001. Theses
Permanent URI for this community
Browse
Browsing 001. Theses by Issue Date
Now showing 1 - 20 of 2080
Results Per Page
Sort Options
Item Open Access University teachers’ perception of assessment in Kazakhstan(Nazarbayev University Graduate School of Education, 2014-07) Makhmetova, ZhadyraAssessment is an integral part of teaching and learning. There have been many research studies worldwide conducted on assessment, and specifically focusing on assessment in higher education. Many international research studies focus on the importance of teachers' assessment beliefs and practices. However, this topic has not been researched in Kazakhstan. The purpose of this qualitative study is to explore teachers‟ assessment beliefs and practices of assessment approaches in one university in Oral town of Kazakhstan. The case study design was conducted, and it enabled the researcher to undertake an in-depth exploration of the topic in one university in Oral. Purposefully selected five university teachers were interviewed, and teachers‟ syllabuses were reviewed to gather data. The study thus presents interesting findings about the university teachers‟ assessment beliefs and practices. The findings contribute to the body of knowledge in this field and also offer some key practice and policy implicationsItem Open Access Pairwise Overlap and Misclassification in Cluster Analysis(Nazarbayev University School of Science and Technology, 2015) Akynkozhayev, BirzhanSeparation of data into distinct groups is one of the most important tools of learning and means of obtaining valuable information from data. Cluster analysis studies the ways of distributing objects into groups with similar characteristics. Real-world examples of such applications are age separation of a population, loyalty grouping of customers, classification of living organisms into kingdoms, etc. In particular, cluster analysis is an important objective of data mining, which focuses on studying ways of extracting key information from data and converting it into some more understandable form. There is no single best algorithm for producing data partitions in cluster analysis, but many that perform well in various circumstances (Jain, 2008). Many popular clustering algorithms are based on an iterative partitioning method, where single items are moved step-by-step from one cluster to another based on optimization of some parameter. One of such algorithms, which will be mentioned in this paper is K-means algorithm, where data points are partitioned based on optimization of sum of squared distances within clusters (MacQueen, 1967). Another large class of algorithms are based on finite mixture model clustering methods. For example, stochastic emEMclustering method, which will also be covered in this article, is based on maximum likelihood estimation of statistical model parameters (Melnykov & Maitra). Misclassification of data is not a rare situation in cluster analysis. For instance, we can observe that several points have been misclassified on the previous figure (Figure 1) of true partition (a) versus the solution found by the K-means algorithm (b). Various factors lead to misclassification in clustering algorithms. The main goal of this paper is to analyze the effect of pairwise overlap, number of dimensions of data, and number of clusters on misclassification. The simplest case where misclassification can occur is when there are two clusters. The overlap is exact in this case, thus, we proceeded to use one of the simplest algorithms – K-means. At the higher number of clusters, when overlap is estimated, we considered more complex emEM algorithmItem Open Access Multiple Point Compression on Elliptic Curves(Nazarbayev University School of Science and Technology, 2015) Otemissov, AdiletThe paper aims at developing new point compression algorithms which are useful in mobile communication systems where Elliptic Curve Cryptography is employed to achieve secure data storage and transmission. Compression algorithms allow elliptic curve points to be represented in the form that balances the usage of memory and computational power. The two- and three-point compression algorithms developed by Khabbazian, Gulliver and Bhargava [4] are reviewed and extended to generic cases of four and five points. The proposed methods use only basic operations (multiplication, division, etc.) and avoids square root finding. In addition, a new two-point compression method which is heavy in compression phase and light in decompression is developed.Item Open Access Boundary Element Method for Stokes Flow in Incompressible Newtonian Fluids(Nazarbayev University School of Science and Technology, 2015-04) Tazhimbetov, Nurbek AkhmetulyIn this thesis, I present different discretization techniques for boundary integral method for Stokes flow in case of an incompressible Newtonian fluid. Boundary integral method (BIM) is one of many techniques that are used to solve Partial Differencial Equations (PDE) numerically. However, the basic advantage of