Digital Commons Network^™

Lockers, Ander Bergstrom

Theses

The production of the thesis film ‘Lockers’ was not an easy birth. The first proposed story that was accepted by the Thesis committee was discarded as being too technically ambitious. There was then a protracted effort to develop a new, producible thesis Story proposal that met the committee’s requirements. Once an acceptable thesis proposal was developed, the writer then attempted to refine the story; writing over forty drafts in order to reduce the elements of the story into something that made the artistic and narrative statements as well as being technically viable. Working in the professional world of animation while …

First Aid When And Where You Need It, Development Of First Aid Self-Care, Patient Education For Web And Mobile Devices, Paula Franklin

Theses

Health care is undergoing a revolution as patients have access to more and more information via Internet by the use of computers and mobile devices. In recognition of the rapidly growing need for patient first aid education, a collection of first aid self-care animations was created to improve treatment decisions and outcome safety. These animations are available for people via VisualDxHealth, a consumer focused website developed by Logical Images, Inc. The objective of the project was to produce simple and easy to understand first aid animations for a specific target audience. The production pipeline started with meeting with the client, …

Design And Fabrication Of A Microneedle For The Implantation Of Floating Microstimulators, Faysal Ahmed

Theses

Neural prosthetics are used to stimulate any remaining functional nervous tissue in order to restore function in visual, auditory, or other physiological components associated with the nervous system. Microelectrodes have been used in stimulating and detecting electrical activity in neurons. When stimulating or recording neural tissue activity using microelectrodes, there are usually many problems and difficulties in obtaining the correct functionality and results. There is great difficulty in placing these microelectrodes in a specific location in the central nervous system due to various problems with the methodology used. Many different techniques such as the traditional interconnected microelectrodes have been an …

Developing A Virtual City For Emergency Preparedness Planning And Training, Jon K. Morgan

Theses

Existing techniques for emergency preparedness planning and training fail or lack the ability to convey training on a broad scale and timely fashion. Skill sets that are required for planning, mitigation, response and recovery issues are lost through information overload or failure to identify other channels in which to convey the information. In order to resolve some of the issues with currently existing methods such as tabletop training exercises (TTX), instructional video learning and full-scale exercises we can turn to virtual environments.

In a virtual environment teams can interact with their surroundings from the comfort of the office without having …

A Two Dimensional Model Of Magnetic Field Assisted Assembly, Gaurev Devrani

Theses

A simplified model to simulate the magnetic field distribution for applications in magnetic field assisted assembly of semiconductor device structures, using commercial software (Vizimag), has been implemented. Solenoids have been utilized to serve as electromagnets that are responsible for the assembly process. Magnetic shielding techniques have been deployed to isolate the influence of one solenoid over another. These solenoids are used to move the devices that need to be placed in recesses within the substrate. The bottom of the devices and the recesses are coated with magnetic materials to facilitate the movement and placement of devices within the recesses in …

Precipitation Of Ultrafine Particles Using Liquid Antisolvent With Concentric Ultrasonic Nozzle And Subcritical Co2, Satya Chaitanya Kunchala

Theses

Nanotechnology has become more relevant in the pharmaceutical industry. Almost 40% of the drugs developed by pharmaceutical industries are poorly soluble in water which limits the bioavailability of these drugs in body fluids. Hence, it is necessary to reduce the particle size, which increases the interfacial surface area. This work focuses on micronization of class ii drug Griseofulvin which is poorly water soluble. Two processes namely, liquid antisolvent precipitation using ultrasonic nozzle and other process using subcritical CO₂ have been used to produce ultrafine particles of this drug.

In liquid antisolvent precipitation, a combination of ultrasound, polymer and surfactant …

Classification Of Hand Held Shapes And Locations In Continuous Signing, Swetha Karri

Theses

Sign language for the deaf and hearing impaired replaces speech with manually produced signs. Each sign has been categorized as being combinations of handshape, movement, orientation, location, and facial expressions. Of the five sign parameters, this thesis focuses on classification of two of the main parameters, the hand shapes and locations, in continuous signing.

Since the nature of hand shapes is transient and not static, neural networks was used as a classifier for hand shapes. And since locations in sign language are defined by linguistic variables rather than by hard core position values, fuzzy logic was used as a classifier …

Experimental Investigation Of The Effect Of Sonication On The Precipitation Of Grieseofluvin By Impinging Jets, Ankit H. Patel

Theses

Almost 80% of drugs on the market are manufactured as solid dosage forms, such as tablets. Drug bioavailability increases as the particle size decreases and the surface area per unit volume of drug increases. Therefore, there is a keen interest by the pharmaceutical industry to develop techniques that can be used to manufacture particles of active pharmaceutical ingredients (API) in the nano/micro particle range. Impinging jets is one of the most promising techniques to do so.

