Digital Commons Network^™

The Hospital’S Role Within A Regional Disaster Response: A Comparison Study Of An Urban Hospital Versus A Rural Hospital, Ali Alshehri

Theses

The goal of this research is to evaluate the hospital's role in a regional disaster response. It focuses on identifying the level of the hospital's preparedness and its response to disasters and includes a comparison study between an urban and a rural hospital in New York state. The findings of this work show some differences between the urban and rural hospitals in terms of their capabilities and available resources and the effect of the community infrastructures on their preparedness. Both hospitals have similarities in the way participants view the hospital's role during a regional disaster response. It is noted that …

Signal To Noise Ratio Estimation Using The Expectation Maximization Algorithm, Ahmed Almradi

Theses

Signal to Noise Ratio (SNR) estimation when the transmitted symbols are unknown is a common problem in many communication systems, especially those which require an accurate SNR estimation. For instance, modern wireless communication systems usually require accurate estimate of SNR without knowledge of the transmitted symbols. In addition, SNR estimation is required in order to perform efficient signal detection, power control, and adaptive modulation In this study, Non data Aided (NDA) SNR estimation for Binary Phase Shift Keying (PBSK) and Quadrature Phase Shift Keying (QPSK) using the Expectation Maximization (EM) algorithm is developed. The assumption here is that the received …

Strengthening The Role And Capacities Of Kosovo Institutions For Effective Implementation Of Legislation, Sadete Demaj

Theses

Not provided.

Skirr, Melissa Tierney

Theses

SKIRR is an animated graduate thesis that showcases 6 different environments and the life within them. It focuses on the beauty of life and art, and the creation of both. This film is comprised of 3D, 2D, and stop motion animation. It was produced digitally using various video, audio and animation software. The following paper outlines the development and production of this film. I address concept, style and influences, goals, production process and overall experience. To further illustrate the creative process, supplementary materials are included.

Human Rights In Kosovo And Eu Accession Conditionality : [Presentation Given On May 22, 2012], Arberita Kryeziu

Theses

Not provided.

Procedures Of Hygiene Services And Protection Of The Hospital Environment : [Presentation Given On May 23, 2012], Nora Binishi-Dushi

Theses

Not provided.

Scanning Evanescent Wave Lithography For Sub-22nm Generations, Peng Xie

Theses

Current assumptions for the limits of immersion optical lithography include NA values at 1.35, largely based on the lack of high-index materials. In this research we have been working with ultra-high NA evanescent wave lithography (EWL) where the NA of the projection system is allowed to exceed the corresponding acceptance angle of one or more materials of the system. This approach is made possible by frustrating the total internal reflection (TIR) evanescent field into propagation. With photoresist as the frustrating media, the allowable gap for adequate exposure latitude is in the sub-100 nm range. Through static imaging, we have demonstrated …

Temperature Mapping Study Of United States Distribution Systems, Ken Silverman

Theses

The purpose of this one-year temperature mapping study was to determine the extreme temperatures and respective durations commercial pharmaceutical products are expected to be exposed to during routine ambient distribution within the continental United States. Extreme temperature conditions may affect the safety and efficacy of pharmaceutical products during distribution. Knowing the value and duration of the extreme temperatures that products are likely to experience in the ambient (uncontrolled) distribution environment allows for improved product degradation testing, optimized thermal package design and scientifically based determination as to when logistical and environmental controls should be used. Before this study, testing was performed …

Center-Of-Gravity Estimation Of An Aircraft Solely Using Traditional Aircraft Measurement Sensors, Andrew Komendat

Theses

In this work, a novel algorithm for estimating aircraft center-of-gravity location based solely on traditional aircraft measurements is investigated. The algorithm uses known physics-based kinematic relationships between aircraft states for the estimation process and requires only traditional sensor measurements typically employed by aircraft. Three models are used in the algorithm development: one based on using attitude measurements, the second based on using air data measurements, and the third based on using navigation type measurements. Estimation of the aircraft's aerodynamic parameters is not required in the new approach. However, sensor error such as accelerometer bias effects are estimated in the algorithm …

