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All-Optical Regeneration For Phase-Shift Keyed Optical Communication Systems, Kevin Croussore Jan 2007

All-Optical Regeneration For Phase-Shift Keyed Optical Communication Systems, Kevin Croussore

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

All-optical signal processing techniques for phase-shift keyed (PSK) systems were developed theoretically and demonstrated experimentally. Nonlinear optical effects in fibers, in particular four-wave mixing (FWM) that occurs via the ultra-fast Kerr nonlinearity, offer a flexible framework within which numerous signal processing functions can be accomplished. This research has focused on the regenerative capabilities of various FWM configurations in the context of processing PSK signals. Phase-preserving amplitude regeneration, phase regeneration, and phase-regenerative wavelength conversion are analyzed and demonstrated experimentally. The single-pump phase-conjugation process was used to regenerate RZ-DPSK pulse amplitudes with different input noise distributions, and the impact on output phase …

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Recognizing Teamwork Activity In Observations Of Embodied Agents, Linus Jan Luotsinen Jan 2007

Recognizing Teamwork Activity In Observations Of Embodied Agents, Linus Jan Luotsinen

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This thesis presents contributions to the theory and practice of team activity recognition. A particular focus of our work was to improve our ability to collect and label representative samples, thus making the team activity recognition more efficient. A second focus of our work is improving the robustness of the recognition process in the presence of noisy and distorted data. The main contributions of this thesis are as follows: We developed a software tool, the Teamwork Scenario Editor (TSE), for the acquisition, segmentation and labeling of teamwork data. Using the TSE we acquired a corpus of labeled team actions both …

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Cs 205-01: Introduction To Computers And Office Productivity Software, Kim Gros Jan 2007

Cs 205-01: Introduction To Computers And Office Productivity Software, Kim Gros

Computer Science & Engineering Syllabi

Focus on learning MS Office software applications including word processing (intermediate), spreadsheet database and presentation graphics using a case study approach where critical thinking and problem solving skills are required. Computer concepts are integrated throughout the course to provide an understanding of the basics of computing, the latest technological advances and how they are used in industry. Ethics and issues encountered in business are discussed to challenge students on societal impact of technology.

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The Journal Of Undergraduate Research: Volume 05 Jan 2007

The Journal Of Undergraduate Research: Volume 05

The Journal of Undergraduate Research

This is the complete issue of the South Dakota State University Journal of Undergraduate Research, Volume 5.

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Dust Emission From South Dakota Cattle Feedlots, Rick Weber Jan 2007

Dust Emission From South Dakota Cattle Feedlots, Rick Weber

The Journal of Undergraduate Research

Dust and particle emissions (PM) from cattle feedlots is a concern for producers in order to maintain good relations with neighbors and also to comply with the EPA proposed PM2.5 particulate emission rules. Dust at 2.5 microns, which cannot be seen by the naked eye, is a potential health hazard since it can be ingested into the lungs of humans. One of the proposed regulations of the Federal Clean Air Act is to apply the PM2.5 standard to the agricultural sector. This research project examines the particulate matter dust emissions of various sizes in microns including 2.5, 10, …

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On The Incorporation Of The Personality Factors Into Crowd Simulation, Sivakumar Jaganathan Jan 2007

On The Incorporation Of The Personality Factors Into Crowd Simulation, Sivakumar Jaganathan

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Recently, a considerable amount of research has been performed on simulating the collective behavior of pedestrians in the street or people finding their way inside a building or a room. Comprehensive reviews of the state of the art can be found in Schreckenberg and Deo (2002) and Batty, M., DeSyllas, J. and Duxbury, E. (2003). In all these simulation studies, one area that is lacking is accounting for the effects of human personalities on the outcome. As a result, there is a growing emphasis on researching the effects of human personalities and adding the results to the simulations to make …

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Pilot Study Of Nutrient Loading In A Wet Detention Lake, Eric C. Gurr Jan 2007

Pilot Study Of Nutrient Loading In A Wet Detention Lake, Eric C. Gurr

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Florida is surrounded by water, and its many internal lakes and rivers have long been recognized for their excellent fishing and boating. This notoriety draws land developers to the lake shores to establish residential and commercial infrastructure. This land development brings with it flood plain alteration, water level stabilization, and increased nutrients which cause adverse impacts to our lakes. In response, the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) passed the Federal Clean Water Act (CWA) in 1972 which set the framework for the water quality standards for the entire United States. As a result of the CWA many point sources …

