Digital Commons Network^™

Robust Quasi-Lpv Controller Design Via Integral Quadratic Constraint Analysis, James C. Kempsell Jr.

Theses

Reduced cost of sensors and increased computing power is enabling

the development and implementation of control systems that can

simultaneously regulate multiple variables and handle conflicting

objectives while maintaining stringent performance objectives. To

make this a reality, practical analysis and design tools must be developed

that allow the designer to trade-off conflicting objectives and

guarantee performance in the presence of uncertain system dynamics,

an uncertain environment, and over a wide range of operating

conditions. As a first step towards this goal, we organize and streamline

a promising robust control approach, Robust Linear Parameter

Varying control, which integrates three fields of …

Differentiating Schizophrenic Patients From Healthy Control; Application Of Machine Learning To Resting State Fmri, Hossein Ebrahimi Nezhad

Theses

In recent years, one analysis approach that has grown in popularity is the use of machine learning algorithms to train classifiers to decode stimuli, mental states, behaviors and other variables of interest from fMRI data. Most of these studies focus on fMRI low frequency oscillations. This study focuses on the amplitude of low-frequency fluctuations (ALFF) and fractional amplitude of low-frequency fluctuations (fALFF). A Voxel-wise analysis is performed on the whole brain for two groups of subjects. A machine learning algorithm is applied to two independent groups of subjects (a total of 160 healthy control and schizophrenic subjects) to classify Schizophrenia …

Comparison Of Different Differential Expression Analysis Tools For Rna-Seq Data, Junfei Zhu

Theses

In molecular biology research, RNA-seq is a relatively new method for transcriptome profiling. It utilizes the next generation sequencing technology to provide huge amount information about the variety and abundance of RNA present in an organism of interest at a specific state and a given time. One of the most important tasks of RNA-seq analysis is finding genes that are expressed differently in different subject groups. A lot of differential expression analysis tools for RNA-seq have been developed, but there is no golden standard in this field. In this research, four commonly used tools (DESeq, edgeR, limma, and cuffdiff) are …

Thermochemical Properties Of C3 To C5 Unsaturated Carbonyl Alkenes: Enthalpies Of Formation, Entropy, Heat Capacity, Bond Enthalpy, Ruiqi Jian

Theses

α,β and α-γ unsaturated carbonyl compounds are important classes of carbonyl compounds with the general structure R-(O=C)-Cα=Cβ-R’ and R-(O=Cγ)-Cβ-Cα=Cβ-R’. These compounds are utilized in industry and are also produced as intermediates of hydrocarbon oxidation in chemistry of the atmosphere and in combustion. These unsaturated carbonyls are common environmental pollutants, are frequently associated with adverse effects, and are considered to play an important role in human cancer. Their stability, thermochemical properties are important to understanding their reaction paths in atmospheric, combustion and bio related environments. Enthalpy, entropy, and heat capacity of unsaturated alkene molecules, and radicals corresponding to hydrogen atom …

Analysis Of Transport Properties In A Zaz Graphene Nanoribbon Junction Using Various Dopants, Natasha Parikh

Theses

A 12 atom wide ZAZ Graphene Junction was simulated and its transport properties were analyzed. I-V curves, calculated by nonequilibrium Greens function method combined with the density functional theory under external bias, showed varying semiconducting characteristics. Further, the width of the junction also showed significant effects in the determination of the semiconducting nature. A theoretical study was performed on the semiconducting characteristics by analyzing the I-V curve and transport coefficients in the junction.

Mathematically Modeling The Mechanical Constants Of Thoracolumbar Fascia Under Compression, In Vivo, Vrajeshri Patel

Theses

The thoracolumbar fascia (TLF) is a complex structure made of many interconnecting aponeurosis and muscle fascia. It plays a role in posture, stabilizing the lumbosacral spine, load transfer, and respiration. Its complex structure and connections have mostly been observed through cadaveric studies while its mechanical properties have been addressed in only a few studies. Recently, new advances in ultrasound imaging have made it possible to move towards measuring tissue strain. Since this is an in vivo method, mechanical data of tissues in their natural environment allows a more accurate representation of tissue strain. However, many different methods of analyzing ultrasound …

