Digital Commons Network^™

Improving Healthcare Resource Management Through Demand Prediction And Staff Scheduling, Nazanin Zinouri

All Dissertations

Staff scheduling in healthcare organizations is very challenging compared to manufacturing settings. Hospitals typically operate 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and are faced with high fluctuations in demand. Surgical patient volume directly impacts workload, and it can be difficult to manage workload fluctuations when planning staff schedules weeks in advance. We have used time series analysis methods to predict daily surgical case volume and, subsequently, assign nurses to shifts while ensuring that the case volume receives sufficient coverage. We developed a seasonal Autoregressive Integrated Moving Average (ARIMA) model to forecast daily patient volumes at least a month …

The Effect Of Varying Latency In A Head-Mounted Display On Task Performance And Motion Sickness, Michael Lee Wilson

All Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to determine how latency in a head-mounted display affects human performance. Virtual environments are used frequently for training, however simulator sickness is a common problem and may affect transfer of training. Aspects of virtual environments that cause simulator sickness are not fully understood, but varying latency has been shown to increase simulator sickness symptoms. The impact of varying latency on task performance and the interaction between performance and simulator sickness symptoms has not been examined. Twenty-nine subjects (15 male) participated in a repeated measures study in which they were exposed to two different latency …

Morphisms And Order Ideals Of Toric Posets, Matthew Macauley

Publications

Toric posets are in some sense a natural “cyclic” version of finite posets in that they capture the fundamental features of a partial order but without the notion of minimal or maximal elements. They can be thought of combinatorially as equivalence classes of acyclic orientations under the equivalence relation generated by converting sources into sinks, or geometrically as chambers of toric graphic hyperplane arrangements. In this paper, we define toric intervals and toric order-preserving maps, which lead to toric analogues of poset morphisms and order ideals. We develop this theory, discuss some fundamental differences between the toric and ordinary cases, …

Cost Estimation Model For Pan Based Carbon Fiber Manufacturing Process, Amaninder Singh Gill, Darian Visotsky, Laine Mears, Joshua D. Summers

Publications

A polyacrilonitrile (PAN) based carbon fiber manufacturing cost estimation model driven by weight is presented in this study. One of the biggest limiting factors in the large scale use of carbon fiber (CF) in manufacturing is its high cost. The costs involved in manufacturing the carbon fiber have been formalized into a cost model in order to facilitate the understanding of these factors. This can play a key role in manufacturing CF in a cost effective method. This cost model accounts for the fixed and variable costs involved in all stages of manufacturing, in addition to accounting for price elasticity.

Clemson Commencement Program, May 2016, Clemson University

Clemson Commencement Programs

No abstract provided.

Statistical Modeling Of Defect Propensity In Manual Assembly As Applied To Automotive Electrical Connectors, Matthew Krugh, Kavit Antani, Laine Mears, Jörg Schulte

Publications

Assembly represents a significant fraction of overall manufacturing time and total manufacturing cost in the automotive industry. With increasing product complexity and variety, humans remain a cost effective solution to meet the needs of flexible manufacturing systems. This element necessitates a better understanding of the human role in manufacturing complexity. Presented herein is a framework for enumerating assembly variables correlated with the potential for quality defects, presented in the design, process, and human factors domain. A case study is offered that illustrates a method to identify variables and their effect on assembly quality for a manual assembly process.

Construction Of A Generic Program Representation For Automated Metric Computation, Zachary Mcnellis

All Theses

Software code metrics provide a quantitative and qualitative measurement of a software component's ability to perform under a specific set of objectives. Different metrics have been developed for analyzing various aspects of the source code to gain insight into the overall quality of the code under study. There are a variety of open source tools available for computing metrics for applications coded in most of the popular programming languages. However, there is no single tool that computes software metrics for the popular programming languages in use today. To address this problem, we describe an approach to software metric computation that …

Assessing The Advantages Of Using Square Wave Signals For Particle Trapping In Carbon-Electrode Dielectrophoresis, Guillermo Contreras-Dávila, Jose I. Gomez-Quiñones, Victor H. Pérez-González, Rodrigo Martinez-Duarte

Publications

Here we present an improvement on the trapping efficiency of 3D carbon electrode Dielectrophoresis (carbonDEP) by using alternative signal geometries to the more traditional sine used to stimulate the electrodes. In particular, a square waveform is used. Theoretical analysis was based on the Root Mean Square (RMS) values and the Fourier Series Expansion of these signals. Computational modeling was performed to calculate the DEP force generated by the two signal waveforms and allowed for direct comparison. The trapping efficiency between square and sine signals was then determined experimentally. Given the same experiment characteristics, the use of square signals allows for …

