Digital Commons Network^™

Nutritional Status, Dietary Habits, Practises And Knowledge And Their Relationship With Performance Among Young Athletes In The United Arab Emirates, Seham Mohammed Al Reesh

Theses

Objectives: The goals of this project are 1) To assess the nutritional status, 2) To describe the nutritional knowledge, 3) To describe Nutritional Practices, Dietary Habits for Athletic individual in the United Arab Emirates, Then to investigate the relations of both Nutritional status and Knowledge with Performance.

Methodology: A cross-sectional study was done to conducted in a sample of 59 Athletes recruited from AI Jazeera Academic sports clubs in the UAE in which, Nutrition Knowledge, Practices and Habits was evaluated by questionnaire, different components of the nutritional status (Weight, Body Composition, Skin Fold Thickness, Biochemical Parameters) and the Physical Performance …

The Effects Of Elevated Co2 On The Growth And Water Conservation Potentials Of Medicago Sativa L. And Chloris Gayana K., Asma Khan Ahmadani

Theses

Atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO₂) concentrations have been increasing for many decades. The impact of such greenhouse gas has been reported to affect ecosystems at all levels. Elevated atmospheric CO₂ can affect the growth of plants and their response to water intake. But, different plants show different degrees of response depending on whether they have C₃ or C₄ photosynthetic pathway. The aim of this study is to evaluate the effect of CO₂ enrichment on the growth and microbial activity of alfalfa (Medicago sativa) and Rhodes grass (Chloris gayana) and also its effect on the water …

The Reliability And Nature Of Philosophical Intuitions, Matthew Allen Destefano

Theses

The nature of philosophical intuitions has been a popular topic for philosophical debate. Here, I survey the views available about the nature of intuitions, how to discern and discriminate intuitions from beliefs, feelings, and seemings, and whether or not intuitions count as evidence. Then, I present an account of intuitions that is based on dual-process theory, and argue that philosophical intuitions should be understood as ordinary intuitions are in this account. After analysis of the environment in which philosophical intuitions are learned and receive feedback (although intuitions about logical structures of argument is a notable exception), I conclude that philosophical …

Infinite Reflections Of Transition, Ellina Chetverikova

Theses

Coming from an international background, I often reflect on my transitional era coming to the United States from the Ukraine and finding a way to adapt. Creating the series of work In Between, I came up with the realization that I did not belong completely to either of the cultures. Instead, I was a child of the world. Change in life educates us by letting us to adapt to new situations and people. By changing the place where we live, the bigger picture opens up for us and we are able to see the world from many perspectives at the …

Optical Heterodyne Detection Of Phase-Shifted Signals, Daria Permeneva

Theses

My thesis investigates whether abrupt changes in optical phase (i.e., phase shifts) can be measured using optical heterodyne detection (OHD), a method commonly used to measure gradual changes in the temporal phase. I developed analysis software in MATLAB to considered and quantify the success of three different phase-shift measurement methods: non-split signal method, split signal method and split signal with zero-out method. I also explored whether spectral information can be used to access temporal phase shifts; this is a new area, as OHD typically deals with temporal information. My work identified both spectral and temporal phase assessment methods that provide …

The Sublime & The Picturesque In Art, James M. Chleboun

Theses

Is it possible to create "classical'' landscape pictures of today? The genre of drawing and painting landscapes is the subject for this thesis. For comparing for relevancy, the binary topic is two aesthetic terms, the Sublime and the Picturesque. I will show what the art critics and artists say about those terms with several historical and contemporary artists a<; examples. I will explain what I did with some of my drawings and paintings in relation to the terms within the "classical" composition format.

The challenge for my work is to compose the contemporary landscape using the classical composing principles used by Old Masters. A contemporary German artist has succeeded very well in composing the '·classical·' landscapes of today with modern cultural attributes, but they …

Analysis And Exploitation Of Automatically Generated Scene Structure From Aerial Imagery, David R. Nilosek

Theses

The recent advancements made in the field of computer vision, along with the ever increasing rate of computational power has opened up opportunities in the field of automated photogrammetry. Many researchers have focused on using these powerful computer vision algorithms to extract three-dimensional point clouds of scenes from multi-view imagery, with the ultimate goal of creating a photo-realistic scene model. However, geographically accurate three-dimensional scene models have the potential to be exploited for much more than just visualization. This work looks at utilizing automatically generated scene structure from near-nadir aerial imagery to identify and classify objects within the structure, through …

Automatic Denoising And Unmixing In Hyperspectral Image Processing, Honghong Peng

Theses

This thesis addresses two important aspects in hyperspectral image processing: automatic hyperspectral image denoising and unmixing. The first part of this thesis is devoted to a novel automatic optimized vector bilateral filter denoising algorithm, while the remainder concerns nonnegative matrix factorization with deterministic annealing for unsupervised unmixing in remote sensing hyperspectral images. The need for automatic hyperspectral image processing has been promoted by the development of potent hyperspectral systems, with hundreds of narrow contiguous bands, spanning the visible to the long wave infrared range of the electromagnetic spectrum. Due to the large volume of raw data generated by such sensors, …

Hyperspectral Imaging System Model Implementation And Analysis, Bo Ding

Theses

In support of hyperspectral imaging system design and parameter trade-off research, an analytical end-to-end model to simulate the remote sensing system pipeline and to forecast remote sensing system performance has been implemented. It is also being made available to the remote sensing community through a website. Users are able to forecast hyperspectral imaging system performance by defining an observational scenario along with imaging system parameters.

