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Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

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Parametric Modeling And Analysis Of Structural Bonded Joints, Sailaja Malladi May 2004

Parametric Modeling And Analysis Of Structural Bonded Joints, Sailaja Malladi

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

A closed form model of a double lap bonded joint based on the Hart-Smith Model is considered. An extensional link is added to the inner adherend in order to minimize the magnitude of the shear distribution in the adhesive along the overlap length and equations are formulated for this new model. Various parametric studies are performed on the closed form model to observe their effect on the behavior of the shear stress distribution in the adhesive. Overlap length, stiffness of the extensional link, thickness of the adhesive and stiffness of the adherends are varied in the parametric study.;A 2D finite …


Practical Modern Control Design Techniques For Power Systems, Amer Hasanovic May 2004

Practical Modern Control Design Techniques For Power Systems, Amer Hasanovic

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

This dissertation is proposing practical control design techniques for electric power systems load frequency control (LFC) and stability enhancement through tuning of power system stabilizers (PSSs).;For the LFC, two novel design techniques are developed. The first one, called GALMI, is for tuning the gains of the traditional controllers to obtain a robust performance similar to the one that will be obtained using a centralized high order controller based on H-infinity design and Linear matrix Inequalities (LMI). The tuning is performed using genetic algorithms (GA). The second approach is a controller design based on model predictive control (MPC). This design is …


Current Issues In Empirical Trade Estimation, Matthew Quinn Mcpherson May 2004

Current Issues In Empirical Trade Estimation, Matthew Quinn Mcpherson

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

The study of empirical trade estimation has been a staple in international economics literature since the early 1960s. I focus on three current topics in empirical trade estimation. In chapter 1, I use a time-series approach and in the context of the effect of exchange-rate volatility on trade, provide both theoretical and empirical explanations for positive volatility effects. My results show a clear pattern; when the effect of exchange-rate uncertainty on trade volume is positive [negative] for importers, the effect for exporters is negative [positive]. In addition, the U.K. provides evidence that trade balance is an important factor in determining …


Evaluation Of Novel Cross -Linking Agents For Gelatin/Collagen Matrices, Brenda J. Schuler May 2004

Evaluation Of Novel Cross -Linking Agents For Gelatin/Collagen Matrices, Brenda J. Schuler

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Useful for drug delivery systems, natural polymer matrix systems, such as gelatin, have been formulated for localized drug delivery. The main limitations of gelatin are its extensive swelling, rapid dissolution and drug release. To slow drug release, chemical cross-linking agents have been used to form relatively non-soluble networks. Sucrose and fructose were used as cross-linking agents in a gelatin-based matrix. Additional studies evaluated two process variables: casting and curing (ambient or refrigerated temperatures, vacuum drying and lyophilization) methods. The optimized gelatin/sugar matrices were then compared to varying concentrations of gelatin/formaldehyde matrices. Matrix erosion studies were completed to monitor percent swelling …


On Flows Of Graphs, Rui Xu May 2004

On Flows Of Graphs, Rui Xu

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Tutte's 3-flow Conjecture, 4-flow Conjecture, and 5-flow Conjecture are among the most fascinating problems in graph theory. In this dissertation, we mainly focus on the nowhere-zero integer flow of graphs, the circular flow of graphs and the bidirected flow of graphs. We confirm Tutte's 3-flow Conjecture for the family of squares of graphs and the family of triangularly connected graphs. In fact, we obtain much stronger results on this conjecture in terms of group connectivity and get the complete characterization of such graphs in those families which do not admit nowhere-zero 3-flows. For the circular flows of graphs, we establish …


Software For Efficient File Elimination In Computer Forensics Investigations, Chad Werner Davis May 2004

Software For Efficient File Elimination In Computer Forensics Investigations, Chad Werner Davis

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Computer forensics investigators, much more than with any other forensic discipline, must process an ever continuing increase of data. Fortunately, computer processing speed has kept pace and new processes are continuously being automated to sort through the voluminous amount of data. There exists an unfulfilled need for a simple, streamlined, standalone public tool for automating the computer forensics analysis process for files on a hard disk drive under investigation. A software tool has been developed to dramatically reduce the number of files that an investigator must individually examine. This tool utilizes the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) National …


Breaking Boundaries, Juan Giraldo May 2004

Breaking Boundaries, Juan Giraldo

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Graphic design communication is in constant change. Everyday new technologies emerge and evolve, affecting the way we communicate and deliver messages. For this reason, graphic designers should be able to understand the basic principles of design and effectively apply them to any media. It is my intention with this thesis to analyze the way I work in the design process, my influences, and also, why I make specific decisions based on different media. To illustrate these concepts I will discuss the body of work presented in my thesis exhibition: Breaking Boundaries.


