Digital Commons Network^™

Thermal Optimization Of A Polyimide V-Groove Actuator For A Walking Micro-Robot, Ritesh Arun Khire

Theses

The objective of this thesis was to develop a Finite Element Model for the Polyimide V-groove actuator (fabricated by T. Ebefors, Sweden). Extensive FEM simulations for this MEMS actuator were performed using ANSYS 5.6. An optimization module was used to improve the performance of the existing design. A substantial improvement in the performance was observed for the proposed design. In short, this research established a methodology that can be extended for modeling and simulation of other MEMS devices. A computer simulated FEM model for heat and deflection analysis was validated for two configurations of the Polyimide V-groove Actuator (i.e. a …

A Practical Guide To Understanding Wireless Networking Concepts, Security Protocols, Attack, And Safer Deployment Schemes, Jay Yip

Theses

With the explosion of wireless networks appearing in buildings, business and educational campuses, and even homes; security is a large concern in order to prevent attempted intrusions and malicious attacks from the retrieval of confidential data. Wireless Fidelity, Wi-Fi for short, does provide security in the form called Wired Equivalent Privacy otherwise simply known as WEP. However cases documenting WEP's security mechanism being breached in legitimate and illegitimate cases have been published and are readily available on the Internet. While wireless networks provide the freedom of mobility for users, this also allows potential hackers to eavesdrop on unsuspecting wireless users. …

An Investigation Into The Effectiveness Of Pdf/X Premedia Workflows, Nicholas E. Doyle

Theses

PDF/X technology was introduced in the mid 90's with the intentions of improving and automating the prepress workflows. Standards committees such as CGATS (Committee for Graphic Arts Technical Standards) and DDAP (Digital Distribution of Advertisers for Publications) started to draft and implement a plan of action to succeed the current file formats being used in premedia workflows. Previous file submissions that were handed off from advertising and design agencies became too time-consuming to prepare them for the final run. Top-tier printing and publishing companies such as RR Donnelley, Quad Graphics, Vertis, and Time Inc, started to invest in new technology …

Decent Exposure: Evolution Of The Female Gaze, Jill Silverstein

Theses

Not Included

Case Study Of Strategic Planning For Small Nonprofits, Peter Roland Jr

Theses

The Lake Placid/North Elba Historical Society suffers from the absence of planning processes that can address the long-term needs of the organization. As a result the resources of the Society are being underutilized. At present the only medium for the planning function is the monthly Board meeting, which must also address operational issues. Both new and old members of the Board have ideas regarding what they see as the past, present and future mission of the Museum and the Society. A forum or medium does not currently exist which would provide an opportunity for members of the Board and all …

Understanding "Photograph A", Jun Ku Yoon

Theses

Not provided.

Chinese Cellular Telecommunications In The Past And The 21st Century, Hao Xu

Theses

Cellular telecommunication technology is one of the hottest topics of the last two decades. The annual rate of user growth is more than 30 percent. It began with the first generation (1G) networks and bloomed with second generation (2G) of cellular technologies. New third generation cellular (3G) technologies aim at offering high-speed, superior-quality information service to mobile subscribers. [2]

The Chinese cellular market is developing with unbelievable speed. China launched its first cellular network in 1987. At the end of 2002, it was the biggest wireless market in the world, with more than 200 million subscribers. [56] Technologies used in …

Regaining Control Through Digital Rights Management (Drm): What's In Store For The Music Industry?, Gregory J. Romania

Theses

This paper, as part of the final requirement for the completion of a Master of Science in Information Technology at the Rochester Institute of Technology, will examine the current state of digital media content and its inherent problems with regard to rendering and distribution. Discussions will focus on the protection and sales of digitalized intellectual property through Digital Rights Management (DRM) while also concentrating on how these technologies can be employed to acquire copyright protection. Though much of the discussion may apply to a wide range of media types, e.g. - movies, software and digital books, the primary focus will …

Best Practices In Implementing Operational Controls Of Iso 14001 Environmental Management Systems Into Small And Medium Businesses, Kuldeep Khalsa

Theses

Studies show that many small and medium businesses (SMBs) that have implemented environmental management systems (EMSs) and got certified to the ISO 14001 Environmental Management Standard experienced obstacles along the way. For SMBs the standards appear unnecessarily bureaucratic, and represent a way of working that fits poorly into their organizational cultures and decision-making structures of small companies. Studies also show that environmental management systems such as ISO 14001 provide a framework for organizations that wish to effectively manage their environmental affairs. Implementing an EMS that conforms to the ISO 14001 standard helps businesses integrate environmental values into their operations.

