Digital Commons Network^™

Energy Policies And Diplomatic Relations With The United States : [Presentation Given On September 6, 2011], Krenare Thaci

Theses

Energy policy is a hot topic around the world and it is a great concern, affecting our economic interests and presenting global challenges. Immense technological developments resulting from global warring are now emerging. Huge potential markets are anticipated for carbon trading. In order to shape the future of Energy Policy we must review the current energy situation, which has remained pretty much the same since the Arab Oil Embargo, shifts have taken place with renewables and energy efficiency. Since the Arab Oil Embargo, oil imports to the United States have doubled, reflecting demand growth as well as decline in domestic …

Analysis Of A Queueing Model With Service Threshold, Kathryn Graf

Theses

We study a variation of the M/G/1 queueing model in which service time of customers is modified depending on the class to which the customers belong. Specifically, apart from the regular service time, we consider different service times for every customer who starts service after an idle and also for every (m+1)st customer. The model represents situations such as when the system requires a warm up time from a cold start (i.e.) after being idle for some time and also a system that is taken down at regular intervals perhaps for maintenance. Such systems come under the general class of …

Measuring Aberrations In Lithographic Projection Systems With Phase Wheel Targets, Lena Zavyalova

Theses

A significant factor in the degradation of nanolithographic image fidelity is optical wavefront aberration. Aerial image sensitivity to aberrations is currently much greater than in earlier lithographic technologies, a consequence of increased resolution requirements. Optical wavefront tolerances are dictated by the dimensional tolerances of features printed, which require lens designs with a high degree of aberration correction. In order to increase lithographic resolution, lens numerical aperture (NA) must continue to increase and imaging wavelength must decrease. Not only do aberration magnitudes scale inversely with wavelength, but high-order aberrations increase at a rate proportional to NA2 or greater, as do aberrations …

Risk Identification And Project Approval: An Importance-Performance Analysis Of Taxonomy-Based Risks In Information Technology Projects, Tiago Ferreira Da Silva

Theses

The dissemination of project management practices is consolidating project as a great mean of achieving an organization's strategic plan (PMI, 2008, p. 10). But there are no resources and funds available to all, and competition among alternative projects is increasing. Funding institutions, government agencies, and credit rating organizations started considering project risk in project evaluation, instead of only using financial metrics such as ROI (Return on Investment) or NPV (Net Present Value). In order to obtain resources needed to implement projects, and thus contribute to an organization's objectives, it is necessary to identify the risks that have greater influence on …

Modeling And Simulation Of Jp-8 Fuel Based Hybrid Solid Oxide Fuel Cell System, Kalyan Nishtala

Theses

Solid Oxide Fuel Cells (SOFC) are solid state energy conversion devices that operate at high temperatures (800 to 1000 ±C). Their inherent advantage of fuel flexibility, tolerance to impurities, faster chemical kinetics with non precious catalyst materials and capability of supporting bottoming cycle components make them an attractive proposition for energy generation in comparison to other fuel cell technologies. To assist the advancement of this technology, this work develops dynamic, computer-based, mathematical models of an Auto-thermal reformer (ATR) based SOFC system with Jet Propellant-8 as the fuel to the ATR. Limitations in the existing models of SOFC systems lie in …

The Influence Of Auditory Cues On Visual Spatial Perception, Joseph W. Geeseman

Theses

Traditional psychophysical studies have been primarily unimodal experiments due to the ease in which a single sense can be isolated in a laboratory setting. This study, however, presents participants with auditory and visual stimuli to better understand the interaction of the two senses in visuospatial perception. Visual stimuli, presented as Gaussian distributed blobs, moved laterally across a computer monitor to a central location and "bounced" back to their starting position. During this passage across the screen, a brief auditory "click" was presented via headphones. Participants were asked to respond to the bounce of the ball, and response latency was recorded. …

Atmospheric Compensation Over Case Ii Waters: Simultaneous Aerosol And Water Constituent Retrieval, Donald Taylor

Theses

In many algorithms designed to retrieve water constituent concentrations, an assumption of negligible water-leaving radiance is made in the near infrared (NIR) wavelengths (750-950 [nm]). This allows fairly accurate atmospheric correction to be applied to the oceanic imagery. Given this assumption, it is possible to derive model estimates of aerosol type and density and compensate for its effects in other regions of the spectrum. Unfortunately this assumption is only valid in areas of very low total suspended sediment (TSS) concentrations, such as open ocean waters. Increased TSS load causes significant back-scattering within the water, increasing the water leaving signal in …

Laplacian Eigenmaps Manifold Learning And Anomaly Detection Methods For Spectral Images, Marcela Munoz Reales

