Some stability theorems for ordinary difference equations

Stability theorems using invariance properties of difference equation solution

A LumberJack Sunflower, Blooming from Undergraduate Research

My research focus is a case study on my own self, blooming from the growth that I have experienced from #brfloodsfa, my School of Social Work, and the 2017 Undergraduate Research Conference

Asymptotic stability of sampled nonlinear systems with variable sampling periods -- A bionic application Discussion

Developing Vidals and Laurents criteria for asymptotic stability of nonlinear sampled system using Liapunov function

Fixed-base simulator investigation of lightweight vehicles for lunar escape to orbit with kinesthetic attitude control and simplified manual guidance

Piloted simulator investigation of lightweight vehicles for emergency lunar escape to orbit with kinesthetic attitude control and simplified manual guidanc

Assessing The Impact of Conflict-Type on Decision-Effectiveness in Top Management Teams: The Moderating Effect of Attributions, Emotions, Conflict-Handling Behavior, and The Environment

Conflict is considered a multi-dimensional concept conveying both constructive and destructive overtones. Within a strategic decision-making team, conflict can have positive and negative effects, which collectively are considered `paradoxical\u27 because they can simultaneously lead to improved group decisions along with decreased member commitment. Decision quality and commitment to the decision are a requisite of high performance; yet, some suggest that these cannot co-exist because of conflict\u27s paradoxical effects in the decision-making process. The early consensus on conflict research suggests that one form of conflict, i.e. cognitive, yields positive effects, whereas another form of conflict, i.e. affective, yields negative results. Not surprisingly, then, these findings have led to practical implications that organizations should encourage increasing levels of cognitive conflict while completely avoiding affective conflict. However, recent findings have suggested that cognitive conflict has a threshold beyond which its positive effects cease to exist. Additionally, other findings suggest that affective conflict may yield a silver lining. This dissertation puts forth that existing conflict theory is incomplete because it marginalizes certain real-world phenomenon (e.g. presence and assessment of emotions, attributions, conflict-handling behaviors, and organizational crises). The findings in this dissertation suggest that the effects of conflict are not as direct or unwavering as currently believed. First, this dissertation establishes that cognitive conflict is a nonlinear phenomenon and also establishes the threshold beyond which cognitive conflict ceases to have functional effects. Through the effects of certain moderating influences, the findings reveal how higher levels of cognitive conflict can be achieved while still yielding positive results from the conflict episode. Next, this dissertation addresses gaps in the literature to assess the effects of emotions, conflict-handling behaviors, and the environmental context in the conflict process. Additionally, the effects of individual attributions in the conflict process are also assessed. The findings in this dissertation reveal that the relationships between conflict-type and decision outcomes (e.g. speed, quality, and commitment) are conditional upon the moderating influence of anger, competitive and collaborative behaviors, and high- and low-level crisis situations. Additionally, this dissertation finds that the relationships between conflict-type, anger, and conflict-handling behavior are themselves conditional upon an individual\u27s attribution inferences. The biggest contributions of this dissertation are in establishing the moderating roles of emotions, conflict-handling behavior, environmental context, and attributional inferences, respectively. Important findings are discussed, in terms of significant theoretical contributions and practical implications, within the scope of the dissertation\u27s limitations. Finally, this dissertation culminates with suggestions for future research

IT TAKES A VILLAGE: INTEGRATING FIREHOUSE HUBS TO ENCOURAGE COOPERATION AMONG POLICE, FIRE, AND THE PUBLIC

Tension and hostility between police officers and society seem to be on the rise, and officers and firefighters alike face violence and other threats on a daily basis. While these agencies strive to protect and serve, they often overlook each other, failing to recognize what a cooperative front might do to improve public relations. This thesis explores the idea of using firehouses as central hubs of collaboration to improve the trust, cooperation, and safety of police officers, firefighters, and the public. The research consisted of focus group discussions obtained from three specific Oklahoma groups: Owasso firefighters, Tulsa police officers, and Tulsa citizens. The research indicates that most participants are in favor of community-centered efforts, including the proposed firehouse hub concept. This study also reveals differing views among the groups regarding the benefits and challenges of such strategies, as well as insight and suggestions for their success. Showcasing Tulsa, Oklahoma, this thesis recommends using existing fire stations as catalysts to encourage police-officer foot patrols and to foster better relationships, cooperation, and safety among all groups. This thesis suggests that better collaboration between police officers and firefighters might significantly influence positive change and improve the relationships and safety of first responders and the public.http://archive.org/details/ittakesavillagei1094560412Outstanding ThesisCivilianApproved for public release; distribution is unlimited

