Digital Commons Network^™

Biodegradation Of Polymers And Isolation And Crude Characterization Of Proteins From These Studies, Sunil S. Godbole

Theses

The performance of immobilized and free microorganisms in the biodegradation of polymers was investigated using a recirculation flow reactor and an air-sparged reactor respectively. The bio-oxidation ability of these microbes towards polyamide emulsion was studied.

Extracellular protein cuts isolated were checked for oxidative activity in a microassay reactor. These fractions were compared from various biodegradation studies.

Microassay tests and monitoring of the oxygen consumption in recirculation flow confirmed substrate dependent oxygen consumption, polyamide being provided as the sole carbon source. Increases in extracellular protein buildup were a positive indication of biodegradation.

The protein cut greater than 500,000 daltons was found …

Biodegradation Of Phenol By Two Competing Microbial Species In A Sequencing Batch Reactor, Yoo-Suk Ko

Theses

Biodegradation of a single pollutant by two competing microbial species has been mathematically described for the case where a sequencing batch reactor is used. The model has been solved numerically to predict the behavior of the reactor under different operating conditions and for different kinetic expressions for biodegradation.

Experiments were performed to verify the predictions of the model. Serratia marcescens (ATCC 17991) and Pseudomonas putida (ATCC 31800) were the species used. Experiments were first performed in order to reveal the kinetics of biodegradation for each individual species. The biodegradable substance used was phenol, which was the sole carbon source in …

Impacts Of Treated Municipal Waste-Waters On Development And Growth Of Hudson-Raritan Estuary Fishes, Chien-Min Chen

Theses

The Hudson—Raritan Estuary, known as one of the worst polluted estuaries in the world, receives pollutants from many point sources. Treated municipal wastewater (TMW) counts for 13% of its total freshwater input and more than 98% of the chemicals classified as priority pollutants been infused. Because of the complexity of the input, treatment facilities cannot remove toxicants efficiently. In addition, generation of new compounds by water treatment such as chlorination occurs. Batch-to-batch variability in the chemistry of this effluent was reflected in the early life stage toxicity bioassays using mummichog (Fundulus heteroclitus) and winter flounder (Pseudopleuronectes americanus) embryos.

TMW has …

A Comparison Of Integrated And Differential Estimates Of Flourescent Intensity Profiles Using Digital Video Image Analysis, Langfang Wu

Theses

The dynamics of macromolecular transport across microvascular walls in the hamster cheek pouch have previously been studied by other investigators using fluorescence intravital microscopy. Fluorescein Isothiocyanate labeled Dextrans (FITC-Dx) of 20,000, and 70,000 molecular weight (FITC-Dx-20 and FITC- Dx-70) were used as macromolecular probes. Values of fluorescent intensity were previously recorded on videotape as a function of distance perpendicular to leaking vessels over a period of about 2.5 hr to allow for tracer equilibration in the interstitial space. In this study, these videotapes were played back frame-by-frame and 215x130-pixel windows around each leaking vessel were selected for further analysis of …

Thermal Desorption Of Contaminated Soils, Chengdi Dong

Theses

The objectives of this research are of twofold, namely, to investigate the desorption behaviors of hazardous constituents evolved from several types of contaminated soils, and to evaluate the in-situ thermal treatment of organic chemical contaminated soil.

Two clay soil minerals and a silty sand with five organic compounds, dichlorophenol, trichlorophenol, pentachlorophenol, trichloroethylene, and tetrachloroethylene (TCE) were used in this study. The desorption behaviors were evaluated by thermogravimetric analyzer (TGA) and a simulator of in situ desorption by heating probes. The results of TGA analysis revealed that a completely removal of organic contaminants can be achieved in a moderate temperature. They …

Removal Of Nitric Oxide From Flue Gas With Ferrous Cysteine Solutions, Chun-Chiao Chou

Theses

The removal of NO from flue gas with aqueous ferrous cysteine solution as the reducing agent was discovered by S. G. Chang et al. (1988), at University of California, Berkeley. The purpose of this research is to extend the experimental works done by Chang et al., and to find methods to minimize the problems associated with the sensitivity of the medium to oxygen gas and emission of nitrous oxide, a greenhouse gas. The main objective was to determine the feasibility of using ferrous cysteine in the treatment of NOx emissions from incinerators. In the present study, it was found that …

Three Dimensional Finite Element Analysis Of A Tibial Ankle Prosthesis, Harrison Philip Crowell Iii

