Digital Commons Network^™

Thermal Degradation Of Polymer Blends Containing Poly(Vinyl Chloride), David W. Lee

Theses

The thermal degradation of blends of poly(vinyl chloride) ( PVC ) with poly(vinyl acetate) (PVA), and two ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymers containing 70 weight percent vinyl-acetate (EVA70) and 45 weight percent vinyl acetate (EVA45) were studied by thermogravimetric analysis and direct-pyrolysis mass spectrometry. The PVC, PVA, EVA45 and EVA70 degrade in two-step processes for each polymer. The PVA/PVC , EVA45/PVC and the EVA70/PVC blends do show some inter action during the first step of the degradation process while the respective second steps are unaffected. The acid produced by the degradation of one polymer causes accelerated loss of the other acid in …

A Theoretical Investigation Of The Possibility Of Coexistence Of Three Microbial Populations Competing Purely And Simply In Configurations Of Three Interconnected Chemostats, Shiuan-Wu Chang

Theses

It is known from the literature that out of any number of microbial populations competing purely and simply in an environment which is homogeneous and has time invariant inputs (e.g. in an ideal chemostat) only one population can survive in a steady state under any conditions. However it has been proven possible for two competitors to coexist in two interconnected chemostats, which indicates that spatial heterogeneities may lead to coexistence of pure and simple competitors. The present study investigates whether the spatial heterogeneities created by three interconnected bioreactors may lead to a mixed culture (i.e. coexistence) of three pure and …

Degradation Of Aniline And Nitrobenzene In A Photoreactor, Michael Joseph Sowa

Theses

Degradation of aniline and nitrobenzene in aqueuous solutions was studied. Five reaction processes were utilized, including ultraviolet light, ozone, O₂/UV, O₃/O₂/UV, and H₂O₂/UV. A 30 liter semi-batch gas sparged reactor was used for the development of reaction rate and mass transfer parameters in these systems. The results were used to model a continuous stirred tank reactor (CSTR) for the O₃/O₂/UV case. Reasonable agreement was obtained for steady state exit concentrations between the experimental data and those predicted from the model.

Evaluation Of Word Processing Cost Effectiveness, Nicholas E. Tedesco

Theses

The objective of this thesis is to examine the use of word processing technology to determine if its implementation is a cost effective investment. This will be accomplished by comparing the cost of a typewritten page before and after the implementation or upgrade of word processing equipment. The degree of utilization and the impact of utilization on standard costs will also be examined.

Significant difficulty was encountered attempting to locate and compile statistical information on word processing. Therefore, a questionnaire was developed and distributed to the 100 largest public and 100 largest private companies headquartered in New Jersey, requesting information …

Pontryagin's Maximum Principle, Chirasakdi Varuntanya

Theses

In a detailed presentation of Boltyanskii "elementary" proof of the Pontryagin's Maximum Principle, several gaps have been filled in the original one: The control processes which are considered in this paper are described by a system of ordinary differential equations, hence the uniform approach to O of certain O(ε) is proved. Moreover, a complete proof of a theorem about convex cones in Rn and a theorem from Topology are presented. An example of time optimal control illustrating the principle is also solved.

Land Cover Classification Of Landsat Thematic Mapper Images Using Pseudo Invariant Feature Normalization Applied To Change Detection, Tim Hawes

Theses

A radiometric normalization technique for compensating illumination and atmospheric differences between multi-temporal images should allow classification of the images with a single classification algorithm. This allows a simpler approach to land cover change detection. Land cover classification of Landsat Thematic Mapper Imagery with and without Pseudo Invariant Feature Normalization was performed to demonstrate the effect on classification and change detection accuracy. A post-classification change detection method using two separate classification algorithms, one for each date, was performed as a baseline comparison. Land cover classification using one classification algorithm was attempted with and without gain and offset correction to serve as …

An Analysis Of Wet-On-Wet Trapping Using The Walker And Fetsko Ink Transfer Equation, Sam Powell

Theses

In this thesis the Walker and Fetsko ink transfer equation was used as an analytic tool to determine how the physical properties of the transfer surface change from printing on unprinted paper to overprinting on another wet ink film. The equation has three parameters, b, k, and f, which indicate what is happening in the nip of the press during the moment of impression. Parameter b represents the maximum absorptive capacity of the paper, parameter k is highly reflective of printing smoothness, and parameter f represents the fraction of free ink film which splits to the paper surface. The I.G.T. …

Computered-Aided Digital Filter Design And Simulatio, Pao-Tsan Chiang

Theses

The simulation is written by C language on AT&T Unix pc 7300 environment, some fundamental mathematics is introduced in the beginning, then digital filter specification method: window, frequency sampling, equiripple are discussed, and Kaiser window method is discussed in details for programming.

