Digital Commons Network^™

Experimental Feasibility Study Of A Passive Radio Frequency Identification-Based Distributed Beamforming Framework And Radio Frequency Tag Design For Achieving Dynamic Beamforming, Pratim Shah

Masters Theses

"Passive UHF RFID tags works on the principle of backscattering mechanism. In realistic environment, there are multiple objects and tags that create complex, multipath propagation scenarios with numerous null-points, reduced read range and read rate.

In general, the RF frontend of tags could be controlled such that the negative effects of multipath propagation are reduced or even inverted thus implementing a virtual beamforming. The theoretical framework of beamforming in RFID system, using additional tags as virtual antenna arrays, has been discussed before. The presented study evaluates the feasibility of such beamforming in passive RFID systems. Moreover, it synthesizes an appropriate …

Displacement Of Heavy Oil By Carbon Dioxide In A Tube, Mohammed Almabrouk Ali Ahmad

Masters Theses

"After using primary and secondary oil recovery methods, about two third of the original oil in place is left behind in the reservoir. Enhanced oil recovery (EOR) methods are being used to recover that oil. CO₂ flooding is one of the EOR methods that is used to recover the oil. The interest here lies in recovery of heavy oils. The dissolution of CO₂ in oil reduces oil viscosity and swells it, making it easier to displace the oil. FLUENT is used to solve the problem of CO₂ displacing heavy oil in a tube. Different velocities/capillary numbers (Ca) and …

A Comparison Of Near-Infrared And Visible Imaging For Surveillance Applications, Kathryn Nicole Rodhouse

Masters Theses

"A computer vision approach is investigated which has low computational complexity and which compares near-infrared and visible image systems. The target application is a surveillance system for pedestrian and vehicular traffic. Near-infrared light has potential benefits including non-visible illumination requirements. Image-processing and intelligent classification algorithms for monitoring pedestrians are implemented in outdoor and indoor environments with frequent traffic. The image set collected consists of persons walking in the presence of foreground as well as background objects at different times during the day. Image sets with nonperson objects, e.g. bicycles and vehicles, are also considered. The complex, cluttered environments are highly …

Design And Verification Of Clockless Advanced Encryption Standard (Aes) Crypto-Hardware For Improved Side-Channel Attack Resistance, Siva Pavan Kumar Kotipalli

Masters Theses

"The Advanced Encryption Standard (AES) is the most widely used symmetric key algorithm standard in different security protocols. The AES was very reliable in providing security for data until a few years ago, when researchers proved the Side Channel Attacks (SCA) like power analysis were successful in compromising this security.

This thesis focuses on designing effective countermeasures against the SCA's, by exploring the usage of an Asynchronous logic based design approach, called Null Convention Logic (NCL). This work discusses the design of NCL based subset of AES cryptosystem. The performance benefits of this novel cryptosystem are presented by making qualitative …

Information Theoretic Analysis And Design Of Passive Wireless Backscatter Sensor Networks, Aditya V. Padaki

Masters Theses

"Passive, backscatter-based communication technology is increasingly employed in wireless sensing applications. It offers several advantages including small form factor, battery-less operation, increased system lifetime, small configurations, etc. The main focus of this work is to study the theoretical limits of the network performance in such passive sensor networks. In addition to the traditional direct communication between an active and several passive devices (like RFID), the information theoretic analysis considers two new communication frameworks: multi-hop and multipath passive networks. These new frameworks are demonstrated through theoretical and simulation results to improve the network performance and fairness over the traditional direct communication. …

Spiking Neural Networks Encoding And Decoding Algorithms For Time Series Estimation And System Identification, Sinchan Roychowdhury

Masters Theses

"Artificial Neural networks (ANNs) have increasingly been applied to different system identification, pattern recognition and function approximation problems. The predominantly used neural network architectures are the feedforward and feedback networks. Multilayer perceptrons and radial basis function networks are among the most commonly used feed-forward architecture neural networks and the Elman and Jordan networks are the most widely used recurrent neural networks. These networks are also called as second generation ANNs.

