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2017

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Plasma Property Estimation From Dual-Wavelength Interferometry, Andrew J. Hamilton Jan 2017

Plasma Property Estimation From Dual-Wavelength Interferometry, Andrew J. Hamilton

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Diagnostics are necessary for measurement of plasma parameters such as electron, ion and atomic densities, electron temperature, plasma expansion velocity and spatial resolution of density gradients. These parameters play a critical role in defining how a plasma will interact with electromagnetic radiation. For example, the plasma black-out phenomenon occurs when electromagnetic waves are at frequencies below the plasma frequency, where plasma frequency is a function of electron density. Wave propagation diagnostics can improve understanding of a plasma when measurement supports parameter estimation. In this report, the dual-wavelength interferometry method provides a single diagnostic capability to measure plasma expansion velocity, atomic …

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Synthesis Of 4-Iodo-3-(2-Iodoaryl) And 4-Bromo-3-(2-Bromoaryl) Sydnones And Their Reactions With Sodium Sulfite, Sodium Borohydride, And Iodine Monochloride, Kyle Jacob Liddy Jan 2017

Synthesis Of 4-Iodo-3-(2-Iodoaryl) And 4-Bromo-3-(2-Bromoaryl) Sydnones And Their Reactions With Sodium Sulfite, Sodium Borohydride, And Iodine Monochloride, Kyle Jacob Liddy

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One goal of the Turnbull research group has been the synthesis of dihalogenated arylsydnones; i.e. sydnones with halogen substitution on the sydnone ring itself, as well as at the position on the aryl ring ortho to the sydnone. Further, it has been of interest to explore the reactivity of these compounds, once obtained. The present study examined the synthesis of 4-iodo-3-(2-iodoaryl)-, or “diiodo”, and 4-bromo-3-(2-bromoaryl)-, or “dibromo”, sydnones and the reactions of these compounds with Na2SO3 (sodium sulfite) and NaBH4 (sodium borohydride) to create a better understanding of the reactivity of diiodo and dibromo arylsydnones in general. Additionally, the reactivity …

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A Power Iteration Based Co-Training Approach To Achieve Convergence For Multi-View Clustering, Pavankalyan Yallamelli Jan 2017

A Power Iteration Based Co-Training Approach To Achieve Convergence For Multi-View Clustering, Pavankalyan Yallamelli

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Collecting diversified opinions is the key to achieve "the Wisdom of Crowd". In this work, we propose to use a novel multi-view clustering method to group the crowd so that diversified opinions can be effectively sampled from different groups of people.Clustering is the process of dividing input data into possible subsets, where every element (entity) in each subset is considered to be related by some similarity measure. For example, a set of social media users can be clustered using their locations or common interests. However, real-world data is often best represented by multiple views/dimensions. For example, a set of social …

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Vitamin D3 And Suppressor Of Cytokine Signaling Proteins Reduces Pro-Inflammatory Cytokines In An Alzheimer's Disease Like-Model Consisting Of Microglial And Neuronal Co-Cultures, Alexander Evdokiou Jan 2017

Vitamin D3 And Suppressor Of Cytokine Signaling Proteins Reduces Pro-Inflammatory Cytokines In An Alzheimer's Disease Like-Model Consisting Of Microglial And Neuronal Co-Cultures, Alexander Evdokiou

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This study examined the inflammatory effects of amyloid-beta (A[beta]42) in a microglial-neuronal co-culture system and determined whether 1a, 25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 (1,25-(OH)2D3) along with suppressor of cytokine signaling (SOCS)1 and SOCS 3 mimetics would attenuate the inflammatory response to A[beta]42. This culture system, when seeded with A[beta]42, serves as an in vitro model for Alzheimer's disease (AD). In a neuronal-microglia co-culture, A[beta]42 stimulated microglia to secrete TNF-a, but with the addition of 1,25-(OH)2D3, TNF-a levels dropped by nearly eight-fold and to near zero values in the presence of both 1,25-(OH)2D3 and SOCS1 and SOCS 3 mimetics. The reduction of the inflammatory …

