It is suggested by researchers and educational experts that viewing educational television programs may be a good way to improve the language and literacy development for children, especially those in immigrant families. In an immigrant family, many family characteristics appear to be related to educational television program viewing of children at home, for example, parental acculturation (the process of adapting to the new culture) and parental mediation (supervision and guidance) of television viewing. In the present thesis work, the author reviewed some of these family characteristics and investigated how they interact with children's educational program viewing. This is a quantitative study, based on a sample (n = 171) of parents with children at 3-6 in immigrant families collected across the United States. The subsequent survey data analysis was conducted by utilizing one-way ANOVA and Structural Equation Modeling techniques. The key findings include: (1) Hispanic children watched significantly more educational television than Asian children; (2) there were significant differences between Asian and Hispanic groups in coviewing mediation, but not in instructive and restrictive mediation; (3) language in parental acculturation significantly predicted instructive and restrictive parental mediation of television viewing; (4) parental mediation was not a mediating variable between parental acculturation and children's educational television program viewing. / A Thesis submitted to the Department of Educational Psychology and Learning Systems in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science. / Spring Semester, 2012. / December 7, 2011. / Acculturation, Educational television, Immigrant family, Parental mediation / Includes bibliographical references. / Beth M. Phillips, Professor Directing Thesis; Alysia D. Roehrig, Committee Member; Yanyun Yang, Committee Member.

Outward urban growth, driven by increasing population, economic development, and technological advancement, has become a worldwide phenomenon. Such growth is often viewed as the vitality of a regional economy. But it has brought negative impacts on the environment such as biodiversity loss, soil erosion, hydrological perturbation, water and solid pollution, and global warming. Monitoring and modeling urban spatial growth are important for environmental sustainability and urban planning. This dissertation research has aimed at the investigation of urban growth patterns, urban growth processes, and their relevance through the lens of complexity theory to improve our understanding of the spatial and temporal dynamics of urban growth in a rapidly growing metropolitan area. Central to this research effort is the development of a technological framework that tightly integrates satellite imagery processing, artificial intelligence, and geographic information systems (GIS). Specifically, this project includes two principle components. One is to examine the use of artificial neural networks for improving urban land cover change detection from remote sensor data. Due to their capability of dealing with nonlinear and complex phenomena, integrating artificial neural networks with remote sensing has improved the performance of image classification for the fragmented and heterogeneous landscape in an urban environment. The other component is to characterize urban spatial growth at the metropolitan, functional zone, and cell levels by using three approaches: urban land change mapping, landscape metrics analysis, and moving windows analysis. This part of the research has provided insights into urban growth dynamics in urban societies that are not comparable to either industrial or post-industrial cities in the United States through measuring the spatial and temporal variations of urban patterns and processes at different scales. These societies have unique urban forms and development trajectories due to technological robustness and contemporary international and domestic socio-economic conditions. / A Dissertation submitted to the Department of Geography in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy. / Spring Semester, 2012. / March 14, 2012. / artificial neural networks, GIS, landscape metrics, remote sensing, urban growth pattern / Includes bibliographical references. / Xiaojun Yang, Professor Directing Dissertation; Timothy S. Chapin, University Representative; James B. Elsner, Committee Member; Jon A. Stallins, Committee Member; Trajco V. Mesev, Committee Member.

