quasi-experimental research model was used. Research data were obtained by using open-ended questions prepared by the researcher. The lesson was conducted in the beginning by using the verbal-written explanation method. Then each student in the experimental group wrote a summary which clearly explains the special relativity theory for a high …

Reward Effect In Reinforcement Learning Systems, Lubna Zaghlul, Zina Waleed

Iraqi Journal of Computers, Communications, Control and Systems Engineering

Learning Classifier Systems (LCS), are a machine learning technique which combines reinforcement learning, eVolutionary computing and other heuristics to produce adaptive systems. The system HRC (Human – Rat - Cheese) focuses in creating artificial creature (Rat) using computer simulation, and learning it how to choose between two different basic behaviors, (approach / escape) combining them to perform complex behavior, which represents the final response in changing environment. The HRC is built of two-classifier subsystems working together, each classifier system learns a simple behavior, and the system as a whole has as its learning goal the control of activities. Flat architecture …

Human Authentication With Earprint For Secure Telephone System, Raid R.

Iraqi Journal of Computers, Communications, Control and Systems Engineering

This paper describes the design and development of a prototype system for the automatic authentication of an individual based on the human ear patterns. Information at the feature extraction and at the confidence level, where the matching scores are reported by Probabilistic neural network, is discussed. The system was tested with the template files. The test performance reaching False Rejection Rate (FRR) = 9% and False Acceptance Rate (FAR) = 9%, suggests that the system can be used in telephone security environments.

Text-Dependent Audio Biometric Person Authentication, Ekhlas Falih

Iraqi Journal of Computers, Communications, Control and Systems Engineering

Audio biometric person authentication is the task of verifying the identity of a person based on the information in the speech signal that occurs during the production of speech. In this research, audio person authentication is focus on acoustic text-dependent speaker verification system. The proposed recognition process begins by converting that audio into frequency domain by applying discrete cosine transform (DCT), then compute the seven moments as a features for that audio and build a database depends on these features, then compute the Kohonen neural network for person identification, and then compute the dynamic time wrapping (DTW) for verification and …

Enhanced Genetic Algorithm Based On Node Codes For Mobile Robot Path Planning, Mohamed Jasim, Farah S. Khoshaba

Iraqi Journal of Computers, Communications, Control and Systems Engineering

In this paper, a new Enhanced Genetic Algorithm (EGA) is used to find the best global path planning for a mobile robot according to a specific criterion. The EGA is enhanced by a new encoding method, new initial population creation method, new crossover and mutation operations as well as new additional operations correction operation and classification operation. The study considers the case when the mobile robot works in a known static environment. The new proposed algorithm is built to help the mobile robot to choose the shortest path without it colliding with the obstacles allocated in a working known environment. …

Design Of On-Line Tuned Idle Speed Controller For An Automotive Engine By Using Ncd, Ali Majeed

Iraqi Journal of Computers, Communications, Control and Systems Engineering

This paper attempts to tune any controller without the knowledge of mathematical model for the system to be controlled. For that purpose, the optimization algorithm of MATLAB / Nonlinear Control Design Blockset (NCD) is adapted for On-line tuning for controller parameters. To present the methodology, a PID controller is verified with the physical plant using the engine speed control System where the problem of maintaining the engine idle speed at a reference value with the applied load is studied. A Proportional Integral Derivative (PID) Controller is used to solve this problem, but to get the best controller parameters the (NCD) …

Genetic Algorithm Using Sub-Path Codes For Mobile Robot Path Planning, Mohamed Jasim

Iraqi Journal of Computers, Communications, Control and Systems Engineering

In this paper, a new method for finding global optimal path planning is proposed using a Genetic Algorithm (GA). A map of known static environment as well as a start node and a target node connecting an optimal path which is required to be found are given beforehand. The chosen nodes in a known static environment are connected by sub-paths among each other. Each path is represented by a series of sub-paths which connect the sequential nodes to form this path. Each sub-path radiating from each node is labeled by an integer. The chromosome code of a path is a …

