Digital Commons Network^™

Detection And Estimation Of Image Blur, Harish Narayanan Ramakrishnan

Masters Theses

"The airborne imagery consisting of infrared (IR) and multispectral (MSI) images collected in 2009 under airborne mine and minefield detection program by Night Vision and Electronic Sensors Directorate (NVESD) was found to be severely blurred due to relative motion between the camera and the object and some of them with defocus blurs due to various reasons. Automated detection of blur due to motion and defocus blurs and the estimation of blur like point spread function for severely degraded images is an important task for processing and detection in such airborne imagery. Although several full reference and reduced reference methods are …

Zinc Iron Phosphate Glasses For Enameling Applications, Sagnik Saha

Masters Theses

"New compositions of low temperature black glasses were developed that are suitable as frits for enameling soda-lime silicate (S-L-S) glass substrates. Zinc iron phosphate glasses are of interest for this application because they possess dilatometric low softening points (under 600ºC) and have coefficients of thermal expansion that are compatible with S-L-S glass (in the range 90-110x10⁻⁷/ºC). The development of compositions with excellent chemical durability, particularly in acidic conditions, is also desired. Compositional modification were made to the (Na₂O+K₂O)·ZnO·MnO·Fe₂O₃·P₂O₅ glass system using design of experiments. The compositional boundaries used in the design were based on earlier work at Missouri S&T. The …

Standoff Raman Spectroscopy Detection Of Trace Explosives, Abhijeet Singh

Masters Theses

"During the 2003-present Iraq war, Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) are being used extensively by the terrorists against the coalition forces and these IEDs were responsible for 40% of coalition force casualties, by the end of 2007. As these IEDs are not based on standard production formulae, their tracking and detection becomes extremely complicated. Laser Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy (LIBS) and Raman Spectroscopy are among the many techniques that have shown promise in detection of explosive compounds. However, the performance of these systems is dependent on the concentration of explosives and ambient noise.

The research presented in this thesis applies signal processing …

Optimal Integrator-Less Tracking Controller For Uncertain Systems, Anusha Mannava

Masters Theses

"Tracking controllers are designed to drive the system on the desired trajectory with minimum error. In real life, all systems have uncertainties such as friction, modeling inaccuracies or damage that cause the performance to deviate from the ideal response. This research is aimed at addressing the tracking problem in the optimal context and a generalized method to handle the uncertainties is proposed. In the first paper, an optimal tracking controller without an integral component is formulated for a linear system. This design can handle time varying, non-zero references and effectively alleviates the risk of 'wind up'. A neural network based …

Bayesian Approaches On Observational Before-After Highway Safety Analysis, Daxiao Liu

Masters Theses

"Observational before-after evaluation of roadway safety treatments effect is a necessary and challenging study area for traffic safety engineers. In decades, empirical Bayesian approach has been widely adopted among researchers in this area. In this approach, the researcher combined before period observation data with a safety performance function estimated from similar groups to estimate the expected number of crashes that would have occurred in the after period without the treatment. Comparing this estimate with the number of crashes observed in the after period, the researcher evaluated the effectiveness of the treatment. This approach accounts for well-known regression-to-the-mean effects. However, as …

Control And Applications Of Double Input Dc-Dc Power Electronic Converters, Venkata Anand Kishore Prabhala

Masters Theses

"Multi-input power electronic converters (MIPEC) are increasingly gaining interest in the fields of renewable energy systems and hybrid electric vehicles (HEV). The main advantage of MIPECs is their ability to interface several energy sources and storage devices using a single power conversion stage. Therefore, they provide simpler control and smaller parts count. In this thesis, various aspects of the utilization of double-input (DI) converters in solar and HEV applications are explored. For instance, a DI buckboost topology is proposed for a photovoltaic (PV)/battery energy system. The converter is controlled in a way that maximum power is drawn from the PV …