Software Architectural Risk Assessment, Ajith Reddy Guedem May 2004

Software Architectural Risk Assessment, Ajith Reddy Guedem

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Risk assessment is an essential part of the software development life cycle. Performing risk analysis early in the life cycle enhances resource allocation decisions, enables us to compare alternative software architectural designs and helps in identifying high-risk components in the system. As a result, remedial actions to control and optimize the process and improve the quality of the software product can be taken. In this thesis we investigate two types of risk---reliability-based and performance-based risk. The reliability-based risk assessment takes into account the probability of the failures and the severity of failures. For the reliability-based risk analysis we use UML …


Comparison Of Partially Decoupled And Combined Methods Of Path Planning And Task Allocation, Jennifer Beth Hazelton May 2004

Comparison Of Partially Decoupled And Combined Methods Of Path Planning And Task Allocation, Jennifer Beth Hazelton

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Developing autonomous unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) reduces the risks to which soldiers are subjected by enabling the UAVs to make efficient decisions, regardless of the situation. This requires each group of UAVs to be proficient in planning their own paths and assigning tasks in a way that minimizes the total cost of the mission. Two methods are presented for doing this, the partially decoupled approach and the combined approach. After comparing two methods, the partially decoupled approach costs an average of 3.0 meters less than the combined approach, while taking an average of 0.327 seconds longer to complete. This indicates …


Uncertainty Analysis In Software Reliability Of Component-Based Systems, Sunil Kumar Kamavaram May 2004

Uncertainty Analysis In Software Reliability Of Component-Based Systems, Sunil Kumar Kamavaram

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Several architecture-based software reliability models were proposed in the past. These models compute the point estimate of system reliability by plugging point estimates of unknown parameters into the model. These models however, discard the uncertainty of the parameters, that is, they do not attempt to answer the question how parameter uncertainties propagate into overall system reliability. Therefore, the traditional way of estimating software reliability by plugging point estimates may not be appropriate. This thesis is focused on uncertainty analysis of architecture-based software reliability models. In particular, we present uncertainty analysis using the following methods: entropy, perturbation theory, method of moments …


Analysis Of Composite Moving Beams Using Higher Order Shear Deformation Theory, Govindan Nagappan May 2004

Analysis Of Composite Moving Beams Using Higher Order Shear Deformation Theory, Govindan Nagappan

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

A Composite beam moving longitudinally over its supports is analyzed based on a higher-order shear deformation theory. The dynamic behavior of the beam is carried out using the finite element method. The formulation is based on a variational principle. The essential constraints are applied via Lagrange multipliers. This method is effective for the moving beam problem where the relative support locations change with time and therefore the supports do not fall exactly at the nodes. An initially deformed overhang beam moving over two simple supports is used for the analysis. The first flexural mode shape of the beam is used …


Comparison Of Path-Planning And Search Methods For Cooperating Unmanned Aerial Vehicles, Zachary Wilson Spritzer May 2004

Comparison Of Path-Planning And Search Methods For Cooperating Unmanned Aerial Vehicles, Zachary Wilson Spritzer

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

The main goal of this research effort is develop a simulation environment for cooperating UAVs within MATLAB's SIMULINK. This is the first step in a process that will eventually lead to the implementation of model UAVs on a model battlefield. The interest in cooperation of UAVs over the past decade has grown significantly. This is due to several reasons including lower operational cost, lower risk for humans, and greater maneuverability.;This research explores two scenarios. The first is a scenario in which all of the characteristics of a battlefield are known prior to the UAVs being launched. Three prevalent path-planning methods …


Evaluation Of Indirect Tensile Strength To Identify Asphalt Concrete Rutting Potential, Geetha Srinivasan May 2004

Evaluation Of Indirect Tensile Strength To Identify Asphalt Concrete Rutting Potential, Geetha Srinivasan

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

The Superpave mix design procedure, as implemented at the end of the Strategic Highway Research Program (SHRP) does not include any testing to evaluate asphalt mixture for resistance to permanent deformation. This prompted the National Cooperative Highway Research Program (NCHRP) to sponsor projects for the development of a simple performance test for rutting potential of asphalt mixtures. Anderson et al. [2003] found that rutting potential can be evaluated by considering indirect tensile strength (IDT), compaction slope measured with the Superpave Gyratory compactor and voids in mineral aggregate (VMA). Anderson evaluated IDT strength at a deformation rate of 3.75 mm/min and …


