Digital Commons Network^™

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 …

Microstructure And Mechanical Properties Of Silicon Carbide-Titanium Diboride Ceramic Composites, Derek Scott King

Masters Theses

"The microstructure, hardness, fracture toughness, Young's modulus, strength and Weibull modulus of silicon carbide-titanium diboride (SiC-TiB₂) ceramics were studied. First, SiC-TiB₂ ceramics with 15 vol.% TiB₂ particles were processed using two green processing methods, spray drying (ST) and ball milling (SiC-15TiB₂). In addition, SiC-TiB2 ceramics with TiB₂ contents ranging from 0 to 100 vol.% were produced to determine a TiB₂ content that produced the best combination of mechanical properties. From spray drying, segregation of the TiB₂ particles in ST led to a granule-like microstructure and spontaneous microcracking in the final ceramic. In ceramics containing 20 and 40 vol.% TiB₂, the …

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 …

Using Lidar As A Monitoring Device To Calculate Volume Of Rockfall Over Time, Travis James Kassebaum

Masters Theses

"There are many natural hazards which threaten the stability of highway infrastructure and the safety of motoring public. Rockfall and unstable slopes are one of the major concerns. This thesis describes a method which safely and accurately evaluates rockfall on rock outcrops through the use of Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) data. LiDAR is an imaging technology which can be used to measure and evaluate possible rock outcrop hazards such as: rockfall, rock-avalanches, debris flows, and landslides. LiDAR produces a three dimensional point cloud of millions of points which gives spatial data on the scanned object, accurate to millimeters, in …

Hydraulic Fracturing Experiments To Investigate Circulation Losses, Maximiliano Liberman

Masters Theses

"In recent years the oil and gas industry has been drilling more challenging wells due to long deviated wells, drilling through already depleted reservoirs, sub salt wells and increasing water depth. A major challenge these wells create is to prevent fluid loss into the formation and wellbore breakouts by having accurately determined the mud weight operational window. In addition to accurately determine the fracture gradient, additives in the drilling fluid have been used to enhance the fracture gradient in an industry process named wellbore strengthening. In order to study the phenomenon of fracture gradient alteration, a hydraulic fracturing apparatus was …

Surfactant Enhanced Oil Recovery By Wettability Alteration In Sandstone Reservoirs, Omar Elmofty

Masters Theses

"Recovering more oil from existing oil reservoirs using enhanced oil recovery methods holds the key for meeting future energy demands. Even though wettability is a cornerstone in oil recovery, few studies have focused on increasing oil recovery in sandstone reservoirs through wettability alteration. The objective of this thesis is to prove that altering the wettability of a sandstone rock to preferentially water-wet condition will reduce the remaining oil saturation and thus increase the percentage of recovered oil.

Two commercial surfactants were selected after studying both the phase behavior and the interfacial properties of 30 surfactants with oil and 1.00% sodium …

Depth Profiling Of Pahs Treated With Activated Carbon Using In-Situ Spme, Ryan D. Stringer

Masters Theses

"Novel and efficient methods to measure the bioavailability of hydrophobic organic contaminants (HOCs) in contaminated sediments will play an important role in the acceptance of alternative sediment remediation strategies. In this project, solid phase microextraction (SPME) fibers, protected in perforated steel tubes, were used as in situ passive samplers to measure the treatment of activated carbon (AC) in polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) contaminated sediment. Contaminated sediment was treated with two modes of AC waterjet amendment. In the first treatment, a single 2-min injection was shot into the center of a test vessel and in the second treatment, multiple 7-sec injections …

Automatic Detection Of Annular-Granular Patterns In Melanoma In Situ Dermoscopy Images, Parivash Hajiyani

Masters Theses

"Early detection of malignant melanoma greatly benefits patients, as the overall success is dependent on finding these melanomas before they reach the invasive stage. Dermoscopy is a non-invasive skin imaging technique that studies have shown can improve the diagnostic accuracy of dermatologists by as much as 30% over clinical examination. In this project machine vision and image analysis techniques are used to detect annular granular areas in dermoscopy images automatically. The proposed algorithm utilizes the luminance ratio between annular and granular areas within the darkest 30% of the lesion. All points whose luminance value are less than 30% of the …