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Implementation And Evaluation Of Goal Selection In A Cognitive Architecture, Sravya Kondrakunta Jan 2017

Implementation And Evaluation Of Goal Selection In A Cognitive Architecture, Sravya Kondrakunta

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A cognitive system attempts to achieve its goals by utilizing the appropriate resources present to yield the best possible outcome within a short duration. To achieve the goals in such an efficient manner, it is important for the agent to manage its goals well. Goal management not only makes the agent efficient but also flexible, more durable to the sudden changes in the environment, and self-reliant. Goal Management consists of various goal operations including goal formulation, selection, change, delegation, achievement, and monitoring. Each operation is unique and has its own significance in aiding the performance of the agent. The thesis …

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Hydrothermal Atomic Force Microscopy Investigation Of Barite Growth: The Role Of Spectator Ions In Elementary Step Edge Growth Kinetics And Hillock Morphology, Sarah A. Jindra Jan 2017

Hydrothermal Atomic Force Microscopy Investigation Of Barite Growth: The Role Of Spectator Ions In Elementary Step Edge Growth Kinetics And Hillock Morphology, Sarah A. Jindra

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To better understand the role of spectator ions in barite growth, the kinetics of step edge growth on barite (001) surfaces were studied under various salt solutions. Hydrothermal Atomic Force Microscopy (HAFM) was used to investigate the effect of background electrolytes (NaCl, NaBr and NaNO3) as a function of saturation index and ionic strength (I) on barite growth sourced at dislocations at 108 oC. Results show that hillock morphology is affected by I, as well as type of anion, where the prevalence of steps aligned on the [010] direction is highest under Cl- There is a modest increase in kinetic …

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Estimating Channel Identification Quality In Passive Radar Using Lms Algorithms, Michael J. Callahan Jan 2017

Estimating Channel Identification Quality In Passive Radar Using Lms Algorithms, Michael J. Callahan

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Passive bistatic radar can be an attractive choice relative to monostatic radar because it provides the ability to operate covertly; immunity to jamming and interference; the ability to operate outside of traditional radar bands; and reduced cost. The benefits of noise waveforms versus classic radar waveforms such as linear frequency modulation (LFM) are discussed in the literature. Noise waveforms, with their thumbtack ambiguity functions, are ideal for use in non-cooperative passive radar. Since many digital waveforms are randomized to make their spectra approximately white, noise-like waveforms may be readily available for opportunistic use by non-cooperative passive radar receivers. For instance, …

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Dynamic Modeling Of Thermal Management System With Exergy Based Optimization, Marcus J. Bracey Jan 2017

Dynamic Modeling Of Thermal Management System With Exergy Based Optimization, Marcus J. Bracey

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System optimization and design of aircraft is required to achieve many of the long term objectives for future aircraft platforms. To address the necessity for system optimization a vehicle-level aircraft model has been developed in a multidisciplinary modeling and simulation environment. Individual subsystem models developed exclusively in MATLAB-SimulinkTM, representing the vehicle dynamics, the propulsion, electrical power, and thermal systems, and their associated controllers, are combined to investigate the energy and thermal management issues of tactical air vehicle platforms. A thermal vehicle level tip-to-tail model allows conceptual design trade studies of various subsystems and can quantify performance gains across the aircraft. …

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Ab Initio Study Of The Effects Of Humidity On Perovskite Based Hybrid Solar Cell Interfaces, Shantanu Rajendra Rachalwar Jan 2017

Ab Initio Study Of The Effects Of Humidity On Perovskite Based Hybrid Solar Cell Interfaces, Shantanu Rajendra Rachalwar

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Despite the impressive success of perovskite-based hybrid solar cells, their widespread usage has been limited partially owing to stability issues under working environmental conditions. Among these, the effects of humidity are some of the most significant. Water intercalation generally degrades the material, shortens its useful life, and reduces the efficiency of photovoltaic energy conversion. Understanding the reasons for these effects can be achieved through detailed and accurate atomic-scale analysis. Here, we study water intercalation at the interfaces of perovskite-based hybrid solar cell material and TiO2 electrode. Accurate ab initio computer simulations are used to obtain structural and electronic properties. We …

