Digital Commons Network^™

Study Of Methods To Predict Voltage Collapse, Niki Patel

Theses

One of the problems that must be addressed for a secure power system operation is the voltage collapse problem. The ever increasing size and connectivity of the power grid have lead to making the problem more multifarious. Widespread blackouts, similar to the one that occurred in the northeast in August 2003, could result from failure to address the problem.

This thesis presents an overview of the voltage collapse problem and reviews some existing methods to calculate voltage collapse indicators.

Thevenin and Maximum Power Transfer Theorems are used to provide indicators of the proximity of the system to voltage collapse. The …

Air Piston Approach To Wave Power Generation, Arun Ramadass

Theses

Scientists have calculated that, by tapping just 0.2% of the energy produced by the world's oceans we can provide for all the worlds current energy needs. It is generally accepted that a combination of traditional energy production methods, (oil, coal, gas, nuclear) mixed with a combination of renewable energy production approaches is the future in providing for an increasingly energy hungry world. Wind, solar and biomass have moved into the public arena only in the last few years.

The proposed patented device (US Patent No.: 7,468,563) Ocean Wave Energy Converter harnesses the energy of ocean waves by continually raising and …

Minimum Agitation Speed For Solid Suspension And Mixing Time In A Torispherical -Bottomed Pharmaceutical Stirred Tank Under Different Baffling Conditions, Dilanji Bhagya Wijayasekara

Theses

The minimum agitation speed, NS, required to just suspend solid particles dispersed in water was experimentally determined in this work for a glass-lined type of mixing tank provided with a torispherical bottom and agitated with a retreat-blade impeller under different baffling configurations. Ns for the same tank but equipped with a different agitation system, namely an axial impeller, was also experimentally determined for the purpose of comparing of performances of the two systems. The effect of impeller off- bottom clearance and the vessel's liquid level on the minimum agitation speed were also experimentally studied. Njs, was experimentally determined …

Papr Reduction In Ofdm Communications With Generalized Discrete Fourier Transform, Sertac Sayin

Theses

The main advantage of Generalized Discrete Fourier Transform (GDFT) is its ability to design a wide selection of constant modulus orthogonal code sets, based on the desired performance metrics mimicking the engineering specs of interest. One of the main drawbacks of Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing (OFDM) systems is the high Peak to Average Power Ratio (PAPR) value which is directly related to power consumption of the system. Discrete Fourier Transform (DFT) spread OFDM technology, also known as Single Carrier Frequency Division Multiple Access (SCFDMA), which has a lower PAPR value, is used for uplink channel.

In this thesis, the PAPR …

A Comparison Of Software Engines For Simulation Of Closed-Loop Control Systems, Sanket D. Nikam

Theses

A wide array of control system design and simulation software engines is available in market. It includes MATLAB-Simulink, LabVIEW, Maple-MapleSim, Scilab-Scicos, VisSim and Mathematica-Control Professional Suite (CPS). Among all of them MATLAB-Simulink is dominant and widely used software engine. The main aim of this study is to implement different state space control methods for non-linear Furuta pendulum system in each one of them and to compare performance against MATLAB-Simulink.

Different parameters like learning curve, interoperability, flexibility, control design tools, documentation and tech support are considered for efficiency comparison. It is shown that MapleSim has multi-body intuitive physical modeling (acausal) approach …

Stochastic And Deterministic Dynamics Investigation Of The Microstructure Of Granular Materials, Vishagan Ratnaswamy

Theses

Granular materials are ubiquitous in one's daily life. They can be found in the cereal you eat, the sugar you put in your coffee or the sand you walk on in the beach. The study of granular materials has a rich history dating back to the 17th century where Kepler studied the packing of particles. The compaction of granular materials is a problem that is studied by using theory, experiments and simulations. While these studies have yielded some important results, there still are many details about the mechanisms of granular compaction that are unknown.

In this thesis, the density relaxation …

A Fpga/Dsp Based Ultrasound System For Tumor Detection, Ashish Ravindra Ratnakar

Theses

This work presents a method of detection of size and location of tumor using ultrasound transmission. The system utilizes Quantitative Ultrasound (QUS) which means sending an ultrasound signal from a transmitter and receiving it at multiple receivers. This received signal is analyzed for echogenic as well as echolucent tumors to differentiate between the two along with non-tumorous sample and also for delay, signal distortion to determine the size/location of the tumor.