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Examining Dynamic Variable Speed Limit Strategies For The Reduction Of Real-Time Crash Risk On Freeways, Ryan Cunningham Jan 2007

Examining Dynamic Variable Speed Limit Strategies For The Reduction Of Real-Time Crash Risk On Freeways, Ryan Cunningham

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Recent research at the University of Central Florida involving crashes on Interstate-4 in Orlando, Florida has led to the creation of new statistical models capable of determining the crash risk on the freeway (Abdel-Aty et al., 2004; 2005, Pande and Abdel-Aty, 2006). These models are able to calculate the rear-end and lane-change crash risks along the freeway in real-time through the use of static information at various locations along the freeway as well as the real-time traffic data obtained by loop detectors. Since these models use real-time traffic data, they are capable of calculating rear-end and lane-change crash risk values …

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Discussion On Effective Restoration Of Oral Speech Using Voice Conversion Techniques Based On Gaussian Mixture Modeling, Gustavo Alverio Jan 2007

Discussion On Effective Restoration Of Oral Speech Using Voice Conversion Techniques Based On Gaussian Mixture Modeling, Gustavo Alverio

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Today's world consists of many ways to communicate information. One of the most effective ways to communicate is through the use of speech. Unfortunately many lose the ability to converse. This in turn leads to a large negative psychological impact. In addition, skills such as lecturing and singing must now be restored via other methods. The usage of text-to-speech synthesis has been a popular resolution of restoring the capability to use oral speech. Text to speech synthesizers convert text into speech. Although text to speech systems are useful, they only allow for few default voice selections that do not represent …

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Assessment Of The Contribution Of Game-Based Simulation In The Advancement Of Individual Soldier Intelligence Gathering Skills, Carlos Wiley Jan 2007

Assessment Of The Contribution Of Game-Based Simulation In The Advancement Of Individual Soldier Intelligence Gathering Skills, Carlos Wiley

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Self-directed Learning Internet Modules based on gaming technology are making tremendous strides as tools to current training system for our military services. Currently, the US Army is testing the Every Soldier is a Sensor Simulation software (ES3) as part of the Every Soldiers a Sensor program that focuses on intelligence gathering and maintaining situational awareness. The primary training goal of this simulation is the training of individual soldiers on conducting "Active Surveillance" and "Threat Indicator Identification" where the soldier is an active participant in the process. Traditional training in intelligence gathering is based largely on cold war models. As a …

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Efficient Algorithms For Correlation Pattern Recognition, Pradeep Ragothaman Jan 2007

Efficient Algorithms For Correlation Pattern Recognition, Pradeep Ragothaman

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The mathematical operation of correlation is a very simple concept, yet has a very rich history of application in a variety of engineering fields. It is essentially nothing but a technique to measure if and to what degree two signals match each other. Since this is a very basic and universal task in a wide variety of fields such as signal processing, communications, computer vision etc., it has been an important tool. The field of pattern recognition often deals with the task of analyzing signals or useful information from signals and classifying them into classes. Very often, these classes are …

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Comparison Of Thm Formation During Disinfection: Ferrate Versus Free Chlorine For Different Source Waters, Adhem Mukattash Jan 2007

Comparison Of Thm Formation During Disinfection: Ferrate Versus Free Chlorine For Different Source Waters, Adhem Mukattash

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The objective of the study was to compare the trihalomethanes (THMs) produced from ferrate with hypochlorite and to determine how different the THM production would be for a given degree of disinfection (3 log reduction in Heterotrophic Plate Count (HPC)). Different water samples were collected from Lake Claire, Atlantic Ocean, and secondary effluent from an advanced wastewater treatment plant. THM formation was determined using a standard assay over 7 days at room temperature. In addition samples were tested for Total Coliform Escherichia coli (TC/E.coli), and heterotrophic bacteria using HPC by spreadplating on R2A agar. Dissolved organic carbon (DOC) was measured …

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Microwave Synthesis Of Nanocrystalline Hydroxy Apatite And Comparison Of Its Biomechanical Properties With Tio2 Structures, Saurabh Verma Jan 2007

Microwave Synthesis Of Nanocrystalline Hydroxy Apatite And Comparison Of Its Biomechanical Properties With Tio2 Structures, Saurabh Verma