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Development Of A Performance Assessment System For Language Learning, Imen Kasrani Jan 2017

Development Of A Performance Assessment System For Language Learning, Imen Kasrani

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Recent advances in computer-assisted, language-speaking, learning/training technology have demonstrated its promising potential to improve the outcome of language learning in early education, special education, English as a Second Language (ESL), and foreign language. The growing number of readily available mobile app-based solutions help encourage interest in learning to speak a foreign language, but their effectiveness is limited due to their lack of objective assessment and performance feedback resembling expert judgment. For example, it has been recognized that, in early education, students learn best with one-on-one instructions. Unfortunately, teachers do not have the time, and it is challenging to extend the …

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Effects Of Abstraction And Assumptions On Modeling Motoneuron Pool Output, John Michael Allen Jan 2017

Effects Of Abstraction And Assumptions On Modeling Motoneuron Pool Output, John Michael Allen

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Computational modeling has long been used in neuroscience as a supplement to more traditional experimental techniques, as it provides some advantages in terms of the level and detail of control available over the system being studied. At the same time, modeling has significant disadvantages by virtue of adding additional uncertainty to results and forcing the definition of potentially unclear physiological mechanisms. Nevertheless, modeling can provide useful insights when carefully defined and constrained. In this thesis, a model of the a-MN pool innervating the cat medial gastrocnemius was constructed. This model was then used to address two major questions, one regarding …

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Development Of An Android Based Performance Assessment System For Motivational Interviewing Training, Sowmya Pappu Jan 2017

Development Of An Android Based Performance Assessment System For Motivational Interviewing Training, Sowmya Pappu

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Motivational Interviewing (MI) has been proved to be an effective Screening, Brief Intervention, and Referral to Treatment (SBIRT) technique. It is an evidence-based practice used to identify, reduce, and prevent problematic use, abuse, and dependence on alcohol and illicit drugs. It emphasizes on patient-centered counseling approach that can help resolve their ambivalence through a non-confrontational, goal-oriented style for eliciting behavior change from the patient, almost like patients talk themselves into change. This approach provokes less resistance and stimulates the progress of patients at their own pace towards deciding about planning, making and sustaining positive behavioral change. Thus, training medical professionals …

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Terahertz Molecular Spectroscopy As A Tool For Analytical Probing Of Cellular Metabolism, Mitchell Cameron Paul Jan 2017

Terahertz Molecular Spectroscopy As A Tool For Analytical Probing Of Cellular Metabolism, Mitchell Cameron Paul

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Terahertz spectroscopy has found use as an analytical tool in determining chemical composition of exhaled human breath. This thesis demonstrates a novel application of this technology - analytical sensing of gaseous metabolic products of several types of human cell cultures. An innovative experimental system was developed for probing cellular metabolism using terahertz [THz] rotational spectroscopy. Gaseous emissions of cell cultures were analyzed and compared between several cell types. Cancerous and healthy lung cells as well as cancerous liver cells were studied. This technique carries a lot of promise as a noninvasive method of distinguishing between cell types and identifying cell …

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Hydrothermal Atomic Force Microscopy Investigation Of Barite Growth: The Role Of Spectator Ions In Elementary Step Edge Growth Kinetics And Hillock Morphology, Sarah A. Jindra Jan 2017

Hydrothermal Atomic Force Microscopy Investigation Of Barite Growth: The Role Of Spectator Ions In Elementary Step Edge Growth Kinetics And Hillock Morphology, Sarah A. Jindra

Browse all Theses and Dissertations

To better understand the role of spectator ions in barite growth, the kinetics of step edge growth on barite (001) surfaces were studied under various salt solutions. Hydrothermal Atomic Force Microscopy (HAFM) was used to investigate the effect of background electrolytes (NaCl, NaBr and NaNO3) as a function of saturation index and ionic strength (I) on barite growth sourced at dislocations at 108 oC. Results show that hillock morphology is affected by I, as well as type of anion, where the prevalence of steps aligned on the [010] direction is highest under Cl- …

