Digital Commons Network^™

Effects Of Diabetes And Aging On Posture And Acceleration Thresholds During Lateral Translations, Samantha Jean Richerson

Doctoral Dissertations

Research objectives. One source of falls in the elderly may be an inability to sufficiently adjust to transient postural perturbations or slips. Identifying useful predictors of fall potential, as well as factors that affect the ability of an individual to detect a movement of the standing support surface may provide insight into postural stability and methods to increase stability in elders. To do this, acceleration thresholds to short, precise, lateral platform translations and the resultant psychophysical responses of adults with early Type 2 diabetes to age-matched controls and young adults were measured.

Methods. Using an innovative SLIP-FALLS platform, …

Wright State University College Of Engineering And Computer Science Bits And Pcs Newsletter, Volume 19, Number 6, April 2003, College Of Engineering And Computer Science, Wright State University

BITs and PCs Newsletter

An eight page newsletter created by the Wright State University College of Engineering and Computer Science that addresses the current affairs of the college.

Adaptive Segmentation Techniques For Object Region Extraction From Images With Complex Lighting Environment, Deepthi P. Valaparla

Electrical & Computer Engineering Theses & Dissertations

Automated image segmentation of objects in complex lighting environments is a difficult task since it is not possible to pre-define a threshold to distinguish the object from the background. It is ascertained that an effective threshold citation for such objects depends on the negative binomial distribution of the object region with respect to the background lighting. Based on this concept, a novel adaptive threshold selection method for automatic segmentation of the lumen region in endoscopic images is presented in this thesis. More precise lumen region and boundary are obtained by an integrated neighborhood search based region growing procedure whose speed …

Application Of Speech Recognition To African Elephant (Loxodonta Africana) Vocalizations, Patrick J. Clemins, Michael T. Johnson

Dr. Dolittle Project: A Framework for Classification and Understanding of Animal Vocalizations

This paper presents a novel application of speech processing research, classification of African elephant vocalizations. Speaker identification and call classification experiments are performed on data collected from captive African elephants in a naturalistic environment. The features used for classification are 12 mel-frequency cepstral coefficients plus log energy computed using a shifted filter bank to emphasize the infrasound range of the frequency spectrum used by African elephants. Initial classification accuracies of 83.8% for call classification and 88.1% for speaker identification were obtained. The long-term goal of this research is to develop a universal analysis framework and robust feature set for animal …

2003 (Spring) Ensi Informer Magazine, Morehead State University. Engineering Sciences Department

ENSI Informer Magazine Archive

The ENSI Informer Magazine published in the spring of 2003.

Inside Unlv, Gian Galassi, Jennifer Vaughan, Fred Bachhuber

Inside UNLV

No abstract provided.

Application Of Remote Sensing And Geographic Information System Methods For Land Using Difference, Bangun Muljo Sukojo, Diah Susilowati

Makara Journal of Technology

Application of Remote Sensing and Geographic Information System Methods for Land Using Difference. Land using difference analysis has been done using remote sensing and Geographic Information System (GIS) methods. Identification of land using difference was conducted using map overlaying process of 1990s (digitized scalling 1:50.000) and 1997s land using map (interpreted from Landsat TM (Thematic Mapper) Image 1997) with UTM (Universal Transverse Mercator) coordinate. Image enhancement was done through histogram equalization with supervised classification devided into 7 classes: rice field, settlement, dry field, industry, pond, sport field and bush. Land using difference and river pollution BOD (Biological Oxygen Demand), COD …

A Growth Mixture Theory For Cartilage With Application To Growth-Related Experiments On Cartilage Explants, Stephen M. Klisch, Silvia S. Chen, Robert L. Sah, Anne Hoger

