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Title: THE SPECTRAL DEPENDENCE OF THE PHOTOCONDUCTIVE RESPONSE IN INDIUM-DOPED SILICON.
Creator: MASON, HOWARD JOSEPH, JR., Florida Atlantic University
Abstract/Description: The spectral dependence of extrinsic photoconductivity over the range 130 meV to 700 meV has been measured (mostly at 80°K, with light chopped at 270 Hz) for a variety of indium doped silicon crystals. Samples were characterized by 70°- 400°K Hall and conductivity measurements, and had indium densities ranging from 7 x 10^15 cm^-3 to 6 x 10^17 cm^-3. Crystals of moderately large and very small compensation were used. Data was converted into response per incident photon and per absorbed photon...
Show moreThe spectral dependence of extrinsic photoconductivity over the range 130 meV to 700 meV has been measured (mostly at 80°K, with light chopped at 270 Hz) for a variety of indium doped silicon crystals. Samples were characterized by 70°- 400°K Hall and conductivity measurements, and had indium densities ranging from 7 x 10^15 cm^-3 to 6 x 10^17 cm^-3. Crystals of moderately large and very small compensation were used. Data was converted into response per incident photon and per absorbed photon, using photoionization cross-section data measured on the same group of crystals. The response per absorbed photon is approximately constant over the studied spectral range for most crystals, with no visible evidence of an oscillatory component. The data was Fourier analyzed in order to emphasize any latent periodicity in the photo-response. A weak periodic component at 10 meV intervals was found and tentatively associated with localized phonon modes.
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Date Issued: 1971
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fcla/dt/13428
Subject Headings: Silicon crystals, Indium, Photoconductivity, Semiconductor doping
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Tiling Z with Triples Using Signed Permutation Matrices.
Creator: Cattell, Liam J., Meyerowitz, Aaron, Florida Atlantic University
Abstract/Description: The topic of this paper is tiling the integers with triples, or more precisely to write Z as a disjoint union of translates of a given set of 3-subsets composed of basic shapes called prototiles. We fix the set of proto tiles P = { { 0, a, a+ v} , { U. b, a+ b}} and define an algorithm which returns a sequence of translates of P when given an initial subset of Z representing integers that are already tiled. This algorithm is then adapted to describe all possible tilings with triples from P...
Show moreThe topic of this paper is tiling the integers with triples, or more precisely to write Z as a disjoint union of translates of a given set of 3-subsets composed of basic shapes called prototiles. We fix the set of proto tiles P = { { 0, a, a+ v} , { U. b, a+ b}} and define an algorithm which returns a sequence of translates of P when given an initial subset of Z representing integers that are already tiled. This algorithm is then adapted to describe all possible tilings with triples from P using the action of certain signed permutation matrices on a subset of za+b , uamdy the 2" Yectors with all entries ±1. Given b > 2a, we research properties of the digraph of all possible tiling states and some related digraphs.
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Date Issued: 2007
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00000732
Subject Headings: Tiling (Mathematics), Sequences (Mathematics), Permutation groups
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Three new measures of gender identity: Implications for children's psychosocial development.
Creator: Egan, Susan K., Florida Atlantic University, Perry, David G.
Abstract/Description: The present dissertation introduces three new measures of gender identity and examines their relations to psychosocial adjustment (i.e., self-concept and peer acceptance) in preadolescence. The sample consisted of 182 4th- through 8th-grade children. The three measures assessed (a) feelings of overall similarity to and compatibility with one's gender (goodness-of-fit), (b) feelings of pressure to conform to sex-role stereotypes (felt pressure), and (c) belief that one's sex is superior to the...