This analysis is further implemented using Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) and Digital Signal Processor (DSP) technologies. The proposed detection system utilizes Low Transient Pulse (LTP) technique. In this …

Comparison Between Different Techniques Of Preprocessing For Resting State Fmri Analysis, Megha Girdhar

Theses

Resting state functional connectivity as the name suggests is defined as significant temporal correlation between spatially distinct regions of the brain during rest. In this thesis, fMRI resting state dataset was analyzed using different available processing techniques with the same fMRI data to study differences between the various methods. All the imaging data from each of the subjects was processed in an identical fashion. The same method was used for detecting connectivity. The number of independent components in the data was used as the base to differentiate the effect of each of these methods. Independent component analysis was performed on …

Geometric Effects On The Wear Of Microfabricated Silicon Journal Bearings, Shpend Demiri

Theses

This dissertation presents an investigation of geometric effects on the wear of large aspect ratio silicon journal microbearings. The consideration of geometric conformality of rotor and hub as a critical design parameter manifests from the inherent properties of deep reactive ion etching as part of the current MEMS fabrication process employed in this dissertation. The investigation is conducted in two phases, each characterized by novel microbearing designs, fabrication processes, experimental test methodologies, and characterization techniques. The intent of Phase 1 is to focus on the effects of conformality of wear, while the intent of Phase 2 is to focus on …

Exploiting The Concept Of Hysteresis In Ankle Dysfunction And Ankle Strengthening, Akshay Narendra Pujara

Theses

The ankle joint is an important part of the body which is responsible for normal gait cycle. Dorsiflexion, plantar flexion, inversion and eversion are four types of movements controlled by the ankle joint. All these movements are controlled by the ligaments and the muscles associated with the ankle. Disorders of these ligaments and muscles leads to ankle dysfunction.

The hysteresis concept was employed to determine if there is any ankle dysfunction. A recently developed device, the Ankle Torsion Monitor (AnTm) was employed to evaluate the viscoelasticity and stiffness of the ankle joint. The greater the hysteresis loop area (HLA) the …

Effectiveness Of Safety Training, Mayeanna Kamara

Theses

The objective of this thesis is to evaluate the effectiveness of safety training modalities which are specifically designed for the non unionized workers in the construction industry. The main hypothesis is to determine whether multimodal and extended training improves the effectiveness of the learning aspects and safety consciousness among the trainees. The study conducted a literature survey on the factors that affects safety outcomes in construction industry, especially for the non unionized workers. The study developed a survey instrument to evaluate effectiveness of safety training. This study intended to prove that a video training is not enough and that hands …

The Effect Of Handle Characteristics Of A Hammer Stapler On Biomechanical And Physiological Response, Wayne Latta

Theses

Frequent and prolonged use of an improperly designed hand tool not only affects productivity but may also cause painful symptoms which, if left untreated, can develop into chronic musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs). This study was undertaken to assess the effects of ergonomic guidelines related to grip characteristics of a hammer stapler. Specifically, surface composition, shape, and angle of grip were investigated. Three commercially available hammer staplers were selected for this study. Tool #1 had a basic grip design, Tool #2 had a somewhat improved grip design, and Tool #3 incorporated most of the ergonomic design guidelines in terms of grip surface, …

Automation Of Anatomic Torsion Monitor For Evaluation And Improvement Of Low Back Dysfunction, Vishal Kumar Singh

Theses

The existing Anatomical Torsion Monitor (ATM) to evaluate mechanical stiffness and viscoelasticity of the low back suffers from various inherent defects. This has to be replaced by an improved device. Also the existing ATM cannot provide oscillations to the low back.

The main objective is to automate the existing ATM for evaluating the low back immediately using objective methods. The specific objective is to provide oscillations for improving the low back dysfunction.

The laser platform and the target chart for recording the readings are dispensed with the existing ATM. Instead, the ultrasound transducers are attached to the pads to record …

Milk Winter, Elizabeth Cundiff Mcconaghy

Theses

Milk Winter is a collection of non-fiction essays and fiction short stories representing defining moments in the life of the writer as she navigates early married life, social landscapes, fear and neurosis, devastation and attempts at grace. This collection explores the narrow space between tragedy and hilarity, concluding that to cross that space is to receive circumstances as they are given. Milk Winter shows early adult life in its searing, soaring moments and resolves, in the end, to accept them all.