There are many problems are met in my simulation, such as F.F.T. aliasing, leakage, Picket fence convolution, correlation, but solutions are proposed.

The result could be output data and graph, GSS_Drivers graph package is utilized, because consideration of operation speed and convenience are emphasized, speed is compromised, but easy to be restructured.

A Dsp Toolkit For The Unix/C Environment Of The Pc 7300 Compute, Suwutchai Jesdanun

Theses

The Digital Signal Processing (DSP) TOOLKIT is a package of programs designed to use the fast Fourier transform (FFT) and display its output responses in graphics form. This tool provides three different window functions and five data modifiers for filter designing and spectrum analysis. Flexible features for modifying the plottings, such as y-axis auto-scaling, xy-axis scaling and center line adjusting of the graphics display, are included.

All programs are written in C programming language for the UNIX System Environment of the UNIX PC 7300 computer. The program structure of DSP TOOLKIT is designed so that modules can be added or …

Post-Cracking And Nonlinear Microcomputer Analysis In Reinforced Concrete Beams, Pedro Ricardo Munoz Arias

Theses

The main objective of this Thesis work is to study a non-linear behavior of reinforced concrete structures using the Finite Element Method and an incremental load strategy.

Bond between steel and concrete is simulated using linkage spring elements. The proposed model has a generalized crack propagation capability and it accounts for nonlinearities due to cracking and material properties.

Load-displacement relationships describing the aggregate interlock along the crack and the dowel action at the level of reinforcement are incorporated into a computer program.

A simply supported reinforced concrete beam is analyzed from zero load until failure. Contributions to the shear capacity …

Comparison Of The Mid-Frequency Line Edge Noise Algorithms Of Jim Hamerly And Yigal Gur For The Best Correlation To The Psychophysical Defect Known As Raggedness, Kevin Huff

Theses

A study was conducted to compare the mid-frequency line edge noise algorithms of Jim Hamerly and Yigal Gur. Comparisons were made to determine which algorithm correlated best with the psychophysical defect known as raggedness. Tests were conducted on "standard" observers using a series of test images with varying amounts of edge noise. A master image was produced photographically and ensuing images generated with random error using electrophotographic processes. Scanning of the images to determine output metric values was done on a Zeiss microdensitometer. It was found that with electrophotographic prints, the Hamerly algorithm has a correlation coefficient of .83. Determination …

Computer Aided Instruction And A Graphical Authoring System, Catherine Lofgren Goodykoontz

Theses

In the early 1960's, the computer was first used as a means of delivering instruction to college students. Today, the computer as an educational tool has been integrated into curricula from preschool to the university. This thesis focuses upon the specification and implementation of a Graphical Authoring System which is used to create, deliver and administrate instruction of a pictorial nature (combining graphics and text). The system explores a question format different from the traditional formats of multiple choice, true-false, and fill-in-the-blank which are available in current authoring systems. The question format to be explored allows the student to identify …

An Algorithmic Approach For Multi-Color Ramsey Graphs, Wei Li

Theses

The classical Ramsey number R(r1,r2,...,rm) is defined to be the smallest integer n such that no matter how the edges of Kn are colored with the m colors, 1, 2, 3, . . . ,m, there exists some color i such that there is a complete subgraph of size ri, all of whose edges are of color i. The problem of determining Ramsey numbers is known to be very difficult and is usually split into two problems, finding upper and lower bounds. Lower bounds can be obtained by the construction of a, so called, Ramsey graph. There are many different …

Evaluation Of Some Multivariate Cusum Schemes, Susan L. Spindler

Theses

This paper will review and compare five multivariate CUSUM techniques. Two of these are proposed by Crosier (1986), the multivariate CUSUM and the CUSUM of T (COT). It will also compare two proposed by Pignatiello (1986), the multivariate CUSUM #1 (MCl) and the multivariate CUSUM #2 (MC2). The fifth method which will be compared is the multivariate Shewhart method. A discussion of the method of computation and a comparison of results of all the above methods using the same data set will be included. Additionally, a short commentary on the cusum method by Woodall and Ncube is enclosed. Graphical interpretation …

The Optical Spread Functions And Noise Characteristics Of Selected Paper Substrates Measured In Typical Reflection Optical System Configurations, Janet L. Kofender

