Computer Sciences Commons^™

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 …

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 …

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 …

The Geometric Mean As A Generator Of Truth-Value In Heuristic Expert Systems: An Improvement Over The Fuzzy Weighted Arithmetic Mean, Walter L. Dixon

CCAC Theses and Dissertations

Many earlier expert systems that were modeled after MYCIN, the first expert system, employed truth-value factors for their rule antecedents (premises) and consequents (conclusions). These crisp truth-value factors were usually called certainty factors and attempted to provide a measure of confidence and computational capability to the analysis of rule uncertainty (Shortliffe, 1977; Kandel, 1994). However, in the literature criticism has been often expressed concerning the lack of precision a crisp truth/certainty factor value conveys (Zadeh, 1983; Turban, 1993). Zadeh (1973) and Xingui (1988) utilized the weighted fuzzy average algorithm to improve the precision of truth/certainty factor values. Kandel (1994) further …

A Technique For Visualizing Software Architectures, Jon M. Inouye

CCAC Theses and Dissertations

Software architecture appeared in the early 1990s as a distinct discipline within software engineering. Models based on software architecture attempt to reduce the complexity of software by providing relatively coarse-grained structures for representing different aspects of software development. A software architecture typically consists of various components and connections arranged in a specific topology. Elements of the topology can serve as abstractions on (for example) modules, objects, protocols or interfaces. The meaning of the topology depends on viewpoint.

Software architectures' can be described using an architecture description language (ADL). The key goals of ADLs are to communicate alternate designs to the …

An Empirical Investigation Of Employee Perceptions Of Outsourcing Success Of Information Technology Operations, Lynda Roberson Louis

CCAC Theses and Dissertations

Outsourcing is defined as the contracting out of all or parts of a company's functional work. While most outsourcing initiatives attempt to open a line of communication between upper management and affected employees, little effort is made to assess and incorporate employee perceptions into the outsourcing deal. Little research exists that addresses employee perceptions of outsourcing Information Technology (IT) functions and operations and the effects such outsourcing have on the employee. This study investigated the perceptions of employees directly involved in IT outsourcing deals in an effort to relate these perceptions to factors identified in earlier studies. The following human …

Enterprise Integration Modeling Linking Enterprise Integration Architecture With Business Strategy Planning, Easton B. Rhodd

CCAC Theses and Dissertations

The goals for this study were twofold. The first goal was to identify planning variables for linking both organizational and architectural objectives for developing enterprise integration architecture. The second goal was to validate enterprise integration modeling methodology as a viable planning tool for the design, development, and maintenance of the enterprise integration architecture.

This lack of linkage at the intellectual dimension level can be characterized as having a dysfunctional effect on enterprise integration strategy formulation and infrastructure development. There is a disjoint between adoptions of appropriate information technology in relation to organizational objectives. This includes misapplication of investments in information …

The Design Of Online Learning Communities For Older Adults, Martha Marie Snyder

CCAC Theses and Dissertations

Rapid, ongoing advancements in the growth of the Internet and web-based technology coupled with the steadily increasing number of older adults in our society create a significant need for the design of safe, convenient, and accessible online learning communities for this demographic. The primary goal of this dissertation was to conduct formative research into methodologies for developing a new instructional-design theory for establishing online learning communities for older adults. The aim of this work was to apply formative research, which is a type of developmental research used to create a new design theory or improve an existing theory, to the …

Y2k Serendipity: Benefits And Spinoffs, Roy Gwen Taunton

CCAC Theses and Dissertations

The primary purpose of the researcher this study was to determine what, if any, unexpected benefits, spin-offs, and other "serendipitous" events occurred as a result of the year 2000 remediation process undertaken by businesses, industry, and other organizations. This was measured through the use of an online survey instrument comprised of a series of questions designed to measure and discover those benefits. The survey was sent to approximately 50 different businesses/organizations during the pilot stage of this study and 250 during the main stage of this study. These businesses/organizations were randomly selected from the sampling frame using random sampling techniques. …

