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Theses/Dissertations

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

2003

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Knowledge-Based Task Structure Planning For An Information Gathering Agent, John Phelps Jan 2003

Knowledge-Based Task Structure Planning For An Information Gathering Agent, John Phelps

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

An effective solution to model and apply planning domain knowledge for deliberation and action in probabilistic, agent-oriented control is presented. Specifically, the addition of a task structure planning component and supporting components to an agent-oriented architecture and agent implementation is described. For agent control in risky or uncertain environments, an approach and method of goal reduction to task plan sets and schedules of action is presented. Additionally, some issues related to component-wise, situation-dependent control of a task planning agent that schedules its tasks separately from planning them are motivated and discussed.

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Characterization Of Hfo2 Capacitors, Fan Yang Jan 2003

Characterization Of Hfo2 Capacitors, Fan Yang

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Hafnium oxide (HfOn) is a promising dielectric for future microelectronic applications. Hf02 thin films (10-75nm) were deposited on Pt/Si02/Si substrates by pulsed DC magnetron reactive sputtering. Top electrodes of Pt were formed by e-beam evapo- ration through an aperture mask on the samples to create MIM (Metal-Insulator-Metal) capacitors. Various processing conditions (Arloz ratio, DC power and deposition rate) and post-deposition annealing conditions (time and temperature) were investigated. The structure of the Hf02 films was characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and the roughness was measured by a profilometer. The electrical properties were characterized in terms of their relative permittivity (E,(T) and …

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Adaptive Double Self-Organizing Map For Clustering Gene Expression Data, Dali Wang Jan 2003

Adaptive Double Self-Organizing Map For Clustering Gene Expression Data, Dali Wang

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This thesis presents a novel clustering technique known as adaptive double self- organizing map (ADSOM) that addresses the issue of identifying the "correct" number of clusters. ADSOM has a flexible topology and performs clustering and cluster visualization simultaneously, thereby requiring no a priori knowledge about the number of clusters. ADSOM combines features of the popular self-organizing map with two- dimensional position vectors, which serve as a visualization tool to decide the number of clusters. It updates its free parameters during training and it allows convergence of its position vectors to a fairly consistent number of clusters provided that its initial …

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Effect On Heartbeat Of Drosophila Melanogaster Of Mutations In The Calcium Channel Encoding Cacophony Gene And Its Interaction With The Rna Helicase Mutant Maleless^Napts, Vanessa Mcgowan Jan 2003

Effect On Heartbeat Of Drosophila Melanogaster Of Mutations In The Calcium Channel Encoding Cacophony Gene And Its Interaction With The Rna Helicase Mutant Maleless^Napts, Vanessa Mcgowan

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

There is a lack of information concerning the genetics of heart disease, especially of those due to aberrant pacemaker activity. Drosophila melanogaster is an ideal candidate for research in this area because of its suitability to genetic manipulation and its accessible genetic database. What is most compelling, however, is that the genesis of heartbeat is Drosophila is strikingly similar to that in many other organisms, including mammals. The myogenic heart of DrosophiIa melanogaster is stimulated to contract by a caudal pacemaker, which is regulated by ion channel interactions. A voltage-gated calcium channel of PIQ- or N-type is implicated in the …

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An Exploratory Look At An Evolving Tourism Industry: Maine's Nature-Based Tourism Industry In Transition, Marc Edwards Jan 2003

An Exploratory Look At An Evolving Tourism Industry: Maine's Nature-Based Tourism Industry In Transition, Marc Edwards

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Maine's natural resources have been attracting visitors to the State for more than 150 years, from artists drawn to the beauty and wildness of the coast, such as Thomas Cole in 1844, to Henry David Thoreau's well-documented trip to Katahdin popularized in his collection of essays The Maine Woods. Early artists like Cole lodged with local farmers and Thoreau's journeys into the Maine woods were aided by Native American and local guides. These early artists and adventurers could be said to be among the first nature-based tourists in Maine, while those who provided lodging and guide services were among the …

