Digital Commons Network^™

Towards An Understanding Of Women's Status In The Labor Force, Despina Papageorgiou

Theses

The thesis examines the status of women in the labor force from the economic and sociological point of view. It explores both the occupational segregation and the differences in earnings.

None of the existing theories provides a sufficient explanation either of the causes of the problems, or of the effects of women's position in the labor force. Each study has its limitations.

The previous studies failed to predict the dynamic effects of the changes that rapidly take place in the business environment and the increasing demand for highly qualified and experienced professionals. These changes facilitated women's entrance to top-management positions …

Trellis Coded Tamed Frequency Modulation In Rayleigh Fading Channels, Kiran R. Patel

Theses

It is usually difficult to reduce the effects of channel impairements on transmitted information. A fading channel is one such media in which digital communications system operates. A signal is subject to distortion in amplitude and phase when propagating towards the receiver. This puts constraint in required SNR at the receiver, for given performance. Various modulation/coding and demodulation/decoding techniques are employed to lessen the effects of fading. Bit error rate is a performance parameter that sets the criteria for signal design, system architecture and performance.

Here, a slow Rayleigh fading channel with three propagation paths possesing a scattering function of …

Lossless Image Data Compression Techniques Using High Order Markov Arithmetic Encoding, Santo Politi

Theses

It is difficult to compress digital images with acceptable ratios if a distortion is not acceptable. The lack of a rule based structure as in a language is one of the main reasons. In this work a number of algorithms for lossless image data compression are considered. The coding and the modeling aspects are treated separately. Different approaches are proposed to combine. Markov Arithmetic Encoding, a very efficient plain text encoding scheme, with source modeling algorithms to obtain higher compressibility. A modular approach is selected which enables combining various models. Model statistics are studied for further improvements. The schemes presented …

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 …

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 …

The Optimal Design Process : Integrating Creativity And The Axiomatic Approach, John V. P. Tirrell

Theses

This thesis will show that the optimal design process incorporates both creativity and the axiomatic approach. An examination of past and current design methods will substantiate the need for the integration of these components. Creativity is the designer's tool to produce innovative designs which transcend existing design solutions. Creativity is also an integral element of the axiomatic approach to design. In the axiomatic approach, two design axioms are applied to efficiently ascertain the best design solution from the infinite number of choices. Application of the design axioms, theorems, and corollaries streamlines the design process. The integration of creativity and the …

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 …

Multiphase Solid-Liquid-Liquid Mixing In Stirred Tanks, George R. Deritter

Theses

A large number of investigations can be found in the literature which examine the effect of mixing parameters in both solid-liquid and liquid-liquid systems. However, very little is currently available for solid-liquid-liquid systems. It is the intent of this study to look at the various parameters affecting the point of complete dispersion for a liquid and the point of complete suspension for a solid phase, in a three phase liquid-liquid-solid system.

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 …

Automatic Contour Extraction From Hvem Image Of Microvessel, Yong-Gang Liu

Theses

The research work reported in the thesis is motivated by the problem raised in the biomedical research utilizing high voltage electron microscope (HVEM) to study microvessels. There the contour data of cross-sections of microvessels are fed into some special electronic device to reconstruct three-dimensional pictures of microvessels. However, the contour data acquisition as routinely conducted by manual operation. This tedious procedure costs large amount of human power.

In this thesis, computer image processing techniques are applied to replace the time-consuming manual operation. A synthetic method is recommended. A software with various digital image processing functions has been developed and tested …

Cascading Of Arithematic Coding Method With The Lzw Algorithm, Venkat R. Maram, Nageshwar R. Kadakuntla

Theses

Two known compression algorithms appropriate for communication are the LZW algorithm and the Arithmetic Coding method. Both algorithms are adaptive and require no extra communication from the encoder to the decoder. We present a scheme to cascade these algorithms into an adaptive algorithm which achieves higher compression ratio and is appropriate for communication.

