Digital Commons Network^™

Spectral Imaging Of Human Portraits And Image Quality, Qun Sun

Theses

This dissertation addresses the problem of capturing spectral images for human portraits and evaluating image quality of spectral images. A new spectral imaging approach is proposed in this dissertation for spectral images of human portraits. Thorough statistical analysis is performed for spectral reflectances from various races and different face parts. A spectral imaging system has been designed and calibrated for human portraits. The calibrated imaging system has the ability to represent not only the facial skin but also the spectra of lips, eyes and hair from various races as well. The generated spectral images can be applied to color-imaging system …

Hydrogeological And Geophysical Studies On Ai Jaww Plain, Ai Ain Area, U.A.E., Hind Saif Ali Ai-Nuaimi

Theses

No abstract provided.

Treatment Of Industrial Wastewater From Food Processing Plant Under Climate Conditions, Saeed Mohamed Wali Abdulla Karmustaji

Theses

This research thesis will study the performance of wastewater treatment plant using a two-phase continuous flow anaerobic/aerobic treatment plant for the treatment of industrial wastewater from a confectionary factory in Dubai. The treatment design is based on anaerobic process under mesophilic conditions (31 +/- 2 °C) range where only the heat of the inlet and the natural climatic temperature are utilized to maintain the reactor operational. An aerobic activated sludge process to achieve the required legal standards follows the anaerobic treatment.

During the anaerobic process, biogas is generated and stored in a collection chamber and linked to an automated flared …

Assessment Of The Performance Of Shape Memory Alloys As Implant Devices, Noura Ali Al-Khalifi

Theses

Shape memory alloys are one class of the family of smart materials. They are considered as biomaterials, since they are well accepted by the human body. One special feature of shape memory alloys (SMA) is their ability to revert to their previous shape. This material is deformed at low temperature and when it is heated, it returns (remember) to its original form. Although, the implant binary NiTi SMA is particularly successful as a biomaterial, our NiTi SMA consist of more that 50% (55.7%) of nickel. The main purpose of this thesis was to evaluate the biological response of the shape …

Treatment Of Petroleum Refinery Wastewater Effluent Using Coupled Carbon Sorption And Biodegradation, Fatin Ali Sadiq Sawalha

Theses

There has been increased interest in the development of technologies for the effective removal of priority pollutants from petroleum refineries and thereby protect the quality of receiving water. In this study, the removal of phenol and naphthalene from aqueous solutions using different bacterial strains, granular activated carbon and biological activated carbon as a combination of the two systems were investigated. Laboratory-scale experiments for the adsorption, biodegradation and biosorption of the two chemicals were conducted in batch reactors at 25°C and shaking at 120 rpm. Pure bacterial cultures of phenol-utilizing bacteria and naphthalene-utilizing bacteria were isolated from local enriched soil and …

Optimal Sizing Of Activated Sludge Domestic Wastewater Treatment Processes Considering Uncertainties, Abdulhameed A. Arwani

Theses

A mathematical framework is developed for use in the optimal sizing of a wastewater treatment system comprises an activated sludge system preceded by a primary clarifier. Mathematical models predicting the performance of various unit processes are used to construct the system model. ASM3, used in the developed framework, is among the most recent and comprehensive models that closely describe the biological reactions taking place in the activated sludge system. Cost information functions including capital and operational costs of different system units are also modeled. An optimization problem is formulated with the objective to produce optimal sizes of different units with …

Effects Of Lining Cooling Tower Interior Walls On Controlling The Growth Of Legionella Pneumophila, Kamal Rafiq Saeed Jaroor

Theses

The presence of Legionella pneumophila in cooling tower waters is a serious health hazard. If the contaminated mist from the cooling tower is inhaled, Legionnaires' disease could be contracted. Of the 2.4 million cases of pneumonia that occur each year in the United States, an estimated 8,000 to 18,000 are actually cases of Legionnaires' disease. Several factors have been suggested in the literature that enhance the high bacterial count in cooling towers including: temperature, pH, water stagnation, and presence of algae and protozoa.

On few occasions, water samples from the cooling tower at Dubai Hospital tested positive for Legionella pneumophila …

Paints And Their Environmental Impacts On Human Health In The U.A.E, Masara Y. Al-Ameri

Theses

This thesis records the findings of a research program related to "Paints and Their Environmental Impacts on Human Health in the U.A.E". The study recommends attempt to find out what paint types are of a less harmful influence on human health within different building types in United Arab Emirates due to environmental conditions.

