Digital Commons Network^™

Toward Understanding Commercial Additives For Zincate Electrogalvanizing, Margaret Scott

Masters Theses

"Cyanide zinc electrogalvanizing has been used for many years to produce high quality and uniform zinc coatings. Due to toxicity concerns, a significant amount of research has occurred to remove the use of cyanide while still producing a similar deposit. One of the resulting plating chemistries is the alkaline zincate bath.

Alkaline zincate plating has the advantages of low startup cost, low toxicity, and low corrosion rate. Despite these advantages, alkaline bath conditions do not produce acceptable zinc deposits without the use of plating additives, which can promote lustrous, smooth deposits. This research aims to: (1) generate fundamental electrochemical data …

Method Of Optimal Battery Scheduling With Optimal Battery And Photovoltaic Sizing, Gideon Hallman

Masters Theses

“Renewable energy generation is on the rise. One of the best ways to capitalize on this intermittent power supply is by using the renewable energy source in tandem with batteries. A joint photovoltaic (PV) and battery system model was created that implemented battery degradation and optimized battery usage using a Markov Decision Process (MDP). This system was then subjected to a series of tests to do a sensitivity analysis while optimizing the battery and PV sizing for the system at hand. Parametric sweeps of solar power and battery capital costs, the cost of energy taken from the grid, the cost …

A Physics-Based Pi Pre-Layout Tool For Pcb Pdn Design, Shuang Liang

Masters Theses

"With increasingly stringent requirements for lower voltage supply, and higher density in PCB PDN design, now integrity (PI) is an increasingly important aspect that must be considered. A pre-layout tool based on the Cavity Model and Boundary Element Method is built to automatically achieve a specified target impedance for a multi-layered Printed Circuit Board (PCB) Power Distribution Network (PDN) design with a minimal number of decoupling capacitors.

The pre-work about the post-layout design and analysis is proposed and the guidelines for creating a decoupling capacitors network with better performance has been built. With limit inputs, physical limitations for the minimal …

Multiple Generations Of Phlogopite In An Alnöite Diatreme: Insights Into The Petrogenesis Of The Avon Alkaline Igneous Province, Missouri, Nathan Gregory Limbaugh

Masters Theses

“Alkaline Ultramafic Carbonatite (AUC) complexes, although rare, are valued for diamonds and REEs, and as windows into subcontinental and mantle processes as recorded by rock fabrics, mineral spatial relationships, and mineral compositions. We report specifically on olivine and phlogopite petrographic relationships and compositions from the Devonian alnoite diatreme-facies of the Avon Alkaline Igneous Province, Missouri. The diatreme alnoite is a mixture of domains of olivine magmaclasts (OM) set in a crystal-rich melilite matrix. OM are highly fractured, serpentinized olivine pseudomorphs with variable amounts of pristine olivine fragments. Larger olivine domains typically exhibit clear crystal faces and irregular “channels” indicative of …

The Effects Of Rigid Polyurethane Foam As A Confinement Material On Breaching Charge Detonations, Nathan Franz Paerschke-O'Brien

Masters Theses

"The effects of a rigid polyurethane foam used as a confinement material on four types of breaching explosives were tested, focusing on the changes in shockwave peak pressures, detonation load compression forces, and brisance cratering abilities. The Plate Dent testing procedure was modified to incorporate a load cell force sensor, and two air overpressure sensors were included adjacent to the blast to quantify each test result. The testing variables focused on the polyurethane foam cure times and thickness volumes around the breaching explosives to determine the breaching charges' optimal energy output capabilities when confined by the foam material. The rigid …

Investigation Of The Sensitivity Of Human Arm To Small Interaction Forces During Physical Human-Robot Interaction (Phri), Fazlur Rashid

