Digital Commons Network^™

Hidden Markov Models For Visual Speech Synthesis In Limited Data, Harold A. Arb

Theses and Dissertations

This work presents a new approach for estimating control points (facial locations that control movement) to allow the artificial generation of video with apparent mouth movement (visual speech) time-synced with recorded audio. First, Hidden Markov Models (HMMs) are estimated for each visual speech category (viseme) present in stored video data, where a category is defined as the mouth movement corresponding to a given sound and where the visemes are further categorized as trisemes (a viseme in the context of previous and following visemes). Next, a decision tree is used to cluster and relate states in the HMMs that are similar …

Cooperative Behavior Schemes For Improving The Effectiveness Of Autonomous Wide Area Search Munitions, Daniel P. Gillen

Theses and Dissertations

The problem being addressed is how to best find and engage an unknown number of targets in unknown locations using multiple autonomous wide area search munitions. In this research cooperative behavior is being investigated to improve the overall mission effectiveness. A simulation was used to emulate the behavior of autonomous wide area search munitions and measure their overall expected performance. This code was modified to incorporate the capability for cooperative engagement based on a parameterized decision rule. Using Design of Experiments and Response Surface Methodologies, the simulation was run to achieve optimal decision rule parameters for given scenarios and to …

Lifecycle Energy And Air Emission Differences Between Electric And Internal Combustion Vehicles, David L. Mccleese

Theses and Dissertations

The U.S. Federal Government has encouraged shifting from internal combustion engine vehicles (ICEVs) to electric vehicles (EVs) with three objectives, reducing foreign oil dependence, greenhouse gas emissions, and criteria pollutant emissions. This thesis uses Monte Carlo simulation to predict lifecycle emissions and energy consumption differences per kilometer driven from replacing ICEVs with three EV options: lead acid, nickel cadmium (Ni-Cd), and nickel metal hydride (NiMH). All three EV options reduce U.S. foreign oil dependence by shifting to domestic coal. The probabilities that lifecycle energy consumption per km driven improve are lead acid 76%, Ni-Cd 64%, and NiMH 90%. The probabilities …

Chromate Content Bias As A Function Of Particle Size In Aircraft Primer Paint Overspray, David B. Novy

Theses and Dissertations

Spray painting operations using chromate-containing primer paints produce particles which may expose workers to strontium chromate. Chromate contains hexavalent chromium (Cr(VI)) which is a confirmed human carcinogen. It is suspected that the smaller particles contain disproportionately less Cr(VI) than larger particles. In order to determine if a bias in chromate content exists, paint particles were collected and separated based on particle size and the Cr(VI) concentration was determined. Aviation primer paint from the DeSoto and Deft companies was sprayed in a booth and seven-stage cascade impactors were used to separate particles.

Pilot Mental Workload Calibration, Jeremy B. Noel

Theses and Dissertations

Predicting high pilot mental workload is important to the U.S. Air Force because lives and aircraft can be lost when errors are made during periods of mental overload and task saturation. Current research efforts use psychophysiological measures such as electroencephalography, cardiac, ocular, and respiration measures in an attempt to identify and predict mental workload levels. The primary focus of this effort is the development of a calibration scheme that allows a small subset of salient psychophysiological features developed using actual flight data for one pilot on a given day to accurately classify pilot mental workload for a separate pilot on …

A Verification And Validation Assessment Of Rapid Availability Prototyping For Testing Operational Readiness, Gurhan Tarman

Theses and Dissertations

Throughout the world, new techniques are developed to test and evaluate systems. The Department of Defense and the US Air Force conduct numerous studies into the reliability and maintainability of current and future weapons systems in an effort to understand the reliability, maintainability, and availability (RM&A) costs of these systems. Furthermore, they must verify RM&A characteristics of systems, which are still in the development phase. The Air Force Operational Test and Evaluation Center (AFOTEC) is responsible for testing new equipment to ensure their RM&A characteristics meet specifications. Rapid Availability Prototyping for Testing Operational Readiness (RAPTOR) is the software tool developed …