An Integer Linear Programming Formulation For Tiling Large Rectangles Using 4 X 6 And 5 X 7 Tiles, Grant Dietert

Theses

We consider the problem of tiling large rectangles using smaller rectangles with the prescribed dimensions 4 x 6 and 5 x 7. Problem B-3 on the 1991 William Lowell Putnam Examination asked "Does there exist a natural number L such that if m and n are integers greater than L, then an m x n rectangle may be expressed as a union of 4 x 6 and 5 x 7 rectangles, any two intersect at most along their boundaries?" Narayan and Schwenk showed in 2002 that all rectangles with length and width at least 34 can be partitioned into 4 …

Synthesis Of Polyethylene/Starch Hybrids Using Aqueous Mini Emulsion Polymerization, Brinda Shah

Theses

Sustainability regarding the most produced plastic, polyethylene, was the main motivation factor behind research of this thesis. The aim was to synthesize hybrids of polyethylene and starch in an aqueous mini emulsion polymerization process using single-site catalysts. Two types of water soluble starches were applied: potato and hydroxyethyl starch. A trifluoromethane bearing nickel enolate catalyst and a 5-halo 3-methoxy salicyl aldiminate nickel pyridyl catalyst (with Cl and Br as halogen atoms) were used as polymerization catalysts, the latter two known to results in higher molecular weight polymer. The first catalyst turned to be sufficiently active with increased loads of starch …

Suburban Divide, Jesse Walp

Theses

This thesis is an examination of barriers in the suburban landscape. Whether they are in between us, or around us, they affect our lives and our relationships with other people. This body of work examines these divisions from multiple perspectives in an attempt to explain what they mean to us all.

A Visual Understanding: An Interactive Learning Application, Joanna Ward

Theses

As a thesis project, A Visual Understanding can be defined as a contextual experiment portraying the relationship between traditional composition techniques and visual communication online. This project focuses on the issue of significance when viewing photography online and the ways in which Computer Graphics Design can solve this problem. The educational application address the problems with the way in which photography is being portrayed by first, creating awareness about this concern and second, educating the online user in attempt to solve this problem. The interactive application developed educates users on traditional composition theories that have proven to be successful means …

Taking The Punch: Utilizing Unfortunate Circumstances To Reexamine Personal Identity, David Schnuckel

Theses

In this Thesis I will discuss my current body of work in regards to my interest in the essence of human fallibility and its role within personal transformation. In referencing historical glass, contemporary craft, and popular culture I discuss the virtues of crafting the mishap and of utilizing imagery within a sculptural context. The investigation questions what establishes personal identity and finds answers by reexamining my own within my studio practice.

The Experience Of A Peer Coaching Program On Student’S With Asperger’S Transition To Postsecondary Education, Kelly Eastman

Theses

This study used quantitative and qualitative methods to examine and explore the experience of a Spectrum Support Pilot (SSP) program (i.e., peer coaching intervention program) on students' with Asperger's Syndrome (AS) adaptation to college. Eight undergraduate students with AS (7 males and 1 female, 18-20 years old) completed the same norm-referenced questionnaire at the conclusion of 3 academic quarters. Quantitative analyses examined whether the students' self-reported adaptation to college improved over the course of their academic year as they participated in the SSP program. Results yielded 3 findings: (a) All students' ratings of adaptation to college were within normal limits …

The Nhanes Iii Database: Design And A Retrospective Study To Identify Associations Between Vitamin D And Hypertension, Brandon J. Marzullo

Theses

The results from government surveys are often available wholly or in part to the general public. However the format of this information is not always optimal for distribution or analysis, the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey III, NHANES III, is one such example. This survey is released as data sets containing a Statistical Analysis Software (SAS) program, a column delimited data file, and documentation. This limits access to the data by requiring a license to read in and query the data. By taking the data in its available format and parsing it into a MySQL database the wealth of …

Verbal Disputes And The Internalism/Externalism Debate In Epistemology, John M. Fraiser

Theses

Looking at those debates which are commonly regarded as verbal disputes we can detect two kinds of verbal disputes: (STDC) cases in which disputing parties apply the Same Term or phrase to Different Concepts; (DTSC) cases in which disputing parties apply Different Terms or phrases to the Same Concept. While cases of (STDC) or (DTSC) may be verbal disputes, I will argue that (STDC) and (DTSC) are neither necessary nor sufficient conditions for a verbal dispute. I will explore the identity of a verbal dispute, the conditions for its occurrence, and methods for detecting it. I develop a condition for …