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Nanocrystalline hydroxyapatite (HAp) powder of size 10-20 nm was synthesized applying microwave radiation using calcium nitrate tetrahydrate and sodium phosphate dibasic anhydrous as the starting materials. Microwave power of 600 W and Ca/P ratio of 1.66 in the starting chemicals served as the major factors in the synthesis of nanocrystalline HAp powder. Phase composition and evolution were studied using X-ray diffraction (XRD) technique. Morphology, agglomeration and particle-size of the synthesized powder were studied using Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) techniques. Energy Dispersive Spectrum (EDS) was used to determine the elemental composition of the powder. Thermal properties …

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Dynamic Speed Monitoring System Effectiveness On Sharp Curves, Vasu Tavasna Persaud Jan 2007

Dynamic Speed Monitoring System Effectiveness On Sharp Curves, Vasu Tavasna Persaud

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The design of rural interchanges is of critical concern due to the need for the safe transition of vehicles from one high speed roadways to another and vice versa. This transition is accomplished by entry and exit ramps of various forms. The southbound entry loop ramp at the US 27/ US 192 trumpet interchange in Polk County, Florida does not provide such safe transition since historically there has been a high incidence of vehicular off-tracking. The geometry of the southbound entry ramp coupled with high approach speeds are two of the contributing factors. Due to the high cost of interchange …

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Optimizing The Design Of Multimodal User Interfaces, Leah Reeves Jan 2007

Optimizing The Design Of Multimodal User Interfaces, Leah Reeves

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Due to a current lack of principle-driven multimodal user interface design guidelines, designers may encounter difficulties when choosing the most appropriate display modality for given users or specific tasks (e.g., verbal versus spatial tasks). The development of multimodal display guidelines from both a user and task domain perspective is thus critical to the achievement of successful human-system interaction. Specifically, there is a need to determine how to design task information presentation (e.g., via which modalities) to capitalize on an individual operator's information processing capabilities and the inherent efficiencies associated with redundant sensory information, thereby alleviating information overload. The present effort …

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Cognitive Learning From Computer-Based Information Systems By Incorporating Knowledge Construction Interventions, Wajdi Wazzan Jan 2007

Cognitive Learning From Computer-Based Information Systems By Incorporating Knowledge Construction Interventions, Wajdi Wazzan

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The aim of the present study was to develop and empirically evaluate different categories of instructional activities, which stimulate the generation and construction of knowledge on the part of an individual student. These generative activities are primed by prompts or scaffolds, which can easily be inserted into specific curriculum addressing any domain of knowledge. To assess the manner in which the knowledge construction interventions influence the learning outcomes from computerized information systems, we have developed an online computer-based information system that describes the functions and mechanisms associated with the bus system of the US army Abrams M1A2 tank. Seven versions …

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Biodegradation And Characterization Of A Bio-Based Polyester, Benjamin Edward Stevens Jan 2007

Biodegradation And Characterization Of A Bio-Based Polyester, Benjamin Edward Stevens

LSU Master's Theses

Anaerobic biodegradation in sewage sludge and aerobic biodegradation in compost of polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB) were investigated to determine degradation kinetics and identify changes in polymer properties. To determine the impact of a natural plasticizer on biodegradation, tributyl citrate (TBC) was blended with some test specimens. For comparison to another bioplastic, polylactic acid (PLA) was biodegraded in the anaerobic study. Evolved gaseous carbon was measured to assess biodegradability according to ASTM standards D5210 and D5338. Mass loss experiments were performed to facilitate determination of degradation kinetics. Melt-pressed plates of the bioplastic with five different initial mass-to-surface-area ratios (plate thicknesses of 0.24, 0.5, …

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Evaluation Of Shear Strength Parameters Of Shale And Siltstone Using Single Point Cutter Tests, Mahendra Shewalla Jan 2007

Evaluation Of Shear Strength Parameters Of Shale And Siltstone Using Single Point Cutter Tests, Mahendra Shewalla

LSU Master's Theses

Detournay and Tan (2002) performed experiments with a rock cutting device to measure the load required to fail the rock under confining stress. They proposed models describing the correlation between the specific energy and confining stress for shear dilatant rocks as a function of unconfined specific energy at failure, cutter rake angle (θ), internal friction angle (φ) of the rock and an assumed interface friction angle (ψ) between the rock and the cutter. The aim of this research is to evaluate the model proposed by Detournay and Tan (2002), which states that specific energy varies linearly with bore hole pressure …