Using The Piezoelectric Backscatter Signal For Remote Sensing Of Neural Signals, Eren Alay

Theses

In recent studies, various methods to sense neural signals are used and new methods for remote sensing of neural signals are being developed. However, there are still major difficulties in building long-term implantable neural interface systems that can reliably record neural activity and serve as the basis of brain-machine interfaces (BMI). Therefore, this research is conducted to design a remote neural sensing system that is based on modulation of the backscatter signal from a piezoelectric element by the neural signals. The hypothesis is that if the neural signal is detected with a simple amplifier and the output of this amplifier …

Evaluating Cecal Ligation And Puncture- Induced Kidney Injury In Diabetic Meprin Deficient Mice, Kasheena Burris

Theses

Diabetic nephropathy (DN) is the leading cause of end stage renal disease (ESRD), and is associated with high morbidity and mortality rates. Key histological changes observed in DN include accumulation of extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins and tubulointerstitial fibrosis. Meprins are metalloproteinases that are abundantly expressed in the brush border membranes of proximal kidney tubules. Meprins are also expressed in leukocytes (monocytes and macrophages) and podocytes. Meprins cleave/degrade extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins such as collagen IV, collagen VI, fibronectin, laminin, and nidogen-1 in vitro. Meprins have been implicated in the pathology of DN. Sepsis is a complex medical condition, where the …

The Effects Of Moringa Oleifera On Stress Induced Immune Modulation In Mice, Jr. Glenn Drue

Theses

In both humans and animals, stress causes the body to release adrenaline, cortisol and other stress hormones that cause changes within the body, which include modulation of the immune system. Stress in mammals can cause changes in the profile of immune cells circulating in the blood. Environmental and nutritional stressors can be considered two of the most common animal stressors. In the presence of stress there is an increase in the number of circulating neutrophils and a decrease in the number of lymphocytes within the blood. The physiological changes that occur in animals in response to acute and chronic stress …

Incidents In The Life Of Slave Girls 2.0: Rememory And Patriarchal Bargaining In Toni Morrison's A Mercy And Dolen Perkins-Valdez's Wench, Melody Y. Andrews

Theses

Through examining traditional slave narratives, such as Harriet Jacob's Incidents in the Life of a Slave Girl, as well as neo-slave narratives with female protagonists, such as Wench and A Mercy, it becomes evident that participating in patriarchal bargaining in the antebellum South existed as a form of resistance and leverage not in a feminist sense, but one that is inherently womanist. Nearly twenty-five years ago, feminist Deniz Kandiyoti coined the term "patriarchal bargain" to describe the way in which women navigate within patriarchal societies: "Women strategize within a set of concrete constraints, which I identify as patriarchal bargains. Different …

Chemical Reactive Separations In Energy And Environmental Processes, Md Arif Khan

Theses

The main objective of this study was to investigate the application of chemical reactive separation (reactive separation, advanced oxidation) in bio-oil upgradation and air pollution control. Aspen simulation for reactive distillation of pyrolysis bio-oil for the reactive distillation with n-butanol is carried out using RADFRAC module and UNIQUAC property method by minimizing Gibbs free energy. The binary and ternary interaction and chemical and phase equilibrium (CPE) between the components were studied to determine the azeotropes and homogeneous region of mixture. The conversions for the esterification reactions were found to be 70-90% for various simulated bio-oils, and water was separated from …

Sustainable Production Of Biofuels And Biochemicals From Aquatic Biomass, Quazi Mahzabin Rahman

Theses

In recent years, growing attention has been devoted to the conversion of biomass into biofuels and biochemicals. Biomass has several reasons to be considered as an attractive energy source. The main reason is that energy produced from biomass can contribute to sustainable development. Aquatic biomasses-microalgae, duckweed, and cattail-are considered as promising biomass sources due to their favorable characteristics such as high growth rate and low lignin content. The objective of this study was to produce biofuel- ethanol through Simultaneous Saccharification and Fermentation (SSF) of fresh algae, duckweed and cattail biomass by E. coli and to produce acetic acid by C. …

