Digital Commons Network^™

Multiobjective Optimization Design With Pareto Genetic Algorithm, Franklin Y. Cheng, Dan Li

Civil, Architectural and Environmental Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

This paper presents a constrained multiobjective (multicriterion, vector) optimization methodology by integrating a Pareto genetic algorithm (GA) and a fuzzy penalty function method. A Pareto GA generates a Pareto optimal subset from which a robust and compromise design can be selected. This Pareto GA consists of five basic operators: reproduction, crossover, mutation, niche, and the Pareto-set filter. The niche and the Paretoset filter are defined, and fitness for a multiobjective optimization problem is constructed. A fuzzy-logic penalty function method is developed with a combination of deterministic, probabilistic, and vague environments that are consistent with GA operation theory based on randomness …

Performance-Based Testing Of Chemical Stabilizers, Thomas M. Petry

Civil, Architectural and Environmental Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

Chemical stabilizing agents have been introduced that have performed in field applications to improve the behavior of earth materials. The same agents and materials subjected to standardized laboratory tests have often resulted in no improvement. For example, the tests often require pulverization of materials to finer states than are needed in the field or may require remolding when field applications are done in situ, as with injection applications. Some of the physical tests do not place treated materials in a situation resembling conditions in the field, yet they are applied to determine the use of these agents. The experiences of …

Application Of Statistical Techniques In The Evaluation Of Packaging Processes, Mark Harris

Theses

Production processes for packaging components frequently are subject to variation that can result in the manufacture of unusable components. Significant exposure to both the component supplier and the customer is incurred when the production process capability is not established prior to the start of production. "Application of Statistical Techniques in the Evaluation of Packaging Processes" presents a program of statistical tests for problem resolution as well as for the qualification of a new process. Training of manufacturing personnel in the fundamentals is a necessary element to accurately apply and interpret the results. The successful use of statistics requires knowledge of …

Job Satisfaction In Newspaper Ad Departments, James Pokrywczynski, John Crowley

College of Communication Faculty Research and Publications

The results of a study indicate that newspaper advertising employees are not as dissatisfied as their editorial counterparts but that they are the least satisfied of any group in the advertising industry.

Bridge Engineering For The Elementary Grades, Douglas R. Carroll

Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

A one-hour presentation was developed to get elementary school students interested in engineering. The presentation begins with the students building six feet long, structurally sound bridge which they can crawl across. A pictorial presentation helps them learn to identify some of the different types of bridges: truss, stone arch, steel arch, concrete girder, cable-stayed, and suspension. They are introduced to the fundamental engineering concepts of tension and compression. These concepts are reinforced by demonstrating that if a tension member is replaced with a chain then the bridge is still strong, but if a compression member is replaced with a chain …

Analysis Of Rockbolt Reinforcement Using Beam-Column Theory, Samit Roy, Anand B. Rajagopalan

Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

A simple analytical procedure that applies classical beam-column theory for evaluating passive rock bolt roof reinforcement is presented in this paper. The analytical model is derived from first principles and is capable modelling any number of reinforcing bolts. Each rock bolt is modelled as a linear spring and the model allows for non-uniform bolt spacing. In this study the rock beam is assumed to be isotropic and linearly elastic for the sake of simplicity. However, the analytical model can be extended to include anisotropic rock mass as well as inelastic material behavior. The solution to the couped set of governing …

Eigenvalue And Eigenvector Determination For Damped Gyroscopic Systems, D. P. Malone, Don L. Cronin, Timothy W. Randolph

Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

No abstract provided.

Neutron Transmutation Doping As An Experimental Probe For Cuzn In Znse, Edward D. Wheeler, Jack L. Boone, J. W. Farmer, H. R. Chandrasekhar

Electrical and Computer Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

Nuclear transmutation is employed in an investigation of copper doping in ZnSe. Copper atoms are introduced at zinc sites in ZnSe after crystal growth processes are complete. Since the copper dopants are introduced after growth, far from equilibrium, they are less able to form complexes with other dopants or lattice defects as they may do when present during crystal growth. Initial results are consistent with CuZn being involved in the copper red and copper green emissions in ZnSe but not in the if exitonic emission. © 1997 American Institute of Physics.