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Effects Of Strand Geometry On Selected Properties Of Long-Stand Structural Composite Lumber Made From Northeastern Hardwoods, Russell Edgar Jan 2003

Effects Of Strand Geometry On Selected Properties Of Long-Stand Structural Composite Lumber Made From Northeastern Hardwoods, Russell Edgar

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Structural composite lumber (SCL) products often possess significantly higher design values than the top grades of solid lumber, making it a popular choice for both residential and commercial applications. The enhanced mechanical properties of SCL are mainly due to defect randomization and densification of the wood fiber, both largely functions of the size, shape and composition (species) of the wood element. Traditionally, SCL manufacturers have used thin, rectangular elements produced from either moderate density softwoods or low density hardwoods. Higher density hardwood species have been avoided, as they require higher pressures to adequately densify and consolidate the wood furnish. These …

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Ten Years Of Change In Beech Stand In North Central Maine Long Affected With Beech Bark Disease, Amanda Farrar Jan 2003

Ten Years Of Change In Beech Stand In North Central Maine Long Affected With Beech Bark Disease, Amanda Farrar

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

In Maine, northern hardwood stands long affected by beech bark disease often still have high numbers of beech trees. This is mostly due to sprouting, and most new stems become severely infected with the disease. Beech that are resistant to the scale insect, Cryptococcus fagisuga Lind., the inciting factor for the disease complex, do exist and often occur in clumps of root sprout origin. In 1989 a long-term study of the effects of commonly used seasonal harvesting regimes on regeneration initiation and survival was established in north central Maine. Treatments included harvest season (winter or summer) and intensity (clearcut or …

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A Comparison Study Of Children's Cognitive Understanding Of Conception And Birth: England, Sweden And The United States, Carie Jo Ahigrim Jan 2003

A Comparison Study Of Children's Cognitive Understanding Of Conception And Birth: England, Sweden And The United States, Carie Jo Ahigrim

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This study explores the extent to which early childhood understanding of conception and birth is increased by early sexuality education. The present study compares conception and birth understanding of primary-aged children in America with children in other countries. Specifically, this study compared prompted drawings done by 6 year-old children from England, Sweden, The Netherlands, and the United States. Prompts used to elicit these drawing were: "Where do babies come from?" and "How are babies made?" Controlled comparison data of the children's knowledge of conception and birth, were obtained through the application of the "Children's Sexuality Awareness Scale" (Koch 1974) and …

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Why Does He Hit Her? Content Analysis Of Protection From Abuse Orders, Robin Y. Brown Jan 2003

Why Does He Hit Her? Content Analysis Of Protection From Abuse Orders, Robin Y. Brown

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

According to FBI statistics, each year 3.3 million wives and 250,000 husbands receive severe beatings from their spouses. This research tries to answer the question of why one human being would want to abuse another. More specifically, what is the function, purpose, or pay off of all this violence? This research identifies key features in Protection from Abuse Order Affidavits that are indicative of motives underlying interpersonal abuse. This was done by using content analysis that will aim to uncover such motives by relating the abusive behavior to the circumstances under which the perpetrator enacted them and the personal and …

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Perceived Attributes To The Development Of A Positive Self-Concept From The Experiences Of Adolescents With Learning Disabilities, Charles P. Bernacchio Jan 2003

Perceived Attributes To The Development Of A Positive Self-Concept From The Experiences Of Adolescents With Learning Disabilities, Charles P. Bernacchio

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The Perceived Attributes to Positive Self-concept Study examined the experiences of adolescents with learning disabilities to determine the ways in which living with a disability may have shaped their development of a positive self-concept. This study considered the perceptions held by adolescents themselves, their parents, and their teachers as valuably contributing to their own development of a positive self-concept. The research questions for the study included: "How does the experience of living with a disability affect the perceptions of adolescents with learning disabilities held by themselves, their parents and their . teachers? " "How do the experiences of living with …

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The Domestic Violence Myth Acceptance Scale: Development And Psychometric Testing Of A New Instrument, John Peters Jan 2003

