Digital Commons Network^™

Employee Turnover: Housekeeping Department Of Rochester Hotels, Monica Nyamusa Tembi

Theses

This study was undertaken in order to ascertain the high rate of turnover and to find out the causes of turnover in the housekeeping department of Rochester hotels. The survey population was made up of housekeeping employees from 17 hotels. Information for the study was from responses to a four page questionnaire that was designed and later approved by the Rochester Hotel and Motel Association. Data gathered was computed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences, (SPSS) . Statistics generated showed the response rates to each question. Responses were later used to do cross tabulations in order to find …

Transition Through Resonance In Linear And Nonlinear Systems, Mantrala Anand

Theses

In this work an asymptotic method known as the Krylov- Bogol iubov-Mit ropolsky (KBM) method is used to analyze linear and nonlinear systems. A system of first order equations for amplitude and phase is deduced. Using these first order equations the amplitude-response is approximated. The amplitude-response is then compared with the displacement response obtained by the Runge-Kutta method. Also, a comparative study is made between the stationary and nonstat ionary resonances in linear and nonlinear systems. The effect of linear variation of forcing frequency on the amplitude of the systems is closely examined. The consequence of different sweep rates on …

The Transportation Of Hazardous Materials, Songsamorn Kongboonma

Theses

Effective January 1, 1991, both international and domestic hazardous materials must be transported according to the shipment required by the United Nation Recommendations (UN Recommendations). This mandate to follow the UN Recommendations has caused a lot of confusions for packers, shippers and shipping agents. Due to the confusion surrounding the use of this document, this thesis provides a basic guideline and complete instructions on how to handle hazardous materials smartly and safely. Not understanding the regulations involved in hazardous material movement could result in much confusion in dealing with these type of materials. These analysis will clarify such areas as …

Optimal Linearization Of Anharmonic Oscillators, Jungkun Lee

Theses

This investigation is based on the geometric analysis of phase trajectories and incurred vector fields associated with nonlinear oscillators. Optimal curve fitting techniques are applied in the phase plane, in an effort to generate a so-called "geometric averaging". The results are then compared with those generated by classical techniques such as harmonic balance and equivalent linearization, as well as by numerical integration. The investigation is extended to nonlinear mult iple-degree-of -freedom systems. Frequencies of oscillations and mode shapes are derived based on the optimal equivalent linearization process. The results are also compared with numerical integration for justification. It is shown …

An Energy Comparison Between Polycarbonate And Glass Half-Gallon Milk Bottles Used In A Returnable Refillable System, Mark A. Plezia

Theses

Not provided.

Thermal Evaluation Of An Integrated Circuit Chip Using Infrared Imaging And Finite Element Techniques, Terence Lerch

Theses

Thermal Analysis of a prototype IC chip was performed with the use of an Agema Infrared Thermal Imaging System and the Algor Thermal Supersap Heat Transfer finite elements software package. A preliminary calibration of the Agema Thermal Imaging system demonstrated its accuracy to be within ± 0.5 °C of the actual surface temperature being measured. Computed emissivities were within 6.0% of actual emissivity values of a surface. Qualitative comparison of the IC chip's temperature profiles measured by the Agema system and computed by the Algor finite elements package revealed agreement between the two techniques. Quantitative comparison between the two resulted …

Bidding A Bridge Hand: A Thesis On Knowledge Acquisition And Application, Gregg Silveira

Theses

Computerizing the game of Bridge has not yet met with much success. The efforts to date have fallen short of any reasonable technical proficiency. The game does appear to be perfectly suited for an expert system, however, since the game can be segmented into three contexts (Bidding, Play of the Hand, and Defense), each context can be described by a set of rules, and a series of inferences can be used to fire those rules. Each of the contexts is reviewed, then Bidding is chosen for further research. This thesis claims that the set of all hands subdivides into 1 …

Vowel Recognition Using Kohonen's Self-Organizing Feature Maps, Anand R. K. Sundaram

