Digital Commons Network^™

Competitive Bidding Strategy In The Construction Industry : A Game Theoretic Approach, Hongbin Chen

Theses

A game theoretic approach is applied to analyze competitive bidding in the construction industry because previous models do not consider the conflict of interest that exists among competitors. The game theoretic model improves corporate performance when compared to previous Bayesian analyses.

The game theoretic model is discussed in conjunction with construction contracting practice. Competitive bidding is formulated as a game theoretic model in which a contractor optimizes his bid price to maximize his utility or corporate performance. Using available historical data, order statistics are employed to access the distribution of estimated costs among bidders for a project. The winner's curse …

An Intelligent Electrocardiogram Tutoring Package Ekgchallenger, Santosh K. Ananthraman

Theses

This thesis presents the development and implementation of an intelligent electrocardiogram tutoring package, namely, EKGCHALLENGER which is meant for use in medical schools to teach medical students a method of diagnosing electro cardiograms.

EKGCHALLENGER is an IBM - PC based, user friendly package. It works in two basic modes. The first is a tutorial mode wherein the user is taught the step-by-step diagnosis of electrocardiograms ( EKGs ) which are presented in order of increasing difficulty. The second is the challenger mode wherein the user is asked to diagnose EKGs which are randomly chosen from an EKG database. The diagnosis …

Performance Enhancement & Fault Detection Of Cmos Dynamic Logic For Vlsi, Ashok Arunachalum

Theses

New CMOS dynamic latches are designed which can be used along with conventional dynamic circuits to realize fast pipelined dynamic logic. Also a new method is described for detecting the difficult CMOS Non-classical faults viz. stuck open and stuck on faults. The conventional Domino logic is redesigned to make all the stuck open and stuck on faults detectable.

Anaerobic Biodegradation Of Trichloroethylene By Activated Carbon Fluidized-Bed, Yeam-How Chin

Theses

Abstract - The biodegradation of Trichloroethylene by using anaerobic activated carbon fluidized bed has been investigated in the present study. High quality effluent was obtainable when the TCE influent concentration was up to 2.4 ppm in the first stage. Glucose was introduced as a cosubstrate to determine the effects of glucose/TCE ratio on the COD, Glucose and TCE removal. The experimental data indicates that the overall TCE removal efficiency was only slightly affected by TCE loading, but the first stage performance was significantly influenced by TCE loadings. It was also found that the microbial activities were affected by TCE loadings …

A Study Of Techniques Of Performance Evaluation, Moses Oyewolfe Ogungbenro

Theses

Performance evaluation is a process that every one goes through in life. One may be the rater or the ratee. One of the basic questions an organization usually asks in establishing or revising a performance evaluation system is: What should the system accomplish, or what should be the technique to be used? The answer to this question varies from organization to organization. Today, we live in a world of organizations, each of us still makes many personal appraisals and subsequently, choices. For instance, we choose doctors, hairdressers, business advisors and others, largely on the basis of our judgements of their …

Towards A Bound For The Compression Of The Lzw Algorithm, Anoop Kumar Srivastava, Shinu Gupta

Theses

The LZW algorithm is a well known efficient adaptive compression algorithm. It is based on constructing a dictionary containing character strings from the text. A number of researchers have attempted to add variations to the original algorithm to achieve higher compression values. In this thesis we attempt to find a bound for the LZW approach. That is, we build a dictionary which gives maximum compression and satisfies prefix property of LZW algorithm.

In order to build such an optimum dictionary, the dynamic programming technique is applied. The final dictionary selected consists of entries which give maximum overall compression and also …

Design Of Governor-Turbine Models In Stability Studies, Vidyanand Swaminathan

Theses

This thesis investigates the effect of hydro governor-turbine models on the steady state stability of an automatically controlled electric power system. Basically two kinds of hydro governor-turbine models, namely, Impulse and Francis type are studied in depth. Design of a compensating network has also been proposed, which can help improve the stability conditions of a power system which employs a poor governor-turbine model.

The power system investigated includes a large sized hydro generating unit connected to an infinite bus via a power network. This generator employs a modern three-channel fast-acting automatic voltage regulator (AVR). For any operating condition, stability results …

Image Coding With Quantization Noise Feedback, Jen-Chieh Wang

Theses

A progressive image transmission based on Laplacian pyramid structure is used for the scheme of quantization noise feedback. Because a reduction in transmission rate inevitably increases the quantization noise and degrades the image quality, the designer of the quantizer laces the dilemma of balancing the transmission rate and the quantization noise. Using the algorithm of noise feedback will reduce the quantization error without appreciably increasing transmission rate. Uniform quantization and nonuniform quantization rate used to compare the result with or without noise feedback. In the transmitter end, the original image can be reduced by a certain procedure to form a …

The Effects Of Position And Gender In Evaluating Job Factors, Yen-Yueh Yin

Theses

This study investigated the extent to which corporate recruiters and students share an understanding of desirable job factors. To identify the differences between the two groups, 114 students and 26 recruiters completed a questionnaire on twenty three job factors. Univariate analyses revealed significant differences between the two groups. The implications of these findings for recruitment, selection, and career counseling are discussed.

