Digital Commons Network^™

Hidra: Hierarchical Inter-Domain Routing Architecture, Bryan Clevenger

Master's Theses

As the Internet continues to expand, the global default-free zone (DFZ) forwarding table has begun to grow faster than hardware can economically keep pace with. Various policies are in place to mitigate this growth rate, but current projections indicate policy alone is inadequate. As such, a number of technical solutions have been proposed. This work builds on many of these proposed solutions, and furthers the debate surrounding the resolution to this problem. It discusses several design decisions necessary to any proposed solution, and based on these tradeoffs it proposes a Hierarchical Inter-Domain Routing Architecture - HIDRA, a comprehensive architecture with …

Finite Element Modeling Of Icd Lead Silicone Soft-Tips, Jose J. Lepe

Master's Theses

Although highly underutilized by the medical device industry, Finite Element Analysis (FEA) in the development of new technologies is gaining popularity as regulatory bodies such as the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) begin to require additional proof of safety through scientific methods. Non-linear FEA allows engineers to realistically simulate the mechanical behavior of implants as seen in the in-vitro, or in some cases, the in-vivo configurations. The work presented in this report investigates how computational methods can be used to simulate the interaction of a St. Jude Medical silicone soft-tip as it passes through a Peel-Away Sheath (i.e. introducer). In …

Planning For Stop Spacing Under The San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency Bus Stop Consolidation Proposal, Erin Marie Cooper

Master's Theses

The purpose of this report was to analyze the elements of a bus stop consolidation program for the San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency (SFMTA). This research shows that increasing stop spacing distances increases walking distances, but in places with high transit and stop density, most access distances will not be beyond a five to ten minute walk. In general, European cities with high transit mode shares recommend stops every 1300 feet. American guidelines recommend stops between approximately 800 to 1300 feet. According to the literature review, fewer stops can lead to a more reliable service. Time savings on the route …

The Effect Of Recombinant Human Bone Morphogenetic Protein-2 On The Osseointegration Of Temporary Anchorage Devices, Eden E. Cruz

Master's Theses

Titanium has been widely used for dental implants, and in particular, roughened titanium surfaces have provided a means for increasing bone apposition and strengthening the implant-to-bone interface. Finding a way to further increase osseointegration is important because there is a significant clinical benefit to patients if a stable anchor can be established instead of anchoring orthodontic hardware to the molars. In this study, the effect of recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein-2 (rhBMP-2) on the ability of temporary anchorage devices (TADs) to osseointegrate was investigated. The temporary anchorage devices (TADs) used in this study were manufactured from commercially pure titanium and …

Osseointegration Of Temporary Anchorage Devices Using Recombinant Human Bone Morphogenetic Protein-2, Erin E. Cruz

Master's Theses

Over the past 5 years, the use of titanium implants as temporary anchorage devices (TADs) has become an important tool in clinical orthodontic practices. The use of TADs have provided orthodontists a way of moving teeth against fixed objects rather than against the surrounding teeth, which tend to counteract desired motion. At present, viable attachment of TADs involves direct insertion through gingival tissue and piercing of the bone. Surface modifications such as sandblasted and acid-etched treatment or bone morphogenetic protein surface treatment, however, can be applied to the TADs to promote enhanced osseointegration, thereby allowing the TADs to serve as …

Avoiding Confirmation Bias Through Awareness And Training, Jon Stacy Byrd

Master's Theses

In any profession where conclusions or opinions are generated by humans, there is a realization of possible error. In the profession of forensic science, errors are not taken lightly. In fact most agencies have been known to have had a no tolerance policy when it comes to errors. This means that if an analyst made a mistake in casework, he or she could be terminated. Over the past 15 years, the words "error" and "bias" have become synonymous with forensic science in the media. Major errors have surfaced in several high profile cases only to cast doubt on the forensic …

Design, Fabrication, And Characterization Of Electrostatically-Actuated Silicon Micro-Mirrors, Dylan L. Chesbro

