Digital Commons Network^™

Cooperative Learning Workshop, Kathy Boessen

Theses

The purpose of this workshop was to inform Lincoln County R-III teachers of the valuable aspects of cooperative or team learning . Research has shown that students at all grade levels have benefitted both academically and socially. Also, with this learning method alternative, teachers and students alike derived pleasure from the improved relaxed atmosphere brought about by collegial learning . The workshop, staged in 3 two-hour sessions, enabled elementary, junior-high, and secondary teachers to learn about cooperative learning while being cooperative learners . They worked cooperatively on various projects which could be adapted in their own classrooms. Subsequent informal gettogethers …

Computing The Chromatic Number Of T-(V,K,[Lambda]) Designs, Nancy M. Schornstein

Theses

Colouring t-designs has previously been shown to be an NP-complete problem; heuristics and a practical algorithm for this problem were developed for this thesis; the algorithm was then employed to find the chromatic numbers of the sixteen non- isomorphic 2-(25, 4, 1) designs and the four cyclic 2-(19, 3, 1) designs. This thesis additionally examines the existing literature on colouring and finding chromatic numbers of t-designs.

A Simulated Shape Recognition System Using Feature Extraction, Wendy Pan

Theses

A simulated shape recognition system using feature extraction was built as an aid for designing robot vision systems. The simulation allows the user to study the effects of image resolution and feature selection on the performance of a vision system that tries to identify unknown 2-D objects. Performance issues that can be studied include identification accuracy and recognition speed as functions of resolution and the size and makeup of the feature set. Two approaches to feature selection were studied as was a nearest neighbor classification algorithm based on Mahalanobis distances. Using a pool of ten objects and twelve features, the …

Ada And The Graphical Kernel System, Richard R. Wessman

Theses

Since the introduction of the standard language in 1983, Ada has been the subject of controversy about its capabilities and its desirability. Proponents have claimed that Ada may be the ultimate computer language because it is a high-level, structured language that may be used in applications ranging from controlling jet fighters to business. Detractors have argued that Ada's very versatility may be its undoing because it can do many things but not as well as more specialized languages. This thesis attempts to evaluate the capabilities and suitability of Ada for large projects by using it to implement the Graphical Kernel …

Computing Techniques For The Enumeration Of Cyclic Steiner Systems, Timothy Frenz Carl

Theses

In this thesis a powerful algorithm is developed for finding cyclic Steiner systems. A cyclic Steiner system with parameters S(t,k,v) is a pair ( V,B), where B is a collection of subsets all of size k (called blocks) and V is a t; element set of points, such that each t-subset of V is contained in precisely one block of B. A Steiner system is called cyclic if it has an automorphism carrying the points in a v-cycle. The results obtained so far with this algorithm are given in Table VII of chapter 5. Among the values reported there, are …

Computer Construction Of (4,4,V)-Threshold Schemes From Steiner Quadruple Systems, W. Monroe John

Theses

A construction for Sv/4 pairwise disjoint quadruple systems on u points has been given by Lindner. This thesis looks at an implementation of nearly optimal (4,4, v)threshold schemes based on his construction. These threshold schemes will have 3 v/4 keys, whereas the best implementation known to date is based on a construction given by Shamir and yields only v/4 keys. Lindner's construction depends heavily on the existence of an iV2 latin square of order v/4, thus several constructions for them have also been implemented. Unfortunately, due to the combinatorial nature of the problem, the limitations of this implementation are an …

Three-Dimensional Data Input Using Sutherland's Two-Dimensional Tablet Strategies Plus Enhanced User Feedback, Myra Bennett Pelz

Theses

Although the representation of three-dimensional computer images has become increasingly more sophisticated and complex, the problem of making three-dimensional data available to the computer continues to plague graphics systems designers. In 1974, Ivan Sutherland developed a system that defines a three-dimensional point by digitizing the same point simultaneously in two different two-dimensional views of an object. This project will implement Sutherland's system, with refinements, particularly in the area of improved user feedback.