Energy Efficiency In Wastewater Treatment: Standards For Missouri Facilities, Samantha Lauren Markus

Masters Theses

"Traditionally, energy has been used to treat wastewater. As energy costs rise, so does the financial burden on communities with municipal wastewater treatment plants (WWTP). Determining energy efficiency of small to mid-sized plants is difficult because these plants are the least likely to have the resources to conduct an energy audit and the most likely to be overlooked in national models due to their small contribution to the national energy burden. Data was gathered via personal contact the WWTPs in Missouri and from this data metrics fro comparison were developed. The data was also compared to the predicted energy use …

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 …

In Planta Solid Phase Sampling Devices Used In Delineating Groundwater Contaminant Plumes, Mikhil Kishore Shetty

Masters Theses

"The widespread and indiscriminate use of chlorinated volatile organic compounds as cleaning agents at dry - cleaning facilities, as metal degreasers and solvents in extraction and removal operations has been well documented in the past resulting in releases, while contaminating soil and groundwater. Current techniques to assess chlorinated solvents such as tetrachloroethylene (PCE) and trichloroethylene (TCE) in the subsurface have been time and cost intensive and more importantly invasive to the surrounding environment. New methods use trees as sources of information to access contaminant plume size and plume delineation. The major goal of these research studies has been to save …

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 …

Cooperative Power Control Approaches Towards Fair Radio Resource Allocation For Wireless Network, Liuju Wu

Masters Theses

"Performance optimization in wireless networks is a complex problem due to variability and dynamics in network topology and density, traffic patterns, mutual interference, channel uncertainties, etc. Opportunistic or selfish approaches may result in unbalanced allocation of channel capacity where particular links are overshadowed. This degrades overall network fairness and hinders a multi-hop communication by creating bottlenecks. A desired approach should allocate channel capacity proportionally to traffic priority in a cooperative manner. This work consists of two chapters that address the fairness share problem in wireless ad hoc, peer-to-peer networks and resource allocation within Cognitive Radio network. In the first paper, …

Finite Element Analysis Of Blade-Formation Interactions In Excavation, Osei Brown

Masters Theses

"The efficiency and costs of mining operations greatly depend on the efficient design and use of excavators. The performance of these capital-intensive excavators requires thorough understanding of the physical and design factors that affect the formation-cutting tool interaction process. The current body of knowledge, based on experimental and analytical methods, provides limited understanding of these factors, which limits the accurate design and performance of excavators. The soil constitutive equations used in most of the available finite element (FE) models also fail to adequately capture the elastic and plastic behaviors of soil formations. This research initiative uses FE techniques to model …

The Use Of Electrical Resistivity Tomography (Ert) To Delineate Water-Filled Vugs Near A Bridge Foundation, Jeremiah Chukwunonso Obi

Masters Theses

"A structural support was needed to strengthen the load-bearing capacity of an unnamed bridge foundation in Laclede County in South-Central Missouri due to increasing traffic volume and age of the bridge. This area is characterized by karstic features such as losing streams, underground caves and sinkholes. During the construction of a drilled shaft for the substructure, a few feet north of the north footing of the pier, voids were noted beneath a roughly 2 foot thick cap of dolomite rock. Because of this, there were concerns about the integrity of the rock beneath the existing bridge foundation. Consequently, subsurface investigation …

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 …

The Effect Of Sulfur On Structure And Conversion Of Bioactive Borate Glasses, Ali Mohammadkhah

Masters Theses

"The effect of sulfur on glass structure and the conversion process of bioactive CaO-LI₂O-B₂O₃ glasses were studied. One glass without and two glasses with different amounts of sulfur were made using conventional melting and dry quenching techniques. These glasses reacted with a phosphate solution and converted to hydroxyapatite. Particles (150-355µm) were reacted in 0.25 and 0.5 molar K₂HPO₄ solutions at 37⁰C for 2 to 96 hours. The weight loss of the particles and the final pH of the solution were measured. The weight loss measurements indicated that the reaction rate increases with …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

Defending Tertullian's Orthodoxy: A Study On Third Century Christianity, Kevin Gift

