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Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

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Recognition Capacity Of Biometric-Based Systems, Francesco P. Nicolo Dec 2006

Recognition Capacity Of Biometric-Based Systems, Francesco P. Nicolo

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Performance of biometrics-based recognition systems depends on various factors: database quality, image preprocessing, encoding techniques, etc. Given a biometric database and a selected encoding method, the capability of a recognition system is limited by the relationship between the number of classes that the recognition system can encode and the length of encoded data describing the template at a specific level of distortion. In this work, we evaluate constrained recognition capacity of biometric systems under the constraint of two global encoding techniques: Principal Component Analysis and Independent Component Analysis. The developed methodology is applied to predict capacity of different recognition channels …


Software Application For Emergency Responders, Safer 2.0, Saritha Reddy Potula Dec 2006

Software Application For Emergency Responders, Safer 2.0, Saritha Reddy Potula

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

The SAFER 2.0 was developed as a web based information system for the First Responders involved in dealing with the hazardous materials incidents. The software tool enables First Responders to view and identify the substances involved in a hazard via a secure Internet connection. The tool also aids in identifying the unknown substances based on the physical description (color, odor, texture, gas/liquid, etc.), symptoms and other information available at the site of the incident. The system is based on the 2004 North American Emergency Response Guidebook (ERG2004) and NIOSH Pocket Guide (NPG). ERG2004 was developed for use by firefighters, police, …


Autonomous Unmanned Ground Vehicle For Non-Destructive Testing Of Fiber Reinforced Polymer Bridge Decks, Anthony Scott Mercer Dec 2006

Autonomous Unmanned Ground Vehicle For Non-Destructive Testing Of Fiber Reinforced Polymer Bridge Decks, Anthony Scott Mercer

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

The objective of this research is to develop an Unmanned Ground Vehicle (UGV) that can autonomously gather data for analysis of FRP bridge decks. Both ground penetrating radar (GPR) and infrared thermography (IRT) have shown promise in the field of non-destructive detection of defects in FRP decks. Even though both technologies can be effective, they each have certain limitations. For example, GPR is sensitive to water-filled defects while IRT is more sensitive to air-filled defects. This thesis investigates the effectiveness of combining and automating the data acquisition for each technique. Since both IRT and GPR analysis are subjective in nature, …


Design, Development And Qualification Of Compact Mobile Emissions Measurement System (Cmems) For Real-Time On-Board Emissions Measurement, Aseem Tiwari Dec 2006

Design, Development And Qualification Of Compact Mobile Emissions Measurement System (Cmems) For Real-Time On-Board Emissions Measurement, Aseem Tiwari

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

The objective of this study was to design, develop and qualify the Compact Mobile Emissions Measurement System (CMEMS) for real-time on-board measurement of exhaust emissions from heavy-duty diesel vehicles. This study was aimed at developing a system more compact and lighter with respect to the existing Mobile Emissions Measurement System (MEMS), so that the entire system could be mounted on the tail pipe of the test vehicle in order to reduce installation time, power requirements and manpower requirements. This was achieved by judicious selection of commercially available compact solid-state gas analyzers, and development of a sampling system which was significantly …


Cooperative Diversity Using Mimo Systems, Ramachandran Rajagopalan Dec 2006

Cooperative Diversity Using Mimo Systems, Ramachandran Rajagopalan

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Multipath fading is one of the primary factors for degrading the performance in a wireless network. Information theoretic and past research suggest the use various diversity techniques to combat fading in wireless networks. Antenna diversity, a form of diversity technique, when incorporated in a wireless transceiver increases the system capacity and is one of the effective methods to combat fading in wireless systems. Also, recent research by Laneman et.al., Sendonaris et.al. suggests that cooperation among users in a wireless networks is an effective approach for a better signal reception in multipath fading environments. The diversity gains obtained by cooperation among …


One-Dimensional Computer Modeling Of Electrical Conductivity Through Methane And Synthesis Gas Flames, Jonathan Patrick Lilly Dec 2006

One-Dimensional Computer Modeling Of Electrical Conductivity Through Methane And Synthesis Gas Flames, Jonathan Patrick Lilly

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

The purpose of this work has been to produce and test simulation software to accurately model the effects of charged species and applied electric fields on the current conducted through methane and methane-doped synthesis gas flames. Comparison with existing experimental data generated at NETL has been conducted on a variety of published reaction mechanisms.