This …

Technology As A Scapegoat, Wendi B. Denman

Theses

Not Included

An Assessment Of Distance Learning Delivery Methodologies And The Proposal Of An Open Distance Learning Delivery Model For A Third Level Course In Sports Development, Deirdre Kiely

Theses

In the development of a distance learning curriculum the appropriate choice of media, in terms of both presentation of course materials, and of the approach to providing tutorial and other support, is a key question that needs to be addressed at the outset. However, very few studies provide guidelines for distance learning facilitators to help them in choosing these delivery methods. This study aimed to propose an Open Distance Learning (ODL) delivery model for a third level course in Sports Development and in doing so identifies a number of criteria which may be used by institutes when deciding on their …

Hot Carrier Reliability Of Lateral Dmos Transistors In Power Process Applications, Vicky O'Donovan

Theses

The purpose of this study is to investigate and validate the mechanism of hot carrier degradation of the LDMOS device. The LDMOS device is a new technology to Analog Devices, and a relatively new topic to the semiconductor industry, evident from the limited published research in the field. A prerequisite for device release on a product in the market place, is comprehensive hot carrier reliability testing, as hot carrier degradation has evolved as one of the foremost concerns in submicron devices. Both the high voltage and the structural difference of the LDMOS device, from standard MOSFET device, pose a hot …

An Investigation Of The Influence Of Irish As An L1 Or L2 On Subsequent Instructed Language Acquisition In L3 Or L4, Corina Griffin

Theses

Research in Ireland to date has paid little attention to the fact that all foreign language teaching occurs in the context where the FL (foreign language) is an L3. The present study examines the extent to which students transfer or modify strategies they had previously deployed in learning Irish to their L3/L4. It is proposed that students are deploying the same strategies in their learning of Irish as an L1/L2 and the foreign language (FL) as an L3/L4, thus indicating a similar approach to the learning process. Cognitive, metacognitive and socio-affective strategies are examined. The research also focuses on differences …

Manifestations Of Desire, Angela Duron

Theses

Bisexuality is not the exclusion of heterosexuality or homosexuality. In fact, on the surface it may seem like a combination of both. Although it may be comforting to see ourselves as having fixed gender identities, preferring the same or opposite sex and performing according to expectations associated with these preferences in our culture, bisexuality transcends the contemporary hetero-homo bipolarization and expresses a distinct and separate reality. It is proposed that this thesis project will examine the phenomenon of the bisexual female through the scripting, filming and editing of a short 16mm experimental documentary film. This documentary will work with notions …

Design For Signal Integrity In High Frequency, High Density Circuit Boards, Juan Manuel Talavera Martinez

Theses

The electronics market is continually seeking fast and small high performance products. The clock frequency in computer systems is often above 2GHz and new generations of laptops have considerably reduced in size. These features make printed circuit board (PCB) design more difficult than in the past.

This thesis is an investigation of the current design of high speed PCB. The complexity of this type of circuit makes the designer needs an extensive knowledge of the techniques used to generate a reliable signalling, in other words, signal integrity. To achieve this objective, the design community has to overcome several problem related …

A Computational Approach To Arteriolar Bifurcations: Evaluation Of Factors Influencing Predicted Wall Shear Stress, Charles Robinson

Theses

Recent studies of blood flow regulation at the microcirculatory level have linked the physical characteristics of the arteriolar bifurcations and the physiology of the flow through them to the autoregulatory mechanisms exhibited by the endothelial cell lining. Research in this area is decomposed to the following two components: understanding the biochemical activity that takes place at the cellular level as a result of flow-induced stimulation and characterizing the physical flow behavior causing the stimulation. The following study develops the currently accepted method of characterizing the physical flow behavior, in the form of wall shear stress, through computational analysis. The goal …

