Digital Commons Network^™

A New Clustering Protocol For Hybrid Sensor Vehicular Networks (Hsvns), Saleha Mubarak Mohammed Al Mheiri

Theses

As the UAE is classified among the highest countries in road accidents; it’s an urgent necessity to derive proper and effective solutions. One of the well-known solutions is to move to the Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS). ITS is achieved by the implementation of advanced technologies to help the roads to be smarter, safer and more coordinated. There are different studies and researches published in this area. This thesis is mainly conducted to achieve the same goal, which is increasing the safety on our roads.

The aim of this research is to build a new clustering protocol in the Hybrid Sensor …

The Sages And Philosophers: Reevaluating The Interaction Between Ancient Israel And Greece, Mike Tolliver

Theses

The previously assumed late development of the Jewish sacred writings led many to conclude that the Hellenistic world greatly influenced both the content and worldview of the Hebrew authors. Though the evidence for the historical reconstruction that required the Jewish texts to develop late has been called into question, scholars have yet to reconsider the implications this has for the antiquity of the ideas contained within the Jewish writings and their influence on surrounding cultures. Whereas it was once taken for granted that the Jews borrowed form and content from their Greek neighbors, it is now possible, even probable, that …

Wing Chun: Introducing Basic Wing Chun Kung Fu Using Instructional Multimedia, Li Han Huang

Theses

"Wing Chun Kung Fu 3D" is a conceptual website that offers people a new experience to learn and play Wing Chun Kung Fu via instructional multimedia.

In the website, instead of showing the video or static images in a conventional way, users can learn basic Wing Chun with elements such as three dimensional visuals, animations, and interactivity.

By having a TV-game interactive style to create a pleasant learning environment, I will demonstrate how to use instructional multimedia to teach martial arts through non-traditional methods.

Website link:

wk3d.com

Folding Seating System For Airports, Xiaoxiao Pu

Theses

Commercial flight and other fast transport ensure the operation of today's busy and fast-paced society. Air travel of today, under its mature market, still needs to improve its capacity to respond to emergency situations. A comfortable, safe and quiet place for those who are stuck in the airport due to an unexpected layover or weather delay should be one of the improvements of the airlines. The purpose of this thesis was to design a seating system to help transiting or layover passengers spend a night at the airport more comfortably and safely based on the existing seating system.

EZ fold …

Wonderland, Meng-Han Yu

Theses

"I believe that every single event in life happens in an opportunity to choose love over fear" Oprah Winfrey .

My thesis "Wonderland" derives its knowledge from my life experiences, re-used to narrate how people can change or improve their attitude towards their life. Let us begin with how the title was born.

My parents were divorced when I was ten years old. My mother, a registered nurse, sometimes had to stay on duty overnight. Her boyfriend, who used to stay home, very often stirred up trouble between my mother and me. My mother always scolded me without considering the …

A Portrayal Of Biomechanics In Avian Flight, Kelly M. Kage

Theses

The art of avian flight is incredibly complex and sophisticated. It is one of the most energy-intensive modes of animal locomotion, and requires specific anatomical and physiological adaptations. I believe that in order to truly comprehend the beauty and complexity of avian flight, it is necessary to clearly visualize the anatomical adaptations found in birds. To aid in the visualization process, I set out to produce a series of educational animations that focus on the biomechanical requirements for flight. These requirements are numerous and complex, often making the flight process difficult to visualize and understand. The artwork and animations that …

Ventricular Myocyte Contraction, Calcium Transport And Expression Of Genes Encoding Cardiac Muscle Proteins In Type 2 Diabetic Rats Fed A Sucrose-Enriched Diet, Eslam Mohamed Gaber El Nebrisi

