Digital Commons Network^™

Modelling Of Bed Load Transport In The River Bandon, Stephen Falvey

Theses

This research thesis examines the various aspects of fluvial sediment transport with a particular emphasis on bed load transport. Sediment is a dynamic, essential and important part of Ireland’s river basins. The collection of sediment transport data is very important as it can help prevent flooding, improve water quality, protect ecology and assist cities and towns in future planning. At the moment there is no legislation dedicated exclusively to sediment but it does interface with a range of other pieces of legislation including the Water Framework Directive.

This literature review studies sediment transport. There is a particular emphasis on the …

A Novel Mammogram Registration Algorithm For Improving Breast Cancer Detection, Stephanie Cleveland Cunningham

Theses

Accurate mammogram registration is vital to future breast cancer research. In order to detect changes over time and/or bilateral asymmetry, computer aided detection algorithms must first be able to accurately align two mammogram images. The registration algorithm in this thesis is a novel process designed to accurately register two mammogram images using the Pompeiu-Hausdorff distance as a similarity measure. The algorithm identifies the optimal translation and rotation that can be used to properly align the two mammogram images by computing the optimized Pompeiu-Hausdorff distance between extracted feature point-sets and adaptively fine tuning the parameters with each iteration. This automated algorithm, …

Development & Application Of A Space Launch System Value Model To A Lunar Helium-3 Mining Mission Case Study, Shari Keller

Theses

Spacecraft and launch systems are complex products requiring a careful balance between competing concerns, such as performance, weight, and reliability, to serve their mission. This thesis proposes that an economic analysis of all parties to spacecraft launch and operation can be used to construct a top-level value model on the launch system attribute space. A Lunar Helium-3 (He3) mining business venture provides the mission case study. Input variables were grouped into broad categories of developing a space launch system: costs, performance, schedule, and reliability. Baseline data were aggregated by impact on the mission's costs and benefit elements of the business …

Finite Element Analysis Technique For Unidirectional Fiber-Reinforced Composites With Localized Wrinkles, Cory Kendall

Theses

Unidirectional fiber reinforced composites are commonly used in aerospace structural applications, such as engine nacelles and helicopter blades, as well as in wind turbine blades. These large, complex structures commonly contain fiber wrinkles caused by gathering and kinking of fibers in the curing process. The presence of fiber wrinkle defects can significantly compromise strength, stiffness, and delamination resistance, and thus reduce the anticipated structural performance. While some techniques have been established to find the effective stiffness of a section of material containing certain types of fiber wrinkles, there is no general approach to model the effects of an arbitrary fiber …

Investigation Of Wastewater Treatment Plant Sustainability Potential In Terms Of Resource Recovery Essentials, Aoife Moloney

Theses

This thesis aims to explore the sustainability potential which exists in Wastewater Treatment Plants (WWTP's); particularly focusing on nutrient, energy, and water recovery and reuse. The core of the research will focus on the establishment of a sustainable Resource Recovery Treatment Plant (RRTP) plan for Limerick Main Drainage (LMD) WWTP, and potentially utilising this as a case study plant which could act as a foundation example within the sector.

There is a genuine need to investigate more sustainable options in wastewater treatment (WWT); increasing energy and sludge management costs are a real issue for non-sustainable WWTP's given that thousands of …

Novel Liquid Chromatography - Fourier Transform Mass Spectrometry (Ms) And Triple Quadrupole Ms Methods For The Determination Of Diarrhetic Shellfish Poisoning (Dsp) Toxins., Bébhine Carey

Theses

Harmful algal blooms (HABs) appear to be on the rise globally, which not only has a negative impact on the shellfish industry but can also cause human and animal intoxications. In order to advance our knowledge of HABs, specific and sensitive analytical methods are required to aid in monitoring shellfish and algal samples for biotoxins, harmful to consumers.

