Digital Commons Network^™

Multifunctional Glazing System: Solution For Modern Smart Glazing, Aritra Ghosh, Brian Norton, Aidan Duffy

Conference papers

Multifunctional glazing combines various glazing ,that have potential to control solar heat gain by changing the window transmittance and low heat loss. In autonomous multifunctional glazing it s function will be powered by PV layer attached to the glazing. This glazing obviates the necessity for shading devices to control the glare. Glare control for such a small scale south facing vertical surface multifunctional glazing is discussed.

Commencement Convocation Exercises - December 2014, Prairie View A&M University

Commencement and Convocation Exercises

No abstract provided.

Assessing Code Decay By Detecting Software Architecture Violations, Ajay Bandi

Theses and Dissertations

Code decay is a gradual process that negatively impacts the quality of a software system. Developers need trusted measurement techniques to evaluate whether their systems have decayed. This dissertation aims to assess code decay by discovering software architectural violations. Our methodology uses Lightweight Sanity Check for Implemented Architectures to derive architectural constraints represented by can-use and cannot-use phrases. Our methodology also uses Lattix to discover architectural violations. We also introduce measures that indicate code decay in a software system. We conducted two case studies of proprietary systems (9 versions of System A and 14 versions of System B) to demonstrate …

Synthesis And Characterization Of Polymer (Sulfonated Poly-Ether-Ether-Ketone) Based Nanocomposite (H-Boron Nitride) Membrane For Hydrogen Storage, Naresh Muthu, S. Rajashabala, R. Kannan

Chemistry and Biochemistry Faculty Publications

The development of light weight and compact hydrogen storage materials is still prerequisite to fuel-cell technology to be fully competitive. The present experimental study reports the hydrogen storage capability of sulfonated poly-ether-ether-ketone (SPEEK)-hexagonal boron nitride (h-BN) (SPEEK-h-BN) nanocomposite membranes. The nanocomposite membranes are prepared by considering various amount of h-BN (0, 1, 3 and 5 wt. %) by phase inversion technique. The degree of sulfonation of the PEEK (SPEEK) is found to be 65% by Proton Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (¹H NMR) spectroscopy. Hydrogen adsorption studies have been carried out using a Seiverts-like hydrogenation setup. The membranes are characterized …

Aspects Of The Ecology And Management Of Mottled Ducks In Coastal South Carolina, James Claybourne Shipes

Theses and Dissertations

Mottled ducks (Anas fulvigula) are endemic to Gulf Coastal United States and Mexico. Birds from Florida, Louisiana, and Texas were released in coastal South Carolina from 1975-1983, and banding data suggest an expanding South Carolina population. We radio-marked 116 females in August 2010-2011 in the Ashepoo, Combahee, and Edisto (ACE) Rivers Basin and used radio telemetry to study habitat selection, searched for nests of non-radiomarked females, and conducted indicated breeding pair surveys of mottled ducks at various wetlands. Overall, radiomarked mottled duck females selected managed wetland impoundments, wetlands containing planted corn, and brackish wetlands. Overall nest success of 42 nests …

Reforming The U.S. Intelligence Community: Successes, Failures And The Best Path Forward, Christopher John Sheehy

Senior Honors Projects, 2010-2019

In the wake of the 9/11 and Iraqi WMD catastrophes, an increased spotlight was placed upon the U.S. Intelligence Community (IC). The widespread criticism of the IC, from both government and public sources, ultimately culminated in the Intelligence Reform and Terrorism Prevention Act (IRTPA) in 2004. Today, with a wide array of transnational threats to the homeland, as well as the complex, globalized, high-tech world they thrive in, the role of intelligence remains essential to the national security apparatus.

