Digital Commons Network^™

Mathematical Modeling Of Transient State Transdermal Drug Delivery, Alison Nickol Weltner

Theses

In this work, a two-pathway mathematical model for transdermal drug delivery with iontophoresis is presented. The partial differential equations are described and then solved. An alternative, two-pathway, three-layer model is also presented, and the implications of the coefficients within the equation are discussed. Using Franz cell iontophoretic delivery data from three drug substances (amitriptyline HCl, clomipramine HCl, and nortriptyline HCl), the two-pathway model is regressed to determine the diffusion coefficient and the concentration within the skin at the drug reservoir interface. ANOVA analysis indicates a correlation between iontophoretic current and concentration of drug within the stratum corneum.

An Ergonomic Assessment Of The Airline Baggage Handler, Stephen P. Salomon

Theses

A material or baggage handler is responsible for loading and unloading baggage and materials from inbound/outbound aircraft flights and transferring the materials to and from the baggage holding and sorting areas and back to the passengers or output source. Baggage handlers work in all types of inclement weather, all over the airport, and in-and-around the aircraft. The baggage handler's job entails repeated lifting pulling, pushing, squatting, twisting, kneeling, and stretching of the arms and back, which makes the baggage handler's job one of the more challenging material handling jobs to ergonomically assess and make corrections for. The aim of the …

Comparing The Writing Ability Of Transfer And Non-Transfer Students Enrolled In A Technical Writing Course At New Jersey Institute Of Technology : A Case Study, Lisa S. Young

Theses

The mission statement of New Jersey Institute of Technology (NJIT) calls for the preparation of "leaders in the technology-dependent economy of the 21st century" (http://www.njit.edu/about/overview/index.php). NJIT's students, therefore, need to have established prior to graduation communication skills at a level of performance that allows at least this aspect of NJIT's mission to be met. But with no assessment of community college writing education other than the incoming transcripts of the transfer students, the quality of academic preparedness that transfer students bring to their degree programs at NJIT is difficult to determine.

A case study was performed in January …

Case Studies In Disassembly Process Planning, Riteshkumar Dhimmar

Theses

The rapid advancement in technology started in last century and still continuing resulted in decreased life cycle of electronic products. It also resulted in increased product disposal rate and filling land fill space faster causing shortage of such space and consequently creates major environmental problems. So, since couple of decade environmental concern has focused on production process and environmental regulations imposed by government has watched industrial pollution. With government regulations to control environmental problems; consumers are also aware of adverse effects of product disposal forcing manufacturer to become more responsible for safe product disposal and recycling of used product.

A …

Study Of Design Tradeoffs Of Dram And Sram Memories, Using Hspice Computer Simulation, Bageshri Kale

Theses

Semiconductor random access memories are complex systems that can be described by performance parameters such as memory cycle time, access delays, storage capacity, bit packing density, chip area and retention time. In this thesis, tradeoffs between cycle time, chip area, and storage size as reflected by bit line capacitance (Cbl) were studied as a function of particular design variables: memory cell capacitance (Cc); CMOS flip-flop sense amplifier (SA) transistor sizes; and size of precharge (PC), and word line (WL) switches. Performance was optimized using circuit simulation software, HSPICE, to observe DRAM and SRAM waveforms. With TSMC 0.18 micron technology, minimum …

Analysis Of Molecular Conformations Using Relative Planes, Deepa S. Pai

Theses

Ring substructures of a drug usually participate actively in binding to the receptor. It is necessary to study the spatial relationship of these molecular recognition features in order to determine the pharmacophore of the drug. This is a particularly difficult problem when the drug is a flexible molecule with many energetically accessible conformations.

In this research an innovative approach to calculate the relative displacement and orientation of every possible pair of rings in a given molecule was designed, tested, and implemented in the "Planes" program. Planes were defined from each of the ring substructures and the displacement and rotation of …

Evaluation Of Effect Of Extrusion Process Variables On Mechanical Properties Of Extruded Collagen Tubes And Effect Of Post Extrusion Treatments, Mayank K. Patel

Theses

This study evaluated the effect of extrusion process variable on mechanical properties of extruded collagen tubes made using a specialized extruder, made by ZOKO Corporation of Czechoslovakia. Three extrusion variables were considered; extrusion speed, linear draw rate and rotation speed. Using Taguchi L₄ matrix, a design of experiment (DOE) was run. Two mechanical properties, wall thickness and estimated elastic modulus, were considered as response of this DOE. Data was analyzed statically to evaluate the effect of extrusion variables on both these properties. Result of this study showed that linear draw rate of the extrusion process has the highest influence …

Random Search Conformational Analysis Of Piperazine And Piperadine Analogs Of Gbr12909 : Implicit Aqueous Solvation Effects, William A. Roosma

Theses

The object of this work was to study the effect of solvent on the conformational potential energy surface (PES) of GBR12909 analogs. Local minima on the PES's were found by the Random Search algorithm using the Sybyl molecular modeling package from Tripos, Inc., and an implicit solvent model. Two force-field/charge models were employed in the analysis: the Tripos force field with Gasteiger-Huckel charges and the MMFF94 force field with MMFF94 charges.