Theses

Diabetes Mellitus (DM) is currently the fastest growing disease in the world. The prevalence of DM has increased worldwide and is expected to double within 20 years. The UAE is ranked 15^th worldwide, with 18.98% of the UAE population living with diabetes. Six Middle East North Africa (MENA) region countries – Bahrain, Egypt, Kuwait, Oman, Saudi Arabia, and United Arab Emirates (UAE) - are among the world’s 10 highest for prevalence of diabetes and impaired glucose tolerance. This represents a huge cost to society in terms of morbidity and mortality, and economically through lost productivity and cost burden on …

Believe: A Motion Graphic Animation Brings Positive Power To Life, Yu-Hsin Chang

Theses

Life is an adventure, and growing up is not always enjoyable. When Life is filled mainly with struggles, sometimes people lose their confidence. They lack faith in themselves. Believe is a short motion graphic that comes directly from my own personal experience. This animation expresses my views on progress through life.

The motion graphics animation has had a significant impact on audiences. The story encourages people to build up their faith and self-confidence, because Life is full of opportunity.

The project was made by using motion graphics design concepts and experimenting with current computer graphics integration technologies. The final delivery …

Evaluation Of Electrocoagulation For The Removal Of Chromium (Vi) From Brackish Groundwater, Shaima S Hamdan

Theses

Electrocoagulation (EC) has been evaluated for the removal of Cr (VI) from brackish groundwater using three different bench-scale EC reactors, namely batch stirred tank reactor (BSTR), continuous stirred tank reactor (CSTR) and a continuous electrocoagulation column (ECC). Batch EC process was experimentally examined at room temperature and the results indicated that Fe-Fe electrode pair was the most efficient arrangement and was able to achieve 100 % Cr removal at an electrocoagulation time of 5 minutes, a current density of 7.94 mA/cm², and pH of 8. A kinetic study of batch EC was then performed using both pseudo-first-order and …

Reproducing The Chinese Ancient Heroic Figure “Xiang Yu” Using 3d Graphics Technology, Ke Xiang

Theses

The ancient country of China has a long history. It has many fascinating historical stories, historical figures, and an elaborate history. For people who want to learn about Chinese history it can often seem overwhelming.

I am planning to find an easy and interesting approach for people who are interested in learning about Chinese history. The effective approach to communicate to people could be enhanced visuals depicting the rich his€tory of China.

Out of this long history, I decided to reproduce a Chinese ancient heroic figure with 3D graphics tech€nology. I will achieve this by using 3D modeling technology, using …

Molecular Characterization Of Vim Carbapenemases In The Arabian Peninsula, Nour Yahfoufi

Theses

The emergence and global spread of carbapenem resistant Enterobacteriaceae is alarming world-wide phenomenon that also affects the Middle East due to limited treatment options for such infections and their common association with high level of fatality. The most important mechanism of such resistance is caused by the production of various carbapenemase enzymes. In the Arabian Peninsula, so far, NDM and OXA48-like carbapenemases have been reported, while elsewhere other enzymes, e.g. VIM, IMP and KPC are also commonly found. Our aim was to systematically look for the VIM-type carbapenemases among local isolates and to characterize their genetic background.

Initially, screening isolates …

Use Of Nanoparticles In Disinfection Of Desalinated Water In United Arab Emirates, Laila Masoud Rashid Al-Issai

Theses

United Arab Emirates (UAE) as well as most Gulf Countries depends mostly on desalinated sea water as the main source of drinking water. The drinking water disinfection process has been routinely carried out since the turn of the century to destroy pathogenic organisms and prevent waterborne diseases. When chemical disinfection is applied before or after desalination, a number of harmful compounds are formed posing potential risks to the health of human or aesthetic quality of drinking water. As such, a tremendous number of studies have been conducted to identify new alternative methods of disinfecting water without formation of harmful Disinfection …

The Winds Of Change: The Political Ecology Of Renewable Energy Transition In Vermont, Jill Mcnulty Clegg