Theses

An important organizing principle observed in the sensory pathways in the brain is the orderly placement of neurons. Although the neurons are structurally identical, the specialized role played by each unit is determined by its internal parameters that are made to change during early learning processes. In the human auditory system, the nerve cells and fibres are arranged in a manner that would elicit maximum response from the neurons when they are activated. Although most of this organization is genetically determined, some of the high level organization is created due to algorithms that promote self-organization. Kohonen's self-organizing feature map is …

Compiling Gen-X Knowledge Bases Into "C", Paul Cuddihy

Theses

GEN-X is a proprietary expert system shell developed by General Electric. It supports several types of rule-based module types which use sophisticated goal-selection techniques. A compiler for the GERULE modules has been written. The modules are translated to "C" code, which shows considerable improvements in speed and space usage over the traditional interpreted version of GEN-X. This work demonstrates that all of GEN-X could be compiled to “C”, and that even complex rule-based systems can be compiled into efficient code-removing the speed handicap which has characterized many expert system shells. This opens up opportunities for the use of these intuitive …

Cpga: A Two-Dimensional, Order-Based Genetic Algorithm For Cell Placement, John T. Cooklis

Theses

Not provided.

Genroute: A Genetic Algorithm Printed Wire Board (Printed Wire Board (Pwb) Router), Bob Coward

Theses

The major effort of this thesis was to develop an electronic circuit routing system that utilizes genetic algorithms to perform Printed Wire Board (PWB) routing rather than brute force exhaustive searching methods. This problem can be classified as an NP-Hard optimization problem searching a large solution space. Some desirable characteristics of an electronic routing system are that it: Minimize the number of potential solutions Minimize the number of board layers and tap holes Minimize trace lengths and the number of "jogs" Minimize trace cross-talk and the board capacitance.

Etrans: A English-Thai Translator, Nuntaporn Warote

Theses

ETRANS is an experimental English-Thai machine translation (MT) system that translates a simple English sentence into a grammatically correct Thai sentence. The entire system is written in C-Prolog, and runs on UNIX systems. The MT strategy taken by ETRANS is an interlingual strategy with a parser for English and a generator for Thai. The parser creates a semantic representation equivalent to the meaning of the English sentence. A generator then interprets the semantic representation into Thai. ETRANS employs frames as a means for representing knowledge, and an augmented transition network (ATN) as the linguistic framework for analyzing and generating sentences.

An Expert System To Generate Musical Variations In The Style Of Telemann, Kathy Johnson Merck

Theses

Musical performance practice during the Baroque period (approximately 1600 - 1750) required that a solo performer be adept at adding extemporaneous variations on the composer's original melody during performance. Atypically, George Phillip Telemann, in his "Methodical Sonatas", provided, along with the original melody line, a written-out variation of that line. Using knowledge of the Baroque style in general and that gleaned from an analysis of Telemann's variations in particular, this expert system models a Baroque musician's (expert's) process of creating such variations. The variation process (programmed in Prolog) involves transformations to a list structure which represents the piece. The system …

An Object-Oriented Drawing Package In Smalltalk/V, Sigrid E. Mortensen

Theses

Graphics creation applications tend to fall into two categories: bit-mapped paint packages, and object-oriented drawing packages. Although each interface has its own unique advantages, few vendors have attempted to integrate the two into a single package. Those who have tried have, in fact, poor integration both from the user's perspective and in the underlying mathematical model. In this thesis, I have addressed the issue of integrating bit-mapped and object-oriented interfaces by creating an object-oriented graphics package which provides the user with a consistent interface for creating and manipulating both graphical objects and bit-mapped graphics. The consistency of the interface was …

Hypermanual A Hypermedia Construction And Browsing System In Smalltalk/V Mac, James Tracy Burdick