In this work, a submerged impinging jet system coupled with an ultrasonic probe (sonicator) was used to precipitate Griseofulvin, a common, poorly water-soluble antifungal …

Photoplethysmorgraph-Derived Respiration, Priyanka Pankaj Shah

Theses

Stress & Motivated Behavioral Institute (SMBI) has developed a research program to provide an objective evaluation of the physiological and neurocognitive impact of human electromuscular muscular interference (HEMI) devices in humans. The initial step is to understand their physiological impact, which is characterized by vital signs. Volunteers are recruited from HEMI training programs with the provision that data collection can not interfere with training. Thus, an ambulatory system was assembled. There are two main issues in the current ambulatory system, one of which is the reliability of the respiration signal obtained using a strain gauge respiration band, mainly due to …

Development Of Pharmacophore And Comfa Studies For Sigma2 Receptor Ligands, Laura Ann Wirpsza

Theses

This study describes the development of a pharmacophore and CoMIFA model for sigma 2 (σ₂) receptor ligands. CoMFA studies were performed for 32 bioactive σ₂ receptor ligands using the radioligand [H 3] (+) DTG in the presence of pentazocine. The pharmacophore was derived using Distance Comparisons (DISCOtech) from eight partially to highly active ~2 receptor ligands. All 32 compounds were calculated in three methods: AMi, HFI3~21G*, and B3LYP/3~21G* methods. These methods run in Gaussian 98 determined the geometry optimization and electrostatic charges for each molecule. CoMFA maps were developed using SYBYL ver. 7.2 to compare the electrostatic …

Dem Simulated Radial And Axial Pressure In A Cylindrical Granular Column, Meng Cui

Theses

The study of packed beds of granular spheres and their applications are of great interest to industries, and one of the most important subjects that has been studied is cylindrical beds. In 1895, H. A. Janssen discovered that in a vertical cylinder the pressure measured at the bottom does not depend upon the height of the filling in contrast to Newtonian fluids that possess linear hydrostatic pressure equilibrium. One of assumptions of his theory stated that the horizontal pressure is proportional to the vertical. In this thesis, this physical hypothesis is investigated using Discrete Element Simulations of inelastic with a …

Biomechanical Testing Of Upright Range Of Motion Versus Overhead Supine Range Of Motion, Linda Uko

Theses

Rehabilitation of an elbow, following injury, is not a well-studied subject. Clinically, there is not a general consensus on which recovery method is optimal for healing an unstable elbow. When dealing with medial collateral ligament deficiency, many authors have proposed several forearm positions that will yield proper healing of the unstable elbow. Some researchers believe that active mobilization of the elbow with the arm in a vertical position is a safe protocol for rehabilitation with the forearm oriented in a supine pronated position. It was also mentioned that the compressive forces due to the active mobilization of the arm will …

Design, Fabrication And Applications Of Microplasma Device, Koffi Abalo-Akuvi

Theses

The feasibility of using microplasma device (MPD) as a non-thermal plasma source for hydrogen production to potentially replace conventional source of electricity for potable applications has been explored. The scaling theory for direct glow discharges along with the design approach, fabrication details and the experimental characterizations are presented for two types of device: Planar Geometry Microplasma Device (PGMPD), and Parallel Plane Electrodes Microplasma Device (PPEMPD). Optical Emission Spectroscopy (OES) and current-voltage characteristics of the two designs are described.

Issues related to plasma stability and breakdown voltage are studied. It was found that the breakdown voltage of the designs is about …

Reasons For The Low Usage Of Scheduling Software And The Difference In Production Performance Between Users And Nonusers Of Scheduling Software From A Lean Manufacturing Perspective, Sandra Yveborg

Theses

It is more important than ever for printers to improve efficiency and productivity, and the means for doing so are available. Computer-assisted scheduling is one method that is claimed to increase throughput speed and reduce costs, among other benefits. Recently, scheduling applications have started to increase in popularity, and many management information systems (MISs) have built-in scheduling features. However, only 15% of the companies that own scheduling software utilize it. The first part of this research project seeks to determine the reasons for the low usage. Another way to increase efficiency is through Lean manufacturing, a strategy for eliminating non-value-added …

Designing Compelling Interfaces: An Exploration Of The Artist Book And How Its Unique Interactive Experience Can Influence The Graphical User Interface., Alison Boncha