Mechanical Engineering

In this paper, we present a growth mixture model for cartilage. The main features of this model are illustrated in a simple equilibrium boundary-value problem that is chosen to illustrate how a mechanical theory of cartilage growth may be applied to growth-related experiments on cartilage explants. The cartilage growth mixture model describes the independent growth of the proteoglycan and collagen constituents due to volumetric mass deposition, which leads to the remodeling of the composition and the mechanical properties of the solid matrix. The model developed here also describes how the material constants of the collagen constituent depend on a scalar …

Blackfingers A Sophisticated Hand Prothesis, Michele Folgheraiter, Giuseppina Gini, Marek Perkowski, Mikhail Pivtoraiko

Electrical and Computer Engineering Faculty Publications and Presentations

Our goal is to develop the low level control system for an artificial hand ”Blackfingers”. Blackfingers was thought to have two main applications: as humanoid robot’s hand or as a human hand prothesis. In this last application our intent is to realize a device more sophisticated respect the actual commerce prothesis. Also in our intention is to use some biological paradigms to create a human like reflex control easy to be interfaced also with the human nervous system. In this paper we illustrate the properties and the morphology of a human like neural reflex controller, used to set the stiffness …

A Representation Scheme For Finite Length Strings, Guarav Tandon, Debasis Mitra

Electrical Engineering and Computer Science Faculty Publications

This study is an attempt to create a canonical representation scheme for finite length strings to simplify the study of the theory behind different classes of patterns and to ease the understanding of the underlying separability issues. This could then be used to determine what kinds of techniques are suitable for what class of separability (linear, multi-linear, or non-linear). This representation can then be used in intrusion detection, biological sequences, pattern recognition/classification and numerous other applications.

The Effects Of Intense Submicrosecond Electrical Pulses On Cells, Jingdong Deng, Karl H. Schoenbach, E. Stephen Buescher, Pamela S. Hair, Paula M. Fox, Stephen J. Beebe

Bioelectrics Publications

A simple electrical model for living cells predicts an increasing probability for electric field interactions with intracellular substructures of both prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells when the electric pulse duration is reduced into the submicrosecond range. The validity of this hypothesis was verified experimentally by applying electrical pulses (durations 100 μs– 60 ns, electric field intensities 3–150 kV/cm) to Jurkat cells suspended in physiologic buffer containing propidium iodide. Effects on Jurkat cells were assessed by means of temporally resolved fluorescence and light microscopy. For the longest applied pulses, immediate uptake of propidium iodide occurred consistent with electroporation as the cause of …

Microreactor System With Immobilized Enzyme On Polydimethylsiloxane (Pdms) Polymers, Zonghuan Lu

Doctoral Dissertations

Microsystems, specifically microreactors, open the gate to new, improved analytical techniques while offering many advantages for a large number of applications in chemical engineering, pharmacy, medicine, and biotechnology. This study explored the feasibility of fabrication of microreactors using polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) as a support for enzyme immobilization. Urease enzyme was used for catalyzing the conversion of urea to ammonia.

PDMS (polydimethylsiloxane) is a silicone-based elastomeric polymer. Traditional micromanufacturing technology was employed for reactor mold fabrication. The mold was fabricated based on photolithography techniques, and SU-8 photoresist was used to construct reactor structure templates. The resulting silicon-wafer based reactor molds were then …

A Machine Learning Approach To Anomaly Detection, Philip K. Chan, Matthew V. Mahoney, Muhammad H. Arshad

Electrical Engineering and Computer Science Faculty Publications

Much of the intrusion detection research focuses on signature (misuse) detection, where models are built to recognize known attacks. However, signature detection, by its nature, cannot detect novel attacks. Anomaly detection focuses on modeling the normal behavior and identifying significant deviations, which could be novel attacks. In this paper we explore two machine learning methods that can construct anomaly detection models from past behavior. The first method is a rule learning algorithm that characterizes normal behavior in the absence of labeled attack data. The second method uses a clustering algorithm to identify outliers.