A Mems Viscosity Sensor For Conductive Fluids, Luis Gan Chau

Theses

MEMS Viscosity sensors are widely used in different applications nowadays. MEMS sensors are created by making them small in size almost penny-like sized. With low power consumption, cheap costs of production, and mass production of the devices. These sensors are able to measure viscosity through three different characteristics, the frequency, amplitude and the quality factor. Each of these describes the fluids viscosity, by using a vibrational type viscometer. The sensor has been proven to work in conductive fluids after a post process fabrication of a protective layer of Parylene C. The sensors performance has been altered due to a thicker …

Solving Hard Problems In Election Systems, Andrew Lin

Theses

An interesting problem in the field of computational social choice theory is that of elections, in which a winner or set of winners is to be deduced from preferences among a collection of agents, in a way that attempts to maximize the collective well-being of the agents. Besides their obvious use in political science, elections are also used computationally, such as in multiagent systems, in which different agents may have different beliefs and preferences and must reach an agreeable decision. Because the purpose of voting is to gain an understanding of a collection of actual preferences, dishonesty in an election …

Defationary Truth And Truth-Aptness Illuminated By Language And Norms: Paul Horwich, Huw Price, And Michael Lynch, Jeff Young

Theses

In contemporary epistemology there is a movement toward deflationary understandings of core philosophical concepts. Prominent among these is the concept of truth. This thesis examines contemporary deflationary theories of truth, such as those of Paul Horwich and Huw Price. I argue that while Horwich’s canonical deflationary approach is by itself insufficient as a complete theory of truth, Price’s minimal, pragmatic, theory of truth points toward a combination that is prima facie satisfactory. Once this new approach has been established, I will use Michael Lynch’s recent functionalist theory of truth to examine the questions of what we want from a theory …

Energy-Aware Replica Selection For Data-Intensive Services In Cloud, Bo Li

Theses

With the increasing energy cost in data centers, an energy efficient approach to provide data intensive services in the cloud is highly in demand. This thesis solves the energy cost reduction problem of data centers by formulating an energy-aware replica selection problem in order to guide the distribution of workload among data centers. The current popular centralized replica selection approaches address such problems but they lack scalability and are vulnerable to a crash of the central coordinator. Also, they do not take total data center energy cost as the primary optimization target. We propose a simple decentralized replica selection system …

Flow Analysis Based On Role And Pattern Matching, Pooja Wagh

Theses

Flow analysis has always been a great concern for a network system. An attacker can gain important information through several ways by monitoring the frequency and timing of network packets or by impersonating another user through remote access. Access to a network system based on single-factor authentication is nothing but monitoring the perimeter around the network leaving a company's a network wide open for the inside threat. There is a necessity to develop a classic network to reduce or eliminate threats within the organization. This thesis will analyze the flows to inspect every activity performed within the network in order …

‘Un Healthy Tableware Design, Wei-Mei Chiang

Theses

Design one set of healthy tableware that brings users: one healthy pleasant serene dining; one happy pleasurable healthy diet. This MFA thesis design reason was out of my passion for tableware/housewares design and personal experiences of both surfeit and anorexia problems, although balanced healthy diet was also my experience. Moreover, it was also my researches and observations of modern diet problems that happen often. Therefore, my thesis goal was to design one set of tableware which can promote healthy and happy diet, generate peaceful and pleasurable dining atmosphere, and be helpful for users to move from unhealthy dining habits to …

Hospital As A Critical Infrastructure In The Community Disaster Response System, Yixuan Li

