Digital Commons Network^™

A Novel Approach Towards Usability Studies For Visual Search Tasks In Graphical User Interface Applications Using The Activity Theory Approach, Tirthankar Sengupta

Theses

The field of Human Computer Interaction still strives for a generalized model of visual search tasks (icon search, menu search, text search, label search, search through hypertext and feature recognition). The existing models of visual search, in spite of being impressive, are limited under certain perspectives due to lack of generality. The thesis tries to provide a holistic approach for the modeling of visual search tasks in graphical user interfaces from the Activity Theory (AT) perspective with the aim of rendering a theoretical bridge between HCI and Psychology. A detailed review of literature from the variegated discipline contributing to the …

Propagation And Scattering Of Collimated Beam Wave In Vegetation Using Scalar Transport Theory, Michael Yu-Chi Wu

Theses

The scalar time-dependent equation of radiative transfer is used to develop a theory of pulse beamwave propagation and scattering in a medium character ized by many random discrete scatterers which scatter energy strongly in the forward scattering direction. Applications include the scattering of highly collimated millimeter waves in vegetation and optical beams in the atmosphere. The specific problem analyzed is that of a periodic sequence of Gaussian shaped pulses normally incident from free space onto the planar boundary surface of a random medium half-space, such as a forest, that possesses a power scatter (phase) function consisting of a strong, narrow …

Simulation Modeling For Integrated E-Supply Chain Management, Pornsarun Wirojanagud

Theses

E-supply chain management is an emerging area of interest as companies begin to explore the Internet's potential to restructure supply chain relationships. The environmental impact of e-supply chain management is a critical issue towards sustainability. This thesis discusses and models an integrated e-supply chain network accounting for material and information flows throughout the supply chain in order to analyze the environmental implications and tradeoffis with other system characteristics. The network structure has complex interactions between various entities. In order to understand and analyze dynamic performance, a discrete-event simulation approach is utilized. An integrated tool was developed using the Arena simulation …

Coating Of Aluminum Powder With Polymers In Supercritical Carbon Dioxide, Li Yuan

Theses

Eleven polymers were used to produce coatings (2-20 nm) on the surface of an aluminum powder to modify its properties. The polymers studied are polyisobutylene (PIB), poly (vinylidene fluoride) (PVF), poly (methyl methacrylate) (PMMA), polystyrene (PS), poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PETP), poly(4-vinylbiphenyl) (PVB), poly(4-vinylpyridine) (PVP), poly(4-bromo styrene) (PBS), poly (vinylidene fluorideco-hexafluoropropylene) (PVFH), poly (styrene-co-methyl methacrylate) (PSMMA), poly (vinyl chloride-co-vinyl acetate) (PVCVA). Supercritical carbon dioxide was used as a solvent and as a transport medium. Coated aluminum powders exhibit enhanced resistance to the dissolution in basic solutions. The protective properties of the polymeric films were quantified based on the dissolution rate. Polymeric films …

Benthic Communities In Spartina Alterniflora And Phragmites Australis Dominated Salt Marshes, Catherine E. Yuhas

Theses

The benthic communities were investigated in Phragmites australis and Spartina altemiflora salt marshes, conducted in natural and mitigated salt marshes located in a highly urbanized area, the Hackensack Meadowlands, New Jersey. Benthic samples were taken with a 5-centimeter core at two habitats, the creek bank and the edge of the vegetation in the low marsh zone. Salinity levels and textural and structural sediment characteristics were also collected at each site. A recolonization experiment that utilized sediment from an undisturbed and uncontaminated salt marsh was conducted to determine if substrate is important in benthic colonization. The results suggest that there were …

Factors And State Electric Utility Deregulation Policy Influences On Green Power Marketers, Richard Orlusky