Theses

Research into the signal and noise characteristics that ultimately determine the performance quality of an imaging system has done little to isolate the contribution of the final image carrying substrate. A study is presented that experimentally analyzes some optical characteristics of six paper substrates representative of those used in lithography, xerography and photography. The optical characteristics studied can have a direct impact on image quality and are a result of the paper structure and its light scattering properties. Reflection microdensitometer techniques are used to provide representations of optical spread functions and an analysis of paper noise which is quantified as …

An Interpreter For Parallel Prolog, A Study And Implementation, Morad Benyoucef

Theses

In April 1982, a new institute named ICOT (Institute for New Generation Computer Technology ) was created in Japan. The institute was to support the FGCS ( Fifth Generation Computer Systems ) project. The project is a tremendous effort to enter the fifth generation of computing. The idea is to have a Logic Programming Language as a base language for the project. "The goal is to develop basic computer technology to build an intelligent computer system and its prototype which will have an inference function and an intelligent interface function." [18] The inference machine to be developed will be a …

Automatic Differentiation: Implementation In The Ada Programming Language, Robert P. Herloski

Theses

This thesis describes the characteristics of a novel computational technique called automatic differentiation, and gives an implementation of this technique in the Ada® programming language. Automatic differentiation is a technique with which one can directly calculate the value of any partial derivative of nearly any function that has been programmed into a computer (at any point of interest), without requiring the algebraic derivation of the desired partial derivative of the function of interest. It is closely related to the technique of power series manipulation, with which one can find, for example, the sum, product, square root, etc., of given power …

Create A New Town And A New You To Improve Writing Skills, Barbara Broadfoot

Theses

Writing has always been one of the corners tones of American education . Schools are concerned with the development of students, and writing contributes to the development of the whole person. The public is alarmed because many students graduate from high school without being able to write well enough to function in today's complicated society.

There a re many reasons why schools fail to do a good job in the teaching of writing. One of the main reasons is the schools' over-emphasis on the teaching of grammar. Many teachers are not trained as teachers of writing and rely on the …

The Prediction Of Edge Raggedness Via A Single-Channel Filter Model Of The Visual System, Michael G. Mannix

Theses

Edge raggedness is a psychophysical term which refers to the fidelity of a high-contrast edge, which has been degraded by some process, compared to an ideal edge. It has been suggested that the processing of high-contrast edges shares the same spatial-frequency processing mechanisms with that of sinewave gratings. This study uses first-order psychophysical principles, determined using sinewave grating stimuli, in a model to process edges in order to derive a quantitative metric proportional to perceived edge raggedness. The derived metric is the rms power of the processed edge power spectrum. First, the need for a two-dimensional analysis is established, then …

Educational/Informational Posters On Graphic Design, Sister Mary Kay Neff S.C.

Theses

I intended to design a series of orientation posters to be used as educational/informational aids in the study of graphic design. These posters might deal with the following topics: -introduction to graphic design -tools of graphic design -history of graphic design -organizational and perceptual principles -typography -image formulation -applications of graphic design

Design And Testing Of A Computer-Controlled Square Wave Voltammetry Instrument, Nancy L. Wengenack

Theses

Square Wave Voltammetry is rapidly becoming the most popular and versatile electrochemical technique used in research laboratories today. A discussion of electroanalytical techniques, which are the forerunners to square wave voltammetry, provides a basis for understanding the theoretical and experimental aspects of SWV which are presented. A computer-controlled square wave voltammetry system was designed and built using an IBM PC computer, a Tecmar data acquisition board, an EG&G PARC Model 264A Polarographic Analyzer/Stripping Voltammeter, an EG&G PARC Model 303A Static Mercury Drop Electrode, and the scientific software package, ASYST. The system was tested by performing computer-controlled square wave voltammetry on …

Construction Loan Proposal : A Model For Contractors, Saeed Ahmed

Theses

This thesis is an attempt to outline a construction loan proposal. The purpose is to provide an average contractor with an insight which could help him toward a preparation of a better proposal and better understanding of the subject matter itself.

Feasibility Of State-Of-The-Art Project Planning Techniques In Pakistan, Ahmed Mansoor Ansari

Theses

The objective of this work is two-fold:

1. Technological transfer of the best suitable state of the art techniques for implementation in the construction industry of Pakistan.