Masters Theses

“Understanding the human motor control strategy during physical interaction tasks is crucial for developing future robots for physical human-robot interaction (pHRI). Effective pHRI depends on humans communicating their intentions for movement with robots. In physical human-human interaction (pHHI), small interaction forces are known to convey their intent between the partners. It is speculated that small interaction forces contain significant information to convey the movement intention of pHHI. However, the mechanism underlying this interaction strategy is largely unknown. Hence, the aim of this work was to investigate what affects humans’ sensitivity to the interaction forces. The hypothesis was that small interaction …

Transfer Function Measurement For Automotive Intentional Emi And Thermal Runaway Investigation Of Lithium-Ion Battery By Intentional Emi, Woncheol Song

Masters Theses

"With an increasing demand for electric vehicles and autonomous driving, many components of a vehicle are being replaced as electric components. This implicates the possibility of an increase in the malfunction of electric components due to unknown electromagnetic interferences. In this reason, malicious intentional electromagnetic interference (IEMI) is being considered as a growing threat for the current and next generation of automotive technology.

In the first topic, the transfer function between the IEMI attacker and the engine control unit (ECU) circuit in an automobile is extracted to analyze how the IEMI affects the vehicle.

In the second topic, to mimic …

Communicating Uncertain Information From Deep Learning Models To Users, Harishankar Vasudevanallur Subramanian

Masters Theses

“The use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) decision support systems is increasing in high-stakes contexts, such as healthcare, defense, and finance. Uncertainty information may help users better leverage AI predictions, especially when combined with domain knowledge. I conducted two human-subject experiments to examine the effects of uncertainty information with AI recommendations. The experimental stimuli are from an existing image recognition deep learning model, one popular approach to AI. In Paper I, I evaluated the effect of the number of AI recommendations and provision of uncertainty information. For a series of images, participants identified the subject and rated their confidence level. Results …

Bond Graph Modeling Of Critical Infrastructures For Cyber-Physical Security Implementation, Michele Jane White

Masters Theses

“In developed societies, there exists infrastructure vital to everyday life. This includes water and power systems. Technology is quickly evolving and being implemented on these utilities. This technology can range from smart metering in neighborhoods to volume sensors in local waste water treatment facilities. When networking, sensing, monitoring, or control devices are integrated with infrastructure it is considered a cyber physical system, or CPS. When information about an important physical system is connected to the virtual world, it is opened up to security risks. Cyber security can be provided to the CPS by monitoring the physical state of the system …

Research And Development Of A Laser Hot Wire Deposition Process, Christopher Croft

Masters Theses

“Laser hot wire directed energy deposition (DED) is an increasingly popular method for improving deposition rates and overall reduction of build times in DED processing. While there is clear benefit, it is important to fully understand the impact of preheating the wire. This work focuses on developing a model that describes bead geometry output using all factors including the wire preheat. The model was fit with over 150 data points that explored a large range of each factor. The resulting model was then leveraged to evaluate a process control variable. The technique chosen used feedback from the hot wire system …

Biochemical Assay Invariant Attestation For The Security Of Cyber-Physical Digital Microfluidic Biochips, Fredrick Eugene Love Ii

Masters Theses

“Due to the devastating global impact that infectious diseases have had, especially in developing countries, the demand for access to adequate resources to combat sickness continues to be a heavy burden. Reliable and affordable diagnostics is a vital first line of defense in fighting outbreaks and providing accurate treatment. Digital microfluidics biochips capable of running multiple diagnostic tests on a single platform are an emerging technology that are increasingly being evaluated as a viable platform for rapid diagnosis and point-of-care field deployment. Although these systems offer many benefits, processing errors are inherent. Therefore, cyber-physical digital biochips are being investigated that …

Seed Modeling Of An Esd Gun Discharge To A Usb Cable, Yang Xu

Masters Theses

“An IC protected by a transient voltage suppression (TVS) diode may fail if the TVS device does not turn on or does not turn on quickly enough, causing the IC to take the full brunt of the electrostatic discharge (ESD) event. Transient simulation models have been developed for ESD protection devices for the purpose of system-efficient ESD design (SEED). The TVS modeling methodology has been improved to better represent the physics that occurs during the TVS response and more accurately predict the interactions between off-chip and on-chip protection devices. Moreover, a complicated test scenario -- an ESD gun discharge through …