A Comparison Of The Use Of Artificial Neural Networks, Fractal Time Series And Fractal Neural Networks In Financial Forecasts, Beverly A. Swisshelm

CCAC Theses and Dissertations

Effective prediction of future financial states has been a major quest for groups ranging from national governments to individual investors. The size, diversity and complexity of financial markets make traditional statistical methods ineffective in predicting beyond a very short time frame. Alternative models using artificial neural networks and fractal time series have had better results in long-term predictions, but still do not work in all situations. This dissertation combined features of artificial neural networks and fractal time series to create a fractal neural network. Fractals exhibit repetitive patterns when a unit is broken down into its components. This similarity property …

The Extraction Of Classification Rules And Decision Trees From Independence Diagrams, Robert W. Kerbs

CCAC Theses and Dissertations

Databases are growing exponentially in many application domains. Timely construction of models that represent identified patterns and regularities in the data facilitate the prediction of future events based upon past performance. Data mining can promote this process through various model building techniques. The goal is to create models that intuitively represent the data and perhaps aid in the discovery of new knowledge.

Most data mining methods rely upon either fully-automated information-theoretic or statistical algorithms. Typically, these algorithms are non-interactive, hide the model derivation process from the user, require the assistance of a domain expert, are application-specific, and may not clearly …

Dynamic Update Techniques For Online Maps And Attributes Data, Thanh H. Pham

CCAC Theses and Dissertations

Online databases containing geographic and related tabular data for maps and attributes often require continuous updates from widely distributed sources afield. For some applications, these data are dynamic, and thus are of little value if they do not reflect the latest information or changes. A status map that depicts graphically temporal data affecting accountability is an example of this type of data. How can accommodations be made collectively for the perpetual data updates in the database and the need to deliver online information in real time without making concessions? The goal of the dissertation was to analyze and evaluate techniques …

Guidelines For Development Of Courses For Delivery Over The Iowa Communications Network, Gary F. Hasman

CCAC Theses and Dissertations

This paper examines the quality of education as it relates to the Iowa Communications Network (ICN). It reviews the literature to determine a working definition of quality that was used to create a list of characteristics desirable in teachers who use technology. A list of such teachers was solicited from three administrative committees of the ICN and from the directors of the state's 15 area education agencies. Four teachers were selected from the list and their approach to creating programs for delivery over the ICN was examined. Personal interviews were used to discover commonalities among the four teachers' approaches to …

Comparison Of Student Performance And Attitude In A Lecture Class To Student Performance And Attitude In A Telecourse And A Web-Based Class, William J. Ryan

CCAC Theses and Dissertations

Increasing numbers of students are returning to school and choosing alternatives to the lecture method of instruction. Using technology to reach students is a solution colleges and universities are evaluating and implementing with the goal of increasing enrollment and reducing the cost of instruction. This research examines the impact two technology-based delivery systems have on the student's learning experience compared with an equivalent classroom-based instructional method.

Academic institutions are being asked to respond to the rapid changes faced by the communities they serve especially as current workers return to join new students in obtaining knowledge and skills needed in today's …

Smart Card Systems: Development Of A Paradigm For A University-Wide Smart Card Student Identification System, Joanne M. Marlowe

CCAC Theses and Dissertations

College and university campuses present an ideal environment for smart card systems and offer one of the best opportunities for the early adoption of smart card technology in the United States. This study investigated the design, development, and implementation of a smart card system in the university environment, specifically Nova Southeastern University. Additionally, this dissertation investigation developed a paradigm for a university-wide smart card student identification system capable of providing multiple applications such as portable identity, secure access, and electronic purse function. This dissertation investigation employed a Modern Systems Development Life Cycle (MSDLC) methodology along with a case study strategy. …

Complete Randomized Cutting Plane Algorithms For Propositional Satisfiability, Stephen Lee Hansen

CCAC Theses and Dissertations

The propositional satisfiability problem (SAT) is a fundamental problem in computer science and combinatorial optimization. A considerable number of prior researchers have investigated SAT, and much is already known concerning limitations of known algorithms for SAT. In particular, some necessary conditions are known, such that any algorithm not meeting those conditions cannot be efficient. This paper reports a research to develop and test a new algorithm that meets the currently known necessary conditions.