the BIM is that it reduces the problem from n-dimensional domain to n - 1; for example, the two-dimensional square-box that contains viscous liquid can be solved by using the values of an unkown function at the boundary of square. Nevertheless, the BIM exhibits some challenges in finding the Green's function for a particular domain or differential operator, solving the integral equations and, especially, in computing the values of a complex domain. The latter one is quite diffcult because the flow diverges at corners (exhibits singularity). The goal of this work is to derive general analytical solution for Stokes equation (in integral equations form) and to compute the discretized integral equations using different quadrature rules for cavity problem.Item Open Access Stable holomorphic polynomials on the half-plane and generalizations(Nazarbayev University School of Science and Technology, 2015-04) Kairzhan, AdilbekThe study of locations of zeroes of functions became popular among mathematicians many years ago. This investigation contributes a lot to wide range of theories and topics in Mathematics and Physics.Item Restricted TEACHERS’ ATTITUDES TOWARD TECHNOLOGY INTEGRATION IN A KAZAKHSTANI SECONDARY SCHOOL(Nazarbayev University Graduate School of Education, 2015-07) Mustafina, AliyaThe government of the Republic of Kazakhstan from 1997 started operating a systematic state policy for informatization of education. Many scholarly papers show that the success of the educational reform efforts depend not only on the ability of the government to supply all schools with ICT, but also on the ability to make teachers possess positive attitudes toward ICT integration. This study contributes to the existing knowledge by providing a current picture of the process of ICT integration in Kazakhstani secondary schools through the lens of the main facilitators of this process – teachers...Item Restricted STUDENT PERCEPTIONS OF THEIR FIRST-YEAR UNIVERSITY EXPERIENCE: CASE STUDY OF NAZARBAYEV UNIVERSITY(Graduate School of Education, 2016) Saniyazova, ArayThis mixed-method study examines and develops in-depth understanding of first-year university experience of undergraduate students at Nazarbayev University, an elite international university, located in Astana, the capital of Kazakhstan. The study is based on the investigation of students’ perceptions of their first-year experience with a focus on challenges and opportunities that students encounter during their first year in university and the ways they address them. The students’ perceptions have been investigated through an online survey as an initial stage of the study that identified preliminary themes and categories to build on further through in-depth focus groups and individual interviews that eventually comprised the main body of the study. The study has revealed that first-year experience is a complex and multifaceted phenomenon which is shaped by a number of various aspects and factors. According to students’ perspectives the success of their university experience, which they largely define as feeling comfortable academically and socially, and remaining motivated and confident in own abilities to progress in studies, greatly depends on such factors as early communication of information and orientation of prospective student, comprehensive new student orientation, quality of curriculum and classroom instruction, and good campus facilities. On the top of it appears to be interactions with peers and faculty, and academic and social support that students receive at the university from peers, faculty and staff. The study suggests some important areas that higher education institutions in Kazakhstan may find useful to focus on when addressing challenging and promoting opportunities that students face during their first-year in university. Those areas include clear communication of information, continuous support and encouragement, and every effort to integrate students into an institution both academically and socially in order to ensure enriching and rewarding first-year experience.Item Restricted PERFORMANCE EVALUATION OF HYBRID VLC/RF SYSTEMS(Nazarbayev University School of Engineering and Digital Sciences, 2016) Ashimbayeva, AigerimThe thesis is dedicated to analysis and comparison between hard switching and soft switching methods for hybrid VLC/RF systems. VLC communication is well known for its efficient high data rate service for use in indoor environment, however it is vulnerable to the line-of-sight obstruction. Its counterpart, RF communication, is easy to implement and efficient as a back up means. Optimization of the VLC/RF heterogeneous systems in terms of the overall throughput is the novelty in the field of related studies on VLC technology based hybrid systems. It allows not only to improve the system’s bit rate but also to find the most favorable initial parameters for a system. The results of simulations performed reveal the remarkable superiority of the soft switching scheme and VLC-RF throughput functions