Digital Commons Network^™

Target Species Selection For Dynamic Adaptive Chemistry Simulations, Nicholas Curtis

Master's Theses

The Relative Importance Index (RII) method for determination of appropriate target species for dynamic adaptive chemistry (DAC) simulations using the directed relation graph with error propagation (DRGEP) method was developed and validated for two fuels. The conventional method of DRGEP target species selection involves picking an static set of target species based on the expected major combustion processes; however, these static target species may not remain important throughout a combustion simulation. The RII method determines appropriate DRGEP target species solely from the local thermochemical state of the simulation, enabling DAC simulations to better respond to changing combustion conditions while ensuring …

Comparison Of Geophysically-Derived And Surficial Sediment-Based Estimates Of Seismic Risk In Hartford County, Connecticut, Sarah L. C. Morton

Master's Theses

Seismic hazard classifications developed for Hartford County, Connecticut are based primarily on surficial materials and depositional environment to estimate classifications specified by the National Earthquake Hazard Reduction Program (NEHRP). A study using near-surface seismic techniques to measure sediment shear-wave velocities (Vs) in Connecticut was conducted in support of broader seismic hazard mapping efforts undertaken by New England State Geologists. Thirty field sites in Hartford County representative of the range of mapped seismic hazard classes were chosen based on the availability of boring logs and adequate open space for geophysical surveys. Because it can be difficult to acquire multi-channel seismic data …

Infants May Be Sensitive To Asynchronous Audiovisual Speech, Kathleen E. Shaw

Master's Theses

No abstract provided.

Women’S Empowerment And Community-Driven Development: Evidence From The Solomon Islands, Erin M. Steffen

Master's Theses

The study evaluates the impact to-date of a community-driven development (CDD) program on women’s empowerment in the Solomon Islands. Originally launched in 2008, the CDD program is known as the Rural Development Program (RDP). The RDP aims to foster employment and income growth by focusing on participatory development, demand-responsive provisions of government services, and the creation of a supportive economic environment for small-scale rural development. The RDP process mandates female involvement, which manifests predominately in the selection of community infrastructure projects and by participation in a RDP subcommittee known as the Sub-Implementation Committee (SIC). Members of the SIC are in …

Typhoons And Temperature Impact Crime Rates: Evidence From The Philippines, Emily Wetherley

Master's Theses

This study assesses the impact of typhoons and temperature on interpersonal, property, and non-index crime rates using a novel data set from the Philippines. Distributed lag OLS regression analysis shows that in the concurrent year of increased precipitation, theft rates decrease, but in the year following high average wind-speeds, theft rates increase again. The only significant result of impacts crimes against persons is the rate of physical injury which decreases in years of higher precipitation. These results are defended by interview and focus group information. This study also shows that higher average temperatures cause significantly higher rates of murder, index …

A Sea Test Of Mobile Underwater Localization, Huizhong Gao

Master's Theses

Localization and tracking of underwater moving objects are of great interest in

many applications. This thesis presents a recent sea test on underwater

localization carried out in the Sizihwan coastal area near Kaohsiung, Taiwan, May 2013,

where three stationary nodes are used to localize one mobile node via acoustic

communications based on orthogonal frequency-division multiplexing (OFDM)

modems. Experimental results show that the estimated trajectory of the

underwater mobile node agrees well with the track recorded by global

positioning system (GPS).

The Role Of Strength And Power In High Intensity Military Relevant Tasks, Jesse Maladouangdock

Master's Theses

INTRODUCTION: Previous research has elucidated the physiological determinants of heavy load carriage while performing medium to long distance road marching, yet research examining the physiological underpinnings of high intensity battlefield tasks is limited. This study aimed to examine the role of strength and power during high intensity combat tasks under heavy load carriage.

