Digital Commons Network^™

Semantic Preserving Text Tepresentation And Its Applications In Text Clustering, Michael Howard

Masters Theses

Text mining using the vector space representation has proven to be an valuable tool for classification, prediction, information retrieval and extraction. The nature of text data presents several issues to these tasks, including large dimension and the existence of special polysemous and synonymous words. A variety of techniques have been devised to overcome these shortcomings, including feature selection and word sense disambiguation. Privacy preserving data mining is also an area of emerging interest. Existing techniques for privacy preserving data mining require the use of secure computation protocols, which often incur a greatly increased computational cost. In this paper, a generalization-based …

A Decentralized Fault Diagnosis And Prognosis Scheme For Nonlinear Interconnected Systems, Deepthi Shreeya Lathamaheswari Raja

Masters Theses

"Today's systems are getting more complex with a significant number of variables to be monitored for information processing to aid in fault diagnosis and prognosis. Centralized diagnosis and prognosis schemes are not preferred for such complex systems as they lead to delayed or missed alarms and possibly catastropic [sic] failures. Instead, this thesis addresses a decentralized fault diagnosis and prognosis scheme both in continuous and discrete-time for nonlinear complex systems which can be divided into smaller subsystems. Such complex systems are referred to as a large-scale interconnected nonlinear system. This thesis is presented in the form of two papers first …

Synthesis Of Nickel Nanoparticles By Gamma-Radiation And Femtosecond Laser Ablation, Vivek Murlidhar Rao

Masters Theses

"Nickel nanoparticles were synthesized by gamma-radiation and femtosecond laser ablation. Aqueous precursors were prepared by uniformly dispersing nickel chloride in a 2:1 ratio of water and isopropanol. Stabilizers employed were Sodium Dodecyl Sulfate (SDS) and Poly Vinyl Pyrrolidone (PVP). Gamma-ray radiolysis of aqueous nickel precursors was investigated as a reducing agent for nickel cations to form atomic seeds for nucleation on multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs). 30-60kGy was the dosage used in increments of 10kGy, at a rate of 10kGy/hr. Isopropanol was added to consume the excess of oxidizing species produced by irradiation and form stable secondary radicals. The influence of …

Intelligent Energy Management And Demand-Response Control For A Photovoltaic-Battery System, Yang Liu

Masters Theses

"The work shown in this thesis is to develop an intelligent energy management and demand-response controller (IEMDC) for a photovoltaic-battery (PVB) system with a programmable load. Specifically, the research work related to this issue focuses on the modeling and real-time simulation of a microgrid with an emphasis on photovoltaic, battery and programmable load and the development of an energy management controller for optimally dispatching the power from the PVB system to the loads. The IEMDC is used for daytime grid-independent operation. The energy management controller is based on fuzzy logic controller (FLC) whose membership functions are optimized using mean-variance optimization …

Implementation And Evaluation Of Spatial Audio Recording And Rendering Techniques, Jayasecha Raghavendra Nimmala

Masters Theses

"The thesis is divided into two main sections. First half describes the implementation of different adaptive beamforming techniques. Adaptive beamforming techniques are widely used in many real world applications like teleconferencing, speech recognition, devices for the hearing impaired, radar, sonar, etc. The beamformer is an array of sensors which can be electronically steered to any particular direction to enhance the signal in the direction of interest while at the same time suppressing interference or jammers coming from other directions.

In our experiment, we implement both the regularized minimum variance distortionless receiver (MVDR) and the generalized sidelobe canceller (GSC). The beamforming …

Wavelet Based Contrast Limited Histogram Equalization For Contrast Enhancement Of Digital Mammography, Ashish Vighnahar Avachat

Masters Theses

"Mammography has been the most efficient tool for screening of microcalcification and cancer tissues; however, the raw images produced by mammography systems are usually of poor contrast. In order to use these raw images for early diagnosis; their contrast, sharpness and noise need to be enhanced. Among these important enhancement parameters contrast enhancement is critical. A novel algorithm is introduced which blends wavelet transforms with Contrast Limited Adaptive Histogram Equalization (CLAHE) for contrast enhancement. In this algorithm, the input image is decomposed to its low frequency and high frequency components in wavelet domain. Decomposed coefficients from different bands are then …

A Three-Dimensional Transient Simulation Of An Electrochemical Magnetohydrodynamics Cell With Micro And Millielectrode: A Unified Reconciliation Of Theory And Experiment, Cajon Gonzales