Web-Based Distributed Ejb Bugstracker: An Integration Of Struts Framework At Web Server, Ejbs At Application Server, And A Relational Database, San Htun Aung

Theses

This "Web-based Distributed EJB BugsTracker" is an integration effort of the 4-tier Enterprise Java Bean -- EJB component architecture where it uses a web browser, a web server, an application sever, and a relational database server. The application is designed and built for software managers, engineers and quality assurance staffs that keep track of the software defects which are produced during the software development life cycle. It allows independent user login in multi-project environments. This project makes use of all the benefits of the J2EE technologies: maintainability, portability, and scalability. In addition, Container Managed Persistence (CMP 2.0) greatly simplifies the …

Exploration Of An Electroactive Polymer Actuator For Application In A Grasshopper Inspired Pneumatic Robotic Hopper, Christie Bielmeier

Theses

A Hopper was created to mimic a grasshopper's catapulting kicking action. Electroactive polymers (EAP) were investigated as actuators to simulate the grasshopper's lightweight and strong muscles. EAPs are lightweight materials that require low voltage and yield high force with short response times. This makes them a great potential source for future micro-robotic actuators. The EAP Actuator was simulated and the potential design was studied. The development of consistent and reliable actuation electrodes and nonconductive materials was considered. In addition, the current draw of the EAP Actuator was studied, current draw prediction equations were developed, and a force output study was …

The Impact Of Information Technology On Mass Customization, Josephice M. Lim

Theses

Increasingly, companies are adopting mass customization as a business strategy to meet increasing customer demand for product variety to help compete in the global marketplace. This paper examines the effects and impacts of Information Technology (LT) on mass customization and how various IT tools are used as customizing mediums to enable mass customization and provide unique value to customers in the most efficient way possible. Examples are drawn from companies who leveraged IT technologies in their mass customization efforts. Recognizing the critical value of technology professionals, this paper further discusses IT professionals' roles and how they are an integral part …

An Approach To Operational Control Determination For The Small Or Medium Size Organization, Dawn Collins

Theses

The purpose of this work was to design and assess an effective approach for a small or medium size organization to determine appropriate operational controls for its significant environmental aspects as part of developing and implementing an ISO 14001- type environmental management system. This new approach was determined to be necessary due to the generic nature and broad applicability of the ISO 14001 standard, the lack of appropriate methodology in the professional literature, and the lack of related knowledge and ability in most small or medium sized organizations. As controlling and influencing operations is a vital characteristic of an effective …

Interactive Multimedia In The Teaching Of The Irish Language In Primary School : Design, Implementation And Development., Máire Lynch

Theses

This thesis focuses on interactive multimedia use specifically in the area of vocabulary acquisition in a second language. It addresses the language learning requirements of third class (nine year olds) language learners, in Primary school. The study is based on existing second language acquisition research, computer - assisted language learning and the design and development of educational multimedia and it delivers an interactive application based on them. The study is firmly rooted in the foundations of the Revised Curriculum for Irish Primary Schools most especially in the language teaching methods it recommends and its emphasis on the use of information …

Balancing The 'E' With Learning And Teaching Skills, Áine O'Brien

Theses

Many lecturers today want to move past passive learning to active learning, to find better ways of engaging students in the learning process. Since most groups of individuals have a variety of learning styles, the lecture material needs to be presented in a variety of ways. With the introduction of web-based learning and e-leaming, lecturers can use a variety of teaching methods with their students.