Theses

This research presents a case study of renewable energy transition (RET) in Vermont, illustrated by a recently completed commercial wind project in the Lowell Mountains. Preliminary analysis maps out the current political landscape of Vermont’s RET – its stakeholders, political climate, and important policy advances. Subsequent analysis focuses on the relationship between RET and the unique aspects of Vermont’s institutions, culture, and communities. Important elements of this analysis include the ways that community groups form a vital link between citizens and the State, the unique opportunities and challenges presented by Vermont’s pastoral land perception and activist heritage, and the way …

Home Security: The Psychological Threshold, David Strauss

Theses

Home Security: The Psychological Threshold, explores how a thoughtful, intelligent product design solution can psychologically affect two user groups (homeowners and intruders) into opposing emotional states; safety and intimidation.

Using available statistical data and research on home burglaries, as well as inspiration from nature, present day solutions, and the environment, a conceptual security system was designed to meet the needs of suburban homeowners.

The central product, a security system, employs the use of lighting notifications to create a variety of reactive states and monitor individuals who approach a home. Based on the users intentions the monitor can; notify surrounding people …

Integrated Marketing Campaign For The Land Freeride Bike Park, David R. Royka

Theses

This thesis is an exploration in how a multimedia marketing campaign can effectively brand an actual bike park business in development. It is divided into three main promotional components, a brochure, a website, and a video. Through compelling imagery, carefully crafted text, and thoughtful design, they successfully communicate key messages, creating a memorable and lasting impression of the brand.

Using Radio Frequency Identification Technology In Healthcare, Sr. Avery Williamson

Theses

In the healthcare industry, medical treatment can be a matter of life and death, so that any mistakes may cause irreversible consequences. As hospitals have sought to reduce these types of errors, Radio Frequency Identification Technology (RFID) has become a solution in the healthcare industry to address these problems. Since 2005, RFID has generated a lot of interest in healthcare to make simpler the identification process for tracking and managing medical resources to improve their use and to reduce the need for future costs for purchasing duplicate equipment. There are rising concerns linked to the privacy and security issues, when …

Evaluating Cecal Ligation And Puncture- Induced Kidney Injury In Diabetic Meprin Deficient Mice, Kasheena Burris

Theses

Diabetic nephropathy (DN) is the leading cause of end stage renal disease (ESRD), and is associated with high morbidity and mortality rates. Key histological changes observed in DN include accumulation of extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins and tubulointerstitial fibrosis. Meprins are metalloproteinases that are abundantly expressed in the brush border membranes of proximal kidney tubules. Meprins are also expressed in leukocytes (monocytes and macrophages) and podocytes. Meprins cleave/degrade extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins such as collagen IV, collagen VI, fibronectin, laminin, and nidogen-1 in vitro. Meprins have been implicated in the pathology of DN. Sepsis is a complex medical condition, where the …

The Effects Of Moringa Oleifera On Stress Induced Immune Modulation In Mice, Jr. Glenn Drue

Theses

In both humans and animals, stress causes the body to release adrenaline, cortisol and other stress hormones that cause changes within the body, which include modulation of the immune system. Stress in mammals can cause changes in the profile of immune cells circulating in the blood. Environmental and nutritional stressors can be considered two of the most common animal stressors. In the presence of stress there is an increase in the number of circulating neutrophils and a decrease in the number of lymphocytes within the blood. The physiological changes that occur in animals in response to acute and chronic stress …

Chemical Reactive Separations In Energy And Environmental Processes, Md Arif Khan

Theses

The main objective of this study was to investigate the application of chemical reactive separation (reactive separation, advanced oxidation) in bio-oil upgradation and air pollution control. Aspen simulation for reactive distillation of pyrolysis bio-oil for the reactive distillation with n-butanol is carried out using RADFRAC module and UNIQUAC property method by minimizing Gibbs free energy. The binary and ternary interaction and chemical and phase equilibrium (CPE) between the components were studied to determine the azeotropes and homogeneous region of mixture. The conversions for the esterification reactions were found to be 70-90% for various simulated bio-oils, and water was separated from …

