Matching Items (43,917)
Description
This study examines the experiences of parents in mixed marriages (Vietnamese married to non-Vietnamese) raising their children in the United States. Specifically, this study focused on what factors influence parents' development of family language policies and patterns of language use. While research has been done on language policy and planning at the macro-level and there are an increasing number of studies on family language policy at the microlevel, few studies have focused on couples in mixed marriages who are heritage language speakers of the language they are trying to teach their children. This study used both surveys and interviews to gather data about parents' beliefs and attitudes towards bilingualism and the heritage language (HL), strategies parents are using to teach their children the HL, and major challenges they face in doing so. There were three main findings. First, parents without full fluency in the HL nevertheless are able to pass the HL on to their children. Second, an important factor influencing parents' family language policies and patterns of language use were parents' attitudes towards the HL--specifically, if parents felt it was important for their children to learn the HL and if parents were willing to push their children to do so. Third, proximity to a large Vietnamese community and access to Vietnamese resources (e.g., Vietnamese language school, Vietnamese church/temple, etc.) did not assure families' involvement in the Vietnamese community or use of the available Vietnamese resources. The findings of this study reveal that though language shift is occurring in these families, parents are still trying to pass on the HL to their children despite the many challenges of raising them bilingually in the U.S.
Contributors
Lam, Ha (Author) / Wiley, Terrence (Thesis advisor) / Appleton, Nicholas (Thesis advisor) / Tobin, Joseph (Committee member) / Arizona State University (Publisher)
Created
2011
Description
In this work, a new method, "Nanobonding" [1,2] is conceived and researched to bond Si-based surfaces, via nucleation and growth of a 2 D silicon oxide SiOxHx interphase connecting the surfaces at the nanoscale across macroscopic domains. Nanobonding cross-bridges two smooth surfaces put into mechanical contact in an O2/H2O mixed ambient below T <200 °C via arrays of SiOxHx molecules connecting into a continuous macroscopic bonding interphase. Nano-scale surface planarization via wet chemical processing and new spin technology are compared via Tapping Mode Atomic Force Microscopy (TMAFM) , before and after nano-bonding. Nanobonding uses precursor phases, 2D nano-films of beta-cristobalite (beta-c) SiO2, nucleated on Si(100) via the Herbots-Atluri (H-A) method [1]. beta-c SiO2 on Si(100) is ordered and flat with atomic terraces over 20 nm wide, well above 2 nm found in native oxides. When contacted with SiO2 this ultra-smooth nanophase can nucleate and grow domains with cross-bridging molecular strands of hydroxylated SiOx, instead of point contacts. The high density of molecular bonds across extended terraces forms a strong bond between Si-based substrates, nano- bonding [2] the Si and silica. A new model of beta-cristobalite SiO2 with its <110> axis aligned along Si[100] direction is simulated via ab-initio methods in a nano-bonded stack with beta-c SiO2 in contact with amorphous SiO2 (a-SiO2), modelling cross-bridging molecular bonds between beta-c SiO2 on Si(100) and a-SiO2 as during nanobonding. Computed total energies are compared with those found for Si(100) and a-SiO2 and show that the presence of two lattice cells of !-c SiO2 on Si(100) and a-SiO2 lowers energy when compared to Si(100)/ a-SiO2 Shadow cone calculations on three models of beta-c SiO2 on Si(100) are compared with Ion Beam Analysis of H-A processed Si(100). Total surface energy measurements via 3 liquid contact angle analysis of Si(100) after H-A method processing are also compared. By combining nanobonding experiments, TMAFM results, surface energy data, and ab-initio calculations, an atomistic model is derived and nanobonding is optimized. [1] US Patent 6,613,677 (9/2/03), 7,851,365 (12/14/10), [2] Patent Filed: 4/30/09, 10/1/2011
Contributors
Whaley, Shawn D (Author) / Culbertson, Robert J. (Thesis advisor) / Herbots, Nicole (Committee member) / Rez, Peter (Committee member) / Marzke, Robert F (Committee member) / Lindsay, Stuart (Committee member) / Chamberlin, Ralph V (Committee member) / Arizona State University (Publisher)
Created
2011
Description
The uncertainty of change inherent in issues such as climate change and regional growth has created a significant challenge for public decision makers trying to decide what adaptation actions are needed to respond to these possible changes. This challenge threatens the resiliency and thus the long term sustainability of our social-ecological systems. Using an empirical embedded case study approach to explore the application of advanced scenario analysis methods to regional growth visioning projects in two regions, this dissertation provides empirical evidence that for issues with high uncertainty, advanced scenario planning (ASP) methods are effective tools for helping decision makers to anticipate and prepare to adapt to change.
