Digital Commons Network^™

Morality In The Virtual Space: Applying Moral Philosophy To Digital Worlds, James O'Sullivan

Theses

Since the turn of the century and the dawn of the digital age, online communities have witnessed significant growth in their importance. Significant numbers of virtual environments now exist, within which millions of individuals interact socially and economically, engaged fully in what is equivalent to a physical encounter, the only differences being the virtual representations through which they interact, and the physical security that this representation affords them. Though physically absent, individuals are fully engaged psychologically, and thus open to the same ethical dilemmas presented through reality. Application of real-world moral codes is encumbered by the existence of what 1 …

Signal To Noise Ratio Estimation Using The Expectation Maximization Algorithm, Ahmed Almradi

Theses

Signal to Noise Ratio (SNR) estimation when the transmitted symbols are unknown is a common problem in many communication systems, especially those which require an accurate SNR estimation. For instance, modern wireless communication systems usually require accurate estimate of SNR without knowledge of the transmitted symbols. In addition, SNR estimation is required in order to perform efficient signal detection, power control, and adaptive modulation In this study, Non data Aided (NDA) SNR estimation for Binary Phase Shift Keying (PBSK) and Quadrature Phase Shift Keying (QPSK) using the Expectation Maximization (EM) algorithm is developed. The assumption here is that the received …

Self-Stabilizing Algorithms For Independence, Domination, And Coloring, Alexander Boris Kunin

Theses

Self-stabilization is an algorithmic design paradigm which, since its inception in the early 1970s, has been used to implement efficient solutions that arise in settings where nodes do not have complete knowledge of a network, and more abstractly, to find graph theoretic structures such as independent sets, dominating sets, and spanning trees. This thesis provides a historical overview of the field, as well as a survey of notable papers. In addition to this survey, we provide a simplification of a well-known spanning tree algorithm, and an extension, to provide a proper coloring of bipartite graphs. We also provide a comparison …

Preliminary Trajectory Analysis Of A Nuclear Fusion Propulsion Fly-By Mission To Saturn And Beyond, Brian Riehm

Theses

No abstract provided.

Ferroelectric Capacitance Memory: Characterization Of An Autonous Non-Volatile Ferroelectric Memory Latch, Caroline Sangeetha John

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No abstract provided.

Effects Of Additives On Rapid Acid/Base Reactions, Gregory Bennett

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No abstract provided.

Lossy Image Compression Using Wavelet Transform, Huda Al-Ghaib

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No abstract provided.

Number Estimation And Feedback, Lindsey M. Clement

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No abstract provided.

Investigation Of Turbulent Boundary Layer Flow Using A Geometry-Based Artificially Generated Inflow, Man Zhang

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No abstract provided.

Analytical And Numerical Analysis Of Laterally Loaded Pile Group-Cap Foundation System, Srđan Krsto BošKović

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No abstract provided.

Greedy Routing Via Embedding Graphs Onto Semi-Metric Spaces, Swetha Govindaiah

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No abstract provided.

Estimation Of Soil Moisture Profiles From Thermal Infrared Remote Sensing And Application To Agricultural Crop Modeling, Vikalp Mishra

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No abstract provided.

Optical Analysis Of Microfabricated Glass Cuvettes For Spectroscopic Applications, William R. Gaillard

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No abstract provided.

Incorporating Input Saturation For Underactuated Surface Vessel Trajectory Tracking Control, Yaswanth Siramdasu

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No abstract provided.

Design Of A Distributed Hadoop Solution For The Multiple Sequence Alignment Algorithm: Clustal Omega, Jurate Daugelaite

Theses

Multiple Sequence Alignment (MSA) of DNA and protein sequences is one of the most essential techniques in the fields of molecular biology, computational biology and bioinformatics. It aids the identification and prediction of three dimensional structures, primary functions and evolutionary relatedness amongst groups of species, organisms, and genes. Since as the completion of the Human Genome Project and with the advent of sequencing initiatives such as the Genome 10K project, the rate of genome sequencing has increased exponentially, producing vast amounts of DNA and protein sequences. MSA algorithms, when applied to such sequence data, can identify common homology, structure and …

An Investigation Of Discontinuous Specular Surfaces Using Non-Contact Techniques In Line Monitoring., Kiryl Kekukh