Local Standards For Sample Size At Chi, Kelly Caine

Publications

We describe the primary ways researchers can determine the size of a sample of research participants, present the benefits and drawbacks of each of those methods, and focus on improving one method that could be useful to the CHI community: local standards. To determine local standards for sample size within the CHI community, we conducted an analysis of all manuscripts published at CHI2014. We find that sample size for manuscripts published at CHI ranges from 1 -- 916,000 and the most common sample size is 12. We also find that sample size differs based on factors such as study setting …

Shrinkage Analysis Of Carbon Micro Structures Derived From Su-8 Photoresist, Rucha Natu, Monsur Islam, Rodrigo Martinez-Duarte

Publications

We present preliminary results for the analysis of shrinkage of 3D carbon posts obtained by the pyrolysis of SU-8 precursor structures, in a technique known as Carbon MEMS. Though the shrinkage in the carbon structures is highly reproducible, there is a strong dependence of this shrinkage on the initial dimensions of the SU-8 pillars. Our hypothesis is that the shrinkage depends upon the area available for degassing during carbonization. In this work, this idea is used to analyze shrinkage in cylindrical pillars. The results obtained are studied based on the ratio of lateral and top surface area available for degassing …

A Boolean Network Model Of The L-Arabinose Operon, Andy Jenkins

All Theses

The regulation of gene expression is essential for the maintenance of homeostasis within an organism. Thus, the ability to predict which genes are expressed and which are silenced based on the cellular environment is highly desired by molecular biologists. Mathematical models of gene regulatory networks have frequently been given in terms of systems of differential equations, which although useful for understanding the mechanisms of regulation, are not always as interpretable as discrete models when one wishes to analyze the global-level dynamics of the system. In particular, Boolean network models have been previously shown to be simple yet effective tools for …

Results On Common Left/Right Divisors Of Skew Polynomials, Travis Baumbaugh

All Theses

Since being introduced by Oystein Ore in his 1933 paper, “Theory of Non-Commutative Polynomials” [6], non-commutative, skew, or Ore polynomials have been studied extensively. One prominent application of skew polynomials is in the generation of codes. This paper covers some key facets of the structure of skew polynomials and aims to find a divisor polynomial for two given polynomials that satisfies certain properties of divisibility.

Modeling And Parameter Estimation Of Escherichia Coli Bioprocess, Ajay Padmakumar

All Theses

Most biopharmaceuticals today are focused on the production of one of three major cell types: the bacterium Escherichia coli, yeasts (Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Pichia pastoris) and mammalian cells (Chinese Hamster Ovary cells). Growth opti-mization is a major focus as this dictates the pace of advancements in drug manu-facturing. The process involved in producing these cells itself is very complex and modeling a system to accurately capture these characteristics can be difficult. The overall process is expensive to run and repeated testing of various control algorithms to optimize growth can prove to be very time consuming as well. In order to develop …

Comparison Of Karnin Sensitivity And Principal Component Analysis In Reducing Input Dimensionality, Matthew Robert Wilson

All Theses

Reducing the input dimensionality of large datasets for subsequent processing will allow the process to become less computationally complex and expensive. This thesis tests if Karnin sensitivity can be applied to reducing input dimensions of feed forward neural networks as well as comparing the results to the well known principal component analysis (PCA). The resulting error when reducing dimensions of inputs of various scenarios according to PCA and Karnin sensitivities are compared. After testing, Karnin was found to be able to be used to reduce input dimensions and did as well if not better than PCA in most cases. However, …

An Investigation Into The Generality Of A Graphical Representation Of Program Code For Source To Source Translation, Stephen Schaub

All Dissertations

This thesis addresses the problem of defining a source-to-source translation system for reusable software components. It describes the development of an interoperable language for writing software components, and presents a system to translate components written in the interoperable language to a set of compatible target languages. The common features in a set of popular programming languages are analyzed to inform the design of the interoperable language. An evaluation is performed by using the source-to-source translator to convert two well-known open source Java libraries to C++ and Python, and the accuracy and performance of the resulting translations are assessed.

