Digital Commons Network^™

An Investigation On The Dynamic Behavior Of An Overhead Valve Actuating Mechanism, Michael Noonan

Theses

This project involves the measurement and simulation of the dynamic performance of a pushrod valvetrain, in particular that of the outer valve spring. The engine was donated by S&S Cycle Wisconsin. A motoring test rig was constructed to obtain high speed camera footage of the spring coils motion. Individual static spring coil displacement measurements were taken, and their stiffness studied. Spring and pushrod natural resonant frequencies were measured. All data acquisition and analysis was carried out with Labview programs written during the project. Programs were written to model individual static coil stiffness using the close coil, open coil, and theories …

The Organisational Impact Of Outsourcing On Multinational Businesses Operating In Ireland, Veronica Perdisatt

Theses

This study is an examination and assessment of the effectiveness of outsourcing arrangements currently employed by a sample of multinational organisations operating in Ireland. Informed by previous research, this study employs field research in the form of interviews with experienced and successful practitioners in the outsourcing industry. The study responds to issues of focus, which include the analysis of benefits of outsourcing programs, barriers to achieving outsourcing benefits and identification of unexpected or indirect impacts of outsourcing. This research highlights that from the perspective of operating from a small open economy, outsourcing is one strategy that organisations are increasingly adopting …

Aspects Of The Microbiological Quality And Safety Of Ready-To-Eat Foods In Sharjah Supermarket Stores, Najla Ali Al-Mualla

Theses

Ready to eat foods covers a wide range of pre-processed food products that are readily eaten by consumers without further processing. Recently, there has been considerable increase in the demand of processed and convenience foods that are mildly pre-cooked, rapidly chilled, portioned and distributed for refrigeration prior to reheating and consumption by consumers. However, some of these foods such as, luncheon meals, ready to eat vegetables, fruit salad, spinach salad, and other deli-style meat and poultry products can be a harbor for pathogenic bacteria that are harmful to health when consumed by people especially with weak immune system.

Unfortunately, these …

Through Windows, Sarah E. Jones

Theses

This short story collection focuses on the female perspective and expectations based on a host of influences: familial, cultural, and mythical. Even in extraordinary circumstances decisions are made about how to lives one's life. The collection explores the context in which women put their life experiences and personal relationships, and the space needed to consider these things. Readers familiar with Lorrie Moore's short fiction may find echoes of her solitary souls in these stories.

Cube Attacks On Cryptographic Hash Functions, Joel Lathrop

Theses

Cryptographic hash functions are a vital part of our current computer sys- tems. They are a core component of digital signatures, message authentica- tion codes, file checksums, and many other protocols and security schemes. Recent attacks against well-established hash functions have led NIST to start an international competition to develop a new hashing standard to be named SHA-3. In this thesis, we provide cryptanalysis of some of the SHA-3 candidates. We do this using a new cryptanalytical technique introduced a few months ago called cube attacks. In addition to summarizing the technique, we build on it by providing a framework …

Range Voting Is Resistant To Control, Curtis Menton

Theses

Social choice theory is concerned with developing and evaluating voting systems, both for the use of political and organizational elections and for use as decision making process for multiagent systems. Particularly in the context of multiagent systems, computational resistance to various types of control has become a desired property of a voting system. Though manipulative actions may always be possible, strong computational barriers to efficient control can give us sufficient confidence in the integrity of an election. Range Voting is a natural extension of approval voting that is resistant to a large number of cases of control. In particular, the …

Reactive Exploration With Self-Reconfigurable Systems, Eric Fabricant

Theses

Modular self-reconfigurable robots (MSR) are robots composed of modules that translate over one another to permit reconfiguration and locomotion. This construction allows them to traverse a broader range of environments than legged or wheeled robots. MSR also posses the ability to split apart to parallelize their efforts or combine with each other to produce a larger robot capable of navigating more diverse terrain. In this paper we discuss a state-based reactive architecture for the distributed control of cooperative MSR teams in unknown environments. The MSR use local sensory data from the environment and a model of the team to select …

Data Center Design & Enterprise Networking, Christian Mahood

Theses

Today’s enterprise networks and data centers have become very complex and have completely integrated themselves into every facet of their represented organization. Organizations require Internet facing services and applications to be available at any part of the day or night. These organizations have realized that with centralized computing and highly available components, their technological presence with customers can be greatly enhanced. The creation of an infrastructure supporting such high availability takes numerous components and resources to function optimally. When an organization makes the decision to design a data center, they utilize resources to provide insight into what components to deploy. …

Shear Stress Distribution And Hemolysis Measurements In A Centrifugal Blood Pump, Matthew Nicholson Giarra