The Domestic Violence Myth Acceptance Scale: Development And Psychometric Testing Of A New Instrument, John Peters

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Since 1980, researchers and practitioners have had access to valid and reliable measures of myths about rape (Burt, 1980) and child sexual abuse (Collings, 1997). Despite the utility of such measures in research and program evaluation, no such measure of domestic violence myths currently exists. The present study was undertaken to fill this gap. In this study, domestic violence myths were defined as stereotypical attitudes and beliefs that are generally false but are widely and persistently held, and which serve to minimize, deny, or justify physical aggression against intimate partners. Based on defensive attribution and radical feminist theories, these myths …

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An Interhemispheric Comparison Of The Recession Of Mountain Glaciers In The Last 150 Years, Colby Smith Jan 2003

An Interhemispheric Comparison Of The Recession Of Mountain Glaciers In The Last 150 Years, Colby Smith

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Historical records in the Northern Hemisphere show overall glacier retreat since about AD 1860-1890. A glacial retreat of similar timing and magnitude in the Southern Hemisphere is less well established. Comparison of the timing and magnitude of glacial recession in the two polar hemispheres over the past century can elucidate mechanisms driving global climatic change. In order to determine the recession patterns of Murchison, Hooker, and Tasman Glaciers in the Southern Alps of New Zealand, geomorphic maps were constructed and recent glacial deposits were dated using lichenometry. Since the mid-to-late nineteenth century, each glacier terminus has retreated about 1.5 km. …

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Modeling Sugarbeet Quality Variables From Satellite Images And Canopy Spectral Indices, Subodh Kulkarni Jan 2003

Modeling Sugarbeet Quality Variables From Satellite Images And Canopy Spectral Indices, Subodh Kulkarni

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Remote sensing was used to model crop quality from measurements of canopy spectra. Three indices of canopy characteristics, derived from satellite image data, were tested for relationship to whole-field sugarbeet quality. Quality was quantified as recoverable sucrose per ton of harvested sugarbeets. Quality data were extracted from the year 2002 Field Database of the Southern Minnesota Beet Sugar Co-operative, (SMBSC), Renville, Minnesota. Linear regression models utilizing canopy indices and changes in canopy indices over time were tested for relationship to sugarbeet quality for four classes of sugarbeets. Classes of sugarbeet tested represented fields planted to a mix of varieties resistant …

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A 2-Digit Multidimensional Logarithmic Number System Filterbank Processor For A Digital Hearing Aid., Hongbo (Jennifer). Li Jan 2003

A 2-Digit Multidimensional Logarithmic Number System Filterbank Processor For A Digital Hearing Aid., Hongbo (Jennifer). Li

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This thesis addresses the design, implementation, and evaluation of a filterbank for digital hearing aids using a Multidimensional Logarithmic Number System (MDLNS). Hearing loss is a function of both frequency and input level. In a typical digital hearing instrument, the hearing loss compensation is performed by separating the incoming sound into several frequency bands which are then compressed to allow the amplification of low level signals while maintaining the amplitude of high level signals. The demands of low power consumption and small size have led to a number of advances in algorithms, semiconductor technologies and system architectures for completely-in-canal (CIC) …

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A Biomechanical Model Of The Spine To Predict Trunk Muscle Forces: Optimizing The Relationship Between Spinal Stability And Spinal Loading., Stephen Hadley Morgan Brown Jan 2003

A Biomechanical Model Of The Spine To Predict Trunk Muscle Forces: Optimizing The Relationship Between Spinal Stability And Spinal Loading., Stephen Hadley Morgan Brown

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to develop an optimization model of the spine that, incorporating a measure of spinal stability as a constraint, allowed for realistic predictions of trunk muscle and spine compression forces. A 3-dimensional, 52 muscle, single joint model of the lumbar spine was developed and tested in situations of pure trunk flexor and lateral bend moments. Spinal stability, about each anatomical axis, was calculated at the L4/L5 spinal joint. Estimates of the optimal level of spinal stability, in a given loading situation, obtained through the use of regression equations developed from experimental findings, were utilized as …