Application Of Kalman Estimation Techniques With Fuzzy Logic To A Synchro Digitizer, Waladin K., Firas A. Raheem, Lina S. Jajo

Iraqi Journal of Computers, Communications, Control and Systems Engineering

In the quest for digitizing the synchro, this paper proposes a method for processing the synchro format Voltages to extract a single reliable shaft angle reading. This eliminates sophisticated and expensive electronic parts and replaces them by software algorithms. Kalman estimation techniques are applied to improve sensor dynamic response, precision and efficiency. Fuzzy logic techniques are used to speed up the estimation process so that the time taken to produce a result is within the time of half a cycle of the excitation frequency (less than 1.25 ms). Wavelet techniques are also used to improve the accuracy much further. The …

Becoming Artifacts: Medieval Seals, Passports And The Future Of Digital Identity, Mawaki Chango

School of Information Studies - Dissertations

What does a digital identity token have to do with medieval seals? Is the history of passports of any use for enabling the discovery of Internet users' identity when crossing virtual domain boundaries during their digital browsing and transactions? The agility of the Internet architecture and its simplicity of use have been the engines of its growth and success with the users worldwide. As it turns out, there lies also its crux. In effect, Internet industry participants have argued that the critical problem business is faced with on the Internet is the absence of an identity layer from the core …

Ambient Intelligence With Wireless Grid Enabled Applications: A Case Study Of The Launch And First Use Experience Of Wejay Social Radio In Education, Helen Patricia Mckenna

School of Information Studies - Dissertations

Wireless grid and ambient intelligent (AmI) environments are characterized as supportive of collaboration, interaction, and sharing. The conceptual framework advanced for this study incorporated the constructs of innovation, creativity and context awareness while offering emergence theory -- emergent properties, structures, patterns and behaviors -- to frame and investigate a wireless grid enabled social radio application which was theorized to be potentially transformative and disruptive. The unintended consequences and unexpected possibilities of wireless grid and smart environments were also addressed.

Using a single case study, drawing upon multiple data collection methods, this research investigated the deployment and use experience of …

The Convergence Of Conventional Media And New Technology In The Cases Of The New York Times And National Broadcasting Company (Nbc), Sheng Zhang

Research Papers

During the last decade, the fast development of new technologies: the Internet, personal computer, portable electronic device, etc., have powerful influences on people’s life especially their consuming behavior. By making consumer’s lives easier, technologies also empower them through more choices on merchandise. Meanwhile, new technologies also drive enterprises, particular media companies, to operate with state-of-the-art techniques, physically as well as structurally. This research project studies the convergence of conventional media with new technologies by focusing on the managerial issues with convergence and business strategies that conventional media companies are using. In this project, it will concentrate on the newspaper and …

A Paradigm For Surviving Severe Macro Economic Disruption: The Promethean Life Engagement Practices Framework, Larry G. Straub

Student Scholarship

Unemployment is rapidly becoming an American epidemic of social, political and economic crisis, even more so for “at risk” groups such as older workers. This study focuses on issues and factors surrounding chronic under-employment, unemployment and even un- employability of our older workforce in America. As the American “social contract” i.e. Medicare, Medicaid and Social Security are under enormous strain; much will be at stake as America deals with how social, societal, political, educational, legal and economic institutions handle this very complicated and multi-facetted issue... answering the question... “Will Americans over 50 be our next lost generation?” This study analyzed …

Adversary To Ally: A Relational Approach To Shifting Buyer Paradigms, Donald P. Addison Ii

