Digital Commons Network^™

Development And Use Of Computer Aided Tools To Enhance Team Dynamics With Role Play Simulations, Vachaspathy Kuntamukkala

Masters Theses

"This thesis proposes a methodology for the development and use of computer based tools to enhance student team dynamics. Working effectively in groups cannot be taught in class room environment. Students often encounter conflicts during team meetings. Although some conflicts are resolved by the efforts of team members, an unbiased facilitator who is not a member of the team is often needed to help. This work proposes a tool that uses role play simulations to engage students in real-life scenarios so that they gain a practical, as well as a theoretical, understanding of how to work effectively as a team. …

In-Plane Behavior Of Strengthened Unreinforced Masonry Infill Walls With Alternative Wood-Fiber Fly Ash Material, Yosuke Tanizawa

Masters Theses

"This research investigates the potential for an alternative masonry product to use in masonry infill wall systems. The study also investigates the effects of an external fiber reinforced polymer (FRP) strengthening system on in-plane behavior of the alternative unreinforced masonry (URM) walls. The alternative masonry product is produced in a solid unit configuration and utilizes recycled white oak wood-fibers and an ASTM Class-C fly ash as its raw materials. The external strengthening system investigated consists of an elastomeric polyurea surface coating with and without integrated discrete chopped E-glass fibers which is directly sprayed on the URM wall surfaces. The alternative …

The Development And Application Of The Complete Time-Domain Trl Calibration Technique, Hongxia Ning

Masters Theses

"The first paper in the thesis discussed the development of a complete time-domain THRU-REFLECT-LINE (t-TRL) calibration technique. To validate the error correction technique, two stripline TRL test fixtures are designed and measured by two TDR instruments respectively. The t-TRL calibration is implemented to the recorded TDR/TDT waveforms and the comparison of the magnitude and phase results of S-parameters obtained by t-TRL and VNA TRL shows excellent agreement up to 25GHz.

In the second paper, the application of t-TRL calibration technique to the Root Impulse Energy (RIE) loss calculation is discussed. The RIE loss is theoretically derived for the matched network …

Investigation Of Selective Laser Sintering Of Zirconium Diboride Parts, Shashwatashish Pattnaik

Masters Theses

"This research investigates the fabrication of three-dimensional parts from ZrB₂, an ultra high temperature ceramic (UHTC), using the selective laser sintering (SLS) process. Based on an experimental investigation, optimum values for the SLS parameters (scan speed, laser power, energy density, scan spacing and layer thickness), used on a DTM Sinterstation 2000, were determined to build green ZrB₂ parts with high integrity and sharp geometrical features. This was done by melting the polymer binder used to bond the ceramic particles layer-by-layer according to the cross-section of a CAD model. The use of a sacrificial plate to eliminate cracks in the bottom …

An Evolutionary Algorithm Approach To Actuated Signal Timing Optimization Under Lane-By-Lane Detection Condition, Eric G. Strack

Masters Theses

"Motivated by the need to reduce congestion on the nation's roadway network, this research seeks to determine when a new detection scheme at actuated signalized intersections may help. This new detection scheme is called lane-by-lane detection. It "looks" at traffic in all lanes individually to determine the traffic volume on the roadway. Specifically, the problems addressed are investigating alternate signal timings and investigating the traffic volume's effect on performance of the detection scheme. For the alternate signal timings, an Evolutionary Algorithm (EA) was employed to identify the optimal signal timing. This algorithm creates signal timings and tests them in the …

An Integrated Damping And Strengthening Strategy For Performance-Based Seismic Design And Retrofit Of Highway Bridges, Kazi Rezaul Karim

Masters Theses

"In this study, a damping-enhanced strengthening (DES) strategy was introduced to retrofit bridge structures for multiple performance objectives. The main objectives of this study are (1) to numerically demonstrate the effectiveness of the anchoring mechanism of a constrained damping layer in the proposed DES system, and (2) to evaluate the performances of a highway bridge retrofitted with a DES retrofit technique of viscoelastic (VE) damping and carbon-fiber-reinforced-polymer (CFRP) strengthening components that are nearly independent under weak earthquakes but strongly coupled under strong earthquakes"--Abstract, page v.