Periodization signifies an athletic training program with structured variations in training volume and intensity to elicit peak performance for a pre-determined date at the completion of the structured training program. A type of periodized training, called linear periodization (LP), has long been utilized with seldom variations in volume and intensity occurring every few weeks. Moreover, in the preceding two decades, daily undulating periodization (DUP) has been examined in regards to its efficacy for resistance training outcomes. DUP employs volume and intensity alterations within a training program for every session as opposed to the infrequent changes in training variables prescribed with LP. The majority of this research has demonstrated DUP to produce significantly greater one-repetition maximum (1RM) strength gains when compared to LP. Nevertheless, it is important to continue to investigate DUP in an effort to further optimize this type of training program. Therefore, the predominant aim of the present study was to examine 1RM strength adaptations in response to two different models of DUP (a modified DUP in comparison to a tradition DUP model). Further, we investigated the effects, which these training protocols had on anabolic and catabolic blood hormonal response. Eighteen male, college-aged powerlifters (body weight: 182.00 ± 25.12lbs.) were recruited for this study and assigned to one of two groups with a different weekly training order: 1) hypertrophy, strength, and power (HSP: Traditional DUP) or 2) hypertrophy, power, and strength (HPS: Modified DUP). The study lasted a total of eight weeks with each group performing a pre-testing 1RM during the first week, followed by 6 weeks of DUP training, and a post-testing 1RM during the last week. Subjects performed only the powerlifts (squat, bench press, and deadlift exercises) on testing and training days. During hypertrophy and power training sessions, subjects performed a fixed number of sets and repetitions, which progressed from week to week. However, during strength training sessions, subjects were instructed to perform repetitions until volitional failure at a given percentage in order to measure total volume (TV) of exercise performed. Additionally, blood was collected 30 minutes prior to the strength training sessions to examine alterations in hormonal markers; testosterone and cortisol in response to the DUP training protocols. Hormonal analysis was conducted using enzyme linked immunosorbent (ELISA) assay kits. For 1RM squat there was a main time effect (p<0.05); however, no difference existed between increases for HSP (+7.93%) and HPS (+10.48%). Regarding bench press, only HPS significantly increased their 1RM by 8.13%, while the 1RM bench press in HSP did not significantly increase over the course of the study. There was an overall main time effect for 1RM deadlift increase (HSP: +6.70%, HPS: +7.57%) and powerlifting total (HSP: 6.70%, HPS: +8.66%), but no difference existed between groups for either measure. TV in HPS was significantly greater (p<0.05) than HSP for squat, bench press, and powerlifting total; however, there was no difference between groups (p>0.05) for the deadlift. Concerning testosterone and cortisol there was no group effect (p>0.05). Each variable, however, experienced an overall main time effect (p<0.05) with testosterone concentrations being significantly lower than pre-testing levels during weeks 5 and 6 of training, while cortisol experienced a decline during training weeks 3 and 4. Both hormones recovered to pre-testing levels in the following weeks. Our findings suggest that DUP training is effective for providing significant strength benefits over a 6-week training period in already trained powerlifters. Further, the modified DUP model (HPS) may provide additional 1RM benefits in the bench press over a 6-week training period due to an increased TV of exercise. / A Dissertation submitted to the Department of Nutrition, Food and Exercise Sciences in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy. / Spring Semester, 2012. / March 26, 2012. / Periodization, Powerlifting, Resistance Training, Skeletal Muscle, Squats Deadlifts, Strength / Includes bibliographical references. / Jeong-Su Kim, Professor Directing Dissertation; Robert J. Contreras, University Representative; Lynn B. Panton, Committee Member.

This dissertation presents the results of an exploratory study which examined the use of synchronous text-based communication technologies (SMS texting and instant messaging) by undergraduate university students generally 18 to 24 years old. Preliminary focus groups were conducted in order to gain additional understanding of their usage of these communication technologies and to help refine the final questions used in the online survey. About a third of the over 200 students contacted, participated in the online survey investigating their usage of these technologies. The study revealed that among this group, SMS texting is the most frequently used synchronous text-based technology but many are also using other types such as Facebook Chat and instant messaging. This group used multiple devices to conduct their communications with text-enabled cell phones and laptop computers being the most widely used. While mobility is claimed to be an important advantage of these devices and technologies, over 82% of their communications take place from their home, dorm room, or workplace. The students also find these synchronous text-based technologies to be overwhelmingly effective for communicating with friends, siblings, and acquaintances but much less so for communicating with parents, teachers, and employers. One unanticipated finding from the study was that 37% of the undergraduate students were actually over 24 years old. This finding opened up another avenue of investigation, a comparison of the responses of the students from the two age groups. Numerous measurable differences were discovered between the two age groups when their responses we analyzed. Finally, the study explored some relevant theories which may explain in part or in whole the texting behaviors of undergraduate students as observed in the study. Three theories that fall into this category were examined: Media Richness Theory, the Technology Acceptance Model, and the Uses and Gratifications Theory. / A Dissertation submitted to the School of Library and Information Studies in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy. / Fall Semester, 2012. / October 25, 2012. / College Students, Information Behavior, Instant Messaging, SMS, Technology, Texting / Includes bibliographical references. / Gary Burnett, Professor Directing Dissertation; Laura Arpan, University Representative; Michelle Kazmer, Committee Member; Mia Lustria, Committee Member.