2. A vehicle intended for American readers to gain insight of the present methods of working in Pakistan.

In harmony to the first of the forestated ambitions this work covers subjects widely ranging from introducing the concept of proven scheduling techniques as CPM, PERT to the application of these techniques via advanced computer technology.

Frequently, American professionals and consulting firms are invited to participate to administer or design specialist construction projects in Pakistan. …

Management And Organizational Effectiveness Examined : Past Practices And Theories Versus The Future, Ronald J. Boyer

Theses

The primary objective for this thesis is to collect and analyze data on how a new model for business organizations might best be formulated. There seems to be a consensus among authorities in the field that because modern business practices are so complex, indeed they have been revolutionized in many areas in the past decade. New organizational techniques must be devised if organizations are to remain as effective and as efficient as in the previous area. Some have claimed that the present structural model has reached the point of no return-that is, no longer functional because of such factors as …

Finite Element Stress Analysis Of The Femoral Hip Stem Prosthesis - Bone Interface, Mark C. Buechel

Theses

A three-dimensional finite element model is used to examine the stresses of the femoral hip stem prosthesis and surrounding bone, specifically at the interface between the stem and the bone. Using General Electric's GEOMOD modelling program, 3-dimensional models of the hip stem prosthesis, and both the cortical and cancellous bone, are generated. Due to the complexity of the individual models, General Electric's SUPERTAB modelling program is required to merge the three separate models into one complete model. The model is then broken down into finite elements for analysis. The model assumes isotropic properties to cortical bone and cancellous bone. Several …

A Computer-Aided Design And Manufacturing System For Wiring Boards Production, Shiau Chia-Ming

Theses

Our purpose is to build some SBC-8052-BASIC microcontroller based instrument systems, and this thesis integrate resources from two areas into a powerful CAD/CAM system for this purpose. Since wiring board is the most popular used tool for laboratory development and small-scale manufacturing, a microcomputer-aided design and manufacturing system is developed to improve the whole efficiency from wirelisting and wiring sequences to hardware and software debugging. So anytime a circuit theory design stage is finished, the prototype can be made easily, then tested and redesigned, till last stage producing. Several practical wiring board circuits have been made through this system, it …

Microcomputer-Based Automated System To Monitor Flow And Respiratory Quotient, Chung C. Chien

Theses

An instrument system has been designed to monitor Respiratory Quotient experiments on rats which are living within whole-body calorimeters. By using multiplexing techniques, this system is capable of monitoring Respiratory Quotients in six calorimeters (animal chambers). It exhibits some features that make it more versatile than the previous system. One of the features of this instrument is that it uses a more accurate method of determining rapid changes in gas exchange between subject and environment. The value of this method is its ability to assess the rapid change in metabolic rate which occurs as a result of change in activity, …

A Data Compression System Using Arithmetic Code, Seokrim Choi

Theses

Generally it is difficult to compress data, from statistically unknown sources, with significant compression ratio. To achieve this, the compression scheme should have an ability to gather context information of the source, adaptively. For better compression, it is desirable to separate the context gathering scheme from coding itself. Arithmetic code is very flexible and can accept any kind of context gathering scheme which can generate probabilities. One context gathering algorithm which generates Markov type probability adaptively is studied and implemented in software using Arithmetic code. This scheme performs well and results in compression ratio better than any existing algorithms such …

Ksc2408 Digital Filter Evaluation System For The Ecg, Chi-Tong Chung

Theses

A hardware implementation in digital filters by using the high speed and high precision KSC2408 digital filter chips, demonstrates the power of the KSC2408 and proves that the real time digital filters can be implemented without complex circuitry and without high expense.

The system consists of two parts - the digital filter board and the IBM PC; the former handles the data filtering, the latter handles the analog-to-digital data conversion and data display. The KSC2408 is programmed as a 16th order Butterworth digital filter to have flat response in the passband and good attenuation in the stopband.

Management Controls And Modeling With Personal Computers (Pcs) For Material Procurement Within The Department Of Defense (Dod), Stefano Coppola

Theses

As an inevitable fallout of the microcomputer explosion, micro-to-mainframe links have been praised as an effective means of satisfying microcomputer users who insist for more processing power and less dependence on mainframe data processing. Personal Computers used to emulate terminals offer local storage capabilities as well as financial analysis and graphics.

Using a Personal Computer, Lotus 123, and a simulated PC-Link, a management control system was designed to satisfy the Department of Defense Instruction (DODI) 7000.2 for material procurement.

The resulting model provides both the Government and the contractor's management control system with a reliable, timely, and auditable system that …