Contributors
Quay, Ray (Author) / Pijawka, David (Thesis advisor) / Shangraw, Ralph (Committee member) / Holway, James (Committee member) / Arizona State University (Publisher)
Created
2011
Description
ABSTRACT In Roosevelt v. Bishop (1994), Arizona public school districts and parents challenged Arizona's school financing system arguing that it was not "general and uniform" as required by the Arizona Constitution. The purpose of this study was to analyze Arizona's Students Fair and Immediate Resources for Students Today (Students FIRST) legislation, the remedy that resulted from the Roosevelt decision, empirically, and longitudinally. Three types of statistical analyses were conducted on a sample of 165 public school districts. Fiscal neutrality was measured for each of the eleven years of the study, to assess the association between the per-pupil Students FIRST funding level and the per-pupil property wealth. Multiple regression analysis was also conducted to assess if both property wealth and district size were associated with the distribution of Students FIRST funding. Finally, I analyzed the eleven-year average of the total Students FIRST funding distributed to school districts and assessed how the plaintiff districts ranked in the distribution. Overall, the findings revealed that Students FIRST met the fiscal neutrality standard in some, but not in all the categories and years of this study, per-pupil property wealth was only weakly related to, and district size was not associated with, Students FIRST funding. The analysis of average funding suggested that some property rich school districts benefited most from Students FIRST. These results suggest that the traditional measures used to assess the fiscal neutrality of operating funding may not be appropriate for assessing the fiscal neutrality of capital finance reforms. While the results of this study provide some suggestive evidence that Students FIRST did not fulfill the Court's mandate, additional research is needed as to whether or not Arizona's capital finance system has resulted in disparities in funding that fall short of the constitutional standard.
Contributors
Baca, Kenneth R (Author) / Powers, Jeanne M. (Thesis advisor) / Garcia, David R. (Committee member) / Essigs, Chuck (Committee member) / Arizona State University (Publisher)
Created
2011
Description
Dye sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) are the third generation solar cells expected to outperform the first two generations of solar cells with their advantages of comparative higher efficiency and lower manufacturing costs. The manufacturing cost of Dye sensitized solar cells is one fifth of the conventional silicon solar cell. However, DSSCs have problems of low conversion efficiency, stability and reliability. Some effective approaches are required to improve their performance. This paper projects the work related to assessment and verification of the repeatability of the semi-automated fabrication process. Changes were introduced in to the fabrication process to enhance the efficiency and stability. The sealant step in the fabrication process was remodeled to a newer version with an improvement in efficiency from 11% to 11.8%. Sputtering was performed on counter electrode in 30 seconds intervals. Cells were fabricated to assess the performance & time dependent characteristics from EIS experiments. Series resistance increased three times in sputtered Pt electrode as compared to standard platinum electrode. This resulted in the degradation of conductive surface on glass electrode due to heavy bombardment of ions. The second phase of the project work relates to the incorporation of SWCNT on the TiO2 electrode and its effect on the cell efficiency. Different weight loadings (0.1 wt %, 0.2 wt%, 0.4 wt %) of SWCNTs were prepared and mixed with the commercial TiO2 paste and ethanol solvent. The TiO2-SWCNT layer was coated on the electrode using screen-printing technique. Both open circuit voltage and photocurrent were found to have measurable dependence on the TiO2 layer loading. Photo voltage ranged from ~0.73 V to ~0.43 V and photocurrent from ~8 to ~33 mA depending on weight percent loading. This behavior is due to aggregation of particles and most TiO2 aggregate particles are not connected to SWCNT. Transparency loss was observed leading to saturation in the photo current and limiting the light absorption within the TiO2 film.
