Digital Commons Network^™

Performance Analysis Of A Scalable Hardware Fpga Skein Implementation, Aric Schorr

Theses

Hashing functions are a key cryptographic primitive used in many everyday applications, such as authentication, ensuring data integrity, as well as digital signatures. The current hashing standard is defined by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) as the Secure Hash Standard (SHS), and includes SHA-1, SHA-224, SHA-256, SHA-384 and SHA-512 . SHS's level of security is waning as technology and analysis techniques continue to develop over time. As a result, after the 2005 Cryptographic Hash Workshop, NIST called for the creation of a new cryptographic hash algorithm to replace SHS. The new candidate algorithms were submitted on October …

Application Of The B-Spline Collocation Method To A Geometrically Non-Linear Beam Problem, Jason Magoon

Theses

Engineers are researching solutions to resolve many of today's technical challenges. Numerical techniques are used to solve the mathematical models that arise in engineering problems. A numerical technique that is increasingly being used to solve mathematical models in engineering research is called the B-spline Collocation Method. The B-spline Collocation Method has a few distinct advantages over the Finite Element and Finite Difference Methods. The main advantage is that the B-spline Collocation Method efficiently provides a piecewise-continuous, closed form solution. Another advantage is that the B-spline Collocation Method procedure is very simple and easy to apply to many problems involving partial …

Asset Protection In A Limited Swarm Environment Utilizing Artificial Potential Fields, Dieter Laskowski

Theses

Asset protection is a behavior in which a team of robots establishes a formation around a resource marked as an asset in a hostile environment in order to protect the asset from threats. The robots are assumed to be homogeneous and run a decentralized control algo- rithm and possess a repulsive quality to the threats. Previous works in this area have used centralized control or considered the use of many robots. This work aims at developing an algorithm that is both decentralized, and able to protect assets using only a few robots. In order to provide this behavior an algorithm …

Hardware Co-Processor To Enable Mimo In Next Generation Wireless Networks, Nathaniel Horner

Theses

One prevailing technology in wireless communication is Multiple Input, Multiple Output (MIMO) communication. MIMO communication simultaneously transmits several data streams, each from their own antenna within the same frequency channel. This technique can increase data bandwidth by up to a factor of the number of transmitting antennas, but comes with the cost of a much higher computational complexity for the wireless receiver. MIMO communication exploits differing channel effects caused by physical distances between antennas to differentiate between transmitting antennas, an intrinsically two dimensional operation. Current Digital Signal Processors (DSPs), on the other hand, are designed to perform computations on one …

Re:Collection, Gretchen L. Arnold

Theses

This thesis explores preservation and obsolescence in relation to memory and the family photograph. Through a variety of erasure processes applied to discarded vernacular imagery and projections, the artist manipulated the content, framing and perspective of alleged family memories. The specific techniques utilized include digital erasure, removal by cutting implements, targeted bleaching and the re-photographing of projected Kodachromes into selective fragments. This process facilitated the investigation of the relationship between family photographs, formation of individual memory and the life cycle of family narrative. This work raises questions about the normative sociological factors at play in memory preservation and the constructed …

Mashed, Adam Fisher

Theses

My thesis film, "Mashed", was created with multiple purposes in mind. I wanted to use and build on everything I learned at RIT, entertain both young and old audiences, and support my belief that shooting mediums should be a choice tailored to fit the needs and purposes of a character in a film. Popular trends in animation and visual effects sometimes overshadow the fact that technological advancements benefit more than just computer-generated graphics. Convincing stop-motion characters (and characters of other mediums) can benefit from these same advancements, and even coexist with multiple other styles within the same frame. My film …

In Silico Prediction Of Non-Coding Rnas Using Supervised Learning And Feature Ranking Methods, Stephen J. Griesmer

Theses

This thesis presents a novel method, RNAMultifold, for development of a non-coding RNA (ncRNA) classification model based on features derived from folding the consensus sequence of multiple sequence alignments using different folding programs: RNAalifold, CentroidFold, and RSpredict. The method ranks these folding features according to a Class Separation Measure (CSM) that quantifies the ability of the features to differentiate between samples from positive and negative test sets. The set of top-ranked features is then used to construct classification models: Naive Bayes, Fisher Linear Discriminant, and Support Vector Machine (SVM). These models are compared to the performance of the same models …

Social Group Discovery Using Using Co-Location Traces, Steve Mardenfeld

Theses

Social information can be used to enhance existing applications and services or can be utilized to devise entirely new applications. Examples of such applications include recommendation systems, peer-to-peer networks, opportunistic data dissemination in ad hoc networks, or mobile friend finder. Social information can be collected from either online or mobile sources.