Theses

In this study, three dimensional finite element analysis is used to evaluate and compare partially and fully porous coated tibial components, of an ankle prosthesis, implanted in the distal tibia. The geometry of the distal tibia is determined from measurements of cross sections of a human tibia. From the measurements, solid models of the cancellous and cortical bone are created. A solid model of the tibial component is created and positioned in the solid model of the bone. From the solid model, a finite element model is created for the partially coated case and for the fully coated case. Each …

Chemical Degradation Of Pcp And Polychlorophenols, Kon-Tsu Kin

Theses

There are generally two ways of removing PCP and polychlorophenols from the environment: biodegradation and photodecomposition. However, no convenient way has yet been available to destroy PCP wastes which exist in a concentrated form which may result from some cases of emergency spills. In this thesis, a chemical oxidation procedure is proposed for the destruction of PCP and polychlorophenols.

In a water medium and in the presence of base and oxidant, the PCP and model polychlorophenols destruction percentage obtained is higher than 99.8%. Sodium hydroxide (NaOH) and calcium hydroxide (Ca(OH)₂) are utilized as the bases, and sodium hypochlorite …

A Study Of Methane Gas Production On Anaerobic Digestion System, Seng-Fung Su

Theses

The anaerobic sludge digestion process is not a recent development. At least 100 years ago in France,Louis H. Mouras designed and constructed fermenters to liquefy the sludge obtained from domestic wastes.

Since the turn of the century, the anaerobic fermentation process has been used extensively in the treatment of waste-water solids.

The necessity of preventing pollution of water resource, as a consequence of the rapid increase in human waste, demands adequate treatment of liquid wastes from domestic and industrial sources. For this purpose, the anaerobic digestion process can play an important role as a method for stabilizing and eliminating wastes …

Study Of Essential Factors Affecting The Efficiency Of Sludge Digestion, I-Chang Tsao

Theses

The sludge produced by wastewater treatment plant has some major characteristics such as high COD ( 52093 mg/1 - 79683 mg/1) and VS ( 19247 mg/1 - 44178 mg/1). The present laboratory investigation has indicated that successful treatment and purification of the subject of sludge is possible using multiple-stage anaerobic digestion system.

The multiple-stage system is capable of degrading 40-55% of COD and 50 to 60% of VS. The conventional digestion system degrades 30-45% of COD and 40-50% of VS. After treated by conventional system and multiple-stage system, the concentration of COD and VS are still high (21200 mg/1 - …

Analysis Of The Effects Of Biofeedback On Cardiovascular And Neuromuscular System, Andreas T. Gikas

Theses

Time series signal processing techniques (Fourier based) were applied to study the effects of biofeedback on the cardiovascular and neuromuscular system.

A medical instrumentattion system was developed to monitor ECG, EEG and EMG biopotential signals and temperature.

Data from two experiments were first analyzed. These data were from two normal male subjects who engaged in relaxation techniques (Transcendental Meditation & Imagery). If we assumed that for both subjects relaxation produced a decrease of the sympathetic activity then that resulted in a decrease of the heart rate (ECG) and an increase in skin temperature. Spectral analysis of the EEG signal showed …

Simulation Of Random Packing Of Hard Spheres Using Monte Carlo Method, Sung-Ho Park

Theses

A computer based method of generating a random packing of hard spheres is described. Using a Monte Carlo method as employed in the field of Computational Statistical Physics, packing of hard spheres are generated and analyzed.

The mean packing fractions for the present assemblies of 1000 spheres are 0.555±0.015 after pouring and 0.582±0.018 after 10 cycles of shaking. These values are approximately 5 to 6 per cent lower than the experimental results of G.D. Scott[30], but similar with the result of Visscher & Bolsterli [17].

The mean coordination numbers are 5.97 and 6.33 for the pouring and shaking case, respectively. …

Image Data Compression With Neural Networks, Jianjun Li

Theses

Three efficient image coding schemes, based orb neural networks, have been developed in this thesis: (1) Neural network vector quantization (NNVQ). The main advantage of this new technology is that it can accomplish the complex encoding process much faster than the previous algorithms. Its properties are studied and demonstrated by simulations. (2) A adaptive NNVQ for image sequence coding. Simulation experiments have been carried out with 4 x 4 blocks of pixels from an image sequence consisting of 40 frames. At 0.67 bits/pixel, this scheme achieves good image quality suitable for videoconferencing systems; (3) Neural network prediction. This new prediction …

The Legal Studies Of Women Employees, Yi-Ling Lin

Theses

Discrimination against women in the workplace has always existed, but because few women in the United stated worked until the Second World War, it was not regarded as a major issue before then. Although Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 forbids employer and union discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex or national origin, many available studies still showed that most women experienced discrimination in employment, especially in salary and promotion. In addition, there were a growing number of cases of sexual harassment in the workplace. This study was concerned with the implementation and effectiveness of legislation …

The Kinetic Study Of Degradation Of The Azo Dyes By Photolytic Ozonation And Photolytic Hydorgen Peroxide Oxidation, Hung-Yee Shu

Theses

The experiments which study the decomposition of azo dyes such as acid red 1 and acid yellow 23 by using ozonation, photolytic ozonation and photolytic hydrogen peroxide oxidation have been studied in laboratory sized reactor and pilot scale reactor to determine the reaction rate constants.

