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Three-Dimensional Seismic Interpretation And Synthetic Modeling Of The Atoka And Morrow Formations, In The Buffalo Valley Field (Delaware Basin, New Mexico, Chaves County) For Reservoir Characterization Using Neural Networks., Alejandro Sanchez A. Jan 2004

Three-Dimensional Seismic Interpretation And Synthetic Modeling Of The Atoka And Morrow Formations, In The Buffalo Valley Field (Delaware Basin, New Mexico, Chaves County) For Reservoir Characterization Using Neural Networks., Alejandro Sanchez A.

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

While the advantages of Artificial Neural Networks (ANN) for reservoir characterization are widely known, this project expands such benefits by providing a method by which an ANN can be trained prior to its application to real data. First, a geological and 3D seismic interpretation of the lower Pennsylvanian Atoka-Morrow sequence in the Buffalo Valley Field, New Mexico was executed. Then, to design the ANN and to test its predictions, I generated well-logs and synthetic seismic models for seismic attributes extraction. In order to bridge the vertical resolution gap between well-logs (high resolution) and seismic data (low resolution), VSP data was …


Critical Thinking And Web-Based Education In Maryland Community Colleges: How The Medium Promotes Development., George E. Perry Jan 2004

Critical Thinking And Web-Based Education In Maryland Community Colleges: How The Medium Promotes Development., George E. Perry

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Surveys have found that employers want today's community college graduates to be able to work in teams, make decisions, and critically assess job situations. In short they want the students to think critically. Due to the changing demographics, web-based education has become a larger part of college curriculum in the past several years. This research project explored critical thinking in web-based courses offered at Maryland community colleges to determine what courses were being offered by the different academic disciplines, the methods used to promote critical thinking, and the types of critical thinking assessment used in these web-based courses. The content …


A Hands-On Approach To Calculus., Mike Long Jan 2004

A Hands-On Approach To Calculus., Mike Long

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

A Hands-On Approach To Calculus was a research study designed to examine the use of hands-on inquiry centered teaching strategies in a first semester calculus class and the ramifications of the hands-on strategies. The study used an experimental class, where activities were implemented into the teaching strategies, and a control class, where traditional teaching strategies of lecture of theory and drill were used. Students' learning in the two classes was examined by comparing exam scores in the two classes and by analyzing students' journals from the experimental class. The quantitative analysis of the exam scores did not indicate any significant …


Neodymium:Yag Laser Resonator Chip Design, Optical Characterization And Validation., Narasimha Rao Ayyalasomayajula Jan 2004

Neodymium:Yag Laser Resonator Chip Design, Optical Characterization And Validation., Narasimha Rao Ayyalasomayajula

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Nd:YAG lasers are the most common solid state lasers and are found in many different optical configurations. Effective use of these lasers in remote, in-situ sensing and other applications requires compact size and efficient operation. This project targets the simplification and reduction of the size of these lasers by shaping the active media into a retro-reflecting slab and pumping it with an AlGaAs diode laser at 808nm. The Nd:YAG slab laser was reduced to a rectangular chip component of dimensions 10x12x2mm. The laser was constructed, tested and shown to successfully lase at 1064nm.The slab laser was operated in a pulsed …


A Qualitative Study Of The Reach Of Technological Determinism Into Mass Media Theory Regarding Internet Uses., Daniel Thomas Burns Jan 2004

A Qualitative Study Of The Reach Of Technological Determinism Into Mass Media Theory Regarding Internet Uses., Daniel Thomas Burns

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

This is a theoretically based study on the theory of technological determinism and its reach into mass media theory regarding the Internet. Participants in this study were given Internet logs that allowed for their Internet travel purposes to be recorded. They were also given a survey that broke them into categories based on ideology and experience with the Internet. The data from this study suggest that technological determinism does play some part in an individualís use of the Internet; but is not a complete explanation. The data from this study suggest that other theories that were examined such as, agenda …


The Selection Of Counties And Locations Of Field Site Coordinators., Lina Maria Gomez Jan 2004