According to Larry W. Canter (1997) "Environmental Impact Assessment" can be defined as "the systematic identification and evaluation of the potential impact (effects) of proposed projects, plans, programs, or legislative actions relative to the physical- chemical, biological, cultural, and socioeconomic components of the total environment. The primary …

Role Of Catalyst And Substrate In Synthesis Of Single Wall Carbon Nanotubes, Amit Goyal

Theses

The synthesis of single wall carbon nanotubes (SWNTs) by the catalyticdisproportionation of carbon monoxide (CO) (i.e., Boudouard reaction) at I atm pressureand 700-800 C, has been systematically investigated in order to determine whether theprocess can be used for the large scale production. SWNT diameter distribution andmorphology were studied by Raman scattering, and scanning and transmission electronmicroscopy, respectively. X-ray diffraction was used to determine levels of the remnantcatalyst and support. Synthesis experiments were conducted using a three-stage processwith hydrogen to reduce the catalyst-precursor and argon to cool the system. Two typesof catalyst/support synthesis were studied: (1) Combustion synthesis to form catalyst …

Chat And Instant Messaging : The Risks Of Secondary Orality, Gregory P. Kohn

Theses

The synchronous nature of chat and instant messaging (IM) make them unique among computer-enabled communications technologies in that their real-time exchange of data allows for rich media experiences, even though users can only use text symbols to trade messages. Chat and IM are also important in that they enable secondary orality, or the merger of the most beneficial aspects of orally-based cultures with the well-documented benefits of print and text. Where print in the modem day has fostered contemplative behavior and inward thought among human beings, chat and IM breathe vitality into print and, in a sense, allow print to …

Detecting Malfunction In Wireless Sensor Networks, Pablito C. Lake

Theses

The objective of this thesis is to detect malfunctioning sensors in wireless sensor networks. The ability to detect abnormality is critical to the security of any sensor network. However, the ability to detect a faulty wireless sensor is not trivial. Controlled repeatable experiments are difficult in wireless channels. A Redhat Linux. 7.0 Wireless Emulation Dynamic Switch software was used to solve this problem.

Six nodes were configured with a node acting as a base station. The nodes were all part of a cell. This means that every node could communicate with all other nodes. A client-server program simulated the background …

An Application In Bioinformatics : A Comparison Of Affymetrix And Compugen Human Genome Microarrays, Milind Misra

Theses

The human genome microarrays from Compugen® and Affymetrix® were compared in the context of the emerging field of computational biology. The two premier database servers for genomic sequence data, the National Center for Biotechnology Information and the European Bioinformatics Institute, were described in detail. The various databases and data mining tools available through these data servers were also discussed. Microarrays were examined from a historical perspective and their main current applications-expression analysis, mutation analysis, and comparative genomic hybridization-were discussed. The two main types of microarrays, cDNA spotted microarrays and high-density spotted microarrays were analyzed by exploring the human genome microarray …

Low-Power Transceiver Design For Mobile Wireless Chemical Biological Sensors, Harshavardhan Reddy Sripuram

Theses

The design of a smart integrated chemical sensor system that will enhance sensor performance and compatibility to Ad hoc network architecture remains a challenge. This work involves the design of a Transceiver for a mobile chemical sensor. The transceiver design integrates all building blocks on-chip, including a low-noise amplifier with an input-matching network, a Voltage Controlled Oscillator with injection locking, Gilbert cell mixers, and a Class E Power amplifier making it as a single-chip transceiver. This proposed low power 2GHz transceiver has been designed in TSMC 0.35~lm CMOS process using Cadence electronic design automation tools. Post layout HSPICE simulation indicates …

Uber-Claws : Unsupervised Pattern Classification For Multi-Unit Extracellular Neuronal Burst Extraction, Rama Natarajan

Theses

To further an understanding of how a neuronal population generates patterns of rhythmic activity, the temporal dynamics of the group of neurons must be formalized. Essential to this pursuit, is the ability to reliably detect and separate the classes of single-unit neuronal activity from multi-unit extracellular signals recorded in a single channel. This study proposes a unified approach to automatically detect and classify single-unit bursts, and to observe the precise onset and offset of burst activity. Existing approaches to the problem fundamentally depend on the statistics of spike waveform variability, both extrinsic and intrinsic to the neuron. In contrast, the …

Addition Of A Chain-Cell Search Method And A Van Der Waals Force Model To A Particle Dynamics Code, Michael J. Sweetman

Theses

This project studies the implementation of a computational time saving technique and adds an additional force model into a discrete element method simulation code. Both aspects of the project are focused on increasing the versatility of an existing particle dynamics code by increasing the execution speed and available force models for simulation.