Contributors
Kinhal, Kartik (Author) / Munukutla, Lakshmi V (Thesis advisor) / Subach, James (Committee member) / Peng, Xihong (Committee member) / Arizona State University (Publisher)
Created
2011
Description
Interior design continues to re-define itself as a discipline that presents designers with new problems that require innovative solutions. This is particularly true in the case in office design. The transformation of the office environment from the standard bullpen configuration to today's dynamic, flexible, and open floor plans has required new design methodologies that incorporate tools and technologies that are readily available to interior designers. Today, increased use of teams in the workplace challenges interior designers to create environments that accommodate both group and individual tasks (Brill, Weidermann & BOSTI associates, 2001). Collaboration has received considerable attention as organizations focus on productivity and reducing costs to compete in a global economy (Hassanain, 2006). Designers and architects should learn to create environments that respond to dynamic, moveable, and flexible work methods. This web-based research study explores the use of pattern language as a new tool for designing collaborative work environments. In 1977, Christopher Alexander and his associates developed `Pattern language' (Alexander, Ishikawa & Silverstein, 1977) as a design formulation methodology. It consists of a series of interrelated physical elements combined to create a framework for design solutions. This pattern language tool for collaborative work environments was created based on research by Lori Anthony (2001). This study further builds upon current trends and research in collaborative work environments. The researcher conducted a pilot test by sending the web-based tool and an online questionnaire to all graduate students and faculty members in the fields of interior design and healthcare and healing environment (HHE). After testing its validity in The Design School at Arizona State University, the same tool and questionnaire was sent to the employees of one of the leading architecture and interior design firms in Phoenix, AZ. The results showed that among those design professionals surveyed, the majority believe pattern language could be a valuable design tool. The insights obtained from this study will provide designers, architects, and facility managers with a new design tool to aid in creating effective collaborative spaces in a work environment.
Contributors
Sangoi, Deepika (Author) / Bender, Diane (Thesis advisor) / Brandt, Beverly (Committee member) / Heywood, William (Committee member) / Arizona State University (Publisher)
Created
2011
Description
Demands in file size and transfer rates for consumer-orientated products have escalated in recent times. This is primarily due to the emergence of high definition video content. Now factor in the consumer desire for convenience, and we find that wireless service is the most desired approach for inter-connectivity. Consumers expect wireless service to emulate wired service with little to virtually no difference in quality of service (QoS). The background section of this document examines the QoS requirements for wireless connectivity of high definition video applications. I then proceed to look at proposed solutions at the physical (PHY) and the media access control (MAC) layers as well as cross-layer schemes. These schemes are subsequently are evaluated in terms of usefulness in a multi-gigabit, 60 GHz wireless multimedia system targeting the average consumer. It is determined that a substantial gap in published literature exists pertinent to this application. Specifically, little or no work has been found that shows how an adaptive PHYMAC cross-layer solution that provides real-time compensation for varying channel conditions might be actually implemented. Further, no work has been found that shows results of such a model. This research proposes, develops and implements in Matlab code an alternate cross-layer solution that will provide acceptable QoS service for multimedia applications. Simulations using actual high definition video sequences are used to test the proposed solution. Results based on the average PSNR metric show that a quasi-adaptive algorithm provides greater than 7 dB of improvement over a non-adaptive approach while a fully-adaptive alogrithm provides over18 dB of improvement. The fully adaptive implementation has been conclusively shown to be superior to non-adaptive techniques and sufficiently superior to even quasi-adaptive algorithms.
Contributors
Bosco, Bruce (Author) / Reisslein, Martin (Thesis advisor) / Tepedelenlioğlu, Cihan (Committee member) / Sen, Arunabha (Committee member) / Arizona State University (Publisher)
Created
2011
Description
ABSTRACT This dissertation focuses on Anne Moody's use of the autobiographical genre as an extension of her political activism. Noting consistent values and conventions that govern the writing of political activists, this study asserts that Moody's narrative is best situated in the genre of political autobiography--a term coined by Angela Davis. Using Margo V. Perkins' text as a base to define autobiography as activism, this dissertation illustrates the consistent values that characterize Moody's narrative as political autobiography, resistance literature, and ultimately Black Power literature. Building on the works of Joanne Braxton, Patricia Hill Collins, Angela Davis, Elizabeth Fox-Genovese, bell hooks, Margo V. Perkins, Assata Shakur, and Johnny Stover, this project demonstrates the use of Moody's autobiography as a collective form of resistance that is reflective of autobiography as activism. To frame its argument, this study theorizes how one comes into revolutionary consciousness, demonstrating the move toward activism as a process. Drawing on Sidonie Smith and Julia Watson's autobiographical theory that the "narrated I" is distinguished from the "narrating I," this study asserts, as Francoise Lionnet suggests, that the "narrating I" is the vehicle to deliver recollections relevant to the autobiographer's agenda. This study emphasizes that the early version of the self Moody creates is consciously linked to her role as a future activist, ultimately demonstrating her political evolution through the emphatic linking of the personal and political. Most importantly, this dissertation demonstrates that Moody's text represents a continuity--an autobiographical bridge--between representations of the Christian nonviolent civil rights movement and the Black Power movement of the late 1960's. This study argues that Moody's autobiography is ideologically poised at the intersection of civil rights and Black Power; therefore, it serves as both a civil rights autobiography and a Black Power autobiography. Coming of Age in Mississippi offers a unique contribution to the genre of Black Power autobiography for the way it facilitates unprecedented insight into the transition from non-violent civil rights ideology to revolutionary consciousness.