A new shape for the intelligence reform debate is necessary, one that recognizes the unique role the IC plays in policy …

The Interaction Of Patience And Resistance To Miserly Information Processing On Life Outcomes, Tristan Kirkman

Masters Theses, 2010-2019

This study examined the relationships between three factors: patience, resistance to miserly information processing (RMIP), and life outcomes. Patience, or the ability to delay gratification in exchange for a larger reward, has been associated with having fewer negative life outcomes— those who are able to wait tend to have better lives. RMIP involves the tendency to think analytically instead of using heuristics (mental shortcuts). RMIP has had only limited study in terms of its relationship to actual life outcomes, but what has been examined so far has also suggested a positive relationship. In the present study, it was found that …

Weighing In: Therapeutic Benefits Of Online Communities For Individuals With Eating Disorders, Cheri L. Greenfield

Educational Specialist, 2009-2019

The treatment of eating disorders involves a complex approach. In recent years, a number of websites have developed in an attempt to meet the needs of individuals struggling with this set of disorders. Some of these websites are nationally recognized organizations dedicated to improve treatment and provide educational resources, while other websites have been authored by individuals with eating disorders in an attempt to create a safe community of support. This project explores various components found in online communities, examines characteristics of eating disorders, and evaluates the worth of such resources, even when in perceived contrast with traditional treatment. Rather …

Comparison: Perception And Knowledge Of Protein Consumption In Female Athletes For Post Weight Lifting Recovery, Samantha Jane Lofton

Senior Honors Projects, 2010-2019

A study was conducted on James Madison University’s campus to assess the knowledge, beliefs, perceptions and habits of protein consumption post resistance training in female student athletes. Sixty-two female athletes who regularly partake in resistance training filled out a recovery-cue questionnaire containing 10 statements/questions on the subject of protein consumption. The data was analyzed using IBM SPSS, Version 21.0 and Microsoft Office Excel. Eight percent of respondents stated they are aware of how much protein they should be consuming post workout, and 21% feel what they consume post workout is an adequate amount of protein for muscle recovery. Forty-six percent …

The Effects Of Academic Libraries’ Resource, Expenditure, And Service Decisions On Library Use: An Analysis Of Acrl And Nces Data, Jody C. Fagan

Dissertations, 2014-2019

Academic libraries are key contributors to the instructional and research missions of their parent institutions, but often struggle to demonstrate specifically what they do and how that affects institutional outcomes. High-impact educational practices are one area where libraries make a difference, but where explicit connections between activities and outcomes are not always articulated. Faculty and graduate student research is another area where libraries’ contribution makes logical sense, but specific relationships are not necessarily drawn. Libraries may place different emphasis on these two areas, effectively choosing different business strategies, to support their institutions’ missions. Two national surveys collect data about library …

The Relationship Between Riparian Zone Width And Floristic Quality In Shenandoah County, Virginia, Jamie D. Smith

Masters Theses, 2010-2019

Riparian zones harbor an above average plant biodiversity. This biodiversity is threatened by invasive species and increasing human disturbance, the latter of which includes deforestation from agriculture and urban development. In this study, I examine relationship between the width of a forested riparian zone and the vegetation growing there. By using floristic quality assessment as a measure of anthropogenic disturbance, one can determine if wider riparian zones foster exclusion of non-native species while providing higher quality habitats for native plants. A randomized block design was used with three forested riparian treatments: deforested, moderately forested (woody vegetationstream), and extensively forested (woody …

Performance Quantification Of Extensive Green Roof Substrate Blend: Expanded Shale And Biochar, James Sheats

Masters Theses, 2010-2019

Urban stormwater management practices often involve the redirection of runoff to local waterbodies. As such, the quality of runoff directly affects the condition of these receiving waters. Green roofs offer many benefits to the urban environment including attractive aesthetics, thermal insulation for buildings and stormwater runoff reduction. Unfortunately, in order to promote the spread of vegetation, fertilization is often practiced that can lead to elevated nutrient concentrations in runoff and, ultimately, nearby streams, rivers and bays. Different amounts of biochar, pyrolyzed biomass, were added to model green roof trays to test for the ability of this charcoal-like substance to prevent …

An Analysis Of U.S./Canadian Fisheries Policy In Regards To Pacific Salmon And The Preservation Of Indigeneity In The Pacific Northwest, Michael James Lockwood

Masters Theses, 2010-2019

For more than 160 years, the Pacific salmon has been an important resource for the United States and Canada. However, it has been overexploited. Proper management of the species is essential not only for maintaining healthy populations but also maintaining the interests of diverse stakeholders. One set of stakeholders consists of the indigenous peoples of North America because the Pacific salmon are crucial to their food, social, and ceremonial traditions.

