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Reliability Of Concrete Masonry Unit Walls Subjected To Explosive Loads, Christopher D. Eamon

Civil and Environmental Engineering Faculty Research Publications

This study discuses the development of a procedure that can be used to assess the reliability of concrete masonry unit infill walls subjected to personnel-delivered blast loads. Consideration is given to maintain reasonable computational effort for both the structural analysis and reliability models. Blast load and wall resistance models are developed based on experimental and analytical data, and resistance is evaluated with a large strain, large displacement transient dynamic finite element analysis. A sensitivity analysis is conducted to identify significant random variables and a reliability analysis conducted with a feasible level of computational effort. Reliability indices are estimated for two …

Santa Clara Magazine, Volume 49 Number 1, Summer 2007, Santa Clara University

Santa Clara Magazine

8 - A CENTURY OF BRONCO BASKETBALL, By Jed Mettee and Steven Boyd Saum. Celebrating the first hundred seasons.

12 - A FAMILY SHOW By Steven Boyd Saum. Meet new men's basketball coach Kerry Keating.

14 - A SPACE THAT TALKS TO NATURE By Miriam Schulman. A team of SCU students aim to win the Department of Energy's Solar Decathlon. And save the planet.

19 - EPITAPH FOR THE JOURNEY A poem by Paul Mariani.

22 - THE BUZZ ABOUT SUSTAINABILITY By John Farnsworth. When we talk about "sustainability," what are we really talking about?

26 - THE GREEN TAX …

Global-Change Scenarios: Their Development And Use, Edward Parson, Virginia Burkett, Karen Fisher-Vanden, David Keith, Linda Mearns, Hugh Pitcher, Cynthia Rosenzweig, Mort Webster

United States Department of Energy: Publications

A scenario is a description of potential future conditions produced to inform decision-making under uncertainty. Scenarios can help inform decisions that involve high stakes and poorly characterized uncertainty, which may thwart other, conventional forms of analysis or decision support. Originally developed to study military and security problems, scenarios are now widely used for strategic planning and assessment in businesses and other organizations, and increasingly to inform planning, analysis, and decision-making for environmental issues, including climate change.
Scenarios can serve many purposes. They can help inform specific decisions, or can provide inputs to assessments, models, or other decision-support activities when these …

Love Canal Tragedy, Alicia Saunte Phillips, Yung-Tse Hung, Paul A. Bosela

Civil and Environmental Engineering Faculty Publications

The purpose of this environmental failure case study paper is to provide educational materials for environmental engineering courses dealing with design and operation of landfills for hazardous waste. In 1978, it was discovered that hazardous waste had contaminated homes and schools in the Love Canal area, a former chemical landfill which became a 15 acre neighborhood of the City of Niagara Falls, New York. On August 7, 1978, the United States President Jimmy Carter declared a federal emergency at the Love Canal. The Love Canal became the first man-made disaster to receive such a designation based on a variety of …

Our Legacy Of Neglect: The Longfellow Bridge And The Cost Of Deferred Maintenance, David Westerling, Steve Poftak

Civil Engineering Faculty Publications

The Longfellow Bridge, connecting Boston and Cambridge, is in bad shape, due not only to its age and the ravages of our weather, but also to a troubling and persistent lack of maintenance. Fixing the bridge, in effect paying the bill for our unwillingness to maintain it, is estimated to cost at least $180 million, with the potential for cost overruns reaching into the hundreds of millions. The neglect of the Longfellow Bridge is symptomatic of a problem that encompasses almost all the assets owned by the Commonwealth.