The Selection Of Counties And Locations Of Field Site Coordinators., Lina Maria Gomez

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

The Health Sciences and Technology Academy (HSTA) is a 9th to 12th grade mathematics and sciences program established in 1994, at the West Virginia University Health Sciences Center. The main purpose of this program is to increase the number of underrepresented students (i.e., African Americans, financially disadvantaged, first generation attending college, and environmentally disadvantaged- -rural) from West Virginia to pursue degrees in the health sciences fields in the state of West Virginia. An important component of HSTAís program is the field site coordinators (FSCs) whose main function is to recruit students. In order for HSTA to achieve its goal, they …


Comparison Of The Sealing Ability Of Two Different Types Of Root Canal Obturation: Cold Lateral Compaction And The Continuous Wave Compaction Technique., Donald Wayne Hughart Jan 2004

Comparison Of The Sealing Ability Of Two Different Types Of Root Canal Obturation: Cold Lateral Compaction And The Continuous Wave Compaction Technique., Donald Wayne Hughart

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

104 single rooted human teeth were randomly assigned to four groups, decoronated and instrumented with Gates Glidden drills, 0.06 taper ProFile files and hand files with NaOCL irrigant. Two groups were instrumented to working length with 0.06 ProFiles. Two groups were instrumented to within 1.0mm of the working length with 0.06 ProFiles and the last mm was prepared with a hand file. Two groups, one with hand filing and one without, were obturated using cold lateral compaction. Two groups were obturated using the continuous wave hybrid technique. The teeth were suspended vertically in India ink for 72 hours, cleared and …


The Role Of Geology And Engineering Properties Of The Gettysburg Formation In The Geomorphic Form Of The Susquehanna River At Highspire, Pennsylvania., Joan L. Hawk Jan 2004

The Role Of Geology And Engineering Properties Of The Gettysburg Formation In The Geomorphic Form Of The Susquehanna River At Highspire, Pennsylvania., Joan L. Hawk

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

The Gettysburg Formation preserves the sedimentological record of the Late Triassic – Early Jurassic filling of the Newark-Narrow Neck-Gettysburg rift basin and subsequent intrusion by diabase. In the study area, bedrock is exposed only on the floor of the Susquehanna River. Exploratory borings drilled across the river, as part of a geotechnical investigation to obtain data for design of a foundation system for a replacement of the existing bridge carrying the Pennsylvania Turnpike (S.R. 0076) over the Susquehanna River, provided an opportunity to document the general stratigraphy of the surficial materials and the Gettysburg Formation in areas inaccessible to previous …


An Efficient Method For Texture-Based Image Retrieval., Umasankar Kandaswamy Jan 2004

An Efficient Method For Texture-Based Image Retrieval., Umasankar Kandaswamy

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

The extraction of significant features from an image is a primary process in content-based analysis of image data. It is also a computationally intensive process. Using an appropriate approximation of the original image with effective signal processing can decrease the computational cost of the feature extraction process by orders of magnitude. This thesis shows that a pertinent approximation for texture images when used with a proposed distance measure can lead to a significant reduction in the cost of texture image analysis without introducing any significant error in the retrieval performance. An evaluation of the hypothesis is conducted in two popular …


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 …


Mems Parallel-Plate Electrostatic Actuator: Modeling, Simulation And Characterization., Raghuveer R. Medipalli Jan 2004

Mems Parallel-Plate Electrostatic Actuator: Modeling, Simulation And Characterization., Raghuveer R. Medipalli

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) are electrical and mechanical components scaled down to the micrometer scale and integrated on a common substrate. These devices can be batch fabricated and are capable of functioning individually as well as in arrays. With the growing applications of MEMS in safety critical applications, there is an absolute need for their increased reliability. In order to study and improve the reliability of MEMS as well as enable the prediction of faults, a thorough knowledge of the dynamic behavior of these microstructures is required. Prediction of the dynamic behavior of the microstructures is a challenging task and requires …


An Evaluation Of Statewide Truck Forecasting Methods., Andrew J. Rebovich Jan 2004

