Computer Sciences Commons^™

Privacy Policies: A Study Of Their Use Among Online Canadian Pharmacies, Joanne Kuzma

CCAC Theses and Dissertations

The use of online Canadian pharmacies has grown over the past decade due to lower cost medications and ease of use. In order for these firms to gain business and marketing information, they collect a variety of consumer data. This has raised concerns among consumers as to privacy issues of the data collected by these online firms. However, researchers have not effectively examined how online consumers value specific privacy factors when deciding whether to use the sites. Also, studies have not determined if many of these sites have comprehensive privacy policies that indicate if they protect consumers' data for a …

An Improved Multi-Objective Evolutionary Algorithm With Adaptable Parameters, Khoa Duc Tran

CCAC Theses and Dissertations

Multi-Objective Evolutionary Algorithms (MOEAs) are not easy to use because they require parameter tunings of three main parameters - population size, crossover probability, and mutation probability - in order to achieve desirable solutions and performance for an arbitrary complex problem. Moreover, the use of fixed parameter settings may lead to slow convergence and sub-optimal solutions. This dissertation develops a MOEA with self-adaptive crossover, self-adaptive mutation, and adaptive population size parameters for automating the process of adjusting appropriate parameter values in order to make the MOEA more efficient, simple to use and available to more users. The MOEA with adaptable parameters …

A Quantitative Analysis Of Performance In A Multi-Protocol Ad Hoc 802.11b-Based Wireless Local Network, Paul Christian Nielsen Jr.

CCAC Theses and Dissertations

The popularity of the Internet and the growing demand for ubiquitous connectivity accelerate the need for viable wireless local area network (WLAN) solutions. As a consequence, increasing number of manufacturers have adopted the Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers (IEEE) 802.11a/b/g set of WLAN standards and produced inexpensive wireless products to expand capabilities of existing LANs. IEEE 802.11 b wireless products are widely accepted. Mobile ad hoc networks, a variant of the 802.11 standards, exist without the requirement for a wired infrastructure or host to provide routing, connectivity, and maintenance services. Because of the high variability of environments in which …

Blogging: An Inquiry Into The Efficacy Of A Web-Based Technology For Student Reflection In Community College Computer Science Programs, Jane W. Perschbach

CCAC Theses and Dissertations

Reflection in learning is a pedagogical technique used to promote the higher order cognitive skills of analysis, synthesis, and evaluation that constitute the concept of critical thinking. To foster reflection in learning, the Internet technology of online journals known as blogs was employed in a two-semester, four-course investigation of the efficacy of this educational technology for vocational computer science students in a community college. The process involved an instructor-designed and maintained course blog containing suggestions for student reflection as well as hyperlinks to individual student peer blogs. Students were required to read both the course and peer blogs, and to …

Establishing A New Paradigm In Engineering And Technology Education: An Experimental Analysis Of Multiple Learning Methodologies And Examination Of Cognitive Profiles Of Continuing Education Students, James A. Sinclair

CCAC Theses and Dissertations

This study consisted of two inter-related components. The first part compared three instructional methods for delivering a Computer Aided Design (CAD) course for adult Continuing Education (CE) students. The second part established a comprehensive cognitive profile matrix of adult continuing education students entering careers in technology. The first part examined the use of three delivery methods, using three randomly selected groups of students. The three methods were as following:

• Traditional classroom-based training.
• Instructor-facilitated course presented online.
• Independent study, using a CD-ROM tutorial.

The experimental design consisted of three randomly selected sample groups’ of20 students. The independent variable in the study …

Scholarly Communication And Knowledge Management In American Zoos, Julia Innes

CCAC Theses and Dissertations

The researcher investigated whether frontline, tacit knowledge about zoo animals was captured by zookeepers, curators, researchers, veterinarians, and outside researchers and, if so, whether and how it was transmitted into the scholarly literature. A bibliometric analysis was done of a representative sample of peer-reviewed zoo research articles published between 1973 and 200 I. This was extended to grey literature and acknowledgements statements from the same period to obtain a more global picture.