Theses

The process of locating needed information in a paper document is often frustrating and time consuming. The information may be available but, since the basic access method is often linear, the information is not readily available. Hypermedia systems offer a computer-based mechanism that can simplify the search process and increase the ratio of useful information found to time expended. Such systems also support the creation of alternate views on the same data base of information. This thesis describes some current hypertext systems and the overall structure of the HyperManual system. This system includes both the tools needed to create and …

Investigation Of Cell Mapping And Off-Line Programming Within A Flexible Assembly System, Marta Anna Galuga

Theses

This investigation achieves two objectives. The first objective renders every robot on the production floor "alike" via a single robot configuration file. The second objective eliminates the tedious routine of teaching and reteaching robotic locations on-line by an operator or engineer. The functionality of these software solutions is demonstrated using the AdeptOne Scara robot, but the impact of this system is far beyond Adept. The code listings included within this thesis are specific to the AdeptOne controller, but the concepts developed and demonstrated herein may be extended to any sophisticated robot controller and programming language.

The Way To Better Media Relations, Bruce Prator Epps

Theses

Unavailable.

The Level And Extent Of The Need For Workshops To Be Presented On Alcohol And Substance Abuse From The Black Cultural Prospective, Amelia I.G. Massie

Theses

The purpose of this research was to identify and assess the level of alcohol and substance abuse among the elderly. The primary focus was on the Black Elderly Community. The The secondary purpose was to determine the importance of an alcohol and substance abuse workshop for the Black Elderly Community.

The results suggested that a workshop was indeed needed for the Black Elderly Community. A workshop was designed using the data collected from the research.

Adjusting Property Values For Power Lines: An Exploratory Study, Robert T. Hirst

Theses

For thirty years researchers warned of potential danger,3 oi electromagnetic fields ( EXF) near electrical power lines and substations. The Environmental Protection Agency is presently reviewing the research to date to see if a substantial health hazard from EMFs threaten public health.

The Appraiser studied two subdivisions built 1985- 87 in Brentwood, Tennessee to see if EMF publicity stigmatized 6 homes adjoining TVA transmission lines right of way (AT) by decreasing expected s ales price compared to 44 homes not adjoining right of way (NAT).

In this small sample of convenience (6 AT subjects), two sold before 1989 at a …

Art As Therapy And Meditation, Julia Ann Harmon Tilden

Theses

Art as Therapy and Meditation by Julia Ann Harmon Tilden explores the therapeutic and meditative qualities of art through a deeply personal and experimental journey during her graduate studies at Lindenwood College. The thesis documents a year marked by personal loss, during which the author turned to her creative practice as a source of emotional healing and introspection. Through a combination of drawing, painting, mixed media, and three-dimensional work, Tilden investigates how art-making can foster emotional expression, spiritual reflection, and psychological relief.

The body of work presented in this thesis includes pastel drawings, abstract paintings, collages, sculptural canvases, and illuminated …

Effect Of Low Level Radiation On The Barrier Qualities Of Spunbonded Olefin, Samir A. Sheth

Theses

Medical packages have to meet highly specific criteria over and above other types of packages. Protection of contents from microbial contamination and physical damage is a priority. The permeability to sterilizing gas; retention of properties and appearance after sterilizing radiation; printability and aseptic presentation all have to be present at reasonable cost. The most important is maintenance of sterile integrity. In order to have sterile integrity, the medical package must have high barrier properties. Sterility maintenance is the ability of porous packaging materials to act as barriers to microorganisms. The random non- woven structure of spunbonded olefin creates a highly …

Computational Methods For Contact Stress Problems With Normal And Tangential Loading, Christopher R. Mcgoldrick

Theses

This investigation contains an historical overview of contact stresses including various classifications of the problem and their associated solutions. The solution for the normal loading elliptical contact problem is reviewed, as formulated using classic methods of linear elasticity theory. An efficient computational method is developed to evaluate the elliptic integrals that arise. The limitations of this solution are investigated in detail and it is shown how the method could be extended to the sliding elliptical contact problem. Practical applications of contact stresses are included with an emphasis on mechanical design. Differences between the continuum model and the behavior of real …

A Group Art Therapy Program For Use With Adolescents Who Have Been Victims Of Incest, H. Alec Arnold

Theses

This project represents the development of a manual for the application of art therapy activities in group therapy with adolescents who have been victims of incest. The treatment model presented in the manual is based on the need of incest victims to be able to articulate and abreact the feelings associated with their abuse within the context of a supportive and empathic relationship.