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Hydrodynamic Modeling Of A Hypothetical River Diversion Near Empire, Louisiana, Nathan Lamont Dill Jan 2007

Hydrodynamic Modeling Of A Hypothetical River Diversion Near Empire, Louisiana, Nathan Lamont Dill

LSU Master's Theses

Hydrodynamic models of a hypothetical Mississippi river diversion near Empire, LA are constructed using two popular finite element codes RMA2 and ADCIRC. In a series of simulations eddy viscosity parameters and bottom friction parameters are varied. Constant boundary conditions, discharge inflow and elevation outflow, are applied and water surface elevation and velocity solutions at fully developed flow are taken as steady-state results. A particle tracking code is developed and applied to the velocity solutions to aid in flow field comparisons. The results elucidate the model sensitivities to the varied parameters, and also provide for a comparison of the two different …

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Towards A Diagnostic Framework For Understanding Complex Situations, José J. Padilla, Andres Sousa-Poza, Arturo Tejada, Samuel Kovacic Jan 2007

Towards A Diagnostic Framework For Understanding Complex Situations, José J. Padilla, Andres Sousa-Poza, Arturo Tejada, Samuel Kovacic

VMASC Publications

This paper presents a theoretical framework for the concept of understanding and how it can be used for assessing complex situations. Understanding is presented as a cognitive process on how an individual perceives and represents a complex domain based on his/her own predispositions, and how he/she selects knowledge or what may not be knowledge based on the same predispositions towards finding a set of solutions for the situation. Predispositions, in this case, are based on his/her epistemological, ontological and teleological biases while the domain is represented by irreducible and transient conditions. The final outcome is the match or mismatch of …

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Experimental And Modeling Studies Of Contaminant Transport In Capped Sediments During Gas Bubble Ebullition, Qingzhong Yuan Jan 2007

Experimental And Modeling Studies Of Contaminant Transport In Capped Sediments During Gas Bubble Ebullition, Qingzhong Yuan

LSU Doctoral Dissertations

Fluxes of the three organics and eighteen metals from sediments were measured with diffusion chambers, and the effectiveness of a sand cap ascertained. The influence of sediment consolidation on contaminant flux and the mass transfer coefficient at the sediment-water interface was studied. A two-layer diffusion-advection model and consolidation model were coupled to elucidate the effect of sediment consolidation on chemical transport in the sediment-cap system. The model was tested and verified by the experimental data from microcosms, and then was used to predict phenanthrene flux under field conditions. The simulation results showed that consolidation could accelerate phenanthrene breakthrough and enhance …

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Measuring Skeletal Kinematics With Accelerometers On The Skin Surface, Kevin Curtis Ayer Jan 2007

Measuring Skeletal Kinematics With Accelerometers On The Skin Surface, Kevin Curtis Ayer

LSU Master's Theses

The most common motion analysis method uses cameras to track the position of markers on bodily surfaces over time. Although each species has a common skeletal frame to reference recorded motions, the soft tissue covering each is not rigid. Markers, therefore, experience motion relative to the bone and do not accurately portray underlying bone activity. This limits clinical use of motion studies and the understanding of joint motion. Use of MEMS accelerometers for removing soft tissue artifact, motion relative to the bone, from surface measurements and determining the position of the underlying bone was investigated. An animal limb was modeled …

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Locally Derived Nonpoint Loading Estimates For The Boeuf River/Bayou Lafourche Watershed, Emerald Purser Roider Jan 2007

Locally Derived Nonpoint Loading Estimates For The Boeuf River/Bayou Lafourche Watershed, Emerald Purser Roider

LSU Doctoral Dissertations

There is currently a great demand for data and models that can be used to quantify nonpoint source pollutant loads from different land-use types. The Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality (LDEQ) is in the process of implementing management programs for impacted water bodies based on the Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) of a pollutant. Pollutants of concern include total suspended solids (TSS), nitrogen, and phosphorus. One of the key parameters in determining the TMDL of a water body is the nonpoint source pollutant load from different land-use types. To date, such load estimates in Louisiana are lacking. The primary objective …

