Digital Commons Network^™

Asset Protection In Escorting Using Multi-Robot Systems, Stephen Powers

Theses

Swarm robotics is a field dedicated to the study of the design and development of certain multi-robot systems. Often times, these groups prove to be more beneficial than a single complex robot as swarms typically provide a more robust and potentially more efficient solution. One such case is the task of escorting a specified target while addressing any potential threats discovered in the environment. In this work, a control algorithm for a high volume, decentralized, homogeneous robot swarm was developed based upon a technique commonly used to model incompressible fluids known as Smoothed Particle Hydrodynamics (SPH).

This proposed solution to …

Design And Construction Of A Multispectral Camera For Spectral And Colorimetric Reproduction, Yixuan Wang

Theses

Multi-spectral imaging and spectral reflectance reconstruction can be used in cultural-heritage institutes to digitalize their collections for documentation purposes. It can be used to simulate artwork under any lighting condition, and to analyze colorants that were used. The basic idea of a multi-spectral imaging system is to sub-sample spectral reflectance factor, producing results similar to a spectrophotometer. The sampled data are used to reconstruct reflectance for the visible spectrum.

In this thesis, a wide band multispectral camera was designed and constructed to achieve high spectral and color accuracy as well as high image quality.

Noise propagation theory was introduced and …

Implementation Of The Array-Based Approach For The Evaluation Of Randomness Of The Advanced Encryption Standard (Aes), Hanadi Yahia Alomari

Theses

Randomness is critical when it comes to cryptography. When a cryptographic system has randomness in it, it is impossible to decrypt the codes and break the system. To evaluate a cryptographic function’s randomness, many statistical tests were developed such as: Diehard and ENT, but these tests are not well suited for block ciphers. CryptoStat is the best statistical test suite to test the randomness of the Advanced Encryption Standard or AES, which is a block cipher established by NIST, the National Institute of Standard and Technology. An array based approach is also used to apply the CryptoStat test suite on …

Heart Valve Mathematical Models, Paula Kolar

Theses

Nearly 100,000 heart valve replacements or repairs are performed in the US every year. Mathematical models of heart valves are used to improve artificial valve design and to guide surgeons performing valve-repairing surgeries. Models can be used to define the geometry of a valve, predict blood flow dynamics, or demonstrate operating mechanisms of the valve. In this thesis we reviewed features that are typically considered when developing a model of a heart valve. The main modeling methods include representing a heart valve using lumped parameters, finite elements, or isogeometric elements. Examples of a lumped-parameter model and isogeometric analysis are explored. …

Developing A Measurement System To Assess Line Profile Retention In 3d Printing, Heng Li

Theses

Manufacturing three-dimensional (3D) objects with methods adapted from conventional digital printing have propelled the development of additive manufacturing. In this process, the printing devices directly deposit or fuse materials to form 3D solid objects in a layer-by-layer fashion, thereby creating the additive approach of fabrication.

As additive manufacturing (AM) has been increasingly adopted for rapid prototyping and part manufacturing, the need to determine the part quality which results from the processes becomes crucial (Monzón, Ortega, Martínez, & Ortega, 2015). There is a lack of quantifiable measurement systems to define a printer’s ability to resolve systematic and geometric features and dimensionalities …

E-Government In Amarah: Challenges And Recommendations For Future Implementation, Reem Jabbar Abdulbaqi

Theses

The growth and changes in the 21st century in the sectors of economics, politics, and technology mean that governments must provide all the services that can serve the demands of their citizens. One way for governments to facilitate this is by implementing e-government. E-government migrates services previously implemented by government employees to internet connected systems accessible by citizens from wherever they are at whatever time they are needed. This system can connect citizens to the government ministries via rule-based systems. Amarah, a city in the south of Iraq, started to integrate electronic systems into the facilities of the city in …

A Validation Study Of Gearing And Musculoskeletal Performance In Simple Biological Systems Through Theoretical And Experimental Methods, Jenna Marie Hopkins

Theses

Musculoskeletal (MSK) systems have long been compared to simple mechanical machines. This not only allows for ease of understanding locomotion, but ease of modeling a biological system during complex motion. More specifically, simple lever systems are most commonly employed to approximate mechanical performance of complex biological systems. Every simple lever system can be characterized by its mechanical advantage, also known as gearing. Through this concept, the performance of a biological system can be modeled for comparability of theoretical concepts to actual MSK systems. In this thesis, a numerical model of a simple lever system, analogous to a locust leg and …

Tensor Decomposition Of Multi-Channel Wearable Sensors For Parkinson’S Disease Assessment, Vignesh Ramji

Theses

The cure for Parkinson’s disease is considered as one of the greatest challenges in chronic neurological disorder therapy, motivating efforts to provide information to guide therapy adjustments. This disease affects the patients day to day tasks which may vary from drinking water to a more complex task like folding laundry. Postural instability and rigidity of motion can be defined as some of the main symptoms for Parkinson’s disease.