An Iterative Loop Matching Approach To The Prediction Of Rna Secondary Structures With Pseudoknots, Jianhua Ruan, Weixiong Zhang

All Computer Science and Engineering Research

Motivation: Pseudoknots have generally been excluded from the prediction of RNA secondary structures due to the difficulty in modeling and complexity in computing. Although several dynamic programming algorithms exist for the prediction of pseudoknots using thermodynamic approaches, they are neither reliable nor efficient. On the other hand, comparative methods are more reliable, but are often done in an ad hoc manner and require expert intervention. Maximum weighted matching (Tabaska et. al, Bioinformatics, 14:691-9, 1998), an algorithm for pseudoknot prediction with comparative analysis, suffers from low prediction accuracy in many cases. Here we present an algorithm, iterative loop matching, for predict-ing …

A New Approach To Scalable Lindasystems Based On Swarms, Ronaldo Menezes, Robert Tolksdorf

Electrical Engineering and Computer Science Faculty Publications

Natural forming multi-agent systems (aka Swarms) have the ability to grow to enormous sizes without requiring any of the agents to oversee the entire system. The success of these systems comes from the fact that agents are simple and the interaction with the environment and neighboring agents is local in nature. In this paper we look at abstractions in the field of swarms and study their applicability in the context of coordination systems. In particular, we focus on the problematic issue of scalability of Linda systems. The purpose of this work is to look at abstractions yielded from observations of …

Characterization Of Chlorinated Solvent Degradation In A Constructed Wetland, Nathan D. Clemmer

Theses and Dissertations

Widespread chlorinated ethene contamination of aquifers coupled with high costs of current treatment technologies demand innovative remediation solutions. Wetlands, maintaining anaerobic and aerobic zones promoting the complete degradation of chlorinated ethenes such as Tetrachloroethylene (PCE), could be the answer. This thesis characterized the chlorinated solvent contamination levels in three strata of an upward flow constructed wetland. Analysis of samples was accomplished by purge-and-trap gas chromatography. Water quality parameters, Dissolved Oxygen (DO), Oxidation Reduction Potential (ORP), pH, Conductivity, and Temperature, were also measured in monitoring wells with a water monitoring sonde. After removing data outliers caused by short-circuiting flow, PCE concentrations …

An Analysis Of Microbial Contamination In Military Aviation Fuel Systems, Harold W. Graef

Theses and Dissertations

Military aviation fuel systems can be an ideal environment for microorganisms. Microbial growth in hydrocarbon fuel systems arises because of the impracticality of keeping fuel tanks sterile and the inevitable presence of water from condensation. Microbial contaminants in aviation fuel systems are a concern because of their potential to degrade the fuel, accelerate tank corrosion, and threaten flight safety. This research addresses the concern of using more environmentally friendly Fuel System Icing Inhibitors (FSII), which are also biocidal. Are significant levels of microorganisms growing in military aviation fuel systems, and if so, are there any common variables? Forty aviation fuel …

Mass Transfer And Benzene Removal From Air Using Latex Rubber Tubing And A Hollow-Fiber Membrane Module, Mark W. Fitch, Jeffrey Neeman, Ellen England

Civil, Architectural and Environmental Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

A Dense-Phase Latex Rubber Tube and a Polyporous Propylene Hollow-Fiber Membrane Module (HFMM) Were Investigated for Control of Benzene-Contaminated Gas Streams. the Abiotic Mass Flux Observed through the Latex Tube Was 3.9-13 Mg/(Min·m2) for 150 Ppm of Benzene at Various Gas and Liquid Flow Rates, While a 100-Fold Lower Mass Flux Was Observed in the HFMM. after Seeding with an Aromatic-Degrading Culture Enriched from Activated Sludge, the Observed Removal Was 80% of 150 Ppm, Corresponding to a Mass Flux of 45 Mg/(Min·m2). the Observed Mass Flux through the HFMM during Biofiltration Also Rose, to 0.4 Mg/(Min·m2). Because the HFMM Had …

Kolmogorov Complexity: How A Paradigm Motivated By Foundations Of Physics Can Be Applied In Robust Control, Vladik Kreinovich, Issak A. Kunin

Departmental Technical Reports (CS)

Born about three decades ago, Kolmogorov Complexity Theory (KC) led to important discoveries that, in particular, give a new understanding of the fundamental problem: interrelations between classical continuum mathematics and reality (physics, biology, engineering sciences, ...). Crudely speaking, it enables us to better distinguish between mathematical possible (possible abnormal) and physically possible situations.