This thesis focuses on the third generation ANNs which are biologically inspired and operate on the same principles as the living neurons. These are also known as biologically inspired artificial …

Locating Current Paths Via Time Synchronized Measurements In A Multiphase Dcdc Buck Converter And A High Frequency Analytical Model For The Common-Mode Impedance Of A Ferrite Choke, Peng Shao

Masters Theses

"In the first section, it introduces a novel method to localize current from multiple sources. The identification of return current paths is often a key element in understanding the root cause of a product's radiated emissions. In a complex system, multiple sources can contribute to the current at the same location and frequency. The source of the current can be identified by correlating the current to different sources. However, the multiphase buck converter phases do not switch at the same time. Thus, synchronizing to a specific phase makes it possible to determine how the current from a specific phase spreads …

Unified Knowledge Model For Stability Analysis In Cyber Physical Systems, Tamal Paul

Masters Theses

"The amalgamation and coordination between computational processes and physical components represent the very basis of cyber-physical systems. A diverse range of CPS challenges had been addressed through numerous workshops and conferences over the past decade. Finding a common semantic among these diverse components which promotes system synthesis, verification and monitoring is a significant challenge in the cyber-physical research domain. Computational correctness, network timing and frequency response are system aspects that conspire to impede design, verification and monitoring. The objective of cyber-physical research is to unify these diverse aspects by developing common semantics that span each aspect of a CPS. The …

Reliability Evaluation Of Distribution Systems Containing Renewable Distributed Generations, Abdulaziz Abddullah Alkuhayli

Masters Theses

Reliability evaluation of distribution networks, including islanded microgrid cases, is presented. The Monte Carlo simulation algorithm is applied to a test network. The network includes three types of distributed energy resources solar photovoltaic (PV), wind turbine (WT) and gas turbine (GT). These distributed generators contribute to supply part of the load during grid-connected mode, but supply the entire load during islanded microgrid operation. PV and WT stochastic models have been used to simulate the randomness of these resources. This study shows that the implementation of distributed generations can improve the reliability of the distribution networks.

Structural Analysis Of Microsatellites, Yezad H. Anklesaria

Masters Theses

"Satellite design, development, fabrication, testing and entry into service is a complex process. Each step of this process involves intricate steps to achieve the desired objective. This thesis summarizes a study relating to the area of development and testing of microsatellites to support qualification and eventually preparing a spacecraft for spaceflight. Students in the Space Systems Engineering laboratory (SSE Lab) in the Aerospace Engineering Program are in the process of developing a pair of microsatellites for a technology demonstration in space.

After the initial design of the spacecraft is completed in the design phase a significant amount of time is …

3d Spatio-Temporal Analysis For Compressive Sensing In Magnetic Resonance Imaging Of The Murine Cardiac Cycle, Brice Aaron Hirst

Masters Theses

"This thesis consists of two major contributions, each of which has been prepared in a conference paper. These papers will be submitted for publication in the SPIE 2013 Medical Imaging Conference and the ASEE 2013 Annual Conference.

The first paper explores a three-dimensional compressive sensing (CS) technique for reducing measurement time in MR imaging of the murine (mouse) cardiac cycle. By randomly undersampling a single 2D slice of a mouse heart at regular time intervals as it expands and contracts through the stages of a heartbeat, a CS reconstruction algorithm can be made to exploit transform sparsity in time as …

Laboratory Implementations Of Pmsm Drive In Hybrid Electric Vehicles Applications, Amir E. Saad

Masters Theses

"Field Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs) are one of the today's most successful technologies for developing systems that require real time operation and providing additional flexibility to the designer. This research is focused on developing a control board for a permanent magnet synchronous machine (PMSM) using an FPGA module. The board is configured for individual use of an FPGA, digital signal processor (DSP) or in combination to control the PMSM by generating the required Pulse Width Modulator (PWM) to the inverter in order to drive and control the speed of the PMSM. Since, the exact rotor position and speed are required …

Enabling Frequency And Voltage Regulation In Microgrids Using Wind Power Plants, Anshuman Shrikant Vaidya

Masters Theses

"Renewable energy sources, like wind can be used to augment the grid-friendly services in the form of additional active and reactive power for control of frequency and voltage regulation. Currently, wind power systems are operated in simple energy supply mode and are not utilized to participate in ancillary power services. With the increase in the installed wind power capacity, limited conventional generation and increasing interest in microgrids, the necessity to implement regulation support from wind energy becomes critical. This thesis focuses on the effect of enabling frequency and voltage regulation capability in wind power plants in a microgrid environment. This …

Ultrasonic Communications System For Health Monitoring Of Hydrokinetic Turbine Blades, Andrew James Heckman

Masters Theses

"A health monitoring approach is investigated for hydrokinetic turbine blade applications. In-service monitoring is critical due to the difficult environment for blade inspection and the cost of inspection downtime. Composite blade designs provide a medium for embedding sensors into the blades for in-situ health monitoring. The major challenge with in-situ health monitoring is transmission of sensor signals from the remote rotating reference frame of the blade to the system monitoring station. In the presented work, a novel system for relaying in-situ blade health measurements in hydrokinetic systems is described and demonstrated. An ultrasonic communication system is used to transmit health …

Logistics Modeling And Project Management Practices For Contingency Basing, Amanda Jo Gealy

Masters Theses

"Contingency basing is a critical factor in mission success but requires significant logistical and commander support. Designing and constructing a camp that is safe, secure, and self-sustaining can be a difficult task for a Contingency Basing engineering manager. The infrastructure for basic needs such as electricity, fuel, water, food, and waste management is critical and needs to be flexible.

