Multi-rate demodulator architecture

A unique digital multi-rate demodulator (MRD) architecture is presented for onboard satellite communications processing. The multi-rate feature enables the same demodulator hardware to process either one wideband channel (WBC), or process up to thirty-two independent narrowband channels (NBC) that are time division multiplexed (TDM). The MRD can process many quadrature modulation format such as offset quadrature phase shift keying (OQPSK). Possible applications include voice and data transmission for commercial or military users

Building Homes and Hopes in Bangalore, India

Habitat for Humanity Global Village is an organization that continuously sends volunteers to work on construction projects around the world. My team and I were chosen to go to a village in Bangalore, India, where we dug and poured home foundations for three families in need. Given the opportunity to combine my love for construction and my passion for helping those in need, I was certain that this was the senior project for me. I wanted the capstone of my college educational experience to reflect a hands-on approach, where I had the opportunity to make a difference and see an achievement at the end of it. During my trip I was immersed in the culture and welcomed by the local villagers who were kind and generous. I learned about Indian culture, tried different spicy foods, and above all discovered different methods of construction

Predictors For Student Success On The National Board Dental Hygiene Examination (NBDHE)

The primary focus of this research was to determine if any link exists to pre-entry grade point average (GPA), science-based didactic dental hygiene course GPA, and graduation GPA and success on the National Board of Dental Examinations, Inc. (NBDHE). Results were gathered through NBDHE score reports from Southern Illinois University Carbondale’s (SIUC) dental hygiene program as well as GPA and course grades from the SIUC Registrar’s office for graduates from the Class of 2012-2022. Pre-entry GPA, graduation GPA, and individual science-based didactic dental hygiene courses were evaluated by using the course grades “A, B, or C” as “pass” and “D or F” as “fail” based on the curriculum requirements of the SIUC dental hygiene program

Formal and Informal Environmental Education in the Northern Gulf of Mexico

With funding from the Gulf of Mexico Program-Environmental Protection Agency and in parnership with the Grand Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve, the Center for Science and Mathematics Education at The University of Southern Mississippi provides environmental education for under-represented and underserved K-12 students in Alabama, Louisiana and Mississippi, and the general public of the Gulf Region through teacher workshops, school visits, Coastal Ecology Camps and community evening programs. All 10 participating schools have a minority enrollment greater than 50 percent and include Alexandria Middle Magnet School, Alexandria, La.; Sherwood Middle Magnet School, Baton Rouge, La.; Gulfport Central Middle School, Gulfport, Miss.; N.R. Burger Middle School, Hattiesburg, Miss.; West Marion Elementary School, Foxworth, Miss.; Katherine L. Hankins Middle School, Theodore, Ala.; Donnie Bickman Middle School, Shreveport, La.; Ferriday Junior High School, Ferriday, La.; T.H. Harris Middle School, Metairie, La.; and Tupelo Middle School, Tupelo, Miss. Two teachers from each school receive professional development through lectures, hands-on activities and field trips in environmental literacy and stewardship ethics at Southern Miss\u27 Marine Education Center/Gulf Coast Research Laboratory and the Grand Bay NERR. During subsequent school-year visits to schools, profect staff lead students in conducting water quality and land cover GLOBE protocols or bring Touch Tanks for studnts (2,394 students to date) to see, handle and learn about marine life. Teachers then bring students (175 students to date) to the coast for field experiences at the Grand Bay NERR, Ship Island or the Pascagoula River. Post-test scores of both teachers and students show significant gains in content knowledge, and surveys used to collect qualitative data show enhanced appreciation for the environment. Funding has also provided 11 community evening My Coast events (on topics such as salt marshes, estuaries, bats, owls, flounders, etc.) with a total of 853 people in attendance

Elementary Educators’ Perceptions of Practices that Contribute to Literacy Achievement

The purpose of this qualitative study was to investigate and examine specific kindergarten through third grade practices perceived as contributing to literacy achievement at 3 high-achieving elementary schools within the Washington County Virginia Public School System. The study was completed through a process of open-ended interviews with participants comprising classroom teachers, reading specialists, and administrators. The findings from this study may assist practitioners by providing information relative to programs, resources and instructional strategies that are perceived as contributing to literacy achievement. The findings of this study suggested that the perceptions among classroom teachers, reading specialists, and administrators regarding literacy practices were parallel. In summation, the participants’ perceptions included a balanced approach to literacy instruction with an emphasis on the following: phonics acquisition in kindergarten through second grade; a focus on explicit comprehension instruction beginning in third grade; development of vocabulary to increase background knowledge and comprehension; frequent opportunities for independent reading practice; targeted instruction in small-group and one-on-one settings; and the use of supplemental literacy and assessment resources. Recommendations from this study included the consideration of providing balanced literacy instruction in kindergarten through third grade; an emphasis on phonics skills in kindergarten through second grade, and an emphasis on comprehension skills beginning in third grade; frequent and consistent guided and independent reading time within the classroom setting; an increased emphasis on vocabulary development; the provision of targeted small-group and one-on-one instruction; and the use of supplemental literacy and assessment resources

Condom Use among Young African American Men: Implications for Planning Interventions

Condom Use among Young African American Men: Implications for Planning Interventions Sexually transmitted diseases, including HIV, continue to present significant public health problems affecting young people in the United States, especially African Americans. While African Americans make up about 12% of the U.S. population, in 2010 they accounted for 44% of new HIV infections in 2010 and 48% of all persons living with AIDS in 2007. The 2010 data shows that of these new cases, 38% occurred among African American males ages 13-24 years old. Correct condom use remains a challenge in this population and efforts to increase condom use among minority males has been a formidable challenge. This paper reports the results of formative research conducted in order to guide the development of an intervention to increase consistent, effective condom use for young African American males. Methods: A snowball sampling approach was used to recruit participants. African American males, ages 18-24, who self-reported as sexually active were eligible to participate in one of four focus groups or one of six individual interviews. All study events were conducted at community locations. Each event was audiotaped and notes were taken. Analysis was performed using using NVivo-9. The coding strategy included emic and etic codes and a coding tree was developed which was used to identify themes. Results: A total of 36 African American males between the ages of 18-24 (mean 20.7 years) took part. In general, participants felt condom use was highly influenced by contextual factors including partner interest, partner communication, length of relationship and trust. Condom use was also influenced by a sense of invincibility and being caught up in the moment. Notably, most sexual activity occurred outside of a relationship, most often within the party scene or as quickly arranged hook-ups. Analysis: In order to ensure maximum impact on the development of the intervention, the results from this formative phase were viewed through the Transtheoretical Model of Behavior Change (TTM) and most participants would be described as being in the pre-contemplation or contemplation stages of behavioral change. While all participants expressed some understanding of the risks of unprotected sex, many did not connect risks to consequences. While the data did not indicate that condom use behavior was likely to change in the short-term (less than 6 months), several participants were contemplating making a change. Discussion: The snowball sampling approach allowed us to understand the participants’ social network and allowed us to consider social influences as well as about individual attitudes and beliefs. In the TTM frame, interventions designed for this population need to include contemplators and pre-contemplators and should focus on modification of cognition, affect and behaviors. Our research also shows that several of the underlying assumptions of TTM are at odds with the framework within which sex often occurs for this population and condom use decisions are highly influenced by the social context. In light of the results, the intervention placed condom use into a health promotion context. It combines group activities and one-on-one interaction. Group activities can impact shared values and beliefs and, thus, the intervention builds social support for behavior changes while addressing individual capacity