Theses

Spectral images provide a large amount of spectral information about a scene, but sometimes when studying images, we are interested in specific components. It is a difficult problem to separate the relevant information or what we call interesting from the background of a spectral image, even more so if our target objects are unknown. Anomaly detection is a process by which algorithms are designed to separate the anomalous (different) points from the background of an image. The data is complex and lives in a high dimension, manifold learning algorithms are used to analyze data that lives in a high dimensional …

Differences In Personality Factors And College Major Choice, Jennifer Smith

Theses

The transition from secondary education to post-secondary education is stressful for all students. The Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act (IDEIA 2004) only mandates transition plans for students receiving special education services. Career assessments and transition services should encourage career exploration which requires students to have knowledge about oneself and the world of work. When career assessments provide students with this information, they may be more informed on what major to choose. The purpose of this study was to look at group differences among college majors and their personality factors as measured by the Sixteen Personality Questionnaire, 5th Edition (16PF-5). …

Extending The Rit-Dupont Suprathreshold Data Set: Weighted Individual Discrimination Pair Data And New Chroma Dependency Visual Data, Bingxin Hou

Theses

Since the 1980's, the RIT-DuPont dataset has been used extensively for color-difference formula development and testing. In the past, the dataset was published as 156 color median tolerances along specific vector directions about 19 color centers. The median tolerance, referred to as T50, is the estimated absolute magnitude of the color difference at which 50% of the population will accept or reject a pair relative to an anchor pair. 1D Probit analysis, a univariate statistical technique that locates a median threshold from a binary response data, was used to transform judgments of 958 color-difference pairs by 50 observers to 156 …

Framework For Optimizing Intelligence Collection Requirements, Khiem Tong

Theses

In the military, typical mission execution goes through cycles of intelligence collection and action planning phases. For complex operations where many parameters affect the outcomes of the mission, several steps may be taken for intelligence collection before the optimal Course of Action is actually carried out. Human analytics suggests the steps of: (1) anticipating plausible futures, (2) determining information requirements, and (3) optimize the choice of feasible and cost-effective intelligence requirements. This work formalizes this process by developing a decision support tool to determine information requirements needed to differentiate critical plausible futures, and formulating a mixed integer programming problem to …

Characterization Of Two-Phase Flow In A Transparent Pem Fuel Cell Using Simultaneous Anode And Cathode Visualization And Digital Image Processing, Jacqueline Sergi

Theses

Proton exchange membrane (PEM) fuel cells have emerged as a potential alternative to internal combustion engines in order to curb dependency on fossil fuels and reduce harmful CO₂ emissions. Water management has been identified as a key research area for the advancement of PEM fuel cell technology, especially as it affects the purge protocol prior to cell shutdown. The presence of water in the cell is necessary to sustain membrane hydration, but the accumulation of excess liquid water, referred to as flooding, can lead to increased mass transport losses and reductions in performance and durability. In this work, a …

Autonomous Robot Patrolling Of A Sparsely Populated Unknown Environment, Patrick Larocque

Theses

The increasing availability and affordability of autonomous robots has expanded their uses for many new applications, such as exploration, surveillance and threat containment. Most research considers a team of a large number of robots that contain global information. This work explores distributed and low overhead algorithms for patrolling and threat containment within a region sparsely populated with few robots. The robots patrol the area without the global knowledge of the region, but each is equipped with an omni-directional range finder and a positioning system for keeping track of its location and metering distance and directions of events. This study presents …

Using N-Dimensional Volumes For Mathematical Applications In Spectral Image Analysis, Amanda Ziemann

Theses

The ability to detect an object or activity -- such as a military vehicle, construction area, campsite, or vehicle tracks -- is highly important to both military and civilian applications. Sensors that process multi and hyperspectral images provide a medium for performing such tasks. Hyperspectral imaging is a technique for collecting and processing imagery at a large number of visible and non-visible wavelengths. Different materials exhibit different trends in their spectra, which can be used to analyze the image. For an image collected at n different wavelengths, the spectrum of each pixel can be mathematically represented as an n-element vector. …

Tinker, Jay Graham

Theses

The works presented here are primarily an exploration into movements of volumes and forms, and the ways in which these seemingly simple whole forms can challenge our methods of knowing. These works use physical movement or other means to occupy more than one class of object, illustrating the difficulty in having a coherent schematic for organizing objects like this, and generally organizing any system of knowledge. This problem of having the difficulty of creating anything has given rise to the ironic form, where the focus is on avoiding a statement, to prevent a refutation. This is an inherently negative mode, …

Characterization And Sensitivity Analysis Of Hyperelastic Materials In Biaxial Tension, Lowell Smoger