This research focuses on assisting the Contingency Basing engineering manager in designing and constructing a feasible base camp using project management and modeling tools. Measuring scalability and resiliency with in the contingency base was studied as well. The methodology concentrates on …

Genre Awareness: Effectively Teaching Composition Through Genre Awareness At A Community College, Ashley D. Klinginsmith

Masters Theses

This thesis outlines the history of rhetorical genre theory and how the evolving definition of genre has influenced current genre awareness pedagogies. The survey of literature examines implicit and explicit pedagogical approaches to teaching genre theory and closely examines genre awareness as an alternative approach. Through exploring genre awareness, the thesis highlights the specific scene of the community college writing classroom in comparison to the scene of the university ,:vriting classroom in order to detennine how to best instruct students. After a thorough examination of the scene, the study progresses into a useful guide for comm1mity college instmctors to gain …

A Study In Micro Discourse Community Learning: The Subject-Driven Micro Discourse Community Session Model, Philip Brandon Gallagher

Masters Theses

This thesis examines the development and testing of a new collaborative learning model that uses new media informed practices to teach modem students who are familiar with today's digital learning environments. Often, modem students have difficulty learning from traditional classroom practices. The Subject-Driven Micro Discourse Community Session model is an answer to this problem for collaborative learning. The Micro Community Model, for short, engages participants in small, collaborative groups as experts that have valuable knowledge to contribute. By using organized role switching and knowledge recording techniques, the model draws on current new media attributes to appeal to student competencies and …

Five People Like This: How Writers Perceive And Interact With Their Facebook Audience, Luke E. Kingery

Masters Theses

This study is a mixed methods approach to exploringa udience-awarenesso n Facebook.B y conductinga survey of l O l students enrolled in Composition II, observing the status updates posted by 21 Facebook users for one month, and conducting 5 individual case studies, it is evident that the level of audience awareness varies among users. This study found that some users are learning audience awareness through the feedback they are getting from, and they frame their messages in ways that imply audience awareness. Finally, more research needs to be conducted on Facebook writing and discusses and scholars should continue to explore …

Nonprofit Visual Identity: Evaluating The Needs And Wants, Whitney R. Noland

Masters Theses

Visual identity originates within the internal structures of both for-profit and nonprofit organizations. Establishing this visual identity is necessary for any organization, so it can gain mvareness in a community and even develop a relationship with its potential clients and donors. For many nonprofit organizations, the identity should be the central component of fundraising and marketing procedures; however, nonprofits, at times, disengage with their needs and instead focus on their wants, losing sight of the importance of standardizing their image. Through this client-based project, which focused on audience relationship, social responsibility, and ethical awareness, 1 partnered with a nonprofit organization …

Sketching As An Ally In The First-Year Composition Classroom, Kenneth P. Webb

Masters Theses

This thesis explores the possible use of sketching as a pedagogical tool in the first-year composition classroom. The digital age has brought with it a wealth of new (and culturally significant) multimodal compositions, that is, compositions that use multiple modes of communication. In particular, visual modes of communication are growing increasingly important. Furthermore, new ways of sharing information has lead to an accelerating proliferation of new media that increasingly blends visual and verbal elements in the creation of compositions. College students, in the midst of grappling with these new challenges, and with the promise of unforeseen multimodal genres in the …

Project In Grant Proposal Writing, Betsy Wells

Masters Theses

This thesis explores the process of grant proposal writing from beginning to end. It includes research and theory on preparing a feasibility report, searching for funding opportunities, using narrative in proposal writing, and repurposing text in the medical field and grant proposal writing. Documents included in this thesis are a feasibility report and two grant proposals written as a project for a small community hospital.

Sickness And Health, Anthony Smith

Masters Theses

No abstract provided.