Theses

The Department of Homeland Security lists 19 groups of sectors as Critical Infrastructure Key Resources (CIKR) such as Water, Emergency Services, and Healthcare and Public Health (HPH). Protection of those interdependent sectors is of vital interest for the country in the event of disaster. Hospital infrastructure systems are basic HPH elements of the CIKR. Local hospitals deliver essential routine healthcare services as well as serving as frontline responders during non-routine disaster events. Currently, hospitals generally extend their routine healthcare activities for external community disaster preparedness and response services. This extension takes the form of coordination with other responders within the …

Sea Smoke, Carolyn Rankin

Theses

"Sea Smoke" is a feature-length screenplay that tells the story of Nilly Hayworth, a successful advertising executive living and working in mid-coast Maine. Nilly is married to Hank Hayworth, a lawyer, and they have a son, Jasper, who has just finished law school. Nilly's father is William "Bill" J. Pixley. She has a brother named William "Butch" Pixley Jr., who is married to Holly Pixley, pregnant with their first child. Nilly has accommodated to her father's strong preference for his son , her brother. She has also adjusted to and forgiven Hank for past affairs. Nilly is offered a position …

What Is Good Enough For Mobile System Evaluation: A Comparison Of Laboratory And Field Setting, Yao Wang

Theses

There is no consensus on whether field tests are necessary in evaluating mobile systems. Empirical studies have compared evaluations in the laboratory environment and field environment, but they provide different results due to the lack of consistent testing environments. Contributing to mobile system evaluation exploration, this study conducts a comparative analysis between laboratory study and field study by recreating the natural context in the laboratory and using recording software embedded in the mobile device. The results show that involving natural use context in a controlled testing environment identifies more usability problems than a complex field test, when the objective is …

Emotion Of Motion, Sunhee Oh

Theses

The origin of my thesis is the motion with which users interact with seating, how users interact with space progressively. In this thesis I explored and developed seating, a deep interest of mine that has been growing for the last several years. I worked as an interior designer for 3 years before studying woodworking and furniture design at the Rochester Institute of Technology. The experience undertaken by designing, drafting and engineering of space and furniture taught me a great deal. I realized that the function of furniture in some spaces is not just about simple function such as storage, or …

Protecting Nature, Preserving Life: A Visual Exploration Of Carbon Footprint Calculator, Byungmi Choi

Theses

Vast amounts of complex raw data, which can be overwhelming and difficult to understand, surrounds us. Processing and transforming this data into meaningful information increases its usefulness and subsequently deepens our knowledge. Computer graphics designers explore thoughtful design solutions using methods for organizing, prioritizing, structuring and interacting with content, making it accessible, understandable and eliminating ambiguity.

Carbon Footprint Calculator visually represents the quantity of greenhouse gases individuals generate and quantifies each state's carbon usage. It collects data regarding people's carbon usage as far as transportation and electricity. This project's goal involves using data visualization to make important and complex information …

Drop-Out Prevention Policy For Schools In Kosova : [Presentation Given In May 2012], Valbona Dermaku

Theses

Not provided.

Little Star's Journey: A Motion Graphics Work About The Value Of Life, Yi-An Chien

Theses

Little Star's Journey is a short animated story expressing my personal explanation of the value of human life. Life is a process of learning through a mix of happiness and suffering. The essential value is to help one to become a better person who can inspire others with wisdom and compassion. Through Little Star's adventure from sea to the sky, he meets different kinds of things. Some look good, and some look bad. However, those all are the lessons from which he learns to become a real star lighting up others in the sky. The project concerns the combination of …

Investment, Economic Growth And Kosovo's Judicial Sector, Kushtrim Bajrami

Theses

The inflow of FDI is vital for supporting successful transition of Kosovo’s economy. The FDI will enhance the economic development, improve trade balance, reduce unemployment and support the development of the private sector. These represent the basis for a sustainable economic development of Kosovo. Although local courts recognize foreign arbitral awards, enforcement is often weak and disputes can take a lengthy time to resolve. While the basic legislation of a market-oriented economy is in place, determining property ownership remains a significant challenge. These legal uncertainties, in addition to poor implementation of laws and contract enforcement, and an underdeveloped judiciary, hinder …