Comparing Work Values Of Students Within The General Education System To Those Of Students Within The Special Education System: A Review Of The Differences, Erin J. Brown

Theses

Work values are essential to study as these ideals directly influence subsequent career satisfaction. As a result, it is important to examine the constructs that may influence work values. This study addressed the differences in work value development as a result of the curriculum taken in high school. More specifically, it examined the work values of students enrolled in the special education curriculum and compared them to the work values of those in the general educational curriculum. Descriptive statistics, Independent Two Sample T-tests, and a Pearson Product Moment Correlation were run on archival data to compare means and examine the …

Design Process Of Web Based Portal: Requirements Of Auk Training And Development Institute : [Presented May 18, 2010], Ylberina Morina

Theses

In order to improve the quality of registration and teaching at AUK Training and Development Institute, this project introduces a web educational portal, service-oriented portal in supporting students, instructors and administration in their daily business. Day by day, new service learning requirements related to key users’ work are being proposed. This capstone_masters_project proposed a service oriented software solution, where the key users could interface and deposit data based on their preferred requirements. There is a shortfall in software and computing facilities at the AUK Training and Development Institute for meeting increased demand for its training programs. This project assesses how …

Deaf Cuban-American Male Making Art, Jeremy Quiroga

Theses

I am an artist who harvests from nature and the industrial remains of humans. As in Esiaks: "The dust shall return to earth as it was." Before becoming dust I hope to give the remains a new life. Breathing a new life into visual language is the opportunity to be shamanic which is a welcoming thought. Shamans are known as people who understand their culture and community well and respond to it by using symbols and meanings. They are also known as intermediaries between human and spirit world, people like Beuys, Kandinsky, Smithson, Rauschenberg and Duchamp themselves are known shamanic …

Rank Numbers For Graphs With Paths And Cycles, Jacqueline Mcclive

Theses

A coloring of a graph, G, is an assignment of positive integers to the vertices of the graph with one number assigned to each vertex, so that adjacent vertices are assigned different numbers. A k-ranking of a graph is a coloring that uses {1, 2, ..., k} with the requirement that every path between any two vertices labeled with the same number contains a vertex with a higher label. The rank number of a graph, denoted [chi]r(G), is the smallest k such that G has a k-ranking. In this paper we seek rank numbers for four specific families of graphs. …

Economical And Environmental Aspects Of Spontaneous Combustion In Kosovo Open Mining Process : [Presentation Given May 18, 2010], Bashkim Lushtaku

Theses

Not provided.

Sustainability Of Ngos In Kosova: Challenges Of The Third Sector And The Ways Forward : [Presentation Given May 18, 2010], Dardane Nuka

Theses

This capstone project addresses the problem of sustainability of NGOs in Kosova as the vast majority of NGOs face serious difficulties in sustaining their work. Except for a small number of Kosova NGOs, that managed to achieve a desirable level of institutional and financial sustainability, the rest tend to be failing. According to the numbers provided by the NGO Registration and Liaison Office of the Government of Kosova, out of the around 5000 registered NGOs, about 10% are estimated to be still active or partially active.1 The research methodology of this capstone project was quantitative and qualitative based on surveys …

Improving Design For Sequential Instructions, Corin Cianfrocco

Theses

Developing effective instructions for complex, sequential tasks is a challenging information design problem. The focus of this thesis is on the non-verbal, visual explanations. This thesis attempts to define a set of instructional communication standards necessary to develop highly functional graphic design solutions to complex instructional information. These standards are then applied to free-weight instructions to improve their clarity and usability. Free weights, or dumbbells, are heavy-weight, metal bars that are lifted in repetitive steps to gain or tone muscles through resistance. When attempting to use currently available free-weight instructions, most people are unsure how to interpret them. This can …

The Historical Figures Of The Birthday Cantatas Of Johann Sebastian Bach, Marva J. Watson

Theses

Johann Sebastian Bach is credited with writing over 300 cantatas. Sacred cantatas comprise most of that repertory, but there are just under forty known secular cantatas composed by Bach. About half of these secular cantatas were written to celebrate a person’s birthday. This thesis will attempt to provide a view of the life of the historical figures for which the birthday cantatas were written, reflections of the personality of the individual in the cantata, Bach’s relationship to the recipient, and political or social connotations associated with the work. From a study of the individuals connected with the musical work, a …