Teaching Practices Of Adjunct And Full -Time Faculty By Inventories Of Good Practice, Joyce Ricker Kronberg May 2004

Teaching Practices Of Adjunct And Full -Time Faculty By Inventories Of Good Practice, Joyce Ricker Kronberg

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Institutions of higher education are under increasing pressure to manage with less financial support from the state legislatures. In order to reduce costs and provide greater flexibility, many colleges and universities are turning to adjunct faculty for a greater portion of their teaching in the classroom. However, few studies have measured the quality of instruction displayed by adjunct faculty.;The objective of this study is to assess the frequency of practice for several aspects related to teaching quality between full-time and part-time faculty. Three community colleges participated in the faculty survey: Seven Principles For Good Practice In Undergraduate Education.;In addition, the …


Leadership Frames Of Presidents Of Master I Higher Education Institutions, Michael L. Monahan May 2004

Leadership Frames Of Presidents Of Master I Higher Education Institutions, Michael L. Monahan

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

This study examined the leadership styles of presidents at Master's I institutions as defined by the Carnegie Foundation (2001), and called the "Middle Child of Public Higher Education". The entire population of 494 presidents was surveyed and a response rate of 51.4% was obtained. This study examined the relationships between leadership style and specific demographic variables.;Bolman and Deal devised a four-frame model that included the structural, human resource, political, and symbolic leadership frames. These frames, or windows, allow users to view the world and problems from various perspectives. The structural frame relates to hierarchy and formal rules. The human resource …


Usage Of Instructional Multimedia To Enhance Interactivity Through Web-Based Learning In P--12 Settings, Sharon L. Teabo May 2004

Usage Of Instructional Multimedia To Enhance Interactivity Through Web-Based Learning In P--12 Settings, Sharon L. Teabo

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

The purpose of this study was to analyze multiple media as instructional technologies used to enhance interactivity in a web-based environment and to illustrate the potential for improved learning with interactive multimedia. This study identified instructional media that teachers use, the level of engagement with the media, and determined that there was a correlation between the types and use of instructional media and cognitive level of learning.;Research shows that web-based instruction has the ability to engage learners in real-world tasks. This type of authentic learning has the potential to promote higher order thinking provided students are properly skilled in the …


Cohesive Zone Model For Facesheet -Core Interface Delamination In Honeycomb Frp Sandwich Panels, Weiqiao Wang May 2004

Cohesive Zone Model For Facesheet -Core Interface Delamination In Honeycomb Frp Sandwich Panels, Weiqiao Wang

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

The focus of this dissertation is on developing efficient modeling techniques to study facesheet-core interface delamination in honeycomb fiber-reinforced polymer (HFRP) sandwich panels. Delamination problems are usually treated from a fracture mechanics point of view. However, interface delamination is generally very complex in nature and difficult to solve, because it involves not only geometric and material discontinuities, but also the inherently coupled Mode I, II and III fracture in layered material systems attributed to the well-known oscillatory singularity nature of the stress and displacement field in the vicinity of the delamination crack tip. One of the key issues in this …


Analysis Of Multi-Branch Torsional Vibration For Design Optimization, Yuwen Yao May 2004

Analysis Of Multi-Branch Torsional Vibration For Design Optimization, Yuwen Yao

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Industries worldwide are rapidly developing advanced complex machinery. One area that must be considered in these engineering systems is torsional vibration for multi-branch and multi-junction systems. If torsional vibrations are not considered, they could lead to early failures and costly repairs to machinery.;Torsional vibration is a type of severe twisting motion due to improperly designed rotation machinery. It usually causes noticeable sound disturbances and potential fatigue problems. Torsional vibration happens when an excitation frequency gets close to the natural frequency of the system. This frequency exists at one or more periods of the operating range in torsional systems. Torsional vibration …


Assessment Of The Learning Styles Of Students At The Eastern Caribbean Institute Of Agriculture And Forestry, Centeno, Trinidad And Tobago And Identification Of Teaching Methods Used By Instructors, Cynthia Marie Burskey May 2004

Assessment Of The Learning Styles Of Students At The Eastern Caribbean Institute Of Agriculture And Forestry, Centeno, Trinidad And Tobago And Identification Of Teaching Methods Used By Instructors, Cynthia Marie Burskey