Improving Resiliency Using Graph Based Evolutionary Algorithms, Jayakanth Jayachandran

Masters Theses

"Resiliency is an important characteristic of any system. It signifies the ability of a system to survive and recover from unprecedented disruptions. Various characteristics exist that indicate the level of resiliency in a system. One of these attributes is the adaptability of the system. This adaptability can be enhanced by redundancy present within the system. In the context of system design, redundancy can be achieved by having a diverse set of good designs for that particular system. Evolutionary algorithms are widely used in creating designs for engineering systems, as they perform well on discontinuous and/or high dimensional problems. One method …

Implementing Frequency Regulation Capability In A Solar Photovoltaic Power Plant, Venkata Ajay Kumar Pappu

Masters Theses

"Photovoltaic power plants pose some challenges when integrated with the power grid. Today's PV plants focus on extracting the maximum power from the arrays. This makes the PV system unavailable for helping in regulating the grid frequency as compared to conventional synchronous generators. A new technique for tracking a pseudo-maximum power point for creating power reserve is presented. This will help provide fast response in injecting power to respond to rapid load changes in a manner analogous to the inertia of a rotating machine. This helps in contributing toward frequency regulation. This thesis examines the implementation of a two stage …

Integration And Test Of A Refrigerant-Based Cold-Gas Propulsion System For Small Satellites, Ryan Alan Pahl

Masters Theses

"Due to the launch safety constraints placed on university-built small satellites, designing a low-cost propulsion system to meet mission requirements presents a significant challenge to aspiring student engineers. The Missouri University of Science and Technology is currently developing a low-cost, two-phase propulsion system using the refrigerant R-134a as the propellant that can be stored at low pressures while still providing sufficient performance to meet mission goals. The purpose of this study is to present the testing results of a refrigerant-based cold gas system utilizing R-134a as a saturated liquid propellant and the ability to design this system to be portable …

Fpga Implementation Of Pso Algorithm And Neural Networks, Parviz Palangpour

Masters Theses

"This thesis describes the Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) implementations of two powerful techniques of Computational Intelligence (CI), the Particle Swarm Optimization algorithm (PSO) and the Neural Network (NN). Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO) is a popular population-based optimization algorithm. While PSO has been shown to perform well in a large variety of problems, PSO is typically implemented in software. Population-based optimization algorithms such as PSO are well suited for execution in parallel stages. This allows PSO to be implemented directly in hardware and achieve much faster execution times than possible in software. In this thesis, a pipelined architecture for hardware …

Quantification Of Product Color Preference In A Utility Function, Hannah L. Turner

Masters Theses

"Currently, many marketing and engineering tools exist to help a designer optimize quantitative attributes of a product, such as height, weight, volume, or cost. However, these methods cannot effectively take into consideration aesthetic attributes of a product, or any other attributes for which there is no understood functional relationship between the attribute's potential values and the consumer's preference. This research has begun the work of developing this necessary functional relationship for the aesthetic attribute of color and has created a methodology for further research. To do this, colors were represented by their red, green, and blue light components, and preference …

Gpu Based Processing For Airborne Detection, Dheeraj Singiresu

Masters Theses

"Onboard real-time processing is highly desirable in airborne detection applications. As the data processing involved here is computationally expensive, typically high power multi-rack system is required to achieve real-time detection. Use of such hardware is often not feasible in an airborne application due to space, power and weight constraints. In this thesis, different computing architectures suitable for real-time onboard processing are compared in terms of computation speed, watts/GFLOPS, and weight/GFLOPS. A brief description of the modem GPU architecture and the current GPGPU technology is provided. GPU implementations of some computationally expensive image processing applications such as band-to-band registration for Multi …

A Hybrid Problem-Based And Just-In-Time Inductive Teaching Method For Failure Analysis Instruction, Ryan Michael Arlitt

