Digital Commons Network^™

Surface Acoustic Wave Devices As Chemical Vapor Sensors, Daniel Gallagher

Theses and Dissertations

In order to effectively neutralize non-traditional threats to US forces and population such as improvised explosive devices (IED) and chemical, biological, radio- logical, nuclear, and explosive (CBNRE) weapons, a flexible vapor sensor platform is proposed. This work involves the design, fabrication, and testing of coated surface acoustic wave devices for vapor sensing ability. Devices were fabricated in-house using MEMS fabrication techniques, then coated with a thin layer of a Nafion polymer. The frequency response of coated devices displayed 2 MHz frequency shifts around the resonance frequency upon introduction of ethanol vapors into the nitrogen vapor stream. This indicates strong sensing …

Using Agent-Based Modeling To Evaluate Uas Behaviors In A Target-Rich Environment, Joseph A. Van Kuiken

Theses and Dissertations

The trade-off between accuracy and speed is a re-occurring dilemma in many facets of military performance evaluation. This is an especially important issue in the world of ISR. One of the most progressive areas of ISR capabilities has been the utilization of Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS). Many people believe that the future of UAS lies in smaller vehicles flying in swarms. We use the agent-based System Effectiveness and Analysis Simulation (SEAS) to create a simulation environment where different configurations of UAS vehicles can process targets and provide output that allows us to gain insight into the benefits and drawbacks of …

Binding Studies Of Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor Targeted Compounds Using Surface Plasmon Resonance, Spandana Kankanala

Theses and Dissertations

The study of binding kinetics of proteins plays an important role in understanding molecular mechanisms that drive biological processes. The binding rate constants reflect the dynamics of the system and associated biological activity measurements of the association and dissociation rate constants make it possible to compare different interactions in a standardized manner and help elucidate a mechanistic understanding of binding events. In our study, we used Surface Plasmon Resonance (SPR) technology (Biacore) to study the binding kinetics of the antibodies EGF, Cetuximab and a candidate drug P-13 with the receptor EGFR. The candidate drug P-13 was synthesized and tested on …

Combat Identification Modeling Using Neural Network Techniques, Changwook Lim

Theses and Dissertations

The purposes of this research were: (1) validating Kim’s (2007) simulation method by applying analytic methods and (2) comparing the two different Robust Parameter Design methods with three measures of performance (label accuracy for enemy, friendly, and clutter). Considering the features of CID, input variables were defined as two controllable (threshold combination of detector and classifier) and three uncontrollable (map size, number of enemies and friendly). The first set of experiments considers Kim’s method using analytical methods. In order to create response variables, Kim’s method uses Monte Carlo simulation. The output results showed no difference between simulation and the analytic …

Tools For The Conceptual Design And Engineering Analysis Of Micro Air Vehicles, Mustafa Turan

Theses and Dissertations

Micro Air Vehicles (MAV) are a subset of Unmanned Aircraft (UAS) that are up to two orders of magnitude smaller than manned systems. Near-Earth environments, such as forests, caves, tunnels and urban structures make reconnaissance, surveillance and search-and-rescue missions difficult and dangerous to accomplish. Therefore, MAVs are considered ideal for these types of missions. However, the data using full size aircraft is inadequate to characterize miniature aircraft parameters due to the lower Reynolds numbers and low aspect ratio (LAR) wings and impact of wing-propeller interactions. The main objectives of this research were to: collect and synthesize the available data/tools; create …

Real-Time Wind Estimation And Video Compression Onboard Miniature Aerial Vehicles, Andres Felipe Rodriguez Perez

Theses and Dissertations

Autonomous miniature air vehicles (MAVs) are becoming increasingly popular platforms for the collection of data about an area of interest for military and commercial applications. Two challenges that often present themselves in the process of collecting this data. First, winds can be a significant percentage of the MAV's airspeed and can affect the analysis of collected data if ignored. Second, the majority of MAV's video is transmitted using RF analog transmitters instead of the more desirable digital video due to the computational intensive compression requirements of digital video. This two-part thesis addresses these two challenges. First, this thesis presents an …

Biogeography Of The Livebearing Fish Poecilia Gillii In Costa Rica: Are Phylogeographic Breaks Congruent With Fish Community Boundaries?, Jared Benjamin Lee