Show moreThe present dissertation introduces three new measures of gender identity and examines their relations to psychosocial adjustment (i.e., self-concept and peer acceptance) in preadolescence. The sample consisted of 182 4th- through 8th-grade children. The three measures assessed (a) feelings of overall similarity to and compatibility with one's gender (goodness-of-fit), (b) feelings of pressure to conform to sex-role stereotypes (felt pressure), and (c) belief that one's sex is superior to the other sex (intergroup bias). Both concurrent and short-term longitudinal analyses indicated that goodness-of-fit was beneficial to psychosocial adjustment, whereas both felt pressure and intergroup bias undermined psychosocial adjustment. Furthermore, goodness-of-fit mediated many of the relations of domain-specific sex-typing measures (e.g., traits) to adjustment. The present dissertation helps identify some of the inherent limitations in previous work on gender identity, provides new insight into the relation of children's gender identity and psychosocial development, and raises suggestions for future inquiry.
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Date Issued: 1999
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fcla/dt/12616
Subject Headings: Gender identity, Identity (Psychology) in children, Sex differences (Psychology) in children, Child development
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Thought- and information-induced polarization: The role of involvement in making attitudes extreme.
Creator: Harton, Helen C., Florida Atlantic University, Latane, Bibb
Abstract/Description: The catastrophe theory of attitudes (Latane & Nowak, 1994) predicts that extremity will be a function of involvement, with uninvolving attitudes normally distributed about a neutral midpoint and involving attitudes categorical and extreme. Two processes that may lead attitudes to become more involving and extreme were tested in this experiment--thought-induced polarization and information-induced polarization. College students rated social issues before and after thinking and/or reading...
Show moreThe catastrophe theory of attitudes (Latane & Nowak, 1994) predicts that extremity will be a function of involvement, with uninvolving attitudes normally distributed about a neutral midpoint and involving attitudes categorical and extreme. Two processes that may lead attitudes to become more involving and extreme were tested in this experiment--thought-induced polarization and information-induced polarization. College students rated social issues before and after thinking and/or reading information about them. Attitudes became more extreme after respondents read mixed information about the attitude object, particularly for issues on which participants were initially uninvolved, but did not extremify after thought alone. There was little evidence for selective encoding or retrieval or for biased assimilation, though increases in attitude extremity were associated with increases in involvement. Thus, as predicted by catastrophe theory, reading mixed information may increase involvement in an issue, which in turn leads to more extreme attitudes.
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Date Issued: 1994
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fcla/dt/15110
Subject Headings: Attitude change, Attitude (Psychology), Polarity (Psychology)
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Three impenetrable particles on a ring and the quantum billiard in a triangle.
Creator: Dirk, Charlotte Joan, Florida Atlantic University, McGuire, James B.
Abstract/Description: Remarkable similarities are found in the problem of three impenetrable quantum mechanical particles on a ring and the problem of the quantum billiard in a triangle. If the energy contributed by the motion of the center of mass in the ring problem is subtracted from the total energy, the energy eigenvalues of the particles on the ring are proportional to the energy eigenvalues of the wave function in the corresponding triangle. The eigenvalues derived from the ring solution are unique to that...
Show moreRemarkable similarities are found in the problem of three impenetrable quantum mechanical particles on a ring and the problem of the quantum billiard in a triangle. If the energy contributed by the motion of the center of mass in the ring problem is subtracted from the total energy, the energy eigenvalues of the particles on the ring are proportional to the energy eigenvalues of the wave function in the corresponding triangle. The eigenvalues derived from the ring solution are unique to that triangle and that energy level. A mathematical relationship is derived, which connects the masses of the particles on the ring to the angles of the triangle. There are three quantum billiard triangles that have previously been solved by the method of separation of variables. The three quantum particles on a ring problem, however, has now been solved for many cases. By correlating the three known triangle solutions to the masses on the ring problem we derive and verify a relationship between the two problems. For the three known triangle solutions, the eigenvalues found in the ring problem are proportional to those found in the triangle. The correlation between the masses on the ring and the triangle is then used to find solutions to other triangles, which do not yield to solution by separation of variables.
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Date Issued: 2002
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FADT12005
Subject Headings: Quantum theory, Wave mechanics, Statistical mechanics
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Three-dimensional structure of the alpha-conotoxin EI determined by proton NMR spectroscopy.
