Digital Commons Network^™

The Elimination Of Erosion Phenomena In The Main Cooling Water Pumps In Thermo Power Plant (Tpp) “Kosova B” : [Presentation Given October 7, 2009], Abedin Kabashi

Theses

This Capstone Project will address the erosion phenomena on the impeller blades of the main cooling water pumps in Thermal Power Plant (TPP) “Kosova B”. These are vertical mixed flow pumps and are part of the cooling system that play an important role in TPP “Kosova B”. In this investigation I will study the line between the cooling tower basin and the pumps intake. This line includes the pipe with a 2220 [mm] diameter through which the water, from the cooling tower basin, goes into the pumps intake. In fact we have two lines where one is for unit B1 …

Phosphorus Implants For Off-State Improvement Of Soi Cmos Fabricated At Low Temperature, Siddhartha Singh

Theses

A study on the influence of phosphorus implanted source/drain features on the off-state performance of transistors fabricated in thin-film crystalline silicon at low temperature is presented. Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor (CMOS) thin film transistors (TFTs) were fabricated on silicon-on-insulator (SOI) substrates; both NFET and PFET devices in the same p-type layer. Lightly Doped Drain (LDD) features were implemented on NFETs, and a surface-halo source barrier (N-barrier) was implemented on PFETs, using a common implant step. A new mask set was designed with fine resolution of gate offset to investigate small changes in placement of the LDD/ N-barrier structures. The focus …

Design And Implementation Of A Computational Cluster For High Performance Design And Modeling Of Integrated Circuits, Charles J. Gruener

Theses

Modern microelectronic engineering fabrication involves hundreds of processing steps beginning with design, simulation and modeling. Tremendous data is acquired, managed and processed. Bringing together Information Technology (IT) into a functional system for microelectronic engineering is not a trivial task. Seamless integration of hardware and software is necessary. For this purpose, knowledge of design and fabrication of microelectronic devices and circuits is extremely important along with knowledge of current IT systems. This thesis will explain a design methodology for building and using a computer cluster running software used in the production of microelectronic circuits. The cluster will run a Linux operating …

The Use Of The Child Observation Record As A Tool For Predicting Early Literacy Skills In Preschool Children, Christopher R. Singer

Theses

Reading is an important part of a child's schooling. Identifying students with literacy difficulties early in the academic process can provide them with early intervention services to keep them from falling behind. The use of an observational assessment when dealing with preschoolers can yield vital information to help identify children who may be at risk for developing reading difficulties. The Dynamic Indicators of Basic Early Literacy Skills (DIBELS; Good & Kaminski, 2002) is a standardized assessment currently used to identify and evaluate students' reading abilities. The Child Observation Record (COR; High/Scope, 1992) is a preschool assessment tool used to assess …

Gate-To-Channel Parasitic Capacitance Minimization And Source-Drain Leakage Evaluation In Germanium Pmos, Raymond T. Krom

Theses

This work studies the behavior of both gate-to-channel capacitance (CGC) and source-channel-drain/well leakage in metal-gate/high-κ/Ge PMOS technology (W = 10 μm and L = 10; 5; 1 μm) under development at IMEC. The hole drift-mobility of germanium is ~4X that of silicon, leading researchers to evaluate germanium as a possible channel material replacement for PMOS expected at the 32 nm technology node. In particular this study focuses on—but is not restricted to—(1) the presence of a parasitic gate-to-channel capacitance (CGC), the large non-ideal trap assisted conductance which contributes to it, and its function versus Ge-PMOS architecture and gate length; (2) …

Investigation And Development Of Advanced Models Of Thermoelectric Generators For Power Generation Applications, Emil Sandoz-Rosado