Characterization Of Amoebae Interactions With Four Non-Pneumophila Legionella Species, Allison Margaret Palmer

All Theses

Legionella is the causative agent Legionnaires’ Disease and the number one cause of bacterial water-borne outbreaks in the United States. 85% of Legionnaires’ Disease cases are attributed to one species, L. pneumophila. Other virulent Legionella species exist, yet we have limited knowledge of them. Four non-pneumophila species: L. clemsonensis, L. gormanii, L. anisa, and the uncharacterized strain D4482, were chosen to assess host interactions with two species of amoebae, Acanthamoeba polyphaga and A. castellanii. Interactions were assessed with both planktonic, amoebae grown and biofilm Legionella. For planktonic assays, L. pneumophila invaded significantly higher into A. castellanii than into A. polyphaga. …

Heat Assisted Single Point Forming Of Polymer Sheets, Shubhamkar Kulkarni

All Theses

The objective of this research is twofold; i) study the formability of thermoplastics using heat assisted single point incremental forming and ii) test the effectiveness of hot air for this application. A conventional process used for forming polymer sheets is thermoforming. In thermoforming, a plastic sheet is heated above its glass transition temperature and vacuum is used to draw the sheet into the die. Thermoforming requires dedicated tooling, heating and vacuum systems. An alternative method is single point incremental forming, used for manufacturing parts from sheet materials without the need of dies/molds. In this process, a tool forms the sheet …

An Investigation Into The Effects Of Low-Dose Gamma Radiation On Porcine Digital Flexor Tendons, Megan Keira Robson

All Theses

Cancer is one of the leading causes of death worldwide and radiation therapy is used as a treatment method on millions of patients each year. While the biological response of tendon tissue to high-dose radiation has been investigated over the years, the effects of low-dose gamma radiation on tendons is not well understood. The goal of this research is to investigate the impact of clinically relevant low dose gamma radiation on tendon tissue. Fresh tendons were harvested from mature porcine forefeet and exposed to 5 Gray of Cesium gamma radiation. Histological and chemical data was obtained over the course of …

Multilevel Methods For Sparsification And Linear Arrangement Problems On Networks, Emmanuel John

All Theses

The computation of network properties such as diameter, centrality indices, and paths on networks may become a major bottleneck in the analysis of network if the network is large. Scalable approximation algorithms, heuristics and structure preserving network sparsification methods play an important role in modern network analysis. In the first part of this thesis, we develop a robust network sparsification method that enables filtering of either, so called, long- and short-range edges or both. Edges are first ranked by their algebraic distances and then sampled. Furthermore, we also combine this method with a multilevel framework to provide a multilevel sparsification …

Design Optimization Of Tank Track Pad Meta-Material Using The Cell Synthesis Method, Neehar Milind Kulkarni

All Theses

The elastomeric backer pad on the M1 Abrams tank track experiences highly cyclic and dynamic loads during normal operating conditions. As a result, extensive heat is generated within the pad due to its viscoelastic hysteretic nature which leads to its early failure. Research has been carried out in the past at Clemson University to design a meta-material that will mimic the deformation behavior of the elastomeric backer pad but will be made out of a linearly elastic constitutive material to eliminate hysteresis. A meta-material in this context is an artificial material in the form of a periodic structure that exhibits …

Investigation Of Geometric Effect On The Ultrasonic Processing Of Liquids, Pravan Pasumarthi

All Theses

Ultrasonic processing of liquids is used in many engineering fields, from sonochemistry to material processing. Acoustic cavitation and acoustic streaming are the two key phenomena responsible for the ultrasonic processing applications. Both of them are non-linear effects of ultrasonic wave propagation in liquids and are extremely hard to characterize either analytically or experimentally. This meant that there is limited knowledge about the interactions between the various parameters that affect the extent of the acoustic cavitation and streaming generated during the ultrasonic processing of liquids. In the current study, it was hypothesized that the geometric configuration of the ultrasonic processing equipment …

Development Of Sulfur And Selenium Halogen Bonded Synthons And Mechanosynthesis Of Halogen Bonded Cocrystals, Adam Michael Siegfried

All Dissertations

The halogen bond, XB, has been known since the nineteenth century. A XB involves the donation of electron density from a donor such as N, O, S, or Se to an electropositive region on another atom typically iodine or bromine. XB acceptors are Lewis bases and XB donors are Lewis acids keeping terminology hydrogen bonding. The highly directional characteristic of the halogen bond paired with phenyl embrace interactions provide very useful supramolecular synthons allowing for the engineering of cocrystals with specific directional bonding motifs.

Nitrogen electron acceptors such as quinoxaline, phenazine, 4,4’-bipyridine, and 4,4’-dimethyl-2,2’-bipyridine are cocrystallized with 1,4-diiodotetrafluorobenzene (1,4-F4DIB), 1,4-difluorotetraiodobenzine …

Assessment Of Operating Condition Dependent Reliability Indices In Microgrids, Rafael Barreto De Medeiros

All Theses

Reliability analysis has been in place for decades, and its results are important for proper planning and operation of utility companies. Engineers must be able to quantify the current reliability of a system, as well as its potential improvement facing different modifications, in order to make informed planning decisions. Meanwhile, system operation has its performance measured through yearly reliability indices. The base of this method of analysis is the failure rate of the system components. In the traditional method, this probability of failure is determined by the components' manufacturer and is considered to be constant. However, it is reasonable to …