Characterization And Validation Of The Gp-3 Experimental Radar System, Benjamin L. Crossley

Theses and Dissertations

The experimental GP-3 radar system was originally designed and built under contract for the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL). AFRL sought AFIT's support in characterizing the as delivered' performance of the GP-3. This research effort focused exclusively on software modifications and hardware validations related to the GP-3 post-processing mode. As modified, tested, and validated, the GP-3's post-processing mode is now fully operational. The GP-3 is capable of transmitting and receiving bandlimited (3.5 MHz) waveforms at X-Band frequencies. System characterization tests included, noise performance and frequency response. System noise performance characterization permitted establishment of the receiver 'noise floor' and enabled determination …

A Methodology For Simulating The Joint Strike Fighter's Prognostics And Health Management System, Michael E. Malley

Theses and Dissertations

The Autonomic Logistics System Simulation (ALSim) model was developed to provide decision makers a tool to make informed decisions regarding the Joint Strike Fighter's (JSF) Autonomic Logistics System (ALS). The ALS provides real-time maintenance information to ground maintenance crews, supply depots, and air planners to efficiently manage the availability of JSF aircraft. This thesis effort focuses on developing a methodology to model the Prognostics and Health Management (PHM) component of ALS. The PHM component of JSF monitors the aircraft status. To develop a PHM methodology to use in ALSim a neural network approach is used. Notional JSF prognostic signals were …

Effects On The Red-Cockaded Woodpecker From Various Spatial And Temporal Applications Of Management Practices, Chad F. Schroeder

Theses and Dissertations

The Red-Cockaded Woodpecker (RCW) is an endangered species endemic to southeastern pine forests in the United States. RCWs are cooperative breeding birds that live together in clusters of old-growth pine trees in which they construct their nesting cavities. The cavities are constructed in living pines, which are predominantly longleaf pines. RCWs also forage upon older pines, preferably longleaf pine. The Endangered Species Act, along with other DoD regulations, requires DoD installations to protect the RCWs and restore their habitat. A popular management practice converts off-site (non-native) pines back to a region's indigenous pines. Conversion provides the best long term RCW …

The Genetic Mating System And Population Structure Of The Green -Rumped Parrotlet., Rebecca Renae Melland

Theses and Dissertations

The population genetic structure and extra-pair paternity were investigated using microsatellite markers in a Neotropical parrot, the Green-rumped Parrotlet (Forpus pesserinus). Blood samples were taken from adults at 6 natural populations from the Llanos of Venezuela and 160 families from the Hato Masaguaral population. Adult samples were screened at 10 microsatellite loci. Offspring were screened at 3 loci. Parentage analysis of 827 offspring revealed an extra-pair fertilization (EPF) rate of 7.7% young (n = 64) in 14.4% of nests (n = 23). No offspring resulted from intra-specific parasitism. Identification of genetic paternity was attempted for all extra-pair young. Comparisons of …

Localization Of Endothelial Cells And Their Precursors In The Embryonic Chick Heart During Coronary Vasculogenesis Utilizing An Mrna Specific Probe., Michelle Lynn Slover

Theses and Dissertations

The definitive origin(s) of endothelial cell precursors involved in establishing the endothelial lining of intramural coronary vasculature within the subepicardial space of the embryonic chick heart have not been fully characterized. This vasculogenic process is suggested to derive from reciprocal tissue interactions between the myocardium, dorsal mesocardium, and continuous epicardium. These developmental processes occur in chick embryos, staged 16–25 (2 to 4.5–5 days). In the current study, presumptive endothelial precursor cells have been located amongst the surface epithelial cells of the dorsal mesocardium and villi of the proepicardial organ, both of which contribute to the epicardial epithelium. Endothelial precursor cells …

Processing And Conservation Of The Grain Of Corn (Zea Mays L.) And Project Of Industrial Feasibility, Marina Caballero Bautista