Masters Theses

"When engineers retire, they take their expert knowledge with them. Preservation of this expert knowledge in a usable form is beneficial for the advancement of any engineering field. Risk in Early Design (RED) is one method for preserving expert risk analysis knowledge. The first purpose of this paper is to examine the usability of RED when incorporated with a hybrid problem-based and just-in-time inductive teaching method for failure analysis instruction. The second purpose of this paper is to propose and perform steps toward verification and validation of the RED methodology and implementation. Evaluation metrics were developed, and several of these …

Comparing The Chelating Abilities Of N-Acetylcysteine And N-Acetylcysteine Amide In Vitro For Lead Poisoning Treatment, Weiqing Chen

Masters Theses

"Lead poisoning is a perennial and serious health problem around the world. The daily widespread use of lead has dramatically increased the degree and longevity of its exposure to humans, exacerbating the task of lead poisoning treatment. Lead exerts adverse effects on cardiovascular, central nervous, renal, gastrointestinal, and reproductive systems. The common treatment for lead poisoning is chelation therapy. Chelators were proposed to treat lead poisoning a very long time ago. However, chelators have severe side effects that could cause more problems, in addition to lead poisoning. Therefore, another group of drugs has been suggested --- antioxidants. This type of …

Time-Domain Thru-Reflect-Line (Trl) Calibration Error Assessment And Its Mitigation And Modeling Of Multilayer Printed Circuit Boards (Pcb) With Complex Area Fills, Vysakh Sivarajan

Masters Theses

"Part 1 for this thesis is on the error assessment of a time-domain (t-TRL) calibration technique. Application of the "Thru-Reflect-Line" (TRL) calibration to time-domain measurements of S-parameters (t-TRL) can be used for the characterization of the printed circuit boards (PCBs). However, t-TRL calibrated results still have deviations from the reference frequency-domain vector network analyzer (VNA) calibrated results. There are two main sources of errors in the t-TRL calibration. They are random errors, such as an additive noise and jitter, and systematic errors associated with cables, connectors, and port mismatches. This work addresses these two types of errors by proper selection …

Determining The R Values For 12 Inch Deep Z-Purlins And Girts With Through-Fastened Panels Under Suction Loading, Kaye Dee Wibbenmeyer

Masters Theses

"Designing purlins for roof systems attached to through-fastened panels has been a subject well researched in the past. The current design specification uses a simplified approach to the designing of these members where the fully braced moment capacity of such members is multiplied by a reduction factor, commonly referred to as the R-value. This value represents the point in between the fully braced and fully unbraced member behavior. However, the current AISI Specification, S100, only contains R-values for purlins and girts up to 11.5 inches in depth. Since manufacturers are now rolling sections up to 12 inches deep, two confirmatory …

Student-Consultant Continuum: Incorporating Writing Center Techniques Of Peer Review Into The Composition Classroom, Maria Lynn Soriano

Masters Theses

Peer collaboration about writing often functions as a required step in the writing processes of first-year writing students. Within the composition classroom, students read and respond to the writing of their peers, sometimes obtaining useful feedback, and sometimes just getting “You did a good job” as an evaluation. Outside of the classroom, the Writing Center exists as a space where students can work with a trained consultant to receive helpful suggestions and a thorough evaluation of their writing. Though the first-year writing classroom and the Writing Center exist as physically separate places, both rely on principles of collaboration and conversation …

Management Of A University Satellite Program With Focus On A Refrigerant-Based Propulsion System, Shawn W. Miller

Masters Theses

"The Missouri University of Science and Technology Satellite (M-SAT) design team has established a satellite program to develop a pair of satellites to perform an autonomous formation flight mission. The resulting configuration was assembled for the Air Force Research Lab University Nanosat Program. This document, written by the Program Manager and former member of the Propulsion subsystem, is a description of the management process used by the team to develop a satellite configuration. Included in the document is a discussion of team organization, techniques for managing a program, and lessons learned during the 2007 to 2008 timeframe. The managing techniques …