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

An issue in higher education is to create a learning environment that is both positive and effective. With teaching methods that take into account all the learning styles within the classroom, a teacher can make the atmosphere of the classroom more conducive to learning. This study sought to determine if the teachers at the Eastern Caribbean Institute of Agriculture and Forestry, Centeno, Trinidad and Tobago (ECIAF) were using instructional methods that facilitated learning in their students. A two-phase study was utilized. Phase I used a descriptive survey to determine the learning styles of 36 first-year students at ECIAF. Phase II …


Learning Styles Of Extension Agents Responsible For Pesticide Re-Certification Training Programs In West Virginia, Anne M. Custer-Walker May 2004

Learning Styles Of Extension Agents Responsible For Pesticide Re-Certification Training Programs In West Virginia, Anne M. Custer-Walker

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

As a condition of license renewal necessary for restricted-use pesticides, private pesticide applicators are required to accumulate five hours or 10 continuing education units (CEUs) every three years. These programs provide valuable experiential learning opportunities to adult learners. As a result, adult learning is a topic of research. Kolb's Learning Style Inventory (LSI) has been used in research for many years to determine learning style preferences of adults. The purpose of the study was to categorize each agent according to their learning style and to determine if relationships exist between learning style preferences and the agents' major program area, Extension …


Modeled Sulfur Dioxide Exposure From A Proposed Coal Fired Power Plant, Using Geographic Information Systems And Air Dispersion Modeling, Steven Jason Hutchens May 2004

Modeled Sulfur Dioxide Exposure From A Proposed Coal Fired Power Plant, Using Geographic Information Systems And Air Dispersion Modeling, Steven Jason Hutchens

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

This study models the contribution of sulfur dioxide (SO 2) from a proposed coal fired power plant (CFPP) above existing ambient levels. Most vulnerable to SO2 exposure appear to be the elderly, young, and diseased, here identified as sensitive receptors (SR). Epidemiologic studies suggest 260mug/m3 as the lowest toxic threshold for SR exposure. It was hypothesized that added SO2 concentrations to existing ambient levels at regional sensitive receptors, under worst case scenario, would not exceed 260mug/m3.;The methods used identify and quantify density locations of localized SR using geographic information systems. Modeled worst case air dispersion concentration exposure to localized SR …


An Analysis Of Computer-Mediated Communication Technologies As Tools To Enhance Learning., Ana I. Casanova Jan 2004

An Analysis Of Computer-Mediated Communication Technologies As Tools To Enhance Learning., Ana I. Casanova

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

The integration of computer-mediated communication (CMC) technologies into the higher educational settings have required faculty to change their roles from the direct instructional model to a model based on constructivists' ideas. CMC instructional tools (ITs) have provided a change by shifting a traditional teacher-centered setting into a teacher facilitator environment. Teacher's professional development has become an important task to effectively integrate technology into their courses. Questions concerning the implementation and value of CMC technologies and their impact in higher education are not yet clear. The purpose of this research study was to determine the extent to which CMC technologies promoted …


The Effects Of Goal Contingencies On The Writing Frequency Of Undergraduates Enrolled In A Learning Strategies Course., Bridget Joy Hayes Russell Jan 2004

The Effects Of Goal Contingencies On The Writing Frequency Of Undergraduates Enrolled In A Learning Strategies Course., Bridget Joy Hayes Russell

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

This study examined the effect of goal contingencies on writing frequency. Sixty participants were divided into three conditions: individual goal, group goal, or control. Each week, students participated in a three-minute free-write. Those in the individual goal condition earned 10 bonus points when writing frequency goals were achieved. Those in the group goal condition earned 10 bonus points when the group writing frequency goals were achieved. The control did not receive bonus points contingent on writing frequency. Results indicated that the control and individual goal contingencies conditions wrote greater numbers of words than the group goal contingencies condition. Further, the …


A Coalbed Methane Simulator Designed For The Independent Producers., Jalal Jalali Jan 2004

A Coalbed Methane Simulator Designed For The Independent Producers., Jalal Jalali

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

The purpose of this study is to build a PC-Windows based model for two-phase onedimension water & gas system based on the formulation of the model developed by King and Ertekin in 1985. This model is written in Visual Basic 6.0. The advantage of this model over the King and Ertekin’s model is the ability of running the model on personal computers, graphical abilities for input and output, and solving the matrices using an internal solver instead of using a commercial solver. The advantage of this model over other existing models is its ease of to use and being inexpensive …