The first portion of the project consisted of adding a function to the collision detection mechanism to hash the particles into a spatial grid. This hashing function allows a search for near neighbor particles to be restricted to the space immediately adjacent to the particle of interest, thereby …

Process-Structure-Property Relationship Of A Mesogenic Bioerodible Polyarylate, Seung Uk Yoo

Theses

Polymeric biomaterials are artificially synthesized polymers designed for in-vivo use. The material must be characterized and should satisfy the requirements suitable in human bodies.

For the proper characterization of materials, it is essential to apply specific processes, analyze thermal and mechanical properties, and understand the process effect and the morphology. Thermal analysis is one of the most sophisticated and well developed techniques for polymer characterization. Turi [ 1 ] has explained about the thermal characterization of polymeric materials. Jaffe et al [2], in the chapters of characterization of fibers and films, emphasized the effect of the process history of a …

Modification Of Biodegradable Polyesters With Inorganic Fillers, Georgia Chouzouri

Theses

In attempts to address the growing need of materials with controlled degradation characteristics and good mechanical properties for tissue engineering applications, composites based on biodegradable polymers and a potentially bioactive novel inorganic synthetic filler were produced and characterized. Composites were produced by solution mixing of a commercial polylactic acid, as well as a biodegradable thermoplastic polyester based on butylene adipate/succinate, with synthetic magnesium/aluminum carbonate minerals, known as hydrotalcites. Two types of hydrotalcites, at 30 wto/o filler level, were used: surface coated and uncoated. Composites were also melt-mixed in a twin-screw extruder for comparison.

Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC), Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA), …

The Illusion Of Science : Images Of Science On Stage, Preethi Ganapathy

Theses

Science has long been regarded as a process of thinking, of pursuing the truth. This quest traditionally has been reserved for an elite group of thinkers, since at least the time of Aristotle, who was considered as the undisputed authority on philosophical truth, including that which we call science. The Scientific Revolution challenged Aristotle's authority and paved the way for the new method of evaluating scientific truths developed by Bacon, Descartes, and Galileo. Science became, over time, a process of inquiry open to all social and economic classes and accessible to all. In the twentieth century, the role of science …

Implementation Of Cyclic Exercise Protocol On Two Study Groups - Aids And Insomnia, Ujwala G. Kalambur

Theses

Traditional exercise regimens are based on maintaining a prolonged increase in heart rate, followed by a single recovery period. The Cyclic Exercise Protocol is a novel protocol that is designed to create a series of parabolic waves of exercise and recovery. This study involves the implementation of this exercise protocol on two study groups namely AIDS and Insomnia. This exercise protocol involves short bursts of exercise lasting for 60 seconds or less followed by a period of complete aerobic recovery. The underlying principle of this exercise protocol is that rest, recovery and the body's natural rhythm are important to fitness …

Discrete Element Simulation And Nonlinear Dynamic Analysis Of Particles In A Simple Lattice Structure, Liam E. Buckley

Theses

The study of particles interacting in lattice structures allows for insight into the complex interactions of granular flow, and the adaptation of such structures to mechanical apparatuses to handle the separation of bulk particulate matter. Applying methods of computer analysis to the interactions taking place within the particle-lattice system provides a particle level methodology to the study of the phenomenon taking place, as well as a stepping stone for future design of related devices.

A two prong approach is presented to the study of such particle-lattice systems. The first approach is composed of adapting an existing discrete element computer code …

Special Olympics Participation In School Age Children With Mental Retardation And Its Effects On Self-Esteem, Megan Lococo

Theses

A comprehensive review of the literature and interviews with local experts has found a paucity of research on the self-esteem of school-age children with mental retardation. Long (1995), Zic & Igric (2001) and Siperstein & Leffert (1997) found lower self-esteem in self-report measures completed by mentally retarded children and adults. However, the psychometric properties of selfesteem self-report measures have been questioned repeatedly, finding insufficient reliability and validity when applied to mentally retarded populations (Finlay & Lyons, 2001; Widaman et al., 1992). The purpose of this study is twofold; the first goal is to determine the average self-esteem for mentally retarded …

A Subpixel Target Detection Algorithm For Hyperspectral Imagery, Kyungsuk Lee

Theses

The goal of this research is to develop a new algorithm for the detection of subpixel scale target materials on the hyperspectral imagery. The signal decision theory is typically to decide the existence of a target signal embedded in the random noise. This implies that the detection problem can be mathematically formalized by signal decision theory based on the statistical hypothesis test. In particular, since any target signature provided by airborne/spaceborne sensors is embedded in a structured noise such as background or clutter signatures as well as broad band unstructured noise, the problem becomes more complicated, and particularly much more …