Vehicle Positioning Using Image Processing, Armadeep Kaur

Masters Theses

"An imaging-processing approach is described that detects the position of a vehicle on a bridge or similar environment. A load-bearing vehicle must be carefully positioned on a bridge for quantitative bridge monitoring. The personnel required for setup and testing and the time required for bridge closure or traffic control are important management and cost considerations. Consequently, bridge monitoring and inspections are good candidates for smart embedded systems. The objectives of this work are to reduce the need for personnel time and to minimize the time for bridge closure. An approach is proposed that uses a passive target on the bridge …

Filtering, Modeling, And Control Of Axial Force Signals In Friction Stir Welding Processes, Thomas Michael Oakes

Masters Theses

"In Friction Stir Welding Processes, good contact between tool and work piece can be accomplished through control of the axial force signals. A method of stochastic modeling is introduced and used in conjunction with a Kalman filter to develop empirical static and dynamic models relating the axial force to input process parameters. The filtering method reduces signal variance by an order of magnitude. The models are experimentally validated and used to design and implement a general tracking controller with disturbance rejection for axial force control. Online control of the axial force is experimentally validated for bead-on-plate welds using a 6061 …

Public-Private Partnerships In High Risk Transportation Projects, Kiran Rangarajan

Masters Theses

"This research examines Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) between private firms and City of Chamois, Missouri to establish a ferry boat service across the Missouri River. The study illustrates the role of PPPs in managing high risk transportation projects for rural economic development. The research study was designed to accomplish three objectives. First, understand and study the high risk transportation industry which included analyzing other ferry services in and around the region, and identifying potential risks involved in a ferry boat project. Second, study various models of PPPs, identify the attributes of each model and select appropriate models based on local and …

Investment Shell Cracking, Edward A. Druschitz

Masters Theses

"Shell cracking is the single greatest problem affecting investment casters. A clearer understanding of the factors affecting the melt profile of the wax can be gained using computational fluid dynamics (CFD) to model the interaction among 1) the thermal conductivity of the wax, 2) the thermal conductivity of the shell, and 3) the temperature of the autoclave during the autoclave de-waxing cycle. The most favorable melt profile results from a high autoclave temperature (438⁰K to 458⁰K) and saturated thermal conductivity of the shell (1.36 to 1.40 Wm⁻¹k⁻¹) in conjunction with a low wax thermal conductivity (0.33 Wm⁻¹k⁻¹). These parameters reduce …

Emi Chip-To-Tem Cell Coupling For A Microcontroller And Emi Coupling Resulting From Via Transition And Reference Plane Change, Hemant Bishnoi

Masters Theses

"The work presented in this thesis can be broadly categorized under two main headings, estimation of electromagnetic interference (EMI) performance and characterization of EMI performance.

A numerical model of capacitive coupling between two orthogonally crossing double stripline was developed earlier by Kenji Araki and Yoshio Kami at the University of Electro-Communications, Japan. Their model was shown to be accurate up to 3GHz. A verification of their numerical model with full wave simulations is presented here.

In another work done by Shaohua Li, dynamic currents in the power pins of a microcontroller were predicted by using an IC model. The ultimate …

Design And Implementation Of An Asynchronous Null Convention Logic (Ncl) Fpga, Indira Priyadarshini Dugganapally

Masters Theses

"This Master’s thesis outlines the design of a completely asynchronous Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) for implementing NULL Convention Logic (NCL) digital circuits. The proposed design uses four Configurable Logic Blocks (CLB), each of which in turn is designed using four Logic Elements (LE) to implement NCL logic function. Each LE can be configured to function as any one of the 27 fundamental NCL gates. A Logic Element is designed by concatenating a Look-Up-Table (LUT) with a pull-up pull-down transistor chain and a hysteresis loop. The interconnections and the switch box are designed using pass transistors and SRAM. In this …