Some aspects of difference equations

Some aspects of difference equation

Evaluating the physical welfare of dogs in commercial breeding facilities in the United States

Despite high levels of public concern, the state of commercial breeding (CB) dog welfare is largely unknown. Therefore, this study aimed to characterize the physical welfare of dogs in CB facilities and their environment in Indiana. This study specifically aimed 1) to characterize dog foot health in CB facilities as a function of the length of time dogs were housed on a given flooring substrate, 2) to characterize visual dog body cleanliness and visual kennel cleanliness as a function of the flooring substrate, 3) to determine the efficacy of kennel cleaning procedures and 4) to characterize the dog dental and ear health in CB facilities. With these aims in mind, physical examinations assessing foot, hock and elbow health; periodontal disease (PD) and ear health were performed on 118 dogs at five CB facilities in Odon, Indiana. Indoor flooring types were diamond-shaped coated expanded metal, polypropylene, or concrete. Dogs also had access to concrete outdoor runs and play yards containing natural surfaces. Time housed at the facility and body condition (BCS) were likely to influence foot health. Therefore, additional data collected included length of time housed at the facility and BCS. To characterize kennel and dog body cleanliness, visual cleanliness scores (scale 1-5; 1= clean) were recorded for both. To determine fecal contamination, kennel floors were swabbed after routine cleaning using electrostatic dry cloths, and later cultured for E. coli. Breed size and age likely influenced PD, so data was collected for both. PD (scale of 0-4; 0=normal), ear erythema as well as ear debris and excess hair (scale 1-4; 1= normal) were also visually scored. Because of high variation between facilities and breeds, descriptive statistics were used for analysis and results were stratified by facility. Most foot health problems observed were minor (e.g. matted foot hair n=50, or minor footpad fissures (cracks) n=6). Severe foot health conditions such as cutaneous lesions (n=6) or cysts (n=2) were rare. There was not a tendency to see increased foot health problems with increased time the dogs were housed at their respective facilities. BCS was ideal for most dogs assessed (3=ideal; mean BCS= 3.2). The most common elbow or hock health problem was alopecia (n=16). Both dogs and kennels were clean, as mean kennel and dog cleanliness scores were 1.2 and 1.0, respectively (1=clean). The percentage of individual kennels that were culture-positive for E.coli after routine cleaning ranged from 7% to 31% among facilities. Twenty-nine dogs showed evidence of PD after visual examination, which was more common in smaller sized dogs. Findings also showed that nine dogs examined had ear erythema. Additionally, 28 dogs examined had excess ear debris and 23 dogs had excess hair, which was more common in long haired breeds. Results suggested that the flooring types assessed were not inherently detrimental to dog foot health, but management practices (e.g. access to multiple surfaces) likely had a large effect. Dogs and kennels were visually clean, indicating that current management procedures (e.g. grooming or cleaning regimen) were effective for maintenance of unsoiled conditions. The range in fecal contamination suggested that the cleaning products and protocols impacted fecal contamination to different degrees regardless of flooring type. Long hair breeds may need more ear care, while smaller sized dogs may require increased dental care. The preventive care likely contributed to the majority of dogs having low dental and ear health concerns. It is also possible that the visual scales missed signs of PD. Future studies should aim to understand the impacts of management on dog health and dog and kennel cleanliness by investigating in locations outside of southern Indiana. Future research should also assess different flooring substrates as a function of dog breed and size using larger sample sizes