METHODS: 18 recreationally trained men (mean ± SD: age: 21 ± 2 years; height: 172 ± 6 cm; weight: 80 ± 13 kg) participated in this study and performed an anaerobic combat course under two randomized experimental conditions; unloaded and loaded. Subjects performed three trials under each …

A Comparison Of Single Leg Squat And Side Step Cut Kinematics In Healthy And Acl Reconstructed Populations, Jarrett Je Sorge

Master's Theses

ABSTRACT

A Comparison of Single Leg Squat and Side Step Cut Kinematics in Healthy and ACL Reconstructed Populations

Jarrett JE Sorge, University of Connecticut

STUDY DESIGN: Case Control Study

OBJECTIVE: To compare single leg squat (SLS) kinematics to side step cut (SSC) kinematics and vertical ground reaction force in individuals with a history of ACL reconstruction and healthy controls.

BACKGROUND: There are currently no objective criteria to progress athletes into cutting activities during rehabilitation. The single leg squat possesses similar three-planar neuromuscular control as a cutting task. Assessing movement dysfunction during the single leg squat could limit injury risk …

Treating Wastes With Microbial Fuel Cells(Mfcs) And Microbial Electrolysis Cells(Mecs), Yan Li

Master's Theses

Two typical oxidized-status metals (Fe (III) and Cr (VI)) were studied as electron acceptors on cathodes in single chamber microbial fuel cells (SCMFCs) to explore novel sustainable technology for metal treatment in wastewater. The batch-mode tests indicated that the voltages of SCMFCs steadily increased with Fe(III) concentrations (10mg L-1, 30mg L-1, and 50mg L-1) and Cr (VI) concentrations (1mg L-1, 3mg L-1, and 10mg L-1). The maximum power density and current density reached at 658.34mW m-2 and 0.46mA cm-2 at 50mg L-1 of Fe(III), and reached at 419.31mW m-2 and 0.27mA cm-2 at 10 mg L-1 Cr (VI). The conversion …

The Influence Of Intermittent Hand Cooling On Rectal Temperature And Performance In The Heat While Wearing An American Football Uniform, Michael W. Sundeen

Master's Theses

No abstract provided.

Bimodal Approach Using Spectroscopy And Digitial Imaging To Assist Otitis Media Diagnosis, Kaitlyn M. Longo

Master's Theses

Otitis Media is defined as inflammation of the middle ear region associated with middle ear fluid. This condition typically follows an upper respiratory infection, is commonly misdiagnosed by physicians and can potentially lead to the inappropriate use of antimicrobial agents. ^[1] This thesis describes the design of a novel medical device that utilized spectroscopy and digital imaging to provide physicians with a unique representation of the middle ear. Published literature has been reviewed to assess the different approaches that researchers have studied to improve the diagnosis of otitis media, where, for example, research conducted by Thorton et al. and Boppart …

Life-Oriented Controller Design In Ocean Tidal Power Applications, Zhibing Zhao

Master's Theses

No abstract provided.

Re-Emerging Vaccine Preventable Diseases: United States State Immunization Exemption Laws And The Relation To Annual State Pertussis Incidence-Trend Analysis, Evan M. Timme

Master's Theses

No abstract provided.

The Effects Of A Division I Men's Ice Hockey Season On Strength And Power, Emily T. Webster

Master's Theses

Measures of strength and power were taken during a pre-season training segment in Divison I men’s ice hockey as well as two weeks post-season in order to determine the changes that occurred in a twenty-one week season of play. All subjects performed a concurrent resistance training protocol that aimed to develop power, strength, and minimize the risk for potential injury that led to missed game-playing time. The men’s ice hockey athletes were practicing an average of four days a week with the sport coaches in addition to the resistance training sessions with the primary strength and conditioning coach. The mean …

It Isn’T Just Skin Deep: Adolescents And Appearance In Connecticut, Avery Lachance

Master's Theses

No abstract provided.

Changes In Fms™ Scores In A Ncaa Division 1 Men’S Collegiate Golf Team, Danielle Mcdermott

Master's Theses

No abstract provided.