The effect of solvent on the location of minima in multi-dimensional torsional angle space was studied by comparison to the vacuum phase results. Minima were plotted in torsional angle …

Effects Of Sleep Deprivation On Autonomic Nervous System, Jaeyeaon Cho

Theses

Sleep deprivation (SD) has been thought a potential factor to trigger cardiovascular events by increasing the sympathetic nervous system activity. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the relationship between sleep deprivation and the autonomic nervous system activity by means of heart rate variability (HRV) and blood pressure variability (BPV). All data were acquired in the sleep lab of Columbia University.

Data were acquired from the two groups, SD and control. Subjects in the SD group did not sleep for thirty-six hours but subjects in the control group slept at night as usual. There were five different data …

Simulation Analysis Of Anti-Rollover Mechanism For Vehicles, Mohib L. Raid

Theses

Rollover accidents are considered the most significant safety problems for all classes of light vehicles, especially pickups, Sport Utility Vehicles (SUV), Light Truck Vehicle (LTV) and vans. The main objective of the research is the design of a new mechanism able to keep the vehicle stable under various road conditions and high speeds, to prevent the vehicle from rolling over and to maintain the stability for the vehicle by creating an anti-rolling torque on the vehicle body capable of turning the vehicle smoothly to stable position.

Biomimetic Sensor For In-Vivo Applications, Daya I. Sooryadas

Theses

The development of sensitive specific devices (e.g., molecular sensors) for the detection, diagnosis and monitoring of diseases, drug discovery, environmental detection of pollutants and/or biological agents has been an active area of research. A molecular sensor is a biomolecule or biomimetic molecule that performs two distinct functions in detecting target molecules. The sensor molecule recognizes a target molecule and specifically binds to it. This specific binding generates a signal in response to the event of target binding that can be then detected. The long term vision of this thesis research work is to develop a specific recognition ligand for detecting …

Fabrication Of Nanofiber Scaffolds By Electrospinning And It's Potential For Tissue Engineering, Shobana Shanmugasundaram

Theses

Electrospinning is a fabrication process that uses an electric field to control the deposition of polymer fibers on to a target substrate. This electrospinning strategy can be used to fabricate fibrous polymer mats composed of fiber diameters ranging from several microns down to tens of nanometers. This study assesses the potential of electrospinning, as an alternative scaffold fabrication technique for tissue engineering applications. In this study, electrospinning is adapted to produce tissue-engineering scaffolds of two different size ranges composed of non-woven poly-L-lactide (PLLA) nanofibers and as a first study, the potential use of these scaffolds as tissue engineering scaffolds was …

Remote Support Technology For Small Business, Luciano Michael

Theses

Small business is in need of a more efficient solution for managing their Information Technology support needs. Due to small business's need for custom solutions, IT service providers must dedicate highly skilled personnel to client business sites, incurring high overhead costs and restricting their ability to apply their employee base to multiple clients. This restriction in cost and flexibility places a high cost burden on small business clients, straining an already limited budget. The use of remote IT support technology may provide the basis for a solution to these problems. By applying remote technology, an IT provider could centralize their …

Remote Support Technology For Small Business, Michael Luciano

Theses

Small business is in need of a more efficient solution for managing their Information Technology support needs. Due to small business's need for custom solutions, IT service providers must dedicate highly skilled personnel to client business sites, incurring high overhead costs and restricting their ability to apply their employee base to multiple clients. This restriction in cost and flexibility places a high cost burden on small business clients, straining an already limited budget. The use of remote IT support technology may provide the basis for a solution to these problems. By applying remote technology, an IT provider could centralize their …

Persuasion By Association: A Content Analysis Of Cigarette Advertisements Aimed At The Youth Market, Pamela L. Carmichael

Theses

Past research suggests that manufacturers market cigarettes through advertisements associating cigarettes with qualities and behaviors valued by the target audience. Using content analysis, the present study compares the visual and verbal/textual product associations in cigarette advertisements in youth- (People and Sports Illustrated) and adult-oriented (Time and Better Homes and Gardens) magazines. Results show significant differences in product association categories, with ads in youth magazines significantly more likely than those in adult magazines to employ associations related to social gatherings/friendship, romance/eroticism, independence/self-reliance/rebellion, prize giveaways/merchandise, and pleasure/refreshment/flavor/quality. This study adds to the body of knowledge on the content of cigarette advertisements and …

What Educators Must Know About The Effectiveness Of Behavioral Interventions For Children With Autism, Renee' L. Henke

Theses

The diagnosis of autism is on the rise. There are many misconceived definitions of autism, even in the educational profession. Educators in all areas must become informed of behavioral intervention and modifications to help autistic students succeed.