An Evaluation Of Statewide Truck Forecasting Methods., Andrew J. Rebovich

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

This research evaluates the theory and practice of current truck forecasting methodologies. The theoretical workings of several model classes are evaluated according to their accuracy, applicability, data requirements, costs, and other factors. A foundation of literature review is conducted to assess the state of the art and practice of classical forecasting methods that may be applied to truck volumes. These include facility traffic flow factoring methods (trend analysis); commodity-based origin-destination trip table factoring methods; truck trip tables within overall passenger flow models; commodity-based four-step forecasting models; and economic activity models. A survey of best practices for state DOT’s is then …


The Old Order Mennonites And Mass Media: Electronic Media And Socialization., Eunice I. Rohrer Jan 2004

The Old Order Mennonites And Mass Media: Electronic Media And Socialization., Eunice I. Rohrer

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

This research project is a critique of both electronic media effects and socialization for the largely unstudied sect of Old Order Mennonites from the Weaverland Conference. In an initial pilot study, eight interviews were conducted to obtain reasons for rejection of electronic media. Next, the electronic media studied in this study’s survey analysis included cell phones, computers and attitudes toward the internet. The Lancaster Conference Mennonites are employed for group comparison. In a revival of McLuhan’s theory, it was hypothesized that the more different electronic media types are used and the greater the number of years they are used, the …


Baselining A Compressed Air System: An Expert Systems Approach., Arul Prasad Senniappan Jan 2004

Baselining A Compressed Air System: An Expert Systems Approach., Arul Prasad Senniappan

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

The depletion of fossils fuels, the unstable supply of these fuels, and the phenomenal increase in energy costs emphasize the need to conserve energy. Compressed air systems are major energy consuming systems in most of industries and are known to be the most inefficient. The baselining of such systems assumes importance in energy conservation because of this. As a result, the baseline of such systems stresses the importance of energy conservation. When designing a new facility and operating an existing one, eliminating inefficiencies such as inappropriate uses, excessive system pressure, leaks and other wastages leads to energy conservation. This research …


A Study In The Process Modeling Of A Fuel Cell/Microturbine Hybrid System Under Ambient Conditions., Michael S. Shelton Jan 2004

A Study In The Process Modeling Of A Fuel Cell/Microturbine Hybrid System Under Ambient Conditions., Michael S. Shelton

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

As energy demands increase and the associated costs increasing with the demand, newer energy alternatives are becoming more important to society. Although not new, fuel cell technology is taking a lead role in the quest for a cleaner and less expensive energy source. High efficiencies on the order of 50% are now possible with stand-alone fuel cells. When coupled with a microturbine, efficiencies of around 70% may be expected. However, the fuel cell/microturbine hybrid has inherent problems of stability and unpredictable response to adverse transients that first must be addressed to make this technology viable. The National Energy Technology Laboratories …


Water Quality Trends In The Blackwater River Watershed, Canaan Valley, West Virginia., Jessica M. Smith Jan 2004

Water Quality Trends In The Blackwater River Watershed, Canaan Valley, West Virginia., Jessica M. Smith

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

The Blackwater River, historically an excellent brook trout (Salvelinus fontinalis) fishery, has been affected by logging, fires, coal mining, acid rain, and land development. Trends in water quality data from 12 sites in the Blackwater River watershed were examined for a 14-year period (1980–1993) using the information-theoretic method and the seasonal Kendall with correlation correction analysis. For most sites (except Beaver Creek), downward trends in acidity and upward trends in alkalinity, conductivity, and hardness were consistent with decreases in hydrogen ion concentration. Dissolved oxygen trended downward possibly due to natural conditions, but remained above biological thresholds. The seasonal Kendall trend …


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 …


Study Of Surface Regeneration: Characteristics Of A Candle Filter At High Temperature., Balakrishnan Viswanathan Jan 2004

Study Of Surface Regeneration: Characteristics Of A Candle Filter At High Temperature., Balakrishnan Viswanathan