Theses

Surface metrology by structured light projection has been a standard technique in industry for many years. However, when the surface under test is reflective or specular it is impossible to use this particular method. In this instance a modified procedure called "Fringe Reflection” is used. In this technique patterns similar to structured light are projected onto a screen, located remotely from the surface, and fringe patterns, reflected via the surface, are recorded using a CCD-camera. To recover the range data of such a surface from a set of images taken, a phase unwrapping algorithm is used. For the purpose and …

Visualising Urban Flooding Scenarios Using Video Game Technology, William Elliott Lynn

Theses

This thesis investigates the application of computer graphics to the visualisation of urban flooding scenarios. The demand for urban flooding visualisations is presented in the context of an EU wide climate change response strategy. An analysis of the requirements from various stakeholders is presented and a strategy that addresses these requirements is synthesised. A study on the appropriate computer graphics methods and technologies is outlined and limitations of current technologies are assessed. Systems that solve these limitations are described and the result of usability and user acceptance testing are offered as evidence.

The Identification And Reduction Of Energy Streams Within The Pharmaceutical Sector Using Software Algorithms, Raymond Corbett

Theses

Pharmaceutical companies are under increasing financial pressure to optimise production costs, due to a growing number of products coming off patent, research and development costs increasing exponentially and the difficulty of bringing genuinely innovative products to market. Generic drug manufacturers are not exempt from these pressures; costs must be driven down by all drug manufacturers due to the increasingly competitive healthcare market.

The operating costs of a modern Pharmaceutical Plant run to several Million Euros per annum. Complex process’s involving the consumption of large amounts of energy, and hence costs, are a necessity. Any increase in the efficiency of a …

Voltage Rise Mitigation In A Weak Distribution Network Due To The Impact Of Distributed Generation, Donal Caples

Theses

There are numerous aspects of a distribution network that must be studied in order to determine the maximum size of distributed generation that can be accommodated on the distribution network before supply standards are breached. Voltage rise is one of the main aspects of concern when connecting a distributed generator to a distribution network and this thesis develops the understanding of this phenomenon and concludes with a real life study.

Mathematical and computer simulation software examples within this thesis demonstrate how voltage rise can be reduced to the maximum allowable limit, a major concern if the capacity of a distributed …

Total Quality Management And Its Impact On Establishing An Effective Learning Environment In Abu-Dhabi High Schools, Mouza Saif Ghumail Saeed Al-Ketbi

Theses

The issue of quality has gained attention in recent years and has placed the education system under ongoing reform. This has urged educational institutions to improve the quality of education delivered. Based on the relevant literature, this study identified the main features of Total Quality Management (TQM) as well as the features of an effective learning environment. TQM philosophy and its implementation in education provide the theoretical background for this work. The purpose of this paper was to investigate TQM practices and to examine its impact on the learning environment in secondary schools in

Abu Dhabi Emirate, in UAE. This …

Dynamics Of Passively Mode-Locked Lasers With Optical Injection, Natalia Rebrova

Theses

Semiconductor passively mode-locked (ML) lasers are of particular interest due to their compactness, cost-efficiency and ease of operation. However, outside optimal parameter range these lasers suffer waveform instabilities, large chirp and significant timing jitter, which makes them ineffective in highspeed applications. In this work we model monolithic passively mode-locked lasers using delay differential equations. We study laser dynamics under external optical injection. We demonstrate that optical injection can improve the properties of mode-locked lasers in terms of the time-bandwidth product, noise and pulse stability. Also this work provides the estimate of locking range for a passively ML semiconductor laser subjected …

Wireless Sensor Networks: Empowering Reliable, Realtime & Resource Efficient Communication For Cyber-Physical Applications, Jasvinder Singh

Theses

Since their inception, Wireless Sensor Networks (WSNs) have been successfully employed as low-rate data gathering networks in numerous monitoring applications. Recently, a new domain of WSNs applications, known as Cyber-Physical Systems (CPS) has started attracting significant attention world-wide. In these applications, monitoring only the state of the physical system (process or environment) is not sufficient, the system must respond to the sensed events/data within certain time constraints by performing actions upon the physical entity. It is expected that in approaching years, WSNs will be integrated in a myriad of CPS applications, for example high confidence medical systems, assisted living, traffic …

Temperature Mapping Study Of United States Distribution Systems, Ken Silverman

Theses

The purpose of this one-year temperature mapping study was to determine the extreme temperatures and respective durations commercial pharmaceutical products are expected to be exposed to during routine ambient distribution within the continental United States. Extreme temperature conditions may affect the safety and efficacy of pharmaceutical products during distribution. Knowing the value and duration of the extreme temperatures that products are likely to experience in the ambient (uncontrolled) distribution environment allows for improved product degradation testing, optimized thermal package design and scientifically based determination as to when logistical and environmental controls should be used. Before this study, testing was performed …