Theses

With developing interest in power generation applications of thermoelectrics and the growing influence of advanced materials on thermoelectric device fabrication, there is an increased demand for better understanding of module-level behavior. Likewise, novel module geometries are being explored for higher performance and require sophisticated modeling methods. In addition to new geometrical design, transport phenomena, such as Thomson heating and contact resistances, aggravate the complexity of modeling thermoelectric modules (TEMs) and thus limit design capability. Typically, these effects are either approximated (or in some cases neglected entirely) with little exploration in to the validity of the underlying assumptions associated with the …

Assessment Of A Proposed Project For Improving The Quality Of Industrial Water For The Thermal Power Plant - “Kosova B” : [Presentation Given May 20, 2009], Visar Beqiri

Theses

This Capstone Project will produce an implementation plan that addresses the problem of low industrial water quality from the water treatment plant (WTP) for use in the thermal power plant - “Kosova B” (TPP-KB) in Kosovo. The project will have special importance because the quality of water is one of the most dominant problems in the TPP-KB. The problem of low industrial water quality is due to an old WTP system and manually controlled water treatment process. Since water in thermal power plants is transformed into steam, low quality water produces low quality steam. Low quality of steam causes foliation …

Personalized Noninvasive Imaging Of Volumetric Cardiac Electrophysiology, Linwei Wang

Theses

Three-dimensionally distributed electrical functioning is the trigger of mechanical contraction of the heart. Disturbance of this electrical flow is known to predispose to mechanical catastrophe but, due to its amenability to certain intervention techniques, a detailed understanding of subject-specific cardiac electrophysiological conditions is of great medical interest. In current clinical practice, body surface potential recording is the standard tool for diagnosing cardiac electrical dysfunctions. However, successful treatments normally require invasive catheter mapping for a more detailed observation of these dysfunctions. In this dissertation, we take a system approach to pursue personalized noninvasive imaging of volumetric cardiac electrophysiology. Under the guidance …

Environmental Catalysis By Nanostructured Chromium Oxides: Methanol Conversion To Dimethyl Ether As A Clean Fuel Alternative, Mariam Humaid Salem Al-Shamisi

Theses

Heterogeneous catalysts which are mainly based on metal particles and metal oxides have shown promising activity and selectivity in several environmental and industrial important reactions. Catalysis plays a key role in chemical and material manufacturing, fuel cells as well as other energy conversion and pollution control systems. Petroleum and fuel industry, in particular, rely largely on heterogeneous catalysis. Since catalysts play such a critical role in essential processes, the search for more effective and selective catalysts continues to be of great importance for both environmental and commercial considerations. The current study focuses on the catalytic conversion of methanol to other …

The Germination Ecology And Composition Of The Indigenous Seeds Of Cyprus Conglomeratus: A Sand Dune Binder, Sheikha Saeed Amer Al Neyadi

Theses

Cyperus conglomeratus is among few species that tolerate the instability of sand dunes and its low nutrients. This species tolerates grazing animals and sand burial. It is considered as a good fodder for both domestic and wildlife animals. It has the potential to fix sand dunes. In addition, a preliminary observation indicated the presence of high contents of oil in the seeds. Despite the ecological importance of C. conglomeratus, little information is available about germination behaviour and seed composition. The present study assessed the dormancy, germination requirement, tolerance to salinity and drought during germination stage, the impact of dormancy regulation …

Generating Sustainable Weight Loss: Investigating The Efficacy Of A Behavioral Based Weight Loss Intervention, Michael James Bordieri

Theses

Two thirds of Americans are overweight or obese. Traditional obesity interventions (e.g. drug therapy, diets, behavior therapy) generate moderate short-term weight loss but have little evidence of long-term weight maintenance. The cultural phenomenon of "yo-yo dieting" mirrors empirical findings which suggest that weight loss, albeit demanding, is a far easier process to target than weight maintenance. The present study sought to evaluate the efficacy of an acceptance based behavioral intervention designed to generate improvements in psychological health and quality of life in obese and overweight adults as well as encourage gradual and sustainable weight loss. The therapy package combined the …

Understanding The Link Between Ethanol Production And Food Prices, Nathalia Ferreira Monteiro