Research participants were evaluated in terms of their contributions (journal articles, conference papers, or acknowledged research assistance). Changes were mapped chronologically and by profess ion. The participation of …

An Overview Of The Security Of Wireless Networks, Eduardo B. Fernandez, Imad Jawbar, Maria M. Larrondo-Petrie, Michael Van Hilst

CCE Faculty Books and Book Chapters

Handbook of Wireless Local Area Networks: Applications, Technology, Security, and Standards captures the current state of wireless LANs, and serves as the single comprehensive reference on the subject. Addressing challenges related to the further development of WLAN technology, the Handbook covers the entire spectrum of topics from basic concepts to research grade material.

Consisting of 25 articles contributed by expert authors from around the world, the Handbook begins with a detailed introduction that provides an overview of LAN technologies, performance, security, and security protocols. It then delves further into WLAN technology, covering space-time processing, WLAN and cellular convergence, and a …

Proceedings Of The Ieee Southeastcon 2005, Yair Levy

CCE Faculty Books and Book Chapters

No abstract provided.

Predicting Software Size And Development Effort: Models Based On Stepwise Refinement, David P. Voorhees

CCAC Theses and Dissertations

This study designed a Software Size Model and an Effort Prediction Model, then performed an empirical analysis of these two models. Each model design began with identifying its objectives, which led to describing the concept to be measured and the meta-model. The numerical assignment rules were then developed, providing a basis for size measurement and effort prediction across software engineering projects. The Software Size Model was designed to test the hypothesis that a software size measure represents the amount of knowledge acquired and stored in software artifacts, and the amount of time it took to acquire and store this knowledge. …

Evaluating Particle Swarm Intelligence Techniques For Solving University Examination Timetabling Problems, Daniel R. Fealko

CCAC Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this thesis is to investigate the suitability and effectiveness of the Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO) technique when applied to the University Examination Timetabling problem. We accomplished this by analyzing experimentally the performance profile-the quality of the solution as a function of the execution time-of the standard form of the PSO algorithm when brought to bear against the University Examination Timetabling problem. This study systematically investigated the impact of problem and algorithm factors in solving this particular timetabling problem and determined the algorithm's performance profile under the specified test environment. Keys factors studied included problem size (i.e., number …

Establishing An Online Community Of Practice For Instructors Of English As A Foreign Language, Christopher M. Johnson

CCAC Theses and Dissertations

Communities of practice are entities that emerge for the purposes of learning and advancement of knowledge in a particular area. They emerge under all circumstances, even adverse situations. Because they can spawn great innovation and knowledge advancement, organizations need to cultivate and establish environments that allow them to develop. Currently, communities of practice have moved into the online world, in which their members use computer mediated communication to collaborate with each other.

In January, 2002, a virtual community was formed to enable teachers of English as a Foreign Language to collaborate on learning and applying various computing technologies in language …

A Self-Adaptive Evolutionary Negative Selection Approach For Anomaly Detection, Luis J. Gonzalez

CCAC Theses and Dissertations

Forrest et al. (1994; 1997) proposed a negative selection algorithm, also termed the exhaustive detector generating algorithm, for various anomaly detection problems. The negative selection algorithm was inspired by the thymic negative selection process that is intrinsic to natural immune systems, consisting of screening and deleting self-reactive T-cells, i.e., those T-cells that recognize self-cells.

The negative selection algorithm takes considerable time (exponential to the size of the self-data) and produces redundant detectors. This time/size limitation motivated the development of different approaches to generate the set of candidate detectors.

A reasonable way to find suitable parameter settings is to let an …

A Study Of The Relationships Between End-User Information Systems Problems And Helpdesk Critical Success Factors In Higher Education, Richard Dale Parrott

CCAC Theses and Dissertations

In the last fifteen years, information technology (IT) customer support has increased in importance within higher education. The pervasiveness of computers and technology on the campus has allowed students, staff, and faculty to perform a multitude of tasks by controlling their own environments and setting their own priorities. Qualified professional system and user support services have lagged demand. The problem investigated in this study was end-users' satisfaction levels of the higher education helpdesk and how end-users' satisfaction levels affected a helpdesk manager's critical success factors performance and goals. In this study, the first goal was to identify the critical success …

Computer-Supported Rehabilitation Management A Case Study Of Using Virtual Reality Technology In Ambulatory Training For Post-Acute Stroke Patients, Felix O. Akinladejo