Development Of Extrusion On Demand For Ceramic Freeze-Form Extrusion Fabrication Processes, Parimal Sanjay Kulkarni

Masters Theses

"Freeze-form Extrusion Fabrication (FEF) is a Solid Freeform Fabrication method. It involves the deposition of a ceramic paste in a layer by layer manner to construct a three dimensional structure. The ceramic paste used in this process consists of a high solids loading of ceramic powder mixed with water and a nominal amount of an aqueous organic binder. These characteristics make the process environmentally friendly. Also the absence of dies or molds in the process makes it suitable for fabrication of materials like ceramics. In the past, parts have been fabricated with continuous extrusion of a ceramic paste. In FEF, …

Inductance Modeling And Extraction In Emc Applications, Clint Matthew Patton

Masters Theses

"Inductance has become a challenging problem for EMC engineers in many applications. Regardless of the application at hand, the first step remains the same; return to the physics and trace the current paths. IGBTs have become an important part in the design of power electronics because of their ability to switch fast and with stand high currents. Modules used for three phase motor drives often create problems when neglected parasitic components show themselves and interfere with the performance of the desired operation of a system. Many manufactures of these modules do not give out equivalent circuit modules and therefore leave …

An Analysis Of Lessons Learned And Best Practices From Fuel Cell Applications With An Emphasis On Hydrogen Technology, Clint Alex Cottrell

Masters Theses

"In its review of the Department of Energy's Research Development and Demonstration (RD&D) plan for hydrogen, the National Academies recommended a study of lessons learned from technologies developed for stationary fuel cell power systems. Thus, the motivation for this thesis is to study and identify the lessons learned and best practices from prior stationary fuel cell power programs. To understand how to prepare for this technology, this study conducted a thorough investigation of past stationary alternative power projects to assess the opportunities for future stationary power efforts, and how this information can be used to meet objectives for future fuel …

Application Of Ground Penetrating Radar (Gpr) For Bridge Deck Condition Assessment: Using A 1.5 Ghz Ground-Coupled Antenna, Amos Wamweya

Masters Theses

"This study is a GPR-based assessment of three bridge decks, two with a hot bituminous wearing surface and one with a bare concrete slab. The primary objectives of this study were: 1) to assess the integrity of the three bridge decks using a 1.5 GHz ground-coupled GPR antenna, and 2) to evaluate the utility of the 1.5 GHz ground-coupled antenna for bridge deck investigations. Core control (chloride ion concentration data and core integrity data) and visual inspection were used as interpretive constraint. The acquired GPR data were interpreted, and two plan view maps were generated. One depicts the magnitude of …

The Day We All Became Hokies: An Exploratory Uses And Gratifications Study Of Facebook Use After The Virginia Tech Shootings, Sabrena Michelle Carter

Masters Theses

Facebook has been incorporated into the regular activities of over 100 million users. After the Virginia Tech Shootings, individuals began interacting with Facebook in a unique way. This exploratory project analyzed uses and gratifications of Facebook use in the time following the Virginia Tech shootings. In-depth qualitative interviews were conducted with seven college students whose Facebook profiles acknowledged the event in at least one area.

The study found preliminary evidence of Blumler's categories of Surveillance, Diversion, Personal Identity, and Personal Relationships. The category of Curiosity was not substantiated in the findings. New categories were suggested based on the results. These …

Generation And Analysis Of Fcg Data Using A Single Specimen And Kmax - ∆K Testing Matrix, Sree Phani Chandar Reddy

Masters Theses

A custom method to generate fatigue crack growth (FCG) data requires testing of multiple specimens at different load ratios. In addition, it includes the application of a load shedding procedure from pre-cracking level to threshold.