Theses

The use of computational fluid dynamics (CFO) to predict red blood cell trauma (hemolysis) in blood pumps based on their exposure to turbulent stresses has increased in recent years. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has initiated a project to determine the fidelity with which modern CFO can accurately predict hemolysis in such devices. The project involves the collection of experimental data against which externally-conducted CFO simulations may be compared. Because the data will be used to judge the ability of CFO to predict hemolysis, the pump was designed to cause more turbulence and blood damage than would be …

The Use Of The Child Observation Record As A Tool For Predicting Early Literacy Skills In Preschool Children, Christopher R. Singer

Theses

Reading is an important part of a child's schooling. Identifying students with literacy difficulties early in the academic process can provide them with early intervention services to keep them from falling behind. The use of an observational assessment when dealing with preschoolers can yield vital information to help identify children who may be at risk for developing reading difficulties. The Dynamic Indicators of Basic Early Literacy Skills (DIBELS; Good & Kaminski, 2002) is a standardized assessment currently used to identify and evaluate students' reading abilities. The Child Observation Record (COR; High/Scope, 1992) is a preschool assessment tool used to assess …

Gate-To-Channel Parasitic Capacitance Minimization And Source-Drain Leakage Evaluation In Germanium Pmos, Raymond T. Krom

Theses

This work studies the behavior of both gate-to-channel capacitance (CGC) and source-channel-drain/well leakage in metal-gate/high-κ/Ge PMOS technology (W = 10 μm and L = 10; 5; 1 μm) under development at IMEC. The hole drift-mobility of germanium is ~4X that of silicon, leading researchers to evaluate germanium as a possible channel material replacement for PMOS expected at the 32 nm technology node. In particular this study focuses on—but is not restricted to—(1) the presence of a parasitic gate-to-channel capacitance (CGC), the large non-ideal trap assisted conductance which contributes to it, and its function versus Ge-PMOS architecture and gate length; (2) …

Investigation And Development Of Advanced Models Of Thermoelectric Generators For Power Generation Applications, Emil Sandoz-Rosado

Theses

With developing interest in power generation applications of thermoelectrics and the growing influence of advanced materials on thermoelectric device fabrication, there is an increased demand for better understanding of module-level behavior. Likewise, novel module geometries are being explored for higher performance and require sophisticated modeling methods. In addition to new geometrical design, transport phenomena, such as Thomson heating and contact resistances, aggravate the complexity of modeling thermoelectric modules (TEMs) and thus limit design capability. Typically, these effects are either approximated (or in some cases neglected entirely) with little exploration in to the validity of the underlying assumptions associated with the …

Personalized Noninvasive Imaging Of Volumetric Cardiac Electrophysiology, Linwei Wang

Theses

Three-dimensionally distributed electrical functioning is the trigger of mechanical contraction of the heart. Disturbance of this electrical flow is known to predispose to mechanical catastrophe but, due to its amenability to certain intervention techniques, a detailed understanding of subject-specific cardiac electrophysiological conditions is of great medical interest. In current clinical practice, body surface potential recording is the standard tool for diagnosing cardiac electrical dysfunctions. However, successful treatments normally require invasive catheter mapping for a more detailed observation of these dysfunctions. In this dissertation, we take a system approach to pursue personalized noninvasive imaging of volumetric cardiac electrophysiology. Under the guidance …

Environmental Catalysis By Nanostructured Chromium Oxides: Methanol Conversion To Dimethyl Ether As A Clean Fuel Alternative, Mariam Humaid Salem Al-Shamisi

Theses

Heterogeneous catalysts which are mainly based on metal particles and metal oxides have shown promising activity and selectivity in several environmental and industrial important reactions. Catalysis plays a key role in chemical and material manufacturing, fuel cells as well as other energy conversion and pollution control systems. Petroleum and fuel industry, in particular, rely largely on heterogeneous catalysis. Since catalysts play such a critical role in essential processes, the search for more effective and selective catalysts continues to be of great importance for both environmental and commercial considerations. The current study focuses on the catalytic conversion of methanol to other …

The Germination Ecology And Composition Of The Indigenous Seeds Of Cyprus Conglomeratus: A Sand Dune Binder, Sheikha Saeed Amer Al Neyadi

Theses

Cyperus conglomeratus is among few species that tolerate the instability of sand dunes and its low nutrients. This species tolerates grazing animals and sand burial. It is considered as a good fodder for both domestic and wildlife animals. It has the potential to fix sand dunes. In addition, a preliminary observation indicated the presence of high contents of oil in the seeds. Despite the ecological importance of C. conglomeratus, little information is available about germination behaviour and seed composition. The present study assessed the dormancy, germination requirement, tolerance to salinity and drought during germination stage, the impact of dormancy regulation …

Optimization Of A Hardware/Software Coprocessing Platform For Eeg Eyeblink Detection And Removal, Matthew Alan Chaudhuri