Theses

Food prices have increased rapidly in recent years, and so has ethanol consumption. Some studies have claimed that there is a connection between those two. Net exporters of food tend to benefit from higher prices, while regions that are net importers of food, tend to be adversely affected. The large amount of poor countries in the second group justifies an investigation of the causes of increasing food prices. This thesis aims to contribute to the discussion, analyzing, theoretically and empirically, the impact that the diversion of feedstock from food to ethanol production has on food prices. The interaction between food …

Origination, Rachel Huckins

Theses

My thesis is focused on progressions found within the human life cycle, specifically on the acts of creation, birth, and growth. I am inspired by the idea that all new life contains a certain potential, yet to be fulfilled. Some of the are a series of parts, which represent a change and movement over time. Color plays an important role, visually and conceptually using a pallet of whites to create a sense of purity and freshness associated with the beginning of life. I see my sculptures as a microcosm of the human life cycle, which symbolically represent the various types …

Toward The Development Of An Analysis Methodology For The Elucidation Of Proteome Differentiation Between Two Strains Of Saccharomyces Cerevisiae, Stephanie M. Carter

Theses

Through continued development, the two-dimensional PAGE gel technique developed by O'Farrell in 1975 has emerged as the hallmark technology utilized in virtually all protein expression analyses. The principle objective of this study was the development and validation of a proteome analysis methodology using this technique suitable for use in determining the quantifiable proteome differences between prion containing [PSI+] and wild type [psi-] strains of Saccharomyces cerevisiae. In addition to the development of an assay, which yields highly reproducible whole proteome isolates from both strains, was the elicitation of statistically significant proteome changes between the two strains. Thus, this study concludes …

Optimization Of A Hardware/Software Coprocessing Platform For Eeg Eyeblink Detection And Removal, Matthew Alan Chaudhuri

Theses

The feasibility of implementing a real-time system for removing eyeblink artifacts from electroencephalogram (EEG) recordings utilizing a hardware/software coprocessing platform was investigated. A software based wavelet and independent component analysis (ICA) eyeblink detection and removal process was extended to enable variation in its processing parameters. Exploiting the efficiency of hardware and the reconfigurability of software, it was ported to a field programmable gate array (FPGA) development platform which was found to be capable of implementing the revised algorithm, although not in real-time. The implemented hardware and software solution was applied to a collection of both simulated and clinically acquired EEG …

Robust Longitudinal Rate Gyro Bias Estimation For Reliable Pitch Attitude Observation Through Utilization Of A Displaced Accelerometer Array, Ryan Weisman

Theses

In this thesis, a novel attitude estimation device is proposed utilizing cost-effective measurement sensors. The device fuses a rate gyroscope with an accelerometer array to estimate and eliminate the rate gyro bias online yielding accurate real time aircraft attitude tracking. Attitude determination algorithms are dependent on instantaneous and accurate measurements of translational and rotational body rates for precise estimation of vehicle orientation in three-dimensional space. Measurement error of instantaneous rate sensors, gyroscopes, is introduced via inherent biases and signal noise resulting in gyro drift. Integration of the rate signal for calculation of a net displacement amplifies these minute measurement errors …

Differences In Self-Reported Perceptions Of Privacy Between Online Social And Commercial Networking Users, Jessie Hughes

Theses

Previous research suggests individual privacy is affected in an online environment, and users’ experiences while on those sites may also have an effect on their perceptions. Users’ personal perceptions of their privacy may be shaped by multiple variables such as the frequency in which they use the site, if they are a social or commercial networker, and their age. The present study investigates users of social and commercial web sites and their self-reported perceived levels of privacy when using those sites. The present study discovered that users showed concern over what information should be given when socially and commercially networking. …