Construction is a major industry in the United States. In 2010, over $506 billion was spent in construction and construction-related activity, amounting to over 3.4% of Gross Domestic Product (GDP). $21.2 billion, or 0.6% of federal outlays for 2010 was spent on military construction. This accounts for nearly 4% of total construction annually. This study examined three variables in the life of an Air Force military construction (MILCON) project: the programmed amount (PA), the contract award (CA), and the final current working estimate (CWE). These variables, respectively, reflect the initial planning budget (PA), the actual contractor's estimate and bid (CA), and the final, actual cost of the project to the Air Force (CWE). Statistical hypothesis tests showed there is an appreciable difference between each variable. Generally speaking, the PA is higher than the CA, but the CWE approaches the PA at end of the project. The study suggests several reasons for this, including contractor estimate errors or "bad faith", non-inclusion of inflation, and initial estimate inaccuracy. The results of this study can be used to better analyze contractors' bids as well as initial budgetary estimates to get a more accurate picture of the cost of a particular MILCON project. / A Thesis submitted to the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science. / Fall Semester, 2012. / November 5, 2012. / Cost Engineering, Government Construction, Military Construction / Includes bibliographical references. / John O. Sobanjo, Professor Directing Thesis; Yassir Abdelrazig, Committee Member; Lisa Spainhour, Committee Member.

Functional ferroelectric and magnetic materials have played an important role of modern technology in the sensor or storage device industries. Ferroelectricity and ferromagnetism emerge from different origins. However, it is discovered that these two seemingly unrelated phenomena can actually coexist in materials called multiferroics. Since current trends toward device miniaturization have increased interests in combining electronic and magnetic properies into multifunctional materials, multiferroics have attracted great attention. Ferromagnetic ferroelectric multiferroics are especially fascinating not only because they have both ferroic properties, but also because of the magnetoelectric coupling which leads the interaction between the magnetic and electric polarization. Recent theoretical breakthroughs in understanding the coexistence of magnetic and electrical ordering have regenerated a great interests in research of such magnetoelectric multiferroics. The long-sought control of electric polarization by magneticfields was recently discovered in `frustrated magnets', for example the perovskites RMnO3, RMn2O5 (R: rare earth elements), Ni3V2O8, delafossite CuFeO2, spinel CoCr2O4, MnWO4, etc. In this dissertation, I have explored several magnetoelectric materials and multiferroics, which show significant magnetoelectric interactions between electric and magnetic orderings. The objects of my projects are focused on understanding the origins of such magnetoelectric couplings and establishing the magnetic/electric phase diagrams and the spin structures. I believe that my works would help to understand the mechanisms of magnetoelectric effects and multiferroics. / A Dissertation submitted to the Department of Physics in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy. / Fall Semester, 2012. / October 18, 2012. / dielectric, magnetization, magnetoelectric, multiferroic, polarization / Includes bibliographical references. / Eun Sang Choi, Professor Directing Dissertation; Pedro Schlottmann, Professor Co-Directing Dissertation; Naresh S. Dalal, University Representative; James S. Brooks, Committee Member; Volker Credé, Committee Member; Haidong Zhou, Committee Member.