This study will focus on what is required to balance the ‘E’ with the ‘learning’ skills and ‘teaching’ skills. Too often there is more emphasis placed on the ‘E’ aspect with little consideration given to …

Hygiene Factors Contributing To Alumni Satisfaction In Attending Rochester Institute Of Technology's Service And Hospitality Management Masters Of Science Degrees From 1988 To 1997, Charles Iv Farran

Theses

Prior to this study there have been no alumni satisfaction studies of the Department of Food, Hotel and Tourism Management Masters Degree Programs from Rochester Institute of Technology. The purpose of this study is to determine the level of satisfaction of alumni and the impact hygiene factors have on alumni satisfaction. The initial element of the procedures was to conduct research. This research was accomplished through a review of pertinent literature. The review of literature was followed by the establishment of goals and parameters for this study. A survey was mailed to all the graduates of the F.H.T.M. masters programs. …

"People Just Don't Seem To Be Listening": A Case For A Functional Approach To Reputation Management, Stephen E. Gustafson

Theses

This paper focuses on the growing study of corporate reputation management and the potential benefits of focusing management attention on building, sustaining, and defending the corporate brand's reputation. Specifically, the purpose of the paper is to provide a logical justification for major corporations to add the role of chief reputation officer to their organizational structures in order to properly manage this significant intangible asset.

Secondary research of print and electronic news media coverage was conducted to document a case history of the reputation crisis and ultimate demise of Big Five accounting firm Andersen (more commonly known as Arthur Andersen). The …

Mobile Commerce Business Models And Technologies Towards Success, Pinar Acar

Theses

Mobile commerce is any transaction with a monetary value that is conducted via a mobile telecommunications network. This thesis tries to examine the factors leading to the success of mobile commerce as well as factors that may hinder its success. This research is separated into five parts: In the first part of this thesis, an analysis of wired e-commerce businesses is made; followed by advantages of mobile commerce over wired e-commerce. In the second part of this thesis, new wireless business models that are expected to generate substantial revenue flows as well as some successful examples of these business models …

Human-Intoface: The Face As Communication Technology, Troy Bennett

Theses

Not Included

Sitting On The Rail: The Westralian Worker's Response To Wartime Issues, Robert P. Corr

Theses

The Westralian Worker occupies a privileged place in Western Australia's labour history, as the working class movement's official organ. This study seeks to understand how the paper dealt with its conflicting roles as reflector and projector of labour movement opinion - the observer-agent dichotomy. It does so by analysing the Worker's response to some of the major issues facing labour during World War I. The peace movement, anti-German attitudes, the persecution of the IWW, and the conscription debates are considered. It will be argued that the Worker attempted to accommodate a wide range of views, but as organised labour's divisions …

Development Of An Expert System Tool For Environmental Impact Assessment, Raed Mohamed M. Al Marzouqi

Theses

In this study, approaches to environmental impact assessment are reviewed and discussed. An expert system tool has been developed via the use of Microsoft Access tool for data management and Visual Basic programming for decision-making. Policies and regulations included in the program are based on the Technical Guidelines # 4 of the Dubai Municipality. The salient features of the program can be summarized as follows: the program allows the EIA applicant to input all the necessary information about his/her company and its activities. All discharges to air, water and land are compared with TG # 4 and status report is …

Sip Message Compression Technique For Efficient Multimedia Services In 3g Wireless Communications, Valerie Kenneally

Theses

The direction of the global cellular industry is primarily determined by two standardisation bodies, the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) (in Europe and Asia) and 3GPP2 (in North America). Both of these standardisation bodies are currently specifying a core network to deliver IP based multimedia services over 3G wireless networks. One of the fundamental building blocks of this IP based multimedia core network is the use of SIP (Session Initiation Protocol) as the control protocol. The radio resource, that is the available frequency spectrum, in wireless communication systems remains a limiting factor in terms of the bandwidth available to an …

Adaptive Baseband Predistortion For Rf Power Amplifier Linearization., Laura Faus-Ferrer

Theses

In order to make use of spectrally efficient linear modulation methods for mobile communications, it is necessary to linearise the underlying RF power amplifier (PA). A number of techniques for linearizing a PA have been studied, focusing on the Adaptive Baseband Predistortion. The work is centred on the research concentrates on the analysis of different algorithms, their simulation using MatLab, and implementation of a predistorter as a subsystem of a prototype Cartesian based transmitter.

The thesis describes the typical architecture of a transceiver with an emphasis on the nonlinear analysis. Cavers’ algorithm has been examined in terms of its computational …