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Financing Strategies For Real Estate Investments, Joshua Parr Jan 2017

Financing Strategies For Real Estate Investments, Joshua Parr

Williams Honors College, Honors Research Projects

Most people have a dream of being financially independent and in order to do so it is necessary to save and invest their money. The key is to invest wisely so that one can earn a solid return on their money. Real estate investments are a great way to build wealth because of the benefits they have over other investments. Many are under the misconception that they cannot invest in real estate because of a lack of capital. This belief is entirely untrue and there are dozens of different strategies for investing in real estate with little or no capital …

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The Outlook Impact On A.M. Best Ratings, Ashley Holder Jan 2017

The Outlook Impact On A.M. Best Ratings, Ashley Holder

Williams Honors College, Honors Research Projects

This paper examines the Financial Strength Rating for insurers conducted by A.M. Best. This study specifically analyzes if the Outlook, another financial stability measure assigned by A.M. Best, has any significant effect on the Financial Strength Rating. This is important because this is the first known study which looks to analyze the Outlook and any effect it may have on A.M. Best ratings and insurance companies. In order to examine the Outlook effect on A.M. Best Financial Strength Ratings, insurer specific financial and operational data are collected from the statutory annual statements filed with the National Association of Insurance Commissioners …

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Pressure Dependence Of Polycrystalline Magnesite And Dolomite, Cole Blasko Jan 2017

Pressure Dependence Of Polycrystalline Magnesite And Dolomite, Cole Blasko

Williams Honors College, Honors Research Projects

Intermediate depth (170-400 km) deep focus earthquakes are observed in subducting slabs, but unlike shallow (50-170 km) and deep (400-660 km) deep focus earthquakes, the mechanism(s) responsible for them are not clear. Two common alteration products observed in peridotites, magnesite and dolomite, are stable along the pressure-temperature path of a subducting slab. Low pressure experiments indicate that these minerals are weaker than olivine, but there are no data about the pressure dependence of the strength of magnesite or dolomite. Magnesite and dolomite cylinders (1mm by 1mm) were deformed in stacked series to 25-30% strain using the deformation-DIA (DDIA) at Argonne …

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Abi And Beyond: Exploration Of The Precursors To Trust In The Human-Automation Domain, Christopher Stephen Calhoun Jan 2017

Abi And Beyond: Exploration Of The Precursors To Trust In The Human-Automation Domain, Christopher Stephen Calhoun

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This study investigated the extent to which the well-known precursors of interpersonal trust (ability, benevolence, integrity, or ABI) could be exploited, redefined, or added to when considering and developing models of trust between humans and technology. The ABI model explains only about half of the variation in interpersonal trust (Colquitt, Scott, & LePine, 2007), so two additional precursors to trust from the interpersonal and automation trust domains - transparency and humanness - were identified and studied. The experimental task involved users interacting with an automated aid (image processing and recommender system) through a simulated unmanned ground vehicle (UGV) interface to …

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Physics Identity Promotes Alternative Careers For First-Generation College Students In Engineering, Dina Verdín, Allison Godwin Jan 2017

Physics Identity Promotes Alternative Careers For First-Generation College Students In Engineering, Dina Verdín, Allison Godwin

School of Engineering Education Graduate Student Series

This research study explored first-generation college students’ in engineering post-graduation career intentions based on responses to a quantitative survey. In this paper, we answer the following research questions: 1) How do first-generation college students’ measures of physics, mathematics, and engineering identity constructs differ compared to non-first-generation college students? and 2) How does a physics identity influence first-generation college student’s choice of an engineering major and career aspirations? The data came from the Intersectionality of Non- normative Identities in the Cultures of Engineering (InIce) survey. InIce was completed by 2,916 first-year engineering college students enrolled in four institutions across the United …

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Mercury Increases In Lake Tanganyika Since ~1850, Troy A. Bole Jan 2017