Substituent Effects On Strained Rings. Part A ; The Kinetics Of Hydrolysis Of A Quinuclidone Using Ftir. Part B, Yeu-Yi Chiu

Theses

PART A: The energies of a series of monosubstitued propane, cyclopropane and cyclopropene compounds were calculated using ab initio molecular orbital calculations optimized at the 3-21G level using Gaussian 82 and Gaussian 86 programs. The effects of substituents on stabilization energies and geometries are rationalized with respect to the parent molecules. The result is presented which indicated that for substituted cyclopropyl and cyclopropenyl compounds, most of the substituents induce stabilization except the —NC substituent group is destabilizing in cyclopropyl and cyclopropenyl systems. Indications of relative electrostatic and resonance effects are also analyzed. A linear free energy relationship has been exam-ined …

Synthesis Of Highly-Strained Gem-Difluoro Compounds By Reaction Of Difluoromethylene With Cycloalkenes, Deyi Yang

Theses

Trans-Cyclooctene is thought to be more reactive than cis-cyclooctene due to its trans-structure. When cis or trans-clooctene reacts with difluormethylene (:CF₂), trans-9,9-difluorobicyclo[ 6,1,0] nonane was generated in much higher yield than cis-9,9-difluorobicyclo[6,1,0]nonane. [PhCF₃P⁺CF₂Br]Br^- was chosen to be the difluoromethylene precursor in this study. The reason was that the reaction condition for trans-cyclooctene and :CF₂ should be at low temperature. Only [PhCF₃P⁺CF₂Br]Br^- could generate CF₂ at lower temperature (e.g. room temperature). We succeeded in the synthesis of trans-9,9-difluorobicyclo[6,1,0]nonane and its cis isomer and …

Application Of Microwave Energy To Remediation Of Soils Contaminated With Chromium, Chih-Ju Jou

Theses

A process based upon microwave treatment has been developed to render soil non-hazardous after that soil had been classified as hazardous due to heavy metal contamination. It has been applied to chromium-contaminated soil. The object of the present regulations is to prevent damage to water supplies as a result of the leaching of heavy metal ions from the soils. This object is expressed in the standard test for leaching, namely, the EPA EP Leachate test. This process can be used to immobilize metal ions sufficiently to meet the aforementioned standard. The present standard is based upon acid leaching, and not …

A Computer Program On The Economics Of Collection And Sortation Of Recyclable Materials In Municipal Solid Wastes, Ara Nigogos Kahyaoglu

Theses

The first version of the economic of recyclable materials in municipal solid waste analysis program was developed in interpretive BASIC by Rutgers the State University of New Jersey. Since BASIC is a line interpretative language several restrictions were encountered, the major one being the language size restriction.

The first objective was to obtain a truly portable program that would not be dependent on specific compilers and operating systems. The second objective was to generate a program that had the capability for expansion.

The C language was used over other high level languages such as PASCAL and FORTRAN because it had …

The Evaluation Of Polysulfone Composites As Structural Implants In Orthopaedic Surgery, Howard L. Scalzo

Theses

Two polysulfone composites were evaluated to determine their use as structural implants in orthopaedic surgery. The first composite, carbon fiber reinforced polysulfone (C/PS), was evaluated for environmental degradation in an in vivo and in vitro study. The C/PS composites were implanted subcutaneously in the abdomen of rabbits for the in vivo study and immersed in saline solution at 32° C for the in vitro study. The second composite, hydroxylapatite coated polysulfone (HA/PS), was evaluated for bone ingrowth in an in vivo study, and for attachment strength between the HA and the PS in an in vitro study. Also, two surface …

Study Of An Analytical Method For Benzo(A)Pyrene Metabolites In Human Urine, Zheng Ouyang

Theses

A method developed by Becher and Bjorseth for analysis of PAH metabolites in urine was employed to investigate human exposure to benzo(a)pyrene (BaP) - an ubiquitous environmental carcinogen. Preliminary results are presented showing the relationship between exposure to BaP and urinary elimination. Although the correlation between the two variables is not statistically significant, there appears to be a positive association with selected exposure varibles such as smoking. The identification of an association may establish urinary BaP as a marker of exposure.