CCAC Theses and Dissertations

This study investigated the use of virtual reality (VR) technology in ambulatory training for post-acute stroke patients, and sought to determine whether skills gained in virtual environments transfer to real-world conditions. Patients with stroke typically suffer dysfunctions that impair the complex set of motions involved in walking. The limited amount of therapy and resources offered by the current health care system does not provide the frequency and intensity of training needed for functional recovery of the walking skills in patients following stroke assaults. This study, therefore, developed and investigated an alternative intervention technique capable of providing the frequency and intensity …

The Effects Of Computerized Smell Of Memory, Brandon Spencer

CCAC Theses and Dissertations

It has long been recognized that there is a major correlation between smell and memory. Until recently, commercialized multi-sensory experiences involving olfaction were limited to non-computerized mediums. Companies that manufacture computerized scent technologies tout the educational benefits of their product, yet prior to this study, there appeared to be no scholarly research in regard to the efficacy of computerized scent producing peripherals in educational environments. The aim of this research was to determine the odor memory enhancement benefits of incorporating olfactory, computerized peripherals into computerized multimedia-learning environments, from both a context dependent and context independent stand point. Specifically, within a …

Graduate School Of Computer And Information Sciences--Master Of Science Degree Programs 2004-2005, Nova Southeastern University

College of Engineering and Computing Course Catalogs

No abstract provided.

Using Autonomous Robots To Integrate Middle School Academic Standards, Technology Standards, And 21st Century Workplace Skills, Barbara M. Burckart

CCAC Theses and Dissertations

The amount of knowledge that students are required to master continues to grow. Teachers struggle to find age appropriate ways to integrate state academic standards, technology standards, and 21st century workplace skills. Improved problem solving skills are deemed important to these standards as well as in the workplace. This dissertation utilized a robot design project to examine the changes in problem solving skills of seventh grade science students. In the process, 21st century workplace skills, technology standards, and South Carolina middle school science and math standards were identified and integrated into the learning process.

To test the validity of the …

A Use-Case Model For A Knowledge Management System To Facilitate Disaster Relief Operations, Eileen Eudy

CCAC Theses and Dissertations

There are numerous disaster relief agencies poised to respond to disasters; however, coordinating the activities of these diverse and dispersed entities and capitalizing on their knowledge assets can be a challenge. All of these agencies are dedicated to serving survivors of disasters, but they at times lack the coordination necessary to respond efficiently. The Virginia Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (VOAD) is an umbrella organization of existing agencies dedicated to working closely with other organizations to improve service and minimize duplication during disaster operations. To better cope with disasters, the Virginia VOAD needs to develop knowledge management strategies to coordinate …

The Education Of Information Security Professionals: An Analysis Of Industry Needs Vs Academic Curriculum In The 21st Century, Albert L. Fundaburk

CCAC Theses and Dissertations

This research compared the employment of the skills and attributes needed by information systems security professionals in an information systems security work environment with those taught in NSA Centers of Academic Excellence in Information Assurance Education. Using two surveys the goal of this research was to determine if the skills and attributes identified in the CISSP were employed in an information systems work environment and if these skills were taught in colleges and universities designated as NSA Centers of Academic Excellence in Information Assurance Education.

The skills and attributes within the10 domains of the CISSP were identified by 23 questions …

The Impact Of Distance Learning On Faculty Contracts And Policies In Florida Community Colleges, M. Kate Legrand

CCAC Theses and Dissertations

Distance Learning is state of the art and is fast becoming a primary instructional delivery method in Florida community colleges. However, the present laws and policies that govern Florida's community college educational system are created based on traditional methods for delivering educational services. The potential change in faculty roles and responsibilities brought about by distance learning has raised questions about the impact distance learning will have on overall labor conditions for American faculty. In some instances, the use of alternative methods of delivering educational services has resulted in inconsistent policies. As more faculty become involved in teaching online courses, there …

Implementation Of An Individual Professional Development System Using A Web-Accessible Database, Edward R. Lovitt

CCAC Theses and Dissertations

Higher education is looking for ways to encourage new careers in education and retain current faculty working in the field. A successful working relationship between supervisors and faculty is crucial to continued attractiveness of a career in education. These shared relationships exist in "learning organization" models, which are used in professional development offerings that stress the importance of learning by individuals, as a way to benefit the entire institution.