An Exploration Of Short-Term Vehicle Usage Decisions, Jaime R. Angueira

Master's Theses

Vehicle choice decisions are Important to consider because they have implications on fuel consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. Much research has been done in the past regarding the types of vehicles that people own and how much they use each vehicle on annual basis. However, these are all long-term vehicle choice decision, and very little research has been done to explore short-term decisions. Short-term decisions provide information about how much vehicles in the household are being used at a day-level. In addition to the capturing the role of socio-demographics and economic factors on the short-term vehicle choices, the fine scale …

Post-Race Nutritional Supplementation Effects On The Incidence And Severity Of Upper Respiratory Tract Infection In Ironman Tri-Athletes, Deanna Dempsey

Master's Theses

No abstract provided.

Rapid Prototyping Tools For Power Electronic Converters, Amruta V. Kulkarni

Master's Theses

In recent years, demand for utilization of power electronic converters in industrial, commercial and household applications has increased significantly. It is critical for engineers to design these converters in a short duration. Considering the time constraints on engineers it’s not surprising that rapid prototyping tools have become very popular in the industry. Through rapid prototyping, users can estimate power loss and cost which are essential to design decisions. The research presented here treats main power electronic components of a converter as building blocks that can be arranged to obtain various topologies to facilitate rapid prototyping. In order to get system-level …

Synthesis Of Pyrrole-Modified Porphyrins: Oxachlorins, And The Beckmann Rearrangement Of Octaethyl-2-Oxa-Chlorin Oxime, Eileen V. Meehan

Master's Theses

No abstract provided.

The Effects Of An Injury Prevention Program In An Aquatic Environment On Landing Technique, Samantha E. Scarneo

Master's Theses

The Effects of an Injury Prevention Program in an Aquatic Environment on Landing Technique Samantha E. Scarneo, University of Connecticut Context: Musculoskeletal and anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries have accounted for a majority of sports and recreational related injuries and are of major concern to the physically active population. Injury prevention programs (IPP) have proven to improve landing technique, decreasing vertical ground reaction forces (VGRF) resulting in injury risk reduction. Injury prevention programs in an aquatic-based environment may potentially elicit the same improvements as land-based programs. Objective: To examine the effects of a six week aquatic-based IPP on Landing Error …

Nitrogen Isotope Dynamics Of Anammox And Denitrification In Coastal Groundwater, Nicole Chang

Master's Theses

Anaerobic ammonium oxidation (anammox) is an autotrophic microbial process that converts NO₂^- and NH₄⁺ into nitrogen gas (N₂), and may be important for attenuating fixed nitrogen in groundwater prior to discharge into coastal systems. Isotope enrichment factors are useful in identifying dominant processes in various environments. The influence of anammox on the nitrogen isotope dynamics of DIN species and N₂ was assessed through laboratory incubations using groundwater and sediment from a nitrogen-contaminated groundwater plume. These were conducted under conditions of varied anammox contribution to total N₂ production. Experimentally observed enrichment factors for …

Experimental Investigations Of The Combination Of A Heat Pipe With Metal Foam Or Foils For Enhancing Heat Transfer During The Melting And Solidification Of A Phase Change Material (Pcm) For Latent Heat Thermal Energy Storage Applications, Michael J. Allen

Master's Theses

Various thermal energy storage (TES) systems including latent heat TES (LHTES), sensible heat TES and chemical TES are reviewed and analyzed with an emphasis on LHTES. LHTES is considered here due its high energy density which results in a significant reduction in the overall system size (volume and mass). However, LHTES systems have been limited in the past by the low thermal conductivity of most phase change materials (PCMs). A detailed experimental investigation is conducted to investigate the innovative combination of a heat pipe (HP) with either metal foam or foils. A cylindrical experimental apparatus is constructed to obtain the …

Inhibition Of Urinary Tract Infections And Biofilm Formation On Long-Term Indwelling Urethral Catheters Through Antibacterial Coatings, Jonathan L. Russo

Master's Theses

Indwelling urethral catheters are both important and convenient biomedical devices for many people. They provide incontinent and/or paraplegic patients an involuntary method of emptying their bladder. The catheters are inserted through the patient’s urethra to the posterior portion of the bladder. A balloon is inflated with water to keep it secure and in place. The tip of the catheter has an eye hole exposing the lumen of the catheter. The urine in the bladder drains through the lumen and out of the body into a collection bag. Catheters can potentially have 2 problems. First, they are prone to calcium/magnesium phosphate …