This thesis explores the impacts of Canadian and U.S. public policies on the cultural integrity of native peoples in the Pacific Northwest, specifically as those peoples rely on wild Pacific …

Understanding How Age, Input Method, And Input Content Impact User Error, Angela Brooke Cannon

Theses and Dissertations

The growing number of mobile devices used today and the increasing dependency on them in the workplace makes understanding how users interact with these devices critical. This study looks to find how different generational groups commit errors on different types of devices. Participants completed tasks consisting of word and character input on two different devices, a physical keypad and touchscreen device. The number of errors and types of error, corrected and permanent were collected for each participant. It was found that participants committed more errors when using character input and physical keypad devices but also corrected more of their errors …

Effect Of Savings And Credit Co-Operative Societies Lending Policies And Risk-Taking Propensity On Micro And Small Enterprises Performance In Tanzania, Mbowe R. Kabung'a, Muhsin Salim Masoud

Business Management Review

This study investigated the Savings and Credit Co-operative Societies (SACCOS) lending policies, risk-taking propensity and the performance of Micro and Small Enterprises (MSEs), which are SACCOS loan beneficiaries in Tanzania. Questionnaires with closed-ended questions were used in a survey of 547 respondents to capture the required information. The study employed the quantitative research approach, using Analysis of Moments Structures to test the existing relationships among the variables. Findings from the study established the existence of a moderating effect of risk-taking propensity between SACCOS lending policies and MSEs ' performance. On the basis of the study findings, it is recommended that …

Linkage Banking And Outreach: A Case Of Microfinance Cooperatives In Tanzania, Esther Ishengoma

Business Management Review

While microfinance cooperatives (MFCs) involved in linkage banking has increased in order to overcome their financing gap and thus expand their outreach, studies associating microfinance institutions (MFIs) outreach with sustainability, cost efficiency and profitability signal the possibility of MFIs involved in linkage banking to reduce their outreach. Previous studies relating outreach to linkage banking are biased toward banking institutions. Based on semi-regression model applying primary data collected from 102 MFCs, this paper assesses the relationship between outreach and linkage banking. The results reveal missing and mixed effects of financial linkages on MFCs outreach. Explanations of these resultsinclude poor organisation of …

Private Saving Behaviour And Ricardian Equivalence Theorem: The Case Of Tanzania, Innocent Pantaleo, Innocent Karamagi

Business Management Review

The determinants of private savings in Tanzania for the period 1970-2005 are investigated, with emphasis on how the Ricardian Equivalence Theorem explains private saving behaviour in Tanzania. The relevance of this theorem was examined using two different empirical models. In Model 1, the theorem was tested using government budget deficit; in Model 2, the net revenue from the sale of bonds was used. The results varied between the two models. In Model 2, the theorem was found to hold both in the short run and long run; whereas for Model 1, it was found not to hold. Thus, based on …

Influence Of Social Status And Corporate Image On Customer Satisfaction: A Test In The Mobile Phone Sector, Dev Jani

Business Management Review

Corporate image is one among the intangible company assets, and when used strategically, it can ensure long-term company profitability though customer satisfaction. This study aimed at testing the influence of corporate image and social comparison on customer satisfaction in the mobile sector in Tanzania. A structured questionnaire was employed in data collection from a convenience sample of mobile phone users that yielded 98 usable questionnaires. Regression analysis indicates social status to be a significant predictor of customer satisfaction compared to corporate image. The results imply managers need not only focus on improving the corporate image but also enhancing the social …

Upgrading In Local Linkages: Examining Fresh Fruits And Vegetables Value Chain From Smallholders To Tourist Hotels In Zanzibar, Winnie Nguni