This paper will reveal facts and information regarding behavior intervention and modification based on the Lovaas theory and method. It includes a case study of an eleveny-ear- old high-functioning autistic boy who has made great strides and is successful.

Synthesis Of Styrene And Acrylic Emulsion Polymer Systems By Semi-Continuous Seeded Polymerization Processes, Lynley H. Guckian

Theses

The synthesis of monodisperse styrene and acrylic core-shell polymer particles by semi-continuous seeded emulsion polymerization processes was investigated. 120 and 140 nm homopoly(styrene) seed particles were made for each batch and monodisperse 300 and 400 nm core-shell particles were synthesized therefrom. Divinylbenzene and poly(dimethylsiloxane) were compositional variables that were studied as part of the synthesis. The addition of DVB significantly increased the gel content of the particles. The incorporation of poly(dimethylsilocane) appeared to plasticize the particles. The particle size, morphology, surface charge, molecular weight, percent gel content, and glass transition characteristics of the particles were evaluated. It was found that …

Synthesis And Characterization Of Polyaniline And Poly (3-Methylthiophene) As Conducting Polymers, Fatma Khalifa Obaid Dalmouk

Theses

The performance of materials in general depends on their properties. There is a continuous need of new materials to meet the technological revolution that was witnessed by the end of last century. In this work, a new class of materials was synthesized. The host matrix is an Organic Conducting Polymer (OCP) of either poly(3-methylthiophene) (PMT) or poly(aniline) (PAN). The synthesis of OCP is achieved using electrochemical methods of applying constant potential or cyclic voltammetry at a platinum or graphite substrate in an acetonitrile containing tetra-alkyl-ammonium salt. The set up is three-electrode system of a platinum counter electrode and a silver/silver …

Bulk Polymerization And Structure-Property Relationship Of Medical Grade Polyurethane, Mariam Nasser Al-Saedi

Theses

Polyurethanes as biomaterials have been used in the augmentation and repair of the human body with great success. The choice of material for a particular application often hinges on the body's response to the polymer, the mechanical and thermal properties of the polymer and the stoichiometric ratio of active ingredients used in the synthesis.

A large number of polyurethanes used in medical applications are polyester-based and cannot be used in long-term implant applications because they are very susceptible to hydrolysis. Other medical-grade polyurethanes, which are suitable for implants are polyether-based which might to some extent, suffer from environmental stress cracking …

Environmental Risk Factors Of Bronchial Asthma Among Primary Schoolchildren In Abu Dhabi City, Fareed Hussain Saleh H. Jalabi

Theses

The aim of this study was to describe the current epidemiological pattern of bronchial asthma among the schoolchildren aged 7-12 years old in 60 government primary schools at Abu Dhabi city -UAE.

The analytical cross-section design (ACSD) was chosen as a suitable method to investigate the exposure variables (environmental risk factors) and prevalence of bronchial asthma simultaneously in a representative samples.

A self-administered questionnaire was completed by the parents of the school children to collect information regarding bronchial asthma, other related allergic conditions and family history of respiratory allergy.

Analyses of the effect of the different socio-demographic variables and clinical …

Processing And Optimization Of Natural Fiber Reinforced Composites Using Date Palm Fibers, Khalifa Musabbeh Suwaidan Hamad Al-Kaabi

Theses

During the last twenty years, ecological concerns have resulted in a renewed interest in natural materials. Composite materials usually depend on using man-made fibers as the reinforcing element. The possibility of using natural fibers instead of synthetic fibers is gaining acceptance among users. This work aims to investigate the possibility of extracting natural fibers from date palm trees to be used as reinforcement with polymeric materials. The objective was achieved by characterizing fibers through different chemical, physical and mechanical tests and using different treatment methods in order to modify the fiber properties. Date Palm Fibers (DPF) exhibit a cylindrical shape …

Design, Fabrication, And Testing Of A Miniature Impulse Turbine Driven By Compressed Gas, Daniel B. Holt

Theses

A miniature impulse turbine has been developed at the Rochester Institute of Technology. The goal of this project was to design, fabricate, and test a miniature turbine intended to power small vehicles such as micro air vehicles (MAVs). MAVs are vehicles with a maximum dimension of less then 15 cm and are used for surveillance and scouting. Due to the small size of MAVs, weight is a key design parameter. The batteries alone can account for more than 50% of the weight of the entire vehicle. A miniature turbine driven by compressed gas and coupled to a generator has been …

Extra-Pair Fertilization, Mate Choice And Genetic Similarity In The Mexican Jay (Aphelocoma Ultramarina), John Andrew Eimes