In this thesis, a novel method of testing has been investigated that utilizes a single specimen and a testing matrix in terms of K_maxand ∆K values corresponding to predetermined R-ratios for which FCG data, da/dN, are recorded. Automatic K-controlled tests on 2324-T39 Al alloy were conducted using the ∆K increasing and ∆K decreasing procedures while K_maxwas kept constant. Results show that …

Music And Literacy: Current Trends And Common Approaches Of Music Therapists In Early Childhood And School Settings, Julie A. Palmieri

Masters Theses

Reading and writing is the key to all learning, and providing children with effective literacy practices is one of the primary goals of educational systems. The purpose of this study was to identify the current trends and common approaches of professional music therapists who incorporate literacy learning into their practice. A total of 192 participants responded and completed the survey entitled Music and Literacy: Current trends and common approaches of music therapists. The study investigated if music therapists address the specific areas of literacy (vocabulary, comprehension, fluency, phonemic awareness, and phonics) that had been identified through a review of literature. …

Breaking Protocol: The Failure Of The Bush Administration To Ratify The Kyoto Protocol As A State Crime, Jacquelynn A. Doyon

Masters Theses

Using the Kyoto Protocol as a centrifugal focus point, this research conceptualizes the failure of the United States to act on global warming as a state crime. The decision of the United States not to ratify the protocol was largely based on economic justifications. However, the actions taken following the Kyoto Protocol indicate that the US government was instead dedicated more to their own economical interests, rather than those of the state was a whole. Through the exploration of possible economic and political motivations, the research identifies ulterior motives of the Bush administration that have proved to be detrimental to …

Perils On The High Seas: The Effects Of Submersion And Containment On Human Decomposition In Saltwater, Celene Aundrea Sotkowy

Masters Theses

Forensic analysis of decomposing human remains in a submerged and contained aquatic environment is an area of research that lacks systematic evaluation and hinders the ability to accurately determine time since death/submersion. Expanding our understanding of how submersion and containment affects the known taphonomic agents pursuant to aquatic environments will contribute to the knowledge base on human decomposition in a multitude of environments.

In response to this limited knowledge base, this thesis reviews ten marine and air incidents occurring along the coast of British Columbia, Canada in which the bodies of eighteen individuals were recovered from inside the submerged wreckage …

Global Skin Friction Diagnostics In Complex Separated Flows, Sudesh A. Woodiga

Masters Theses

This work describes the application of a global luminescent oil film skin friction meter to quantitative global skin friction diagnostics in complex separated flows. The development of this technique is based on the relationship between the oil film thickness and luminescent intensity of an oil film mixed with a luminescent dye. The projected thin oil film equation is given to relate the normalized luminescent intensity with skin friction. The basis for this technique is the variational solution for the thin oil film equation on the image plane. The variational formulation with a smoothness constraint on skin friction is proposed to …

A Geophysical Survey Of Fort St. Joseph (20be23), Niles, Michigan, Daniel P. Lynch

Masters Theses

Fort St. Joseph is a 17th-18th century French (and later English) mission-garrison-trading post complex located in southwest Michigan. A geophysical survey was performed and the results of the survey were tested through archaeological excavation. The geophysical methods included ground penetrating radar, electromagnetic induction, electrical resistivity, magnetic gradiometry, and magnetic susceptibility. The results of the archaeological excavations demonstrate that magnetic gradiometry was the preferred geophysical method at this particular site. The magnetic gradiometer survey included both terrestrial and possible submerged portions the site. Laboratory analysis of the magnetic susceptibility and magnetic viscosity of soils and rocks demonstrated that the archaeological features …

Single Muslim Young Adults: Negotiating Identities, Religion And Desire, Zarinah El-Amin Naeem

Masters Theses

This ethnographic thesis is an empirically rich, critical analysis of the singlehood of Muslim young adults. Based on interviews with 21 single Muslims aged 18-36, and participant observation of Muslim spaces, I demonstrate that while Islam and Muslim communities present "ideal" behaviors, Islam is not alone. Instead, like identity, the singlehood of American Muslims is created and recreated through dialectical relationships with several cultural "wombs" including religion, popular culture, family, and ethnicity. As Muslim young adults encounter these often contradictory ideologies, they accept and reject parts, and negotiate their identities, religion and desires - all while struggling to maintain a …

