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Gas Turbine Control And Load Sharing Of A Shipboard Power System, Anisha M. C. Fernandes
Gas Turbine Control And Load Sharing Of A Shipboard Power System, Anisha M. C. Fernandes
Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports
The objective of this research is to design a controller for a gas turbine of an Electric Shipboard Power System (ESPS) and to develop a load sharing strategy for its energy management. A suitable model for the gas turbine is selected and the effects of the dynamics are investigated for the different loads of the ESPS. The gas turbine controller is a Proportional Integral Derivative (PID) controller, whose parameters are tuned using the Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO) technique. The load on the system has three components: a propulsion load, a pulsed load to simulate a high energy weapon system and …
Alumina Waveguide Characterization And Sparrow Biosensor Modeling, Pavan Kumar Samudrala
Alumina Waveguide Characterization And Sparrow Biosensor Modeling, Pavan Kumar Samudrala
Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports
Sensors based on evanescent wave techniques have the potential to detect minute change in refractive index arising from surface modifications. The biosensor device architecture evaluated in this work is the SPARROW (Stacked Planar Affinity Regulated Resonant Optical Waveguide) structure. This architecture can operate as a biosensor through the change in the coupled optical power resulted from antigen bonding to the bio-layer. Its stacked film arrangement with no lateral patterning offers a potentially less complex structure for fabrication. This thesis describes the process developed to optically characterize the alumina waveguides of the SPARROW device and investigates waveguide film quality as a …
Hygrothermal Effects On Free Vibration Characteristics Of Rotating Composite Beams, Sandeep Vennam
Hygrothermal Effects On Free Vibration Characteristics Of Rotating Composite Beams, Sandeep Vennam
Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports
Free vibration characteristics of a rotating composite cantilever beams subjected to a hygrothermal environment is studied using the finite element analysis. The problem is formulated using a First Order Shear Deformation theory (FSDT) for composite materials. The finite element formulation is based on variational principles and the equations are solved by a code generated using MATLAB. Hygrothermal effects are incorporated using empirical relations degrading the material stiffness property of the matrix depending on the temperature and moisture concentration. The dynamic analysis of a rotating composite beam are validated by comparing with that available in literature and the hygrothermal incorporation is …
Forwarding Strategies And Optimal Power Allocation For Coherent And Noncoherent Relay Networks, Somak Datta Gupta
Forwarding Strategies And Optimal Power Allocation For Coherent And Noncoherent Relay Networks, Somak Datta Gupta
Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports
In fading wireless channels, relays are used with the aim of achieving diversity and thus overall performance gain. In cooperative relay networks, various forwarding techniques like amplify and forward (AF) and decode and forward (DF) are used at the relay for better throughput and improved BER performance than traditional multihop systems. In a power constrained environment, the performance can be further improved by using an optimal power allocation strategy. The relative position of the relay with respect to the source and destination also has an immense effect on the efficacy of the relay.;We position the relay at various positions in …
Parametric Sensitivity Analysis Of Microscrews, Zachary F. Witzgall
Parametric Sensitivity Analysis Of Microscrews, Zachary F. Witzgall
Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports
The research and development of a popular, publicly available microscrew system required an analysis of fastener strength. This analysis was performed using a Finite Element Analysis (FEA) program. ANSYS was used to model and stress the fasteners through various loading schemes. A simplified model was constructed due to limitations in model size.;The analysis required key parameters to be changed slightly. These parameters were socket depth and socket diameter. Changing these parameters had a substantial affect on the strength of the fastener.;Torque and rotation to tension analyses were performed on the microscrew to determine the validity of the ANSYS computation results. …
Quantifying Effects Of Vehicle Weight And Terrain On Emissions, Fuel Economy, And Engine Behavior, Corey M. Strimer