Masters Theses

"Even though electrochemically induced magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) convection is a straightforward inexpensive method for moving fluids in confined spaces as for example during electrodeposition, stripping voltammetry, or in microfluidics, efficient quantitative models only recently have begun to appear. This is traced to complex mathematics that have prevented development of analytical expressions, e.g., for mass-transfer limited currents in analogy to the well-known Levich equation for the rotating electrode. Thus, related literature expressions remain mainly phenomenological concerning particular cell geometries or applications. Here, using such reports as points of departure, we validate a computationally rigorous description of the magnetoelectrochemical problem and define the …

Impact Of Interruptions In White Collar Working Environment, Zafar Akhil Khan

Masters Theses

"An interruption is a randomly occurring, discrete event that breaks continuity of cognitive focuses on a primary task and typically requires immediate attention and insists on action. "White collar interruptions" are those that affect knowledge workers in professional, managerial, or administrative positions. Interruptions are often a common occurrence in the white collar workplace.

The aim of this thesis is to investigate the effect of timing of an interruption on the overall performance of white collar workers. This study also analyzes the interruption sources (i.e. externally and internally generated) along with effect of different types of interruptions on both demanding and …

Cerium-Based Conversion Coatings On Cast Aluminum 380 And 413 Alloys, Ci Lin

Masters Theses

"This investigation focused on the deposition and characterization of cerium-based conversion coatings (CeCCs) on cast aluminum alloys. Previous research has shown that CeCCs are viable alternatives to chromate conversion on high strength alloys such as 2024-T3 and 7075-T6. For the casting alloys such as 380 and 413, the presence of Si affects the composition and stability of the native oxide, which means that pretreatment plays an important role for the coating deposition. This thesis consists of two papers that describe the results of the study.

The first paper reports the effect of the final rinsing temperature before coating deposition on …

Modeling Supply Chain Network Resiliency In The Aftermath Of An Extreme Event, Varun Ramachandran

Masters Theses

"Failure of infrastructure elements due to an extreme event adversely affects the supply chain networks in any urban environment. This study models the resiliency of a supply chain network by integrating geospatial data with critical supply chain elements and graph theory. This model can then be combined with an extreme event simulation to calculate resiliency. Resiliency refers to the time required for services and select economic indicators to approach pre-event levels (in this study, a return to 80% of the pre-event capacity). This research proposes an interdisciplinary approach to develop a comprehensive framework for resiliency modeling. This approach includes the …

Statistical And Predictive Modeling Of Automated Meter Reading System Outages, Prasad Prabhakar Shinde

Masters Theses

"An Automated Meter Reading (AMR) system is a metering technology that enables power utility companies to receive customers' energy usage data centrally over a communication network. The installed automated meters also provide a daily log of outage events for each customer. A utility company can greatly benefit by using this information for outage management and to improve reliability. However, outage data is frequently corrupted and the outage flags registered by the customers' meters do not necessarily reflect true outages. This thesis focuses on developing methods to analyze outage data and building a model to identify good data versus spurious indications. …

Sapphire Fiber Numerical Aperture Measurement And Sensor Fabrication, Xia Fang

Masters Theses

"A sapphire fiber is made of single crystal aluminum oxide with hexagonal crystal structure. It is attractive for high temperature application for its chemical resistance and high melting point of 2053⁰C. It is good for infrared transmission with a small attenuation of 0.13dB per meter at the wavelength of 2.94µm, and it can also deliver very high optical energy. However, a typical sapphire fiber has a rough surface and a nonperfect crystalline structure. Also, a sapphire fiber cannot be grown in a core-clad structure. The un-cladded waveguide imposes a number of undesirable characteristics on sensing applications, e.g., unpredictable light loss …

Signal-To-Noise Ratio Of Augmentative And Alternative Communication Devices Across Educational Settings, Hope Elizabeth Lorenz

Masters Theses

The use of augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) devices is important for individuals whose natural speech is inadequate for communication. Research conducted to make improvements to AAC devices has included exploring the effectiveness of color-coding symbols, linguistically based arrangement of symbols, and intelligibility of the devices. However, little attention has been given to the volume adequacy of AAC devices in a variety of educational settings. It is hypothesized that volume levels of AAC devices are often inappropriate for adequate communication when compared to noise levels in the classroom. The present study measured the volume output level of AAC devices compared …

The Lee Silverman Voice Treatment Delivered Via Distance Therapy, Kate Harrington

Masters Theses

The purpose of this study was to determine the efficacy of the Lee Silverman Voice Treatment (LSVT) on improving the vocal loudness in patients with Parkinson's disease when delivered via distance therapy. This study utilized a non-concurrent multiple baseline across subjects research design. Subjects were recruited through local Parkinson's Support Groups. A total of five subjects participated in the study and each subject received the standard LSVT techniques which included focus on using correct breath control to project voice, projecting a range of high to low notes, and speaking written sentences and words as loud as possible.