Theses

The feasibility of implementing a real-time system for removing eyeblink artifacts from electroencephalogram (EEG) recordings utilizing a hardware/software coprocessing platform was investigated. A software based wavelet and independent component analysis (ICA) eyeblink detection and removal process was extended to enable variation in its processing parameters. Exploiting the efficiency of hardware and the reconfigurability of software, it was ported to a field programmable gate array (FPGA) development platform which was found to be capable of implementing the revised algorithm, although not in real-time. The implemented hardware and software solution was applied to a collection of both simulated and clinically acquired EEG …

Robust Longitudinal Rate Gyro Bias Estimation For Reliable Pitch Attitude Observation Through Utilization Of A Displaced Accelerometer Array, Ryan Weisman

Theses

In this thesis, a novel attitude estimation device is proposed utilizing cost-effective measurement sensors. The device fuses a rate gyroscope with an accelerometer array to estimate and eliminate the rate gyro bias online yielding accurate real time aircraft attitude tracking. Attitude determination algorithms are dependent on instantaneous and accurate measurements of translational and rotational body rates for precise estimation of vehicle orientation in three-dimensional space. Measurement error of instantaneous rate sensors, gyroscopes, is introduced via inherent biases and signal noise resulting in gyro drift. Integration of the rate signal for calculation of a net displacement amplifies these minute measurement errors …

Distribution And Geochemical Speciation Of Pb, Cd, Zn, Cr, And Cu In Sediments Of Major Dams In Uae, Mona Rashed Musabah Al-Alili

Theses

Assessment of availability and mobility is required to predict the behavior of heavy metals in dam's sediments, which hold up rainwater and make use of them. Therefore, a total number of ninety-three of sediments samples collected from the major dams AI-Shuweib, AI-Bih, AI-Tawiyeen and Ham dam were analyzed by several sedimentological and geochemical analyses procedures for Cu, Cd, Cr, Pb, Zn, AI, and Fe. The samples were investigated for mineralogy using X-ray diffraction analyses for non-clay and clay fractions. ICP-OES and Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer (AAS) were used to measure the concentration of heavy metals. The statistical treatments and graphical presentations …

Modelling Hydrocarbons Transport In The Aquifer Of Bu Hasa Field And Evaluation Of Remediation Alternatives, Nawal Eisa Saleh Al Junaibi

Theses

The release of non-aqueous phase liquids (NAPLs) to groundwater reservoirs is a serious and widespread environmental problem. In 2000, free phase hydrocarbon was discovered in Liwa aquifer under Bu Hasa Liquid Recovery Plant (LRP). Liwa aquifer is a shallow unconfined aquifer and represents the main water supply in the camp area of Bu Hasa field. Dissolved benzene is observed in at least one observation well in the site. This research is conducted to simulate the fate and transport of the dissolved benzene plume in the groundwater of Liwa aquifer using the finite element model (METABIOTRANS).

The mam objective of this …

Modeling Solutions And Simulations For Advanced Iii-V Photovoltaics Based On Nanostructures, Ryan Aguinaldo

Theses

It is the purpose of the work to develop methods for and present on the computational analyses of advanced III-V photovoltaic devices and their enhancement by the incorporation of semiconductor nanostructures. Such devices are currently being fabricated as part of the research efforts at the Nanopower Research Laboratories; therefore, this work aims to supplement and ground the experimental undertakings with a strong theoretical basis. This is accomplished by numerical calculations based on the detailed balance model and by physicsbased device simulation. The specific materials focus of this work is on the enhancement of the GaAs solar cell. The aforementioned methodologies …

Interactive Tutorials In The Marketing Of Digital Cameras: How Tutorials Benefit Consumers & Retailers, Andrew Eckert

Theses

There is a growing market for digital single-lens refl ex cameras (SLRs) that is driven by their ease of use, accessibility, and falling price points. Marketing these cameras with an interactive tutorial not only allows photo enthusiasts to improve as photographers, but also gives the retailer a profi table add-on and selling incentive. This work explores how interactive multimedia can be utilized as a source for instruction in camera mechanics. The proposed model is an interface using a virtual camera with which the user interacts. From this starting point the user can choose tutorials from corresponding elements on the camera. …

Victorian Organ, Christine Dunn

Theses

This paper is a companion piece to my short film, “Victorian Organ”. This film is an effort to contextualize the mechanical, or man-made, within nature. It is an assertion that there really is no "man vs. nature"- (a radically illogical and inherently self-destructive notion), but only man as nature, in which case, alienation and disharmony ultimately lies in our own self-perception. The impulse to identify a relationship between the mechanical and organic is inspired not only by my observations of our human society, but as a way to decode my own inner workings –an urge to reconcile seemingly major dichotomies …

Detecting Relevant Changes In High Throughput Gene Expression Data, Anusha Aiyalu Kannan

Theses

The management and analysis of the data produced by high-throughput technologies are challenging. This paper discuss multiple hypothesis testing by focusing on developing and applying computationally intensive techniques to achieve the goal of simultaneous tests for each spotID the null hypothesis of no association between the expression levels and the responses or covariates. The software provides features where the user controls the amount of data that can be used for analyzing. The software also produce graph of the output which provide the user with easy viewing of the results.