Master's Theses

Micrometer-scale mirrors are used in many electronic devices today such as digital light projection. One common type of mirror is a thin plate structure supported by torsional hinges which rotates when actuated. These devices are popular because the design allows for high stability and reliability. Parallel plate electrostatic actuation is commonly used to create the force which rotates the plate structure. The device consists of one deformable parallel plate electrode and one immovable electrode. In order for these devices to rotate to a specific angle when actuated, both the mechanical and electrostatic forces must be characterized. This project analyzes both …

Modeling The Long Term Effects Of Alendronate On Bone Mass Preservation Of The Femur With Articular Surface And Total Hip Replacements, Trevor J. Hryce

Master's Theses

Calculating femoral bone density changes after hip arthroplasty is of interest to researchers and clinicians for predicting the longevity of the prosthetic implant and the surrounding bone. Recently clinicians have been administering bisphosphonate drugs in an attempt to reduce the bone resorption due to stress shielding caused by these implants. Current strain-adaptive computational models with bisphosphonate treatment don’t predict the long term effects or look at treatment with hip resurfacing implants. The main goal of this study was to create and validate a computer model of the human femur incorporating a bone remodeling algorithm based on biological remodeling processes and …

Wave Energy Converter Performance Modeling And Cost Of Electricity Assessment, Dmitri Jarocki

Master's Theses

California is experiencing a rapid increase in interest for the potential of converting ocean waves into clean electricity. Numerous applications have been submitted for the permitting of such renewable energy projects; however the profitability, practicability, and survivability have yet to be proven. Wave energy conversion technology has steadily matured since its naissance in the 1970’s, several wave energy power installations currently exist, and numerous plans for commercial power plant are in the works on the shores of multiple continents. This study aims to assess the economic viability of two proposed commercial wave energy power plant projects on the Central California …

Assessing The V2-F Turbulence Models For Circulation Control Applications, Travis M. Storm

Master's Theses

In recent years, airports have experienced increasing airport congestion, partially due to the hub-and-spoke model on which airline operations are based. Current airline operations utilize large airports, focusing traffic to a small number of airports. One way to relieve such congestion is to transition to a more accessible and efficient point-to-point operation, which utilizes a large web of smaller airports. This expansion to regional airports propagates the need for next-generation low-noise aircraft with short take-off and landing capabilities. NASA has attacked this problem with a high-lift, low-noise concept dubbed the Cruise Efficient Short Take-Off and Landing (CESTOL) aircraft. The goal …

High Order Finite Elements For Lagrangian Computational Fluid Dynamics, Truman Everett Ellis

Master's Theses

A general finite element method is presented to solve the Euler equations in a Lagrangian reference frame. This FEM framework allows for separate arbitrarily high order representation of kinematic and thermodynamic variables. An accompanying hydrodynamics code written in Matlab is presented as a test-bed to experiment with various basis function choices. A wide range of basis function pairs are postulated and a few choices are developed further, including the bi-quadratic Q2-Q1d and Q2-Q2d elements. These are compared with a corresponding pair of low order bi-linear elements, traditional Q1-Q0 and sub-zonal pressure Q1-Q1d. Several test problems are considered including static convergence …

Finite Element Analysis And Modeling Of A .38 Lead Round Nose Ballistic Gelatin Test, Danielle Datoc

Master's Theses

Firearms are present in two-thirds of United States households. As of 2003, roughly 500,000 projectile wounds occur annually in the United States. This costs an estimated 2.3 billion dollars of medical spending. The best treatment of gunshot wounds relies heavily on experience, but even with experience the unpredictable nature of ballistics can make treatment difficult.

Wound ballistics studies the injury pattern of a particular bullet. Ballistic gelatin tests are used to analyze this pattern. A block of 10 or 20% ballistic gelatin is set and a bullet is fired through the block. Key characteristics of the wound profile seen in …

Ordinal Logistic Regression Analysis Of Rfid Doorway Portal Performance As A Function Of System Design Parameters, Anton G. Slobodnik

Master's Theses

This research effort examined the read rate differences in a passive ultra high frequency (UHF) Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) doorway portal as a function of antenna placement, doorway size and composition, reader manufacturer, tag type, and tag orientation.