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Authorization-Enhanced Security Framework For Ogsa Support., Haiyan. Cheng Jan 2003

Authorization-Enhanced Security Framework For Ogsa Support., Haiyan. Cheng

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Security plays an important role for a large distributed system in an open community. Without enough knowledge about the user, it is hard to make access decision to the local resources. Current Public Key Infrastructure (PKI) uses a trusted third party, called Certificate Authority (CA), to check the identity of the users. The assumption of PKI is that every entity trusts CA absolutely and equally. This is also a weakness of PKI. The security problem in a Single-Sign-On (SSO) environment is more difficult to manage. Most of the current SSO security approach relies heavily on the pre-established trust relationship. This …

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Characterization Of A Novel Human Cap2 Interacting Protein: Neuronal Calcium Binding Protein 1 (Necab1)., Emilio P. Mottillo Jan 2003

Characterization Of A Novel Human Cap2 Interacting Protein: Neuronal Calcium Binding Protein 1 (Necab1)., Emilio P. Mottillo

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The actin cytoskeleton is implicated in numerous processes such as cellular division, migration, endocytosislexocytosis, and more recently synaptic plasticity. Important players in controlling cytoskeletal rearrangements are the Cyclase Associated Proteins (CAPs) which are thought to link cell signalling to the dynamics of the actin cytoskeleton, via sequestration of monomeric actin subunits. CAPs are conserved throughout evolution and possess conserved functional domains. Previous studies have suggested a link between CAP proteins and vesicle trafficking and this study focussed on characterizing binding partners of human CAPs. Using a two hybrid screen of a human adult brain cDNA library, a novel human CAP …

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Combustion Of Propane-Air Mixtures With Oxygenated Additives In A Closed Duct And An Si Engine., Stephen W. Mckellar Jan 2003

Combustion Of Propane-Air Mixtures With Oxygenated Additives In A Closed Duct And An Si Engine., Stephen W. Mckellar

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This master's thesis outlines the project investigating the effects of oxygenated fuel additives on flame propagation and engine performance. In the first of this two-part investigation, flame speeds, in a straight duct with a curved end section, were examined. The 172 cm straight section was followed by a 90° bend section and a 30 cm straight section. With propane as the fuel and emission zero air as the oxidizer, flame speeds, using equivalence ratios of 0.8, 1.0, and 1.1, were explored. In addition, a commercial propane fuel additive blend was introduced and its flame speed compared to instrument grade propane. …

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The Poverty Of Pedagogy: From A Liberal University To A Liberating University, Joshua Paul Jan 2003

The Poverty Of Pedagogy: From A Liberal University To A Liberating University, Joshua Paul

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The modern liberal university is based upon a philosophical framework first conceptualized by John Dewey in his seminal book Democracy and Education. Although Dewey's philosophy was instrumental in reforming the university, it possesses an inherent contradiction that has proved problematic for the manner in which the modern North American university functions. While Dewey's theories were aimed at democratizing the university and allowing for the pursuit of critical freedom, his main goal was to bring the university in line with the economic realities of industrial capitalism. Herein lies the contradiction: the student is free to study whatever she may wish, but …

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A Systems Analysis And Design Approach For Modelling Of Participatory Manufacturing Systems., Ruth Jill. Urbanic Jan 2003

A Systems Analysis And Design Approach For Modelling Of Participatory Manufacturing Systems., Ruth Jill. Urbanic

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The goal of this research was aimed at understanding the effects of human worker attributes within the manufacturing system environment; hence, a model is needed to provide insights into the sensitivities of a manufacturing system. To this end, a framework has been developed which is valid for different perspectives and environments. A matrix methodology has been created that assesses the three levels of manufacturing complexity: product complexity to process complexity and operational complexity. The systematic approach has lead to the development of an objective measure of complexity, which can be used to "mathematically" show tradeoffs at each level. A model …

