Physical Sciences and Mathematics Commons^™

Monitoring The Effects Of Indoor Pollution Using Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy, Rachel Farrell

Presidential Scholars Theses (1990 – 2006)

Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy {FTIR) was used to develop an effective way to monitor indoor pollution and to observe the effects of such indoor pollution under various conditions of the ventilation system of McCollum Science Hall of the University of Northern Iowa, Cedar Falls, Iowa. This was done by monitoring the absorbance of acetone as it evaporated over time, and the data were used to create concentration vs. time plots. Several parameters from these plots were used to judge the ventilation system, with some general conclusions including that having the system on reduces peak time and end time. Also, the …

Distributed Artificial Intelligence In A Virtual Reality Setting: A Case Study, Rebecca Lohr

Presidential Scholars Theses (1990 – 2006)

Artificial intelligence, or Al, is a fascinating area of research. Al refers to the attempt to create a computer program, known as an intelligent agent, which can "think" and operate in a complex, changing environment. Many problems have been discovered in attempting to develop these intelligent agents, including the simulation of learning, planning, and natural language understanding. While researching these issues, a new branch of Al research has developed. Researchers discovered that there are other problems associated with how intelligent agents work together to solve problems. This field of research has become known as distributed artificial intelligence, or DAI.

Modeling Of Catastrophic Events With Applications To Insurance, Mary Noga

Presidential Scholars Theses (1990 – 2006)

Tornadoes effect every area in the continental United States. There are great differences in the number and amount of damages caused by tornadoes in different regions. The mid-west is nicknamed tornado alley, because of the large number of tornadoes in this region each year. A tornado is commonly described as a "rapidly rotating, slender, funnel-shaped cloud."

The National Climatic Data Center (NCDC) has data on tornadoes over the past four years. This data includes the state, date, and damage done by each tornado. For the purpose of this study a data-set including all tornadoes causing over ten million in damages …