Business Management Review

This study aimed at examining smallholders upgrading in local linkages using evidence from fresh fruits and vegetables value chain from small farmers to tourist hotels in Zanzibar. The study employed a case study strategy of inquiry where, in-depth interviews with the hotel managers, intermediaries and small farmers were engaged in data collection which was later subjected to qualitative analysis and interpretation. The findings show that formal contracts coupled with captive linkages between tourist hotels and small farmers provide greater upgrading opportunities for smallholders. Market and other linkages characterised by informal contracts do not offer any potential for smallholders upgrading as …

The Role Of Mobile Money Services On Growth Of Small And Medium Enterprises In Tanzania: Evidence From Kinondoni District In Dar Es Salaam Region, Patricia Chale, Ulingeta O.L. Mbamba

Business Management Review

This study examined the role of mobile money services on growth of small and medium enterprises in Tanzania, where data was collected from respondents in Kinondoni District in Dar es Salaam Region. Data was collected using self-administered questionnaires, which were distributed to 100 respondents, who yielded a 90% return rate. Multiple regression analysis was used to test the role of increased volume of sales, efficiency in purchase of stock, reduced time in processing payments, payments of goods and services, improved habit of savings, and money transfer on business growth in terms of market share, revenue and profitability. Based on technology …

The Effectiveness Of Entrepreneurial Networks In The Acquisition Of Marketing Information (Mi) Resources: Selected Small Manufacturing Firms In Tanzania, Omari Khalifa Mbura

Business Management Review

Using a sample of 210 small-sized manufacturing enterprises (SSEs) from the two largest commercial cities of Tanzania namely Dar es Salaam and Mwanza, the   article examines the roles that structure (density and size), and contents (strength of ties) of inter-firm and social (types) networks play on marketing information acquisition of the SSEs. The two most important types of networks of the inter-firm and the social networks were used in determining which of their properties contribute most to the MI acquisition. Six hypotheses were developed from the properties of density, network size and network ties of the social and inter-firm networks …

Tanzania Consumers' Perception And Purchase Intention Of Imported And Domestic Wines, Ryoba Mzalendo, Dev Jani

Business Management Review

The purpose of this article is to ascertain Tanzania consumers ' perception of imported wines compared to locally produced wines. Data for this study was collected through a self-administered questionnaire distributed through intercepting wine consumers in major shopping malls in Dar es Salaam, the commercial city of Tanzania. A total of 201 questionnaires were subjected to descriptive and one sample t-tests. Imported wines are perceived to be of higher quality compared to local wines as well as provide high social status to consumers. The country of origin matters in wine purchase and generally consumers are satisfied with foreign wines albeit …

Firm Characteristics And Financing Of Mfis In Kenya, Erasmus Shubi Kaijage, Onesmus Mutunga Nzioka

Business Management Review

This paper investigates whether firm characteristics have an influence on financing of MFIs in Kenya using a sample of 12 Microfinance firms. Primary and secondary data were collected and subjected to multiple regression and correlation analysis in order to achieve the study objectives. Firm characteristics, which are the independent variables, were measured by size, profitability, and risk, while financing of MFIs, which is the dependent variable, was measured by the Debt-Equity ratio and by the ratio of capital to total assets. Results of this study suggest that, a strong negative association between return on equity and total assets has an …

Outpatient Medication Error Improvement, Savannah M. Klinginsmith

Master's Projects and Capstones

Patient Safety Initiative -Improving Medication Administration (Outpatient Care)

SPECIFIC AIM: We aim to Improve the medication administration process and involve all staff within 6 months

In the microsystem consisting of 14 family practice and urgent care clinics, there is not a standard process based on evidence based practices for medication administration. With and estimated of 400-600 medications (immunizations included) being administered per day, without a standard of care protocol, the risk for medication errors is evident.