Quantifying Effects Of Vehicle Weight And Terrain On Emissions, Fuel Economy, And Engine Behavior, Corey M. Strimer
Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports
On-board emissions measurement for heavy-duty vehicles has garnered greater significance because 2007 marks the beginning of gaseous emissions monitoring for in-use vehicles in the United States [1]. Emissions compliance must be shown in a "not to exceed" (NTE) zone that emphasizes engine operation at higher power. An over-the-road 1996 Peterbilt tractor was instrumented with the West Virginia University Mobile Emissions Measurement System (MEMS) to determine how often the truck entered the NTE, and the emissions from the vehicle, as it was driven over varying terrain at multiple test weights. Distance-specific NOX emissions increase by approximately X/2% for an X% increase …
Development Of An Animal Model Of Choice Between Aversive Events, James W. Diller
Development Of An Animal Model Of Choice Between Aversive Events, James W. Diller
Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports
The present study examined variables controlling choice between aversive events using pigeons as subjects. Initially, a titration procedure using variable-interval (VI) schedules of food and shock delivery contingent on keypecking was conducted to determine a moderately aversive shock intensity and duration. Subjects were then presented with a choice between food delivery followed by either a single shock or three shocks in a discrete-trials procedure. The change in context affected the aversiveness of the shock. In the VI condition, shock presentation resulted in 40-60% decrease in response rates. In the discrete-trials procedure, however, responding was "all-or-none." Thus, an attempt to redetermine …
Stratigraphic And Structural Analysis Of The J1 Sandstone, Scotts Bluff Trend, Scotts Bluff And Morrill Counties, Nebraska, Jeremy M. Wolpert
Stratigraphic And Structural Analysis Of The J1 Sandstone, Scotts Bluff Trend, Scotts Bluff And Morrill Counties, Nebraska, Jeremy M. Wolpert
Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports
Scotts Bluff Trend is a group of 10 oil fields that produce from the Cretaceous J Sandstone. Production was previously thought to be aligned along this trend due to structural influence.;For this study well logs were utilized in analyzing structural and stratigraphic elements, as well as hydrocarbon predictability. The Scotts Bluff Trend appears to sit upon a residual structural high. A comprehensive look reveals that stratigraphic influence is superimposed on the structural high.;J1 Sandstone reservoirs were mapped assuming a NW--SE depositional trend. Deposition was in a shallow-marine bar environment. Central-bar, bar-margin and interbar facies are recognized which interfinger laterally into …
Sexual Objectification, Self-Objectification, Self-Efficacy, And Female Identity Development: A Preliminary Study, Kathleen Reilly Coffers
Sexual Objectification, Self-Objectification, Self-Efficacy, And Female Identity Development: A Preliminary Study, Kathleen Reilly Coffers
Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports
Sexual and self-objectification, self-efficacy and identity status were investigated using data collected from undergraduate and graduate classes from West Virginia University. Subjects were 267 females, ages 18--23. The four variables were measured as follows: (a) Cultural Sexual Objectification Questionnaire, (b) Self-Objectification Questionnaire, (c) Self-Efficacy Scale and (d) Extended Version of the Objective Measure of Ego Identity Status. Cronbach's Alphas were performed on all measures with good to adequate reliabilities (.69 through .89), with the exception of the identity diffusion subscale which resulted in marginal reliability (.57). Chi-square analyses performed for sexual and self-objectification in each of the four identity statuses …
Neutral Density Profiles In Argon Helicon Plasmas, Amy M. Keesee
Neutral Density Profiles In Argon Helicon Plasmas, Amy M. Keesee
Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports
A diode laser-based laser-induced fluorescence (LIF) diagnostic has been developed that can measure three species; argon neutrals, argon ions, and helium neutrals. This diagnostic has been combined with passive emission spectroscopy and a neutral argon collisional-radiative (CR) model to measure ground state radial density profiles of argon atoms in a helicon source. We have found the ground state neutral argon atoms to have a 60% on-axis depletion for a typical helicon mode case, yielding a 28% ionization fraction. The depletion decreases to 20% with a 9.8% ionization fraction for a second helicon mode case, indicating that slight changes in plasma …