In Vivo Quantitation Of Rare Circulating Tumor Cells By Multiphoton Intravital Flow Cytometry, Wei He, Haifeng Wang, Lynn C. Hartmann, Ji-Xin Cheng, Phillip S. Low

Other Nanotechnology Publications

Quantitation of circulating tumor cells (CTCs) constitutes an emerging tool for the diagnosis and staging of cancer, assessment of response to therapy, and evaluation of residual disease after surgery. Unfortunately, no existing technology has the sensitivity to measure the low numbers of tumor cells (< 1 CTC per ml of whole blood) that characterize minimal levels of disease. We present a method, intravital flow cytometry, that noninvasively counts rare CTCs in vivo as they flow through the peripheral vasculature. The method involves i.v. injection of a tumor-specific fluorescent ligand followed by multiphoton fluorescence imaging of superficial blood vessels to quantitate the flowing CTCs. Studies in mice with metastatic tumors demonstrate that CTCs can be quantitated weeks before metastatic disease is detected by other means. Analysis of whole blood samples from cancer patients further establishes that human CTCs can be selectively labeled and quantitated when present at approximate to 2 CTCs per ml, opening opportunities for earlier assessment of metastatic disease.

Quantifying The Cognitive, Symptomatic And Neuroendocrine Impact Of The Coriolis Illusion; A Countermeasure For Motion Sickness, Catherine Grandizio

Master's Theses - Daytona Beach

When pilots are unable to accurately perceive the position and motion of their bodies, they are spatially disoriented. Spatial disorientation is often induced by aviation illusions, and its consequences include dizziness, confusion, nausea and fatigue. The present research evaluated the severity of cognitive, neuroendocrine and subjective symptoms of the Coriolis illusion, induced by a spatial disorientation flight training device. Also, the research examined the effectiveness of a mild, ground-based countermeasure, similar to the Coriolis illusion, in reducing the occurrence and severity of symptoms. In the early stages of data analysis, there appeared to be a significant impact of the Coriolis …

Nebraska Blueprint - Summer 2007

Nebraska Blueprint (Student Publication)

Table of Contents:

Engineering Alumni Join Peace Corps: Volunteers give back to society by teaching others applicable engineering skills. by Natasha Richardson
Graduate’s Career Lets him Explore Sea and Space: Don Skoumal has notable achievements and involvement in NASA’s Sea Launch Project. by Brian Neilson
Applying Nanotechnology to Tanks: Dean David Allen’s research is helping make tanks lighter and stronger. by Kellie Troxel
A Treatment for Hemophilia Could Start Here: Researchers look for a new treatment to combat this dangerous blood disorder. by Michaela McBride
10 Ways to Get the Most out of Engineering at UNL: A soon-to-be graduate gives …

An Intermediate-Layer Lithography Method For Producing Metal Micron/Nano Patterns And Conducting Polymer-Based Microdevices, Xinchuan Liu

Doctoral Dissertations

Metals have been widely used in the areas of integration circuit (IC) and microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) fields as materials for gates, contact pads, interconnects, corrosion resistance coatings, rectifying contacts, redundancy memories, heating elements, mechanical parts, magnetic component, etc. due to their good properties, such as high electrical conductivity and good thermal conductivity. Conducting polymers, because of their promising potential to replace silicon and metals in building devices, have attracted great attention in recent decades.

Traditional photolithography methods are often used to pattern metals and conducting polymers. However, it cannot be used to fabricate nano patterns because the minimum feature size …

Nonlinear Dynamical Analysis Of Brain Electrical Activity Due To Exposure To Weak Environmentally Relevant Electromagnetic Fields, Erik Alfonso Nilsen

Doctoral Dissertations

The reports dealing with the effects of weak electromagnetic fields (EMFs) on brain electrical activity have been inconsistent. We suspected that the use of linear models and their associated methods accounted for some of the variability, and we explored the issue by using a novel approach to study the effects of EMFs on the electroencephalogram (EEG) from rabbits and humans. The EEG was embedded in phase space and local recurrence plots were calculated and quantified to permit comparisons between exposed and control epochs from individual subjects. Statistically significant alterations in brain activity were observed in each subject when exposed to …