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Photoblur (Original Writing, Novel)., John Sigurd. Gudmundson Jan 2003

Photoblur (Original Writing, Novel)., John Sigurd. Gudmundson

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The idea that context shapes text is traceable to Aristotle who identified poetry or "making" with the form or plot that best appeals to audience expectations. Today's complex world, with its host of competing truths, requires texts that reflect this confusion. My novel reacts to this context, appealing to expectations in both form and story. What are those expectations? The current appetite for shorter texts and the popularity of the short novel might be explained by a growing alliterate population, an educated group who value books, but who have little time to read them. Yet reading hasn't declined altogether. Current …

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Piles Embedded In Soft Clay Located Below The Water Table Subjected To Lateral Cyclic Loadings: Sensitivity Analysis., Deni Gunawan. Priyanto Putro Jan 2003

Piles Embedded In Soft Clay Located Below The Water Table Subjected To Lateral Cyclic Loadings: Sensitivity Analysis., Deni Gunawan. Priyanto Putro

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This study presents the theoretical formulation and numerical investigations of sensitivity analysis of laterally loaded piles embedded in soft clay located below the water table. Single piles with various lengths and boundaries subjected to cyclic lateral forces and bending moments are analyzed. The groups of 3 x 3 piles with various spacing (2D, 3D, 4D, and 5D) are also analyzed in this study. For single piles, the pile structure is considered as one-dimensional beam and the supporting soft clay is defined by means of p-y model. For groups of piles, the pile members are considered as one-dimensional beams and the …

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Preservice Teacher Beliefs Related To Internet Usage., Salah. Zogheib Jan 2003

Preservice Teacher Beliefs Related To Internet Usage., Salah. Zogheib

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The study investigated the relationship between preservice teachers' attitudes, achievement-, and value-related motivational beliefs about the Internet and their perceived likelihood to use it in instruction. Attitudes investigated preservice teachers' confidence and liking of the Internet. Achievement-related beliefs were examined within a motivational framework that described preservice teachers' actual knowledge and perceived experience about the Internet. Value-related beliefs were constructed from six measures for which the Internet would be valuable: personal needs, future career goals, a partner, children, future students, and society in general. Likelihood of using the Internet in instruction focused on teaching needs, students' learning, and differential access …

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A Geostatistical And Geographic Information Systems Study Of Grainsize Characteristics From Accreting And Eroding Beaches Along The Guyana Coast., Kazi. Arifuzzaman Jan 2003

A Geostatistical And Geographic Information Systems Study Of Grainsize Characteristics From Accreting And Eroding Beaches Along The Guyana Coast., Kazi. Arifuzzaman

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Spatio-temporal difference of grain size distribution at accreting and eroding beaches along the Guyana Coast has been established in this study. Geostatistical techniques of discriminant analysis, two-way analysis of variance and one-way analysis of variance were utilized to obtain the statistical significance of size variation across the beach and between the beaches. The results of discriminant analyses indicate that there is a statistically significant variation of grain size across the beach and between the two beaches. Two way analyses of variance indicate that size is the most significant factor in contributing this variation and one-way analyses of variance indicate that …

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Chemical, Biochemical, And Cellular Aspects Of S-Nitrosothiols., Shirin. Akhter Jan 2003

Chemical, Biochemical, And Cellular Aspects Of S-Nitrosothiols., Shirin. Akhter

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Nitric oxide is involved in many physiological processes including vascular control, immune responses and neurotransmission under physiological conditions. Many functions of NO are triggered by the formation of its metabolite, S-nitrosothiol. S-nitrosothiols play an important role in the delivery, storage and transport of NO. In addition, they regulate the activity of a variety of proteins and enzymes. The first part of my study is focused on studying the regulatory role of S-nitrosothiol. In this study, S-nitrosothiols including S-nitrosoglutathione (GSNO) have been demonstrated to regulate the activity of a key protein in plasma, fibrinogen, without chemically modifying it. GSNO and a …

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Muta Poesis., Kay Byrne Jan 2003