Enhanced Iris Recognition: Algorithms For Segmentation, Matching And Synthesis, Samir Shah
Enhanced Iris Recognition: Algorithms For Segmentation, Matching And Synthesis, Samir Shah
Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports
This thesis addresses the issues of segmentation, matching, fusion and synthesis in the context of irises and makes a four-fold contribution. The first contribution of this thesis is a post matching algorithm that observes the structure of the differences in feature templates to enhance recognition accuracy. The significance of the scheme is its robustness to inaccuracies in the iris segmentation process. Experimental results on the CASIA database indicate the efficacy of the proposed technique. The second contribution of this thesis is a novel iris segmentation scheme that employs Geodesic Active Contours to extract the iris from the surrounding structures. The …
A Hairy Predicament: The Problem With Long Hair In The 1960s And 1970s, Andrew Robert Herrick
A Hairy Predicament: The Problem With Long Hair In The 1960s And 1970s, Andrew Robert Herrick
Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports
By the mid-1970s long hair worn by much of the American youth evoked little comment and indeed was considered fashionable. But during much of the previous two decades male hair length was a contentious issue that divided the generations. The struggle over hair in many ways epitomized the sixties generation's challenge to authority and their claim to individual rights. During the era, the meaning of long hair changed dramatically from what it was during the fifties. It began as a symbol of youth culture rebellion linked to music. By the latter part of the sixties, however, it became associated with …
Evaluation Of A Tube Feeding Decision Aid For Substitute Decision Makers, Emily H. Bower
Evaluation Of A Tube Feeding Decision Aid For Substitute Decision Makers, Emily H. Bower
Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports
Substitute decision makers may be in a position to make "preference-sensitive" decisions for their patient, including whether to approve tube feeding. The present study evaluated the only known tube feeding decision aid for substitute decision makers (Mitchell, Tetroe, & O'Conner, 2001). Sixty adults completed a pre-questionnaire, read an active control brochure (control group) or decision aid (experimental group), and completed a post-questionnaire. Both groups demonstrated increased knowledge and decisional conflict at post-test, although the experimental group had higher scores in both. Participants who were either in favor or against tube feeding at pre-test rarely changed their decision at post-test. Control …
Differential Binding Of Hnrnp K, L And A2/B1 To An Exonic Splicing Silencer Element Located Within Exon 12 Of Glucose -6 -Phosphate Dehydrogenase Mrna, Brian Nelson Griffith
Differential Binding Of Hnrnp K, L And A2/B1 To An Exonic Splicing Silencer Element Located Within Exon 12 Of Glucose -6 -Phosphate Dehydrogenase Mrna, Brian Nelson Griffith
Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports
The expression of most lipogenic enzymes is regulated through the effects of dietary polyunsaturated fatty acids on transcription. However, we have observed that the regulation of Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) by polyunsaturated fatty acids occurs through a novel posttranscriptional mechanism. RNA reporter assays were used to map the cis-acting element by measuring the regulation of each RNA reporter construct transfected into primary rat hepatocytes. All RNA reporter constructs were regulated by polyunsaturated fatty acids with the exception of RNA reporter constructs lacking exon 12. Therefore, polyunsaturated fatty acids regulate the constitutive splicing of G6PD mRNA through a cis-acting element located within …
Three Essays On Banks' Relative Efficiency, Jorge Guillen
Three Essays On Banks' Relative Efficiency, Jorge Guillen
Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports
Three separate studies are conducted regarding banks' relative efficiency. Previous to start with the development of the studies, we review the situation before and after the enactment of the Riegle Neal's. This act restricts banks from opening branches in another state. The Riegle Neal act ended up the era of state branching deregulation which started in 1970. A discussion between proponents and opponents of branching deregulation is presented. A debate between bank's efficiency and concentration before Riegle Neal is introduced in the chapter.;The first essay found in chapter 2, develops a theoretical model of spatial competition between banks. Two different …