Theses

Traditional art forms have contributed greatly to the interactive design industry and many designers still gain inspiration from painting, carving, weaving, photography, and other various arts. The artist book, which is a fairly new art form, is a mixture of old and new concepts but different from other art forms in that part of the viewer’s experience is made up by physically interacting with the book. To draw a modern day comparison, this interaction of the viewer to the book, is similar to the interaction of a user to a flash site. The goal of this interactive project is to …

Environmentally-Integrated Optimization Modeling Of Intermodal Freight Transportation: An Application Of The I-95 Corridor Region, Jill Hatcher

Theses

Freight transportation is essential to economic health in the United States in that it transports all types of goods and materials that support commerce and meet consumer demands. However, the literature strongly suggests that the demand for freight transportation is expected to increase, and at a rate that exceeds the capacities to support such demand. The national highway network was built to accommodate a far smaller national population, and its limited capacity and expansion, coupled with a strong and steady population increase over the last century has borne a myriad of congested highways, increased travel time, increased transportation costs, and …

Face Recognition In Low Resolution Video Sequences Using Super Resolution, Somi Ruwan Arachchige

Theses

Human activity is a major concern in a wide variety of applications, such as video surveillance, human computer interface and face image database management. Detecting and recognizing faces is a crucial step in these applications. Furthermore, major advancements and initiatives in security applications in the past years have propelled face recognition technology into the spotlight. The performance of existing face recognition systems declines significantly if the resolution of the face image falls below a certain level. This is especially critical in surveillance imagery where often, due to many reasons, only low-resolution video of faces is available. If these low-resolution images …

Effects Of Complex Vessel Geometries On Neutrophil Margination And Adhesion In Post-Capillary Venules, Josa A. Hanzlik

Theses

The inflammatory process is a regular occurrence within a healthy body. As part of the inflammatory process, leukocytes flow through blood vessels and are recruited to the region of the injury. Neutrophils play a significant role in this process; however the margination of neutrophils to particular locations in micro vessels is not fully understood. Post capillary venules, in particular, have complex geometries which may contribute to non-uniform adhesion of neutrophils. Margination is a phenomenon that occurs during the relatively early phases of inflammation; as a result of dilation of capillaries and slowing of the bloodstream, leukocytes tend to occupy the …

Perceptions Of Privacy On Facebook, Elizabeth A. Warfel

Theses

Information privacy in an information age is a paradoxical issue, especially with the recent innovations of the Internet. Social networking sites collect a great deal of personal information about their users. Previous studies regarding both traditional and online commercial marketplace privacy issues have found consumers to be wary of disclosing personal information, but also unaware of the regulations concerning sharing of customer information among companies. This study focused on the differences between heavy and light users’ perceptions on privacy on Facebook. Results from a 25-question survey showed heavy users of social networking sites perceive a greater depth of communication on …

Mobile Phones As A Social Medium For The Deaf: A Uses And Gratifications Study, Katelyn D. Ecker

Theses

New communications technologies include mobile phones that now provide access to the Internet and text messaging. The present study used the conceptual framework set forth by past uses and gratifications research and shifted focus to the media needs of one specific population: the deaf and hard-of-hearing. Past literature focused on the uses and gratifications of traditional media, but less is known about the consumption of new media by deaf people. Using a convenience sample of hearing and deaf students at RIT, findings from an e-mailed survey instrument showed deaf and hard-of-hearing students were more likely to use instant messaging and …

Movements For Enjoyment, Jun Suk Min

Theses

We live in a world abundant with material objects that are in a constant state of motion. Since childhood, I have always been interested in moving objects such as toys and foldable chairs. I also became interested in the shape, design and contours of moving objects. As my interest in this subject increased, I realized the pleasure and enjoyment that people would gain to see moving objects having artistic and functional components to enhance the shape, contours and motion of those objects. In an effort to enhance and “bring to life” the sense of touch regarding these objects and enhance …

Differential Selective Pressures Acting On The Influenza A Genome: A Comparative Study, Melissa Wilbert

Theses

The molecular evolution of the Influenza A virus is a complex process. While it is recognized that recombination events are a driving force behind the everchanging virulence of influenza, evidence has also been presented in support of Darwinian evolution. Often, codon positions considered in analyses of selective pressures are found in epitopes and sites where mutations confer resistance to antiviral medications. Here, an attempt is made to distinguish between divergent selective pressures acting on geographically distinct datasets. The goal of this study was to use this information to identify sites within the hemagglutinin, neuraminidase, and matrix proteins of influenza A …

Using The Cell Processor As An Offload Streaming Assist For Sessionization Of Network Traffic For Cross Packet Inspection, John Martellaro