Creator: Franco, Aldo, Florida Atlantic University, Mari, Frank
Abstract/Description: The alpha-conotoxin EI is an 18-residue peptide (RDOCCYHPTCNMSNPQIC; 4-10, 5-18) isolated from the venom of Conus ermineus. This peptide targets the nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR) found in mammalian skeletal muscle and the electric organ of Torpedo. 2D-NMR methods and dynamical simulated annealing protocols have been used to determine the 3D structure of EI. 133 NOE-derived distances were used to produce 13 structures with minimum energy that complied with the NOE restraints. The...
Show moreThe alpha-conotoxin EI is an 18-residue peptide (RDOCCYHPTCNMSNPQIC; 4-10, 5-18) isolated from the venom of Conus ermineus. This peptide targets the nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR) found in mammalian skeletal muscle and the electric organ of Torpedo. 2D-NMR methods and dynamical simulated annealing protocols have been used to determine the 3D structure of EI. 133 NOE-derived distances were used to produce 13 structures with minimum energy that complied with the NOE restraints. The structure of EI is characterized by a helical loop between T9 and M12 that is stabilized by the C4-C10 disulfide bond and turns involving C4-C5 and N14-P15. The overall fold of EI is similar to that of other alpha4/7 conotoxins (PnIA/B, MII, EpI). However, unlike these other alpha4/7 conotoxins, EI targets the muscular type nAChR. The differences in selectivity can be attributed to the surface charge distribution among these alpha4/7 conotoxins.
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Date Issued: 1998
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fcla/dt/15609
Subject Headings: Conus--Venom, Peptides--Structure, Nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: The social structure of bottlenose dolphins, Tursiops truncatus, in the Bahamas.
Creator: Rogers, Cindy A., Florida Atlantic University, Baldwin, John D.
Abstract/Description: This study reports on a community of bottlenose dolphins found >27 km from Grand Bahama Island. Observations were conducted from May--September, 1993--2002. The half weight index determined coefficients of association (COA) between dolphins for each year and from pooled data over the 10-year period. Long-term site fidelity of up to 17 years occurred. Resident and non-resident dolphins occurred in the area. Some dolphins traveled 333 km between communities. Average group size was 3--5, and...
Show moreThis study reports on a community of bottlenose dolphins found >27 km from Grand Bahama Island. Observations were conducted from May--September, 1993--2002. The half weight index determined coefficients of association (COA) between dolphins for each year and from pooled data over the 10-year period. Long-term site fidelity of up to 17 years occurred. Resident and non-resident dolphins occurred in the area. Some dolphins traveled 333 km between communities. Average group size was 3--5, and significantly larger with calves. Traveling groups were significantly smaller than feeding or socializing. Mother-calf associations were the strongest. Male-male COAs were low (x = .34), however, some individuals formed strong associations. Female-female COAs were low (x = .35), and affected by female reproductive status. Mixed-gender COAs were significantly lower (x = .31) than same sex associations. Pooled data revealed lower COA values, however, the same trends were evident. The long-term associations revealed from yearly COAs were not seen when data were pooled.
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Date Issued: 2003
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fcla/dt/13007
Subject Headings: Bottlenose dolphin--Bahamas, Social behavior in animals
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: The role of bacterial lipopolysaccharide in the production of the lupus B cell phenotype.
Creator: Nikolic, Veljko., Florida Atlantic University, Hartmann, James X.
Abstract/Description: The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS) on the expression of RP105 (CD180) in human B lymphocytes from normal, leukemic, and lupus patients. The percentage of cells that express RP105 on their surface increased following a 24 hour exposure to LPS. However, continued exposure for a total of four days resulted in a marked decrease in the expression of this receptor molecule. Human B cells were purified by a combination of density gradient and...