A Systematic Analysis Of Eye-Tracking Metrics For Sleepiness, Debasis Roy

Masters Theses

”Sleepiness or sleep deprivation is a serious hazard that can be life-threatening in carrying out certain tasks (e.g., when driving or executing attention-critical tasks). Eye movement can provide cues on sleepiness. Hence, eye-tracking metrics have the potential to detect sleepiness.

In this research, we used a systematic analysis approach to identify eye-tracking metrics for sleepiness. We used several databases to identify independent experimental studies that have used eye-tracking metrics to assess sleepiness. We identified 25 studies that included 674 participants where the participants’ data were captured both in an alert state and in a sleep-deprived state. In the analysis, we …

A Meta-Analysis: Gamification In Education, Yalin Wang

Masters Theses

“Gamification has been used in a variety of contexts including education. In order to understand the effects of gamification in education, a meta-analysis was conducted. A bottom-up approach was used to analyze the effects of game design elements on learning outcomes found in the literature search. The result suggests that gamification can enhance student learning outcomes. Elements such as points, leaderboards, competitions, progress bars, feedback, and collaboration have medium to large effect sizes. Gamification also has larger effects on young children in elementary education than learners at other education levels. The study offers suggestions and guidelines for educators on the …

Investigating The Role Of Collegiate Athletic Director In Addressing Head Trauma Prevention, Clay Thomas Roe

Masters Theses

Within collegiate athletics, there is a growing interest in the management of head trauma incidents. This qualitative study was designed to answer two research questions: (1) What is the role of athletic directors in the management of head trauma prevention? (2) What are the major concerns of athletic directors regarding head trauma prevention and what should happen in the future? Findings from the research questions revealed three themes: (a) Indirect mention of head trauma prevention in athletic director job description, (b) athletic director delegation to medical professionals, and (c) athletic directors want more research and education on head trauma prevention. …

Mobility Justice And Social Capital In Strawberry Mansion And Kensington, Philadelphia Pa, Rebecca Fruehwald

Masters Theses

This thesis explores the theoretical and practical relationship between mobility justice and social capital. A literature review establishes the theoretical relationship through an overview of history and policy. The relationship is then explored through a case study of Strawberry Mansion and Kensington neighborhoods in Philadelphia. These sections are then connected by considering how they are both impacted by the larger system of capitalism. The real-world example of gentrification is given for how all these elements interact and affect each other, and the practical relationship between mobility justice and social capital is established. Finally, policy implementations and paths for possible future …

Growing Quelites In The City: Exploration On Memory And Food Sovereignty In Mexico City, Paola Valeria Ramirez Ensastiga

Masters Theses

In Mexico, as in the world, the number of people living in urban areas is increasing. In addition, urbanization directly generates a fragmentation of the natural habitat and causes the loss of biodiversity. Native edible crops are also being threatened by a constant decline in biodiversity, causing negative ecological, economic and even cultural impact. Until now, the main guardians of the edible biodiversity have been indigenous peoples. Several authors agree that the way in which indigeous people relate to nature may shed some light on how to face the ecological and climate crisis that we are experiencing today. I argue …

Nexgen Create: Graphic Design Interface, Mary Kate Elizabeth Morgan

Masters Theses

Students today do not have many options for college or career preparation in the artistic or creative fields. There are many options when it comes to creative careers that students and parents do not know about. There were 266,300 graphic designers recorded in the US in 2019. Based on the additional graphic designers entering the field and those retiring, in the next 10 years, it is expected that the US will need 16,700 new graphic designers to fill those positions. (See Graphic Designer Overview) This project focuses on teaching the next generation skills in graphic design to apply to college …