For system modeling, the implemented analytical model includes scene, sensor and target characteristics as well as atmospheric features, background spectral reflectance statistics, sensor specifications and target class reflectance statistics. The sensor model has been extended …

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

Mitigating Differential Power Analysis Attacks On Aes Using Neuromemristive Hardware, Colin R. Donahue

Theses

Cryptographic algorithms such as the Advanced Encryption Standard (AES) are vulnerable to side channel attacks. AES was once thought to be impervious to attacks, but this proved to be true only for a mathematical model of AES, not a physical realization. Hard- ware implementations leak side channel information such as power dissipation. One of the practical SCA attacks is the Differential power analysis (DPA) attack, which statistically analyzes power measurements to find data-dependent correlations.

Several countermeasures against DPA have been proposed at the circuit and logic level in conventional technologies. These techniques generally include masking the data inside the algorithm …

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 …

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 …

Compensation Of Extreme Ultraviolet Lithography Image Field Edge Effects Through Optical Proximity Correction, Chris Maloney

Theses

For EUVL to be enabled for HVM, the printing of densely spaced die must be allowed. To achieve this requirement, a mitigation strategy to compensate for field edge effects is vital. This study has two goals. First, we will show that field edge effects can be modeled for reticles with an absorber border and for those with an etched ML border. The second is to investigate the limitations that exist when compensating for field edge effects with OPC, including image quality, REMA blade stability and OoB variability. This thesis shows that for different reticles different mitigation strategies are required in …

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 …

Thermochemical Properties Of C3 To C5 Unsaturated Carbonyl Alkenes: Enthalpies Of Formation, Entropy, Heat Capacity, Bond Enthalpy, Ruiqi Jian

Theses

α,β and α-γ unsaturated carbonyl compounds are important classes of carbonyl compounds with the general structure R-(O=C)-Cα=Cβ-R’ and R-(O=Cγ)-Cβ-Cα=Cβ-R’. These compounds are utilized in industry and are also produced as intermediates of hydrocarbon oxidation in chemistry of the atmosphere and in combustion. These unsaturated carbonyls are common environmental pollutants, are frequently associated with adverse effects, and are considered to play an important role in human cancer. Their stability, thermochemical properties are important to understanding their reaction paths in atmospheric, combustion and bio related environments. Enthalpy, entropy, and heat capacity of unsaturated alkene molecules, and radicals corresponding to hydrogen atom …

Differentiating Schizophrenic Patients From Healthy Control; Application Of Machine Learning To Resting State Fmri, Hossein Ebrahimi Nezhad

Theses

In recent years, one analysis approach that has grown in popularity is the use of machine learning algorithms to train classifiers to decode stimuli, mental states, behaviors and other variables of interest from fMRI data. Most of these studies focus on fMRI low frequency oscillations. This study focuses on the amplitude of low-frequency fluctuations (ALFF) and fractional amplitude of low-frequency fluctuations (fALFF). A Voxel-wise analysis is performed on the whole brain for two groups of subjects. A machine learning algorithm is applied to two independent groups of subjects (a total of 160 healthy control and schizophrenic subjects) to classify Schizophrenia …

Comparison Of Different Differential Expression Analysis Tools For Rna-Seq Data, Junfei Zhu

Theses

In molecular biology research, RNA-seq is a relatively new method for transcriptome profiling. It utilizes the next generation sequencing technology to provide huge amount information about the variety and abundance of RNA present in an organism of interest at a specific state and a given time. One of the most important tasks of RNA-seq analysis is finding genes that are expressed differently in different subject groups. A lot of differential expression analysis tools for RNA-seq have been developed, but there is no golden standard in this field. In this research, four commonly used tools (DESeq, edgeR, limma, and cuffdiff) are …

Using Latent Semantic Analysis To Detect Non-Cognitive Variables Of Academic Performance, Daniel Richard Aalderks

Theses

This thesis explores the possibilities of using latent semantic analysis to detect evidence of intrapersonal personality variables in post-secondary student essays. Determining student achievement based on non-cognitive variables is a complex process. Automated essay scoring tools are already in use today in grading and evaluating student texts based on cognitive domain traits, but at this time are not utilized to analyze non-cognitive domains such as personality. Could such tools be configured to detect non-cognitive variables in student essays? Key concepts in this proposal—personality traits, latent semantic analysis, automated essay evaluation, and online cinema reviews—are explored followed by a literature review …

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 …

Innovations In State-Level Solar Energy Policy : Motivating Community Investment In Resiliency, Sarah Katheryn Gentile

Theses

Community-level resilience in the face of climate change is critical for New Jersey. Through a review of current literature, evidence is provided that a majority of work being done with respect to climate-change planning is taking place at the local level. On the basis of case-study analyses, three community renewable energy projects are examined as well as two policy tools that are helping to facilitate development of local capacity to generate renewable energy. The best elements of these initiatives are extracted and form the basis of a policy discussion intended to encourage local level generation of renewable energy, thereby increasing …