Analysis Of Photonic Crystal Defects For Biosensing Applications, Naveen Kumar Paturi Dec 2006

Analysis Of Photonic Crystal Defects For Biosensing Applications, Naveen Kumar Paturi

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Photonic Crystals (PCs) have been the subject of intense study from their inception. These structures provide precise control of optical transmission properties through the choice of their periodic lattice parameters and materials with which they are fabricated. The sensitivity of optical properties of photonic crystals to the changes in refractive index at one or more lattice sites makes these structures potentially very attractive devices for developing a biosensor. Very small changes in the refractive index of one or more defect sites can be sensed accurately using these nano size structures. This work deals with the modeling and theoretical evaluation of …


Quantifying Effects Of Vehicle Weight And Terrain On Emissions, Fuel Economy, And Engine Behavior, Corey M. Strimer Dec 2006

Quantifying Effects Of Vehicle Weight And Terrain On Emissions, Fuel Economy, And Engine Behavior, Corey M. Strimer

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

On-board emissions measurement for heavy-duty vehicles has garnered greater significance because 2007 marks the beginning of gaseous emissions monitoring for in-use vehicles in the United States [1]. Emissions compliance must be shown in a "not to exceed" (NTE) zone that emphasizes engine operation at higher power. An over-the-road 1996 Peterbilt tractor was instrumented with the West Virginia University Mobile Emissions Measurement System (MEMS) to determine how often the truck entered the NTE, and the emissions from the vehicle, as it was driven over varying terrain at multiple test weights. Distance-specific NOX emissions increase by approximately X/2% for an X% increase …


Hygrothermal Effects On Free Vibration Characteristics Of Rotating Composite Beams, Sandeep Vennam Dec 2006

Hygrothermal Effects On Free Vibration Characteristics Of Rotating Composite Beams, Sandeep Vennam

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Free vibration characteristics of a rotating composite cantilever beams subjected to a hygrothermal environment is studied using the finite element analysis. The problem is formulated using a First Order Shear Deformation theory (FSDT) for composite materials. The finite element formulation is based on variational principles and the equations are solved by a code generated using MATLAB. Hygrothermal effects are incorporated using empirical relations degrading the material stiffness property of the matrix depending on the temperature and moisture concentration. The dynamic analysis of a rotating composite beam are validated by comparing with that available in literature and the hygrothermal incorporation is …


Statistical Estimation Of Strain Energy Release Rate Of Delaminated Composites, Rajesh Vijayaraghavan Dec 2006

Statistical Estimation Of Strain Energy Release Rate Of Delaminated Composites, Rajesh Vijayaraghavan

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

An improved two-sublaminate model based on first-order shear deformation theory is implemented in a general-purpose finite element software (ANSYS) to study delaminated composite plates. Double cantilever beam and end-notched flexure models of unidirectional and multidirectional composite plates with mid-plane and offset delaminations are analyzed. The total strain energy release rate and the mode-I, mode-II and mode-III components are evaluated using a plate-theory-based crack-closure technique.;The effects of variation of material properties, ply thickness, fiber orientation, coefficient of friction between the crack surfaces, finite element mesh density and virtual crack-closure length and applied load on the mixed-mode strain energy release rates are …


Phytoformations Of Silver And Gold Nanoparticles, Brooke A. Fridley Dec 2006

Phytoformations Of Silver And Gold Nanoparticles, Brooke A. Fridley

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Stevia and red beet suspension cultures were examined for uptake of silver from AgNO3 solution. Alfalfa and mung bean sprouts were also studied for silver accumulation when grown in AgNO3 solution. AA analysis confirmed the presence of silver in both sprouts and suspension cultures after exposure to AgNO3 solution, despite the toxic effects of silver on the living matter.;Extract from Pelargonium graveolens underwent reaction with both AgNO3 and KAuCl4 to form silver or gold nanoparticles. For the reaction with AgNO3, light was required to initiate the reaction. In contrast, reactions producing gold nanoparticles did not require light to react. Oxygen …


Development Of A Numerical Model Of A Two-Dimensional Inertial Gas Separator, Henry Z. Graham Iv Dec 2006

Development Of A Numerical Model Of A Two-Dimensional Inertial Gas Separator, Henry Z. Graham Iv

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

The separation of gases is required for a variety of applications such as purification for industrial processes, natural gas production, isotope formation, etc. Gas separation is a costly expenditure for businesses, so new and improved methods are being continuously investigated. Separation techniques related to the method in this thesis are diffusion separators such as mechanical centrifuges, vortexes and the use of shock waves to cause the separation based on the molecular weight of the different gases. These methods and others are constantly being investigated and improved to increase their effectiveness.;The purpose of this thesis was to determine if the design …