Adhesion Of Copper To Photo-Oxidized Polyimides, Mayuri Razdan

Theses

Polyimides (PIs) are often used as electrical insulation between levels of circuitry in the manufacture of electronic components. Copper adhesion to polyimide (PIs) is of great importance in the construction of these microsystem devices. The two polyimides, Kapton-HN (PMDA-ODA) and Upilex-S (BPDA-PDA) were studied with low pressure (253.7 nm) and medium pressure Hg lamps (broad band of radiation centered at ca. 300 nm). X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), a highly sensitive surface analytical technique, was used to observe the surface modification within the top 2-5 nm. XPS analysis showed an increase in the O/C ratio with treatment time which appeared mostly …

'Purification Of Memory': The Ritual Acknowledgement Of Social Sin And The Penitential Celebration, Corran T. Pike

Theses

The Sacrament of Penance in the Australian Catholic Church is experiencing a pastoral decline. Concurrently, in the secular world, increasingly people are demanding and experiencing rituals of communal apology for social sin. Secular communal apologies (and rituals of forgiveness) appear to be speaking to people in a way that existing liturgical rituals in the church are not. There are no communal rituals for the acknowledgement of social sin currently included in the Rite of Penance. This is a lacuna in the church’s ritual complex that needs to be addressed. This dissertation will analyse several recent communal apologies for social sin …

Distribution And Geochemical Speciation Of Pb, Cd, Zn, Cr, And Cu In Sediments Of Major Dams In Uae, Mona Rashed Musabah Al-Alili

Theses

Assessment of availability and mobility is required to predict the behavior of heavy metals in dam's sediments, which hold up rainwater and make use of them. Therefore, a total number of ninety-three of sediments samples collected from the major dams AI-Shuweib, AI-Bih, AI-Tawiyeen and Ham dam were analyzed by several sedimentological and geochemical analyses procedures for Cu, Cd, Cr, Pb, Zn, AI, and Fe. The samples were investigated for mineralogy using X-ray diffraction analyses for non-clay and clay fractions. ICP-OES and Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer (AAS) were used to measure the concentration of heavy metals. The statistical treatments and graphical presentations …

Modelling Hydrocarbons Transport In The Aquifer Of Bu Hasa Field And Evaluation Of Remediation Alternatives, Nawal Eisa Saleh Al Junaibi

Theses

The release of non-aqueous phase liquids (NAPLs) to groundwater reservoirs is a serious and widespread environmental problem. In 2000, free phase hydrocarbon was discovered in Liwa aquifer under Bu Hasa Liquid Recovery Plant (LRP). Liwa aquifer is a shallow unconfined aquifer and represents the main water supply in the camp area of Bu Hasa field. Dissolved benzene is observed in at least one observation well in the site. This research is conducted to simulate the fate and transport of the dissolved benzene plume in the groundwater of Liwa aquifer using the finite element model (METABIOTRANS).

The mam objective of this …

Modeling Solutions And Simulations For Advanced Iii-V Photovoltaics Based On Nanostructures, Ryan Aguinaldo

Theses

It is the purpose of the work to develop methods for and present on the computational analyses of advanced III-V photovoltaic devices and their enhancement by the incorporation of semiconductor nanostructures. Such devices are currently being fabricated as part of the research efforts at the Nanopower Research Laboratories; therefore, this work aims to supplement and ground the experimental undertakings with a strong theoretical basis. This is accomplished by numerical calculations based on the detailed balance model and by physicsbased device simulation. The specific materials focus of this work is on the enhancement of the GaAs solar cell. The aforementioned methodologies …

Spiral Of Silence And The Iraq War, Jessica Drake

Theses

Discussing controversial issues may be hard for some individuals because they fear they may become isolated. The Iraq War serves as one such controversy in which some individuals might avoid publicly expressing their opinion. Spiral of silence, a communication theory set forth by Elisabeth Noelle-Neumann can be used to explain why some individuals will publicly express their opinion of the Iraq War while others will not. A Web-based survey was distributed to Rochester Institute of Technology faculty, staff and students. This study investigated public opinion expression through interactive forms of media such as discussion forums, blogs and Web sites.