In chapter three, we give a new characterization of the convex integer hull of SAT, and two new algorithms for finding strong cutting planes. We also show …

State Government Cost Recovery For Electronic Information Dissemination: A Comparative Study, Donald R. Wismer

CCAC Theses and Dissertations

Prior to this study, no paradigm common among state governments regarding public policy principles on cost recovery for the dissemination of public information had been described. The study revealed that U.S. federal government policy has served as a model from which a majority of the states have proceeded. This study has compared the states with the federal government and with themselves to determine the policy boundaries. Themes from in the literature were presented and summarized, and measurable elements were isolated. Data from statutory, regulatory, and case law, and from explicit policy statements, were gathered and compared within graphical formats. A …

The Feasibility Of Developing A Computer Based Expert System To Mitigate Nuclear Power Plant Accidents, Jesse E. Smith

CCAC Theses and Dissertations

This study investigated the feasibility of developing a rule-based expert system to support nuclear plant operators in the mitigation of accidents. Human error in the use of Emergency Operating Procedures (EOPs) was the problem to be addressed. The goal was to determine if the Nuclear Plant Information System (NPIS) at one specific power plant would support development of an EOP operator aid to reduce the number of human errors.

A review of the literature confirmed that human error is a recurring problem. This is particularly evident during high stress situations, such as accidents. A rule-based operator aid can reduce human …

A Model For Transforming Legacy Systems In A Client/Server Environment Based On The Unified Modeling Language(Uml), Leon Stevens

CCAC Theses and Dissertations

In this dissertation the researcher developed the methodology for the migration of computer programs from a legacy architecture to client/server architecture. System migrations have failed frequently, and even so-called successful migrations may have serious usability problems. Additional difficulties include missing documentation of the existing program(s), the persons who developed the existing system are not available for consultation, and, frequently, there are important operational and economic issues that must be considered. The client/server environment is quite different from the source environment; the operating system and implementation languages have changed, and system requirements may have been greatly expanded, frequently including the Internet. …

Implementing A Virtual Reality Paradigm In Human Anatomy/Physiology College Curricula, Helen St. Aubin

CCAC Theses and Dissertations

Modes of instruction in the college course called Human Anatomy/Physiology are changing. Due to ethical concerns and the ever-increasing source of new physiological data, there is a need for enhancements to assist the instructor and student. The computer science of virtual reality (VR) provides a method to electronically educate, train, prototype, and test and evaluate new enhancements to the college curricula. This study detailed the modeling and simulation of a skeletal human hand with degrees of freedom of movement, which provided the students with a physiological representation of some of the movements of the hand. The primary objectives of the …

Persistence Differences In Community College Courses Taught In Classrooms And Through Alternative Formats, Andrew A. Runyan

CCAC Theses and Dissertations

While distance education programs continue to expand, the occurrence of higher dropout rates in those programs as compared to the same courses offered in lecture/lab settings remains a point of contention between supporters and detractors of non-traditional forms of education. This study used a foundation of research on dropout in higher education as the basis for an investigation of dropout rates in non-traditional forms of instruction in a community college setting. Course delivery formats studied included videotape-based courses, Internet-based courses, and courses offered in a self-paced laboratory environment. For each of these formats, the same course, offered in a lecture/lab …

Multi-User Domain Object Oriented (Moo) As A High School Procedure For Foreign Language Acquisition, James A. Backer

CCAC Theses and Dissertations

Foreign language students experience added difficulty when they are isolated from native speakers and from the culture of the target language. It has been posited that MOOs (Multiuser domain Object Oriented) may help to overcome the geographical isolation of these students. MOOs are Internet-based virtual worlds in which people from all over the real world meet for synchronous textual conversations and can interact with asynchronous textual objects found there. Students who enjoy a MOO site may identify with its virtual target language community and find integrative motivation which the literature suggests is necessary for advanced language acquisition.