"Smart" Sensor Module, Ajay Mohan Mahajan

Mechanical Engineering Faculty Research

An assembly that contains a sensor, sensor-signal-conditioning circuitry, a sensor-readout analog-to-digital converter (ADC), data-storage circuitry, and a microprocessor that runs special-purpose software and communicates with one or more external computer(s) has been developed as a prototype of "smart" sensor modules for monitoring the integrity and functionality (the "health") of engineering systems. Although these modules are now being designed specifically for use on rocket-engine test stands, it is anticipated that they could also readily be designed to be incorporated into health-monitoring subsystems of such diverse engineering systems as spacecraft, aircraft, land vehicles, bridges, buildings, power plants, oilrigs, and defense installations. The …

Fabrication Of Ankle-Foot Orthoses Using Selective Laser Sintering Technology, Allison Kinney, M. C. Faustini, Richard R. Neptune, R. H. Crawford, S. J. Stanhope

Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering Faculty Publications

Passive dynamic ankle-foot orthoses (AFOs) are often prescribed to improve gait performance for those with various neuromuscular disorders. Designs and materials used for AFOs range from simple polypropylene braces to advanced custom carbon fiber dynamic AFOs that passively store and release mechanical energy during gait. AFO designs vary in the shape and length of the foot component as well as the stiffness and length of the tibial component, depending on the desired functional outcomes. However, the current fabrication technology is not ideally suited for refined customization of AFO characteristics to optimize performance, or for rapid lowcost, high volume manufacturing and …

Solar 2007: Florida's Emergency Shelters Go Solar, Florida Solar Energy Center, William Young

FSEC Energy Research Center®

Florida has its fair share of dangerous weather conditions including hurricanes, tornados and floods. Florida Legislature passed various laws and made revisions addressing disaster planning which required that the Department of Education, in consultation with school boards and county and state emergency management offices, develop design standards for public shelters to be incorporated into State Requirements for Educational Facilities.

Last year, Solar for Schools, a state program, provided funds to put photovoltaic systems on schools that are classified as shelters, adding a new dimension to the educational program. Middleton High School is an example of an application to power the …

Virginia Junior Academy Of Science Awards, 2007

Virginia Journal of Science

Virginia Junior Academy of Science Awards Presented During the 66th Annual Meeting at James Madison University, Harrisonburg, Virginia, May 23-25, 2007.

Cs 415: Social Implications Of Computing, Leo Finkelstein

Computer Science & Engineering Syllabi

CS 415 is a communication skills course using as its subject matter current salient issues associated with the social implications of computing. In addition to the course text, you will need to use certain reading materials in the library and elsewhere, and you will be responsible for using concepts and theories provided in class lectures and discussions.

Design Integrated In The Mechanical Engineering Curriculum: Assessment Of The Engineering Clinics, Jennifer Kadlowec, Krishnan Bhatia, Tirupathi R. Chandrupatla, John C. Chen, Eric Constans, Harriet Hartman, Anthony J. Marchese, Paris Von Lockette, Hong Zhang

Mechanical Engineering

At Rowan University, design has been infused into the curriculum through an eight-semester course sequence called the Engineering Clinics. Through this experience, students learn the art and science of design in a multidisciplinary team environment and hone their design skills throughout their 4-year career. This paper describes the objectives of the clinics, types of projects, and how the clinics complement traditional core courses in the curriculum. Impacts and benefits of the clinics on students and faculty are discussed, including retention and graduate study rates comparing Rowan University mechanical engineering students to their peers nationally. An assessment of the clinics is …

Development And Analysis Of A Software Package To Quantify In Vivo Polyethylene Wear After Total Hip Arthroplasty, Allison Kinney, Catherine G. Ambrose

Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering Faculty Publications

Since the first total hip arthroplasty (THA) in 1938, THA evolved and developed into one of the major concentrations of orthopaedic research. The typical hip implant device used today incorporates a femoral and an acetabular component that serve to replicate the anatomical and mechanical functions of the natural hip joint. However, several problems exist that can effect the function of the implant device. Wear in the polyethylene liner of the acetabular component of the total hip replacement device is known as one of the major factors that affects the longevity of total hip replacement devices. Both manual and computer-aided techniques …

Building National Digital Infrastructure: A Case Study Of Semiconductor Complex Limited, Deepak Kappor