Contributors
Flanagan, Melissa A (Author) / Miller, Keith D. (Thesis advisor) / Stancliff, Michael (Committee member) / Anokye, Duku (Committee member) / Arizona State University (Publisher)
Created
2011
Description
Health-related quality of life (HR-QOL) is a significant treatment outcome for persons with end-stage renal disease (ESRD); however, little is known about the HR-QOL of Mexican patients with ESRD. This pilot study describes relationships between demographics, sleep disorders, spirituality, mood, folk practices and dialysis modality on the HR-QOL of patients with ESRD residing in Guanajuato, Mexico. Mexican patients receiving continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD), automated peritoneal dialysis (APD) and hemodialysis (HD) provided information on demographics, clinical health data including body mass index (BMI), and folk health practices. Measures included the Short Form (SF)-36 HR-QOL survey, Sleep Habits Questionnaire, Latin Spirituality Perspective Scale and Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale. Data were analyzed using SAS software (V9.1). Signifi¬cance level for this pilot study was set at p<0.10. The Quality-Adjusted Life Year method was utilized to examine cost effectiveness for each dialysis modality. Demographics and clinical data showed participants (N=121) to be 59 (SD=13) years, predominantly men (55.4%), married (66.9%), Catholic (92.6%), and not currently working (78.3%). The majority were diabetic (72%) and slightly overweight (BMI M=26.1; SD=5.1). The CAPD group (n=39) demonstrated significantly lower HR-QOL scores compared to the APD (n=42) and HD (n=40) groups. Patients on HD reported higher rates and greater numbers of sleep disorders, including insomnia symptoms, non-restorative and insufficient sleep, and daytime somnolence compared to patients on CAPD and APD. Patients on CAPD reported more anxiety and depression compared to patients on HD and APD. Overall linear regression for HR-QOL found dialysis type, sleep disorders and income to be significant predictors and the model accounted for 31% of the variance. Cost analysis indicated APD as the preferred treatment because it is less costly and results in the best HR-QOL compared to the other treatment modalities. Findings provide the first SF-36 norms for Mexicans with ESRD. Sleep disorders and dialysis type greatly impinge on the HR-QOL of these patients, particularly their mental health. APD was identified as the preferred treatment based on low cost and improved HR-QOL. Results can inform clinical care and health policy for Mexican patients with ESRD.
Contributors
Reynaga-Ornelas, Luxana (Author) / Baldwin, Carol M. (Thesis advisor) / Quan, Stuart F (Committee member) / Arcoleo, Kimberly (Committee member) / Arizona State University (Publisher)
Created
2011
Description
This thesis explores the implications that the outcome of a certain U.S. lawsuit involving antiquities could have on practices and programs in the United States, related to cultural heritage and history. This paper examines the Rubin et al case, which sought to attach a collection of ancient Persian artifacts (known as The Persepolis Tablets) as a source of legal compensation. Presented as a case study, and using primary and secondary research sources, this paper analyzes the Rubin et al lawsuit and the factors that led to its initiation, and seeks to determine how and why adverse consequences could result from its final ruling. This thesis demonstrates that the final decision in the lawsuit could leave a negative impact on a number of practices related to cultural heritage in the United States, especially with regards to cultural and academic institutions such as museums and universities.
Contributors
Ahouraiyan, Taraneh (Author) / Warren-Findley, Jannelle (Thesis advisor) / Warrren-Findley, Jannelle (Committee member) / Thompson, Victoria (Committee member) / Smith, Louis (Committee member) / Arizona State University (Publisher)
Created
2011