This study focused …

The Use Of Cooperative Groups In Learning How To Use New Software Programs, James R. Grunwald

CCAC Theses and Dissertations

Many teachers lament the fact that they often need to spend too much classroom time training students how to use a particular software program before their students can use it effectively as a tool to complete other course work. Also, after completing the training process, too many students still have not mastered the basics of how to use the program effectively. The purpose of this research was to increase understanding of how the use of cooperative groups during new software training affects both the mastery of the basics of program use, as well as the amount of time needed to …

International Usability, Design Guidelines And Effectiveness Of A World Wide Web-Based Instructional Program For High School Students In A Cross-Culture Learning Environment, Hajime Hayakawa

CCAC Theses and Dissertations

The recent growth of the Internet and the World Wide Web (WWW) has resulted in a vast array of on-line courseware and educational Web sites. Unfortunately, as a large percentage of this information is written in English, non-English speakers are unable to access it. Information written in other languages is likewise unavailable to many native English speakers. Therefore, in order to maximize the usefulness of educational material on the Web, it is necessary to design and implement cross-cultural, bilingual or multilingual Web sites and instructional programs.

This study was designed to contribute to the area of bilingual learning on the …

A Theoretical Model For A Prescription Drug Public Key Cryptographic System, Donald R. Lemma

CCAC Theses and Dissertations

A critical component of a physician's duties is prescribing medication to his or her patients. This process is handled by the physician writing a prescription for a medication and having the medication dispensed to the named patient. A review of federal law reveals no requirement that the prescription be issued on any type of specific written instrument such as safety paper, multi-part forms, or other standardized documents.

Because of the lack of adequate controls, there is a serious problem with false and altered prescriptions being issued within the United States. A 1994 study by the White House Office of National …

A Study Of The Computerized Reading Management Program, Accelerated Reader, And Its Effect On Reading Among Primary Grade Students, Mitchell O. Pratt

CCAC Theses and Dissertations

This study examined the computerized reading management program, Accelerated Reader and its effect on primary grade students. The purpose of the study was to test Accelerated Reader's effect on reading comprehension among two student populations that were demographically similar. Two schools were chosen, Orem Elementary, School A, where the researcher is employed, and School B, another elementary school in Alpine School District. An ex post facto, non-randomized control group design was used. Data from the Utah Core Assessment Series End-of-Level, Reading, Level 3 Form A, (1989) and the Stanford Achievement Test (1990) was used. Students who attended either School A …

Linking Printed Books To Computerized Speech, Edward D. Crook

CCAC Theses and Dissertations

Adult students who experience difficulties in comprehending written (printed) language frequently are limited in their scholastic development and possible employment opportunities. These individuals, who represent a growing segment of the learning disabled population, include poor readers and dyslexics and they routinely seek help and remediation through various educational techniques. One remediation technique often used is "books on tape". Through books on tape, recorded spoken text is presented in a sequential manner to the remedial reader as he or she is reading the corresponding printed document. This dissertation reviewed the books on tape paradigm, and through the use of current computer …

Contributions To Supervised Learning Of Real-Valued Functions Using Neural Networks, Victor David Sanchez Aylas

CCAC Theses and Dissertations

This dissertation presents a new strategy for the automatic design of neural networks. The learning environment addressed is supervised learning from examples. Specifically, Radial Basis Functions (RBF) networks learning real-valued functions of real vectors as in non-linear regression applications are considered. The strategy is based upon the application of strong theoretical relationships between RBF networks and methods from approximation theory, robust statistics, and computational learning theory.

The complexity of the network design is examined in detail from the formal definition of the learning problem to the establishment of the corresponding optimization problem. A novel strategy for the systematic and automatic …