Christmas In The Lutheran Tradition: A Worship Service Of Music And The Word, Brian E. White

Masters Theses

Christmas in the Lutheran Tradition is a worship ministry project originally designed to fulfill the desire for a Christmas Cantata with a focus on the Lutheran love of music as part of worship service. The thesis includes discussions about the early origins of the Christmas celebration and Martin Luther’s incorporation of congregational singing as part of worship service. The thesis details the author’s original concept and the multiple alterations that became necessary as the community, state and nation continued to struggle with the Covid-19 pandemic in the year 2020. The thesis briefly discusses the North Dakota responses to the increasing …

How Do Food Shopping Behaviors Differ Between High-Income And Low-Income Shoppers In The Grand Rapids Metropolitan Area?, Alison M. Cooney

Masters Theses

Background: The social determinants of health and health equity are influenced by access, environment, and socioeconomic status (SES). Health inequities are preventable and can be avoided with systemic policy change surrounding the distribution of wealth and resources. Few studies have researched the differences in different income levels and the influence income has on food shopping behaviors.

Objective: The purpose of this study was to investigate the differences in food shopping behaviors between high-income and low-income shoppers living in the same zip code. Subjects Sixty-eight individuals who live in the 49341 zip code which represents a small city in Kent County, …

Confronting Wicked Crypto: Wicked Problems, Encryption Policy, And Exceptional Access Technology, Kevin Nicholas Kredit

Masters Theses

Public debate has resumed on the topic of exceptional access (EA), which refers to alternative means of decryption intended for law enforcement use. The resumption of this debate is not a renege on a resolute promise made at the end of the 1990s “crypto war”; rather, it represents a valid reassessment of optimal policy in light of changing circumstances. The imbalance between privacy, access, and security in the context of constantly changing society and technology is a wicked problem that has and will continue to evade a permanent solution. As policymakers consider next steps, it is necessary that the technical …

An Investigation Into The Development Of A Low Cost, Easy To Use Seizure Analysis Tool., Cody Dean

Masters Theses

The need for collaborating and sharing data and research between doctors, researchers, universities and patients has never been more necessary. We are seeing firsthand how a deadly virus can completely devastate the world in a matter of months and being able to react quickly is the top priority. Open source tools are making it possible to share research and learnings about viruses like COVID-19 across countries, industries, and universities and these tools and philosophies extend across all areas of medical research.

The amount of data that is being collected within the medical industry is increasing at an exponential rate and …

A Cfd Study Of Operation Room Air Conditioning: Air Curtain Performance, Spencer Lee Boer

Masters Theses

An operation room is a critical environment when it comes to the safety of patients undergoing surgery. There are a lot of factors that go into reducing Surgical Site Infections (SSI) following a surgery. This comes in the form of cleaning standards, surgical practices, but also environment controls. The characteristics of airflow within an operation room are related to the risk of an SSI. Some of these factors are temperature, velocity, and turbulent air around an open wound which could increase the chance of bacteria or other particles entering the very vulnerable patient. As clean room standards continue to be …

Development Of A Tiny House Design Tool To Increase Safety, Efficiency, And Cost-Effectiveness, Michael Joseph Stratton Ii

Masters Theses

A growing number of people are choosing to live more sustainably, and this is commonly done through living in an extremely small house, also called a “tiny house”. There is no set definition for a tiny house, but it typically refers to a structure less than 500 ft2, sometimes built by the homeowner, and frequently built on a travel trailer.