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

A hot gas particulate filtration system requires effective removal of particles to protect the downstream equipments. The leading technology for particle removal is the ceramic barrier filter technology. The ceramic candle filters are most promising to survive at temperatures up to 1600◦ F. At these high temperatures, there are certain problems that have to be dealt with candle filters. During the filtration process, with time, there is an accumulation of an ash cake on the outer surface of the filter. This causes the pressure drop through the thickness of the filter wall to increase with time. A back pulse in …


A Remote Sensing And Gis Investigation Of Urban Growth And Development Patterns In The Metropolitan Region Of Lexington-Fayette, Kentucky., Marc D. Barraclough Jan 2004

A Remote Sensing And Gis Investigation Of Urban Growth And Development Patterns In The Metropolitan Region Of Lexington-Fayette, Kentucky., Marc D. Barraclough

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

In 1958, Lexington, Kentucky became the first city in the nation to implement a growth management strategy that defined the spatial limits of development by restricting access to public services. Now referred to as urban growth boundaries and urban service areas, the use of these containment policies are expanding. This study examines urban growth patterns in the Lexington, Kentucky Metropolitan Region between 1974 and 2000 using remotely sensed satellite images and GIS analysis. Satellite images from 1974 and 2000 were classified into urban/built-up, undeveloped, and water classes. The classified images were then subjected to a post-classification comparison to determine undeveloped …


Enhanced Solids Removal Design Based On Characterization Of Quiescent Zone Hydrodynamics In Flow-Through Aquaculture Systems., Andrea T. Rumberg Jan 2004

Enhanced Solids Removal Design Based On Characterization Of Quiescent Zone Hydrodynamics In Flow-Through Aquaculture Systems., Andrea T. Rumberg

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Typically, solids removal in flow-through aquaculture systems consists of movement of solids to a quiescent settling chamber from which they are removed after settling. Commonly used solids removal processes are time and labor intensive and generally inefficient. Due to expected increases in federal effluent discharge regulations, development of efficient quiescent zones is essential to future growth of the aquaculture industry. However, before alternate designs were considered, hydrodynamic properties of traditional systems needed studied to adequately establish baseline characteristics. Characterization was achieved using an Acoustic Doppler Velocimeter (ADV), which measured velocity in three dimensions. Solids settling properties were characterized using specific …


Solid Oxide Fuel Cell As A Distributed Generator: Dynamic Modeling, Stability Analysis And Control., Kourosh Sedghisigarchi Jan 2004

Solid Oxide Fuel Cell As A Distributed Generator: Dynamic Modeling, Stability Analysis And Control., Kourosh Sedghisigarchi

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

The objective of this research is to analyze and control a solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) used as a distributed generator. First, a detailed dynamic model of a SOFC is developed, which can be used for small signal and transient stability studies. The model based on electrochemical and thermal equations accounts for temperature dynamics and output voltage losses. The output voltage response of a standalone fuel cell plant to different and fast load variations is simulated to illustrate the dynamic response of SOFC to fast and slow perturbations. The proposed model is incorporated with a MATLAB based power system stability …


The Relationship Between Pre-Enrollment Factors And Promise Success., Jimmy R. Stemple Jan 2004

The Relationship Between Pre-Enrollment Factors And Promise Success., Jimmy R. Stemple

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

The purpose of this study was to determine which pre-enrollment factors in high school contribute to PROMISE success in the West Virginia PROMISE Scholarship Program, using the 2002–2003 inaugural class of PROMISE scholars at West Virginia University. PROMISE success was achieved if a scholar attained at least a 2.75 grade point average and passed at least 30 hours during the fall and spring semesters of his or her freshman year. PROMISE scholars who accomplished both of these requirements were eligible to retain the scholarship for the following year. This investigation examined high school transcripts, standardized test scores, college grade point …


The Integration Of Spatial Analysis Techniques And Decision Support Systems For Natural Resource Management., Michael P. Strager Jan 2004

The Integration Of Spatial Analysis Techniques And Decision Support Systems For Natural Resource Management., Michael P. Strager