Theses and Dissertations

One of the original goals of phylogeography was to use genetic data to identify historical events that might contribute to breaks among biotic communities. In this study, we examine the phylogeography of a common livebearing fish (Poecilia gillii) from Costa Rica. Our goal was to see if phylogeographic breaks in this species were congruent with previously-defined boundaries among four fish community provinces. We hypothesized that if abiotic factors influence both community boundaries and genetic structuring in P. gillii then we would find four monophyletic clades within our focal species that were geographically separated along community boundary lines. Similarly, we expected …

“Humanoid Robot” “Programming Of Movement Patterns” “Humanoid - Bioloid”, Faton Bekteshi

Theses and Dissertations

This thesis was developed in collaboration with Univ.Prof.Dipl.-Ing.Dr.Dr.h.c.mult. Peter Kopacek and Msc. Artan Dermaku and boosted the creation of the Humanoid Robotics Laboratory of UBT, at University for Business and Technology in Prishtina. ( http://www.ubt-uni.net/ ).

The main objective of the Humanoid Robot, for the time being, is to develop a

humanoid robot able to make complex motions like walking, running and jumping through real-time feedback control techniques.

This exposition presents a Linear Quadratic Regulator (LQR) controller for the simulation and control of the humanoid robot. Also our objective during programming the robot was to make him able improving military …

The Evaluation Of Rekeying Protocols Within The Hubenko Architecture As Applied To Wireless Sensor Networks, Cory J. Antosh

Theses and Dissertations

This thesis investigates the impact of using three different rekeying protocols–pair-wise, hierarchical, and Secure Lock within a wireless sensor network (WSN) under the Hubenko architecture. Using a Matlab computer simulation, the impact of the three rekeying protocols on the number of bits transmitted across the network and the amount of battery power consumed in WSN nodes during rekey operations is investigated. Baseline pair-wise rekeying performance can be improved by using either Secure Lock or hierarchical rekeying. The best choice depends on the size of the WSN and the size of the key used. Hierarchical rekeying is the best choice for …

The Approximation Rule: Examining An Alternative To The “Best Interest Of The Child” Custody Standard, Elizabeth Archer

Theses and Dissertations

While the Best Interest of the Child (BIOC) standard has been used since the 1970’s, alternatives such as the Approximation Rule have recently been proposed to remediate perceived weaknesses in BIOC. This study examines the applicability of the Approximation Rule using cross-sectional data collected from 517 children (age 10-18) of divorced parents using the Co-Parenting Behavior Questionnaire (CBQ). Data for all co-parenting and parenting variables (n = 517) were analyzed to determine relationships by time since divorce and custodial relationship. Physical custody was associated with significant differences in children’s’ ratings of both co-parenting and parenting effectiveness. Results for time since …

Stochastic Spatio-Temporal Uncertainty In Gis-Based Water Quality Modeling Of The Land Water Interface, Ahmad Mohamad Salah

Theses and Dissertations

Integrated water resources management has been used for decades in various formats. The limited resources and the ever growing population keep imposing pressure on decision makers to better-, and reliably, manage the available waters. On the other hand, the continuous development in computing and modeling power has helped modelers and decision makers considerably. To use these models, assumptions have to be made to fill in the gaps of missing data and to approximate the current conditions. The type and amount of information available can also be used to help select the best model from the currently available models. Advances in …

Small Mammals In Portions Of Great Basin National Park Susceptible To Groundwater Withdrawal: Diversity And Stable Isotope Perspectives, Bryan T. Hamilton

Theses and Dissertations

To support population growth in Las Vegas, Nevada, large scale increases in groundwater pumping are planned across the state. This pumping could affect riparian areas in Great Basin National Park by lowering groundwater levels, reducing stream flows, and xerifying riparian vegetation. Great Basin National Park (GBNP) is mandated to manage its resources unimpaired for future generations. Loss of biodiversity is unacceptable under this mandate. If groundwater levels are reduced beyond a threshold, aquatic and riparian diversity would be lost, but the effects on small mammal communities are less clear. To provide baseline information and to consider the effects of groundwater …

Power Generation By Harvesting Ambient Energy With A Micro-Electromagnetic Generator, James H. Shields

Theses and Dissertations

This thesis investigated the potential power output of a micro-electromagnetic generator fabricated using typical microfabrication materials and techniques. The design was based on a desire to free bio-implanted or remote electronic devices from batteries and their finite power supplies. A micro-electromagnetic generator could harvest energy from the ambient environment and power such devices indefinitely. Designs for the stator coil and rotor magnet components of the generator were optimized to produce maximum current density based upon electromagnetic theory. The relative orientation of the coil to the rotor and material selection for each component were considered. Coils were fabricated using low-resistance gold. …