Three subjects received …

The Prevalence Of Risk Factors Associated With The Female Athlete Triad Among Eastern Illinois University Female Cross Country Runners, Rachel Renee Snow

Masters Theses

Three main components structure the Female Athlete Triad which are, disordered eating, amenorrhea, and low bone mineral density. This could be a dilemma for athletes because the elements of the triad may contribute to major health issues in the future. The purpose of this study was to investigate the prevalence of risk factors associated with the Female Athlete Triad among Eastern Illinois University female cross country runners. Thirteen subjects ranging in age from 18 - 22 years participated in this study. A five part questionnaire was utilized to determine the subject's demographics, exercise history, dietary habits, menstrual history, and skeletal …

What Parents Want From Parent-Teacher Conferences, Meghan A. Saxine

Masters Theses

Although parent-teacher conferences are common in most schools, there have been very few research studies investigating them. The purpose of this study was to identify what parents want from parent-teacher conferences. The specific goal of the present study was to identify, through the use of a questionnaire, the components of conferences that are most valued by parents. One hundred and seventy seven parents completed a questionnaire and provided feedback about aspects most valued during conferences. More than half of parents indicated that their child was present during the conference and all of the conferences followed a teacher-led format. Although parents, …

International Image Repair: Integrating Culture Into Image Repair Discourse, Nicole Mangiaracina

Masters Theses

An organization's image and reputation rely heavily on how it interacts with its stakeholders. With an increase in globalization, more organizations are conducting business internationally with diverse stakeholders. When an organization faces a crisis, it must design specific messages that meet the needs of its stakeholders and the public. Image Repair Theory not only provides strategies for crisis communicators when crafting messages, but it also provides guidelines to critically evaluate those messages. Most crisis communication research, including Image Repair Theory, does not address cultural differences. The ways in which a culture perceives, understands, and communicates about crises and image repair …

Prayers Of Obligation And Well-Being: A Study Of The Effects Of Orthodox Jewish Prayer, Charles T. Coleman

Masters Theses

In a study to explore the effect of concentration during Orthodox Jewish obligatory prayer on well-being, ten Orthodox Jewish prayers were rated by experts (Rabbis) for the inclusion of the five identified prayer types of adoration, thanksgiving, confession, supplication, and reception. The ratings were used to establish a prayer type score for each of the ten prayers studied. Other Orthodox Jewish males (non-Rabbis) were then surveyed about their individual level of concentration during the same ten prayers and about health and psychological well-being. Although the multiple regression analyses showed no link between degree of concentration and well-being, it was determined …

The Concurrent And Longitudinal Effects Of Maternal Approval And Sexual Communication On Adolescent Sexual Activity And Std Acquisition, Amy Blackmer

Masters Theses

Adolescent sexual activity can involve risky behaviors, such as failure to use a condom and having multiple sexual partners, which leads to increased risk of sexually transmitted disease (STD) diagnosis. Prior research has shown that maternal factors, including maternal report of sexual communication and adolescent perceived approval of sexual activity, are associated with the level of sexual activity engaged in by adolescents. The present study utilized data from the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health project (Add Health) to examine the relationship between maternal reports of sexual communication, adolescent perception of maternal approval, and adolescent gender on concurrent and later …

Transition In Conceptualizing The Transgender Experience: A Measure Of Counselor Attitudes, Rachel N. Rehbein

Masters Theses

The purpose of this study was to examine counseling practitioner attitudes regarding the diagnosis, conceptualization and treatment of trans gender clients, and to observe possible factors affecting counselor views of trans gender individuals and their presenting issues. The Counselor Attitude Survey (CAS) was designed to measure coonselor attitudes toward trans gender individuals. This measure was distributed to 1000 members of the American Counseling Association throughout the United States and United States territories, resulting in 66 total respondents. Support was found regarding the association between counselor attitudes toward the transgender population and religious and political affiliations. Much of the literature states …

Assessing Happiness In College Students, Ross A. Mcclure

Masters Theses

The present research was constructed with the aim to assess happiness within college students. The research hypotheses were 1.) Students of "belief' faith will experience higher levels of classic happiness than will students not of faith or of "activity" faith, 2.) Students of "belief' faith will experience higher levels of life satisfaction and purpose in life than will students not of faith or of "activity" faith. 3.) Students not of faith will experience the highest levels of contemporary happiness, and 4.) Students not of faith will have the least overall satisfaction with life and have the weakest grasp of a …

Experiences Of Lesbian Women In Social Sororities At Mid-Sized Public Institutions: A Qualitative Study, Kate S. Solberg

Masters Theses

The purpose of this qualitative study was to examine the experiences of lesbian identified women in social sororities at medium sized public universities in the Midwest. Experiences and perceptions of three women were investigated in a phenomenological study to discover the influence of their sexual orientation on their lives as sorority women. Their responses indicated that while their experiences of being out lesbian women in their chapters had been largely positive, there is still a culture of heteronormativity fighting against full acceptance of diverse sexual orientations in the fraternity and sorority community.