Business Review

The digital revolution and the rapid technology developments thereafter created a real danger of the modem world getting divided into a new type of 'digital-haves and digital-have not's'. It was feared that developing countries like India may not be able to reap the benefits of the 'information age' because of the ever widening gap in technology and relevant infrastructure. As a strategic step to bridge the growing digital divide between India and the technologically advanced economies, the Government of India (GO I) decided to set up Semiconductor Complex Limited (SCL) in the year 1983 to develop Indian capabilities in the …

Old Dominion University Space Systems Engineering Competency Development To Accommodate Orbital Flight Projects, Ersin Ancel

Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering Theses & Dissertations

Undergraduate engineering students in Old Dominion University's Batten College of Engineering and Technology have been engaged in the design, development, testing and flight of scientific sounding rocket payloads since 2004. During that time, two payloads have flown and a third payload has nearly achieved flight-ready status. The sophistication achieved by the flight-ready payload has resulted from the evolution of a rather rigorous space system design process that requires student involvement over periods of time that are much longer than those typically associated with an -undergraduate design course sequence.

In order to acquire the expected level of definition and reliability for …

Laying The Groundwork For Odor Control And Setback Estimation In Nebraska, Rick R. Stowell

Department of Agricultural and Biological Systems Engineering: Faculty Publications

The goal of this field research study was to validate use of the Odor Footprint Tool (OFT) with livestock building sources in rural communities. The primary objective was to evaluate the accuracy of predictions of annoyance potential (as projected by odor concentration output data from AERMOD^® - the OFT's underlying dispersion model) when compared to measures of annoyance potential made in the field. Odor assessors were trained to monitor odors around a 4,800-head finishing site in eastern Nebraska. During the summer of 2005, mobile odor assessors monitored odor levels at downwind locations. During the spring and summer of 2006, …

Software Engineering: A Fundamental Approach To Automate And Interface Medical Electronic Systems With Computers In Healthcare Systems, Hashim Twaakyondo

Tanzania Journal of Engineering and Technology (TJET)

The cost for application software and propriatry standards (i.e. data structure and formats) required for storing clinical datasets from electronic device cause the use of time-consuming paper-based documentation and/or the transfer of electronic lab records manually to the PC database systems in Mother-Offspring Malaria Study (MOMS) Laboratory Unit located in Morogoro Regional Hospital, Tanzania. We have explored the ability to extract laboratory results from Haematology analyzer machine for easy management, access and storage. The methodology and tools used during the study includes; site survey and hands-on practice for requirement engineering, visual basic 6.0 for interface design and Microsoft Access for …

Elastic Modulus Of Bone Using Ultrasonic Testing, Lanny Griffin, Victor Yu

Biomedical Engineering

No abstract provided.

A Systemic Model Of Development: Strategically Enhancing Students' Cognitive, Psychomotor, Affective And Social Development, Linda Vanasupa, Jonathan Stolk, Trevor S. Harding, Richard N. Savage

Materials Engineering

The challenges of the 21st century create an imperative for engineering educators: to design learning experiences that result in engineering professionals with a sophisticated level of cognitive, psychomotor, social and affective development. We propose a tool for the design process. Our systemic model of development (SMD) is based on a large body of learning theory and empirical data. It maps the relationships among the major factors that influence learning in the form of a causal loop diagram. To demonstrate the value of the SMD, we compared the motivational profiles of a test group (36 students) who took an engineering course …

Runoff Nutrient Concentrations Following Manure Application As Affected By Crop Residue, John E. Gilley, Jeffrey Nicolaisen, Eghball Bahman, David B. Marx

Department of Agricultural and Biological Systems Engineering: Presentations and White Papers

Manure is applied to cropland areas managed under diverse conditions resulting in varying amounts of residue cover. The objective of this study was to measure the effects of crop residue on nutrient concentrations in runoff from areas where beef cattle or swine manure were recently applied but not incorporated. Plots 0.75 m wide by 2 m long were established at the study site. Existing residue materials were removed, and corn, soybean, or winter wheat residue was added at rates of 2, 4, or 8 Mg ha-1. Manure was applied at rates required to meet estimated annual nitrogen requirements for corn. …