Theses

The focus of this study was to improve characterization of hyperelastic materials in biaxial tension through improved design and validation of an existing test fixture and specimen geometry. Additionally, a sensitivity analysis of the material properties to variations in selected test parameters was conducted to better understand material response. Misalignment and binding in the original tensile test fixture resulted in non-equibiaxial loading and inaccurate stress-strain data. Analysis and modification were required to improve accuracy and repeatability. Vector analysis of the link system and the Minimum Constraint Design method were used to achieve this aim. Based on a proposed set of …

Cultural Identity Development And Sensitivity To Minority Cultures, Rachael Sando

Theses

Researchers are working toward understanding how to integrate the growing number of

culturally and ethnically diverse students in college and create a campus climate that is

supportive, united, and diverse. Previous studies have revealed that the dominant culture tends to rate campus climate more positively than minority cultures; a relationship mediated by unawareness of privilege. Research has found that few dominant or majority cultures are self aware of their cultural identity, and therefore do not acknowledge the privilege and culturally transmitted ways of being associated with it. The purpose of this study was to examine the presence of a dominant …

The Ireland Of James Anthony Froude: A Nineteenth Century Drama, Janet Murphy

Theses

Using primary material in a manner unprecedented at the time, James Anthony Froude was an English historian of the Victorian era whose histories encompassed Ireland. Among his works relating to Ireland was a ten-book study of the eighteenth century that extended from the penal era to the Union of 1800. While such scholars as W. E. H. Lecky objectified their histories by accumulating data, Froude supplemented his with anecdote, maintaining that the perfect history was told in the words and deeds of those who acted it out.

His methodology was not determinately structured: he laboured with vast quantities of primary …

Exploratory Analysis Of Pathogen Resistance Responsible Genetic Elements In Two Eudicots From Whole Genome Sequence, Aubrey Bailey

Theses

Agricultural products are becoming more homogenous in order to conform to consumer expectations. In doing so, they have become a high-risk target for widespread crop failure due to pathogens or other agricultural maladies. Presented here are a collection of tools and a work-flow for the wholesale detection and characterization of disease resistance-associated proteins from whole-genome sequences. These techniques were also adapted for identifying potential miRNA regulatory sequences. Putative R-gene sequences identified from the Malus x Domestica 'Golden Delicious' genome were acquired for verification against wild apple species. Resistance gene analogs were PCR amplified from R-gene associated domains (TIR, NBS, and …

Synoptic Variability Of A Cir-Driven Open-Closed Boundary During Solar Minimum, Kevin Urban

Theses

The year 2008 marked a historically quiet period of solar activity during the declining phase of solar cycle 23. Such quiet time has permitted researchers to clearly distinguish the spectral signature of a corotating interaction region’s (CIR) impact on the open-closed boundary (OCB) of the magnetosphere in the southern hemisphere’s auroral zone. By using the PENGUIn AGOs network of ground-based magnetometers on the Antarctic continent, the synoptic behavior of the OCB during a CIR-driven magnetic storm has been studied. Observations were compared with results provided by the BATSRUS space weather model. It is shown that such synoptic magnetometer data sets …

Mitochondrial Control Region Variation Among The Subspecies Of Sarus Crane (Grus Antigone), Ranajit Das

Theses

Sarus cranes (Grus antigone) are the tallest members of the crane family, Gruidae. They are found in four geographically distinct regions: northwest India (Indian Sarus- Grus antigone antigone), southeast Asia (Burmese Sarus- Grus antigone sharpei) and northern Australia (Australian Sarus- Grus antigone gillae). Although the three subspecies are morphologically distinct, their genetic distinctness is unclear. In this study, I focused on control region sequences of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) to assess the genetic and phylogeographic distinctness of Sarus subspecies. I used samples from four fragmented populations, seven from India, 16 from southeast Asia, five from Myanmar and eight from Australia. Phylogenetic …

Modeling And Simulation Of Adaptive Multimodal Optical Sensors For Target Tracking In The Visible To Near Infrared, Michael Presnar

Theses

This work investigates an integrated aerial remote sensor design approach to address moving target detection and tracking problems within highly cluttered, dynamic ground-based scenes. Sophisticated simulation methodologies and scene phenomenology validations have resulted in advancements in artificial multimodal truth video synthesis. Complex modeling of novel micro-opto-electro-mechanical systems (MOEMS) devices, optical systems, and detector arrays has resulted in a proof of concept for a state-of-the-art imaging spectropolarimeter sensor model that does not suffer from typical multimodal image registration problems. Test methodology developed for this work provides the ability to quantify performance of a target tracking application with varying ground scenery, flight …

Comparative Thermodynamic And Enbironmental Performance Of A Unique Cogeneration Power Plant Using Operational Data, Whitney Domigan