The rate constants and mass transfer coefficients were obtained by a series of experiments of varying complexity. A reaction kinetic model which describes the contemplated experiments was developed and exercised using the Rosenbrock Hillclimb Optimization Algorithm with the Forth-Order Runge-Kutta method. The effects between different hydrogen peroxide dosages and pH level were also analyzed.

In …

Mathematical Modeling And Computer Simulations Of Biodenitrification In Batch And Sequencing Batch Reactors, Sugata Sanyal

Theses

Mathematical models have been derived for describing biodegradation of ni¬trate and nitrite in an anaerobic environment. Monod model for nitrate and Andrews model for nitrite were used as kinetic models. Experimental data from literature suggest that nitrate is not an inhibitory substance, while nitrite is not only inhibitory but it may also have a toxic effect on the biomass. The models were brought in dimensionless form in order to reduce the number of parame¬ters. Biodegradation was mathematically described for a batch, and a sequencing batch mode of operation. Computer programs were developed for numerically simulating the process. Some of the …

Painting Perceptions, Jacqueline Domin

Theses

The computer is a multidisciplinary tool engaging all the senses. Creating with color, light, and motion is a rich visual experience enhanced by the vibrations of sound. These vibrations, both light and sound, are absorbed by the viewer and influence his experience. This makes the computer a profoundly different medium than the static arts. Artist have powerful tools with which to create experiences - paint perceptions. As a painter, creating rich visual relationships has been a focus for many years. Exploring the computer as an image making tool is different than using it for graphic design. It has taken years …

My Student Years, David J. Urgo

Theses

None provided.

Study Of Marketing Techniques Involving Color And Texture Associations As Used In Book Publishing, Roxanne Mcclanahan

Theses

Books can send messages to reach the subconscious levels of the reader's mind. These subconscious messages are learned associations from past experiences that use color and texture as means of expression. This perception is not with the eyes, but more with the observer's mind. Therefore, when the book buyer is browsing in a bookstore and the suggestion that one experiences from looking at the book does not match one's subconscious message, the book is quickly put down. The principal object of this study is the effect of color and texture used in cover design of books on the subconscious mind …

Bathrooms Can Be Easier To Use!, Kathryn Kochanowski

Theses

None provided.

Studies Of Nitro-Pah On Ambient Air Particulate Matter, Yadan Wang Chen

Theses

A rapid, simple method for routine trace analysis of four isomeric nitropolycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (nitro-PAH) (1-nitropyrene, 2-nitropyrene, 2-nitrofluoranthene and 3-nitrofluoranthene) in ambient air particulate matter is described. Two types of air particle sample (TSP and IP10) were collected and particle extracts were prefractionated by thin layer chromatography and the appropriate zones of interest analyzed by reversed-phase HPLC with UV and fluorescence detection. The study of Zn/Si post-column reaction chamber and oxygen scrubber for catalytic reduction of target compounds is also described. Six nitro-PAH compounds were identified in TSP and five in IP10 air particle samples. The results of identification and …

Application Research On Wastewater Reuse For Petrochemical Refining Industry In Taiwan, Lih-Shyan Lee

Theses

Nowadays water conservation and pollution abatement are needed to provide increasingly higher levels of treatment for industrial wastewaters.

Reducing treatment costs give us the incentive to minimize the volume of Wastewater effluent. Also, the national goal of zero discharge of pollutants to the waterways by 1985 provided further incentive -to minimize the flow of wastewaters.

A successful treatment of the wastewater discharged from the secondary effluent of the petroleum refinery plant to economically acceptable conditions offers a challenge to our technology.