In Defense Of The Control Principle, Tyler Paytas

Theses

The problem of moral luck arises out of a tension between our intuitions and our everyday practices. Many of us share the intuition that morality is immune to luck. However, there are many cases in which we seem to rightly blame one person more than another even though the only relevant difference between the two is due to factors beyond their control. Most philosophers who have written about moral luck fall into one of two categories: those who affirm moral luck and those who affirm the control principle. Those who affirm the existence of moral luck generally believe that an …

Communication Strategies Of Successful Coaches: A Content Analysis Of Books By Coaches About Coaching, Fredyne Yust

Theses

Communication behaviors of coaches are critical in motivating athletes and creating a climate of success. Coaches learn their techniques from a variety of sources—mentors, education, and lessons learned from other coaches. For this study, university coaches were surveyed to determine five books written by successful coaches: The Smart Take from the Strong (Pete Carril), Sacred Hoops (Phil Jackson), Leading with the Heart (Mike Krzyzewski), Reach for the Summit (Pat Summitt) and They Call Me Coach (John Wooden). Using grounded theory, the researcher analyzed these texts and discovered discernible categories of communication techniques deemed significant to the process of successful coaching. …

Motion Graphics Documentary Video Of Deaf Artists Of The 21st Century, Heather L. Smith

Theses

Deaf art reflects a unique culture where Deaf people express their life experiences, which are different from those of hearing people. Deaf art also shows the joy and community among Deaf people with their shared language and experiences, expressed through art that includes painting, sculpturing, acting, and writing. In other words, Deaf culture is a celebration where we as Deaf people can bond and share our similar experiences with life struggle in this majority world of hearing people. We often seek out other Deaf artists to connect with and get the sense of “home.” That “sense of home” includes not …

Thokolosi, Karabo Legwaila

Theses

The legend or myth of the malevolent spirit known as Thokolosi has long been known among my people. Some people have even been known to take measures to protect themselves from attacks by Thokolosi by raising their beds on bricks to prevent the spirit attacking them at night. I have always felt that this legend was ripe with possibilities for the animation medium and having loved the idea of Thokolosi, I felt it was a good time to attempt to make a film about it. This was also a way for me to introduce a small piece of my culture …

Interactive Tutorials In The Marketing Of Digital Cameras: How Tutorials Benefit Consumers & Retailers, Andrew Eckert

Theses

There is a growing market for digital single-lens refl ex cameras (SLRs) that is driven by their ease of use, accessibility, and falling price points. Marketing these cameras with an interactive tutorial not only allows photo enthusiasts to improve as photographers, but also gives the retailer a profi table add-on and selling incentive. This work explores how interactive multimedia can be utilized as a source for instruction in camera mechanics. The proposed model is an interface using a virtual camera with which the user interacts. From this starting point the user can choose tutorials from corresponding elements on the camera. …

Victorian Organ, Christine Dunn

Theses

This paper is a companion piece to my short film, “Victorian Organ”. This film is an effort to contextualize the mechanical, or man-made, within nature. It is an assertion that there really is no "man vs. nature"- (a radically illogical and inherently self-destructive notion), but only man as nature, in which case, alienation and disharmony ultimately lies in our own self-perception. The impulse to identify a relationship between the mechanical and organic is inspired not only by my observations of our human society, but as a way to decode my own inner workings –an urge to reconcile seemingly major dichotomies …

Detecting Relevant Changes In High Throughput Gene Expression Data, Anusha Aiyalu Kannan

Theses

The management and analysis of the data produced by high-throughput technologies are challenging. This paper discuss multiple hypothesis testing by focusing on developing and applying computationally intensive techniques to achieve the goal of simultaneous tests for each spotID the null hypothesis of no association between the expression levels and the responses or covariates. The software provides features where the user controls the amount of data that can be used for analyzing. The software also produce graph of the output which provide the user with easy viewing of the results.