Design And Fabrication Of Electrostatically Actuated Serpentine-Hinged Nickel-Phosphorous Micromirror Devices, Nicholas A. Wiswell

Master's Theses

A process for micromachining of micro-mirror devices from silicon-on-insulator wafers was proposed and implemented. Test methods and force applicators for these devices were developed. Following successful fabrication of these devices, a novel process for fabrication of devices out of the plane of the silicon wafer was proposed, so that the devices could be actuated electrostatically. In particular, the process makes use of thick photoresist layers as a sacrificial mold into which an amorphous nickel-phosphorous alloy may be deposited. Ideal design of the electrostatically actuated micro-mirrors was investigated, and a final design was selected and modeled using FEA software, which found …

The Quadmill: Effects Of Eccentric Training Vs. Concentric Training On Lower Extremity Power And Anaerobic Capacity 2014., John Crosby

Master's Theses

Training focuses on the concentric action of muscle during exercise for most exercise programs, but eccentric training may yield greater results. The Quadmill^TM is a unique piece of training equipment that focuses on training the quadriceps muscle eccentrically. Purpose: to determine if using the Quadmill^TM could increase power and anaerobic capacity to the same level, if not greater, than a standard concentric focused lower body training protocol. Participants were 44 undergraduate college students (24 Male 20 Female) Design: participants placed into three equal groups (Quadmill^TM, Lifting, Control). The two experimental groups (Quadmill^TM and Lifting) underwent …

Physical Activity And Nutritional Behavior Of Overweight College Students Trying To Lose Weight 2014, Santino Vallejos M.S.

Master's Theses

Although there are numerous benefits to increased physical activity and proper dietary behaviors, the decreased participation in physical activity and poor dietary behaviors has emerged as a significant problem within the college student population. The focus of this research study was to identify the relationship between physical activity and dietary behavior to weight loss behaviors within an undergraduate student sample of a small, comprehensive northeastern university. College-aged students (age range: 17 to 27 years old) completed the American College Health Association’s (ACHA) National College Health Assessment II (NCHA) during the years 2009 and 2012. According to the results, there were …

"Can’T Touch This": Empowering Children With Severe Food Allergy In The Residential Camp Setting 2014, Alexsandra Dubin

Master's Theses

The purpose of this project was to create an empowerment program for children with severe food allergy (SFA) in a residential camp setting. Despite recent advancements in research, there is no cure for SFA, thus there is a need for programs to help children manage their allergies and cope with the ramifications of their condition. Quality of life is a major concern for children with SFA, as the constant fear of exposure to an allergen can lead to high levels of anxiety. This is particularly noteworthy because, barring exposure to an allergen, these children are otherwise healthy and symptom free. …

Gender And Self-Representation In Maya Angelou's Autobiography I Know Why The Caged Bird Sings 2014, Jay-Nel Steitz

Master's Theses

A voice that has been silenced for so long has much to say. Whether still confined or set free, the statement applies equally to both. The silenced voice wants not only to tell his or her story, but to share the life experiences which in turn reveal the identities of these individuals. These silenced voices then are not those of the oppressors, but the oppressed; and when an oppressor wants to share his or her story, the oppressed wants to tell their side of it as well. How can those labeled the marginalized outcasts of society express their feelings and …

Factors Affecting The Coefficient Of Friction Of Soccer Goalie Gloves 2014, Candice Hofmann

Master's Theses

The purpose of this study was to compare the coefficients of static friction of five different pairs of soccer goalie gloves with one soccer ball and to compare the effects of four different glove conditions on the coefficients of static friction. Specifically, the coefficients of static friction were determined and compared for one size 5 soccer ball (Select) with five different pairs of goalie gloves (Nike Vapor Grip 3, Select 88, Uhlsport Aqua, Uhlsport Soft and Uhlsport Hard) and four different glove conditions (new, wet, saliva and dirty). Surrogate wooden fingers were inserted into each glove and the glove was …