Microwave Pretreatment Of Switchgrass To Enhance Enzymatic Hydrolysis, Deepak R. Keshwani, Jay J. Cheng, Joseph C. Burns, Laigeng Li, Vincent Chiang

Department of Agricultural and Biological Systems Engineering: Presentations and White Papers

Switchgrass is a promising lignocellulosic biomass for fuel-ethanol production. However, pretreatment of lignocellulosic materials is necessary to improve its susceptibility to enzymatic hydrolysis. The objectives of this study were to examine the feasibility of microwave pretreatment to enhance enzymatic hydrolysis of switchgrass and to determine the optimal pretreatment conditions. Switchgrass samples immersed in water, dilute sulfuric acid and dilute sodium hydroxide solutions were exposed to microwave radiation at varying levels of radiation power and residence time. Pretreated solids were enzymatically hydrolyzed and reducing sugars in the hydrolysate were analyzed. Microwave radiation of switchgrass at lower power levels resulted in more …

Selective Extraction Of Colorful Proteins Using Reverse Micelles, Loren E. Connell

Theses and Dissertations

Biotechnology is an ever expanding field of science. As the field has expanded, research into bioseparation processes has also expanded. The need for more cost effective ways to deliver products that are in high demand is greater now than ever. Bioseparation processes are a very costly part of the overall process of product development. While traditional separation process are effective, there is promise in many new techniques being developed which have the potential to lower the costs of bioseparations.

The continuous separation method of liquid-liquid extraction using reverse micelles is one such technique. While this technique has been researched in …

Performing Particle Image Velocimetry In A Supersonic Wind Tunnel Using Carbon Dioxide As The Seed Material, Donald W. Peltier Iii

Theses and Dissertations

Particle image velocimetry (PIV) was performed utilizing clean seed particles generated by injecting liquid carbon dioxide (CO₂) directly into an open-circuit blowdown Mach 2.9 supersonic wind tunnel. Rapid atomization and cooling of the liquid CO₂ created a preponderance of nearly uniform and well dispersed microscopic dry ice particles which were illuminated using a frequency double Nd:YAG laser. Ample light was scattered from the flow tracers, which provided a strong signal to noise ratio. The particles completely sublimed into an innocuous gas downstream of the test section causing no side effects or problems with wind tunnel operation. A …

Ceas E-News 06.12.2007, College Of Engineering And Applied Sciences

College of Engineering and Applied Sciences News

CEAS Professors volunteer for KAMSC science fair projects

Delivery System For A Composition, Bruce J. Hinds Iii, Audra L. Stinchcomb

Chemical and Materials Engineering Faculty Patents

Devices and methods for cutaneous delivery of a composition are provided, wherein the composition is passed through an ordered nanoporous membrane in fluid communication with a reservoir. The nanoporous membrane includes a plurality of aligned hollow nanotubules coated with a continuous polymer matrix, and etched to open the plurality of hollow nanotubules and form pores. In one embodiment, the etching step oxidizes an end of the nanotubules to form carboxylate groups. The ordered nanoporous membrane further includes at least one additional functional unit bound to the carboxylate groups. The at least one additional functional unit selectively exposes or at least …

Sensitivity Analysis For Hierarchical Decision Models, Hongyi Chen

Dissertations and Theses

In this dissertation, a comprehensive algorithm is developed to analyze the sensitivity of hierarchical decision models (HDM), which include the well-known analytic hierarchy process (AHP) and its variants, to single and multiple changes in the local contribution matrices at any level of the decision hierarchy. The algorithm is applicable to all HDM that use an additive function to derive the overall contribution vector. It is independent of pairwise comparison scales, judgment quantification techniques and group opinion combining methods. The direct impact of changes to a local contribution value on decision alternatives' overall contributions, allowable range/region of perturbations, contribution tolerance, operating …