Aptamer-Based Spr Biosensor For Detection Of Avian Influenza Virus, 2012 University of Arkansas, Fayetteville
Aptamer-Based Spr Biosensor For Detection Of Avian Influenza Virus, Hua Bai
Graduate Theses and Dissertations
Rapid and specific detection of avian influenza (AI) virus is urgently needed with the concerns over the outbreaks of highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza in animal and human infection. Aptamers are artificial oligonucleic acid that can specifically bind to target molecules. They show comparable affinity for target virus and better thermal stability than monoclonal antibodies. Those advantages make aptamers promising candidates in diagnostic and detection applications. The goal of this research was to use DNA&ndashaptamer as the specific recognition element in a portable surface plasmon resonance (SPR) biosensor for detection of AI H5N1 virus in poultry.
A SPR biosensor was …
A Survey Of Gaps, Obstacles, And Technical Challenges For Hypersonic Applications, 2012 University of Tennessee, Knoxville
A Survey Of Gaps, Obstacles, And Technical Challenges For Hypersonic Applications, Timothy Andrew Barber
Masters Theses
The object of this study is to canvas the literature for the purpose of identifying and compiling a list of Gaps, Obstacles, and Technological Challenges in Hypersonic Applications (GOTCHA). The significance of GOTCHA related deficiencies is discussed along with potential solutions, promising approaches, and feasible remedies that may be considered by engineers in pursuit of next generation hypersonic vehicle designs and optimizations. Based on the synthesis of several modern surveys and public reports, a cohesive list is formed, consisting of widely accepted areas needing improvement and falling under several general categories. These include: aerodynamics, propulsion, materials, analytical modeling, CFD modeling, …
Gis-Based Streambank Video Mapping To Determine Erosion Susceptible Areas, 2012 University of Tennessee - Knoxville
Gis-Based Streambank Video Mapping To Determine Erosion Susceptible Areas, Brett Allen Connell
Masters Theses
According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, excess sediment is a significant cause of water quality impairment for rivers (USEPA, 2009). Therefore, determining the areas of river where streambank erosion is the highest should provide valuable information. Considering the amount of funds being spent on river restoration and storm flow retention, there needs to be a more efficient method to document annual conditions, on a watershed scale. Traditional streambank survey methods are limited in total characterized area, time consuming, environmentally intrusive, and expensive. This project describes the development of a Bank Erosion Susceptibility Index (BESI) to map landscape scale, streambank …
Anticipated Changes In Precipitation Events Over The 21st Century Using Community Climate System Model, Version 4, 2012 University of Tennessee, Knoxville
Anticipated Changes In Precipitation Events Over The 21st Century Using Community Climate System Model, Version 4, Scott Tavish Deneale
Masters Theses
Future global daily precipitation data from Community Climate System Model, version 4 (CCSM4) were analyzed to evaluate changes in a variety of precipitation parameters over the 21st century. Multiple ensemble members of 21st century Representative Community Pathways (RCP) radiative scenarios were included in the model to provide an array of potential future climate change results. Multiple ensembles of historic daily precipitation data from CCSM4 were compared with Global Precipitation Climatology Project (GPCP) V1DD daily precipitation data and Climate Prediction Center (CPC) Merged Analysis of Precipitation (CMAP) monthly precipitation data. Annual average and 95th percentile precipitation values were averaged from 1997-2005 …
Test Size And Volume Effects On Fatigue Behavior Of Bulk Metallic Glasses (Bmgs), 2012 University of Tennessee, Knoxville
Test Size And Volume Effects On Fatigue Behavior Of Bulk Metallic Glasses (Bmgs), Qingming Feng
Masters Theses
As a potential structural material, performance of bulk metallic glasses (BMGs) under cyclic loading is critical in applications. Among the mechanical properties of metallic glasses, the fatigue behavior received less attention and is not well understood. BMGs exhibit significant size effects on the mechanical behavior under monotonic loading, such as compression, tension, and bending. At the same time, different test-volume could lead to a distinct difference in the mechanical behavior of BMGs.