In this analysis of a RFID system, the response observations were modeled under an ordinal logistic regression model. The selection of a categorical analysis method was due to the flaws associated with the initial design of the experiment, which resulted in high valued observations which would have skewed the results of a quantitative model.

The ordinal regression analysis of the data indicates …

Space-Time Adaptive Processing With Multi-Staged Wiener Filter And Principal Component Signal Dependent Algorithms, Zheng N. Zhou

Master's Theses

Space-time Adaptive Processing (STAP) is a two-dimensional filtering technique for antenna array with multiple spatial channels. The name "space-time" describes the coupling of these spatial channels with pulse-Doppler waveforms. Applications for STAP includes ground moving target indicator (GMTI) for airborne radar systems.

Today, there are strong interests to develop STAP algorithms for operations in “sample starved” environments, where intense environmental interference can reduce STAP capacity to detect and track ground targets. Careful applications of STAP can effectively overcome these conditions by suppressing these interferences and maximize the signal to interference plus noise ratio (SINR). The Multi-stage Wiener filter (MWF) and …

An Investigative Study Into The Relationship Of Bone Morphogenetic Protein Antagonist Expression And Osteocyte Density By Region And Quadrant, Scott C. Mosher

Master's Theses

The role of cytokines and cell behavior and viability with respect to bone remodeling and bone behavior is an exciting area of orthopedic research. The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationships between BMP antagonist expression and osteocyte density, lacunar densities and osteocyte viability in cortical bone. Samples of unloaded tibial bone obtained from six C57Bl/6 mice were immunohistochemically stained for gremlin and noggin expression and also underwent methyl green staining to determine osteocyte presence. Bone sections were divided into four quadrants (cranial, caudal, medial and lateral) and three regions (proximal, mid shaft and distal), followed by analysis …

Biomechanical Comparison Of Wire Circlage And Rigid Plate Fixation For Median Sternotomy Closure In Human Cadaver Specimens, Mark Steven Wong

Master's Theses

Background:

Over 700,000 patients per year undergo open-heart surgery. Healing complication rates can be up to 5% of patients who undergo this procedure, with a morbidity rate of 50% if mediastinitis supervenes. A secure and rigid fixation of surgically divided sternum is critical to avoid healing complications. The purpose of this study was to compare the yield load, construct stiffness, ultimate load, displacement at ultimate load, and post-yield behavior of three sternotomy closure methods (Peristernal wires or Sternalock titanium plates) when stressed in each of three directions: lateral distraction, rostro-caudal (longitudinal) shear distraction, and anterior-posterior (transverse) shear in a cadaveric …

Recommendations For Interdisciplinary Design Of Buildings And Other Facilities In Rural East Africa, David A. Lambert

Master's Theses

Development and aid focused non-governmental organizations operating in rural East Africa face unique challenges in the design and construction of buildings and other facilities in support of their efforts. Failure to address these issues can result in financial consequences hindering success and there is very little information available providing recommendations or guidelines. A summary of the design of the Same Polytechnic, a vocational training school located in northern Tanzania, details the comprehensive process involving the multiple parties of an interdisciplinary design team each requiring specific information to evaluate the many factors involved. The lessons learned and information gathered during the …

Consumers And Benefits Of Genetically Modified Vegetables, Megan Carter Judge

Master's Theses

With the adoption of biotechnology in many agricultural products with first-generation biotechnology traits such as increased pest resistance, greater herbicide resistance, and increased yields the growers have accepted them. The next wave of biotech crops have second-generation traits, such as improved nutrient content, extended shelf life, reduced pesticide and herbicide application (a consumer demanded trait), and better taste. Will these consumer benefits offset any concern that the consumer has regarding biotechnology? What are those benefits and how should the information be communicated to the consumer?