Total Lightning As An Indicator Of Convectively Induced Turbulence Threat To Aviation Interests, Ryan Rogers

Theses

The FAA recommends that aircraft avoid thunderstorms by a minimum of 20 nautical miles horizontally. When this buffer is not maintained the chance of an aircraft experiencing turbulence is increased. The presence of lightning in a convective cell gives some indication of its turbulence potential so locations of lightning flash initiations are used to highlight updraft regions where convectively induced turbulence is generated. Data from the North Alabama Lightning Mapping Array (NALMA) serves as a proxy for Geostationary Lightning Mapper (GLM) total lightning capability. GLM proxy data are used to investigate the impact of 8x8 km resolution on lightning-turbulence relationships. …

The Association Of Blood Lipid Levels With The Epigenetic Regulation Of The Cpt1a Gene, Nikita Patel

Theses

DNA methylation directly influences gene expression. Previous studies showed that diet and genetics influence blood lipid levels. However, the association between DNA methylation and lipid levels is unknown. This study demonstrates a link between epigenetic variation and fasting blood lipid levels, particularly in triglycerides and VLDL-C. Approximately 470,000 CpGs were evaluated in 995 individuals to find epigenome-wide associations between methylation and lipid levels. Two CpGs sites located within theCPT1A gene showed strong association with fasting triglyceride and VLDC-C levels. Furthermore there was an inverse relationship between methylation levels at the most significant CpG within CPT1Aand its fold expression levels. CPT1 …

Hyperspectral Remote Sensing Of Water Quality In Lake Atitlan, Guatemala, Africa Ixmucane Flores Cordova

Theses

Lake Atitlan in Guatemala is a vital source of drinking water. The deteriorating conditions of water quality in this lake threaten human and ecological health as well as the local and national economy. Given the sporadic and limited measurements available, it is impossible to determine the changing conditions of water quality. The goal of this thesis is to use Hyperion satellite images to measure water quality parameters in Lake Atitlan. For this purpose in situ measurements and satellite-derived reflectance data were analyzed to generate an algorithm that estimated Chlorophyll concentrations. This research provides for the first time a quantitative application …

Higher Order Sliding Mode Control Of Laser Pointing For Orbital Debris Mitigation, Arthur Palosz

Theses

This thesis explores the use of a space-based laser to clean up small orbital debris from near Earth space. This system's challenge is to quickly and precisely aim the laser beam at very small (<1cm) and distant (<10km) moving orbital debris in the presence of parametric uncertainties and external disturbances. A mathematical model is derived for the debris position sensors, a Fast Steering Mirror (FSM), and a telescope which are used to track the orbital debris and then point and focus the laser beam onto the orbital debris. A Kalman Filter (KF) is designed to accurately track the orbital debris and generate a command signal for the controller. A second order Super Twisting Sliding Mode Controller (2-SMC) is designed to follow the command signal generated by the KF and to overcome the parametric uncertainties and external disturbances. The performance of the system is validated with a computer simulation created in MATLAB and Simulink.

Generation Of Radio Frequency Induced Metastable Xenon As A Gain Medium For Diode Pumped Rare Gas Laser Systems, Jacqueline Marie Andreozzi

Theses

The pursuit of novel, hybrid methods of achieving lasing from the rare gases has recently been a topic of interest in the field of high energy laser systems. This investigation presents the construction and execution of an experimental setup designed to generate metastable xenon (Xe*) to determine its potential to perform as a high power laser gain medium in a similar capacity as the alkali metals in Diode Pumped Alkali Lasers. A capacitively coupled radio frequency discharge was used to light plasma from naturally abundant xenon, thus exciting the 6s[3/2]₂ metastable state. The metastable xenon was probed with a …

The Design Of An Apparatus For The Experimental Testing Of Nucleate Boiling In Microgravity, Eric Becnel

Theses

Nucleate and pool boiling in microgravity is an area of interest due to the increase in heat transfer that this regime provides on Earth. An apparatus to experimentally test these properties may enable an increase of use of boiling in microgravity. The design, functional testing, and re-design of an apparatus to test the properties of boiling in microgravity is presented. An uncertainty analysis provides an understanding of the confidence in the performance of the instrument. The outcome of this research has shown several areas of improvement of the apparatus.