Show moreThe purpose of this study was to determine the effect of bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS) on the expression of RP105 (CD180) in human B lymphocytes from normal, leukemic, and lupus patients. The percentage of cells that express RP105 on their surface increased following a 24 hour exposure to LPS. However, continued exposure for a total of four days resulted in a marked decrease in the expression of this receptor molecule. Human B cells were purified by a combination of density gradient and negative magnetic bead selection and maintained in culture with and without LPS. Enzyme linked immunoassay for the detection of anti-dsDNA antibodies following LPS treatment of isolated B cells was negative. The percentage of RP105 positive or negative B cells from lupus patients could not be accurately determined because too few B cells were available from these lymphopenic patients following negative selection.
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Date Issued: 2004
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fcla/dt/13177
Subject Headings: Microbial polysaccharides, Bacterial genetics, Systemic lupus erythematosus--Etiology, Systemic lupus erythematosus--Molecular aspects
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Tolerance to amphetamine in cannula vs. bottle-fed animals.
Creator: Walls, Julie A., Florida Atlantic University, Wolgin, David L.
Abstract/Description: The effects of amphetamine on the milk intake, body weight, and behavioral activity of bottle- and cannula-fed rats was investigated in a before/after paradigm. Dose response determinations were conducted before (DR 1) and after (DR 2) chronic treatment (45 days) with amphetamine (8.0 mg/kg) given either before or after milk tests, to determine whether tolerance developed to the anorexic effect of the drug. Control groups were given saline during the chronic phase. Both cannula- and bottle...
Show moreThe effects of amphetamine on the milk intake, body weight, and behavioral activity of bottle- and cannula-fed rats was investigated in a before/after paradigm. Dose response determinations were conducted before (DR 1) and after (DR 2) chronic treatment (45 days) with amphetamine (8.0 mg/kg) given either before or after milk tests, to determine whether tolerance developed to the anorexic effect of the drug. Control groups were given saline during the chronic phase. Both cannula- and bottle-fed animals lost a significant amount of weight. Cannula-fed animals drank significantly more than bottle-fed animals throughout the chronic phase. Statistical analysis revealed significant increases in intake from DR 1 to DR 2 for the after and saline cannula-fed groups, and the before, after, and saline bottle-fed groups. All groups showed an increase in intake from DR 1 to DR 2, though the increase of the before cannula-fed group failed to reach statistical significance.
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Date Issued: 1997
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fcla/dt/15488
Subject Headings: Rats as laboratory animals, Drug tolerance, Drugs--Physiological effect, Amphetamines--Physiological effect
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Tissue Protection and Cell Death Pathways in Myocardial Ischemia.
Creator: Rickaway, Zach T., Prentice, Howard, Florida Atlantic University
Abstract/Description: The excess generation of Reactive oxygen species (ROS) can damage cell components and disrupt cellular functions. Methionine in proteins is easily oxidized by ROS and converted to methionine sulfoxide. The enzyme peptide Methionine Sulfoxide Reductase reduces methionine sulfoxide back to methionine. We report here that MsrA over expression in rat cardiac myocytes prevents damage from ROS and increases cell viability after hypoxic/reoxygenation events. The nonsteroidal anti-inflamatory drug ...
Show moreThe excess generation of Reactive oxygen species (ROS) can damage cell components and disrupt cellular functions. Methionine in proteins is easily oxidized by ROS and converted to methionine sulfoxide. The enzyme peptide Methionine Sulfoxide Reductase reduces methionine sulfoxide back to methionine. We report here that MsrA over expression in rat cardiac myocytes prevents damage from ROS and increases cell viability after hypoxic/reoxygenation events. The nonsteroidal anti-inflamatory drug (NSAID) sulindac contains a methyl sulfoxide moiety that can scavenge ROS. Sulindac can be reduced by MsrA and contribute as an antioxidant in the cell. Our results demonstrate that 1 OOuM sulindac can reduce cell death in rat cardiac myocytes during hypoxia/reoxygenation, and ischemia/reperfusion in Langendorf[ perfusions. The BNIP proteins are pro-apoptotic members of the Bcl-2 family of apoptosis regulating proteins. Hypoxia/acidosis stabilizes BNIP-3 and increases its association with the mitochondria, causing the release of cytochrome C and cell death. We report the retrograde perfusion Langendorffmodel is inconclusive in mouse hearts.