Gleishcshaltung And The Confessing Church During The German Church Struggle, Emily Jane Darnell

Masters Theses

This thesis analyzes the contributing factors to the actions taken by the churches in Germany during what Karl Barth and others termed the Kirchenkampf, or German Church Struggle. The Kirchenkampf took place mainly in the 1930s and 1940s. As Hitler rose to power, a new term was coined, Gleichschaltung, which described his program for bringing all of Germany and his conquests into line with the worldview of the Third Reich.

The primary sources for research include works by Martin Luther that shaped the mindset of the churchmen, and history texts detailing the Weimar Republic serving as background for the cultural …

Existential Temporality As Fore-Ignorance: Implications For Divine Foreknowledge, David Pensgard

Masters Theses

Investigation into the nature of time is commonly taken to be a necessary precursor to the study of God's temporal status. These studies involve metaphysical concerns within the philosophy of time that focus on the logical structure of tensed statements about the future. Taking a different approach, this paper investigates the nature of temporality, rather than time, and proceeds via a phenomenological methodology. This often-overlooked methodology, it is argued, is preeminent over the metaphysical methodology. When the results of the two methods conflict the phenomenological methodology should dominate discussion. Proceeding with the more powerful method, it is argued that temporality, …

Designed For Play: A Case Study Of Uses And Gratifications As Design Elements In Massively Multiplayer Online Role-Playing Games, Timothy Patrick Gibson

Masters Theses

The World of Warcraft is a paid electronic experience known as a Massively Online Role Playing Game. Since its creation, this video game has attracted over ten million subscribers. A broad question asked why this massive amount of people would join this online environment. The researcher proposed that developers of the game designed certain uses and gratifications into the online environment and that these elements could be observed through a participant observation methodology. Four uses and gratifications were singled out for observation including interactivity, asynchroniety, demassification, and community. The work reports the observations of the uses and gratifications through the …

The Power Of ‘When I Was Your Age’: Research On Parental Narratives And Their Influence On Cognitive Dissonance In Children, Darci C. Adams

Masters Theses

Parents are continually looking for correct and effective ways to discipline and instruct their children. Often, parents will tell a personal narrative beginning with “when I was your age” to demonstrate to their children the appropriate way to think and behave. This thesis asks three research questions: What are the common themes in parental narratives that young adults remember in relation to instruction or discipline? How does the narrative structure demonstrate narrative coherence and fidelity? What do young adults self-report about the impact of the parental narrative on their cognitive dissonance? Through a content analysis of eighty completed surveys by …

Influence Of Bioirrigation On Metal Distribution Within Burrows, Terri Shattuck

Masters Theses

Bioirrigation is the increase of solute transport resulting from introduction of oxygenated water from the surface into the more reduced environment deep within the burrow. Fe and Mn hydr-(oxides) accumulate on burrow margins in response to the oxygen flux into suboxic porewaters. This has been shown to trap trace metals (Harding and Risk, 1986; Tessier and Campbell, 1988; Tessier et al., 1979, 1982). The diagenesis, mobility, and transport of metals contribute to the bioavailability of metals in the environment possibly to the extent of harming ecosystems; especially in coastal areas with buried waste. This study assesses Fe and trace metal …

An Evaluation Of Preference For Modeling Interventions, Kaneen B. Geiger

Masters Theses

Video modeling is an instructional technique demonstrated to effectively increase social skills, academic skills, daily living skills and play skills of children with autism. There are several hypotheses for why video modeling is effective. One hypothesis is that children with autism prefer watching videos to looking at people, thereby enhancing motivation and making attending to the video model automatically reinforcing, however, preference for video has not been experimentally examined. This study assessed participants' preference for either video modeling or in vivo modeling using a concurrent-chains arrangement. None of the three participants showed a preference for either video modeling or in …