interrelationship.Item Open Access Postcolonial readings of Oralkhan Bȯkei’s works(Nazarbayev University School of Sciences and Humanities, 2016) Berdikhojayeva, LauraThis study explores the relationship between literature and the social, historical, political and cultural themes in the literary works of the Kazakh writer Oralkhan Bȯkei. It discusses the postcolonial aspects of Bȯkei’s literary texts and analyzes the themes of colonialism, hybridity, ethnic nationalism, modernization and industrialization, and postcolonial environmentalism in his works. This study argues that postcolonial readings of Oralkhan Bȯkei’s literary oeuvre can reveal anti-colonial as well as postcolonial discourses existing in post-Stalin Kazakh Soviet literature. Through applying some of the concepts of postcolonial studies such as hybridity, subalterneity, representation, mainly developed in Western scholarship, to the experience of the Kazakh society under the Soviet Union, this work attempts to explore the author’s perception of the Soviet Union as an empire and its threat in destroying the national culture of Kazakh society and Kazakh national identity.Item Restricted Morphometric characteristics of cancer cells grown in embryonic microenvironment and under antiviral treatment(Nazarbayev University School of Science and Technology, 2016) Shaimerdenova, MadinaWe describe here that both embryonic microenvironment treatment and antiviral treatment have the potential to serve as effective factors in changing morphometric characteristics of two highly aggressive cancer cell lines, with proven capability to decrease viability of cancer cells, reduce amount of colonies formed after treatment, alter intracellular features of cell such as nucleus and cytoskeleton and diminish aldehyde dehydrogenase activity after treatmentItem Restricted Development of flow cytometry and microscopy techniques to monitor freshwater phytoplankton communities in Kazakhstani lakes(Nazarbayev University School of Science and Technology, 2016) Dashkova, VeronikaIn this project, we tested an approach based on separating fluorescent viability and metabolic dyes between different excitation lasers in order to reach minimal spectral overlap with the autofluorescent signal using flow and imaging cytometryItem Restricted Application of advanced molecular techniques for analyzing phytoplankton population in Burabay National Nature Park Resort(Nazarbayev University School of Science and Technology, 2016) Sarsembekova, AsselIn this work, the molecular techniques as DNA extraction, DNA quantification, PCR analysis were optimized and subsequent sequencing was performed on MiSeq platform (Illumina, USA). We aimed to apply molecular methods to analyse phytoplankton population inhabiting Lake Shortan and Lake BurabayItem Restricted Co-expression of FVIII with human IGG FC Fragment or mouse IL-10 in encapsulated G8 myoblast cells as a potential treatment of hemophilia A(Nazarbayev University School of Science and Technology, 2016) Kanketayeva, ZhansayaIn this master thesis study we have shown that recombination G8 myoblasts, encapsulated in alginate-PLL microcapsules can successfully secrete detectable levels of both Fc and IL-10 out of the capsules and sustain good viability, showing the potential of co-delivering FVIII by encapsulated cells.Item Restricted Concentration dependent mitostatic effect and inhibition of cell motibility by different tubulin binding drugs-comparative study(Nazarbayev University School of Science and Technology, 2016) Balabiyev, ArnatHere, we demonstrate the comparative effects of nocodazole, taxol and vinorelbine on mitotic progression and cell motility using mouse fibroblasts and three cancer cell linesItem Restricted Role of astrocyte aging in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer`s disease(Nazarbayev University School of Science and Technology, 2016) Imangali, NurgulIn this study we presented in vitro model for replicative senescence of primary human astrocytes isolated from fetal brainsItem Open Access FEASIBILITY STUDY ON WIND ENERGY HARVESTING SYSTEM IMPLEMENTATION IN MOVING TRAINS(Nazarbayev University School of Engineering and Digital Sciences, 2016) Nurmanova, VeneraFeasibility study on implementing wind power generation on moving train is discussed in this Thesis. Wind turbines installation over the train roof is suggested and tested from different aspects. Practical aspects of wind energy utilization are discussed and challenges are highlighted. Calculations of wind power generation for wagon roof mounted turbine are provided and air drag of turbine is discussed. Simulation study is performed in SolidWorks environment to explore air drag influence of wind turbines on moving train. Simulation of wind power generation is also conducted in MATLAB Simulink. Analytically the generated power is compared to mechanical power required to overcome the extra air drag caused by wind turbines over the train wagons. Economical profit of the suggested design is also discussed in detail. The fuel economy and resultant decrease of the carbon dioxide emission have shown the reasonableness of investments on wind turbine implementation on the passenger trains. The payback period calculations for different scenarios are also discussed at the end.Item Open Access LTE IN UNLICENSED BANDS: A RIVAL OR COLLABORATOR TO WI-FI?