A Simulated Annealing Approach For Flexible Flowshop Scheduling To Maximize Flexibility., Alireza Shieh Jan 2004

A Simulated Annealing Approach For Flexible Flowshop Scheduling To Maximize Flexibility., Alireza Shieh

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

This research addresses the multiple stage flexible flow shop with buffer limitation in order to maximize the sum of machines free time at the end of the process within the minimum makespan (FFs (Pm1, Pm2, ..., Pms)/block/ FL max ). Various approaches were used to obtain good solutions for the problem and an analysis was preformed to evaluate the quality obtained with each approach. An exact algorithm with two separate phases was developed using mixed integer programming. In the first phase, C max is minimized, then in the second phase, the machines free time is maximized. This model had a …


A Simple Two-Dimensional Boundary Element Program For Estimating Multiple Seam Interaction., Olayemi Olumide Akinkugbe Jan 2004

A Simple Two-Dimensional Boundary Element Program For Estimating Multiple Seam Interaction., Olayemi Olumide Akinkugbe

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

In this thesis, the need for a fast and easy to use numerical analysis program for calculating multiple seam interactions is established. To fulfill this, a simplified twodimensional (2D) laminated overburden model was mathematically developed. Also the utility of the 2D laminated model for modeling complex multiple-seam interaction was further enhanced by its ability to calculate the pillar safety factors and multiple-seam induced subsidence and strain. The 2D laminated overburden model is then implemented into a displacementdiscontinuity program called LaM2D. The LaM2D program can be used to calculate seam convergence, vertical stress, multiple seam stress, pillar safety factors, subsidence and …


A Feasibility Study On Modeling And Prediction Of Production Behavior In Naturally Fractured Shale Reservoirs., Boyd T. Huls Jan 2004

A Feasibility Study On Modeling And Prediction Of Production Behavior In Naturally Fractured Shale Reservoirs., Boyd T. Huls

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

The Objective of this study is to demonstrate the feasibility of predicting production characteristics in a Devonian Shale reservoir. This paper discusses the use of a multidimensional, equation of state compositional simulator to develop a prototypical anisotropic shale reservoir. The production data from a group of single well simulations is used to train an Artificial Neural Network to generate production indicators for a well location based on geopositional parameters. This study was conducted to ascertain if an Artificial Neural Network could be adapted to the random uncertainty in naturally fractured shale reservoirs and whether this approach could further the understanding …


The Impact Of A Social Skills Intervention On The Development Of Resiliency In Preschool Children., Tamala L. Lowther Jan 2004

The Impact Of A Social Skills Intervention On The Development Of Resiliency In Preschool Children., Tamala L. Lowther

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Children need to learn appropriate behavior in their early years. Educators of young children have been given the job of importing very important social competency skills, such as coping, problem solving, cooperation, and self-control skills. Interventions designed to meet the developmental level and individual needs of the children enrolled in a preschool should build factors that will lead to increased social skills and resiliency. This research involved implementing social skill prevention in a preschool classroom in a non-profit childcare center in rural West Virginia. The research examined the effectiveness of the Devereux Early Childhood Assessment (DECA), in increasing protective factors …


A Dual-Stage Approach To Dental Image Registration., Zainab Millwala Jan 2004

A Dual-Stage Approach To Dental Image Registration., Zainab Millwala

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

In the development of Automated Dental Identification System (ADIS), we focus on registration to align the subject dental regions of interest with respective reference regions. With the goal to achieve high performance for dental image registration, a dualstage approach is proposed which is based on the hypotheses generation-verification paradigm. The registration of the dental regions of interest is the basis for hypotheses generation. The hypotheses generated by using a fast method are verified to retrieve the candidate parameter sets to give accurate alignment of the regions. The statistical distributions of local geometric properties of image contours constitute the essential concept …


Developing Uv Photodetector And Ohmic Contact Techniques On Gallium Nitride., Lavanya Turlapati Jan 2004

Developing Uv Photodetector And Ohmic Contact Techniques On Gallium Nitride., Lavanya Turlapati

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Group III nitride wide bandgap semiconductors have recently attracted considerable interest due to their applications for optical devices operating in the blue and ultraviolet (UV) wavelength regions. These materials were also found to be suitable for operation at high power levels, high temperatures and harsh environments. Some applications of UV photodetectors include chemical and biological analysis, flame detection, and optical communications. This project is based on designing AlGaN based quantum well UV photodetector. It has been determined that the presence of multiple quantum wells in the active region improves the device responsivity. The device performance depends on many factors that …