The fatigue behavior of the Zr52.5Cu17.9Ni14.6Al10.0Ti5.0 [atomic percent (at. %)] BMG alloy (Vitreloy 105) with different sizes has been …
An Investigation Of The Use Of Ceramic Microencapsulated Fuel For Transuranic Waste Recycling In Pressurized Water Reactors, 2012 University of Tennessee, Knoxville
An Investigation Of The Use Of Ceramic Microencapsulated Fuel For Transuranic Waste Recycling In Pressurized Water Reactors, Cole Andrew Gentry
Masters Theses
Presented is an investigation of the utilization of Tristructural-Isotropic (TRISO) particle-based fuel designs for the recycling of Plutonium/Neptunium (Pu/Np) Transuranic (TRU) isotopes in typical Westinghouse four-loop pressurized water reactors. Though numerous studies have evaluated the recycling of TRU isotopes in light water reactors (LWRs), this work differentiates itself by employing Pu/Np loaded TRISO particles embedded within a SiC matrix and formed into pellets that can be loaded into standard 17x17 fuel element cladding. This approach provides the capability of Pu/Np recycling, and by virtue of the TRISO particle design, will allow for greater burnup of Pu/Np material and improved fuel …
Design, Implementation, And Analysis Of A Time Of Arrival Measurement System For Rotating Machinery, 2012 University of Tennessee, Knoxville
Design, Implementation, And Analysis Of A Time Of Arrival Measurement System For Rotating Machinery, Bryan Will Hayes
Masters Theses
The Non-contact Stress Measurement System (NSMS) acquires critical time of arrival data from multiple optical probes viewing a rotating piece of machinery, such as blades on a turbine engine rotor. The signal from each probe must be converted from light energy to an electrical signal, conditioned, and timed by a high speed counter to measure the time of arrival of the rotating machinery. This thesis describes, in detail, the design and analysis of the photo-detector electronics, analog signal conditioning electronics, and the timing electronics utilized in measuring the time of arrival. To measure the time of arrival with precision, the …
Investigation Of A Commercial Product (Biowish™) For Nitrogen Management, 2012 California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo
Investigation Of A Commercial Product (Biowish™) For Nitrogen Management, Eva Lee
Master's Theses
Abstract
Investigation of a Commercial Product (BiOWiSHTM) for Nitrogen Management
Eva Lee
BiOWiSH–Aqua, which has the capability of treating nitrogen from wastewater through bioaugmentation, is a commercial product consisting of a blend of microorganisms developed by BiOWiSH Technologies. A study of the treatment of nitrogen compounds (i.e. , , and ) using Biowish–Aqua was conducted using small scale experiments (flask experiments) and large scale experiments (column reactor experiments). In this work, column reactors were created to test Biowish–Aqua’s nitrogen treating capabilities by providing enough depth to simulate the dissolved oxygen gradient that can be observed in a pond. …
Modeling And Analysis Of A Photovoltaic System With A Distributed Energy Storage System, 2012 California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo
Modeling And Analysis Of A Photovoltaic System With A Distributed Energy Storage System, Anthony Winston Ma
Master's Theses
As California continues to integrate more renewable energy into its electrical system, the state has experienced a corresponding rise in photovoltaic system installations. PV arrays are a unique source of power generation in that they are affected by the location of the sun, shading, and temperature changes. These characteristics make solar one of the most highly variable forms of renewable energy. In order to improve solar power’s consistency, PV systems require a supplemental source of power. The primary focus of this paper is to determine if distributed energy storage systems can be used to reduce the effect of solar intermittency. …
Dsm64: A Distributed Shared Memory System In User-Space, 2012 California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo
Dsm64: A Distributed Shared Memory System In User-Space, Stephen Alan Holsapple
Master's Theses
This paper presents DSM64: a lazy release consistent software distributed shared memory (SDSM) system built entirely in user-space. The DSM64 system is capable of executing threaded applications implemented with pthreads on a cluster of networked machines without any modifications to the target application. The DSM64 system features a centralized memory manager [1] built atop Hoard [2, 3]: a fast, scalable, and memory-efficient allocator for shared-memory multiprocessors.