In order to better understand and analyze the patients suffering from this disease, the patients were asked to maintain records in a diary of times when they felt an unusual behavior while …

Actuation Of An Inertia-Coupled Rimless Wheel Model Across Level Ground, Seth Caleb Weeks

Theses

The inertia-coupled rimless wheel model is a passive dynamic walking device which is theoretically capable of achieving highly efficient motion with no energy losses. Under non-ideal circumstances, energy losses due to air drag require the use of actuation to maintain stable motions. The Actuated Inertia-coupled Rimless Wheel Across Flat Terrain (AIRWAFT) model provides actuation to an inertia-coupled rimless wheel model across level ground to compensate for energy losses by applying hip-torque between the frame and inertia wheel via a motor. Two methods of defining the open-loop actuation are presented. Position control defines the relative position of the drum relative to …

Relationship Between Velocity Of Contraction And Force Applied On Air Muscles, Aniruddha Sudhir Phatak

Theses

Air muscles are simple pneumatic devices that have high potential to be used as robotic manipulators, as they have a behavior similar to biological motors or muscles. Hence, they have a wide range of potential applications in areas such as robotics, bio-robotics, biomechanics, and artificial limb replacements. In addition to the similarity to biological muscle, air muscles have the advantages of good power-to-weight ratio, being compliant, and low cost. This thesis primarily quantifies the relationship between velocity of contraction of air muscles and the force applied on it, which is a key characteristic of biological skeletal muscle. First, an experimental …

Reconfigurable Model For Risc Processors, Thiago Pinheiro Felix Da Silva E Lima

Theses

The instruction set of a processor is embodied in the particular micro-architecture representing the processor hardware. Verifying proper operation of the instruction set for a particular processor hardware implementation requires exhaustive testing to expose unknown dependencies and other elusive design flaws. This paper presents the research and development of a flexible micro-architectural model written in SystemC for a RISC processor based upon a user defined configuration database; the RISC processor is based on an architecture assigned in course Design of Computer Systems (DCS) offered at Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT). This model will be tested by a test bench written …

Graph-Based Data Modeling And Analysis For Data Fusion In Remote Sensing, Lei Fan

Theses

Hyperspectral imaging provides the capability of increased sensitivity and discrimination over traditional imaging methods by combining standard digital imaging with spectroscopic methods. For each individual pixel in a hyperspectral image (HSI), a continuous spectrum is sampled as the spectral reflectance/radiance signature to facilitate identification of ground cover and surface material. The abundant spectrum knowledge allows all available information from the data to be mined. The superior qualities within hyperspectral imaging allow wide applications such as mineral exploration, agriculture monitoring, and ecological surveillance, etc. The processing of massive high-dimensional HSI datasets is a challenge since many data processing techniques have a …

A Robust System For Local Reuse Detection Of Arabic Text On The Web, Leena Mahmoud Ahmed Lulu

Theses

We developed techniques for finding local text reuse on the Web, with an emphasis on the Arabic language. That is, our objective is to develop text reuse detection methods that can detect alternative versions of the same information and focus on exploring the feasibility of employing text reuse detection methods on the Web. The results of this research can be thought of as rich tools to information analysts for corporate and intelligence applications. Such tools will become essential parts in validating and assessing information coming from uncertain origins. These tools will prove useful for detecting reuse in scientific literature too. …

A Review Of Evolution, Behavior, And Vision With An Experimental Evolution Study On Color Vision In Drosophila Melanogaster, Mellissa Ann Marcus

Theses

The first chapter of this thesis is to take a piece by piece look at the factors that contributed to the experimental evolution study that will be discussed in Chapter 2. Behavior, how that can affect experimental studies, and how biases can affect sensory systems and preference in subject species. Specifically visual sensory systems are described in detail, from the possible evolutionary histories, to major components that contribute to eye structure, form, and/or abilities. We discuss how to define color vision, and what are the prerequisites for color vision in species.