This thesis focuses on identifying social groups based on data collected from mobile phones. These data can be either location or co-location traces. Unfortunately, location traces require a localization system for every mobile device, and users are reluctant to share absolute location due to privacy concerns. On the other …

A Fpga/Dsp Design For Real-Time Fracture Detection Using Low Transient Pulse, Akash Mathur

Theses

This work presents the hardware and software architecture for the detection of fractures and edges in materials. While the detection method is based on the novel concept of Low Transient Pulse (LTP), the overall system implementation is based on two digital microelectronics technologies widely used for signal processing: Digital Signal Processor (DSP) and Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA). Under the proposed architecture, the DSP carries out the analysis of the received baseband signal at a lower rate and hence can be used for large number of signal channels. The FPGA's master clock runs at a higher frequency (62.5MHz) for the …

Sparse Representation For Audio Noise Removal Using Zero-Zone Quantizers, Neha Mittal

Theses

In zero zone quantization, bins around zero are quantized to a zero value. This kind of quantization can be applied on orthogonal transforms to remove the unwanted or redundant signal. Transforms reveal structures and properties of a signal and hence careful application of a zero zone over the transform coefficients leads to noise removal. In this thesis, such quantizers are applied over Discrete Fourier Transform and Karhunen Loeve Transform coefficients separately, and outputs compared. Further, the localization of the zero zones to certain frequencies leads to better performance in terms of noise removal. PEAQ (Perceptual Evaluation of Audio Quality) scores …

Stiffness Of Vascular Smooth Muscle Cells From Aged Primates Measured Using Reconstituted Tissue Model, Shilpa Nagendra

Theses

Increased stiffness of the aorta is an important detrimental change that occurs with aging. Most previous research has implicated stiffening of the extracellular collagen matrix with age. The study reported in this thesis focused instead on the potential contribution from stiffening of the vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) with age.

VSMCs previously obtained from young and old monkeys (macaca fascicularis) were seeded into a collagen gel to form a reconstituted tissue. The aim of this study was to quantitatively characterize the mechanical properties of this reconstituted tissue model via uniaxially stretching each ring to defined levels of strain. The total …

Development Of Pharmacophore And Comfa Study Of Rigid And Flexible Sigma 2 Receptor Ligands, Hemantbhai Patel

Theses

In the present study a pharmacophore and CoMFA model was derived for sigma 2 (62) receptors by using Sybyl 7.2 Software Package. The CoMFA studies used 22 bioactive molecules as a training set and 4 molecules as a test set for the o2 receptor ligands. The geometries and electrostatic charges of all molecules were calculated using various levels of calculations. The geometry optimization and electrostatic charges of all 26 molecules were performed by using semiemprical AM1, ab initio HF/6-31G* and density functional B3LYP/6-31G* in Gaussian 98. The pharmacophore model was derived by using Distance Comparisions (DISCOtech) from 4 partially to …

A Comparative Analysis Of Haptic And Eeg Devices For Evaluation And Training Of Post-Stroke Patients Within A Virtual Environment, Gregory Nicholas Ranky

Theses

Virtual Rehabilitation benefits from the usage of interfaces other than the mouse and keyboard, but also possess disadvantages: haptic peripherals can utilize the subject's hand to provide position information or joint angles, and allow direct training for specific movements; but can also place unneeded strain on the limbs; brain-machine interfaces (BMI) can provide direct connections from the user to external hardware or software, but are currently inaccurate for the full diversity of user movements in daily life and require invasive surgery to implement. A compromise between these two extremes is a BMI that can be adapted to specific users, can …

Development Of A Device For Whole Body Stimulation Of The Otoliths, Jon Edward Weimer

Theses

Over the past few decades, research has been conducted to explore the effects of microgravity on human musculature, As seen in astronauts upon their return to Earth after prolonged spaceflight, extensive muscle atrophy due to adaptation to conditions of microgravity many times decreases a person's ability to walk or even stand, With an understanding of the anatomical mechanisms that provide postural control, the proper stimulation, resulting in a reduction in spasticity, could be provided by simulating these conditions of microgravity.