The Extrinsic Apoptotic Pathway In Aged Skeletal Muscle: Roles Of Tumor Necrosis Factor-Alpha And Interleukin-15, Emidio E. Pistilli
The Extrinsic Apoptotic Pathway In Aged Skeletal Muscle: Roles Of Tumor Necrosis Factor-Alpha And Interleukin-15, Emidio E. Pistilli
Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports
Apoptosis is implicated in the loss of skeletal muscle mass following periods of reduced activity (i.e.-disuse) as well as during the normal aging process (i.e.-sarcopenia). Aging is also characterized by elevations in circulating cytokines, specifically TNF-alpha, which has been associated with the sarcopenic process. The specific signaling components that participate in the pro-apoptotic pathway downstream of the type I TNF receptor (i.e.-extrinsic apoptotic pathway) within skeletal muscle have not been clarified. Additionally, few studies have been performed with the aim of disrupting this apoptotic pathway, and thereby sparing muscle mass in the aged. Therefore, the purposes of this dissertation were …
Navigating The Ethical Quandaries Of Wraparound Multi -Systemic Treatment (Mst): A Comparative Study Between In -Home And Outpatient Therapies, Joseph M. Roberts
Navigating The Ethical Quandaries Of Wraparound Multi -Systemic Treatment (Mst): A Comparative Study Between In -Home And Outpatient Therapies, Joseph M. Roberts
Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports
Multisystemic treatments (MST) have become a significant force in the mental health community over the past decade. Yet, scant literature is available in regards to differing ethical considerations that may arise when working outside of a traditional office setting. The current research reviewed key ethical issues within the therapeutic relationship (i.e., confidentiality, dual roles), and extended the discussion to pertinent, often unrecognized issues endemic to in-home service modalities (i.e., confidentiality, role confusion, client diffusion, and unintentional witnessing).;More specifically, this research examined whether certain ethical violations are perceived to occur less frequently in outpatient settings compared to in-home settings. It was …
Application Of A Statistical Zonation Technique To Granny Creek Field In West Virginia, Venkata Kristamsetty
Application Of A Statistical Zonation Technique To Granny Creek Field In West Virginia, Venkata Kristamsetty
Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports
The significance of dividing the sedimentary intervals into flow units reflects groups of rocks that has similar geologic, physical properties and depositional environment that affect fluid flow. Variations in rock properties result from depositional, diagenetic and post-depositional changes. A flow unit is a volume of a reservoir rock that is continuous laterally and vertically and has similar averages of those rock properties that affect fluid flow.;In this study, a statistical zonation technique developed by Testerman to identify and describe naturally occurring zones in a reservoir is applied to Granny Creek field in West Virginia. This technique is particularly useful in …
Use Of Data Mining For Investigation Of Crime Patterns, Manoday D. Padhye
Use Of Data Mining For Investigation Of Crime Patterns, Manoday D. Padhye
Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports
Lot of research is being done to improve the utilization of crime data. This thesis deals with the design and implementation of a crime database and associated search methods to identify crime patterns from the database. The database was created in Microsoft SQL Server (back end). The user interface (front end) and the crime pattern identification software (middle tier) were implemented in ASP.NET. Such a web based approach enables the user to utilize the database from anywhere and at anytime. A general ARFF file can also be generated, for the user in Windows based format to use other Data Mining …
Cooperative Diversity Using Mimo Systems, Ramachandran Rajagopalan
Cooperative Diversity Using Mimo Systems, Ramachandran Rajagopalan
Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports
Multipath fading is one of the primary factors for degrading the performance in a wireless network. Information theoretic and past research suggest the use various diversity techniques to combat fading in wireless networks. Antenna diversity, a form of diversity technique, when incorporated in a wireless transceiver increases the system capacity and is one of the effective methods to combat fading in wireless systems. Also, recent research by Laneman et.al., Sendonaris et.al. suggests that cooperation among users in a wireless networks is an effective approach for a better signal reception in multipath fading environments. The diversity gains obtained by cooperation among …