Design And Fabrication Of Nanodevice For Cell Interfacing, Prema Chinnappan

Theses

The goal of this thesis is to (a) design and fabricate a nanodevice that interface with cells and (b) optimize neuronal cell culturing protocol. The long term objective of this thesis is to perform intracellular electrical signal recording and stimulation of neuronal cells. To achieve this objective, a nanodevice with "Fin" shaped electrodes was designed that increases the electrode area and conductance so that it reduces the signal loss as shown in the case of traditional circular Nanopillar design. The overarching goal of neuroscience is to target and discover the relationships between the functional connectivity-map of neuronal circuits and their …

3d Variational Analysis In Subsurface Contaminant Transport Model, Anup Saha

Theses

Modeling of contaminant transport in a subsurface environment by a numerical model deviates from the real world environment because of the highly heterogeneous nature of the subsurface environment. In this study, the data assimilation techniques are integrated with the numerical model and are applied to the subsurface environment to predict the contaminant transport. The Forward Time Center Space (FTCS) model is used as a numerical approach to solve the classical advection-dispersion-reaction transport equation and the Kalman Filter, Ensemble Kalman Filter (EnKF) and 3D Variational (3DVAR) analysis are used for data assimilation purpose. A hybrid scheme, termed as EnKF-3DVAR is developed …

Advanced Distillation Curve For Alternate Aviation Fuel And Biofuels, Thomas Anison

Theses

Distillation curve is an important indicator in industry and academia for characterizing fuels. The advanced distillation curve apparatus developed by Smith and Bruno[1] was used to carry out this research. The boiling temperature vs volume curve of a distillation curve can further be improved or corrected if the time delay of the distillate in the condenser and the vapor travel time from vaporization to condensation is known. Experiment for a four component mixture of decane, dodecane, tetradecane and hexadecane was conducted and the experimental data used to develop an empirical model for the process as a pure pseudo-hydrocarbon compound. The …

Effect Of Feeding Sows Diets Supplemented With Oat And Yeast Culture On The Incidence Of Post Weaning Diarrhea In Their Offspring, Torel Daniels

Theses

Post Weaning Diarrhea (PWD) is a leading cause of mortality in piglets during the first two weeks of weaning. According to the Fairbrother, Nadeau et al. (2005) report, PWD is a major gastrointestinal disease caused by stress, pathogenic intestinal bacteria and immature immune responses. Antibiotic growth promoters (AGP) are used to combat PWD but there is public concern surrounding their use (Casewell, Friis, Marco, McMullin, & Phillips, 2003). The purpose of this study is to investigate natural alternatives to AGP that prevent PWD. Therefore, we designed a study whereby yeast culture and oat were fed to sows during the last …

Development Of Polydimethylsiloxane Mixed Matrix Membrane, Emmanuel Onuminya Ogbole

Theses

Mixed matrix membranes (MMMs) were prepared from Polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) filled with surface-treated fumed silica (SiO2). Techniques (TGA, SEM, and FTIR) were employed to characterize the neat membrane (PDMS) and the mixed matrix SiO2-PDMS membrane (SiO2-PDMS). The results confirmed SiO2-PDMS has improved thermal property over neat PDMS. Uniform dispersion of SiO2 within the membrane was observed. Good material interaction between PDMS and fumed SiO2 was observed. The effects of SiO2 on the transport pattern and permeability of O2, N2, CO2, and CH4 were studied. Results showed that the presence of SiO2 in PDMS matrix had a significant impact on N2 transport …

Techniques For Type I Collagen Organization, Latecia Diamond Anderson-Jackson

Theses

Tissue Engineering is a process in which cells, engineering, and material methods are used in amalgamation to improve biological functions. The purpose of tissue engineering is to develop alternative solutions to treat or cure tissues and organs that have been severely altered or damaged by diseases, congenital defects, trauma, or cancer. One of the most common and most promising biological materials for tissue engineering to develop scaffolds is Type I collagen. A major challenge in biomedical research is aligning Type I collagen to mimic biological structures, such as ligaments, tendons, bones, and other hierarchal aligned structures within the human body. …