Sla Management In A Collaborative Network Of Federated Clouds: The Cloudland, Asma Obaid Subaih Ai Falasi

Theses

Cloud services have always promised to be available, flexible, and speedy. However, not a single Cloud provider can deliver such promises to their distinctly demanding customers. Cloud providers have a constrained geographical presence, and are willing to invest in infrastructure only when it is profitable to them. Cloud federation is a concept that collectively combines segregated Cloud services to create an extended pool of resources for Clouds to competently deliver their promised level of services. This dissertation is concerned with studying the governing aspects related to the federation of Clouds through collaborative networking. The main objective of this dissertation is …

The Potential Antioxidant And Anti-Inflammatory Effects Of Date Seed Powder In Rats, Fatima Theyab Saif Amer Ai Meqbaali

Theses

Chronic diseases are among the main leading causes of mortality and morbidity in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Oxidative stress (defined as an imbalance in the reactive oxygen species production/degradation ratio) in interaction with inflammation, has been highlighted as one major underlying mechanism in the development of these diseases. Due to their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, polyphenols could prevent the development of chronic diseases. Interestingly, date seeds are particularly rich in such compounds. Nonetheless, an in vivo study aiming at studying and understanding antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects of date seeds in serum and various organs is missing. Therefore, the present …

Private Sector Emiratisation: Evaluating The Policies And Practices Designed To Achieve Abu Dhabi's Strategic Hrm Goal, Khaled Sultan Saeed Ai Kaabi

Theses

The purpose of this study is two-fold: firstly, to gauge the job satisfaction levels of UAE nationals employed in the private sector and secondly to consider the HRM policies and procedures most likely to attract and retain such individuals. The issue is of contemporary importance because the UAE has a fast growing population, an already overstaffed public sector and, a labour nationalisation program that has yet to have a significant impact on the ratio of nationals employed in the private sector visà- vis the classic public sector. Using a combination of employee survey and expert interview feedback this study provides …

Fabrication And Characterization Of Graphite Oxide Based Field Effect Transistors For Non­ Enzymatic Glucose-Sensor Application, Khadija Said Rahman

Theses

Graphite-oxide based metal–oxide–semiconductor field-effect transistors (MOSFETs) were fabricated and used as glucose sensor. Herein, graphite-oxide was assembled between two planer electrical electrodes. The sensitivity of the sensor has been enhanced by adding copper (Cu) or silver (Ag) nanoparticles. The nanoparticles were produced by sputtering and inert gas condensation inside an ultra-high vacuum compatible system, and they were self-assembled on the graphite-oxide. The sensitivity of the sensor was increased by an order of magnitude when the silver nanoparticles were added. The sensitivity of each MOSFET was studied at different concentrations of non-enzymatic glucose for potential use in medical and industrial applications.

Exploring The Perceived And The Actual Written Feedback Preferences Between Elf Students And Teachers In The Uae, Najah Asad Al Mohammedi

Theses

No abstract provided.

Integration Of Lightweight & Energy Efficient Cipher In Wireless Body Area Network Fore-Health Monitoring, Azza Zayed Aishamsi

Theses

There is an increase in the diseases of the circulatory system in United Arab Emirates, which makes it the first leading cause of death. This led to a high demand for a continuous care that can be achieved by adopting an emerging technology of e- Health monitoring system using Wireless Body Area Network (WBAN) that can collect patient’s data. Since patient’s data is private, securing the communication within WBAN becomes highly essential. In this research thesis, we propose an architecture to secure the data transmission within the Wireless Body Area Network (WBAN) in e-Health monitoring. More specifically, our proposed architecture …

فاعلية برنامج تدريبي مقترح قائم على أنشطة اللعب الجماعي في تنمية المهارات الاجتماعية لدى الأطفال ذوي التوحد في امارة أبوظبي –دولة الإمارات العربية المتحدة- (دراسة حالة), ميرفت محمد عبده أحمد مشهور

Theses

This study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of a proposed training program Based on playgroup activities on developing the social skills of a child with autism attending one of the private schools in Abu Dhabi Education Council (ADEC). The study sample consisted of an eleven-year-old child with autism. He was integrated at Emirates Private School- Abu Dhabi in the Fourth Grade. In order to answer the questions of the study, the researcher used the following tools, after checking their reliability and validity: a form to collect data about the study sample, a social interaction list developed by the researcher as …

Early Packet Rejection Using Dynamic Binary Decision Diagram, Vasiqullah Molvizadah

Theses

A firewall is a hardware or software device that performs inspection on a given incoming/outgoing packets and decide whether to allow/deny the packet from entering/leaving the system. Firewall filters the packets by using a set of rules called firewall policies. The policies define what type of packets should be allowed or discarded. These policies describe the field values that the packet header must contain in order to match a policy in the firewall. The decision for any given packet is made by finding the first matching firewall policy, if any.