Integration Of Computer-Aided Design Techniques Into The Mechanical Product Development Process, Gerard R. Sturnick

Theses

Computer-Aided Design (CAD) has been called the most significant advance since the development of electricity. CAD is regarded as being the greatest breakthrough of modern times in the search for ways to improve the Product Development Process. This improvement is provided in terms of bringing to market better quality and higher performance products in a significantly shorter design/development cycle and at a lower cost. A survey of the various computer-aided design techniques is presented as they are currently being applied in the mechanical product development process. The research of these techniques includes the basic system operation from a user's perspective, …

Investigation Of Substructuring Principles In The Finite Element Analysis Of An Automotive Space Structure, John E. Martin

Theses

The efficiency of using substructuring in the dynamic analysis of small models is examined by using a university version of ANSYS to perform a series of four case studies on a small, 648 degree of freedom model. The model is based upon the monocoque center section for an automotive space structure and was constructed using STTF 63 plate elements. In each case study, the model was divided into a different substructure configuration. In the configurations used, the model was divided into one, two, three and four substructures, respectively. In each case study, a series of modal analyses was performed for …

My Written Thesis: An Attempt At Linear Communication, Mary Strubbe

Theses

Not listed.

An Investigation Of The Color Reproduction Accuracy Of Two Halftoning Algorithms For Dot Matrix Systems, Peter A. Zuber

Theses

The recent popularity of dot matrix printing technologies has renewed interest in developing color halftoning techniques for these systems. A color reproduction scheme based on colorimetric principles would provide accurate color rendition, and can be configured to different hardware implementations. Additionally, where there are demands for multiple copies, color reproduction accuracy is assured to the nth generation.

A binary dot matrix halftoning algorithm previously used for black-and-white reproduction (error diffusion) and a new algorithm to be described (EZ method) were investigated in terms of their color reproduction capabilities, with the objective to achieve colorimetric color reproduction.

The error diffusion technique …

Hydrodynamic Lubrication Performance Of Mineral Oils With Polymer Additives, Moshe David Felzenstein

Theses

This study was undertaken with the view to determining experimentally the influence of polymer additives on journal bearing performance under static load. Viscoelastic lubricants such as oils with polymer additives are in common use and exhibit a reduced dependence of the viscosity on temperature but the effect on the performance of a static journal bearing is not clear. Additives of the polymer polyisobutylene and STP were blended with Newtonian base oil which was used to establish the baseline performance of the test bearing. A comparison was made between the performance of these blends and the base oil. The performance of …

Respiratory Impedances Computed From The Forced Oscillation Technique Using An Esophageal Balloon, Richard Thomas Fisler

Theses

The purpose of this investigation is to develop methodology for the standard measurement and physiological interpretation of lung resistance and compliance using non-invasive forced oscillations techniques and validating these results with standardized esophageal balloon techniques. Application of the forced oscillation technique with an esophageal balloon in place permits partitioning of the respiratory system into the pulmonary system which is of primary interest and the less clinically important chestwall system. Diseased lung states are induced in normal subjects by inhalation of a bronchoconstrictor. The total respiratory (pulmonary plus chest wall) and pulmonary impedances are interpreted using both a linear three element …

Three Dimensional Study Of Macromolecular Leakage Patterns Using Video Image Analysis, Nikhil V. Khimani

Theses

It has long been known that blood - tissue transport of macromolecules in the microcirculation is driven by diffusion. Although two dimensional models fit the experimental data well, the diffusion process is three dimensional.The objective of this research was to establish a three dimensional unsteady state mathematical model for intravascular transport of macromolecules, and suppoi t the theoretical establishment by experimental results.

Three dimensional diffusion of macromolecules through the interstitial space in the hamster cheek pouch was studied, with intravital fluorescence microscopy. After application of bradykinin, the movement of Fluorescein isothiocynate (F.I.T.C.) - labeled Dextrans of average molecular weight 150,000 …

Unsaturated Column Studies Of Silty Sand Using A Conservative Tracer, Canagasabapathy Nallianathan

Theses

A laboratory study was conducted to investigate the flow and mass transport of a conservative tracer in the unsaturated phase. For this purpose, a relatively "large-scale" cylindrical column(12 in. O.D. x 4 feet long) was fabricated and equipped with tensiometer and psychrometer sensors.

The soil used in the study was a New Jersey based silty sand compacted to an average dry density of 93 lb/ft³. The soil was permeated with a 0.5 M NaCl solution infiltrated at the top of the column using a perforated spiral tube assembly. The permeant was applied at a constant rate of approximately …

A Dynamic Model Of Fill-And-Draw Reactor Utilizing An Inhibitory Substrate, Yun-Fei Ko

Theses

A dynamic model of a fill-and-draw reactor has been developed, which includes a number of operational parameters, the fraction of total cycle time devoted to fill, reaction and draw, and the concentration of the toxic substance in the feed to the reactor.

Operating diagrams have been generated, from which one can choose suitable operating parameters.