In Vitro Mycelial Growth And Root Infection Of Loblolly Pine Seedlings By Bianchetto Truffle (Tuber Borchii), Osejie F. Oriaifo

Theses

Decline in Tuber borchii production has led to exploration of new cultivation strategies. Contemporary techniques including the use of spore slurry and root induction are both marred with low success rates, contamination, and are costly. Mycelia inoculation avoids the challenges of contemporary techniques, increases colonization rates, and increases the levels of mycorrization. In order to develop an optimized medium to culture T. borchii and use same for onward infection of Pinus taeda seedling, this research was conducted with two main intents: (1.) seeking the optimum growth conditions and concentrations of six strains of T. borchii on solid Modified Melin-Norkrans (MMN) …

Antibacterial And Antioxidative Properties Of Essential Oils From Armoise (Artemisia Herba-Alba), Bay (Laurus Nobilis) And Rose Geranium (Pelargonium Capitatum X Radens) In Vitro, Ragina B. Rafiq

Theses

The prevalence of food contamination by pathogenic bacteria resulting in foodborne illness has raised concern to the food industry. In addition, oxidation in food, which affects the shelf life and quality of the food through the formation of off odor and off flavor, is another concern to the food industry. Nitrates, sulfates, benzoates of sodium and potassium, butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT) and butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA) are commonly used as preservatives in the food industry. However, long-term safety issues of synthetic preservatives in human health along with negative perception of consumers have lead researchers to find alternative natural preservatives. The purpose of …

The Electrochemical Detection Of Explosive Compounds Using Polymer And Chemically Modified Electrodes, Hollis Rachial D

Theses

The detection and quantification of explosive compounds is extremely important in global security, antiterrorist, and forensic activity. While there are sensitive and reliable methods for detection, the development of electrochemical techniques is used here because they are simple, affordable, and can be made for field use. In this investigation, chlorogenic acid (CGA) modified glassy carbon electrode (GCE) was used to detect hydrazine in concentrations as low as 0.05mM; aspartic acid modified GCE was used to detect both nitrobenzene and 4-nitrotoluene in concentrations as low as 3.3μM and 1.3μM, respectively; and finally phenol red coated GCE was used to detect nitrobenzene …

Enhancing Asphalt Binder's Rheological Behavior And Aging Susceptibility Using Nano-Particles, Renaldo C. Walters

Theses

The life expectancy of Asphalt Binder (AB) has been negatively impacted by the harsh bombardment of UV rays. UV rays cause asphalt to oxidize faster which results in deterioration of asphalt rheological characteristics that can lead to pavement distresses. This study investigates the impact that nano-particles and bio modification have on the aging susceptibility of asphalt binder. As such, the following hypothesis was investigated: Introduction of nano particles to asphalt binder will reduce asphalt oxidation aging by increasing the inter layer spacing of the nano particles. Two nano scale materials were used for this study, nano-clay and bio-char as well …

Wear Behavior Characterization For The Screening Of Magnesium-Based Alloys, Paul R. Mcghee

Theses

This research is focused on the development of a systematic approach to evaluate the selection of materials for Mg-based alloys under wear conditions for biomedical applications. A pilot study was carried out in order to establish an accurate and reliable wear testing technique for magnesium and its alloys. This pilot study was conducted on aluminum (Al) and pure Mg, and showed that aluminum has a lower wear rate compared to Mg. The technique displayed good repeatability and high precision. For the main study, an ERC Mg-based alloy was to be compared with pure Mg. The same technique, when applied to …

Soft Micro-Channels For Cell Culturing And Migration Studies, Sara Abbasirazgaleh

Theses

Various techniques and methods have been studied and developed to aid nerve regeneration and repairing nerve injuries. Among all, nerve grafting is the gold standard for bridging the gap between the injured nerve stumps. Despite the advantages of this technique, there are also various drawbacks that have encouraged the exploration of alternative, less invasive methods for promoting nerve regeneration. In this thesis, we have fabricated soft micro-channels for cell culturing and migration studies which could act as an interface capable of long-term, reliable, and high-resolution stimulation device for nerve regeneration. Micro-channels fabrication is performed using a ombination of photolithography technique …