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Indot Guidance Document For In-Situ Soil Flushing, Linda S. Lee, Xihong Zhai, Jaesun Lee Jan 2007

Indot Guidance Document For In-Situ Soil Flushing, Linda S. Lee, Xihong Zhai, Jaesun Lee

JTRP Technical Reports

Many of the Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT) sites are contaminated with aromatic hydrocarbons and chlorinated solvents; these contaminants often occur in the form of light non-aqueous phase liquids (LNAPLs) or dense non-aqueous phase liquids (DNAPLs). Considerable effort has recently been focused on developing in-situ technologies for removing or destroying NAPL source zones, and several potentially viable methods have emerged including cosolvent-enhanced source zone removal. Most recently, site-specific remedial designs involving a combination of in-situ methods (often referred to as a treatment train) have been proposed for which data are still sparse. The primary goal of the laboratory experiments is …

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Decision Aid For Electronic Simulation In Construction, Purdue Ect Team Jan 2007

Decision Aid For Electronic Simulation In Construction, Purdue Ect Team

ECT Fact Sheets Archive

The Decision Aid for Electronic Simulation in Construction is an output of the research “Electronic Simulation in Construction” sponsored by CII (Construction Industry Institute). The Web-based Decision Aid was developed to assist a decision-maker in utilizing the results of this research. This system along with the database allows the user to (i) establish the need for electronic simulation, (ii) ascertain specific needs with respect to application domain, product features, and operating system requirements, and (iii) identify products and suppliers that support the need and requirements established in the previous steps.

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Vizstream: Streaming 3d Technology, Purdue Ect Team Jan 2007

Vizstream: Streaming 3d Technology, Purdue Ect Team

ECT Fact Sheets Archive

Traditional technologies representing 3D information over Internet, such as Virtual Reality Modeling Language (VRML), encounter numerous bandwidth, hardware and software limitations. VizStream streaming 3D technologies incrementally deliver the 3D data. Users can immediately interact with the 3D model or environment without waiting for it to download. As the user continues to interact, more detail 'streams' to the user's computer. Streaming 3D drastically reduces the bandwidth required to effectively use 3D content. VizStream even works over a 28.8 kbps modem.

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Delmia Safework®Pro™ : Human Modeling, Purdue Ect Team Jan 2007

Delmia Safework®Pro™ : Human Modeling, Purdue Ect Team

ECT Fact Sheets Archive

Manufacturers and designers strive to develop products that conform to all relevant Health and Safety standards and are "user-friendly" while still maximizing the productivity of their own workforce. Digital human modeling technology can assist a designer to determine the performance of people in the context of a workplace or a product before it exists and throughout its entire lifecycle. SAFEWORK’S accurate manikin has the highest number of Anthropometric Variables (104), Segments (99) and Degrees of Freedom (149). It also has fully articulated spine & hand models as well as joints with coupled range of motion. Moreover, it’s unique Multivariate Algorithm …

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Super Therm - Ceramic Paint Insulation, Purdue Ect Team Jan 2007

Super Therm - Ceramic Paint Insulation, Purdue Ect Team

ECT Fact Sheets Archive

SUPER THERM is the result of years of research and development into Thermal Conductivity in cooperation with the Marshall Space Center, division of NASA. SUPER THERM is a combination of high-performance acrylic resins in water, which contain no cosolvents and will dry by evaporation.

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Asphalt Paver Engineering Control Systems, Purdue Ect Team Jan 2007

Asphalt Paver Engineering Control Systems, Purdue Ect Team

ECT Fact Sheets Archive

At present, there are approximately 300,000 asphalt paving workers who are routinely exposed to asphalt fume. Presently, limited data exists concerning the level of exposure and subsequent health effects for paving workers. The engineering control method developed for highway class pavers includes ventilation systems, baffles, and enclosures to capture the generated contaminant within the paver's auger area and to exhaust it before it enters the workers' working environment.

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Dynamic Construction Visualizer, Purdue Ect Team Jan 2007

Dynamic Construction Visualizer, Purdue Ect Team

ECT Fact Sheets Archive

The Dynamic Construction Visualizer (DCV) is general-purpose 3D visualization system that allows simulation model developers to animate modeled operations with chronological and spatial accuracy in 3D virtual space. The system is independent of any particular simulation-modeling program or CAD modeling software.

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