Three focus groups give insight to the proposed questions. The focus groups were done in …

City Of San Luis Obispo: Community And Municipal Operations 2005 Baseline Greenhouse Gas Emissions Inventory, Geoffrey M. Chiapella

Master's Theses

The passage of AB 32 in 2006 initiated the need for city planners in California to consider the quantification of greenhouse gas emissions at the community level in order to develop policies and programs to reduce emissions in the future. Although local jurisdictions are not required to quantify and report emissions at this time, the AB 32 Climate Change Scoping Plan recommended a reduction goal for local governments of 15 percent below today’s levels by 2020 to ensure consistent reduction goals at the state and local levels.

ICLEI-Local Governments for Sustainability initiated the Cities for Climate Protection (CCP) campaign in …

High Voltage Resonant Self-Tracking Current-Fed Converter, Scott Logan Mcclusky

Master's Theses

High voltage power supply design presents unique requirements, combining safety, controllability, high performance, and high efficiencies. A new Resonant Self-Tracking Current-Fed Converter (RST-CFC) is investigated as a proof-of-concept of a high voltage power supply particularly for an X-ray system. These systems require fast voltage rise times and low ripple to yield a clear image.

The proposed converter implements high-frequency resonance among discrete components and transformer parasitics to achieve high voltage gain, and the self-tracking nature ensures operation at maximum gain while power switches achieve zero-voltage switching across the full load range. This converter exhibits an inherent indefinite short-circuit capability. Theoretical …

Quantifying Seismic Risk For Portable Ground Support Equipment At Vandenberg Air Force Base, Joshua Brian Lowe

Master's Theses

This project develops a quantitative method to evaluate the seismic risk for portable GSE at Vandenberg Air Force Base. Using the latest probability data available from the USGS, risk thresholds are defined for portable GSE having the potential to cause a catastrophic event. Additionally, an example tool for design engineers was developed from the seismic codes showing the tipping hazard case can be simplified into strict geometrical terms. The misinterpretation and confusion regarding the Range Safety 24 Hour Rule exemption can be avoided by assessing seismic risk for portable GSE. By using the methods herein to quantify and understand seismic …

Clash Of Titans: William Randolph Hearst And His Impact On American Foreign Policy During The Interwar Period, Brandon D. Roper

Master's Theses

The purpose of this thesis is to analyze a prominent figure of the 20th century, William Randolph Hearst and to analyze the influence he was able to exert over American foreign policy through his own personal connections and those of his periodicals. This also includes an analysis between Hearst and Roosevelt, and noting the varying levels of influence between the two. This thesis will demonstrate that William Randolph Hearst is a prominent figure of 20th century history, but was overshadowed by Roosevelt. Hearst while powerful was always putting his power into ventures that would backfire politically. When his papers declined, …

Influence Of Material Type, Aggregate Size, And Unconfined Compressive Strength On Water Jetting Of Cidh Pile Anomalies, Joseph Carl Heavin

Master's Theses

Water jetting as a means for removing anomalous materials from cast-in-drilled-hole (CIDH) piles was examined. The primary objective of this research was to establish empirical relationships between different jetting parameters and the removal of commonly occurring anomalous zone materials, including low-strength concrete, slurry mixed concrete, grout, and clay soil. Also investigated was the current standard-of-practice used by water jetting contractors within California. The testing specimens consisted of typical anomalous material with unconfined compressive strengths between 5 and 6,000 psi. The experimental work consisted of water blasting submerged specimens using rotary jets, nozzles, and pumping equipment typically used in construction practice. …

Accuracy Of Forest Road And Stream Channel Characteristics Derived From Lidar In Forested Mountain Conditions, Russell Alan White

Master's Theses

Forest roads and stream channels are mapped using a variety of remote sensing and ground-based techniques. In densely forested areas, conventional remote sensing methods provide limited terrain information, while ground-based surveys can be time-consuming, difficult, and expensive. Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) is an airborne remote sensing technology used to create high-resolution digital elevation models (DEMs) of the earth’s surface. This study tests the accuracy of forest road and stream channel features mapped using LiDAR in the steep, forested terrain of California’s Santa Cruz Mountains. A conventional total station survey was used to determine centerline position and elevations along a …