Preserving Euskera In A Globalized World: Determining The Long-Term Efficacy Of Multilingual Schools In The Basque Country, Spain, Olivia Destrades Mendoza

Masters Theses

The Basque Country, Spain is a linguistically unique region where the minority indigenous language, Euskera, competes alongside the dominant state language, Castilian, and a lingua franca, English, for prestige and status. Following a history of cultural and linguistic repression and marginalization, the Basque community has, in the past 30 years, begun to reintroduce Euskera into new, multilingual school systems in order to teach, preserve and maintain their heritage language, while simultaneously acquiring English as an important language for global communication. This multimethod, qualitative study takes data from 36 survey respondents and five interview participants from the Basque Country, and triangulates …

Disharmony And Matchless: Interpersonal Deception Theory In Online Dating, Lyndsey Wagner

Masters Theses

In recent years, computer-media dated communication has not only become extremely popular but has also begun to hold an important function in daily social interactions. This qualitative study investigates the communication phenomena of deception as it occurs in the online dating environment. The research study focused on four questions: (1) About what characteristics are online daters deceptive? (2) What motivation do online daters have for their deception of others in the online dating environment? (3) What perceptions do online daters have about other daters' deceit towards them in the online dating environment? (4) How does deception affect the romantic relationships …

Severe Grace: An Examination Of The Benevolence Of The God Character In The Ten Plagues In Exodus 7:1-12:32 And In The Book Of Jonah, Paul Faust

Masters Theses

In Exodus 34:6-7, God claims to be "a God merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness, keeping steadfast love for thousands, forgiving iniquity and transgression and sin, but who will by no means clear the guilty." This claim to coexistent mercy and wrath figures as a central claim regarding the benevolence of the God character in both the Ten Plagues Narrative in Exodus 7:1-12:32 and in the Book of Jonah. This thesis examines the God character's claim to benevolence in those two passages and claims that, based upon the literary data of those primary …

Sprouty2 Deficiency In Mice Leads To The Development Of Achalasia, Benjamin Lee Staal

Masters Theses

Sprouty 2 (Spry2), one of the four mammalian Spry family members, is a negative feedback regulator of many receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs) signaling including Met. It fine-tunes RTKs signaling through multiple levels of regulations starting from RTK itself to several downstream molecules that are crucial for signal transduction. To understand what role Spry2 might play during developmental processes, we created a Spry2 conventional knockout mouse in which Spry2 expression is replaced by enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP) reporter. Spry2 appears to be expressed in mouse embryo and in many adult tissues, and Spry2- deficient mice have smaller body size and …

Pediatric Nurses' Death Anxiety And Level Of Comfort In Approaching Families Of Dying Children, Elizabeth J. Cook

Masters Theses

The purpose of this study is to examine how demographics; bereavement education; personal death anxiety; and frequency of interaction with death and dying; impact the level of comfort pediatric nurses have in approaching families of dying children. Watson’s Theory of Human Caring (n.d.) and the Quality Caring Model (Duffy & Hoskins, 2003) provide the theoretical framework for nursing actions and outcomes. The convenience sample of 165 pediatric nurses comes from a metropolitan children’s hospital population of 425 pediatric nurses. Nurses are recruited by a mass e-mail to their work e-mails with a link to the online survey. Nurses’ comfort level …

Semiotics, Habitus And Music In The Transmission Of Tibetan Culture In Toronto, John Robertson

Masters Theses

This ethnographic study explores the role of music in cultural transmission in the Tibetan community of Toronto, Canada. Beginning with an integration of Peircian semiotics, Bourdieu's habitus and musical semiosis, I then identify certain non-Tibetan cultural elements being encountered by those in the Toronto community which are potentially creating cognitive structures foreign to those which have their generative principles in pre-exile Tibetan past, and the ways in which Tibetans are transmitting (to varying degrees) cognitive schemata which identify these non-Tibetan elements and protect against their appropriation. After exploring elements which are not Tibetan, I turn to those which are: a …

Place As Plot: A Comparison Of The Use Of Place In C. S. Lewis' Till We Have Faces And John Milton's Paradise Lost, Jonathan A. Whitmer

Masters Theses

C. S. Lewis' fiction constantly relies on the depiction of physical place as a key device in addressing largely metaphysical issues and he does so in a way that goes beyond merely creative descriptions of scenery. What makes his use of place descriptions so unique and significant is the function of place as a key component in his theodicy for a post-Christian world. I especially compare Lewis' approach to theodicy in Till We Have Faces with Milton's approach to theodicy in Paradise Lost. My motive for this comparison comes largely from reading Lewis' A Preface to Paradise Lost coupled with …

Seven Seas Without, Ambereen Siddiqui

Masters Theses

In my work I explore dislocation within a diasporic experience. I use personal and familial accounts of migration, assimilation and reverse culture shock to examine and add to the collective narratives that underlie national as well as individual identities. In reconciling my own sense of loss in having moved away from Pakistan, I appropriate histories, recreate memories and envision futures to mould the present. Investigations of personal experiences inform an analysis of the larger social, political and historical contexts. In my practice I use video, animation and new media technologies to “re-view” archives. My sources include audio and text from …