Center-Of-Gravity Estimation Of An Aircraft Solely Using Traditional Aircraft Measurement Sensors, Andrew Komendat

Theses

In this work, a novel algorithm for estimating aircraft center-of-gravity location based solely on traditional aircraft measurements is investigated. The algorithm uses known physics-based kinematic relationships between aircraft states for the estimation process and requires only traditional sensor measurements typically employed by aircraft. Three models are used in the algorithm development: one based on using attitude measurements, the second based on using air data measurements, and the third based on using navigation type measurements. Estimation of the aircraft's aerodynamic parameters is not required in the new approach. However, sensor error such as accelerometer bias effects are estimated in the algorithm …

A Mems Viscosity Sensor For Conductive Fluids, Luis Gan Chau

Theses

MEMS Viscosity sensors are widely used in different applications nowadays. MEMS sensors are created by making them small in size almost penny-like sized. With low power consumption, cheap costs of production, and mass production of the devices. These sensors are able to measure viscosity through three different characteristics, the frequency, amplitude and the quality factor. Each of these describes the fluids viscosity, by using a vibrational type viscometer. The sensor has been proven to work in conductive fluids after a post process fabrication of a protective layer of Parylene C. The sensors performance has been altered due to a thicker …

Characterization And Modeling Of Pneumatic Multi-Material Micro-Extrusion, Tejas Bendarkar

Theses

Functionally Graded Materials (FGMs) are characterized by a continuous variation in the composition of parent materials through the work piece volume. This gradual change in material composition is aimed at improving mechanical, thermal and/or electrical properties of the material. FGMs are being increasingly used in a variety of applications including aerospace, biomedical and nuclear.

FGMs have been produced using additive manufacturing processes such as laser engineered net shaping (LENS) and 30 printing. A relatively new process category called direct write (OW) printing has evolved over the past decade. OW techniques such as multi-material micro-extrusion are capable of producing FGMs. To …

Remnants: Within An Age Of Digitalism, Marchelo Vera

Theses

21st Century civilization allows a glimpse into the progressive art paradigm that encompasses our constantly transforming technological advancements. These ideas explore the global network of our modern times and the interrelated possibilities within it. My collaborative and interdisciplinary methods give a glimpse into the future of digital/print media, augmented reality, and interactive environments. My artwork explores the hybrid, identity, culture, and an evolving reality within an age of Digitalism.

Robust Transmission Of Images Based On Jpeg2000 Using Edge Information, Amjad Nazih Bou Matar

Theses

In multimedia communication and data storage, compression of data is essential to speed up the transmission rate, minimize the use of channel bandwidth, and minimize storage space. JPEG2000 is the new standard for image compression for transmission and storage. The drawback of Compression is that compressed data are more vulnerable to channel noise during transmission. Previous techniques for error concealment are classified into three groups depending on the Approach employed by the encoder and decoder: Forward Error Concealment, Error Concealment by Post Processing and Interactive Error Concealment. The objective of this thesis is to develop a Concealment methodology that has …

Investigating Block Mask Lithography Variation Using Finite-Difference Time-Domain Simulation, Daiji Kawamura

Theses

Simulation work has long been realized as a method for analyzing semiconductor processing expediently and cost-effectively. As technology advancements strive to meet increasingly stringent parameter constraints, difficult issues arise. In this paper, challenges in block mask lithography will be discussed with the aid of using simulation packages developed by Panoramic Technology®. Halo formation utilizes a 20-30° tilt-angle implantation [1]. The block mask defines the geometries of the resist opening to allow implantation of atoms to extend into the channel region. Due to designed resolution scaling and tolerance in conjunction with substrate topography, there can be undesired influence on the electrical …

Probabilistic Framework For Image Understanding Applications Using Bayesian Networks, Mustafa Jaber

Theses

Machine learning algorithms have been successfully utilized in various systems/devices. They have the ability to improve the usability/quality of such systems in terms of intelligent user interface, fast performance, and more importantly, high accuracy. In this research, machine learning techniques are used in the field of image understanding, which is a common research area between image analysis and computer vision, to involve higher processing level of a target image to "make sense" of the scene captured in it. A general probabilistic framework for image understanding where topics associated with (i) collection of images to generate a comprehensive and valid database, …