Putting Francis Howell On The Map, Christopner Matthews Greiner

Theses

One of the main responsibilities of a school system is to train citizens to be productive members of society. To that end, educators are charged with the responsibility of helping students learn knowledge and skills that will be beneficial to their existence beyond high school. In recent years, growing criticism has emerged from business leaders and parents that schools are not doing a good enough job preparing students for life after high school. As a result, educators have worked to implement accountability systems that would raise the stakes for its students. As a result, the development and implementation of exit …

Solution-Phase Combinatorial Synthesis; Peptide Derivatives Of Ethyl P-Aminobenzoate, Andrea Scuderi

Theses

The need to find more efficient and cost-effective methods of drug development has led pharmaceutical companies to examine combinatorial means of synthesis. The ability to carry out parallel synthesis by the hundreds of compounds is rapidly advancing synthetic, analytical, and biological research. In this thesis project, peptide derivatives of ethyl paminobenzoate were synthesized via solution phase combinatorial techniques. A total of 27 tri-peptide analogs were produced, using a polymer-supported carbodiimide resin as the coupling agent. The structures of all products and intermediates were confirmed by LC-MS. Two methods were used for sequential deprotection of these analogs. The traditional method using …

The Interaction Of Human Form With Functional Jewelry, Chih-Wen Chiu

Theses

None provided.

Utilization Of Statistical Tools To Identify Assignable Causes Of Variability And Model Performance Of A Wet Electrostatic Precipitator, Jennifer Wuotinen

Theses

The King's Landing Wastewater Treatment Plant treats industrial sewer wastewater from nearly 200 manufacturing buildings for Eastman Kodak Company located at Kodak Park in Rochester, NY. The average throughput for the facility is 28 million gallons of wastewater per day (MGD) and discharges the resulting effluent into the Genesee River. Through a series of physical, chemical, and biological treatment processes, materials are removed from the wastewater and sludge is produced. The sludge is conveyed through a belt press for dewatering prior to incineration. The dewatered sludge is sent to a multiple hearth incinerator with a secondary combustion chamber/afterburner for thermal …

Reconsidering Restoration, Brian Hoffner

Theses

What does the process of ecological restoration actually produce? For some restoring nature is a point of no contention. By replacing ecosystems that have been damaged by human interference, humans are taking proper responsibility for their actions. However, the environmental ethics community is all but in agreement over humans' obligations to damaged ecosystems. Some in the field claim that it is human's responsibility to perform "wild gardening", through restorations, to "our" environments. While other philosophers insist that these acts produce "faked nature".

This thesis offers a compromise vision of the meaning of restoration. The author uses the concept of Autonomous …

The Development Of A Biodegradable Scaffold For A Tissue Engineered Heart Valve, Thomas Adam Alheidt

Theses

In the current state of medical technology, there exists the need for a quality medical device to replace a failing heart valve. Presently, mechanical valves as well as donor tissue valves, either from humans or animals are used to replace failing heart valves. These valves although they can operate in the heart satisfactorily are not equal to the body replacing its own valve. Tissue Engineering in simple terms is the field of helping the body replace its own failing organ. In scientific terms, Tissue Engineering is a relatively young field, a majority of the major advancements have come in the …

A Method For Developing In-Silico Protein Homologs, Susan Mcclatchy

Theses

Computational methods for identifying and screening the most promising drug receptor candidates in the human genome are of great interest to drug discovery researchers. Successful methods will accurately identify and narrow the field of potential drug receptor candidates. This study details one such method.

The method described here begins with the assumption that novel drug receptors have high sequence similarity to established drug receptors. The similarity search program FASTA3 aligns translated sequences of the human genome to known drug receptor sequences and ranks these alignments by measuring their statistical significance. Query results returned by FASTA3 are assembled into "in-silico proteins" …

Integrating Tolerances In G And M Codes Using Neural Networks, Vijay Kumar Sundareshan

Theses

Continuous integrated solutions from CAD down to the preparation of NC programs were developed in the recent years. However, if tolerances should be considered, the interaction of human experts is still necessary. A way to fill this gap in the production process is shown in this thesis. The study builds a relationship between the given design tolerances and including these tolerances in machining by generating respective G and M codes. The study focuses on physical phenomena and their inter-relationship while manufacturing. For example how the speed of machining, torque, power, depth of cut, etc. influences machining under specified tolerances. Artificial …