In my presentation, I present a SDSM system written in C++ for Linux operating systems. I discuss a straight-forward approach to implement SDSM systems in a Linux environment using system-provided tools and concepts avail- …
Efficiency Performance Improvement Using Parallel Dc-Dc Converters With A Digital Controller, 2012 California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo
Efficiency Performance Improvement Using Parallel Dc-Dc Converters With A Digital Controller, Daniel Forbes
Master's Theses
A system to improve efficiency performance of a DC-DC converter is simulated and built. The proposed system combines multiple DC-DC converters in parallel and implements a digital control scheme and load-share controller. A model of the system is developed in MATLAB Simulink and the model demonstrates the improved converter’s efficiency particularly at low load conditions. This simulation is then designed into a hardware system running three DC-DC converters in parallel, controlled by a microcontroller and a load-share controller. The hardware also confirms the simulation results, although some hardware refinements are evident as simulation results are superior. The system is designed …
Mechanical Properties Of Bone Due To Sost Expression: A 3-Point Bending Assessment Of Murine Femurs, 2012 California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo
Mechanical Properties Of Bone Due To Sost Expression: A 3-Point Bending Assessment Of Murine Femurs, Kainoa John Peterson
Master's Theses
Sclerostin, a protein coded for by the SOST gene, is an osteocyte-expressed negative regulator of bone formation. The absence of SOST in the genome may have an effect on bone formation both during skeletal maturation and full maturity. This study attempts to determine significant differences in the mechanical properties of bone that expresses SOST compared to bone that does not. One hundred femur samples from 6, 8, and 12 month old mice were obtained from Lawrence Livermore National Labs and loaded until failure using three-point bending. Results showed significant differences in treatment group effects for cross sectional area, yield force, …
A Benefit Cost Model For Traffic Incident Management, 2012 University of Tennessee, Knoxville
A Benefit Cost Model For Traffic Incident Management, Sam Dallas Moss
Masters Theses
Every day, non-recurring incidents cause delay on major roadways and cost the public valuable time and, hence, money. Some public agencies have systems that help them to identify and mitigate the problems associated with incidents such as delay. These systems are referred to as Traffic Incident Management systems. Many different agencies have searched for a way to quantify the benefits that these programs provide. This thesis details how a model was developed to help these agencies easily quantify the benefits that can be derived from saving delay through efficient incident management. This model uses real traffic data collected by roadway …
Droplet Characterization In The Wake Of Steam Turbine Cascades, 2012 University of Tennessee, Knoxville
Droplet Characterization In The Wake Of Steam Turbine Cascades, Adam Charles Plondke
Masters Theses
In low-pressure steam turbines, water droplet formation on the surfaces of stationary stator blades can lead to erosion on downstream turbine blades and other equipment. One property that affects the size of the droplets that are formed is the adhesive forces between the water and the surface of the stator blade. The adhesive forces hold the droplets to the surface where they may combine, forming increasingly larger droplets. Eventually, the aerodynamic forces will tear the droplets off the surface, carrying them downstream.