In order to simulate microgravity, a device has been developed that is capable of providing whole body stimulation of the …

Beginning, Persisting, And Ceasing To Play: A Stage Uses And Gratifications Approach To Multiplayer Video Games, Matthew Shand

Theses

Scholars maintain media use is purposeful and the key to understanding media effects lies in understanding the reasons people use media. Previous uses and gratifications research regarding video game use assumes player motivations are constant variables, as researchers did not measure player motivations over the stages of long-term game use. The present study investigated differences between multiplayer video game user motivations across three stages of game play - beginning, persisting, and ceasing to play. Data from survey instruments distributed via online message boards showed statistically significant changes in motivations from both the beginning and persisting stages of play as compared …

Nazi Looted Art: Setting Precedence For Museum Decisions, Erica B. Marcus

Theses

No abstract provided.

Poisonous Heritage: Pesticides In Museum Collections, Leslie Omstein

Theses

No abstract provided.

A Different Mind: Developing Museum Programs For Children With Autism, Elise A. Freed-Brown

Theses

No abstract provided.

The End Of The Holocaust Generation And The Implications In The Future Of Educational Programming In Holocaust Museums, Holly K. Meyers

Theses

No abstract provided.

A Beautiful Reprieve: Engaging And Relevant Educational Programming For Museum Visitors With Alzheimer's Disease And Other Dementias, Kathleen Henry

Theses

No abstract provided.

A Comparative Analysis Of Intergenerational Conflict Between Women In The Workplace, Sylvia J. Jaros

Theses

No abstract provided.

The Relationship Between Servant Leadership Behavior And Individual Personality Style In New York Annual Conference United Methodist Pastors, Lisa A. Krekeler

Theses

No abstract provided.

Transgressing The Boundaries Of Holiness: Sexual Deviance In The Early Medieval Penitential Handbooks Of Ireland, England And France 500-1000., Christine A. Mccann

Theses

No abstract provided.

" Lu-Li-Lunacy And Sorrow:" The Grotesque In John Irving's The World According To Garp, Nicole J. Homer

Theses

No abstract provided.

" Poisoned By A Book": Aesthic Decadence And Plagiarism In The Picture Of Dorian Gray, Jill C. Veltri

Theses

No abstract provided.

" One Day In The World's Press: How Is The Story Being Told?" A Thorough Study Of The International News Coverage On Barack Hussein Obama's Election Day, Ivonne J. Beltran

Theses

No abstract provided.

The Effects Of Insulin And Glutathione On In Vitro Spermatogenic Cyst Maturation, Peta-Gay A. Ricketts

Theses

No abstract provided.

Investigation Of Poly (C) Binding Protein 1-Interact Proteins By Screening Cdna Library, Hamidah N. Sultan

Theses

No abstract provided.

Characterization Of Kaposi's Sarcoma-Associated Herpesvirus Open Reading Frames 58 And 27, Jennifer L. Quiceno

Theses

No abstract provided.

Toward Wearable Pneumatic Haptic Devices For Microscale Force Feedback Applications, Athena Frazier

Theses

The addition of haptic feedback to systems and devices allows a human user to gain a more complete understanding of the remote environment they are working in. Several applications, such as robotic minimally invasive surgery (MIS) and virtual reality gaming, have drawn interests for integrating haptic or tactile feedback onto remote operating tools. While both research studies and commercial products have clearly demonstrated the benefits of adding haptic feedback, many open questions remain for reaching the full potential of haptic feedback. This research focuses on investigating how light-weight, low-cost pneumatic haptic devices can be deployed on human hands, possibly in …