Mapping Ms-Ptc Programmatic Core Competencies To Emerging Professionalization Standards: Are Our Students Fully Prepared?, Faye Newsham

Theses

This paper explores evaluation of graduate student preparedness for work in technical communication and emerging professionalization standards by way of an alumni survey. This paper argues that these core competencies can be evaluated and aligned and provides an example confirming both the New Jersey Institute of Technology Masters of Science in Professional and Technical Communication (NJIT MS-PTC) and the Society of Technical Communication (STC) Body of Knowledge (BOK) and core competencies used in STC certification. The study was conducted through the month of October 2013 and queried alumni of the NJIT MS-PTC program. This paper seeks to suggest a method …

Mems Approaches In Infrared Imaging, George Papavieros

Theses

The design and performance simulation of a novel Microelectromechanical System (MEMS) based infrared detector, that utilizes coefficient of thermal expansion, is discussed. The detector design uses a variety of thermal expansion coefficient materials, including alloys which are connected to ambient through a thermal conducting bridge. The thermal flux, due to the incident IR photons, is determined by the Extended Blackbody Calculator (BBC). These materials are physically interfaced with different types of piezoelectric resonators, constructed using the MEMS process. The expansion due to heating, applies stress to the piezoelectric resonator material. This thermally induced stress forces the resonator to alter its …

Analysis Of Transport Properties In A Zaz Graphene Nanoribbon Junction Using Various Dopants, Natasha Parikh

Theses

A 12 atom wide ZAZ Graphene Junction was simulated and its transport properties were analyzed. I-V curves, calculated by nonequilibrium Greens function method combined with the density functional theory under external bias, showed varying semiconducting characteristics. Further, the width of the junction also showed significant effects in the determination of the semiconducting nature. A theoretical study was performed on the semiconducting characteristics by analyzing the I-V curve and transport coefficients in the junction.

Mathematically Modeling The Mechanical Constants Of Thoracolumbar Fascia Under Compression, In Vivo, Vrajeshri Patel

Theses

The thoracolumbar fascia (TLF) is a complex structure made of many interconnecting aponeurosis and muscle fascia. It plays a role in posture, stabilizing the lumbosacral spine, load transfer, and respiration. Its complex structure and connections have mostly been observed through cadaveric studies while its mechanical properties have been addressed in only a few studies. Recently, new advances in ultrasound imaging have made it possible to move towards measuring tissue strain. Since this is an in vivo method, mechanical data of tissues in their natural environment allows a more accurate representation of tissue strain. However, many different methods of analyzing ultrasound …

Model Predictive Control Of Timed Continuous Petri Nets, Huaiyu Zhan

Theses

This thesis addresses the optimal control problem of timed continuous Petri nets. The theory of Model Predictive Control (MPC) is first discussed. Then continuous Petri nets (PN) are introduced as a powerful tool for modelling, simulation and analysis of discrete event/continuous systems. Their useful capabilities are studied. Finally, a macroscopic model based on PN as a tool for designing control laws that improve the behavior of traffic systems is given. The goal is to find an approach that minimizes the total delay of cars in an intersection by computing the switching sequence of the traffic lights. The simulation results show …

Influence Of Lateral Boundaries In Tapped Densification Of Granular Materials, Nathaniel Ching

Theses

Granular systems are widely present in the world. Soil, pharmaceutical pills, and silos filled with grain all are examples of granular systems. Experiments have long established an empirical understanding of granular systems, but an analytical understanding has been much more difficult to establish. One of the behaviors of a granular system that is well documented but poorly understood is the change in density the system undergoes when excited, also known as the densification process.

This thesis investigates the densification process of a tapped granular system using Discrete Element Model (DEM) simulations. Contact interactions in the simulations obey a well-established inelastic …

Reduction Of Line Edge Roughness (Ler) In Interference-Like Large Field Lithography, Burak Baylav

Theses

Line edge roughness (LER) is seen as one of the most crucial challenges to be addressed in advanced technology nodes. In order to alleviate it, several options were explored in this work for the interference-like lithography imaging conditions.

The most straight forward option was to scale interference lithography (IL) for large field integrated circuit (IC) applications. IL not only serves as a simple method to create high resolution period patterns, but, it also provides the highest theoretical contrast achievable compared to other optical lithography systems. Higher contrast yields a smaller transition region between the low and high intensity parts of …

Computational Modeling Of A Graphene Based Field-Effect Transistor, Pedro Nicodemo Cintron-Tirado

Theses

With every passing day, the demand for devices that have higher operating speeds increases. Currently, silicon's transistor size is limited and it has become difficult to obtain similar performance as compared to previous transistors. The silicon transistor design has changed from a planar geometry to an FINFET design, which allows dimensions to be scaled further while achieving similar performance. Even with this change in geometry, silicon will reach its scalable limit. With such a high demand for faster operational devices, the limitation of silicon will only be able to support the next generation transistors, and then a new type of …

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 …