Student Scholarship

Scholarly literature supports the notion that businesses benefit from long term collaborative relationships with trading partners, yet arm's length, adversarial relationships between buyers and sellers persist. Although scholarly research provides insights regarding conceptual and operational aspects of buyer-seller collaborations, very little has been published concerning the preparation or activities that lead into collaborative relationships. To address this gap this study conducted research involving semi structured interviews with buyers and sellers to understand how collaboration evolves in buyer seller relationships. Of specific interest is how buyer seller relationships, characterized by fear of opportunism and guarded behavior, transition to collaboration characterized by …

Self-Perceptions Of Senior African Americans Who Participate In Formal Volunteering, Monique C. Adams

Education Doctoral

An ever-growing resource in America today is our aging population. One out of every five adults will be age 65 or older by 2030. Indeed, Americans are living longer now than at any other time in history, and they have better health, education and a lifetime of experience to offer when volunteering. This study used the Integrated Theory of Volunteer Work as a theoretical framework. The Integrated Theory of Volunteer Work includes three types of resources: human capital, social capital and cultural capital. Although a large body of literature has documented that those factors are present in the general population, …

Strategies And Actions Used By Stem Degree Seeking Adult, Full-Time, Undergraduates: A Grounded Theory Study, Adwoa Boateng

Education Doctoral

Higher education research focuses on traditional undergraduates under the age of 25 years. The focus of the researcher’s study was on the academic experiences of adult, full-time, STEM undergraduates 25 years of age and older. The purpose of the study was to identify strategies and actions adult students use towards their academic success while enrolled in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) programs. The Grounded Theory Method was utilized as the qualitative approach to iteratively generate a theory based on the experiences of adult, full-time undergraduates in STEM programs. The significance of the proposed study was an opportunity to provide …

Do U.S. Firms Fly Higher When Bypassing The U.S. Capital Markets? An Investigation Of The Short- And Long-Run Performance Of Foreign Ipos?, Robert N. Killins

Theses and Dissertations - UTB/UTPA

This dissertation studies the performance of U.S. firms that partake in a foreign IPO – bypassing their domestic exchanges and raising their equity in a foreign market. Chapter one provides an introduction and brief review of the main research questions and results. Chapter 2 provides a detailed literature review on initial public offerings-IPOs. This includes relevant studies on the long- and short-run performance of IPOs, theories for IPO underpricing and an international component of the IPO literature. Additional cross-listing literature is also reviewed to provide a more complete and balanced understanding of the international market for equity. Chapter 3 develops …

Selected Factors Related To The Mathematics Academic Achievement Of Eighth Grade English Language Learners, Anthony Garza

Theses and Dissertations - UTB/UTPA

The purpose of this study was to examine selected factors related to the 8th grade mathematics achievement levels of English Language Learner (ELL) students in selected South Texas middle schools. The dependent variable, ELL mathematics achievement, was measured by the ELL student’s raw score on the State of Texas Assessment of Academic Readiness (STAAR) or the State of Texas Assessment of Academic Readiness linguistically accommodated test (STAAR L). The factors examined in this study were 1) parent’s educational background, 2) socioeconomic status, 3) parental involvement status at school, 4) number of people in the household, 5) family structure, 6) primary …

Evaluation Of Security Availability Of Data Components For A Renewable Energy Micro Smart Grid System, Leonel Aguilera Zambrano

Theses and Dissertations - UTB/UTPA

In this thesis, we study the development and security testing of photovoltaic data collection system. With the introduction of the smart grid concept, a lot of research has been done on the communication aspect of energy production and distribution throughout the power network. For Smart Grid, Internet is used as the communication medium for specific required services and for data collection. Despite all the advantages of the Smart Grid infrastructure, there is also some security concern regarding the vulnerabilities associated with internet access. In this thesis, we consider security testing of the two most popular and globally deployed web server …

School Of Music Faculty/Staff Newsletter, December 2012, School Of Music

School of Music Faculty/Staff Newsletter

Accomplishments and news from the faculty and staff of the School of Music at Illinois State University.