Finite Element Analysis Of Low-Profile Frp Bridge Deck (Prodeck 4), Siva Kumar Boyapati
Finite Element Analysis Of Low-Profile Frp Bridge Deck (Prodeck 4), Siva Kumar Boyapati
Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports
FRPs (Fiber Reinforced Polymers) are lightweight and an innovative alternative to conventional materials like steel and concrete in Structural engineering. Pultruded FRP bridge decks have many advantages compared to conventional concrete decks especially in bridge engineering. In this study a finite element model of a 4"-thick low profile FRP bridge deck made of E-glass fiber and vinyl ester resin, having a fiber volume fraction of approximately 50% and weighing about 10 lb/ft2 is developed using the finite element software ANSYS. The bridge deck modeled is subjected to a central patch load, and the finite element results such as deflections, strains …
A Comparison Of The Relative Efficiency Of Tracking Signals In Forecast Control, Balasubramanya Krishnamurthy
A Comparison Of The Relative Efficiency Of Tracking Signals In Forecast Control, Balasubramanya Krishnamurthy
Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports
An important aspect of forecasting system is monitoring the process for forecast accuracy. Tracking signals test is an effective detection method for occurrence of nonrandom changes. In this research, the relative efficiency of Cumulative Sum (CUSUM), Smoothed Error, Backward CUSUM, Autocorrelation and Parabolic CUSUM tracking signals were compared according to ARL1 criterion and percentage of trips detected within N periods. For simulating response to a step, 1,000 series of demands were generated, each covering run-ins of 40 periods and 75 periods after introduction of the step. The response of tracking signals to step sizes of 1sigma, 2sigma, 3sigma and a …
Evaluation And Optimization Of Central Vision Compensation Techniques, Ahmed M. El-Sherbeeny
Evaluation And Optimization Of Central Vision Compensation Techniques, Ahmed M. El-Sherbeeny
Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports
Non-costly, non-invasive, safe, and reliable electronic vision enhancement systems (EVES) and their methods have presented a huge medical and industrial demand in the early 21st century. Two unique, vision compensation and enhancement algorithms are reviewed and compared, qualitatively optimizing the view of a restricted (or truncated) image. The first is described as the convex or "fish-eye" technique, and the second is the "cartoon superimposition" or "Peli" technique (after the leading author for this research). The novelty in this dissertation is in presenting and analyzing both of these with a comparison to a novel technique, motivated by characterization of quality vision …
Assessment And Evaluation Of Noise Controls On Roof Bolting Equipment And A Method For Predicting Sound Pressure Levels In Underground Coal Mining, Rudy J. Matetic
Assessment And Evaluation Of Noise Controls On Roof Bolting Equipment And A Method For Predicting Sound Pressure Levels In Underground Coal Mining, Rudy J. Matetic
Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports
Over-exposure to noise remains a widespread and serious health hazard in the U.S. mining industries despite 25 years of regulation. Every day, 80% of the nation's miners go to work in an environment where the time weighted average (TWA) noise level exceeds 85 dBA and more than 25% of the miners are exposed to a TWA noise level that exceeds 90 dBA, the permissible exposure limit (PEL). Additionally, MSHA coal noise sample data collected from 2000 to 2002 show that 65% of the equipment whose operators exceeded 100% noise dosage comprise only seven different types of machines; auger miners, bulldozers, …
Phytoformations Of Silver And Gold Nanoparticles, Brooke A. Fridley
Phytoformations Of Silver And Gold Nanoparticles, Brooke A. Fridley
Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports
Stevia and red beet suspension cultures were examined for uptake of silver from AgNO3 solution. Alfalfa and mung bean sprouts were also studied for silver accumulation when grown in AgNO3 solution. AA analysis confirmed the presence of silver in both sprouts and suspension cultures after exposure to AgNO3 solution, despite the toxic effects of silver on the living matter.;Extract from Pelargonium graveolens underwent reaction with both AgNO3 and KAuCl4 to form silver or gold nanoparticles. For the reaction with AgNO3, light was required to initiate the reaction. In contrast, reactions producing gold nanoparticles did not require light to react. Oxygen …