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Date Issued: 2006
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00000820
Subject Headings: Mitochondrial pathology, Heart--Pathophysiology, Apoptosis, Cell differentiation
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Time-activity budgets and displacement rates in Florida manatees (Trichechus manatus) in the absence and presence of humans.
Creator: Abernathy, Jim., Florida Atlantic University, Adams, Ralph M.
Abstract/Description: The effects of human presence on displacement behavior and time-activity budgets of free-ranging manatees (Trichechus manatus) are poorly known. The congregation of manatees and human tourists in the warm waters of Crystal River, Florida, during the winter months offered a unique opportunity to study these effects. Focal animal sampling was used to gather behavioral data on manatees during randomly selected daylight sampling periods. Frequencies of displacement were correlated with numbers of...
Show moreThe effects of human presence on displacement behavior and time-activity budgets of free-ranging manatees (Trichechus manatus) are poorly known. The congregation of manatees and human tourists in the warm waters of Crystal River, Florida, during the winter months offered a unique opportunity to study these effects. Focal animal sampling was used to gather behavioral data on manatees during randomly selected daylight sampling periods. Frequencies of displacement were correlated with numbers of humans to determine if incidences of displacement were increased. Displacement increased with human presence. Maintenance and sexual behaviors decreased as human presence increased.
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Date Issued: 1995
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fcla/dt/15176
Subject Headings: Manatees--Florida, West Indian manatee--Florida, Human-animal relationships
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Thinking about sexual behavior: Action identification and sex education.
Creator: Busenbarrick, Elizabeth F., Florida Atlantic University, Vallacher, Robin R.
Abstract/Description: Action identification theory asserts that people undertake action with a particular identity for what they are doing, and that this identity is resistant to change. Emergence of a new understanding of action occurs when the person thinks about some detail of the action and is then exposed to a new higher level identity for the act. To test the emergence hypothesis with respect to sexual behavior, subjects were asked to think about having sex and list either the high level aspects (i.e.,...
Show moreAction identification theory asserts that people undertake action with a particular identity for what they are doing, and that this identity is resistant to change. Emergence of a new understanding of action occurs when the person thinks about some detail of the action and is then exposed to a new higher level identity for the act. To test the emergence hypothesis with respect to sexual behavior, subjects were asked to think about having sex and list either the high level aspects (i.e., consequences and implications of having sex) or lower level aspects (i.e., details of having sex). Subjects then read an article identifying sex as responsible behavior or physical pleasure. As predicted, subjects induced to think about the act of having sex in terms of its details expressed their cognitive representation of the act in a way which conformed with the target emergent identity (pleasure or responsibility) to which they were exposed.
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Date Issued: 1989
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fcla/dt/14557
Subject Headings: Sex (Psychology), Intentionalism, Sex, Sex instruction
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: A STUDY OF THE MORPHOLOGY AND ECOLOGICAL IMPACT OF TILAPIA AUREA (PISCES; CICHLIDAE) IN FLORIDA.
Creator: BLAKESLEY, HOWARD LYMAN., Florida Atlantic University, Courtenay, Walter R. Jr.
Abstract/Description: A description of Tilapia aurea based on specimens from Florida is presented with an updated synonomy. The Florida specimens are compared with descriptions of specimens from Israel. It is concluded that Florida specimens have the same range in morphological variability as specimens from Isreal. The experimental work completed here indicates that Tilapia aurea does not adversely affect native fish populations. It is speculated that Tilapia aurea may have stabilized the experimental fish...