Muta Poesis., Kay Byrne

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This paper is produced to support my thesis show Muta Poesis. I have over the last two years sought through the use of photography to visualize the subject of death. I attempt to capture the emotive aspects of the subject of death, achieving this through the loss of natural daylight which is only apparent within the final photographic print. Within this paper I put forward the research that has become the basis for my studio practice. I explore the subject of death from the Medieval period through to the Victorian period, covering the historical evolution of death imagery and photography. …

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Laboratory Study And Numerical Simulation Of Permanganate Oxidation Of Pooled Tetrachloroethylene., Qunli Dai Jan 2003

Laboratory Study And Numerical Simulation Of Permanganate Oxidation Of Pooled Tetrachloroethylene., Qunli Dai

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The main objectives of this research are to evaluate MnO2 plugging effects on remedial efficiency of pooled tetrachloroethylene (PCE) using KMnO4 solution under a high pH condition, to develop and test a three-dimensional numerical model, and to validate the model with experimental data. Additional studies conducted to achieve the thesis objectives include kinetic studies of KMnO4 oxidation with PCE at high pH. The kinetic studies of KMnO4 oxidation of PCE were conducted using a sodium carbonate solution (1 g/l, pH = 10.6 +/- 0.1) at three different temperatures (5, 10, and 20°C) and three KMnO4 concentrations (0.2, 1, and 5 …

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Metallated Group Ix And Group X Phosphinimine Complexes., Katie Tak-Kwan. Chan Jan 2003

Metallated Group Ix And Group X Phosphinimine Complexes., Katie Tak-Kwan. Chan

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The focus of this research has been the preparation of late transition metal phosphinimine complexes. The thesis herein describes the synthesis of a series of monomeric Group IX phosphinimine complexes. [RhCOD(o-C 6H4PPh2NR)] (R = 2,6-C6H3(CH 3)2 44, 2,6-C6H3 iPr2 45, 3,5-C6H3(CH 3)2 46 and Ph 47) were prepared via salt metathesis under mild conditions. The analogous complexes [Rh( o-C6H4PPh2NPh)(Ph2PCH 2CH2PPh2)] 52 and [IrCOD( o-C6H4PPh2NPh)] 53 were also readily prepared by similar methods. Reactivity studies were performed on these complexes. Unexpectedly, complexes 46, 47, 52 and 53 underwent oxidative addition of methylene chloride. However, when steric bulk was introduced on the …

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Detection Of Cylinder Bore Non-Cleanup Using Modeling Of Piston Ring Dynamics., Matthew. Bitzer Jan 2003

Detection Of Cylinder Bore Non-Cleanup Using Modeling Of Piston Ring Dynamics., Matthew. Bitzer

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

A study was undertaken to develop a method of detecting an automotive engine manufacturing defect known as cylinder bore non-cleanup. This defect is best described as a rough surface finish inside any cylinder bore of an engine. This defect causes increased piston ring wear and engine noise and vibration. Recently published literature on engine vibration analysis and defect detection is presented. Special emphasis was placed on engine dynamic modeling. This study examines the effects of cylinder bore non-cleanup on the motion of the piston rings. This is accomplished by modeling the dynamics of the piston and piston rings using a …

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Electron Impact Excitation Studies Of Unstable Atomic Species., Ady Kamel. Abdellatif Jan 2003

Electron Impact Excitation Studies Of Unstable Atomic Species., Ady Kamel. Abdellatif

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The polarization of Balmer-alpha radiation excited in collisions of electrons with atomic hydrogen is presented for an electron energy range from threshold to 1000 eV. Measurements are in good agreement with calculations carried out using either convergent-close-coupling or R-matrix with pseudo-states approaches. Cascade is demonstrated to have a significant effect. Balmer-alpha excitation function data are also presented. A previous measurement of the polarization of Balmer-alpha following dissociative excitation of H2 by electrons is confirmed and extended. The electron impact excitation spectrum of atomic and molecular nitrogen in the VUV range (800 A--1800 A) is presented. The excitation functions of the …

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