The Accreditation Of Professional-Technician Occupations, Michael William Allgaier

Theses

This study investigates the relevance of different elements of accreditation as applied to professional and technical occupations. The impact of essential elements of typical accreditation programs on the outcome of the credentialing process is studied. The credentialing process is viewed in the context of how it affects the public safety, health and well being of society. The health, legal, engineering, and educational professions are analyzed to form a conventional professional base of comparison with the emerging professional-technical occupations in the nuclear industry, especially nondestructive examiners.

Nurses, attorneys, engineers, and teachers accreditation programs are analyzed for their strengths and areas for …

Teaching Mechanical Design Using The Axiomatic Approach, Lisa E. Hailey

Theses

Many authors on the subject of design state that it cannot be taught, it must be learned through experience. This thesis offers a method in which design can be taught to senior mechanical engineering students. The axiomatic approach to design, authored by Dr. Nam P. Suh of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, states that all good designs follow two axioms, the independence axiom and the information axiom. By teaching students to use these axioms, and the corollaries and theorems derived from the axioms, educators can teach students the basic concepts of good design.

To show how this approach can be …

Rug Making: An Exploration, Karen Breen Cooper

Theses

The following pages were written out of the desire to know about the past, present, and future of rugs and the people who make them. In addition to studying written sources and questioning textile experts, searching of oneself became an integral part of the learning process. A journal was kept throughout the creative journey. Writing, questioning, and searching has become a large part of the creative process; therefore it was considered vital that some of these thoughts were shared. Technical proficiency with textiles has been viewed as having utmost importance. To master a skill, it should be learned, practiced and …

In Purpose There Is Harmony, Trevor M. Tait

Theses

None provided.

Spirit, Vision, Heart, Deane Colin Fay

Theses

None provided.

Modeling Variation In The Refractive Index Of Optical Glasses, David Stephenson

Theses

Experimental measurements that describe the dispersive behavior of production samples of optical glasses are fit with models of minimum complexity for the purpose of in terpolation and extrapolation. Software to perform this procedure on a regular basis is presented, and shown to dis tinguish between models of inappropriate complexity. Two degrees of freedom usually provide a statistically optimum fit to the data contrary to the widespread practice of fit ting a general, six term model to such measurements. Using specially developed analysis tools, it is concluded that annealing does not significantly change the partial dispersion of the sample. Partial dispersion …

Various Combinations Of Fibers And Anodized Aluminum, In-Won Jung

Theses

None provided.

The Real Estate Appraiser's Courtroom Guide, Jeff Short

Theses

This thesis provides a comprehensive guide for real estate appraisers who serve as expert witnesses in courtroom settings, particularly in cases involving eminent domain, taxation disputes, damages, and property rights. It emphasizes the critical role appraisers play in presenting credible, defensible valuations that withstand legal scrutiny while upholding the integrity of the profession.

The study begins by examining the evolution of the appraisal profession, its struggle for consistent standards, and the increasing importance of regulation and certification. It reviews the limited literature available to appraisers compared to attorneys, highlighting the need for specialized resources tailored to valuation experts in litigation. …

Electronic Design And Publishing For Mexican Textile Exhibition, Maria Andrea Robledo Arcos

Theses

This report is written to introduce Graphics Designers and Visual Communicators to the use of the Macintosh computer for design and print production processes. For this computer has changed not only the way traditional design is done, but in addition, has created new styles, new typesetting methods and typographical looks. Above all, it has modified the design and print production processes!

On Axial Vibration Of A Web-Idle Roller System, Richard Bomba

Theses

A typical continuous web-processing machine consists of hundreds of idle rollers and web spans. A web span is formed by tensioning a thin film (the web) over at least two idle rollers. Machine drive controls, bearing friction, and air impingement on the web surface represent some of the factors that can influence web tension and web speed. A significant effort is devoted to maintaining uniform web tension and web speed in these machines. The uniformity of these parameters is a requirement to consistently manufacture web products within rigorous quality specifications. In support of this effort to control web tension and …

Expressing Imaging Algorithms Using A C++ Based Image Algebra Programming Environment, Davender Nath Gupta

Theses

Homogeneous Image Algebra is used as the basis for an image processing environment that uses the image, instead of the pixel, as the fundamental unit being manipulated. The object-oriented language C++ is used to implement the environment. Examples of applications are that include filtering, region growing, skeletonization, Fourier Transforms and Hadamard transforms are presented. This thesis concludes that C++ does have several features which are of great benefit in implementing image processing algorithms.