Vision Based Control Of Autonomous Underwater Vehicles, Karansingh Thakur

Theses

Vision based control (Visual Servoing) of an autonomous 6-DOF vehicle is considered in this thesis. The vehicle is to be navigated underwater using the cameras mounted on its body. With the new developed algorithm, the need for underwater GPS, Tilt Sensors and other costly devices is eliminated. The new algorithm overcomes the shortcomings of the existing algorithms, PBVS (Position-Based Visual Servoing) and IBVS (Image-Based Visual Servoing). The underwater vehicle is navigated using the image feedback obtained from the cameras. These image features are fed to the control system on the vehicle which in turn generates the desired motion. Simulations runs …

Stability And Well-Posedness Of A Rate-Dependent Damage Model For Brittle Materials, Abraham B. Kunin

Theses

This thesis presents an analysis of the stability and well-posedness of the Dominant Crack Algorithm (DCA) model for damage in brittle materials. The DCA model's prediction for the behavior of a brittle material under uniaxial tension forms the basis of the analysis. It is shown through the perturbation analysis of a one-dimensional steady-state solution that the DCA model reflects the underlying instability of the material but is mathematically well-posed. Thus perturbations to the steady-state solution remain bounded in finite time. This result has an important implication in the numerical solution of the initial boundary-value problems implicit in the DCA model. …

Detection Of Personnel And Small Arms Fire Using Pulse Radar, Joshua Bonner

Theses

The scope is to fill in a gap of detecting targets using low power, small size radars. The main objective of this thesis is to show, through simulation, that a small, low power radar can be theoretically designed using standard radar principles to accomplish said task. The primary method used in this thesis is to ascertain the conclusion with two separate Matlab Simulations. First, the design of a radar to detect human sized targets moving along the ground and secondly, detection of small arms fire aimed towards helicopters were used as the primary examples. The results show that a human …

A Methodology To Consolidate Transit Stops For Enhancing Transit Users Travel Times, Mohammad Nurul Hassan

Theses

This study develops a methodology to consolidate transit stops. It develops a mathematical model and a program which takes stop consolidation decision(s) according to users travel time savings and desired accessibility. The model iterates until the users travels time savings are maximized. The study tests this mathematical model in different hypothetical scenarios. Six factors (distance between stops, passengers’ activity, average cruising speed, and maximum walkable distance, frequency of service and percentage of decreased passengers) with multiple levels were set to build the scenarios. Three responses (percentage of consolidated stops, percentage of travel time savings and percentage of operating …

A Thomistic Understanding Of Happiness, Christian Stephens

Theses

Imagine that extra-terrestrial researchers land on Earth with the mission of studying humanity. As part of their expedition they wish to sit in on one University Degree, but are unsure of which degree to choose. So they decide to carry out a survey, asking each individual human what it is they want in life. Based on the results, the aliens will then study the appropriate field. After conducting the survey and processing the data, they come to the conclusion that humans highly regard this thing called happiness.1 The Head Researchers unanimously decide that a ‘degree in happiness’ is in order. …

Reinforced Concrete Deterioration Of A 100 Year Old Structure In A Marine Environment, Ross O'Donovan

Theses

The current study investigates the deterioration of a 100 year old bridge located in a harsh marine environment. Constructed in 1908 - 1909 the Mizen Head Footbridge was one of the oldest reinforced concrete bridges in Ireland. The demolition of the bridge in 2009 provided a unique opportunity to examine its service life and to extract samples for analysis and investigation. A review of the construction of the bridge, and its maintenance history are presented, with a view to analysing their influence on the behaviour of the concrete.