However, detailed study of the analytical procedure indicated that recoveries with this method were as low as 3-8% for …

Surfactant Enhanced Scrubbing In An Ejector Venturi Scrubber Of Sulfur Dioxide From Air Exhaust Streams, Humberto Roman

Theses

The objective of this work was to determine the feasibility of applying the Surfactant Enhanced Scrubbing technique to the removal of sulfur dioxide using an ejector venturi scrubber.

Surfactants were chosen according to information from manufacturers. Those surfactants which offered good behavior in the presence of acidic solutions ( low pH ), and anti-corrosion characteristics were tested.

In the first phase, experiments were performed to determine the behavior of the foams in the ejector venturi scrubber. A foam destruction system was used when foaming conditions required it. In the second phase dynamic runs were performed to determine the removal efficiencies …

Ph Parametric Pumping : An Examination Of Different Feed Locations For A Two And Three Column Process With The Same Flow Patterns And Ph Distribution, Roberta Rosty

Theses

PH parametric pumping is used to separate protein mixtures of hemoglobin and Albumin.

In this thesis, modifications to a two-column process, where the fluid stage flow pattern and the pH distributions were constant, were explored. These modifications consisted of: changes in the feed stream inlet and outlet locations, changes in the amount of feed itself, and an addition of another column and reservoir to the original two-column process. The results were obtained through computer simulation.

Results indicate that the batch or no-feed two and three column processes yield better separations of the two proteins than the same processes with feed …

Integrated Voice/Data Services On Multihop Radio Networks, Chialun Lu

Theses

Integrated voice/data is the first step toward Integrated Services Digital Networks (ISDN). Various techniques have been proposed and analyzed for multiplexing voice and data over a large bandwidth channel. Network efficiency is what we are most concerned about. In this paper, we address the problem of determining optimal access policies for a tandem ISDN network by using Dynamic Programming. Computer simulation shows that optimal policy minimizes the data delay.

Characterization Of Activated Sludge Immobilized In Calcium Alginate Gel With Respect To Biodegradation Of 2-Chlorophenol And Benzene, Manjari Singh

Theses

Activated sludges acclimated with phenol and 2-chlorophenol in one case, and a mixture of benzene, toluene, and o, in and p-xylene in another case, were characterized for biodegradation of 2-chlorophenol and benzene, respectively. Activated sludge was obtained from the Parsippany-Troy Hills Water Pollution Control Plant (NJ).

For both cases colonies were isolated before acclimation, after acclimation, and at the end of biodegradation studies. Since the unacclimated group was the same in both cases, there were a total of five different groups for which characterization was carried out.

For all the five groups together, a total of 54 isolates were obtained …

Estimation Of Thermodynamic Properties Of Petroleum Fractions To Supplement The Aspen Simulator, Steven E. Sund

Theses

The objective of this study was to develop a method of estimating hydrocarbon pseudocomponent data in a format that is consistent with the ASPEN simulator. Although algorithms exist to estimate the pseudocomponent properties, no comprehensive program exists for the public version of ASPEN. A computer program was developed which will take a minimum of input data and can generate the necessary pure component properties for an ASPEN simulation. The program is meant to complement the ASPEN simulator, so the input is similar to ASPEN's input. The output can be incorporated directly into an ASPEN input or can be of the …

The Spirit In Which It Is Made, Harry Michael Welsch

Theses

Because I believe my work speaks for itself and needs little defense, this thesis is primarily descriptive in nature. I feel that the functional format can be the basis for a valid aesthetic statement, and that it is as potentially expressive as any other format in clay. I indicated in my thesis statement that I would create a body of functional work that would convey a sense of energy, movement, and vitality through the exploration of form, surface treatment, and high-fire techniques. With my greatest strides being in the development of form, I feel I have been able to accomplish …

Mathematical Model Of A Continuous Sterilization System For Fermentation Media Containing Suspended Solids, Mark A. Leskowicz

Theses

A mathematical model has been developed for a continuous sterilization system where the role of suspended solids on the overall degree of sterilization achieved is taken into account. Evaluation of a "typical" commercial continuous sterilization system showed the role of suspended solids to have little effect on the overall sterilization obtained. For continuous sterilization systems operating in a total residence time of less than one minute, the role of solids may become important and should be evaluated.

Adsorption And Desorption Of Chromium On Clayey Soils, Ker-Shu Tan

Theses

Chromium residue waste was produced during sixties in the chromium production process. It was used as construction fill. Problems associated with chromium waste sites include structure distress and surface and groundwater contamination.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the adsorption and desorption of chromium on soil. In order to achieve this purpose, experiments were conducted to study the effect of pH, type of chromium compound, and type of soil on adsorption and desorption.