Theses and Dissertations

Since Pre-Colombian time corn already formed part of the diet in Aztec and Mayan cultures, and actually represented in them a fountain of wealth and power. The cultivation is utilized in the region in multiple forms, not only for the human diet, but also as feed for animals. Corn is third place in the world production, following wheat and rice. It is cultivated in a total surface of 106 million hectares, its yield is 215 million tons, that represents an average of 2 tons per hectare. The cultivation of corn has special importance, given that this cereal constitutes the basic …

Livestock Production Costs Of Small Ranches On The Central Altiplano, Alfredo Benito Lopez

Theses and Dissertations

One of the more important economic activities in the Altiplano region is raising livestock, the exploitation of cattle, sheep, and llamas which are raised and adapted to the conditions surrounding this activity. Livestock production plays a fundamental role in the economy of farming families by providing them products such as meat, milk, cheese, fiber, skins, and other products that each translate into monetary revenues. The present study was carried out in the community of "Chama 6 de julio," Ingavi Province, Department of La Paz, about 83 km. (51.6 miles) outside of La Paz at an elevation of 3,792 m. (12,440 …

Analysis Of A Mixed Cereal Of Legumes That Processes Similar Nutritional Characteristics To A Cereal Product Of Local Consumption And Its Economic Feasibility, Willy Ivan Anzaldo Garcia

Theses and Dissertations

In this analysis, we plan on developing vegetable mixes with high nutritional qualities and instant fuel consumption. These are to be used as a nutritional supplement in the feeding of children from 6 months of age. Initially, I selected the raw material, due to its high protein content and low cost (soy, tarhui, Cuban corn, rice, wheat, barley). They formed mixes with nutritional characteristics similar to the control for reference (15.5% of protein, 419 kcal of energy). From these formulas, different tests of completed production of mixtures, going so far as to obtain eight mixes with good nutritional and organoleptic …

A Change Detection Comparison Of Deforestation In RondôNia, Brazil And Southern Bolivia Using Satellite Image Classification (1975-1998), John I. Menzies

Theses and Dissertations

No abstract provided.

Postoperative Nausea And Vomiting Using Nitrous Oxide In Patients Undergoing Tooth Extraction, Scott Malsom

Theses and Dissertations

No abstract provided.

Efficiency Of The Inorganic Fertilization In The Cultivation Of Alfalfa (Medicated Sativa L) And Whitewashing For The Correction Of The Ph Of The Soil, Alex Gonzalo Bravo Morocho

Theses and Dissertations

In our country the necessity to offer new alternatives for the agricultural sector is high-priority especially for the lucern cultivation that every day is surface cultivated especially in the Chimborazo province increases; for what is of our interest to establish the answer from the cultivation to the inorganic fertilization and liming for the flora pH correction, for this way to obtain better yields and for consequence to improve the economic conditions of the farmers. With the result that the titled investigation: Efficiency of the Inorganic Fertilization in the Alfalfa Cultivation (Medicago sativa L) and Liming for the Correction of the …

A Study Of Arkansas Public School Superintendents' Knowledge Of And Attitudes Toward Charter Schools, William E. Broadnax

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to explore reasons why most public school superintendents have not applied for the creation of a charter school, and to ascertain whether or not public school superintendents in Arkansas plan to open a charter school in their school district. In essence, this study investigated current knowledge and attitudes of Arkansas public school superintendents toward charter schools and Act 890 legislation. A non-experimental research design was conducted using a modified survey instrument (Ogden, 1995), which included all 310 public school superintendents in the State of Arkansas. A nonprobability sample of 160 superintendents completed and returned …

Gaba-A Receptor Subunit Alterations Following Experimental Traumatic Brain Injury And The Effects Of An Nmda Antagonist: A Western Blot Analysis, Cynthia J. Gibson

Theses and Dissertations

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) produces an acute phase of neuronal excitation followed by a chronic phase of depressed neuronal function. Alterations in excitatory and inhibitory receptor interactions may be dynamically involved in subsequent long-term detriments in neuronal and cognitive functioning. TBI- induced elevations in intracellular calcium concentrations ([Ca²⁺]_i) are mediated primarily by the NMDA receptor. Elevated [Ca²⁺]_i may trigger intracellular mechanisms which drive changes in GABA-A receptor protein synthesis and expression, ultimately resulting in receptor dysfunction.