This paper investigates the stability issues in an islanded microgrid. A microgrid, once disconnected from the main grid, has to entirely depend on the Distributed Generators (DG), which are mostly intermittent renewable sources (e.g. PV, Wind Turbine etc.). This makes it necessary to achieve proper sharing of power, as it is not possible to supply the entire microgrid by a single source. Frequency and angle droop along with supplementary and adaptive control methods are analyzed and compared to identify the better method for accurate load sharing. However, the conventional droop methods, which are designed for inductive microgrids, allow an error in reactive power sharing when applied in a resistive microgrid. Therefore, a secondary control is proposed for improving the accuracy of reactive power sharing. The droop method alone is not enough in situations of severe power outages, like loss of a DG unit. Use of an Energy Storage System (e.g. Battery) is proposed to serve both as a storage unit for the intermittent sources and also to prevent voltage collapse by supplying the required voltage to the load bus. In addition to that, an advanced load shedding scheme is proposed to sustain the important loads, in times of extreme power crisis. Voltage unbalance caused by harmonic distortion, due to the presence of unbalanced/non-linear loads may result in voltage collapse. A selective harmonic compensation method along with local droop controller illustrates an effective way of restoring voltage balance, even with the harmonic polluted loads connected to the network. In addition to this, the role of a programmable resistance with shunt harmonic impedance (PR-SHI) in harmonic compensation is investigated in this paper. This method is shown to allow a reduced harmonic current and achieve an accurate sharing of the harmonic compensation effort among the DG units. Lastly, a scenario of excess generation, very uncommon to the conventional grid, has been discussed in this paper. Charging of battery unit and generation of heat energy, by using Smart Loads is proposed to be the most effective way of utilizing the excess generated power. This thesis presents a unique work of bringing together different control techniques used for stability of microgrid and analyzing and comparing them in order to find the best fit for each of the possible cases in an islanded microgrid. Lastly, it recommends solutions for each case. / A Thesis submitted to the Department of Electrical Engineering in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science. / Fall Semester, 2012. / October 31, 2012. / Includes bibliographical references. / Bruce Harvey, Professor Directing Thesis; Chris Edrington, Committee Member; Rodney Roberts, Committee Member.

Information Communication Technologies (ICTs) have played a significant role in development and have contributed to radical changes in some parts of the world in the past three decades or longer. At the same time, there are parts of the world where ICTs have not reached and there has been little or no development arising from the applications of these technologies. In some countries, women are not provided equal opportunities to access and use ICTs to improve their lives. This study reviews the literature in the field of ICTs for economic empowerment for women and will analyze some of the projects designed to use ICTs for women. The study uses a capabilities approach as the conceptual framework and employs qualitative techniques to collect data. Focus groups, interviews and document reviews are conducted with participants, staff members and development experts to evaluate the role of SEWA's ICT activities in changing capabilities. Nussbaum's list of capabilities based on the capabilities approach by Amartya Sen is used to provide indicators, based on which the questionnaire is designed. The social processes that affect women's ability to use ICTs also influence the analysis of the effectiveness of ICTs and capabilities. Most of the staff members reported a change in capabilities as compared to the participants of the ICT programs. However, some women did not report any change in capabilities as they refused to break social and family barriers. / A Dissertation submitted to the School of Communication in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy. / Fall Semester, 2012. / November 2, 2012. / capabilities, Development, economic empowerment, Empowerment, Information Communication Technology, social change / Includes bibliographical references. / Stephen McDowell, Professor Directing Dissertation; Gary Heald, Committee Member; Ulla Bunz, Committee Member; John Mayo, Committee Member; Kathleen Burnett, Outside Committee Member.