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

The management of natural resources is a complex undertaking involving many issues, data, people and processes. Rarely is just one tool or model effective in management work. Integrated approaches provide more flexibility to address problems. This dissertation focused on the integration of geographic or locational information, spatial and statistical analysis techniques, and decision making tools to aid in resource management. Three papers are presented that address problems related to watershed and stream management at a statewide level, analysis of preferences for conserving lands for preservation, and implementation of conservation priorities to the parcel level. The first paper focuses on the …


Same Place Yet Different Worlds: A Gis And Society Perspective On Kenyan Peri-Urbanization., Francis Tama Koti Jan 2004

Same Place Yet Different Worlds: A Gis And Society Perspective On Kenyan Peri-Urbanization., Francis Tama Koti

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

This dissertation examines Kenyan peri-urbanization using a GIS and Society conceptual framework. The study integrates historical and cultural peri-urban experiences of local communities into a conventional GIS to enhance an analysis of uneven development of residential space in Athi River town, Kenya. The research is guided by three broad objectives: (1) understanding how GIS is impacting Kenyan urban geographic research; (2) building a GIS to study uneven development of residential space, and; (3) integrating community local knowledge into a GIS-based analysis of uneven residential development in a peri-urban setting. The research methodology combines a variety of culturally sensitive but complimentary …


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 Cfd Analysis Of The Download Reduction For The V-22 Osprey Wing., Chris Barnes Jan 2004

A Cfd Analysis Of The Download Reduction For The V-22 Osprey Wing., Chris Barnes

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

The V-22 tilt rotor aircraft experiences a download in hover mode decreasing the aircraft’s efficiency in this mode. This download is caused by the wing surface obstructing the rotor downwash. The presented research, conducted at West Virginia University (WVU) by the Center for Industrial Research Applications (CIRA), explores the reduction of this download via circulation control. Circulation control is implemented through the use of blowing slots at both the leading and trailing edges of the wing. The analysis was completed using computational fluid dynamics. The Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering department of West Virginia University, in conjunction with The Center for …


Pseudo Dynamic Metrics: Early Assessment Of Dynamic Behavior Of Software Systems., Rajesh Gunnalan Jan 2004

Pseudo Dynamic Metrics: Early Assessment Of Dynamic Behavior Of Software Systems., Rajesh Gunnalan

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Software Metrics have become an integral part of software development and are used during every phase of the software development life cycle. Research in the area of software metrics tends to focus predominantly on static metrics that are obtained by static analysis of the software artifact. These static metrics are readily available through automated tools and are widely used. However software quality attributes such as performance, reliability and error rates depend on the dynamic behavior of the software artifact. Hence, estimating software quality attributes based on dynamic behavior (dynamic metrics) of software system is more accurate and realistic. Dynamic metrics …


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 …


Energy Analysis, Diagnostics And Conservation In Semiconductor Manufacturing., Yogesh Mukesh Mardikar Jan 2004

Energy Analysis, Diagnostics And Conservation In Semiconductor Manufacturing., Yogesh Mukesh Mardikar

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Semiconductor industry accounts for 1.3% - 2% of the total US electricity consumption in the manufacturing sector. Energy in the form of electricity is required to operate the manufacturing process equipment, maintain the clean room conditions, and operate equipment such as Heating Ventilation and Air conditioning (HVAC) units, and Chillers. The process equipment accounts for 40% of the operating costs in a semiconductor fabrication unit [8]. Since a significant amount of energy is used by the manufacturing process, it becomes necessary to determine process parameters which govern energy. A computer based interactive model referred to as Semiconductor Energy Calculation Program …


Sawtooth: Learning From Huge Amounts Of Data., Andres Sebastian Orrego Jan 2004

Sawtooth: Learning From Huge Amounts Of Data., Andres Sebastian Orrego

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Data scarcity has been a problem in data mining up until recent times. Now, in the era of the Internet and the tremendous advances in both, data storage devices and high-speed computing, databases are filling up at rates never imagined before. The machine learning problems of the past have been augmented by an increasingly important one, scalability. Extracting useful information from arbitrarily large data collections or data streams is now of special interest within the data mining community. In this research we find that mining from such large datasets may actually be quite simple. We address the scalability issues of …