Validation Of Driving Simulator And Driver Perception Of Vehicle Mounted Attenuator Markings In Work Zones, Durga Raj Mathur

Masters Theses

"This research work sought to validate the driving simulator at Missouri University of Science and Technology and to evaluate the vehicle mounted attenuator (VMA) markings for various times of day. For comprehensive validation of the driving simulator, a framework is proposed which is demonstrated using a fixed-base driving simulator. Objective and subjective evaluations were conducted, and validation of the driving simulator was performed at specific locations and along the highway. Field data were collected for a partial lane closure using a global positioning system (GPS) along the work zone and supplemented with video recordings of traffic data at specific locations …

Modeling And Analysis Of High-Speed Sources And Serial Links For Signal Integrity, Siming Pan

Masters Theses

"As the computer and electronics industry moves towards higher data rates, signal integrity and electromagnetic interference (EMI) problems always present challenges for designers for high-speed data communication systems. To characterize the entire link path between transmitters and receivers, accurate models for sources, passive link path (such as traces, vias, connectors, etc), and terminations should be built before simulations either in frequency or time domain. Due to the imperfection of model, data corrections are preferred before time-domain simulations to ensure stability. Moreover, data obtained from models should be compared with measurement results to judge the level of agreement for validations. This …

The Relationship Between The Myers-Briggs Type Indicator And The Dispositional Resistance To Change Scale, Thomas A. Rausch

Masters Theses

The purpose of this study was to contribute to a better understanding of relationship between resistance to change and personality preference types. A survey was developed and administered to graduate students in the School of Technology at Eastern Illinois University. A total of 33 students responded. The surveys compared levels of resistance to organizational change to Myers Briggs Type Indicator preference types on each indices of personality. Results of this study indicated that the level of resistance to change based upon personality preference types is not significant. Recommendations for practice and recommendations for further research are discussed.

Fraternity Member's Perceptions Of The Benefits And Limitations Of On-Campus, University-Owned Fraternity Housing And Off-Campus, Chapter-Owned Fraternity Housing, Erin Therese Morettes

Masters Theses

This purpose of this qualitative study was to explore the perceptions of fraternity members in relation to their experience living in off-campus, chapter-owned fraternity housing and on-campus, university-owned fraternity housing. The fraternity resided in an off-campus chapter house for several decades and recently relocated to a housing facility provided by the university. General theme emerging from participants' responses were critically evaluated based on prior research. The findings of this study suggested that the participant's perceived on-campus housing to be an overall better living environment than off-campus housing in the areas of academic success, residential community, and student persistence and engagement. …

Technical Efficiency Of Farmers In Ethiopia: A Stochastic Production Frontier Approach, Askal Ayalew Ali

Masters Theses

This study is to investigate the farmer's efficiency in Ethiopia. The stochastic production function is applied to estimate the technical efficiency of farmers. Using 2006 survey data conducted by the World Bank in collaboration with Ethiopian Economic Policy Research Institute, shows that farmers produce under the production frontier, and the average technical efficiency of the farmers is 62.4 percent. Variation in efficiency comes from many factors, however, this study focuses on extension program participation, education, and land ownership. Lack of extension program and education cause inefficiencies of 59.8 percent and 60.21 percent respectively. Land ownership is found to have mixed …

Food Selection Trends And Requirements Of Students Participating In The National School Lunch Program, Patrick Ona

Masters Theses

The purpose of this study was to determine if students that participated in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP) were receiving an excessive or inadequate amount of macronutrients and micronutrients set by SMI nutrient standards and 2005 Dietary Guidelines. There were four research objectives regarding food selection trends, School Meals Initiative (SMI), 2005 Dietary Guidelines, and competitive foods. The researcher hypothesized the food selections by school-aged children would not meet the SMI nutrient standards and 2005 Dietary Guidelines.