Evaluation Of An Inexpensive Sensor To Measure Soil Color, Roxanne Stiglitz

All Theses

Soil color determination can be subjective due to environmental conditions and human error. The objectives of this study were to examine the precision of a relatively inexpensive color sensor (NixTM Pro); to compare soil color measurements using this color sensor to human determination by soil science professionals using the standard Munsell Color Chart; and to compare the accuracy of this color sensor to a laboratory standard colorimeter (Konica Minolta CR-400). Sensor measurements were compared to the soil color chart by converting the Nix Pro values to Munsell soil color codes using BabelColor conversion software. Thirty-one Cecil (Fine, kaolinitic, thermic Typic …

Design And Initial Verification Of A Novel Total Knee Replacement That Incorporates Synthetic Ligaments To Influence Knee Stability, Michael David Stokes

All Theses

In the United States, the number of patients under the age of 65 who are receiving total knee replacements (TKRs) is rising due to increasing demand for and access to this life-changing orthopaedic procedure. Although this younger population tends to have a higher life expectancy, they have also been shown to have a lower implant survival rate than patients over the age of 65, possibly due to their more active lifestyles. Thus, there will be a rising demand for implants that have both a higher functionality and survivorship to meet performance demands of younger patient's lifestyles. The purpose of this …

Studying The Conformational Landscape Of Biomolecules Using Single Molecule Fluorescence Spectroscopy, Soheila Rezaei Adariani

All Theses

Proteins have many important functions in living system. They are produced from ribosomes as unstructured polypeptide chains of amino acids and then either fold by themselves or with the help of chaperones into their functional, three dimensional structures. However, the details for some proteins conformational changes and how it relates to their function, is still one of the unsolved questions in modern biophysics. Many techniques such as X-ray, NMR and single-molecule Förster Resonance Energy Transfer (smFRET) and multiparameter fluorescence detection techniques can get information about the protein conformational changes, structure, and also dynamic exchange and the equilibrium between different native …

Computational Modelling In The Development Of Novel Passive Strain Sensors For Orthopedic Implants, Hunter Pelham

All Theses

This thesis describes the development of a series of finite element models that simulate a fractured human tibia treated with internal fixation, and a strain sensor prototype capable of objectively monitoring fracture healing with standard radiography. The models provide otherwise inaccessible insight on the mechanics of the fracture callus and fixation implant as the bone heals. Lower extremity injuries with fracture are common in the United States population with 28 million musculoskeletal injuries treated annually. Approximately two million fracture fixation surgeries are performed in the USA each year, and this is expected to exceed three million by 2025. Current clinical …

Novel Vine-Like Continuum Robot For Environmental Exploration Applications, Michael Benjamin Wooten

All Theses

This thesis details a new design and novel operational strategies for nature inspired, thin "tendril" continuum robots. Instead of taking inspiration for robot design from insects or animals, the novel approach to continuum robotics herein takes inspiration and adapts operational concepts from plant life. In particular, an innovative strategy is developed which mimics behaviors observed in vines and other climbing plants. Specifically, a tendril robot with prickles was developed and deployed to actively seek environmental contact, exploiting the mechanical advantage gained by bracing against the environment using the prickles. The resulting performance enhancements over previously developed smooth backbone tendril robot …

Parent And Family Engagement Practices: A Case Study Of A Pre-Collegiate Summer Program, De Morris Walker

All Dissertations

The United States' economic future and ability to compete in the global economy is dependent on increasing the nation's higher education attainment rates. The U.S. has a persisting and widening educational attainment gap for underserved groups and marginalized populations. Policymakers, industry leaders, educators and social advocates agree that the that increasing college-going and college completion for underserved groups, particularly, first-generation populations can help secure the nation's economic future. College access programs that involve parents and families have demonstrated success in helping first-generation college students and marginalized students in navigating the college choice process. While the literature on college choice and …

In Vitro Multi Scale Models To Study The Early Stage Circulations For Single Ventricle Heart Diseases Palliations, Jian Zhou

All Dissertations

Single ventricle physiology can result from various congenital heart defects in which the patient has only one functional ventricle. Hypoplastic left heart syndrome refers to patients born with an underdeveloped left ventricle. A three stage palliation strategy is applied over the first several years of life to establish a viable circulation path using the one functioning ventricle. Results of the first stage Norwood procedure on neonates with hypoplastic left heart syndrome are unsatisfactory with high morbidities and mortalities primarily due to high ventricle load and other complications. An early second stage Bidirectional Glenn (BDG) procedure is not a suitable option …