Through this research, it is concluded that the excellent effluent water qualities produced from filtration and granular activated carbon …

Benzo(A)Pyrene Ingested From Composite Meals : Analysis And Method Development Related To Total Human Exposure, Che-Han Hsu

Theses

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons including benzo[a]pyrene (BaP) have been known for many years to be environmental carcinogen. Moreover, B(a)P has often been used as an indi¬cator for the carcinogenic potency of environmental matter. One of its exposure pathways, ingestion, may possibly be more important than other routes, conventionally studied such as inhalation. The purposes of this thesis are 1) to analyze the B(a)P concentrations in weekly composite and some daily meals obtained in the Total Human Exposure to Environmental Substances (THEES) study, 2) to develop techniques which can measure the levels of B(a)P in foods accurately and effici¬ently, 3) to compare …

Degradation Of Refractory Organic Pollutants In Tar, Water And Soil Matrices By Ozone Or Hydrogen Peroxide With Ultraviolet Light, Liang-Jiun Uang

Theses

The objective of this research is to develop a method to degrade refractory Tar materials, higher molecular weight 3-5 ring Poly Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAH's) or degrading these highly refractory PAH structures so that they are amenable to further treatment by biological or chemical methods. The process utilized to achieve this is to treat contaminated soils or tar materials with hydrogen peroxide or ozone plus ultraviolet light. Analysis of 27 specific PAH's was done by gas chromatograph (Flame Ionization Detection) for the reactants and products. The contaminated soil showed significantly lower levels of these PAH's after treatment.

Investigation Of The Fluid Dynamics Of Bioprosthetic Heart Valves, Carol A. Calta

Theses

There is a strong connection between altered arterial blood flow and vascular disease. The presence of disturbed flow and/or excessive turbulence is an indication of an abnormality within the cardiovascular system. The examination of cardiovascular fluid dynamics provides insights into the working of the cardiovascular system and ways to improve the design of implantable bioprosthetic valve designs. This investigation examines the fluid flow of arterial systems, and ways to apply this knowledge to the valves implanted into patients.

This thesis involves an investigation of the testing of bioprosthetic valves within simulated left heart flow loops. These systems include pulse duplicators …

Formation And Characterization Of Thin Superconducting Y-Ba-Cu-O Films, Gyusuk Kim

Theses

Thin Y-Ba-Cu-O superconducting films were fabricated reproducibly on MgO (100) substrates by two different processes ; (1) deposition at a low substrate temperature fiom a single sintered YBa₂Cu_3.3O_x target using RF diode reactive sputtering followed by a post-annealing at around 830 ° C ; (2) deposition at the crystallization temperature under oxidizing atmosphere. The superconducting properties of films deposited by process (1) and (2) were studied. The variation of film composition and thickness as a function of distance from the target gas pressure and distance between target and substrate was studied. The Dependence of the …

Treatment Of Trucking Station Wastewater By Two-Phase Anaerobic Digestion System And Rotating Biological Contactor, Tzu-Wen Uen

Theses

The wastewater produced as a result of trucking station activities has some major characteristics such as high COD (26,880 mg/1-42,925 mg/1) and BOD (12,278 mg/1-7,265 mg/1), high COD to BOD ratio (3.49-3.69), high pH range (3.72-11.7), and high grease content (480 mg/1-1,960 mg/1). Therefore, prior to any treatment, it is important to provide some sort of pre-treatment for pH adjustment and grease/oil removal.

The present laboratory investigation has indicated that successful treatment and purification of the subject wastewater is possible using two-phase anaerobic digestion system followed by rotating biological contactor. More than 90% of both COD and BOD was removed …

Quantitative Determination Of Formaldehyde In Ambient Air, Wen-Shao Chou

Theses

Formaldehyde has been shown in the laboratory to play a critical role in the chemistry of polluted air. The method which we discuss in this paper was evaluated under practical field conditions in the Northern New Jersey Staten Island Urban Air Toxics Project. Formaldehyde in ambient air is concentrated and derived by passing a known quantity of air through a silica column impregnated with 2,4-dinitrophenylhydrazine (DNPH). The silica is eluted with acetonitrile and the concentration of formaldehyde is determined by High Performance Liquid Chromatograph (HPLC) with UV detection. A description of procedural details for coating silica cartridges with 2,4-DNPH acidified …

A Packaging/Foodservice Analysis: A Fruit-Filling Study, Damon Andrew Revelas

Theses

Not listed.

Quantitative Determination Of Polymerase Chain Reaction Product For Hiv-1, David Brewer Latart

Theses

A method to detect and quantify polymerase chain reaction (PCR) product from a DNA target fragment associated with Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS) was developed. The current method to detect PCR product is by Agarose Gel Electrophoresis and staining with ethidium bromide, but quantitation is by the operator's estimation. As a result of this project, the PCR product can be detected by High Pressure Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) and the amount of product can be determined by using an internal standard. By detection of the PCR product on the HPLC and subsequent quantitation, the efficiency of the PCR can be determined. Samples …