Show moreA description of Tilapia aurea based on specimens from Florida is presented with an updated synonomy. The Florida specimens are compared with descriptions of specimens from Israel. It is concluded that Florida specimens have the same range in morphological variability as specimens from Isreal. The experimental work completed here indicates that Tilapia aurea does not adversely affect native fish populations. It is speculated that Tilapia aurea may have stabilized the experimental fish populations by a "polyculture effect."
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Date Issued: 1975
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fcla/dt/13704
Subject Headings: Tilapia--Florida, Fish populations--Florida
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Sex Wars: Evolved Psychological Sex Differences and Sexual Conflict in the Contexts of Infidelity, Persuasion, and Hip-Hop Song Lyrics.
Creator: Davies, Alastair P. C., Shackelford, Todd K., Florida Atlantic University
Abstract/Description: Although researchers agree that humans exhibit behavioral sex differences, there remains controversy over whether these sex differences are socially constructed or are the product of divergent evolutionary selection pressures on the psychologies of men and women. Through four studies, this dissertation presents evidence that behavioral sex differences have their origin in divergent evolutionary selection pressures and that these sex differences lead to conflict between the sexes. The first...
Show moreAlthough researchers agree that humans exhibit behavioral sex differences, there remains controversy over whether these sex differences are socially constructed or are the product of divergent evolutionary selection pressures on the psychologies of men and women. Through four studies, this dissertation presents evidence that behavioral sex differences have their origin in divergent evolutionary selection pressures and that these sex differences lead to conflict between the sexes. The first two studies investigate a type of sexual infidelity known as human mate poaching. The third study investigates the use of physical attractiveness as a tactic to persuade opposite-sex individuals. The fourth study documents expressions of hypothesized evolved psychological sex differences and sexual conflict in the lyrics of songs from hip-hop artists. The final chapter considers a social constructivist account for the origin of behavioral sex differences and argues that an evolutionary psychological account has greater explanatory power.
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Date Issued: 2008
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00000852
Subject Headings: Music--Social aspects--United States, Sex in music, Rap (Music)--Criticism and interpretation, Sex role--United States, Sex (Psychology)
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Signature whistle stability in wild female Atlantic spotted dolphins, Stenella frontalis.
Creator: Burris, Jennifer., Florida Atlantic University, Salmon, Michael
Abstract/Description: Previous qualitative assessment indicated that signature whistles of temporarily captured, free-ranging dolphins remain stable over periods of 2--12 years. This study reports on the stability of signature whistle parameters in wild female Atlantic spotted dolphins in the Bahamas over five or more years and between changes in age class. Signature whistles from seven female dolphins were pooled into blocks of 'early' and 'late' years for the time assessment. Signature whistles from five females...
Show morePrevious qualitative assessment indicated that signature whistles of temporarily captured, free-ranging dolphins remain stable over periods of 2--12 years. This study reports on the stability of signature whistle parameters in wild female Atlantic spotted dolphins in the Bahamas over five or more years and between changes in age class. Signature whistles from seven female dolphins were pooled into blocks of 'early' and 'late' years for the time assessment. Signature whistles from five females were pooled by age class for the second analysis. Duration, minimum frequency, maximum frequency, and change in frequency were measured from spectrograms of whistles for statistical analysis. No significant changes were found in any of the signature whistle parameters either between early and late periods of time or with a change in age class.
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Date Issued: 2004
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fcla/dt/13155
Subject Headings: Dolphins--Physiology, Animal communication, Atlantic spotted dolphin--Behavior, Animal sounds
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Social networks and behavioral characteristics of aggressive and victimized children.
Creator: Malone, Maurice James, Florida Atlantic University, Perry, David G.
Abstract/Description: Children nominated same-sex, same-grade peers on aggression, victimization, friendship, and behavioral characteristics. Results showed that aggressive children did not have fewer friends, but did have more enemies than nonaggressive children. Victimized children had fewer friends and more enemies than nonvictimized children. It was also shown that aggressive children's friends are also aggressive and victimized children's friends are other victims. Children who were both aggressive and...