Mercury Increases In Lake Tanganyika Since ~1850, Troy A. Bole

Williams Honors College, Honors Research Projects

A series of three sediment cores were collected in Lake Tanganyika, Africa, and were analyzed for mercury concentrations. For all three cores, a decrease in mercury (Hg) levels was observed from the 1600’s (appx. 20 ng/g) until concentrations reached a minimum during the mid-1800’s (appx. 10 ng/g). The mid-1800’s marked a change from decreasing mercury levels to an increase over the following century. The core tops (circa 2006) have concentrations greater than 70 ng/g. The onset of the rise in mercury concentrations coincides with the beginning of the Industrial Revolution in the mid to late 18th century. Relationships between …

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Normal Subgroups Of Wreath Product 3-Groups, Ryan Gopp Jan 2017

Normal Subgroups Of Wreath Product 3-Groups, Ryan Gopp

Williams Honors College, Honors Research Projects

Consider the regular wreath product group P of Z9 with (Z3 x Z3). The problem of determining all normal subgroups of P that are contained in its base subgroup is equivalent to determining the subgroups of a certain matrix group M that are invariant under two particular endomorphisms of M. This thesis is a partial solution to the latter. We use concepts from linear algebra and group theory to find and count so-called doubly-invariant subgroups of M.

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Quantifying And Assessing Trends On The National Science Foundation’S Broader Impact Criterion, Dina Verdín Jan 2017

Quantifying And Assessing Trends On The National Science Foundation’S Broader Impact Criterion, Dina Verdín

School of Engineering Education Graduate Student Series

The American Innovation and Competitiveness Act (S.3084) reapproved the National Science Foundation’s (NSF) merit review criteria i.e. Intellectual Merit and Broader Impacts, called for an update of the policy guidelines for NSF staff members and merit review process participants, and emphasized the importance of transparency and accountability. Evaluating Project Summaries based on Intellectual Merit and Broader Impacts has been the standard of maintaining excellence and accountability since 1997. Intellectual merit consists of proposing activities that advance knowledge, while Broader Impacts statements, “describe the potential of the proposed activity to benefit society and contribute to the achievement of specific, desired societal …

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Self-Similar Rupture Of Thin Films Of Power-Law Fluids On A Substrate, Vishrut Garg, Pritish M. Kamat, Christopher R. Anthony, Sumeet S. Thete, Osman Basaran Jan 2017

Self-Similar Rupture Of Thin Films Of Power-Law Fluids On A Substrate, Vishrut Garg, Pritish M. Kamat, Christopher R. Anthony, Sumeet S. Thete, Osman Basaran

School of Chemical Engineering Faculty Publications

Thinning and rupture of a thin film of a power-law fluid on a solid substrate under the balance between destabilizing van der Waals pressure and stabilizing capillary pressure is analysed. In a power-law fluid, viscosity is not constant but is proportional to the deformation rate raised to the n−1" role="presentation" style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; font-variant: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: normal; font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; display: inline; word-spacing: normal; overflow-wrap: normal; white-space: nowrap; float: none; direction: ltr; max-width: none; max-height: none; min-width: 0px; min-height: 0px; position: relative;">n−1n−1 power, where 00n=1n=1 for a Newtonian fluid). In the …

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Design Of Electrode Arrays For 3d Capacitance Tomography In Planar Domains, S Taylor Jan 2017

Design Of Electrode Arrays For 3d Capacitance Tomography In Planar Domains, S Taylor

CTRC Research Publications

Electrode design is investigated for electrical capacitance tomography on a 1 mm-thick 3D planar domain. Arrays of square electrodes are located on both sides of the domain, which is filled with dielectric material. Anomalies of interest are voids in the material with low dielectric constant. Simulated tomography is conducted with various electrode patterns over a range of electrode sizes in order to compare performance. The high-aspect-ratio domain requires a large finite element mesh for simulating electric fields and for defining spatial sensitivity responses of electrode pairs. Compared to the canonical 2D pipe cross-section problem, this high-aspect-ratio system requires solving the …

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Memory Properties Of Transformations Of Linear Processes And Symmetric Gini Correlation, Yongli Sang Jan 2017