The study was a cross-section observational study that used a self-developed observation checklist. Quantitative data was gathered over the course of 5 …

The Relative Age Effect In Junior College Baseball, Thomas C. Beals

Masters Theses

Previous research has suggested that older athletes within age groupings are often perceived to be more talented simply due to advanced maturity. This perception leads to biased selection to higher levels of competition and skewed participation rates favoring the oldest participants among groups. This resulting skewed distribution is termed Relative Age Effect (RAE). While RAE has been studied in various sports and multiple settings, college athletics has not been extensively studied. In addition, athletic organizations associated with academic institutions often group their participants according to their academic status, not strictly by age. This factor, termed Academic Timing, can result in …

Abdominal Muscle Activation And Caloric Expenditure: Ab Circle Versus Traditional Exercise Modalities, Maranda Rehg

Masters Theses

The purpose of this study was to compare the activation of the rectus abdominis, external oblique abdominis, lower abdominal stabilizers, and lumbar erector spinae during performance of traditional exercises (i.e. abdominal crunch, side bridge, and quadruped) versus the Ab Circle device. The caloric expenditure during an absolute work level on a treadmill versus the Ab Circle was also investigated. Twelve volunteers (6 men, 6 women) between the ages of19 and 37 were recruited to participate in this study. Prior to the experiment, subjects attended one familiarization session during which demographic information (age, height, body mass) was recorded and body fat …

A Comparison Of Computer-Assisted And Peer-Partner Practice In Treble-Staff Note Recognition, Pammala K. Goodenough

Masters Theses

This study compared the effectiveness of computer-assisted practice and peer-partner practice in treble-staff note recognition. Six 3rd-grade classes participated in 3 sessions, each including a 2-minute pre-test, a lesson on treble staff notes, a 10-minute practice drill, and a 2-minute post-test. During practice, half the students used the online Note Trainer from Ricci Adams ' Musictheory. net to practice identifying notes, while the other half practiced with a partner using flashcards of the notes of the treble staff. Results showed the computer students averaged over twice as many correct answers as the peer practice group at the end of the …

Halfway Around The World In 33 Days: The Creation Of Short Videos, Tasha Brown

Masters Theses

This project reports on the development and execution of a series of webisodes to promote study abroad through the discussion of pre-production, production, and post-production phases of video production. The target countries were New Zealand and Australia. The pre­production phase includes a review of previous research on study abroad with an emphasis on the issues and tactics used to encourage students to venture overseas. It also includes a summary report of qualitative and quantitative research conducted to identify specific Eastern Illinois University student's concerns about study abroad. The production section summarizes the actual fieldwork for this project. The post-production section …

Ready, Set, Grow!: Planting The Seeds For A Targeted Networking Approach For Rural Businesses In Clark County, Illinois, Nora L. Swalls

Masters Theses

The purpose of this creative thesis consisted of starting a targeted networking approach for businesses in Clark County, Illinois. A plan was designed and the first activity was accomplished by having a "Clark County Business Networking Dinner" which involved a complimentary meal, focus group discussions, a guest speaker and representatives from local, regional and state resources. The focus group discussion provided me and Community and Economic Development leaders with information regarding the specific needs and concerns of area businesses. After assessing the information provided from the focus groups at the dinner an educational follow-up workshop called "Ready, Set, GROW!" was …

Harnessing The Power Of Social Media: Understanding The Use Of Social Media For Crisis Communication, Amanda Fountain

Masters Theses

Organizations have been facing crises for years. However, the nature of crisis is changing with the onset of social media. Therefore, organizations need to understand, adapt to, and monitor social media sites to better prepare for crises. Additionally, social media can be used to respond to crises. By harnessing the power of social media, organizations can develop a more comprehensive and effective crisis communication plan. This thesis focuses on two case studies to illustrate the dangers and benefits of social media. The first case focuses on an uproar within a specific community on Twitter in response to a Motrin advertisement. …