Controlling The Uncontrollable: A New Approach To Digital Storytelling Using Autonomous Virtual Actors And Environmental Manipulation, Matthew J. Colon

Master's Theses

In most video games today that focus on a single story, scripting languages are used for controlling the artificial intelligence of the virtual actors. While scripting is a great tool for reliably performing a story, it has many disadvantages; mainly, it is limited by only being able to respond to those situations that were explicitly declared, causing unreliable responses to unknown situations, and the believability of the virtual actor is hindered by possible conflicts between scripted actions and appropriate responses as perceived by the viewer. This paper presents a novel method of storytelling by manipulating the environment, whether physically or …

Near Real-Time Exercise Machine Power Statistics Reporting, Brendan C. Asche

Master's Theses

Cal Poly’s Recreation Center expansion project provides an opportunity to implement Energy Harvesting From Exercise Machines (EHFEM). Part of this implementation is a system that reports the exercise machines’ energy production. Although products capable of reporting exercise machine energy harvesting statistics exist, they have limited capabilities. This thesis project defends a system capable of reporting exercise machine power statistics in near real-time.

The system consists of display, database, and power measurement modules. The display module presents statistics in an interactive, graphical, and widely-accessible way. The database module provides an efficient way of organizing and accessing stored statistics. Multiple power measurement …

Exploring The Relationship Of The Closeness Of A Genetic Algorithm's Chromosome Encoding To Its Problem Space, Kevin Mccullough

Master's Theses

For historical reasons, implementers of genetic algorithms often use a haploid binary primitive type for chromosome encoding. I will demonstrate that one can reduce development effort and achieve higher fitness by designing a genetic algorithm with an encoding scheme that closely matches the problem space. I will show that implicit parallelism does not result in binary encoded chromosomes obtaining higher fitness scores than other encodings. I will also show that Hamming distances should be understood as part of the relationship between the closeness of an encoding to the problem instead of assuming they should always be held constant. Closeness to …

Simulation Of A Diesel-Hydraulic Series Hybrid, Drew Anthony Lozano

Master's Theses

The development of hybrid vehicles is one of the current approaches to improve fuel efficiency. California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo's current platform is a diesel-hydraulic series hybrid. This thesis provides a MATLAB based model and simulation for this platform to be used as a development tool. The model is highly configurable and the code employs parallel processing to allow for rapid simulation of a range of inputs. A best-efficiency control strategy is implemented to select between operational modes containing optimized engine and hydraulic system parameters during the simulation. Results from the simulations are comparable to results from similar …

Software Internationalization: A Framework Validated Against Industry Requirements For Computer Science And Software Engineering Programs, John Huân Vũ

Master's Theses

View John Huân Vũ's thesis presentation at http://youtu.be/y3bzNmkTr-c.

In 2001, the ACM and IEEE Computing Curriculum stated that it was necessary to address "the need to develop implementation models that are international in scope and could be practiced in universities around the world." With increasing connectivity through the internet, the move towards a global economy and growing use of technology places software internationalization as a more important concern for developers. However, there has been a "clear shortage in terms of numbers of trained persons applying for entry-level positions" in this area. Eric Brechner, Director of Microsoft Development Training, suggested …

St. Jude Medical: St Monitoring, Anna Marie Kinney

Master's Theses

Myocardial infarction is the leading cause of death in the western world. Time is critical when treating patients with myocardial infarction. The major problem is that many patients who are symptomatic wait too long before seeking medical attention, and some patients have no symptoms at all. In order to improve patient outcome there needs to be a better way to diagnose myocardial infarction. One solution is the continuous monitoring of the ST-Segment of the intrinsic ventricular beat morphology, called the QRS complex. There have been many studies that show that there are detectable shifts of the ST-Segment during coronary occlusion. …