Experiments were performed on kaolinite, bentonite and sand. In our study, it was found that sand had almost no adsorption for chromium. Kaolinite had less …

Prediction And Correlation Of Liquid-Liquid Equilibria, Jose Simonetty Jr.

Theses

The NRTL, LEMF, and UNIQUAC models are used in the prediction and correlation of liquid-liquid equilibrium data for ten type I systems. The results indicate that best predictions are obtained with the LEMF equation, with an overall average absolute percentage error in distribution coefficients of 19.5 as compared to 23.0 and 24.7 with the NRTL and UNIQUAC equations, respectively. Good correlation of liquid-liquid equilibrium data alone is obtained with all three models; the LEMF equation is slightly better with an overall average absolute percentage error in distribution coefficients of 5.5 as compared to 6.7 and 5.9 for the NRTL and …

Removal Of Contaminants From Clay Soils By Thermal Desorption, Wen-Ming Mao

Theses

The objective of this study was to investigate the removal of contaminants from clay soils by thermal treatment. There were two phases involved in this project. The first was a study of equilibrium adsorption of clay - organics study, and the second was the determination of the thermal desorption characteristics.

Three organics, phenol, chlorophenol, and chlorobenzene and one clay soil, bentonite, were selected for these studies. The first phase, involved the simulation of the isothermal adsorption simulated the process of contaminants being sorbed onto bentonite. Three different isotherm models,viz, Linear isotherm, Freundlich isotherm, and Langmuir isotherm were evaluated with experimental …

Algorithms And Analysis Of Dialogue Time Patterns, Muhammad Saleem Akhtar

Theses

The characteristics of a conversation between two people can be determined not only what they say to each other, but also by the rhythm of their dialogue. Their moods, attitudes and attributes may be conveyed in part by time patterns of the speech. The programs described herein can be useful in exploring the relationship between dialogue time patterns and other psychological aspects of human behavior. The measurements of these time patterns can be quickly, inexpensively, and reliably accomplished by the use of a PC.

The programs described herein are capable of calculating the variabilities, the time durations and frequencies of …

Non Invasive Monitoring Of Cardiovascular Dynamics Through A Microwave Interferometer, Suresh Chakravarthi

Theses

The microwave interferometer is utilized to pick up vibrations of the anterior (front) chest wall, produced by cardiac activity. This instrument is capable of remotely measuring the vibrations at distances up to four feet through clothing, by using low level microwave energy at 9.3 Ghz. The vibrations picked up from subjects are filtered, and processed through a PC to correlate with EKG signals, and thereby evaluate the instrument as a non-invasive, non-contacting cardiac monitor.

The subjects lie on their back with the microwave energy illuminating their chest, and their cardiovascular dynamics are recorded simultaneously with EKG signals. The EKG is …

One-Dimensional Parametric Inverse Scattering For Lossless Dispersive Media, Frank Gangi

Theses

In this thesis, the effects of high frequency noise on a perturbational inversion algorithm for a stratified dispersive medium are investigated. It is shown that the perturbational algorithm becomes unstable under high frequency noise. The physical origin of this instability is discussed.

In order to enhance the robustness of the perturbational inverse scattering solution, a parametric inversion algorithm is implemented. The improvement by the use of a parametric inversion is given quantitatively by the profile-to-error ratio (PER). Examples of the two-pole and the three-pole reflection coefficients are compared and contrasted.

Study Of Ionized Cluster Beam Techniques For Reactive Deposition Of Gallium Nitride Thin Films, Jyh Sheen

Theses

This thesis is divided into two parts. The first part investigates the Ionized Cluster Beam( ICB ) technique through measurements of the energy of ionized gallium beam. The presence of ions and their kinetic energy in the ICB technique is advantageous in the formation process of thin film. The results of retarding potential measurement are comparable with the presence of clusters as large as 500 atoms. The second part examines the formation of gallium nitride thin film. In order to enhance the reaction of gallium and nitrogen, dissociation of molecular nitrogen by microwave discharge method was used to generate atomic …

Firmware Toolkit For Larynx Synchronous D.S.P., Shih-Chieh Su

Theses

During the past ten years, digital signal processing has been an extremely active and dynamic field. Advances in integrated circuit technology and in processor architecture have greatly enlarged the scope of the technical areas to which digital signal processing techniques can be applied. Research in fundamental signal processing techniques and algorithms has led to dramatic improvements in the efficiency of signal processing systems.

This thesis creates a fast and cheap DSP package for 8052AH-BASIC. This is a useful and potential package when we apply research in speech science and medical diagnostics. It exploits the latest software-in-silicon technology to create a …