Afferent Regulation Of A15 Dopamine Neurons In The Ewe, Adrienne L. Bogusz Dec 2006

Afferent Regulation Of A15 Dopamine Neurons In The Ewe, Adrienne L. Bogusz

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Ovine reproduction is characterized by a breeding season and an anestrous season. Seasonal anestrus is induced by increased responsiveness of the GnRH neurosecretory system to estrogen (E) negative feedback. Previous studies have shown that inhibitory A15 dopamine neurons mediate this increased sensitivity to E, however, these neurons lack E receptors. In this thesis we performed three experiments. For experiment 1 we looked at the specific sites of actions that thyroid hormones act to cause neuronal plasticity of A15 DA neurons, utilizing dual-labeled immunocytochemistry. The results of this study demonstrated no change in dendrite morphology or the number of close contacts …


Evaluation Of A Tube Feeding Decision Aid For Substitute Decision Makers, Emily H. Bower Dec 2006

Evaluation Of A Tube Feeding Decision Aid For Substitute Decision Makers, Emily H. Bower

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Substitute decision makers may be in a position to make "preference-sensitive" decisions for their patient, including whether to approve tube feeding. The present study evaluated the only known tube feeding decision aid for substitute decision makers (Mitchell, Tetroe, & O'Conner, 2001). Sixty adults completed a pre-questionnaire, read an active control brochure (control group) or decision aid (experimental group), and completed a post-questionnaire. Both groups demonstrated increased knowledge and decisional conflict at post-test, although the experimental group had higher scores in both. Participants who were either in favor or against tube feeding at pre-test rarely changed their decision at post-test. Control …


Development Of An Animal Model Of Choice Between Aversive Events, James W. Diller Dec 2006

Development Of An Animal Model Of Choice Between Aversive Events, James W. Diller

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

The present study examined variables controlling choice between aversive events using pigeons as subjects. Initially, a titration procedure using variable-interval (VI) schedules of food and shock delivery contingent on keypecking was conducted to determine a moderately aversive shock intensity and duration. Subjects were then presented with a choice between food delivery followed by either a single shock or three shocks in a discrete-trials procedure. The change in context affected the aversiveness of the shock. In the VI condition, shock presentation resulted in 40-60% decrease in response rates. In the discrete-trials procedure, however, responding was "all-or-none." Thus, an attempt to redetermine …


Development Of Fpga Based Low-Power Digital Pulse Height Fitting, Santosh Hooli Dec 2006

Development Of Fpga Based Low-Power Digital Pulse Height Fitting, Santosh Hooli

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Energetic ion analyzers and mass spectrometers commonly produce electronic pulses whose amplitude and time depend on the energy, mass, and direction of an incoming ion. Analysis of the nanosecond scale timing and amplitude of these approximately 10-12C charge pulses has required complex, fast analog electronics. Given recent advances in digital electronics, it seems likely that converting much of the analysis to digital form will result in a simpler, lower cost, and lower power electron package. The aim of the thesis is to develop an algorithm to fit a 500 ns long noisy voltage pulse obtained from an ion analyzer to …


Efficient Simulation Of Communication Systems On A Desktop Grid, Raja Sekhar Katuri Dec 2006

Efficient Simulation Of Communication Systems On A Desktop Grid, Raja Sekhar Katuri

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Simulation is an important part of the design cycle of modern communication systems. As communication systems grow more sophisticated, the computational burden of these simulations can become excessive. The need to rapidly bring systems to market generally precludes the use of a single computer, and drives a demand for parallel computation. While this demand could be satisfied by the development of dedicated infrastructure, a more efficient option is to harness the unused computational cycles of underutilized desktop computers located throughout the organization.;In this thesis, a new paradigm for parallelizing communication simulations is proposed and developed. A desktop grid is created …


Optimal Bucking Hardwood Species In Central Appalachia, Jingang Liu Dec 2006

Optimal Bucking Hardwood Species In Central Appalachia, Jingang Liu

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

An optimal tree-stem bucking system was developed for central Appalachian hardwood species using 3D modeling techniques. ActiveX Data Objects were implemented via MS Visual C++/OpenGL to manipulate tree data which were supported by a backend relational data model with five data tables for stems, grades and prices, logs, defects and stem shapes. Network analysis was employed to achieve the optimal bucking solution with four different alternative stage intervals under bucking by value principle. Once all the data associated with a tree were retrieved, a 3-D tree stem could be displayed for either optimal or manual bucking based on the user's …


Analysis Of The West Virginia Child Abuse And Neglect 2005 Court Improvement Program's Re-Evaluation, Kathryn Alexandra Rood Dec 2006