The model has been solved numerically for Andrews kinetics ( substrate inhibition ), and tested experimentally, using a 5-liter fill-and-draw reactor with phenol as sole carbon source and a pure culture of Pseudomonas putida. Results compared very well to the model predictions.

The Path Method In Power System State Estimation, Fareed A. R. Shirazi

Theses

A new method for Power System State Estimation (PSSE), the 'Path Method', is developed and studied. In this method the state (voltage magnitude and angle) of one node is calculated at a time, using only the local measurements. This procedure is repeated to calculate the state of all nodes in the system, following a predefined path to determine the next node whose state is to be calculated. In the process, more measurements are used whenever available and possible. Results obtained for this method are comparable and close to those of the Line-Flow Only (LFO) method. An advantage of the Path …

An Application Of Bit Level Systolic Arrays On Digitized Adaptive Array Processes, Shin-Hwa Tsai

Theses

This thesis has concentrated on some aspects of adaptive arrays, i.e., the data type as well as the calculating processes under an optimized version. An adaption of a modified bit-level array is described on the control structure for processes like correlation matrix, Q-R decomposition and solution of triangular linear systems. In short, an implementation of SMI(Sample Matrix Inversion) under a parallel systolic array process is consider5ed. Also an application of utilizing systolic array on a matrix inversion is derived. As a result, it could be predicted that a VLSI chip implementation for small adaptive arrays is feasible in the near …

Co-Metabolism Of Pentachlorophenol With Glucose Using Two-Stage Anaerobic Activated Carbon Fluidized Beds, Zen Wang

Theses

Abstract - Detoxification of pentachlorophenol by using a two-stage anaerobic biological activated carbon fluidized bed has been investigated. Glucose was introduced as a cosubstrate to determine the relationship between the glucose/PCP ratio and the extent of PCP detoxification in such a system. This system has been proved to be effective in the removal of both PCP and COD. Ratio of glucose to PCP predominates the performance of the system throughout the whole course of this experiment. At a glucose/PCP ratio of 0.33, the system has a highest reduction of both PCP and COD. Addition of glucose to the highly PCP …

Effects Of Compliance And Machining Prameters On Robotic Grinding/Deburring, Kung-Le Chang

Theses

A theoretical model for robotic grinding/deburring has been developed and compared with experimental results. Various grinding parameters such as depth of cut, feed rate, surface profile and roughness, grinding forces, and robot stiffness, have been experimentally investigated in this study. It was observed that the depth of cut is a function of specific grinding energy, force, and robot compliance. The observed roughness and waviness are directly proportional to depth of cut and feed rate and, in addition, to the robot compliance and the encoder quantization error. Other effects of the robot system for grinding performance are also addressed.

Decontamination Of Contaminated Clay Soils By Thermal Treatment, Chandrakanthi Weerasinghe

Theses

An experimental investigation on the desorption of contaminated clay soils by thermal treatment was performed. This study was carried out on two clay soils (kaolinite and bentonite) sorbed with three liquid organic compounds (phenol, chlorophenol, and chlorobenzene). The study consists of two different phases, the adsorption and desorption. The results on batch equilibrium adsorption were correlated with different isotherm models of which the Freundlich isotherm model was found to be best fit in predicting adsorption capacities of kaolinite, and that for bentonite was found to be the linear isotherm model.

A thermal desorption study followed the equilibrium adsorption study. A …

Degradation Of 1,2 - Dichlorobenzene And 1,2,4 - Trichlorobenzene In Water Using Ozone, Hydrogen Peroxide And Ultraviolet Radiation, Wei Jie Chen

Theses

The experiments to oxidize the refractory chemicals, 1,2 - dichlorobenzene and 1,2,4 - trichlorobenzene using ozone, hydrogen peroxide and ultraviolet radiation have been conducted in a photoreactor. The kinetic models for the oxidation processes have been proposed and the data obtained in the experiments was used to calculate the mass transfer coefficient and chemical reaction rate constants. The Rosenbrock Hillclimb optimization algorithm has been used to optimized the coefficient and rate constants to give the best fit to the experimental data. It is concluded that the H₂O₂/UV is the best process for the degradation of 1,2 …

Degradation Of Dichloromethane, Trichloromethane & Carbon Tetrachloride In A Photoreactor, Sanjay Wadhwa