Color Ink-Jet Printing: Evaluation Of Print Quality On Different Paper Substrates, Srikumaran Asokan

Theses

Ink-jet printing has gained a dominant position among the technology choices for "on demand" generation of color hard copies from the computer. Reduction of ink-related problems, low cost, improved resolution, and less-demanding substrate requirements have become important advantages. This study's primary objective is to evaluate, both subjectively and objectively, the effect of various paper properties on the quality of print obtained from a color ink-jet printer. The initial stage of this investigation involved a subjective evaluation of the different prints by a panel of observers. A dual scaling analysis of the subjective responses indicates that for the paper substrates selected, …

To Determine The Drying Rate And The Rewettability Characteristics Of Water Based Flexographic News Inks, Parthasarathy Varadarajan

Theses

A major problem in the printing of newsprint by flexography with water-based inks is the filling-in of halftones. Drying of the ink and rewettability, the ability of the fresh ink to wet the dried ink, appear to be primary in the understanding of the filling-in problems. Quantification and qualification of critical factors are essential in resolving this problem. In this study black water based flexographic news inks from different manufacturers were compared in terms of their drying and rewettability characteristics. The change in weight with time and contact angle measurements are the response parameters considered. Proper care has been exercised …

Concept And Analysis Of The Application Software Development Pool, Paul Walter Bette

Theses

This study investigated a new organizational structure within the data processing field. In an attempt to curb job turnover and improve job satisfaction within a typical application software development environment, the concept of the Application Software Development Pool (ASDP) was developed. To identify differences and employee reactions to implementing ASDP's organizational structure versus a more conventional data processing organizational structure, 15 employees participated in a conventional DP group and 15 were assigned to the ASDP group. Job satisfaction questionnaires were distributed both before and after the six month implementation period. Data analysis revealed significant differences between the two groups. The …

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 …

Three-Dimensional Stress Analysis Of The Femoral Midshaft Utilizing Computed Tomography And Finite Element Analysis, Peter F. Marion

Theses

Recent advances in computer technology have provided both the medical community and biomedical engineers with a method for noninvasively evaluating the internal structure in a way not previously possible. A three-dimensional finite element model of a midshaft section of the femur was generated, utilizing Computed Tomography scan data. The CT scan data file was introduced into an edge-detection algorithm and a file of geometric edge data was generated. This edge data was introduced into a solid modeling Computer-Aided Engineering software package to produce a three-dimensional solid model. A mesh generation procedure was then used to create a three-dimensional finite element …

Synthesis And Study Of Polymers Containing Inorganic Ions, Lateef Aderoju Ibikunle-Sofoluwe

Theses

Cupric and ferrous polyacrylates have been prepared and studied. It was thought that partial reduction of Cu²⁺ or Fe³⁺ or oxidation of Cu⁺ or Fe²⁺ might result in semiconducting behavior but no such effect has been observed. Nevertheless, the results obtained are of considerable interest. Quantitative gravimetric and volumetric studies of cupric polyacrylate precipitation from varying molar ratios of cupric chloride and sodium polyacrylate in aqueous solution have shown that the only product formed is Cu(PA)₂ (Where PA represents an acrylate mer in polyacrylate). The insolubility of the product indicates that much of the Cu …

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 …

Sputter Deposition And Characterization Of High Tc Superconducting Thin Films, Vipulkumar Patel

Theses

Preparation of thin superconducting films by direct RF sputter deposition on Si, MgO, SrTiO₃ and quartz substrates and silver and Sl3N4 buffer layers (deposited on silicon substrates) was studied. To study resistance versus temperature characteristics of thin films and bulk materials, a computerized measurement system was developed. 1-1.5 pm thick YBaCuO films deposited on Si₃N₄/Si were found to be insulating with room temperature resistance higher than 236KΩ, while films with Ag as a buffer and/or a passivating layer exhibited metallic behavior with room temperature resistances lower than 700mΩ. The area directly under the 2.25 inches …