Winning The Un-Winnable In Afghanistan? Counterinsurgency And Ethnic Strife, Joseph P. Bell

Masters Theses

After pursuing military actions in both Iraq and Afghanistan, the United States adopted a counterinsurgency policy to properly address these conflicts. After implementing this new strategy, it appears that the United States has been able to succeed against the insurgency, while losing more and more ground in Afghanistan. Upon examination, it was determined that the ethnic fractionalization in Afghanistan presented a unique challenge to the counterinsurgency effort that had not been present in Iraq.

The effects of this ethnic fractionalization were then analyzed on local counterinsurgency tactics and the overall nation building strategy in Afghanistan. Local counterinsurgency tactics had largely …

The Relationship Between Cyberbullying And Depression In Adolescents, Meredith Mcdermott

Masters Theses

The current study examined the relationship between cyberbullying and depression in high school students, and the relationship between help seeking, parental involvement, and depression. One hundred twenty seven high school students, 43% male and 57% female, between I 4 to 18 years of age, completed a self-report survey. Results indicated that the more experiences students had with cyberbullying, the more likely they were to report symptoms of depression. At an alpha level of .01, results showed that there was a significant positive relationship between bullying and depression, r(125) = .42,p

Commercial Construction Supply Chain Management Issues Involving Traveling Contractors, Fred Akers

Masters Theses

Supply chain management (SCM) is an important aspect of running any business. To stay competitive in today's marketplace a supply chain management system must be in place to achieve success in this volatile global environment (Fewings, 2005).

This research differentiates the issues between executing a construction project close to home compared to away from home. Being away from home, there typically is no supplier relationship established. Furthermore, the research intends to document certain issues of the commercial construction industry that develop during the execution of a project. This will be based on the comparison of having or not having an …

Necessary Competencies For Computer-Based Construction Estimating Curriculum: Delphi Study Of An Expert Panel, Ryan Schulz

Masters Theses

Universities are continuously updating curriculum to meet the needs of students entering the work force in an ever competitive environment. The construction industry is not immune to this competition and in need of competent estimators proficient in producing highly detailed estimates with the aid of computer based estimating programs.

This study set out to find necessary competencies for college students learning how to use computer based estimating programs that can be transferred to real world situations upon graduation. Using a modified Delphi technique, a panel of experts was established from the construction industry and academia too accurately obtain a set …

Challenges Of Forming A Registered Student Organization For Students With Asperger's Syndrome Or High Functioning Autism, Jennifer L. Smith

Masters Theses

Autism is a complex disorder, affecting a person's ability to socialize, process information, and communicate effectively. Often, persons with autism struggle with sensory system deficits that compound their isolation. As college campuses welcome an increasing number of students with Asperger's Syndrome (AS) or High Functioning Autism (HF A), student affairs professionals must learn to adapt their skills to challenge and support this population. Student affairs professionals instinctively encourage students to form student organizations (RSO) and to be involved on their campuses to ensure enriching learning experiences. It is important for student affairs professionals to be aware of the effects of …

Comparative Study Of Consumer Attitudes Toward Internet And Tv Advertising, Aneela Sheikh

Masters Theses

Evolution of the Internet has offered a new communication platform to exchange an unlimited amount of data around the world without geographical boundaries. Nicovich, Boller, and Cornwell (2005) indicated that since Internet advertisements are accessible by anyone who has an Internet connection, consumers could get different types of information about products and services by means of a simple click, it could be an important medium for attracting and retaining consumers through advertising.

The research undertaken in this study aims to explore which type of advertising media (TV or Internet) is perceived by consumers as more helpful and influential in making …

Expanding The Jazz Repertoire: Reimagining Modern Popular Music, Chad Edwin Mathis

Masters Theses

No abstract provided.

African American Male Student Leaders And Matriculation: A Qualitative Evaluation, Alexandra Leann Finley

Masters Theses

The current study was designed to identify the correlations between leadership, academic success, and matriculation within the African American male community at a predominantly White institution. Within separate one-on-one interviews, six participants were asked a set of pre-determined questions regarding their involvement and educational experiences at their university. Through coding and analyzing participant responses, five themes emerged, including: 1) academic success as an African American male student leader, (2) leadership skills learned and developed, (3) skills obtained for general success as an African American male student leader at a PWI, (4) the importance of mentoring on shaping an African American …