Theses

Deep packet inspection is a means of ensuring network security and eliminating malicious activity by scanning the contents of packets for threats. Deep packet inspection analyzes each packet on an individual basis to ensure that it does not exhibit a malicious signature. As network link speeds increase as well as the number of threats, it becomes increasingly difficult to scan for threats in real time. As a result, costly and very specialized hardware implementations were designed to handle the demand of scanning packets at high link rates. It is common that packets from the same session arrive out of order …

Classification Algorithms On The Cell Processor, Mateusz Wyganowski

Theses

The rapid advancement in the capacity and reliability of data storage technology has allowed for the retention of virtually limitless quantity and detail of digital information. Massive information databases are becoming more and more widespread among governmental, educational, scientific, and commercial organizations. By segregating this data into carefully defined input (e.g.: images) and output (e.g.: classification labels) sets, a classification algorithm can be used develop an internal expert model of the data by employing a specialized training algorithm. A properly trained classifier is capable of predicting the output for future input data from the same input domain that it was …

Novel Low Power Cam Architecture, Ka Fai Ng

Theses

One special type of memory use for high speed address lookup in router or cache address lookup in a processor is Content Addressable Memory (CAM). CAM can also be used in pattern recognition applications where a unique pattern needs to be determined if a match is found. CAM has an additional comparison circuit in each memory bit compared to Static Random Access Memory. This comparison circuit provides CAM with an additional capability for searching the entire memory in one clock cycle. With its hardware parallel comparison architecture, it makes CAM an ideal candidate for any high speed data lookup or …

Spectral Image Utility For Target Detection Applications, Marcus S. Stefanou

Theses

In a wide range of applications, images convey useful information about scenes. The “utility” of an image is defined with reference to the specific task that an observer seeks to accomplish, and differs from the “fidelity” of the image, which seeks to capture the ability of the image to represent the true nature of the scene. In remote sensing of the earth, various means of characterizing the utility of satellite and airborne imagery have evolved over the years. Recent advances in the imaging modality of spectral imaging have enabled synoptic views of the earth at many finely sampled wavelengths over …

Effects Of Local-Market Radio Ownership Concentration On Radio Localism, The Public Interest, And Listener Opinions And Use Of Local Radio, Michael J. Saffran

Theses

The Telecommunications Act of 1996 and ensuing radio ownership consolidation are blamed for harming radio localism and the public interest. Prior studies examined impacts attributed to consolidation on format diversity and other measures; however, none explored influences on listener perceptions. The present research sought to determine effects of local-market ownership concentration on listener opinions and use of radio—potentially indicative of stations’ localism and public service—by surveying listeners in markets categorized by ownership concentration levels. Findings suggest concentration does not strongly influence perceptions; however, overall results indicate potentially negative consequences from local and national consolidation on amounts of local music, news, …

Investigation Of Dynamic Three-Dimensional Tangible Touchscreens: Usability And Feasibility, Anne Dewitte

Theses

The ability for touchscreen controls to move from two physical dimensions to three dimensions may soon be possible. Though solutions exist for enhanced tactile touchscreen interaction using vibrotactile devices, no definitive commercial solution yet exists for providing real, physical shape to the virtual buttons on a touchscreen display. Of the many next steps in interface technology, this paper concentrates on the path leading to tangible, dynamic, touchscreen surfaces. An experiment was performed that explores the usage differences between a flat surface touchscreen and one augmented with raised surface controls. The results were mixed. The combination of tactile-visual modalities had a …

Evaluation Of A Numerical Thrombosis Model For A High Shear Rotating Flow, Carlos Cheek

Theses

Blood clotting, or thrombosis, is an interesting biological application for computational fluid dynamics. Existing numerical thrombosis models have previously been shown to be effective for low shear rates and simple geometries. For these models to be used in biomedical applications such as the design of rotary blood pumps, however, they must first be experimentally validated for high shear rates and complex geometries. In this study, we test the ability of a numerical thrombosis model to predict thrombosis related phenomena in a high shear flow by creating a geometry similar to that of a rotary blood pump. We have applied an …

Sub-Urbana, Alexander J. Breger

Theses

Through a photographic survey of Urbana, Maryland in 2003, I have attempted to illuminate a fundamental dichotomy of suburban sprawl. While popular and affordable to the consumer, there is a high cost to our collective future associated with this type of housing development. Although there has been much written decrying its evils, sprawl continues to cover the countryside with unoriginal, lifeless housing tracts. In order to understand our impact on the environment and the global community, we must examine the consequences of our modes of living and our collective relationship to the land. The profligate manner in which we inhabit …