This need serves as the basis for this model for two principal reasons. In the act of incest victims are treated with complete disregard for their feelings and needs. Victims are treated as objects to be used …

Options And Limits In A Woman's World, Teresa A. Davis

Theses

This is a study of women who are ascribed the role of mother, but who would also like to pursue a satisfying career. These women experience multiple demands when trying to fulfill these multiple roles. The study focused on how women integrate motherhood and employment. The methodology employed in this study was qualitative. Information was solicited through the use of informal personal interviews conducted by the researcher. A single hour interview was conducted with each participant in the research project. The sample consisted of 10 full - time working mothers who volunteered to participate in the project.

The purpose of …

Nonlinear Dynamics Of A Magnetoelastic System, Chetan O. Modi

Theses

A dynamically buckled elastic beam is a physically realizable system exhibiting both periodic and chaotic behavior. The equations of motion are developed as a finite dimensional Galerkin approximation of an infinite degree of freedom system. Generalized eigenvalues or Lyapunov exponents are introduced as a quantitative characterization of chaos, i.e. unstable but bounded motion. A semi-discrete method for the estimation of the Lyapunov spectrum is used to investigate the influence of the forcing parameters on the system response. The equations of motion are then integrated numerically to correlate the steady state response with the value of the associated largest Lyapunov exponent.

Conservation Survey Of The Benaki Museum Photographic Archive In Athens, Greece, Vasiliki Hontos

Theses

Not listed.

A Comparison Of High-End Color System Halftones And Postscript-Generated Halftones, Mary Lee Schneider

Theses

The purpose of this study was to compare the quality of PostScriptgenerated four-color halftones to halftones produced by traditional high-end color systems. The quality issue is one that must be addressed before a decision can be made to move magazine production onto a complete desktop publishing platform. In moving layout and design functions onto a desktop publishing platform, publishers can take advantage of PostScript as a page-description language to electronically create complete pages. Electronic assembly would eliminate the mechanical stripping step, allowing great reductions in prepress manufacturing costs. There are two routes that can be taken to output these electronic …

A Vibrational Study Of Gear Pumps And Gear Pump Drives, Matthew Kulpa

Theses

Process equipment used for lamination was evaluated to determine the causes for variance of the thickness of the laminated material applied to the plastic sheathing. This study selected one area, specifically the pumping system, for further evaluation. The pumping system being evaluated to determine the dynamic characteristics of the flow and to determine if any vibrations from the gear drive unit were being transmitted through the pump to perturb the flow. The natural frequencies were determined analytically and experimentally for shafts in bending and angular modes. The excitation frequencies (frequencies actually generated through the actual running of the gear drive …

A Survey And Analysis Of Algorithms For The Detection Of Termination In A Distributed System, Lois Rixner

Theses

This paper looks at algorithms for the detection of termination in a distributed system and analyzes them for effectiveness and efficiency. A survey is done of the published algorithms for distributed termination and each is evaluated. Both centralized distributed systems and fully distributed systems are reviewed. The algorithms are analyzed for the overhead and conclusions are made about the situations in which they can be used, i.e. an operating system, a real-time system, or a user application. An original algorithm is presented for the asynchronous case with first-in-first-out message ordering. It allows any process to initiate detection of termination and …

An Experiment In The Complexity Of Load Balancing Algorithms, Charles Carlino

Theses

Not provided.