Freezing Curve Measurements For Hydrocarbon Mixtures, Derrick Amoabeng

Theses

Solid-liquid equilibrium measurements were carried out for a binary system of (decane + dodecane) at several different mole fractions under atmospheric pressure. The work involved the design of new experimental setup for the solid-liquid equilibrium data measurements. The newly designed setup was used to study the freezing curve and solid-liquid transition temperature for pure decane and dodecane as test runs. The main work was to investigate and confirm the binary mixtures which form solid solutions (solid state structure) or eutectic structures (each particular component forms crystals out of the solution separately), and further develop a binary solid-liquid phase diagram for …

Stochastic Approach In Groundwater Modeling: A Case Study Of The Buffalo Creek Watershed, Jenberu Lemu Feyyisa

Theses

Simulation and prediction of groundwater flow and solute (contaminant) transport highly depends upon aquifer parameters and their spatial distribution. Since this variability in space is in fact random, solutions for groundwater flow and contaminants transport are better defined through a statistical approach. This study acknowledges and considers spatial variability of horizontal hydraulic conductivity values and compares calibrated steady-state condition groundwater flow both in deterministic and stochastic approach using MODFLOW model. Based upon the discretized model, for each model run 10, 495 different horizontal hydraulic conductivity values (set) were generated using Kriging statistical distribution method and results of groundwater depth was …

The Impact Of Diet On Goat Rumen Microbes And Innate Immune Gene Expression, Ahmed Abdalla

Theses

Gastrointestinal nematodes in goats have developed resistance to chemical anthelmintics, resulting in the need for alternative control strategies. One approach is incorporation of Sericea Lespedeza (SL) as high quality forage that suppresses these parasites in goats due to its high condensed tannin (CT) content. However, little is known about its effect on rumen microorganisms and innate immunity in goats. A diverse collection of microorganisms is found in the goat rumen and Bifidobacteria is one of the important organisms in the immunity, yet its presence in the goat rumen is not fully studied. The objective of this study was to evaluate …

Toxicity Of Potassium Permanganate And Potassium Peroxymonosulfate Controlled Released Biodegradable Polymer To The Non-Target Organism Daphnia Magna, Niya Sade’ King

Theses

Potassium permanganate (KMnO4) and potassium peroxymonosulfate (Oxone®) are chemical oxidants widely used in natural surface waters and wastewaters for the control and removal of pathogens and the prevention of disease caused by bacteria. However, KMnO4 and Oxone® have the ability to be toxic to aquatic life. Moreover, there is limited information within literature about the toxicity of these oxidizing agents to non-target organisms such as the microcrustacean Daphnia magna (D. magna). The purpose of this study was to evaluate the acute toxicity of KMnO4 and Oxone® to D. magna. The focus for this work is to determine the toxic effects …

Chemical Characterization Of Aviation Fuels By Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry, Thomas Francois Gardler

Theses

This research proposes that analysis of greater depth can be performed on fuels to help understand their composition better than what is currently performed. At present, there is a disconnect between the groups that use fuels and the groups that make fuels- neither side knows precisely what the other wants. By having a better understanding of a fuel's chemical makeup, correlations between different components and different properties may be found. Using this knowledge, fuels could be made exactly how an end-user would need them. This could reduce waste of undesirable fuel as well as drive us away from fossil fuel …

Determining The Presence, Genetic Variability, And Function Of Cytolethal Distending Toxin In Samoa Strains Of Haemophilus Ducreyi, Andrea Faye Anstead

Theses

Haemophilus ducreyi is the causative agent of the genital ulcerative disease chancroid. Chancroid is an important facilitator for increased transmission of HIV amongst heterosexuals. Chancroid is endemic to Asia, Africa, and Latin America, but there have been several outbreaks within the United States. Chancroidal ulcers are categorized as soft, painful, bloody ulcers that may remain chronic if untreated. H. ducreyi produces and secretes a cytolethal distending toxin (CDT) that causes various cell types to undergo cell cycle arrest or apoptosis. The CDT holotoxin consists of three genes: cdtA, cdtB, and cdtC. In 2006, the first report of nonsexual transmission of …