Theses

The electric power industry has been restructuring over the last several years to allow market competition in purchasing electric power. Power generation that was traditionally provided by the local electric utility has been deregulated in order to introduce customer choice. The renewable energy sector of the power industry will have to compete with conventional fossil fuel power generators in this market. This research focused on factors and state deregulation policies that are of importance to Green Power Marketers in a retail power market. Green Power Marketers providing service in California, Pennsylvania and New Jersey retail power markets were surveyed to …

Mechanism And Kinetics Of The Reduction Of Nitric Oxide By Granular Activated Carbon Induced By Pdo/Ai2o3 In The Presence Of O2, Tian Sang

Theses

NO_x and particulate matter are the main environmental hazards found in Diesel exhaust. In order to explore a novel method to remove NO_x as well as particulate matter, we examined the catalytic reduction of NO_x with solid carbonaceous materials as a surrogate for soot in the presence of oxygen. Pd loaded on Al₂O₃ has been found to be an active catalyst that resists S and H₂O poisoning. A catalyst containing of 2.5% PdO on Al₂0₃ exhibits as high as 90% conversion of NO to N₂ at space velocities …

A Comparison Of Risks From New Jersey Chemical Facilities And The Benefits Of Risk Communication, Heather R. Dobbs

Theses

The purpose of this study is to determine if the amount of toxic chemicals a facility stores on-site is a valid indicator for determining a facility's risk potential and need to communicate risk information to the public. This study analyzes New Jersey chemical facilities regulated under the CAA's Risk Management Plan (section 112(r)) and their toxic chemical releases and other risk factors to determine if there is a relationship between the amount of toxic chemicals stored on-site and the potential risk from a toxic release. The analysis of data suggests that no relationship exists; therefore, one could assume that all …

A Laboratory And Field Study Of The Attenuation Of Sound Intensity Using A Whistle As The Sonic Generator, Navneet Kumar

Theses

This study investigated the attenuation of sound intensity using a whistle as the sonic generator along with the detailed analysis of all the previous studies. Attenuation of sound in air studies were performed in Otto H. York Center for Environmental Engineering and Science at New Jersey Institute of Technology. Sound attenuation through air was measured by doubling the distance for each of five whistles. It was concluded that Whistle No.5 gives the highest sound intensity of 140.54 dB at a distance of 0.75 ft , the closest distance used for measurement, at a air flow rate of 7.5 SCFM. These …

Early Public Participation And Support For A Brownfields Redevelopment Project : A Study On Perth Amboy, Leena A. Raut

Theses

Public participation is an important aspect of brownfields redevelopment. Because brownfields are a localized issue, those most affected by a site should have a say in its redevelopment. Both the process of redevelopment and the final outcome must measure the success of a brownfields project.

Perth Amboy, New Jersey, in conjunction with the Middlesex County Vocational School System, is in the process of preparing former brownfields land into a new vocational -technical high school. Residents were notified after the decision had been made, rather than be included from the start of the decision-making process. Residents within a 500-foot radius were …

Data Mining Using Neural Networks For Large Credit Card Record Sites, Wei Wei

Theses

Data mining using neural networks has been applied in various financial fields such as risk mitigation, missing data filling, fraud detection, and customer profile classification etc. This master thesis work aims to develop methodologies to mine large sets of records and in particular to fill missing data in these records. The steps include data cleansing, data selection, data preprocessing, data representation, data clustering and finally the missing data filling. Furthermore, this work designs algorithms to evaluate the supervised neural networks' performance, which is helpful for the future research on data prediction and classification. A case study based on a large …

Phase-Locked Loop, Delay-Locked Loop, And Linear Decorrelating Detector For Asynchronous Multirate Ds-Cdma System, Sok-Kyu Lee

Dissertations

The performance of phase synchronization and code tracking of a digital phase-locked loop (PLL) and delay-locked loop (DLL), respectively, is investigated in wideband asynchronous multirate DS-CDMA system. Dynamic Partial Correlation (DPC) method is proposed to evaluate the autocorrelation and its power spectrum density (PSD) of the cross-correlated terms in the presence of multirate multiple access interference (MMAI) under additive white gaussian noise (AWGN) and fading channel environments. The steady-state probability density function (PDF) and variance of the phase estimator error and code tracking jitter is evaluated by solving the first-order Fokker-Planck equation.