An Analog Integrated Circuit For Continuous-Time Gain And Offset Calibration Of Sensor Arrays, Yu Ming Chiang, John G. Harris

Electrical and Computer Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

Parameter variations cause unavoidable nonuniformities in Infra-Red Focal Plane Arrays and other integrated sensors. Since these nonuniformities change slowly with time, calibrating sensors one-time only is not suitable-much more frequent calibration is required. We have developed an algorithm that continually calibrates an array of sensors that contain gain and offset variations. This algorithm has been mapped to analog hardware and designed and fabricated with a 2um CMOS technology. Measured results from the chip show that the system achieves invariance to gain and offset variations of the input signal.

A Survey Of Architects And Engineers In The State Of Virginia To Determine If Traditional Drafting Skills Should Continue To Be Taught In Virginia's High Schools, James M. Peters

OTS Master's Level Projects & Papers

The following questions guided this research design: 1. Determine the use of traditional and computer aided drafting tools and skills in architectural and engineering firms; 2. Determine whether architects and engineers feel that it is important to continue to teach traditional drafting skills in high school technology education classes; 3. Determine whether architects and engineers feel that it is important to teach CAD skills in high school technology education classes; 4. Determine what type(s) of CAD programs are currently in use in architectural and engineering firms.

An Analysis Of The Attitudes Of Technology Education Students Enrolled In The Military Career Transition Program At Darden College Of Education, Old Dominion University, Rodney L. Pastore

OTS Master's Level Projects & Papers

Through the analysis of the reasons given by students for enrolling in Old Dominion University's MCTP and Technology Education programs, the following goals will be answered: 1. Determine the reasons why students selected the Military Career Transition Program; 2. Determine the reasons why students enrolled in the Technology Education programs; 3. Assess the motivational and attitudinal factors contributing to their enrollment and completion of the Military Career Transition Program, Technology Education program.

A 50 Kilowatt Distributed Grid-Connected Photovoltaic Generation System For The University Of Wyoming, Badrul H. Chowdhury, S. Muknahallipatna, T. Dinwoodie, D. Shugar, J. J. Cupal, J. C. Hamann

Electrical and Computer Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

The University of Wyoming (UW) campus (USA) is serving as the site for a 50 kilowatt solar photovoltaic (PV) power system. Three sub-systems were sited and built on the UW campus in 1996. The first sub-system, a 10 kW roof-integrated system of PV roof tiles is located on the roof of the Engineering Building. The second sub-system-a 5 kW rack-mounted, ballasted PV system is on a walkway roof of the Engineering building. The third sub-system is a 35 kW shade structure system and is located adjacent to the parking lot of the University's football stadium. The three sub-systems differ in …

Buffalograss Establishment With Preemergence Herbicides, Jack D. Fry, Roch E. Gaussoin, Dan D. Beran, Robert A. Masters

Department of Agronomy and Horticulture: Faculty Publications

Field studies were conducted at two sites in Nebraska (NEI and NE2) and one site in Kansas (KS) in 1994 to determine the influence of selected preemergence herbicides on establishment of seeded 'Sharp's Improved' buffalograss [Buchloe dactyloides (Nutt.) Engelm.]. Herbicides were applied within 2 days after seeding. Application ofimazethapyr at 0.07 kg·ha^-1 usually resulted in buffalograss seedling density, vigor, and foliar cover that were superior to buffalograss stands where other herbicides were applied. Buffalograss response to AC 263,222 at 0.07 kg∙ha^-1 was variable and appeared to be influenced by level of weed interference. Seedling density and vigor …

Specialized Labor And Employment Law Institutions In New Zealand And The United States, Andrew P. Morriss

Faculty Scholarship

Legal specialization takes several forms: decision-makers and advocates can specialize in particular types of cases, specialized rules can govern particular types of disputes, facts may be found by experts, appeals heard by special courts, or some or all of these combined. The American and New Zealand employment and labor law regimes make different use of specialized decision-makers, in part because of differences in their use of specialized legal rules for labor and employment law. These differences provide an opportunity to assess the appropriateness of specialization in legal decisionmaking.