Sustainable Production Of Biofuels And Biochemicals From Aquatic Biomass, Quazi Mahzabin Rahman

Theses

In recent years, growing attention has been devoted to the conversion of biomass into biofuels and biochemicals. Biomass has several reasons to be considered as an attractive energy source. The main reason is that energy produced from biomass can contribute to sustainable development. Aquatic biomasses-microalgae, duckweed, and cattail-are considered as promising biomass sources due to their favorable characteristics such as high growth rate and low lignin content. The objective of this study was to produce biofuel- ethanol through Simultaneous Saccharification and Fermentation (SSF) of fresh algae, duckweed and cattail biomass by E. coli and to produce acetic acid by C. …

Probabilistic Model To Identify Movement Patterns In Geospatial Data, Jeffrey Nii Anu

Theses

The task of trying to determine the movement pattern of objects based on available databases is a daunting one. Tracking the movement of these dynamic objects is important in different areas to understand the higher order patterns of movement that carry special meaning for a target application. However this is still a largely unsolved problem and recent work has focused on the relationships of moving point objects with stationary objects or landmarks on a map. Global Position System (GPS) is a widely used satellite-based navigation system. Popular use of these devices has produced large collections of data, some of which …

Effect Of Feeding Sows Diets Supplemented With Oat And Yeast Culture On The Incidence Of Post Weaning Diarrhea In Their Offspring, Torel Daniels

Theses

Post Weaning Diarrhea (PWD) is a leading cause of mortality in piglets during the first two weeks of weaning. According to the Fairbrother, Nadeau et al. (2005) report, PWD is a major gastrointestinal disease caused by stress, pathogenic intestinal bacteria and immature immune responses. Antibiotic growth promoters (AGP) are used to combat PWD but there is public concern surrounding their use (Casewell, Friis, Marco, McMullin, & Phillips, 2003). The purpose of this study is to investigate natural alternatives to AGP that prevent PWD. Therefore, we designed a study whereby yeast culture and oat were fed to sows during the last …

Techniques For Type I Collagen Organization, Latecia Diamond Anderson-Jackson

Theses

Tissue Engineering is a process in which cells, engineering, and material methods are used in amalgamation to improve biological functions. The purpose of tissue engineering is to develop alternative solutions to treat or cure tissues and organs that have been severely altered or damaged by diseases, congenital defects, trauma, or cancer. One of the most common and most promising biological materials for tissue engineering to develop scaffolds is Type I collagen. A major challenge in biomedical research is aligning Type I collagen to mimic biological structures, such as ligaments, tendons, bones, and other hierarchal aligned structures within the human body. …

Antibacterial And Antioxidative Properties Of Essential Oils From Armoise (Artemisia Herba-Alba), Bay (Laurus Nobilis) And Rose Geranium (Pelargonium Capitatum X Radens) In Vitro, Ragina B. Rafiq

Theses

The prevalence of food contamination by pathogenic bacteria resulting in foodborne illness has raised concern to the food industry. In addition, oxidation in food, which affects the shelf life and quality of the food through the formation of off odor and off flavor, is another concern to the food industry. Nitrates, sulfates, benzoates of sodium and potassium, butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT) and butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA) are commonly used as preservatives in the food industry. However, long-term safety issues of synthetic preservatives in human health along with negative perception of consumers have lead researchers to find alternative natural preservatives. The purpose of …

The Electrochemical Detection Of Explosive Compounds Using Polymer And Chemically Modified Electrodes, Hollis Rachial D

Theses

The detection and quantification of explosive compounds is extremely important in global security, antiterrorist, and forensic activity. While there are sensitive and reliable methods for detection, the development of electrochemical techniques is used here because they are simple, affordable, and can be made for field use. In this investigation, chlorogenic acid (CGA) modified glassy carbon electrode (GCE) was used to detect hydrazine in concentrations as low as 0.05mM; aspartic acid modified GCE was used to detect both nitrobenzene and 4-nitrotoluene in concentrations as low as 3.3μM and 1.3μM, respectively; and finally phenol red coated GCE was used to detect nitrobenzene …