Show moreChildren nominated same-sex, same-grade peers on aggression, victimization, friendship, and behavioral characteristics. Results showed that aggressive children did not have fewer friends, but did have more enemies than nonaggressive children. Victimized children had fewer friends and more enemies than nonvictimized children. It was also shown that aggressive children's friends are also aggressive and victimized children's friends are other victims. Children who were both aggressive and victimized were perceived as the most disruptive and least liked of all children. It was found that children's friends are indeed similar to them while their enemies are dissimilar.
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Date Issued: 1994
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fcla/dt/15004
Subject Headings: Aggressiveness in children, Social interaction in children, Children--Attitudes, Abused children--Attitudes
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Statistical physics based heuristic clustering algorithms with an application to econophysics.
Creator: Baldwin, Lucia Liliana, Florida Atlantic University, Wille, Luc T.
Abstract/Description: Three new approaches to the clustering of data sets are presented. They are heuristic methods and represent forms of unsupervised (non-parametric) clustering. Applied to an unknown set of data these methods automatically determine the number of clusters and their location using no a priori assumptions. All are based on analogies with different physical phenomena. The first technique, named the Percolation Clustering Algorithm, embodies a novel variation on the nearest-neighbor algorithm...
Show moreThree new approaches to the clustering of data sets are presented. They are heuristic methods and represent forms of unsupervised (non-parametric) clustering. Applied to an unknown set of data these methods automatically determine the number of clusters and their location using no a priori assumptions. All are based on analogies with different physical phenomena. The first technique, named the Percolation Clustering Algorithm, embodies a novel variation on the nearest-neighbor algorithm focusing on the connectivity between sample points. Exploiting the equivalence with a percolation process, this algorithm considers data points to be surrounded by expanding hyperspheres, which bond when they touch each other. Once a sequence of joined spheres spans an entire cluster, percolation occurs and the cluster size remains constant until it merges with a neighboring cluster. The second procedure, named Nucleation and Growth Clustering, exploits the analogy with nucleation and growth which occurs in island formation during epitaxial growth of solids. The original data points are nucleation centers, around which aggregation will occur. Additional "ad-data" that are introduced into the sample space, interact with the data points and stick if located within a threshold distance. These "ad-data" are used as a tool to facilitate the detection of clusters. The third method, named Discrete Deposition Clustering Algorithm, constrains deposition to occur on a grid, which has the advantage of computational efficiency as opposed to the continuous deposition used in the previous method. The original data form the vertexes of a sparse graph and the deposition sites are defined to be the middle points of this graphs edges. Ad-data are introduced on the deposition site and the system is allowed to evolve in a self-organizing regime. This allows the simulation of a phase transition and by monitoring the specific heat capacity of the system one can mark out a "natural" criterion for validating the partition. All of these techniques are competitive with existing algorithms and offer possible advantages for certain types of data distributions. A practical application is presented using the Percolation Clustering Algorithm to determine the taxonomy of the Dow Jones Industrial Average portfolio. The statistical properties of the correlation coefficients between DJIA components are studied along with the eigenvalues of the correlation matrix between the DJIA components.
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Date Issued: 2003
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fcla/dt/12032
Subject Headings: Cluster analysis, Statistical physics, Percolation (Statistical physics), Algorithms
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: THE USE OF TESTED OVERHEAD PROJECTION SERIES AS A SUPPLEMENT IN AN INTRODUCTORY PHYSICAL SCIENCE PROGRAM.
Creator: BOLLINGER, DAVID LININGER., Florida Atlantic University, Banter, John C.
Abstract/Description: This was prepared as a study of the effect the supplementary use of portions of a science course titled "Tested Overhead Projection Series" would have on an introductory physical science program. Four classes were used with similar ability and composition. Two classes were control and two were experimental. Comparison of results indicated some supplementary presentations may have improved learning, but when all presentations of the supplementary program are considered the results suggest this...