Empirical research has consistently shown that married males earn more than single, never married males. Similar research for females is scarce. This dissertation is a collection of three essays on the female marriage premium. The results provide evidence for a strong association between marital status and higher wages and signify changing preferences and household structures. They also suggest decreased specialization gains within a household and a more equitable distribution of labor and time on household tasks and market activities among married males and females. The first and the second essays are aimed at identifying the existence and ascertaining the source of the female marriage premium. They provide the first in-depth study of the female marriage premium, using two semi-parametric techniques that have not been applied to this literature previously. Selection on observable attributes is examined using cross-section propensity score matching methods. Selection on unobservable characteristics is explored using Heckman's conditional difference-in-difference model. Both techniques create a quasi-experimental data set, without imposing functional form assumptions or exclusion restrictions. unlike previous literature, I have used recent data from the 2007 wave of Current Population Survey (CPS) and the 2001-2007 waves of the Panel Study of Income Dynamics (PSIC). The analysis confirms that marriage itself does not cause an increase in women's wages. The observed 'female marriage premium' occurs due to the presence of time-invariant unobserved heterogeneity that makes these women attractive in the labor market as well as the marriage market. As a result, women with higher earning potential are more likely to get married, not due to the presence of better and more attractive observable characteristics, but due to the existences of desirable unobserved traits. The last essay tests gender role specialization and division of labor practiced among working couples. / A Dissertation submitted to the Department of Economics in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy. / Summer Semester, 2011. / June 30, 2011. / Condition Difference in Difference, Female Wages, Longitudinal Panel Matching, Marriage Premium, Propensity Score Matching, Selection / Includes bibliographical references. / Carl P. Schmertmann, Professor Directing Dissertation; Karin L. Brewster, University Representative; Frank Heiland, Committee Member; Anastasia Semykina, Committee Member.

First, this study draws on a multidisciplinary social science literature on institutions to outline the concept of institutional informalism, which is then developed further into two related sub-concepts: urban informalism and bureaucratic informalism. The central thesis of both frameworks is that informality can be seen as a process of interaction between the institutional rationalities of the formal institutions of the state and informal institutions of society in which the former is shaped by the latter. Second, as part of the critical review of literature, the concept of `urban informalism' is used to analyze five empirical case examples drawn from the literature as a way to assess what the contemporary idea of urban informality means for policy and practice and the governance of local areas when considered in its alternative understandings as urban informalism. The critical review concludes that urban informality can be seen as a constantly ongoing institutional process in which urban informal actors in pursuit of everyday aspirations of city life knit and reknit the composite institutional fabric and appropriate the monopolized epistemic enactments of the city in an urban theater of unequal power. This can be seen in the infinite processes of experimentation, power play and institutionalization that sustain the effective governing framework in a constant state of flux and reinvention. Third, using the second sub-concept of bureaucratic informalism, I use qualitative methods of study to examine the transactional experiences of urban residents of Accra as it relates to the access to public sector services and opportunities and I identify the informal structures and relations that shape such public sector transactions. Firstly, consistent with theory and existing empirical work, the study finds that informal relational structures in the form of kinship, friendship and co-ethnicity play an important role in facilitating access to public sector services and opportunities. Secondly, the study finds new evidence regarding informal structures and relations of power associated with partisanship and the exploitation of incumbency and the leveraging of power by officialdom and the wealthy urban middle class. The study finds that such leveraging of power enables powerful individuals and their affiliates to obtain privileged access to services and opportunities in the public sector. Such leveraging of power also enables the powerful and the wealthy to appropriate legally and illegally the resources and protections of the law and public policy. It also enables them to play by different sets of rules and standards outside the framework of law and public policy. / A Dissertation submitted to the Department of Urban and Regional Planning in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy. / Fall Semester, 2012. / October 26, 2012. / access to public services, informal governance, informal networks, institutional theory, institutions and governance in Africa, urban informality / Includes bibliographical references. / Rebecca Miles, Professor Directing Dissertation; Jim Cobbe, University Representative; Petra Doan, Committee Member.