To study the effect of stator surface properties on the droplet size distribution, four cascades of stator blades …
Soil Nitrification And Mineralization Rates Along An Elevation Gradient In The Great Smoky Mountains National Park, 2012 University of Tennessee, Knoxville
Soil Nitrification And Mineralization Rates Along An Elevation Gradient In The Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Christopher James Rolison
Masters Theses
The Great Smoky Mountains National Park (GRSM) is an area sensitive to acid deposition. Although reports indicate there have been reductions of acid deposition in the eastern United States, water quality in streams has not recovered to perceived natural levels. Coupled soil biogeochemical processes of nitrification and nitrogen mineralization can acidify soil water and play a key role in the fate of nitrogen-based acid deposition and observed stream acidification. Characterizing nitrogen decomposition rates at different elevations improves our understanding of the potential effects of acid deposition and soil interactions with acid ions. Soil chemical properties and potential reaction rates for …
Material Handling System For Robotic Natural Orifice Surgery, 2012 University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Material Handling System For Robotic Natural Orifice Surgery, Jeff Midday
Department of Mechanical and Materials Engineering: Dissertations, Theses, and Student Research
Natural Orifice Translumenal Endoscopic Surgery (NOTES) is a relatively new surgical approach which uses no external incisions, thereby improving cosmetic outcomes, decreasing overall recovery time and reducing the risk of external infection. In standard NOTES, flexible endoscopic tools have been used to carry out a variety of surgical procedures in the abdomen. As an alternative, miniature in vivo robots can be fully inserted into the peritoneal cavity and utilized to perform various surgical procedures. These in vivo robots eliminate tool triangulation issues, improve multi-tasking capabilities and greatly increase freedom and dexterity when compared to standard endoscopic and laparoscopic tools. One …
A Conductivity Testing System Coupled With A Tensile Testing Machine To Measure The Surface Properties Of Polymer Specimens, 2012 University of Nebraska-Lincoln
A Conductivity Testing System Coupled With A Tensile Testing Machine To Measure The Surface Properties Of Polymer Specimens, Nguyen T. Nguyen
Department of Mechanical and Materials Engineering: Dissertations, Theses, and Student Research
Polymers play an essential role in our everyday life due to their employment in a widespread range of applications. Polymers are used in industries such as space, biomedical, electronics, etc. in which their electrical and mechanical properties are major aspects which need to be investigated prior to implementation. When subjected to mechanical stimulations, polymers may exhibit changes in electrical conductivity which can vary locally within the specimens, especially in those of conducting polymers. In mechanical investigations a tensile testing machine is used to understand polymers’ strength, elasticity or other mechanical properties. In electrical analysis, using a four-point probe to examine …
The Integration Of Propane Flaming And Mechanical Cultivation For Effective Weed Control In Agriculture, 2012 University of Nebraska-Lincoln
The Integration Of Propane Flaming And Mechanical Cultivation For Effective Weed Control In Agriculture, Brian D. Neilson
Department of Mechanical and Materials Engineering: Dissertations, Theses, and Student Research
Flaming is a thermal weed control method that can kill weeds within or between crop rows using heat. Mechanical cultivation is another weed control method which undercuts weeds between crop rows to kill them. A combination flamer/cultivator implement was designed to take advantage of the good qualities of both flaming and cultivation to provide excellent organic weed control.
Flaming hoods were designed in the spring of 2010 and retrofitted on an existing row crop cultivator. The hoods were tested in corn and soybean field studies in the summer of 2010. Of the seven treatments tested, a treatment of flaming combined …
Improving Health Care Quality And Safety: The Development And Assessment Of Laparoscopic Surgery Instrumentation, Practices And Procedures, 2012 University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Improving Health Care Quality And Safety: The Development And Assessment Of Laparoscopic Surgery Instrumentation, Practices And Procedures, Bernadette Mccrory
Department of Mechanical and Materials Engineering: Dissertations, Theses, and Student Research
Adverse events due to medical errors are a leading cause of death in the United States exceeding the mortality rates of motor vehicle accidents, breast cancer and AIDS. Improvements can and should be made to reduce the rates of preventable surgical errors since they account for nearly half of all adverse events within hospitals. Although minimally invasive surgery has proven patient benefits such as reduced postoperative pain and hospital stay, its operative environment imposes substantial physical and cognitive strain on the surgeon increasing the risk of error. In order to mitigate errors and protect patients, a multidisciplinary approach was taken …
Wireless Communications Under Qos Constraints: Energy Efficiency, Power And Rate Control, And Throughput, 2012 University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Wireless Communications Under Qos Constraints: Energy Efficiency, Power And Rate Control, And Throughput, Deli Qiao
Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering: Dissertations, Theses, and Student Research
This dissertation deals with various issues in wireless communications under statistical quality of service (QoS) constraints. Effective capacity, which provides the maximum constant arrival rate that a wireless channel can sustain while satisfying statistical QoS constraints, is adopted as the performance metric. Energy efficiency of point-to-point links is first studied by characterizing the spectral efficiency-bit energy tradeoff in the low-power and wideband regimes. Different transmission strategies (with variable or fixed rate) and power policies are studied. Then, the effective capacity region for fading multiple-access channels (MAC) is investigated for different transmission strategies: Superposition coding with successive decoding and time division …