Indirect Camera Calibration In A Medical Environment, Bennet Tillapaugh

Theses

This thesis addresses the need to have calibrated cameras in surgery rooms. Data can then be collected during surgeries to assist the surgeons and it can later be used for postoperation analysis. Typical techniques for camera calibration are not adequate for a medical environment due to the cameras constantly moving and with no rigid area always in the cameras’ view. The proposed approach is to calibrate cameras attached to surgical lights by utilizing extra cameras placed on the ceiling. The ceiling cameras find the position of the light cameras and calibrate their extrinsic parameters. This indirect calibration method provides an …

Uniform Color Spaces Based On Ciecam02 And Ipt Color Difference Equations, Yang Xue

Theses

Color difference equations based on the CIECAM02 color appearance model and IPT color space have been developed to fit experimental data. There is no color space in which these color difference equations are Euclidean, e.g. describe distances along a straight line. In this thesis, Euclidean color spaces have been derived for the CIECAM02 and IPT color difference equations, respectively, so that the color difference can be calculated as a simple color distance. Firstly, the Euclidean line element was established, from which terms were derived for the new coordinates of lightness, chroma, and hue angle. Then the spaces were analyzed using …

Multi-Object Decision Making For Supplier Selection In Outsourcing, Pushpen K. Mohile

Theses

A supply chain is the system of organizations, people, technology, activities, information, and resources involved in moving a product or service from supplier to customer. The main and basic challenges in the supply chain are to plan a strategy to manage the resources and meet the demands, to select the suppliers that will deliver the goods and services that are required to build the product, to manufacture the product, to deliver the product to the customers and to make an arrangement for return of the products through customers if there is any fault in the product for servicing. This thesis …

The Botanical Thread, Kaitlin Wilson-Bryant

Theses

My thesis is an exploration of my dual desires of creation/destruction and manipulation/transformation as realized through the remediation of botanical specimens gathered from my domestic environment and transformed into works of art. Each image questions and presents an understanding of the history of botanical representation, within Western art history, as symbols of nature and femininity and the domestic skill of needlework, a traditional skill learned by women as part of the feminine. I created a conceptual dialogue with those who preceded me, intrinsically linking the acts of sewing and botany as re-interpreted feminist acts. In this work, I attempt to …

Estimating Evolutionary Dynamics Of Cleavage Site Peptides Among H5ha Avian Influenza Employing Mathematical Information Theory Approaches, Sherry Dadgar

Theses

Estimating evolutionary conservation of cleavage site peptides among HA protein of all strains facilitates vaccine development against pandemic influenza. Conserved epitopes may be useful for diagnosis of animals infected with the influenza virus, and preventing their spread in other regions [ 1]. In the preliminary stage of this study, in silico analysis of hemagglutinin was applied to predict potential cleavage sites of each strain employing

SigCleave [2] and SignalP 3.0 server [3]. The second stage of the study focused on analyzing the structure of connecting peptides of hemagglutinin cleavage sites based on the availability of the existing experimental data. Our …

Distributed Pre-Computation For A Cryptanalytic Time-Memory Trade-Off, Michael S. Taber

Theses

Cryptanalytic tables often play a critical role in decryption efforts for ciphers where the key is not known. Using a cryptanalytic table allows a time-memory tradeoff attack in which disk space or physical memory is traded for a shorter decryption time. For any N key cryptosystem, potential keys are generated and stored in a lookup table, thus reducing the time it takes to perform cryptanalysis of future keys and the space required to store them. The success rate of these lookup tables varies with the size of the key space, but can be calculated based on the number of keys …

On The Determination Of The Elastic Properties Of Geopolymeric Materials Using Non-Destructive Ultrasonic Techniques, Joseph L. Lawson

Theses

Current methods of determining the elastic modulus and Poisson’s ratio for geopolymeric materials are limited by the destructive nature of compressive strength and bending testing analysis techniques. Since these tests are not repeatable, there is no means of evaluating whether measured properties are a result of the actual materials or the effect of possible mechanical defects. This study applies a relationship between the speed of sound through a material and its elastic properties to determine the elastic modulus and Poisson’s ratio of geopolymeric samples. In addition to these elastic properties, the density, percent pore volume, average pore diameter and standard …