Objectives and changes anticipated based on implementation of the project is to engage staff in support for improving medication administration standard of care based …

Geologic Analysis Of The Upper Jurassic Cotton Valley Formation In Jefferson County, Mississippi, James Michael Brooke

Theses and Dissertations

Though the Cotton Valley Group is productive in Mississippi, Louisiana, and Texas, little is known about production potential of the Bossier Formation (Lower Cotton Valley Shale) in southwest Mississippi. The Bossier Formation in Jefferson County, Mississippi is an organic-poor, carbonate-rich mudrock with siliciclastic intervals. Examination of cuttings by petrographic and scanning electron microscopy revealed fractures that have been filled by calcite and poreilling pyrite. Porosity exists within and around pyrite framboids, in unfilled fractures, and within peloid grains. Organic matter is rare in Lower Cotton Valley samples suggesting it is not self-sourcing. Total Organic Carbon (TOC) values are low (0.86-1.1% …

Developing, Implementing, And Evaluating A No-Child-Left-Inside Pilot Program, Claudia Radel, Jamie C. Brand, Roslynn Brain

Environment and Society Faculty Publications

We describe experience with a pilot week-long, No-Child-Left-Inside (NCLI), outdoor program implemented in Cache Valley, Utah, in 2012. Through response analysis of a “pre-then-post” children's survey and a parent-completed demographic survey, we assess program effectiveness in raising children's enthusiasm for nature-related behaviors and in reaching a target audience of all local families. The program reached many families with low participation in other conservation programs but failed to reach families from the growing Latino population. Participating children experienced increased excitement to spend more time outdoors exploring and learning, accomplishing NCLI goals of laying a groundwork for children's enhanced environmental literacy.

Illinois State University, One Hundred And Fifty-Fifth Annual Commencement, December 13, 2014, Illinois State University

Commencement Programs

Illinois State University
One Hundred and Fifty-Fifth Annual Commencement
December 13, 2014

Use Of Natural Antimicrobials To Control Spoilage In Marinara-Type Sauce, Austin R. Abessinio

Theses and Dissertations

Marinara-type sauces were created using three natural antimicrobials, as well as two combination treatments (natamycin, propionic acid, cultured dextrose, natamycin-propionic acid, and natamycin-cultured dextrose) and two controls (sodium benzoate-potassium sorbate, no preservatives). Samples were subjected to a shelf-life study at 20 C with both non-inoculated sauce and sauces that were either inoculated with Zygosaccharomyces bailii or a cocktail of thermophilic fermentative organisms. Natamycin and Natamycin-propionic acid treatments had fewer log colony counts (CFU/g) of yeast and lactic acid bacteria than the negative control after 42 days of storage and performed as well or better than the positive control throughout the …

Investigating Melatonin Supplementation On Maternal Hemodynamics And Offspring Programming, Katelyn E. Brockus

Theses and Dissertations

The objective was to examine effects of melatonin supplementation during late gestation on uterine artery hemodynamics, offspring growth, and endocrine profiles. Prior to day 170 of gestation, heifers were trained to the Calan feeding system. On day 190 of gestation, heifers (n = 20) were blocked by BW and then randomly assigned to one of two dietary treatments: 1) 20 mg of dietary melatonin per day (MEL) or 2) no melatonin supplementation (CON). Supplementation ceased on day 262 of gestation. A main effect (P < 0.01) of treatment was observed for total uterine artery blood flow with it being increased in MEL vs. CON. An interaction (P = 0.008) was observed in calf body weight increasing at weeks 8 and 9 in MEL vs. CON. Dietary melatonin could be used to potentially increase uterine blood flow and calf body weight.

Impact Of Middle School Student Participation In The Whole Schools Initiative Arts Program, Glenda D. Nickson

Theses and Dissertations

This study examined the impact of the Whole Schools Initiative arts program on the academic achievement of a group of middle school students as measured by the Mississippi Curriculum Test 2 (MCT2) language arts and mathematics assessment. School year 2012-2013 yearly assessment scores for sixth, seventh, and eighth grade students in 1 middle school in the State of Mississippi were analyzed to determine if a statistically significant difference in academic achievement existed between those who participated in the arts program in elementary school and those who did not. This study was guided by 4 research questions and employed 2 research …