Reinforcement corrosion due to chloride attack was identified. A focused study indicates …

The Uae English Pre- Service Teachers Field Experience Challenges Coping To Teach Within A Major Curricular Reform, Sahar Ali Salem

Theses

The purpose of this study was to investigate the challenges the UAE University (UAEU) English pre-service teachers faced during their field experience within a major curricular reform. The study focused on five UAEU English pre-service teachers enrolled in a practicum course during their field experience and their five cooperative teachers. A semi-structured interview, a questionnaire and an observation checklist were employed to explore the field experience challenges that the UAEU English pre-service teachers encountered. The use of multiple resources helped to create a general profile and in turn helped to improve the trustworthiness of the research findings. The implication derived …

The Extent To Which The Characteristics Of Professional Learning Communities Are Found In Cycle One Schools In Al – Ain From Teachers Prospective, Fatima Mohammed Manea Ai-Dhaheri

Theses

The purpose of this quantitative study was to investigate the extent to which the characteristics of Professional Learning Communities were found in cycle one schools in Al-Ain from teachers’ perspectives. The aim was also to investigate if there were differences of participants’ responses based on demographic variables. Using the Professional Learning Communities Assessment (PLCA) developed by Oliver, Hipp, and Huffman (2003), the study answered the following specific question: 1) To what extent do the characteristics of PLC exist in Al-Ain cycle one schools as perceived by teachers?; 2) Are there significant differences between teachers’ perception in terms of age, years …

Large-Scale Cloudscapes Using Noise, Mario Rosa

Theses

Clouds have been of particular interest in computer graphics due to the challenge they present. Clouds are considered fuzzy objects, and need specialized algorithms to model and render realistically. Many techniques exist to model and render clouds that have had much success. This research will take existing techniques in cloud modeling and rendering and create a new technique combining those with noise. The idea is that noise can be used to model large-scale repeatable 3D cloudscapes and to be able to model such cloudscapes much more quickly than current techniques. This would be beneficial to developers of virtual universes that …

Design Strategy For The Optimization Of The Impeller In An Axial Ventricle Assist Device, Jonathan Peyton

Theses

The objectives of this study were to create and implement a design strategy to improve the impeller design of the Left Ventricle Assist Device (LVAD) here at RIT. CFD software paired with parametric design optimization has proved as a useful tool set to improve VAD performance in a timely and cost effective manner. A design search of one design variable was conducted to test the implementation of the design strategy. Performance of a LVAD is split between three individual parameters: 1) Pressure generation, 2) Rate of Hemolysis, and 3) Risk of Thrombosis. CFD simulations provided the data necessary to assess …

Maddy The Mathasaurus: An Interactive Math Game That Introduces The Concept And Properties Of Multiplication And Designed With Consideration For Children With Adhd, Mansi Vora

Theses

ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) is one of the most commonly diagnosed behavioral disorder in kids, and is estimated to affect about 8-10% of school-aged children. Research shows that out of these children about 26% particularly have Math learning disabilities. The cognitive ability to understand and solve complex mathematical problems requires high level of concentration over a longer duration of time. This ability is disrupted in certain children due to ADHD. Therefore these students are likely to receive lower grades or even failure in standardized measures. However, if an educational environment is created that is specifically targeted towards reducing the …

Study Of Particle Swarm For Optimal Power Flow In Ieee Benchmark Systems Including Wind Power Generators, Mohamed A. Abuella

Theses

AN ABSTRACT OF THE THESIS OF Mohamed A. Abuella, for the Master of Science degree in Electrical and Computer Engineering, presented on May 10, 2012, at Southern Illinois University Carbondale. TITLE:STUDY OF PARTICLE SWARM FOR OPTIMAL POWER FLOW IN IEEE BENCHMARK SYSTEMS INCLUDING WIND POWER GENERATORS MAJOR PROFESSOR: Dr. C. Hatziadoniu, The aim of this thesis is the optimal economic dispatch of real power in systems that include wind power. The economic dispatch of wind power units is quite different of conventional thermal units. In addition, the consideration should take the intermittency nature of wind speed and operating constraints as …