Analysis Of The West Virginia Child Abuse And Neglect 2005 Court Improvement Program's Re-Evaluation, Kathryn Alexandra Rood

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

This is a secondary Analysis of the West Virginia Child Abuse and Neglect Circuit Courtroom system based on the 1995 and 2005 Court Improvement Programs State Evaluations. This article focuses on the West Virginia child abuse and neglect court in relation to Reasonable Efforts Policy. The Evaluations gathered responses from the Judges, Prosecutors and Caseworkers. We reviewed the responses using Jacob and Eisenstein's courtroom workgroup model. Our analysis reveals that policy as an ideal and in practice enacts power over the courtroom workgroups ability to comply with federal standards. These standards and policy requirements create tension and precedence for an …


The Effect Of Student Self -Described Learning Styles Within Two Models Of Teaching In An Introductory Data Mining Course, Matthew A. North Dec 2006

The Effect Of Student Self -Described Learning Styles Within Two Models Of Teaching In An Introductory Data Mining Course, Matthew A. North

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

This dissertation examines the roles of learning styles and teaching methodologies within a data mining educational program designed for non-Computer Science undergraduate college students. The experimental design is framed by a discussion of the history and development of data mining and education, as well as a vision for its future.;Data mining is a relatively new discipline which has grown out of the fields of database management and data warehousing, statistics, logic, and decision sciences. Over the course of its approximately 15 year history, data mining has emerged from its genesis within the academic and commercial research and development arenas to …


The Effects Of Social Bond And Neutralization On Juvenile Drug Usage, Adam Shields Dec 2006

The Effects Of Social Bond And Neutralization On Juvenile Drug Usage, Adam Shields

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

The purpose of this study is to examine the effects of social bond and neutralization on juvenile drug usage. Part I of the Evaluation of the Gang Resistance Education and Training (G.R.E.A.T.) Program in the United States (1995-1999) was used for the data analysis. When controlling for other variables, the data revealed that juveniles who accept neutralization of stealing and juveniles who are involved with other delinquent peers are more likely to use illegal drugs. In addition, the data revealed that an adolescent's gender was significant in determining drug usage. The results generally support Hirschi's (1969) Social Bond Theory, and …


Ground Penetrating Radar (Gpr) Based System For Nondestructive Detection Of Interior Defects In Wooden Logs, Dayakar Devaru Dec 2006

Ground Penetrating Radar (Gpr) Based System For Nondestructive Detection Of Interior Defects In Wooden Logs, Dayakar Devaru

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

A previous study used GPR to scan logs and the scanned data was processed and analyzed using RADAN software. This data processing using RADAN software needs an expert and is time consuming. Also, the output from RADAN software cannot be used to generate manufacturing process instructions since it will be in the form of an image. For online implementation of GPR scanning, a quick automated defect detection system with numerical output is required.;To incorporate automated defect detection system, a MATLAB algorithm has been developed. Validation of the MATLAB algorithm output has been done by comparing with the results of RADAN …


Edge Curling Effect On Interface Delamination Of Concrete Overlays For Bridge Decks, Tao Hong Dec 2006

Edge Curling Effect On Interface Delamination Of Concrete Overlays For Bridge Decks, Tao Hong

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Deterioration of reinforced concrete bridge decks caused by various environmental conditions and traffic loads is a problem of significant concern. A protective thin overlay of about 2-inches is typically placed over newly constructed concrete bridge decks. Concrete overlay mixtures offer high resistance to traffic loads and environmental attacks, and often serve as leveling finished surfaces. A critical problem however has been the debonding and delamination propagation of the interface between overlay and substrate concrete, as observed in several bridges in West Virginia. Several studies indicated that during early-age of overlay curing, the debonding usually starts at corners or edges of …


Selection Of Pilot Buses For Var Support And Voltage Stability Risk Analysis, Talpasai Lakkaraju Dec 2006

Selection Of Pilot Buses For Var Support And Voltage Stability Risk Analysis, Talpasai Lakkaraju

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

The primary objective of this thesis is to develop an index for the placement of reactive power support devices to ensure reliable operation of power systems. It is especially aimed at improving the load voltage profile and system security when loading is increased. Maintaining a good system voltage profile and security is an important aspect in voltage stability studies, especially with the ever increasing power consumption and system disturbances or contingencies. A new VAR support placement algorithm is developed using a standard continuation power flow and N-1 contingency criterion to pinpoint the best locations for the placement of VAR devices. …