Show moreThis was prepared as a study of the effect the supplementary use of portions of a science course titled "Tested Overhead Projection Series" would have on an introductory physical science program. Four classes were used with similar ability and composition. Two classes were control and two were experimental. Comparison of results indicated some supplementary presentations may have improved learning, but when all presentations of the supplementary program are considered the results suggest this supplementary approach had little or no effect.
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Date Issued: 1974
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fcla/dt/13678
Subject Headings: Science--Study and teaching--Aids and devices, Chemistry--Experiments
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Utilization distribution as a predictor in modeling black rhino (Diceros bicornis) habitat in Africa's southern Rift Valley.
Creator: van der Heiden, Craig., Florida Atlantic University, Volin, John C.
Abstract/Description: An innovative technique of evaluating resource selection for black rhino (Diceros bicornis) was used to assess the population utilization distribution (PUD) within a rhino sanctuary in Liwonde National Park, Malawi. The PUD enabled an evaluation of responses to habitat variables over a spatial gradient of resource selection. A Geographic Information System (GIS) was constructed using vegetation, browse availability, roads, rivers, water holes and satellite imagery. Linear models were...
Show moreAn innovative technique of evaluating resource selection for black rhino (Diceros bicornis) was used to assess the population utilization distribution (PUD) within a rhino sanctuary in Liwonde National Park, Malawi. The PUD enabled an evaluation of responses to habitat variables over a spatial gradient of resource selection. A Geographic Information System (GIS) was constructed using vegetation, browse availability, roads, rivers, water holes and satellite imagery. Linear models were developed to quantify habitat variables within the black rhino sanctuary and park. The sanctuary model was calibrated within a known core area (R^2=0.42, P<0.001), validated in a second area (R^2=0.56, P<0.001) within the sanctuary and, subsequently, used to predict potential black rhino habitat within the remaining sanctuary boundaries. The model for the entire Liwonde National Park predicted additional black rhino habitat (R^2=0.25, P<0.05). Population utilization distribution was found to be a powerful conservation tool for determining suitable black rhino habitat.
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Date Issued: 2005
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fcla/dt/13296
Subject Headings: Habitat selection--Statistical methods, Liwonde National Park (Malawi), Rift Valley Province (Kenya), Wildlife conservation--Africa, Habitat (Ecology)
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Trophic Ecology of the Slender Snipe Eel, Nemichthys scolopaceus (Anguilliformes: Nemichthyidae).
Creator: Feagans, Jennifer N., Sutton, Tracey T., Florida Atlantic University
Abstract/Description: Roughly 92% of the total volume of Earth's oceans is considered deep sea. The eel species, Nemichthys scolopaceus, inhabits these waters, and little is known of its diet, its place within pelagic food webs, and its overall ecological impact. In this study we quantitatively estimate the abundance, feeding and predation impact of this key predator. Specimens were collected in 2004 along Georges Bank as part of the Census of Marine Life Gulf of Maine project. Gut contents were analyzed,...
Show moreRoughly 92% of the total volume of Earth's oceans is considered deep sea. The eel species, Nemichthys scolopaceus, inhabits these waters, and little is known of its diet, its place within pelagic food webs, and its overall ecological impact. In this study we quantitatively estimate the abundance, feeding and predation impact of this key predator. Specimens were collected in 2004 along Georges Bank as part of the Census of Marine Life Gulf of Maine project. Gut contents were analyzed, revealing thirteen prey types, primarily euphausiids and decapod crustaceans. Other potential prey (i.e. fishes) were absent from the diet, suggesting a fairly selective feeding preference. Of the 85 fish species collected, N scolopaceus ranked second in abundance and first in total fish biomass. Therefore, this species is not only a large biomass contributor, but perhaps cycles a great deal of macrocrustacean carbon through deep-pelagic fishes in this, and likely other, ecosystems.
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Date Issued: 2008
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00000760
Subject Headings: Predatory marine animals--Ecology, Marine ecosystem management, Aquatic ecology
Format: Document (PDF)

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