(Nazarbayev University School of Engineering and Digital Sciences, 2016) Karabayev, Omar-SayanDue to the rapidly increasing demand for internet traffic, mobile operators have faced a problem of bandwidth availability. Since only licensed spectrum has been previously utilized by wireless networks, moving LTE to the 5 GHz unlicensed bands has become a popular research initiative, known as LTELicensed Assisted Access (LTE-LAA). This thesis studies the feasibility and implementation of LTE-LAA, and sets a goal of confirming the effectiveness of this technology. An alternative implementation of a Listen-Before-Talk channel contention mechanism is tested in this work with the use of LTE-A Vienna Link Level Simulator. The obtained results suggest that LTE-LAA is capable of boosting network throughput while providing harmonious coexistence with the IEEE 802.11 standard operating in the same unlicensed spectrum.Item Open Access MOVING OBJECT DETECTION WITH MEMRISTIVE CROSSBAR ARRAYS(Nazarbayev University School of Engineering and Digital Sciences, 2016) Duisenbay, SultanThis thesis is dedicated to the hardware implementation of a novel moving object detection algorithm. Proposed circuit includes several stages, each of which implements a particular step of the algorithm. Four higher bit planes are extracted from a grayscale image and stored in memristive crossbar arrays, and the respective bit planes are compared via memristive threshold logic gates in XOR configuration. In the next stage, compared bit planes are combined by weighted summation, with a highest weight assigned to MSB plane and smaller weights for less significant bit planes. After summation stage, obtained grayscale image is thresholded to obtain binary image. The last stage is implemented via memristive content-addressable memory array, which serves two purposes. It is used as a long-term memory in comparison to crossbar arrays, which serve as a short-term memory of proposed circuit. Content-addressable memory is updated based on the row-by-row difference between first and second pair of frames processed by previous stages. It also allows for analysis of object movement direction and velocity by observing the row capacitors’ discharge. Simulations show that accuracy of proposed circuit operation is increased with the larger array size. Delay analysis of the circuit is carried out, power and area calculations show that proposed circuit is a viable candidate as a co-processing operator for existing image sensors.Item Open Access MOVING OBJECT DETECTION USING BIT PLANE SLICING(Nazarbayev University School of Engineering and Digital Sciences, 2016) Dastanova, NazgulThis thesis presents moving object detection algorithm using bit plane extraction of successive frames and comparing the respective bit planes by XOR operation. The proposed methodworks on 8-bit grayscale video frames obtained from a static camera. This algorithm is able to detect the motion of single and multiple objects in outside and inside environments. Algorithm has been implemented in MATLAB by using several videos from VISOR database and was compared to existing conventional methods to show its effectiveness. Performance of an algorithm was evaluated based on ground truth metrics and results in terms of sensitivity, specificity, positive prediction and accuracy proved the validity of it. Results show that the proposed algorithm performs better in terms of mentioned metrics in comparison to other algorithms. iItem Open Access Burabay national park. Experiments in tourism, nationbuilding, and informal economy(Nazarbayev University School of Sciences and Humanities, 2016) Nurmukhanov, NursultanThis work analyzes how environment and society interact with each other focusing on the case of Burabay National Park. Based on the field research and numerous interviews, this work demonstrates how seemingly disparate notions of top-down nation-building and tourism development have shaped into a site with unique attributes. One part of the picture is the puzzle of how nation-building process fostered by other variables such as tourism development and environmental awe could give a birth to completely new objects of sacral landscape that operate in terms similar to other famous pilgrimage destinations in the Central Asia. The other part is development of the informal economy and a set of principals according to which the local society has to operate in order to be competitive in the National Park. I believe that the findings of this work could significantly contribute to the as yet very limited literature on tourism development in Kazakhstan as well as provide analysis of an interesting case of a nation-building process.