The popularity of tiny houses has increased over the years due to different television shows, internet videos, and photo sharing websites, but the technical details are rarely covered, which is why this study examines the structural, stability, weight, and thermal …

Hormonal Responses To Seasonal Thermal And Ecological Stressors In Japanese Macaques (Macaca Fuscata), Lilianne Nelson

Masters Theses

Relative to most primate species, Japanese macaques (Macaca fuscata) experience extreme seasonal variation in thermal and ecological stressors that can impact energetic demands. To cope with these environmental changes, levels of metabolic hormones, such as cortisol and triiodothyronine, fluctuate to facilitate energetic adjustments. While previous research in primates has investigated thermal and ecological stressors individually, a combined assessment of these stressors alongside hormone levels can provide a more holistic understanding of the relationship between a primate’s thermoregulation, energetic balance, and stress. The goals of this study were to determine the effects of season, temperature and ecological stress on …

Meta-Analysis Of The Association Between Acute Particulate Matter Exposure And Cardiovascular Disease, Issa El-Kildani

Masters Theses

Cardiovascular disease, which involves a wide range of conditions, including narrowed or blocked coronary arteries, has remained the leading cause of death in the United States for over 50 years. The majority of cardiovascular conditions are preventable, which can be identified through risk factors. However, maintaining healthy life choices can be difficult for most Americans, as the vast majority live in populated urban cities. Urban life can pose hazardous conditions to individuals, especially air pollution. Air pollution includes gaseous pollutants, such as carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides, ozone and sulfur dioxide, and particulate matter. Of these pollutants, particulate matter has become …

Towards Development Of A Remote Charting System For Connected Healthcare, Alex Bodurka

Masters Theses

Health Care Providers play a crucial role in a patients well-being. While their primary role is to treat the patient, it is also vital to ensure that they can spend adequate time with the patient to create a unique treatment plan and build a personal relationship with their patients to help them feel comfortable during their treatment. Health Care Providers are frequently required to manually record patient data to track their healthcare progress during their hospital stay. However, with hospitals continuously trying to optimize their workflows, this crucial one-on-one time with the patient is often not practical.

As a solution, …

Marks The Spot, Timothy Paul Crane

Masters Theses

This thesis is an investigation into the prtoblem of marketing for small businesses with little funds and means for advertisement. Past, present and predicted future methods of marketing prove there is room for improvement in affordability through existing advancements. Literature reviews and case studies explore the most lucrative ways forward. Research also indicates that large numbers of potential consumers are missed by small businesses due to their general lack of embracing newer communication technology such as store apps. This extra support measure provides users with notifications that highlight coupons and deals and has a proven record of success for larger …

In-Training Improvement: A Tactical Athletic Approach To Enhance The Performance And Wellness Of Law Enforcement Officers, Shai-Enne Kerry Haynes

Masters Theses

Fitness and musculoskeletal injuries are a major health concern among United States law enforcement personnel. The objectives of this study were twofold: 1) to compare the effects of wearing work gear and not wearing work gear during job related specific activities; and 2) identify the negative effects of the required work equipment on law officials and exploring methods to decrease the negative effects. There is an undeniable prevalence of law officials and back issues and other musculoskeletal complications which presents an interrelated research and field test environment. This study leverages research to help advance the knowledge of law enforcement performance, …

Assessment Of Dopaminergic And Serotonergic Receptor Antagonists In Male Rats Trained To Discriminate 4-Methylmethcathinone (Mephedrone), Rachel L. Burroughs

Masters Theses

Preclinical drug discrimination studies of the synthetic cathinone, 4-methylmethcathinone (mephedrone) have demonstrated its effects are comparable to those of other popular psychostimulant drugs. Few studies have directly examined the contribution of specific neurotransmitter receptors to mephedrone’s discriminative stimulus effects. The present study investigated the role of dopamine and serotonin receptors in these effects. Eight adult male Sprague-Dawley rats were trained to discriminate 3.0 mg/kg mephedrone from saline. After dose-response curves were determined with mephedrone (0.375-3.0 mg/kg), a series of stimulus antagonism tests were conducted with dopamine antagonists (Sch 23390, haloperidol) and serotonin antagonists (WAY 100,635, MDL 100,907, pirenperone) administered as …