Sulfate Sorption Of Acidified Forest Soils In The Otter Creek Wilderness Area, Autumn Leah Bryson Dec 2006

Sulfate Sorption Of Acidified Forest Soils In The Otter Creek Wilderness Area, Autumn Leah Bryson

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Acid deposition has caused tremendous stress to forest ecosystems. Increased soil acidification due to acidic inputs from acid deposition may cause declines in forest productivity through the depletions of soil nutrients, increased mobility of aluminum and increases in acid anion concentrations, primarily nitrate and sulfate. The retention of sulfate in soil is a critical mechanism regulating soil acidification. Sulfate adsorption acts as a buffer delaying the elevation of solution sulfate concentrations. A soil will continue to adsorb sulfate until all the sites are filled and sulfate saturation is reached at which point leaching resumes. Therefore it is important to measure …


Left Arm Of The Republic: The Department Of The Pacific During The Civil War, James Robbins Jewell Dec 2006

Left Arm Of The Republic: The Department Of The Pacific During The Civil War, James Robbins Jewell

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Although the Civil War was fought largely in the East it was a transcontinental war. Securing the Far West for the Union played an important, though secondary role in the northern war effort. When most of the Regular Army units were called east, holding the region and confronting the multiple threats to its security fell to the western volunteers. Through their efforts, they maintained a general stability in a vast region where both potential and actualized threats could easily have hampered Union efforts in the main theatres of war. Therefore, by quelling secessionist schemes and activities and attempting to maintain …


The Effects Of Age, Instructions, And Problem Content On Everyday Problem -Solving Outcome Using Two Scoring Procedures, Tara L. Neely Dec 2006

The Effects Of Age, Instructions, And Problem Content On Everyday Problem -Solving Outcome Using Two Scoring Procedures, Tara L. Neely

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Prior literature has relied on varied methodology to infer conclusions about adult problem solvers; possibly leading to erroneous assumptions about everyday problem-solving performance in adulthood. The present study examined everyday problem-solving performance of 133 younger, middle-aged, and older adults. The goal of the study was to investigate whether different scoring procedures (number vs. strategy type) or participant instructions (self target vs. others target) affected how adults performed on two types of open-ended problem-solving vignettes (home vs. friend problem domains). Differential age patterns were found when comparing the number and types of strategies reported. When assessing total number of solutions generated, …


Parametric Sensitivity Analysis Of Microscrews, Zachary F. Witzgall Dec 2006

Parametric Sensitivity Analysis Of Microscrews, Zachary F. Witzgall

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

The research and development of a popular, publicly available microscrew system required an analysis of fastener strength. This analysis was performed using a Finite Element Analysis (FEA) program. ANSYS was used to model and stress the fasteners through various loading schemes. A simplified model was constructed due to limitations in model size.;The analysis required key parameters to be changed slightly. These parameters were socket depth and socket diameter. Changing these parameters had a substantial affect on the strength of the fastener.;Torque and rotation to tension analyses were performed on the microscrew to determine the validity of the ANSYS computation results. …


Forwarding Strategies And Optimal Power Allocation For Coherent And Noncoherent Relay Networks, Somak Datta Gupta Dec 2006

Forwarding Strategies And Optimal Power Allocation For Coherent And Noncoherent Relay Networks, Somak Datta Gupta

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

In fading wireless channels, relays are used with the aim of achieving diversity and thus overall performance gain. In cooperative relay networks, various forwarding techniques like amplify and forward (AF) and decode and forward (DF) are used at the relay for better throughput and improved BER performance than traditional multihop systems. In a power constrained environment, the performance can be further improved by using an optimal power allocation strategy. The relative position of the relay with respect to the source and destination also has an immense effect on the efficacy of the relay.;We position the relay at various positions in …


A Socioeconomic And Spatial Analysis Of Obesity In West Virginia: Policy Implications, Anura Kumara Amarasinghe Dec 2006

A Socioeconomic And Spatial Analysis Of Obesity In West Virginia: Policy Implications, Anura Kumara Amarasinghe

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

This dissertation integrates both theoretical and empirical insights to facilitate understanding of the current obesity epidemic in WV given heterogeneity in socioeconomic, demographic and built environment characteristics of the state. In meeting this objective, county-level and individual-level health demand analyses using secondary data sources were conducted. County-level obesity differences were studied using spatial and non-spatial random and fixed effects frameworks under a panel data structure. Individual health demand was investigated by recursive estimation of individual health responses to ordered self-assessed health (SAH) in terms of lifestyle choices, socioeconomic, demographic and built environment characteristics using Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) …