This developmental study focused on building partnerships with supervisors and faculty. These partnerships require contracts or individual development plans that can be reviewed for progress and modified for future needs. The …

Applying Security Risk Management To Internet Connectivity In K-12 Schools And School Districts, Carol C. Woody

CCAC Theses and Dissertations

Internet connectivity has been added to the classrooms of United States (U.S .) K-12 schools, but recognition of the security risks and related management responsibilities to address increased risk exposure is not apparent. Providing a sufficient level of access for K-12 students to learn through exploration and experimentation needs to be balanced with sufficient limitations to minimize the risk of technically proficient participants inflicting harm through school resources. Problems of inappropriate use such as adjusting grades, tampering with work of other students, and defacing Web sites by K-12 students are already appearing in U.S. newspapers. In addition, the growing level …

Data Driven Calculations Histories To Minimize Ieee-755 Floating-Point Computational Error, Lawrence E. Shafer

CCAC Theses and Dissertations

The widely implemented and used IEEE-754 Floating-point specification defines a method by which floating-point values may be represented in fixed-width storage. This fixed-width storage does not allow the exact value of all rational values to be stored. While this is an accepted limitation of using the IEEE-754 specification, this problem is compounded when non-exact values are used to compute other values. Attempts to manage this problem have been limited to software implementations that require special programming at the source code level. While this approach works, the problem coder must be aware of the software and explicitly write high-level code specifically …

A Framework For The Identification Of Electronic Commerce Visual Design Elements That Enable Trust Within The Small Hotel Industry, R. Todd Stephens

CCAC Theses and Dissertations

Trust plays an important role in any customer relationship or transaction. This is especially true in the world of commerce. Buyers and sellers must make the conscious decision whether or not to trust the other party. Trust is an integral part of commerce and has been in existence since the beginning of human social interactions. With the emerging use of the Internet as a business medium of exchange, trust maintains an important role in electronic commerce. This research reviews the role of trust within the small hotel industry and the design elements having the highest impact toward developing trust between …

Graduate School Of Computer And Information Sciences-Doctoral Degree Programs 2003-2005, Nova Southeastern University

College of Engineering and Computing Course Catalogs

No abstract provided.

A Comparative Analysis Of Design Techniques For The Construction Of An Expert System For Aircraft Engine Diagnostics, Mitch Raton

CCAC Theses and Dissertations

The lack of knowledge and understanding of diagnostic aircraft propulsion systems causes inappropriate problem diagnosis. Because of increasing complexity, technicians are incapable of performing the necessary tasks in accordance with standard regulations. More sophisticated systems are needed today to "assist" the user technician in decision-making. This work provided a study of rule-based and frame-based expert system techniques to determine the most appropriate solution in the domain of complex diagnosis using large amounts of deterministic data. The study produced a framework that facilitates the diagnosing of faults on aircraft engines, thus reducing the burden on the aircraft mechanic regardless of experience …

An Integrated, Secured, Open-Source Medical Prototype For Collaborative Patient Management On The Internet, Joseph Dabre Ramsey

CCAC Theses and Dissertations

Conventional approaches to building critical and secured systems are based on the use of commercial tools for development and maintenance. Changes in the marketplace and the acceptance of the open-source model have brought this assumption into question. The combination of open-source's rapid rise and the introduction of pervasive computing has made the computing industry more receptive to open-source tools and products. The open-source model allows systems to be controlled by a single individual or a small developer group that reduces dependence on individual experts. The availability of free system source codes, an expanding commercial support market, and increasing global collaborative …

Master Of Science Degree Programs 2003-2005, Nova Southeastern University

College of Engineering and Computing Course Catalogs

No abstract provided.

Graduate School Of Computer And Information Sciences 2003, Nova Southeastern University

College of Engineering and Computing Course Catalogs

No abstract provided.

Finding Unexpected Events In Staring Continuous-Dwell Sensor Data Streams Via Adaptive Prediction, Peter G. Raeth

CCAC Theses and Dissertations

This research produced a Predictive Anomaly Detector (PAD). It is an adaptive prediction-based approach to detecting unexpected events in data streams drawn from staring continuous-dwell sensors. The underlying technology is spectrum independent and does not depend on correlated data (neither temporal nor spatial) to achieve improved detection and extraction in highly robust environments. ("robust environment" refers to the data stream's control law being variable and the spectral content covering a wide range of wavelengths.)

The resulting approach uses a network of simple building-block equations (basis functions) to predict the non-event data and thereby present subtle sub-streams to a detection model …