Specialization in the legal system is simply one form of the more …

Season And Genotype Influence Golf Ball Roll Distance On Creeping Bentgrass, A.M. Rist, Roch E. Gaussoin, Bob Shearman, J.D. Fry, Walter W. Stroup

Department of Agronomy and Horticulture: Faculty Publications

Golfers are demanding increased ball roll distances on a daily basis, but cultural practices to achieve this often are detrimental to the green. One option for increasing ball roll distance without altering cultural practices may be to select creeping bentgrass genotypes that provide less resistance to ball roll. Studies were conducted at the John Seaton Anderson Turfgrass and Ornamental Research Facility near Ithaca, Neb., and at the Rocky Ford Turfgrass Research Facility in Manhattan, Kans., to determine genotype and seasonal influences on golf ball roll distance. Eighteen creeping bentgrass (Agrostis palustris Huds.) genotypes were evaluated. Genotype was not a …

A Study To Determine If The Major Virginia School Systems Are Teaching Middle School Technology Using Modular Or Traditional Laboratory Arrangements, John R. Begley

OTS Master's Level Projects & Papers

The goals of this research project were to: 1. Determine if the major Virginia school systems are teaching middle school technology education using modular or traditional laboratory arrangements; 2. Determine which major Virginia middle schools are teaching technology education using modular or traditional laboratory arrangements.

The Effect Of Safety Training At The Ford Assembly Plant In Norfolk, Virginia, Maggie Daniels

OTS Master's Level Projects & Papers

These research goals were established to answer the problem and provide guidelines to conduct the research: 1. Determine when, how often, and under what conditions safety training was given; 3. Determine what teaching method was used in the delivery of safety training; 3. Determine the amount of lost time due to safety violations before and after the safety training was given.

Patterns Of Safety Issues Found At Western Branch High School, Chesapeake, Virginia, Bruce Lytle

OTS Master's Level Projects & Papers

The following questions need to be answered to solve the research problem: 1. What were the most prevalent crimes that have occurred at the school? 2. Which crimes pose the greatest threat to students and staff? 3. What procedures can be implemented to reduce threatening crimes?

A Follow-Up Study Of Technology Education Graduates Of Old Dominion University 1986-1996, Mark D. Siciliano

OTS Master's Level Projects & Papers

Through the follow-up study, data was collected toward fulfilling the following objectives: 1) to determine if graduates of Old Dominion University's Technology Education Undergraduate Program were adequately prepared to assume teaching positions; 2) to determine whether the goals established in the college's conceptual framework were being attained; 3) to determine if these graduates are teaching traditional vocational programs or technology education; 4) to determine what improvements can be made to the undergraduate curriculum at Old Dominion University based upon graduate's feedback.

A Study To Determine The Preferences Of 8th Grade Middle School Students For Modular Programmed Instruction Or Laboratory Instruction, Donald B. Todd

OTS Master's Level Projects & Papers

The objectives of this study were established to determine: 1. If eighth grade Newport News Dozier Middle School students preferred technology education classes using programmed instruction of the Synergistic Systems modules to other academic classes; 2. If programmed instruction using Synergistic Systems modules motivated the eighth grade Newport News Dozier Middle School student to prefer this instructional method over traditional technology teacher-directed laboratory instruction.

A Study To Examine The Reasons For Licensure Preferences By Mctp Students, James S. Mcneill

OTS Master's Level Projects & Papers

The following goals were used to direct this study: 1. Determine the exact reason for the middle school licensure preference by MCTP graduate students; 2. Determine if the age of their prospective students was a reason for their preference for middle school licensure; 3. Determine if MCTP graduate students choose middle school licensure because their military and undergraduate experience lends itself best to this area of teaching.

A Study To Investigate The Implementation Of Performance Standards And Feedback Reports On The Effect Of Productivity Of Substance Abuse Clinicians At A Community Mental Health Center, Fred W. Jenkins

OTS Master's Level Projects & Papers

The following hypothesis was selected to guide this study: 1. The implementation of performance standards and monthly measurement reports will improve the productivity of mental health clinicians in a community mental health facility.