Theses

Inbreeding depression should select for the ability of females to avoid inbreeding or minimize its effects. We tested for a relationship between genetic similarity of social pairs and the occurrence of extra-pair fertilization (EPF) in the Mexican jay (Aphelocoma ultramarina), a bird species with known inbreeding depression and a high EPF rate (Brown and Brown 1998, Li and Brown 2000). Multi-locus minisatellite and microsatellite DNA fingerprinting were used to detect extra-pair young and measure genetic similarity between social parents. We found that 15 of 38 (39%) nests had at least one EPF and 21 of 115 (18%) young …

A Land Use And Land Cover Accuracy Assessment Based On Landsat 7 Imagery Within The Canandaigua Watershed: Natural Heritage Program And The James Anderson Classification System, Travis Money

Theses

Research that incorporates GIS and remotely sensed imagery has become increasingly popular and important for large-scale environmental applications, such as generating land use and land cover maps. One of the critical aspects of land cover analyses is assigning a land use and land cover classification scheme. This research evaluated two classification schemes, the 2002 Natural Heritage Classification and the 1976 James Anderson System in a land cover analysis of the Canandaigua Lake Watershed using Landsat imagery. It was hypothesized that the Landsat imagery could be used to identify unique ecological communities such as those delineated by the Natural Heritage Classification. …

Performance Estimation Techniques For Micro-Heterogeneous Computing Systems, Mikhail Goltsman

Theses

Heterogeneous Computing environments are networks of loosely coupled computational nodes with different architectures that map portions of a problem to nodes whose architecture is best suited to that computation. A proposed architecture, called Micro- Heterogeneous Computing (MHC), aims to develop an environment that would facilitate the creation and utilization of computational networks as small as a single workstation. The scheduling algorithms used to schedule computations to MHC nodes rely heavily on computation time performance estimates. Thus an appropriately precise performance estimate is essential in order to enable a scheduling algorithm to make the best scheduling decisions and thus to maximize …

Establishing A Uae Database Using Str Loci, Ibrahim Abdullah Ali Al-Housani

Theses

The analysis of DNA polymorphism has become an indispensable tool in forensic science and criminal cases. Today, the amplification of Short Tandem Repeat (STR) loci using PCR is the perfect method for typing biological evidence found at crime scenes. Forensic laboratories all over the world have been progressively expanding their databases for better discrimination among individuals and suspects of crimes.

The objective of this thesis was to analyze the DNA profile of native and non-native populations, and to study the similarities and dissimilarities among them. Blood samples were collected from three non-natives (Egyptian, Indian and Pakistani) and native populations from …

An Adaptive Estimation Scheme For Reducing Communications In A Distributed Control Implementation, Aaron Burry

Theses

This paper examines the application of adaptive estimation and control techniques to reduce the amount of communication required between subsystems in a distributed control implementation. Rather than require a large amount of communications to broadcast the outputs or the states of each of the subsystem nodes to all of the other nodes at every sampling instant, local estimators in each subsystem are used to predict the state vectors for all of the other subsystems. These estimates are then used in the calculation of the controller outputs for each of the subsystems. Prior work in the literature has focused on static …

Cultus: The Church, The Family, And The Art-Saint, Rebekah Carmichael

Theses

None provided.

Cfd Analysis And Validation For Solution To Micro Air Vehicle Airframes, Taher I. Attari

Theses

Micro Air Vehicles (MAVs) are generally defined as having an airframe with a span less than 6 inches and a mass less than 100 grams. The design of airframes is currently hindered by the lack of thorough understanding of the flow physics of very small aircrafts flying at low speeds. The study investigates the use of Fluent, a licensed CFD code at RTT, for MAV airframe design. This study is carried out in 4 steps. First, 4 different airfoils are selected and tested in CFD. The next step included the simulation of 3-D flat plates and wing models. An external …

Opposite Effects Of Lithium And Valproic Acid On Trophic Deprivation-Induced Gsk-3(Beta) Activation, C-Jun Expression And Neuronal Cell Death, Ning Jin

Theses

Recent studies demonstrate that lithium and valproic acid (VPA), two commonly used mood-stabilizing drugs, have neuroprotective effects against a variety of insults. Inhibition of the pro-apoptotic enzyme, glycogen synthase kinase-3P (GSK-3P), was suggested to be the mechanism of action of neuroprotection for both drugs. In this study, we tested if lithium and VPA could protect cultured cerebellar granule neurons (CGNs) from GSK-3P-mediated apoptosis induced by trophic withdrawal (serum/potassium deprivation). Lithium concentration-dependently (1-20 mM) protected CGNs. Indirubin, a specific, direct GSK-3P inhibitor, was also neuroprotective. On the contrary, VPA (1- 20 mM) did not provide any neuroprotection and even potentiated cell …