In this study we assessed the growth of university students' conceptual understanding of the seasons of the Earth, and eclipses and phases of the Moon upon completing a threedimensional (3-D) modeling-based Introduction to Astronomy course. Interviews prior to the course identified a range of student alternative frameworks regarding the composition and mechanics of the Solar System. During the ...

Coastal change analysis, particularly of the variation in shorelines and blufflines, is critical for coastal disaster mitigation, environmental protection, resource management, and coastal development decision making. As data from a variety of sources has become more easily available, it is highly desirable to investigate a strategy for the integration of multi-dimensional geospatial data for c...

This paper investigates a change-point estimation problem in the context of high-dimensional Markov random field models. Change-points represent a key feature in many dynamically evolving network structures. The change-point estimate is obtained by maximizing a profile penalized pseudo-likelihood function under a sparsity assumption. We also derive a tight bound for the estimate, up to a logari...

We consider high dimensional nonhomogeneous linear regression models with p n 9 0 or p >> n, where p is the number of features and n is the number of observations. In the model considered, the underlying true regression coefficients undergo multiple changes. Our goal is to estimate the number and locations of these change-points and estimate sparse coefficients in each of the intervals between ...

Based on the differential transformation method, a semi-analytical solution is developed for free vibration and modal stress analyses of variable thickness two-directional functionally graded circular plates with restrained edges, resting on elastic foundations. Variations of the material and geometry parameters are monitored by five distinct exponential functions. The presented non-dimensional...

Today’s information-rich and knowledge-based business society relies heavily on information technology (IT) and information systems (IS) design to enable the business to operate effectively and create a competitive advantage. Firms must align their IS design and performance with the core business competencies and business goals of the firm. There are multiple paths toward this end, and ineffici...

Three-dimensional modeling of lake morphometry enables the calculation of lake volume, planar surface area, and basin surface area, which are critical components of a conceptual model of how planktic and benthic habitat areas change with changing lake level. We have applied three-dimensional modeling to Foy Lake, Montana, and compared model results of changing ratios of planktic and benthic hab...