In a traditional firewall, the packet filter goes through each …

Series Solutions Of Multi-Layer Boundary Value Problems, Amr Saad Hassan Bolbol

Theses

It is well known that differential equations (DEs) play an important role in many sciences. They are mathematical representations of many physical systems. By studying such DEs, one gains many important insights about the physical system. Solutions of DEs provide information on the physical system behavior. As many physical systems are nonlinear in nature, this naturally gives rise to nonlinear differential equations (NLDEs). Such NLDEs are, in most cases, hard or sometimes impossible to solve analytically. In such situations, we resort to numerical techniques to approximate the solutions. The purpose of this thesis is to consider nonlinear multi-layer boundary value …

Salt Gland Excretion Efficiency And Salinity Tolerance Of Sporobolus Species, Piumi Shrimani Weragodavidana

Theses

Halophytic C4 grasses, including Sporobolus species, have developed specific mechanisms to cope with salinity stress. Among these, “salt glands” which are bi- cellular leaf epidermal structures eliminating excess saline ions from shoots by excretion under salinity stress. Salt glands are morphologically visible and can potentially be used for salt tolerance breeding programs. The objectives of this study were: (1) to determine the leaf salt gland excretion rates of United Arab Emirates native halophytic chloridoid grass species, S. spicatus and S. arabicus; (2) to determine if leaf salt gland excretion rate and density can effectively predict salinity tolerance among Sporobolus genotypes, …

Glycemic Index Of Foods, Adiposity And Metabolic Syndrome Risk In Emirati Young Adults, Maysm Nezar Mohamad

Theses

This dissertation is concerned with determining the prevalence of metabolic syndrome (MetS) in Emirati females aged 17–25 years and its relation to overweight and obesity. It also aims to determine the glycemic index (GI) and glycemic load (GL) values for traditional Emirati foods that have not been tested yet. In a cross-sectional study design, anthropometric measurements, blood pressure and biochemical measurements were collected from a total of 555 Emirati female college students and the prevalence of MetS was concluded. Furthermore, at least fifteen healthy subjects participated in the measurement of GI and GL values for each of the twenty-three Emirati …

Schroedinger Eigenmaps For Manifold Alignment Of Multimodal Hyperspectral Images, Juan Emmanuel Johnson

Theses

Multimodal remote sensing is an upcoming field as it allows for many views of the same region of interest. Domain adaption attempts to fuse these multimodal remotely sensed images by utilizing the concept of transfer learning to understand data from different sources to learn a fused outcome. Semisupervised Manifold Alignment (SSMA) maps multiple Hyperspectral images (HSIs) from high dimensional source spaces to a low dimensional latent space where similar elements reside closely together. SSMA preserves the original geometric structure of respective HSIs whilst pulling similar data points together and pushing dissimilar data points apart. The SSMA algorithm is comprised of …

Performance Of A Powered Simple Rimless-Wheel Across Level Ground, Samket Kumarpal Dhami

Theses

Legged transport is the most versatile form of locomotion available to humans and animals. Walking is a complex motion and the best bipedal robots of today are not able to walk as adeptly as a human. Many different models for walking have been studied by other researchers, ranging from a single rigid body moving in two dimensions, to systems with many links and actuators moving in three dimensions. Previous simulation work, for a similar system, has predicted that legged robots can have the same energy efficiency as a rolling wheel, but this has yet to be demonstrated in an experimental …

Growth Promotion Of Tomato By The Implementation Of Phosphate Solubilizing Bacteria And Plant Growth Regulators -Producing Bacteria In Calcareous Saline Soil In The United Arab Emirates, Asma Hamad Alsedeeri

Theses

In the present thesis, the ability of different plant growth promoting actinomycetes to promote the growth of tomato plants under saline conditions was examined using phosphorus solubilizing actinomycetes and/or plant growth regulates producing actinomycetes compared to tomato plants grown in soil not amended with any actinomycetes isolates. The overall aim of the present project was to determine whether enhanced phosphorus solubilization, as a result of soil inoculation with either phosphorus-solubilizing actinomycetes and/or with the production of plant growth regulators by plant growth promoting actinomycetes or the combination of both characteristics will results in the promotion of tomato plant growth.

To …

Optimization Of Fuel Consumption For Municipal Solid Waste Collection In Al Ain City, Uae, Elkhalifa Mohamed Zeyada Swar Aldahab

Theses

Collection and transportation of municipal solid waste (MSW) often account for a significant amount of the total budget allocated for waste management. A major portion of that is attributed to fuel consumption. Meanwhile, vehicles involved with waste collection can emit significant levels of atmospheric pollutants. Hence, optimization of waste collection yields both financial and environmental benefits. No work has been done to optimize fuel consumption during MSW collection in Al Ain city. In this study, several cases were developed using ArcGIS Network Analyst tool in order to establish optimum conditions for MSW collection in Um Gafa district in Al Ain …

A New Algorithm For Computing The Square Root Of A Matrix, John Nichols

Theses

There are several different methods for computing a square root of a matrix. Previous research has been focused on Newton's method and improving its speed and stability by application of Schur decomposition called Schur-Newton.

In this thesis, we propose a new method for finding a square root of a matrix called the exponential method. The exponential method is an iterative method based on the matrix equation (X - I)^(2) = C, for C an n x n matrix, that finds an inverse matrix at the final step as opposed to every step like Newton's method. We set up the matrix …