Among many linear multiuser detectors which decouple the …

Comparison Of Optical Density, Total Cell Protein, And Number Of Viable Cells (Via Fluorescent Straining) As Measures Of Microbial Growth Kinetics In Suspended And Biofilm Cultures During Biodegradation Of Naphthalene, Jeong Seop Shim

Dissertations

Most studies on bacterial growth kinetics have been dependent on theoretical modeling with general biomass measurements using either dry weight or optical density (OD), without distinguishing live from dead bacteria or debris. As a result, there remains considerable uncertainty in reliably predicting rates of biodegradation for design of treatment processes for environmental pollutants.

This research focused on measurement of bacterial growth rates and activities in suspended cultures and biofilms using Pseudomonas putida (ATCC 17484) for biodegradation of naphthalene. As expected, the rates of biodegradation differed between suspended and immobilized cultures. A comparison was made of the impact of three biomass …

Numerical Stimulation Of Stress-Induced Crystallization Of Injection Molded Semicrystalline Thermoplastics, Jianxin Guo

Dissertations

Injection molded semicrystalline plastic products exhibit variable morphology along their thickness directions. The processing conditions have a significant effect on the crystallinity distribution in the final parts. However, because of the lack of sound theoretical models for stress-induced crystallization kinetics in thermoplastics, simulations of the injection molding process of semicrystalline plastics with the consideration of stress-induced crystallization have been scarce.

A stress-induced crystallization model for semicrystalline plastics is proposed based on the theory that stress induced orientation of polymer chains increase the melting temperature of the plastics, and hence, the supercooling which is the driving force for crystallization. By assuming …

Numerical Modeling And Optimization Of Waterjet Based Surface Decontamination, Konstantin Babets

Dissertations

The mission of this study is to investigate the high-pressure waterjet based surface decontamination. Our specific objective is to develop a practical procedure for selection of process conditions at given constraints and available knowledge. This investigation is expected to improve information processing in the course of material decontamination and assist in the implementation of the waterjet decontamination technology into practice. The development of a realistic procedure for processing of a chaotic and non-accurate information constitutes the main accomplishment of this study.

The research involved acquisition of representative information about removal of brittle, elastic and viscous deposits. As a result an …

Empirical Model-Based Control For End Milling Process, Abdelmalak Salib

Dissertations

The main objective of this research is to develop an empirical model-based control mechanism to maintain a fine surface finish quality by maintaining on-line cutting force values. The proposed model has been developed to present the control model constraints, by varying the machining parameters to control the force output to be constant. To relate the surface finish and the cutting force in the end milling machining process, a design of experiment has been conducted to determine the effect of two different materials (aluminium and steel) and the machining parameters (feed rate, spindle speed) at a predefined depth of cut.

Regression …

Electro-Magnetic Control Of Cylinder Wake, Zhihua Chen

Dissertations

The objective of this dissertation is to develop open and closed-loop control algorithms for manipulating wake flows past a solid cylinder in an electrically low-conducting fluid (e.g. seawater). The intent is to avoid both vortex shedding and flow separation from the body. It is desired to reduce the mean drag significantly and prevent the lift from becoming non-zero at all times. This is achieved through the introduction of a Lorentz force in the azimuthal direction generated by an array of permanent magnets and electrodes located on the solid structure. The array of actuators offers the advantage of making the Lorentz …