Communication Free Robot Swarming, Zachary C. Gray

Theses and Dissertations

As the military use of unmanned aerial vehicles increases, a growing need for novel strategies to control these systems exists. One such method for controlling many unmanned aerial vehicles simultaneously is the through the use of swarm algorithms. This research explores a swarm robotic algorithm developed by Kadrovach implemented on Pioneer Robots in a real-world environment. An adaptation of his visual sensor is implemented using stereo vision as the primary method of sensing the environment. The swarm members are prohibited from explicitly communicating other than passively through the environment. The resulting implementation produces a communication free swarming algorithm. The algorithm …

Polymer Microfluidic Devices For Bioanalysis, Xuefei Sun

Theses and Dissertations

Polymeric microchips have received increasing attention in chemical analysis because polymers have attractive properties, such as low cost, ease of fabrication, biocompatibility and high flexibility. However, commercial polymers usually exhibit analyte adsorption on their surfaces, which can interfere with microfluidic transport in, for example, chemical separations such as chromatography or electrophoresis. Usually, surface modification is required to eliminate this problem. To perform stable and durable surface modification, a new polymer, poly(methyl methacrylate-co-glycidyl methacrylate) (PGMAMMA) was prepared for microchip fabrication, which provides epoxy groups on the surface. Whole surface atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) and in-channel ATRP approaches were employed to …

Role Of Rock And Pkc In Regulation Of Contraction Of Permeabilized Femoral Arterial Smooth Muscle, Brendan Browne

Theses and Dissertations

KCl is traditionally used as a stimulus to examine the role of increases in cytosolic Ca2+ on the regulation of smooth muscle contraction. KCl bypasses GPCR activation, thereby avoiding activation of additional cell signaling systems, such as phospholipase C and PKC that are inherent to Gaq and Ga12/13 stimulation. GPCR activation causes Ca2+ sensitization (greater force for a given increase in Ca2+) by a ROCK- and PKC-dependent inhibition of myosin light chain (MLC) phosphatase. Recent studies have demonstrated that KCl can also produce Ca2+ sensitization, implying that Ca2+ itself may induce Ca2+ sensitization. To test the hypothesis that Ca2+ can …

Predictors Of Discrepancies In Parents’ And Children’S Reports Of Child Emotion Regulation, Shannon Hourigan

Theses and Dissertations

The ability to effectively regulate one’s emotions has been linked with many aspects of well-being. However, disagreement in parents’ and children’s reports of children’s emotion regulation presents significant measurement and conceptual challenges. This investigation aimed to identify predictors of these discrepancies from among demographic, psychopathology, and child emotional awareness measures and to examine patterns of discrepancies among three emotion types (i.e., anger, sadness, and worry) and three regulation “strategies” (i.e., inhibition, dysregulated expression, and coping). Sixty-one mother-child dyads (41 girls, mean age 9.3 years) participated. As hypothesized, age, child and parent report of psychopathology, and poor emotion awareness all emerged …

The Developmental Effect Of Human Embryoid Bodies (Heb) Under Dynamic Culturing Conditions Using A Perfusion Based Slow Turning Lateral Vessel (Stlv) Bioreactor, Claiborne Collier

Theses and Dissertations

Human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) can provide a unique approach for novel tissue engineering applications. Previous groups have shown that hESCs can differentiate into specialized cell types through the generation of human embryoid bodies (hEBs). These multi-cellular constructs are then subjected to suspension culture for several weeks. Traditional hESC differentiation techniques have yielded non-homogeneous EBs derived in standard static cultures providing an inefficient platform for cellular viability and embryonic modeling. Here, our study aimed at systematically comparing the formation, growth, and differentiation capabilities of hESC-derived hEBs in dynamic and static suspension cultures. We used a continuous flow perfusion slow turning …

Teaching Problem-Solving To Improve Family Functioning And Decrease Suicidality, Erin Shae Johns

Theses and Dissertations

Suicide is a leading cause of death among adolescents and young adults. Numerous risk factors have been identified in the literature, including poor problem-solving skills, poor family functioning, excessive risk-taking behaviors, legal difficulties, and school difficulties. Deficits in problem-solving skills and poor family functioning are typically reported together, indicating a relationship between the two. However, no previous studies have identified this relationship. The purpose of this study was to identify possible relationships between two known risk factors and suicidal ideation, to determine whether problem-solving skills taught in the experimental groups reduce suicidal ideation and improve perceptions of family relationships, and …

The Security System In Kosovo, Fatbardha Osaj

Theses and Dissertations

No abstract provided.