Enhancing Asphalt Binder's Rheological Behavior And Aging Susceptibility Using Nano-Particles, Renaldo C. Walters

Theses

The life expectancy of Asphalt Binder (AB) has been negatively impacted by the harsh bombardment of UV rays. UV rays cause asphalt to oxidize faster which results in deterioration of asphalt rheological characteristics that can lead to pavement distresses. This study investigates the impact that nano-particles and bio modification have on the aging susceptibility of asphalt binder. As such, the following hypothesis was investigated: Introduction of nano particles to asphalt binder will reduce asphalt oxidation aging by increasing the inter layer spacing of the nano particles. Two nano scale materials were used for this study, nano-clay and bio-char as well …

Soft Micro-Channels For Cell Culturing And Migration Studies, Sara Abbasirazgaleh

Theses

Various techniques and methods have been studied and developed to aid nerve regeneration and repairing nerve injuries. Among all, nerve grafting is the gold standard for bridging the gap between the injured nerve stumps. Despite the advantages of this technique, there are also various drawbacks that have encouraged the exploration of alternative, less invasive methods for promoting nerve regeneration. In this thesis, we have fabricated soft micro-channels for cell culturing and migration studies which could act as an interface capable of long-term, reliable, and high-resolution stimulation device for nerve regeneration. Micro-channels fabrication is performed using a ombination of photolithography technique …

The Impact Of Diet On Goat Rumen Microbes And Innate Immune Gene Expression, Ahmed Abdalla

Theses

Gastrointestinal nematodes in goats have developed resistance to chemical anthelmintics, resulting in the need for alternative control strategies. One approach is incorporation of Sericea Lespedeza (SL) as high quality forage that suppresses these parasites in goats due to its high condensed tannin (CT) content. However, little is known about its effect on rumen microorganisms and innate immunity in goats. A diverse collection of microorganisms is found in the goat rumen and Bifidobacteria is one of the important organisms in the immunity, yet its presence in the goat rumen is not fully studied. The objective of this study was to evaluate …

Toxicity Of Potassium Permanganate And Potassium Peroxymonosulfate Controlled Released Biodegradable Polymer To The Non-Target Organism Daphnia Magna, Niya Sade’ King

Theses

Potassium permanganate (KMnO4) and potassium peroxymonosulfate (Oxone®) are chemical oxidants widely used in natural surface waters and wastewaters for the control and removal of pathogens and the prevention of disease caused by bacteria. However, KMnO4 and Oxone® have the ability to be toxic to aquatic life. Moreover, there is limited information within literature about the toxicity of these oxidizing agents to non-target organisms such as the microcrustacean Daphnia magna (D. magna). The purpose of this study was to evaluate the acute toxicity of KMnO4 and Oxone® to D. magna. The focus for this work is to determine the toxic effects …

Determining The Presence, Genetic Variability, And Function Of Cytolethal Distending Toxin In Samoa Strains Of Haemophilus Ducreyi, Andrea Faye Anstead

Theses

Haemophilus ducreyi is the causative agent of the genital ulcerative disease chancroid. Chancroid is an important facilitator for increased transmission of HIV amongst heterosexuals. Chancroid is endemic to Asia, Africa, and Latin America, but there have been several outbreaks within the United States. Chancroidal ulcers are categorized as soft, painful, bloody ulcers that may remain chronic if untreated. H. ducreyi produces and secretes a cytolethal distending toxin (CDT) that causes various cell types to undergo cell cycle arrest or apoptosis. The CDT holotoxin consists of three genes: cdtA, cdtB, and cdtC. In 2006, the first report of nonsexual transmission of …