Afferent Regulation Of A15 Dopamine Neurons In The Ewe, Adrienne L. Bogusz
Afferent Regulation Of A15 Dopamine Neurons In The Ewe, Adrienne L. Bogusz
Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports
Ovine reproduction is characterized by a breeding season and an anestrous season. Seasonal anestrus is induced by increased responsiveness of the GnRH neurosecretory system to estrogen (E) negative feedback. Previous studies have shown that inhibitory A15 dopamine neurons mediate this increased sensitivity to E, however, these neurons lack E receptors. In this thesis we performed three experiments. For experiment 1 we looked at the specific sites of actions that thyroid hormones act to cause neuronal plasticity of A15 DA neurons, utilizing dual-labeled immunocytochemistry. The results of this study demonstrated no change in dendrite morphology or the number of close contacts …
Faith, Power, And Conflict: Miner Preachers And The United Mine Workers Of America In The Harlan County Mine Wars, 1931--1939, Carletta A. Bush
Faith, Power, And Conflict: Miner Preachers And The United Mine Workers Of America In The Harlan County Mine Wars, 1931--1939, Carletta A. Bush
Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports
Early accounts of the Harlan County mine wars place the inability of the United Mine Workers of America (UMWA) to establish a permanent foothold in the county, first at the feet of the Harlan County Coal Operators Association (HCCOA) and secondly at the worn work boots of miners who, when work was plentiful, saw little or no need for a union. The power of the HCCOA is not in question. Its members used their immense wealth and influence to build a million dollar war chest to fight the union and to maintain their iron-clad grip upon the county's political, judicial, …
An Evaluation Of Current West Virginia Specifications And Construction Methods Regarding The Density Of Hot Mix Asphalt, Andrew Rudolph
An Evaluation Of Current West Virginia Specifications And Construction Methods Regarding The Density Of Hot Mix Asphalt, Andrew Rudolph
Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports
Pavement performance depends on the quality of the material, the mix design, and construction. The objectives of pavement construction are to place the material with a smooth surface, and compacted to the target density. Inadequate density permits water to enter the pavement leading to premature distress. It also can contribute to rutting as the pavement densify. A surface that is too dense is also prone to rutting.;This research evaluated methods for: measuring density, quality control, and longitudinal joint construction. Density specifications for West Virginia and surrounding states were reviewed to assess the compaction requirements for hot mix asphalt (HMA).;This research …
Ground Penetrating Radar (Gpr) Based System For Nondestructive Detection Of Interior Defects In Wooden Logs, Dayakar Devaru
Ground Penetrating Radar (Gpr) Based System For Nondestructive Detection Of Interior Defects In Wooden Logs, Dayakar Devaru
Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports
A previous study used GPR to scan logs and the scanned data was processed and analyzed using RADAN software. This data processing using RADAN software needs an expert and is time consuming. Also, the output from RADAN software cannot be used to generate manufacturing process instructions since it will be in the form of an image. For online implementation of GPR scanning, a quick automated defect detection system with numerical output is required.;To incorporate automated defect detection system, a MATLAB algorithm has been developed. Validation of the MATLAB algorithm output has been done by comparing with the results of RADAN …
Model-Based Risk Assessment, Walid M. Abdelmoez
Model-Based Risk Assessment, Walid M. Abdelmoez
Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports
In this research effort, we focus on model-based risk assessment. Risk assessment is essential in any plan intended to manage software development or maintenance process. Subjective techniques are human intensive and error-prone. Risk assessment should be based on architectural attributes that we can quantitatively measure using architectural level metrics. Software architectures are emerging as an important concept in the study and practice of software engineering nowadays, due to their emphasis on large-scale composition of software product, and to their support for emerging software engineering paradigms, such as product line engineering, component based software engineering, and software evolution.;In this dissertation, we …