Diversity Of Insects From The Vespidae Family In Three Ecological Niches (Forest, Forest Border, And Agricultural Area) In Six Communities In The Coroico And Coripata Municipalities, Department Of La Paz, Edwin Zapata Mayta

Theses and Dissertations

The Vespidae family (order Hymenoptera) is comprised of 4500 species of wasps in 268 genera and 7 subfamilies. These wasps prey upon a wide range of insects, including Lepidopteran caterpillars. Because of their low prey specificity, the use of Vespid wasps in biological control programs is limited. However, in their natural habitat, they play a role in controlling populations of some pest species. This study was conducted in six different communities in the department of La Paz within the municipalities of Coroico and Coripata. Three ecological niches were selected in each community: 1) the forest, 2) the edge of the …

Effect Of Increased Carbon Dioxide Levels On Urushiol Production In Toxicodendron Radicans And Toxicodendron Toxicarium, Meredith Gilbert

Theses and Dissertations

It is hypothesized that global warming is at least partially due to increased greenhouse gases, one of which is carbon dioxide. An increase in atmospheric carbon dioxide has been shown to stimulate higher rates of plant productivity, including the production of plant toxins like urushiol. Urushiol, a secondary plant compound produced in members of the Anacardiaceae family, causes dermatitis in sensitive individuals. An increase in urushiol production could increase the reactivity of certain individuals to plants like poison oak and poison ivy. To determine how elevated levels of atmospheric carbon dioxide would effect urushiol production, 16 samples of poison ivy …

The Expression Of Sparc In Arsenite- And Cadmium- Transformed Human Urothelial Cells (Urotsa), Tumor Heterotransplants And In Bladder Cancer, Tahmina Yasmin

Theses and Dissertations

No abstract provided.

Dynamics And Rheology Of Biaxial Liquid Crystal Polymers, Sarthok K. Sircar

Theses and Dissertations

In this thesis we derive a hydrodynamical kinetic theory to study the orientational response of a mesoscopic system of nematic liquid crystals in the presence of an external flow field. Various problems have been attempted in this direction. First, we understand the steady-state behavior of uniaxial LCPs under an imposed elongational flow, electric and magnetic field respectively. We show that (1) the Smoluchowski equation can be cast into a generic form, (2) the external field is parallel to one of the eigenvectors of the second moment tensor, and (3) the steady state probability density function is of the Boltzmann type. …

The Impact Of Mental Challenge On Indicators Of Endothelial Function In Obese Individuals, Chun-Jung Huang

Theses and Dissertations

A number of investigators have examined psychological stress-induced endothelial dysfunction, however, the underlying mechanisms for these responses have not been clearly elucidated. The purpose of this study was to compare the effects of mental challenge on forearm blood flow, total antioxidant capacity (a measure of oxidative stress), the release of norepinephrine (NE; stress induced neurotransmitter), and pro-inflammatory cytokine responses [both lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated TNF-α and IL-6 cytokine and mRNA] in lean and obese individuals. Twelve subjects who had a BMI above 30 kg/m2 and were above 30% body fat were categorized as obese and twelve subjects with a BMI below 25 …

Kingdom Compossible, Ryan Lauterio

Theses and Dissertations

Does God exist? Can we know for sure? What might it mean to know this? Furthermore what might it look like to make works of art while also seeking to find answers to these questions? This thesis details my personal experiences growing up in a world steeped in postmodernism and my move to answer such questions while looking to develop a meaningful, clear worldview and body of work. I have turned my focus on specific episodes in my life, which significantly illuminate a progression of thinking and experience. Together these thoughts and experiences have become the impetus for both questions …

Landscape Change In The Multi-Use, Multi-Ownership Forests Of The Olympic Peninsula, Washington, 1988-2006, Justin D. Braaten

Theses and Dissertations

No abstract provided.

Material Testing Of Plla-Graft-Epr And Plla Blends, Kirtipal A. Barse

Theses and Dissertations

No abstract provided.

The Expectation Of Social Dominance : The Implications Of Expectation States For A Theory Of Resistance, Joshua Clark Burbank

Theses and Dissertations

No abstract provided.

The Conservation Reserve Program : A Case Study Of Three North Dakota Counties In The Prairie Pothole Region, Lorilie M. Atkinson

Theses and Dissertations

No abstract provided.