http://hdl.handle.net/2374.OX/4077 2013-05-24T18:29:59Z http://hdl.handle.net/2374.OX/108423 Exploring Algorithms for Branch Decompositions of Planar Graphs Dinh, Hiep A branch decomposition is a type of graph decomposition closely related to the widely studied tree decompositions introduced by Robertson and Seymour. Unlike tree decompositions, optimal branch decompositions and the branch-width of planar graphs can be computed in polynomial time. The ability to construct optimal branch decompositions in polynomial time leads to efficient solutions for generally hard problems on instances restricted to planar graphs. This thesis studies efficient algorithms for computing optimal branch decompositions for planar graphs. Our main contribution is an improved software package for graph decompositions with efficient implementations of two additional decomposition classes: carving decompositions and branch decompositions. Polynomial time solutions for Independent-Set on general graphs using path decompositions, tree decompositions, and branch decompositions with bounded width are also explored as examples of how graph decompositions can be used to solve NP-Hard problems. 2009-04-10T09:58:22Z http://hdl.handle.net/2374.OX/108422 Pre-service Teachers Attitudes Toward Integration: Does a Student Teacher Placement in an Integrated Classroom Make a Difference? Theaker, Sherri L. The primary purpose of this study was to determine whether a student teaching placement in an integrated classroom would promote a positive change in pre-service teachers attitude toward children with disabilities. Sixty-nine senior level pre-service teachers in early childhood education completing preschool student teaching participated in this study. Using a true-experimental design, participants were randomly assigned to two groups using a matched pair technique. The control group was placed into a preschool classroom with no children having disabilities and the experimental group was placed in a classroom with at least one child with and Individualized Education Plan (IEP). Participants completed the Opinions Relative to Integration of Students with Disabilities (ORI) scale at the end of their student teaching experience (Antonak and Larivee, 1995). The analysis compared the mean scores of a post-test attitude survey of two groups of pre-school student teachers using a one-way multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA). MANOVA results did not reveal a significant result among student teaching placement sites on attitude factors, Wilks λ™ =.906, F = 1.67, ρ This study, accompanied by other research, indicates that direct experiences with children with disabilities influence the development of attitudes toward integration. This study lays the groundwork for future preparatory program development in that it suggests the importance of placing pre-service teacher with role models that hold higher degrees. It also supports the infusion of special education throughout course work and direct contact experiences. 2009-04-10T09:58:10Z http://hdl.handle.net/2374.OX/108421 Implementation of a 3D Imaging Sensor Aided Inertial Measurement Unit Navigation System Venable, Donald T. This thesis describes an implementation of a 3D imaging sensor aided Inertial Measurement Unit navigation system. The thesis describes previous efforts in the area of alternative navigation, and describes current 3D imaging navigation techniques. The thesis then describes a method of extracting planar surfaces from acquired 3D data. Also described is methodology describing the association of planar surfaces between 3D camera frames. The method of calculating a position solution from extracted and associated planar surfaces is described, along with the implementation of a complimentary Kalman filter to provide a tightly integrated navigation solution between the 3D imaging sensor and the Inertial Measurement Unit. Two tests were performed with the proposed methodology, and an accurate navigation solution was demonstrated to be obtainable. 2009-04-10T09:57:58Z http://hdl.handle.net/2374.OX/108420 Presidential Decision-Making During the Vietnam War Garey, Julie Marie The relationship between the president and the people is often hard to determine, especially in times of war. Several questions arise when looking at this relationship, including whether or not the president feels that the public is competent enough to formulate opinion and whether the president feels compelled to act as a direct result of incoming opinions from both the public and the media. The following analysis looks at the Vietnam War and the three administrations most closely dealing with the war - the administrations of John F. Kennedy, Lyndon B. Johnson, and Richard M. Nixon - to determine whether there is a direct relationship between the opinions of the people and specific strategies employed during the war. It also examines the relationship between the president, the public, and the media during the war. 2009-04-10T09:57:44Z