The Relationship Between Cross-Media Usage And Brand Recall In Advertisements: A Test Of Customer Engagement With Print And Digital Magazine Advertisements, Gabriela Sosa Lamarche

Theses

This study investigated the effectiveness of advertising using a cross-media approach. A laboratory experiment with a randomized controlled trial and a sample of college students (N = 34) was used to test whether the level of involvement was higher for tablet or print advertisements. Subjects were divided into two groups: those who saw the advertisements in print and those who saw them on tablets. Contrary to expectations, brand recall and purchase intent were higher for those viewing print than for tablet advertisements, although respondents considered interactive advertisements more engaging. One explanation is that most of the participants were so immersed …

Virtualization And Shared Infrastructure Data Storage For It In Kosovo Institutions, Gani Zogaj

Theses

This capstone project addressed the need to strengthen the centralization and security of the electronic data from various national institutions in Kosovo. Most of the electronic data in Kosovo Institutions are separated in so many server rooms in different institutions and different locations. The Republic of Kosovo institutions have different systems of data stored in different physical spaces. Most of these data should be exchangeable in different systems and different data bases. The country lacks physical security in the current system of data security and professional staff for maintaining such data (databases, applications, and other electronic data). The budget of …

Investing In Renovation And Management Of Kosovo’S Cadastral Database / [Presentation Given November 14, 2012], Mentor Xhemajli

Theses

This capstone project addresses the issue of the acceleration of cadastre renovation in Kosovo. The cadastre of a country is its register of property titles and is usually managed by government agencies1. The Cadastre in Kosovo is managed by the Kosovo Cadastral Agency (KCA), which is the highest authority for cadastre in the Republic of Kosovo. Cadastre renovation in Kosovo has started since 2003, with the pilot project in cadastral zone (CZ) Dobrashec in Gllogovc municipality. In that time, this pilot project was declared successful. After this pilot there has been another pilot project in three CZ. These CZ are …

Remnants: Within An Age Of Digitalism, Marchelo Vera

Theses

21st Century civilization allows a glimpse into the progressive art paradigm that encompasses our constantly transforming technological advancements. These ideas explore the global network of our modern times and the interrelated possibilities within it. My collaborative and interdisciplinary methods give a glimpse into the future of digital/print media, augmented reality, and interactive environments. My artwork explores the hybrid, identity, culture, and an evolving reality within an age of Digitalism.

The Development Of A Shop Floor Control Software Module For A New Branding And Packaging Scheme, George Diaz

Theses

Not listed.

A Silicon P-I-N Detector For A Hybrid Cmos Imaging System, Christopher Shea

Theses

A fully depleted silicon p-i-n image sensor for a very low noise hybrid CMOS imaging system was simulated, fabricated, and electrically characterized. The image sensor was then bonded to the foundry fabricated CMOS circuitry to create the imaging system. SILVACO Atlas was used to simulate the steady state electrical operation of the device as well as the optical response. Revisions were made to an existing mask set to allow the use of both contact and projection lithography in the fabrication process. Significant process improvements were introduced to eliminate needless complexity and reduce leakage current from the previously reported 1.5x10-6 A/cm2 …

Reconfigurable Framework For High-Bandwidth Stream-Oriented Data Processing, Alexander Mykyta

Theses

Designing a digital system that implements an assortment of specialized high performance algorithms can be costly. Considerable non-recurring engineering costs are required to develop an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC). Additionally, updating or adding features to a design requires the ASIC to be redesigned and refabricated. An alternative to using an ASIC is the field programmable gate array (FPGA). The modern FPGA's ability to be partially reconfigured at runtime allows for the device to have the flexibility normally associated with a processor, while also being able to implement digital logic like in an ASIC. This capability allows for multiple digital …