A Mechanistic Model Of Early Fcεri Signaling: Lipid Rafts And The Question Of Protection From Dephosphorylation, Dipak Barua, Byron Goldstein

Chemical and Biochemical Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

We present a model of the early events in mast cell signaling mediated by FcεRI where the plasma membrane is composed of many small ordered lipid domains (rafts), surrounded by a non-order region of lipids consisting of the remaining plasma membrane. The model treats the rafts as transient structures that constantly form and breakup, but that maintain a fixed average number per cell. The rafts have a high propensity for harboring Lyn kinase, aggregated, but not unaggregated receptors, and the linker for the activation of T cells (LAT). Phosphatase activity in the rafts is substantially reduced compared to the nonraft …

Feature-Based Binding And Phase Theory, Andrei Antonenko

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

Current theories of binding cannot provide a uniform account for many facts associated with the distribution of anaphors, such as long-distance binding effects and the subject-orientation of monomorphemic anaphors. Further, traditional binding theory is incompatible with minimalist assumptions. In this dissertation I propose an analysis of anaphoric binding based on a feature-checking mechanism (Pesetsky & Torrego 2007), by introducing the feature rho, a formalization of the reflexivity proposal of Reinhart and Reuland 1993. I argue that the rho feature is responsible for establishing coreference between an anaphor and its antecedent, by being present and valued on reflexives while being unvalued …

Energy-Efficient Wide Datapath Integer Arithmetic Logic Units Using Superconductor Logic, Christopher Lawrence Ayala

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

Complementary Metal-Oxide-Semiconductor (CMOS) technology is currently the most widely used integrated circuit technology today. As CMOS approaches the physical limitations of scaling, it is unclear whether or not it can provide long-term support for niche areas such as high-performance computing and telecommunication infrastructure, particularly with the emergence of cloud computing. Alternatively, superconductor technologies based on Josephson junction (JJ) switching elements such as Rapid Single Flux Quantum (RSFQ) logic and especially its new variant, Energy-Efficient Rapid Single Flux Quantum (ERSFQ) logic have the capability to provide an ultra-high-speed, low power platform for digital systems. The objective of this research is to …

Optimization Techniques For Memory Virtualization-Based Resource Management, Jui-Hao Chiang

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

Memory virtualization abstracts the physical memory resources in a virtualized server in such a way that offers many resource management advantages, such as consolidation, sharing, compression and migration. The main goal of this dissertation project is to develop optimization techniques to resource management schemes based on memory virtualization. Although migration of virtual machine (VM) memory state is a standard feature of most modern hypervisors, migration of physical machine memory state is largely non-existent. We applied the standard VM migration technique to building the first known physical machine state migration system for Linux servers, which significantly increases the system management flexibility …

Event-Related Potential (Erp) Studies Of Spatial Working Memory, Chui Luen Vera Hau

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

This dissertation aims to characterize the neural processes in association with the updating and storage of spatial information. Selective information processing has been suggested as the underlying mechanism for updating and selective maintenance of object information in working memory. It is unclear whether similar mechanism is involved in updating spatial information. Furthermore, it is unclear whether the neural representation of no longer relevant spatial information would show transient or sustained effects on working memory. Two event-related potentials (ERPs) experiments were conducted to examine (1) the neural processes involved in selecting relevant spatial locations from working memory and the subsequent effect …

Direct Photon Tagged Jets In 200 Gev Au+Au Collisions At Phenix, Megan Elizabeth Connors

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

A hot dense medium called the quark gluon plasma (QGP) has been created at the Relativistic Heavy Ion Collider (RHIC). Quarks and gluons are deconfined in the QGP state but many of its properties are still under investigation. One interesting observation is that high momentum partons (quarks and gluons), which result from hard scatterings in the initial collision, lose energy as they travel through the medium. These partons fragment into the particles observed in the detector. Since fully reconstructing all the "jet" particles associated with the initial parton is complicated by the high multiplicity background produced in heavy-ion collisions, two …