Memory Properties Of Transformations Of Linear Processes And Symmetric Gini Correlation, Yongli Sang

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

A large class of time series processes can be modeled by linear processes, including a subset of the fractional ARIMA process. Transformation of linear processes is one of the most popular topics in univariate time-series analysis in recent years. In this dissertation, we study the memory properties of transformations of linear processes. Our results show that the transformations of short-memory time series still have short-memory and the transformation of long-memory time series may have different weaker memory parameters which depend on the power rank of the transformation. In particular, we provide the memory parameters of the FARIMA (p,d,q) processes. As …

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Genetic Algorithm For University Course Timetabling Problem, Achini Kumari Herath Jan 2017

Genetic Algorithm For University Course Timetabling Problem, Achini Kumari Herath

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Creating timetables for institutes which deal with transport, sport, workforce, courses, examination schedules, and healthcare scheduling is a complex problem. It is difficult and time consuming to solve due to many constraints. Depending on whether the constraints are essential or desirable they are categorized as ‘hard’ and ‘soft’, respectively. Two types of timetables, namely, course and examination are designed for academic institutes. A feasible course timetable could be described as a plan for the movement of students and staff from one classroom to another, without conflicts. Being an NP-complete problem, many attempts have been made using varying computational methods to …

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Testing For Measurement Invariance In Engineering Identity Constructs For First-Generation College Students, Dina Verdín, Allison Godwin Jan 2017

Testing For Measurement Invariance In Engineering Identity Constructs For First-Generation College Students, Dina Verdín, Allison Godwin

School of Engineering Education Graduate Student Series

This work-in-progress research study examines the response patterns of first-generation college students (FGCS) to the engineering identity measures compared to non-first- generation college students (non-FGCS). This work answers the following research question, “Do FGC and non-FGC engineering students interpret the engineering identity measurement items in a conceptually different manner?” We explore if FGCS respond to engineering identity items similarly to non-FGCS and the fairness of using these instruments for FGCS to make claims about this group. The data for this work are from a survey instrument completed by 2,916 first-year engineering college students from four U.S. institutions. We hypothesize that …

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Valveless Pumping: The Reflected Pulse Wave Hypothesis, Charles F. Babbs Jan 2017

Valveless Pumping: The Reflected Pulse Wave Hypothesis, Charles F. Babbs

Weldon School of Biomedical Engineering Faculty Working Papers

No abstract provided.

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Case Study On The Two Individual Paradigms Of Education In A Manufacturing Quality Course, Rustin Webster, Matthew Turner Jan 2017

Case Study On The Two Individual Paradigms Of Education In A Manufacturing Quality Course, Rustin Webster, Matthew Turner

School of Engineering Technology Faculty Publications

This article provides a review of two paradigms of education and the application of each in a manufacturing quality control course for engineering technology (ET) students. The most common paradigm of education used in quality-focused courses is teaching-centered. This traditional method has contributed to students’ perception of quality (e.g., quality control, statistical process control, total quality management), as a dry subject to learn compared to other core and/or elective courses in their plans of study. This case study describes the creation and implementation of a manufacturing quality control curriculum that is learning centered. Based on student feedback, this approach increased …

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Applying Authentic Learning Through Cultivation Of The Entrepreneurial Mindset In The Engineering Classroom, Lisa Bosman, Stephanie Fernhaber Jan 2017

Applying Authentic Learning Through Cultivation Of The Entrepreneurial Mindset In The Engineering Classroom, Lisa Bosman, Stephanie Fernhaber

Technology Leadership and Innovation Faculty Publications

Higher education provides plenty of opportunity for theory and in many cases, even the ability to apply theory in a laboratory setting. Yet, there remains limited opportunity for students to learn by doing through participation in authentic learning experiences. The purpose of this paper is to provide one potential solution for integrating authentic learning into the engineering classroom by cultivating the entrepreneurial mindset. As entrepreneurship serves as an integral part of the economy, developing an entrepreneurial mindset through authentic learning experiences is essential for engineers. While online discussion prompts represent a useful way for educators to facilitate student learning, less …

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