Western blot analysis was used to investigate alterations to GABA-A receptor subunits α1 and β33 in the …

Morphological Analysis Of Altertions [Sic] In The Recovering Chick Choroid Following Experimentally Induced Myopia, Jared M. Bratvold

Theses and Dissertations

No abstract provided.

Stabilization Of Gap Junctions During Plasma Membrane Remodeling Of Nrk Cells, Sally A. Aadland

Theses and Dissertations

No abstract provided.

Adoption And Safe Families Act : Foster Care Workers Impressions Of Implementation, Jody Goodell-Lange

Theses and Dissertations

No abstract provided.

Alcohol And Speech Perception, Charlene D. Cyr

Theses and Dissertations

No abstract provided.

History Of Stressful Life Events And Perception Of Controllability As Predictors Of Psychophysiological And Subjective Responses To A Laboratory Stressor, Jessica White Plume

Theses and Dissertations

No abstract provided.

Determination Of Baseline Response Data On The Energy And Environmental Research Center Wet Scrubber System, Jeremie M. Moberg

Theses and Dissertations

No abstract provided.

"Just As Good As They Are": Voices Of Contemporary Women Involved In Farming And Ranching In North Dakota, Heidi L. Dyrstad

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to examine the current experiences of women involved in farming and ranching in North Dakota. Specifically, women from across the state of North Dakota were interviewed to further our understanding of their lives as they experienced and reacted to the changing nature of agriculture. Interviewing was employed as the primary method of investigation to allow the women's voices to be conveyed directly to others.

Through analysis based in grounded theory methodology, three descriptive assertions emerged from the interview data, and they are as follows: (1) The women involved in farming and ranching in this …

Response Of Mountain Lions To A Changing Prey Base In California, Eric S. Long

Theses and Dissertations

No abstract provided.

Evaluation Of Diets With Different Levels Of Barley Sprouts (Hordeum Vulgare) In The Basic Feed Of Guinea Pigs (Cavia Aperea Porcellus) In The Phases Of Growth, Jenny Lourdes Mamani Gutierrez

Theses and Dissertations

The study was done in the department of La Paz, providence of Ingavi in the community of Letanias (16° 39’ 15” S; 69° 60’ 18” W), in the Benson Institute building, located 3 kilometers from Viacha. The objectives were: to evaluate the growth and increase in weight and consumption of food in Guinea pig male and females under the effect of diets with different levels of barley sprout in the phases of growth; to determine the nutritional conversion; to determine the optimal level of use of the barley sprouts in the basic feeding of Guinea pigs; and to evaluate the …

Eating, Nutrition And Of Health Diagnostic Of The Elementary Schools Of The Communities Of Guambo And The Rinconada, Province Of Imbabura 2002-2001, Ruth Muriel

Theses and Dissertations

The rural communities of the province of Imbabura present multiple problems of environmental, educational, and economic kind. Previous studies show that the rural communities of the Ecuadorian population present serious problems of health and nutrition, among those that excel are: poliparasitosis, respiratory infections and diarrheal, malnutrition, deficiency of micro nutrients, sanitary deficiency, scarce economic resources and low level of instruction. All these factors have caused a decrease in the productive capacity of the country and affected their level of development. In addition, delay exists in size in the students, which leads to a decrease in the capacity for physical work, …

Profile Of Susceptibility To Theiler's Murine Encephalomyelitis Virus-Induced Demyelinating Disease (Tmed-Idd) In Balb/C Mice, Kevin A. Karls

Theses and Dissertations

No abstract provided.