We show that this formalization is not only in good accordance with theoretical physics, but it can also be applied to robust control: instead of requiring that the control work for all mathematically possible situations, we only require that the control works for all "non-abnormal" situations.

The Development Of Relationships Between Constituent Concentrations And Generic Hydrological Variables, Carmen T. Agouridis, Dwayne R. Edwards

Biosystems and Agricultural Engineering Faculty Publications

The collection and analysis of samples from storm events constitutes a large portion of the effort associated with water quality research. Estimating concentrations or loads from these events is often difficult. The equipment necessary to analyze the samples and the required laboratory resources are typically significant expenses incurred by the researcher. One potential method to reduce these costs is through the development of generic relationships between concentrations and easily measured variables such as dimensionless flow rate or time. The benefits recognized from such an effort include a reduction in the number of required samples, resulting in a reduction in cost. …

Multimission Aircraft Design Study-Operational Scenarios, Nevin Coskuner

Theses and Dissertations

In the most recent years, the Command, Control and Communications, Counter Measures, Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (C3CMISR) aircrafts are used commonly in many NATO and UN Operations around the world. These aircrafts are AWACS, JSTARS, Rivet Joint, Compass Call and ABCCC. They provide close air support in the name of airborne surveillance, ground moving target surveillance, target reconnaissance, jamming, and command, control and communications issues in operational environments. Those aircrafts are tasked with a wide variety of missions than ever before in operational theaters and each one of them comprises a specific amount of cost and risk factors. As a …

Wright State University College Of Engineering And Computer Science Bits And Pcs Newsletter, Volume 19, Number 5, March 2003, College Of Engineering And Computer Science, Wright State University

BITs and PCs Newsletter

An eight page newsletter created by the Wright State University College of Engineering and Computer Science that addresses the current affairs of the college.

Nonlinear Elastic Material Property Estimation Of Lower Extremity Residual Limb Tissues, Ergin TöNüK, M. Barbara Silver-Thorn

Biomedical Engineering Faculty Research and Publications

The interface stresses between the residual limb and prosthetic socket have been studied to investigate prosthetic fit. Finite-element models of the residual limb-prosthetic socket interface facilitate investigation of the mechanical interface and may serve as a potential tool for future prosthetic socket design. However, the success of such residual limb models to date has been limited, in large part due to inadequate material formulations used to approximate the mechanical behavior of residual limb soft tissues. Nonlinear finite-element analysis was used to simulate force-displacement data obtained during in vivo rate-controlled (1, 5, and 10 mm/s) cyclic indentation of the residual limb …

Pc–Based Data Acquisition For A Solid Substrate Cultivation Deep Bed Reactor, Mari S. Chinn, Sue E. Nokes, Richard S. Gates

Biosystems and Agricultural Engineering Faculty Publications

This work describes an instrumentation and data acquisition system designed for a deep bed reactor used to cultivate Trichoderma longibrachiatum on wheat bran. The system allowed on–line measurements of substrate temperature, oxygen concentration within the reactor headspace, relative humidity and temperature of the inlet air, and inlet airflow rates while maintaining aseptic conditions and without disturbing the cultivation process. An error analysis for the instrumentation and data acquisition equipment was completed and provided insight into the reliability of the sensor readings. The collected data provided quantitative information about the reactor system dynamics which can be used to evaluate and apply …

Using Future Value Analysis To Select An Optimal Portfolio Of Force Protection Initiatives, Robert P. Eskridge