How Parents Use Television To Enrich Their Children's Cultural Identity: The Case Study Of Shalom Sesame And Jewish Life, Elizabeth Michele Spezia

Theses

A small-scale ethnographic case study of young children's learning from television in southern Illinois provides understanding about the frameworks used for interpreting media use in family life. The research consisted of in-home interviews about patterns of using the media, observations, and family diaries of children's viewing behavior to examine family engagement with a prosocial television program, Shalom Sesame, depicting Jewish culture, Hebrew language, holidays, and the land of Israel. Family responses to the program are identified in terms of appeal, use, and overall fit with Jewish identity and tradition in the homes. Data analysis reveals that quality educational program features …

Environmental Science In Middle School Curricula: A Pilot Project In The Dominican Republic, Laura Tejeda

Theses

The Dominican Republic's (DR) public investment in education by 2010 was 2% of the GNP; falling behind the 6% minimum established by UNESCO in 2010 as a requirement to achieve quality education. The DR has not developed an Environmental Education policy. The DR's Environment Law 64-00 dictates Environmental Education to be introduced as one of the cross-cutting themes called "transverse axis" into the general curricula of all schools. However; due to lack of time and teachers able to integrate these axes into lesson plans, they were seldom implemented. This pilot project took place at The Community for Learning School (TCFL). …

Micro-Extrusion Process Parameter Modeling, Anuj Datar

Theses

Direct write processes are a family of technologies with the ability to deposit functional structures directly onto planar and non-planar surfaces. Direct writing includes a variety of processes that use different mechanisms to transfer materials on to substrates and can be generally distinguished from conventional rapid prototyping processes by a feature resolution in the sub-micron to micron range. The dispensing system studied in this thesis is a pneumatically actuated micro-extruder which is capable of processing a wide variety of materials. This material dispensing tool is capable of depositing small amounts of material to build three dimensional structures in an accurate …

Analytical Modeling, Performance Analysis, And Optimization Of Polarimetric Imaging System, Lingfei Meng

Theses

Polarized light can provide additional information about a scene that cannot be obtained directly from intensity or spectral images. Rather than treating the optical field as scalar, polarization images seek to obtain the vector nature of the optical field from the scene. Polarimetry thus has been found to be useful in several applications, including material classification and target detection. Recently, optical polarization has been identified as an emerging technique and has shown promising applications in passive remote sensing. Compared with the traditional spectral content of the scene, polarimetric signatures are much more dependent on the scene geometry and the polarimetric …

Evolutionary Star-Structured Heterogeneous Data Co-Clustering, Amit Salunke

Theses

A star-structured interrelationship, which is a more common type in real world data, has a central object connected to the other types of objects. One of the key challenges in evolutionary clustering is integration of historical data in current data. Traditionally, smoothness in data transition over a period of time is achieved by means of cost functions defined over historical and current data. These functions provide a tunable tolerance for shifts of current data accounting instance to all historical information for corresponding instance. Once historical data is integrated into current data using cost functions, co-clustering is obtained using various co-clustering …

Facial Feature Point Fitting With Combined Color And Depth Information For Interactive Displays, Colin Bellmore

Theses

Interactive displays are driven by natural interaction with the user, necessitating a computer system that recognizes body gestures and facial expressions. User inputs are not easily or reliably recognized for a satisfying user experience, as the complexities of human communication are difficult to interpret in real-time. Recognizing facial expressions in particular is a problem that requires high-accuracy and efficiency for stable interaction environments. The recent availability of the Kinect, a low cost, low resolution sensor that supplies simultaneous color and depth images, provides a breakthrough opportunity to enhance the interactive capabilities of displays and overall user experience. This new RGBD …