Theses

A SS 304 photoreactor has been designed to study the degradation of EPA priority pollutants. This newly designed system was used to study the kinetics of degradation of dichloromethane, trichloromethane and carbon tetrachloride under O₂/UV, O₃/O₂/UV and H₂O₂/UV schemes. These compounds have been found to exhibit similar kinetics. The experimental data obtained was. analyzed for pollutant concentration using gas chromatography. The rate constants and mass transfer coefficients were found using a mathematical model to fit the experimental data. A computer program based on the Rosenbrock Hillclimb method in conjunction with …

An Automated System For Optimal Synthesis Of Planar Linkages, Daming Wang

Theses

This thesis addresses the fundamental weakness of the current CAD capabilities and develops a new CAD system with optimization capability. A computer-aided mechanism design system is developed for general problems of optimal kinematic synthesis of planar four-bar mechanisms. The new system is made as user-friendly as possible and it is unique in that it combines Graphics capability, general Analysis capabilities, and Optimization capability into one system. Related background theory in IMP, optimization and optimal synthesis of mechanisms are discussed. The problems and methods in developing the new system are addressed. New routines and modifications made to the original systems are …

The Opinions Of Parents And Teachers Of Children In Grades K-6 In The Francis Howell School District Regarding Homework, Rita Freebairn Beard

Theses

The purpose of this study was to survey parents and teachers of children in kindergarten through sixth grade in the Francis Howell School District to determine opinions regarding the value and scope of homework in the elementary school. It was also designed to determine t heir awareness of district homework policy.

All data in the study were gathered by means of a printed questionnaire, which was developed so it could be answered by both parents and teachers . Two hundred participants (150 parents and 50 teachers) were randomly chosen to be part of the study. The questionnaires, along with cover …

Modeling Of Elastic-Viscoplastic Bahavior And Its Finite Element Implementation, Ted Diehl

Theses

A state variable approach is developed to simulate the isothermal quasi-static mechanical behavior of elastic- viscoplastic materials subject to small deformations. Modeling of monotonic/cyclic loading, strain-rate effect, work hardening, creep, and stress relaxation are investigated. Development of the constitutive equations is based upon Hooke's law, the separation of the total strain into elastic and plastic quantities, and the separation of work hardening into isotropic and kinematic quantities. The formulation consists of three coupled differential equations; a power law measuring viscoplastic strain-rate and two first order equations for isotropic and kinematic hardening. Derivation of, behavior of, and use of the model …

Building And Testing A Gravure Paper Conformity Tester, Cort Holland

Theses

The gravure industry does not have an inexpensive tester which can accurately predict the behavior of paper on a gravure press. The most acceptable tester currently available is the Parker Print Surf. A "conformity" tester, based on compression of paper into a thin channel, was designed and built. It was compared to the Parker Print Surf and found to be poorer in predicting ability except in the special case of groundwood papers. More study is necessary. Several unusual techniques were used. The first involved running sheets of paper through a web press. This technique had a slight "leading" sample distortion …

A Visual Programming Language For Data Flow Systems, Timothy J. Wilson

Theses

The concept of visual programming languages is described and some necessary terms are defined. The value of visual languages is presented and a number of different visual languages are described. Various issues, such as user interface design, are discussed. As an example of a visual programming language, a graphical data flow programming environment is developed for the Macintosh workstation which functions as a preprocessor to a data flow simulator developed at RIT. Examples are presented demonstrating the use of the language environment. Issues related to the development of the programming environment are described and conclusions regarding the development of visual …

A Comparison Of Staggered Position One Angle Process Color Printing With Four Angle And One Angle Process Color Printing, Blair Richards Jr

Theses

The Staggered Position One Angle method of preparing color separations does not adjust the dot angle for each color. The dot pattern is staggered horizontally or vertically by half a row of dots for each separation maintaining the same angle. The investigation compared the Staggered Position method to the four angle method and to the dot-on-dot method. Newsprint was the substrate, and 65, 85, and 100 lines per inch were the rulings. Experienced judges viewed the representative prints and scored each for sharpness, color variability, and overall acceptance. They were also asked to indicate the evidence of rosette and moire …

A Study Of The Effect Of Surround And Ambient Lighting Conditions On Crt Screen Colors, Diane Ouellette

Theses

The use of CRT monitors as a soft copy proof in color electronic pre-press systems (CEPS) has become common. This has raised some question as to the appropriate viewing conditions for such terminals. This writing discusses the effects of ambient illumination as well as screen surround conditions on optical, psychophysical, and physical characteristics of CRT colors in a complex color field. A review of related literature, specifically those studies of chromatic adaptation, and effects of surround conditions on brightness, hue, and saturation is included. These studies are compared to the experimental data and both an ambient light model and surround …