Assessing The Economic Impact Of Aircraft Noise On Communities, Ithan B. Zimmer

Dissertations

The impact of aircraft noise on communities is complex and multi-dimensional. This matter cannot be resolved without careful analysis of a complex array of related problems and issues including the environment, the economy, and quality-of-life concerns of people living in proximity to airports or aircraft routes. The effects of community noise are widespread and varied. Impacts can include sleep and speech interference, activity interference, general annoyance, and property value decrease. In order to improve public policy and provide a foundation for additional research, it is imperative to establish the extent of a problem. Dollars are often the least common denominator …

Kinematic Synthesis Of Adjustable Spatial Four And Five-Bar Mechanisms For Finite And Multiply Separated Positions, Kevin Russell

Dissertations

Although spatial mechanisms are more general in structure than planar mechanisms, their applications are few due to the limited number of practical design tools and the complexity of those available. It is in fact the task of the future to develop effective, but practical design tools for spatial mechanisms.

This research presents several new methods for synthesizing adjustable spatial mechanisms. The first method involves the kinematic synthesis of spatial mechanisms for multiphase motion generation. Using this method, spatial four and five-bar mechanisms can be synthesized to achieve different phases of prescribed rigid body positions. The theory of this approach has …

Analysis And Control Of Monolithic Piezoelectric Nano-Actuator, Xuemei Sun

Dissertations

The study of the monolithic piezoelectric actuator, the dominant type of micropositioner is an attractive and challenging area, where realtime control theory and digital signal processing are effectively applied. The actuator can be applied in precision instruments and precision control, such as microscopes, medical and optics instruments because of the piezoelectric ceramic's high resolution, fast transient response, and potential low cost. However, hysteresis nonlinearity and lightly damped vibration exist in the system, which limit the actuator applications.

This work focuses on the hysteresis characteristics in time and frequency domains along with experimental and simulated results to verify the effectiveness of …

Environmental Science In The New Millennium : A Model To Give Structure And Guidance, James M. Lipuma

Dissertations

This work proposes a template for successful interdisciplinary Environmental Science (EVSQ) programs at four-year American learning institutions. The first conclusion reached is that there is no one "perfect" program. Only by identifying clear goals for EVSC can programs improve. It was determined that a clear definition of EVSC and mission statements related to these definitions are necessary first steps to allow improvement to occur. One major outcome of the work is the educational model built to understand EVSC education. The model identifies methods by which the goals and objectives of EVSC can be identified and accomplished. The research found that …

Multi-Mode Cavity Effects In The Microwave Heating Of A Ceramic Slab, Stuart J. Walker

Dissertations

In order to gain insight into hot spot development in microwave heated ceramics, a partially insulated, two dimensional ceramic slab situated in a TE_M01 cavity is modeled in the small Biot number limit. If the electrical conductivity is an exponential function of temperture and E₀ is the strength of the incident mode, then the relationship between the spatially uniform, steady state leading order temperature, v₈, and E₀¹ is characterized by the well known bi-stable, or S shaped, response curve. The steady state second order temperature, v₁, is described by a boundary …

Numerical Studies Of Newtonian And Viscoelastic Fluids, Felix J. Alcocer

Dissertations

The direct numerical simulation (DNS) approach is used to understand the flow behavior of Newtonian and viscoelastic fluids in porous materials, four-to-one contraction and the flow of a Newtonian fluid past an airfoil.

In simulations the viscoelastic fluid is modeled by the finitely extensible nonlinear elastic (FENE) dumbbell and Oldroyd-B models. The finite element method (FEM) is used to discretize the flow domain. The DNS results show that the permeability of a periodic porous medium depends on the wavelength used for arranging particles in the direction of flow. Specifically, it is shown that for a given particle size and porosity …

Analysis Of Discrete Dynamical System Models For Competing Species, Jerry J. Chen

Dissertations

A discrete version of the Lotka-Volterra (LV) differential equations for competing population species is analyzed in detail, much the same way as the discrete form of the logistic equation has been investigated as a source of bifurcation phenomena and chaotic dynamics. Another related system, namely, the Exponentially Self Regulating (ESR) population model, is also thoroughly analyzed. It is found that in addition to logistic dynamics - ranging from the very simple to manifestly chaotic regimes in terms of the governing parameters - the discrete LV model and the ESR model exhibit their own brands of bifurcation and chaos that are …