Masters Theses

Scholars have attempted to place Tertullian into two or three distinct schools of thought. Some, such as Pope Benedict XVI, state that Tertullian turned his back on the church. Others, like Andrew McGowan, posit a more complex timeline. McGowan claims Tertullian left the church only to return at a later date. The reason for such speculation was Tertullian's interest in the Montanist, a second to third century heretical group. The goal of this study is to provide sufficient evidence that Tertullian never made the complete move to Montanism and never separated form the church of Carthage. A careful analysis of …

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 …

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 …

You've Got A Friend In Me: An Analysis Of Coworker Friendship Relationships, Ebonee Johnikin

Masters Theses

Relationships between individuals fashion themselves in many settings and on various levels. Friendships are pivotal relationships that significantly contribute to social life, health and well-being, job satisfaction, and workplace interaction. More specifically, coworker friendship relationships are unique in their length, measurement, development, and maintenance as their formation occurs within mutually shared environments outside of family relationships. This study employed a mixed methods procedure to specifically examine these relationships. Three research questions guided the first study in an attempt to find if gender and length of friendship relationships significantly affect strength measurements of the relationship. The second study was guided by …

An Inquiry Into Contextualized Christian Expression In North India, M. J. Gracin

Masters Theses

The riches of India's ancient and diverse culture are proclaimed from the music that communicates the heart of Bharat Mata - Mother India. This sentiment resounds across the vast geographical area of India in songs from Hindus, Muslims, Sikhs, Buddhists, Christians and Bollywood composers. The question of how Christians might express their faith in light of societal, historical and religious amalgamations is the topic of discussion for this project. The inquiry will focus on the music culture of North India, specifically as it is expressed in the city of B_____, Uttar Pradesh. A six week field study was conducted in …

Zionism: An Ethnic Nationalist Movement Of The Late 19th And Early 20th Centuries, Emily Michele Michalek

Masters Theses

This research traces the cultural, religious and organizational roots of the Zionist movement from the First Zionist Congress in 1897 through the Balfour Declaration in 1917. Using newspaper articles, diaries and journals of Zionist leaders, archives from the World Zionist Organization, and various secondary sources, this thesis argues that the Zionist Movement from 1897-1917, should be considered one of the ethnic nationalist movements of the late nineteenth and early twentieth century. It addition, it seeks to show that religion has a unique and essential role in unifying people groups toward nationalist tendencies. Using key elements of religious and cultural tradition, …

Social Tensions And Acculturation: Portrayals Of German Integration Discourse, Soeren Wendland

Masters Theses

This Master Thesis deals with the portrayal of social tensions and acculturation perceptions resulting from German integration discourse. Wester, Pleijter, and Renckstorf's (2004) model for interpretative content analysis was applied to examine the portrayal of migrants and integration from three German online magazines. Germany's struggle with its multicultural aspect is described, a history of Germany as a multicultural society is provided, acculturation theory is described, the meaning of integration in Germany is illustrated, perceptions of Germans and foreigners on life in Germany are explored, and the role of the media in the integration discourse is introduced. Results show magazine portrayals …

Tickled To Death: The Consistency Of Tones In The Arts Of Eudora Welty And Flannery O'Connor, Ramona Dale Myers

Masters Theses

Eudora Welty and Flannery O'Connor are two southern authors who are well-known among American Literature enthusiasts. Although their overall tones and styles are not often very similar, they definitely had similar expectations of and explanations for how they wrote. Not only did Welty and O'Connor impart to the literary world a variety of fictional works, they also wrote essays, letters, and introductions which provide background information about their own framework of time and place, the relational conflicts within their fiction, and the importance of figurative language in literary art. Though they were sixteen years apart in age and came from …

Holy Horror: A Quantitative Analysis Of The Use Of Religion In The Yearly Top Grossing Horror Films From 2000 To 2009, Jason Duane Wheeler

Masters Theses

The yearly top-grossing films from 2000 to 2009 were analyzed to see if correlation exists between overt religious content and box office success. Also, the films were analyzed to see if correlation exists between overt religious content and IMDb.com user ratings. Neither box office success nor IMDb.com user ratings were found to be correlated with over religious content.