Theses and Dissertations

With the recent increase in terrorist activity, force protection has become a key issue for the Department of Defense, Leading the research for new ideas and concepts in force protection for the US Air Force is the Air Force Force Protection Battlelab (FPB). The FPB is charged with searching out force protection ideas and selecting those most worthy for future consideration. In 2002, a Value-Focused Thinking (VFT) hierarchy was created to help the FPB select those ideas that provided the most value to the Air Force and its force protection goals. This research effort uses the Future Value Analysis (FVA) …

Optimizing An In Situ Bioremediation Technology To Manage Perchlorate-Contaminated Groundwater, Mark R. Knarr

Theses and Dissertations

Combining horizontal flow treatment wells (HFTWs) with in situ biodegradation is an innovative approach with the potential to remediate perchlorate-contaminated groundwater. A technology model was recently developed that combines the groundwater flow induced by HFTWs with in situ biodegration processes that result from using the HFTWs to mix electron donor into perchlorate-contaminated groundwater. A field demonstration of this approach is planned to begin this year. In order to apply the technology in the field, project managers need to understand how contaminated site conditions and technology design parameters impact technology performance. One way to gain this understanding is to use the …

Palladium-Catalyzed Destruction Of Nitro Aromatic-Contaminated Groundwater, Dennis Landon Phillips

Theses and Dissertations

Of the over 17,000 DoD sites that potentially require remediation, sites containing soil and groundwater contaminated by energetic compounds are prevalent (Larson et al., 2001). Production of energetics such as 2,4,6-trinitrotoluene (TNT), hexahydro-1,3,5 - trinitro- 1,3,5 -triazine (RDX), and octahydro-1,3,5,7-tetranitro- 1,3,5,7-tetrasocine (HMX) for use in munitions has created a DoD-wide problem due to improper disposal techniques (Price et al., 2001), Nitro aromatic compounds (NACs) similar to those used in explosives can also be found in insecticides, herbicides, pharmaceuticals, dyes, plastics, and many other commonly used products. The natural breakdown of these contaminants creates byproducts such as amines, which are known …

Mechanical Computing In Microelectromechanical Systems (Mems), Kenneth C. Bradley

Theses and Dissertations

Mechanical computing devices in polysilicon-based microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) were designed with the goal of developing computing devices for harsh environments, such as those with high dose radiation and high temperatures, as well as devices that may be able to interface with molecular or biological computer systems. The devices that were designed include both analog and digital computing devices. The analog devices include integrators, differentials (summers), multipliers, and those that perform trigonometric functions. The digital devices that were designed are inverters, NAND, NOR, and XOR logic gates. Analog-to-digital (A-to-D) and digital-to-analog (D-to-A) converters were also designed. The designs were submitted to …

The Air Force Operational Risk Management Program And Aviation Safety, Matthew G. Cho

Theses and Dissertations

Aviation mishaps are extremely costly in terms of dollar value, public opinion, and human life, The Air Force drastically reduced Class A mishap rates in its formative years. The rate plummeted from 44.22 mishaps per 100,000 flight hours in 1947 to 2.33 mishaps in 1983 and has held steady around 1.5 mishaps since. The Air Force implemented the Operational Risk Management (ORM) program in 1996 in an effort to protect their most valuable resources: aircraft and aviators. An AFIT thesis conducted in 1999 by Capt Park Ashley studied the Army similar Risk Management (RM) program. Ashley concluded that since his …

Groundwater Flow Through A Constructed Treatment Wetland, Jack A. Blalock

Theses and Dissertations

This study is an analysis of the flow of water through a constructed treatment wetland at Wright-Patterson AFB, OH. The purpose of the treatment wetland is to biodegrade perchioroethylene, which is present in the groundwater as a contaminant. Contaminated water enters the bottom of the wetland and flows upward, exiting the wetland from a weir at one end. The wetland is designed for water to move vertically through the soil layers composing the wetland. The main purpose of this study is to characterize the water flow through the different layers of soil in the wetland. In this study, hydraulic parameters …