Theses

The John B. Rich Memorial Power Station, located in the United States, is an 88.4 MW cogeneration power plant that has a unique relationship with its surrounding environment. The power station makes use of a plentiful and local byproduct of coal mining, called culm, as a feedstock. Culm is a low energy combination of anthracite coal, ash, and rock left over from the inefficient removal of rock from usable coal in the peak days of coal mining. For decades, culm deposits have leached pollution into groundwater and inhibited normal plant growth. By using culm, the power station removes a significant …

Estimates For The Pressure And Thermal Distortions Of Coating Dies For Use In Design And Simulation, Sneha Shetty

Theses

A coating die is used for distributing liquid in order to apply a uniform film on a solid surface. The fluid flowing through the die cavity can exert a pressure of up to 500,000 Pascal on the die body. This liquid pressure can distort the die and lead to a non-uniform slot opening, which in turn causes non-uniformity in the coating thickness. Distortion of the die can also occur during non-isothermal operation of the die; this is an undesired consequence of delivering liquids at a different temperature than the die itself. The distortions undergone by the die both due to …

Single Pixel Target Detection Using Multispectral Background Changes, Alfredo Lugo

Theses

Possible methods to help a remote sensing analyst to find a static or moving single pixel target over vast areas of terrain were examined in this work. Specifically, the research deals with the particular problem of how to find these targets using multiple images of the same area that were collected with the same multispectral (6 bands) imaging sensor but with a background that changes between images. For this, hyperspectral quadratic covariance-based anomalous change detection algorithms were investigated to see if they could be used with multispectral data to find a moving target. In addition, a new method based on …

Dynamic Modeling And Characterization Of A Wind Turbine System Leading To Controls Development, Greg Semrau

Theses

With the growing energy demand and need to decrease greenhouse gas emissions there has been a rise in the popularity of renewable energy systems. One of the most popular renewable energy systems over the past decade has been the wind turbine. Technological advances in modeling, prediction, sensing and control combined with the current shift towards decentralized power have prompted development of wind energy systems. Decentralized distribution allows for lower transmission losses because of the closer proximity to the consumer and greater regional control. The wind turbine has positioned itself as the leading energy system to serve as a cornerstone in …

In-Service Elementary Teachers' Familiarity, Interest, Conceptual Knowledge, And Performance On Science Process Skills, Erin Miles

Theses

The purposes of this research study were to determine (a) in-service elementary teachers' familiarity, interest, conceptual knowledge of , and performance on science process skills and (b) how in-service elementary teachers' familiarity with, interest in conceptual knowledge of and performance on science process skills relate to each other. The science process skills include the basic skills [observation, classification, measuring, predicting, inferring, and communication,] and the integrated skills [hypothesizing, experimenting, identifying and controlling variables, formulating models, interpreting data, and graphing]. Twenty-four in-service elementary teachers enrolled in a master of math and science education degree program participated in this study. Participants completed …

Design And Fabrication Of Filters Based On Surface Acoustic Wave Devices, Sean Dunphy

Theses

The aim of this thesis was to extend previous work to SAW resonator based wideband bandpass filters on LiNbO3 substrates. In order to accomplish this aim, it was necessary to: 1) apply coupling of modes (COM) theory 2) develop custom fabrication techniques for black LiNbO3 substrates 3) understand the critical issues in fabricating a wideband bandpass SAW filter. This thesis discusses the issues that must be addressed in order to achieve successful devices.

Print Engine Color Management Using Customer Image Content, Michael William Elliot

Theses

The production of quality color prints requires that color accuracy and reproducibility be maintained to within very tight tolerances when transferred to different media. Variations in the printing process commonly produce color shifts that result in poor color reproduction. The primary function of a color management system is maintaining color quality and consistency. Currently these systems are tuned in the factory by printing a large set of test color patches, measuring them, and making necessary adjustments. This time-consuming procedure should be repeated as needed once the printer leaves the factory. In this work, a color management system that compensates for …

Cryptographic Algorithm Acceleration Using Cuda Enabled Gpus In Typical System Configurations, Maksim Bobrov

Theses

The need to encrypt data is becoming more and more necessary. As the size of datasets continues to grow, the speed of encryption must increase to keep up or it will become a bottleneck. CUDA GPUs have been shown to offer performance improvements versus conventional CPUs for some data-intensive problems. This thesis evaluates the applicability of CUDA GPUs in accelerating the execution of cryptographic algorithms, which are increasingly used for growing amounts of data and thus will require significantly faster encryption and hashing throughput. Specifically, the CUDA environment was used to implement and experiment with three distinct cryptographic algorithms -- …