A More Efficient Document Retrieval Method For Texpros, Yin Dong

Dissertations

Document processing is a critical element of office automation. Through document classification, extraction and filing, documents are automatically placed into a knowledge base according to certain rules. Document retrieval is a process to get a document back according to a user's requirements and to show the results to the user. Hence, a good user-interface and an efficient retrieval algorithm become core parts of document retrieval.

Unlike previous browsers that have been proposed for this purpose, this dissertation develops a new browser that has a user interface with more tools, and one that has a more efficient retrieval algorithm that can …

An Examination Of Discourse Concerned With Pcb Remediation In The Hudson River, Jennifer M. Coffey

Theses

Remediation of PCB contamination in the Hudson River is an issue hotly contested within local communities, the media, and between government agencies and corporate entities. In recent years, the EPA has decided to revisit their 1984 no-action decision for the Hudson River and in December 2000, issued a Feasibility Study recommending partial dredging of the 200 miles of the Hudson floor deemed a Superfund site. The EPA's reevaluation of their 1984 decision has spurred an enormous amount of literature from corporate, non-profit volunteer, and government agencies.

The rhetorical theory of social constructionism and the ethical theory of environmental pragmatism are …

Visualization Techniques For Routing Protocols And Router Configurations, Vandana Pursnani

Theses

An autonomous system (AS) is a group of routers managed by a particular organization. Exterior gateway protocols (EGP) are used between AS's Internal Gateway Protocols (IGP) is used within an AS. The most common protocols used with TCP/IP are RIP, OSPF (Open Shortest Path First), IGRP / Enhanced IGRP.

The thesis revolves around OSPF protocol OSPF uses flooding to exchange link-state updates between routers. Any change in routing information is flooded to all routers in the network. Areas are introduced to put a boundary on the explosion of link-state updates. Flooding and calculation of the Dijkstra algorithm on a router …

Optimization Of Nitrogen Removal In Sequencing Batch Reactor, Suppakit Poonyachat

Theses

Operating parameters for sequencing batch reactor have the influenceon each substrate concentration. Concentration profile changes as operationparameters are changed. The study was conducted to model the variationin effluent concentration from sequencing batch reactor. MLVSS and cycletime are the parameters that were varied. Concentration in Fill, React,and Settle Period were calculated by using kinetic equations.

The results can show that these parameters have effects on the concentrationprofile. The increase of MLVSS can lower the concentration of BOD andammonium concentration in React period. Increasing MLVSS can show thatmore substrate utilization and nitrification process occur more rapidly.Concentration of nitrate at the end of …

Towards Hypermedia Support In Database Systems, Anirban Bhaumik

Theses

The general goal of our research is to automatically generate links and other hypermedia related services to analytical applications. Using a dynamic hypermedia engine (DHE), the following features have been automated for database systems. Based on the database's relational (physical) schema and its original (non-normalized) entity-relationship specification links are generated, database application developers may also specify the relationship between different classes of database elements. These elements can be controlled by the same or different database application, or even by another software system. A DHE prototype has been developed and illustrates the above for a relational database management system.

The DHE …

An Automated Approach For Comparative Analysis Of Interval And Heart Rate Variability, Taral Oza

Theses

Cardiovascular disease is the primary cause of death in the adult population. Half of these cardiac deaths occur as sudden death. Some of the parameters from the surface ECG recording (a noninvasive technique) carry important information and have special significance in research, as they are good indicators of diseases leading to heart attacks, sudden cardiac death and other similar cardiac problems. Measurement of QT interval variability and heart rate variability are two such parameters, which has received much attention of researchers.

An algorithm has been developed to measure and compare the two significant parameters, the QT interval variability and the …