Student Attitudes Toward Individuals With Disabilities: Inclusive Versus Traditional Classrooms In Elementary School, Heather Young

Theses

In recent years, many schools have begun to include students with disabilities in general education classrooms. Studies on "inclusion," have shown several positive effects for students with and without disabilities. This study examines the self-reported attitudes of 185 elementary school students in inclusive and traditional classrooms, as measured by the Scale of Children's Attitudes Toward Exceptionalities (SCATE). Self-reported attitudes and experiences of general education teachers were also assessed using a survey developed by the researcher. Although statistically significant relationships were found on the SCATE, these were not logical or conclusive. Results of the teacher surveys indicate that teachers of inclusive …

Analysis Of Repeated Measures Data Under Circular Covariance, Andrew Montgomery Hartley

Mathematics & Statistics Theses & Dissertations

Circular covariance is important in modelling phenomena in epidemiological, communications and numerous physical contexts. We introduce and develop a variety of methods which make it a more versatile tool. First, we present two classes of estimators for use in the presence of missing observations. Using simulations, we show that the mean squared errors of the estimators of one of these classes are smaller than those of the Maximum Likelihood (ML) estimators under certain conditions. Next, we propose and discuss a parsimonious, autoregressive type of circular covariance structure which involves only two parameters. We specify ML and other types of estimators …

Diamond For Fiber-Optic Raman Spectroscopy, Jianli Zheng

Electrical & Computer Engineering Theses & Dissertations

Raman spectroscopy is a powerful technique for molecular structural studies and concentration measurement. Being a single beam technique, the Raman intensity depends on the optical power of the excitation source, optical alignment of the system, detector response as well as species concentration. To eliminate the unwanted variations in the system and get the concentration information of the species, intensity referencing is necessary. The existing referencing methods either use a constant Raman band of the sample, or add a chemically inert material with known concentration into the sample. Unfortunately, the former method is not always applicable and the latter is not …

Problems With The Interpretation Of Mark-Release-Recapture Data In Subterranean Termites (Isoptera: Rhinotermitidae), Anthony D. Curtis, Deborah A. Waller

Biological Sciences Faculty Publications

The Lincoln index (Peterson method) is frequently used to estimate animal population size in mark-release-recapture studies. We tested the accuracy of this method to estimate termite colony size using logs infested with termites that were maintained in the laboratory. Termites were fed paper towels dyed either with 0.05% or 0.1% (w/w) of the dye marker Nile blue and released into their host logs in the laboratory. Following recapture a week later, estimates of termite population size for termites dyed with 0.05% Nile blue, and were approximately 3 times greater for termites dyed with 0.1% Nile blue. Concentrations of 0.1% Nile …

Adaptive Critic Based Neurocontroller For Autolanding Of Aircrafts, S. N. Balakrishnan, Gaurav Saini

Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

In this paper, adaptive critic based neural networks have been used to design a controller for a benchmark problem in aircraft autolanding. The adaptive critic control methodology comprises successive adaptations of two neural networks, namely action and critic network (which approximate the Hamiltonian equations associated with optimal control theory) until closed loop optimal control is achieved. The autolanding problem deals with longitudinal dynamics of an aircraft which is to be landed in a specified touchdown region (within acceptable ranges of speed, pitch angle and sink rate) in the presence of wind disturbances and gusts using elevator deflection as the control …

University Of Missouri-Rolla Research On Cold-Formed Steel Structures, Wei Wen Yu, Roger A. Laboube

Civil, Architectural and Environmental Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

During the past 27 years, numerous research projects have been conducted at the University of Missouri-Rolla (UMR) under the sponsorships of the American Iron and Steel Institute, National Science Foundation, American Society of Civil Engineers, Metal Building Manufacturers Association, Steel Deck Institute, Metal/Lath Steel Framing Association, Chromium Center, Nickel Development Institute, and several steel companies located in the USA, Canada, and South Africa. The purpose of these investigations has been to study the structural strength of cold-formed steel members, connections, and structural systems. Some of the research findings have been used in the development of the AISI Specification for the …

Cold-Formed Steel Webs With Openings: Summary Report, Roger A. Laboube, Wei-Wen Yu, J. E. Langan, M. Y. Shan

Civil, Architectural and Environmental Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

Based on a 3-year study that focused on the behavior of cold-formed steel beams with web openings, researchers at the University of Missouri-Rolla have developed simple, easy to apply design recommendations. The design recommendations address the limit states of web buckling resulting from bending, shear, web crippling, combined bending and shear, and combined bending and web crippling. The recommendations were developed based on the results of experimental and analytical studies of C-section beams. The C-sections, which are commonly used for wall studs and floor joists, are manufactured with web openings. Common web opening sizes are 38 x 102mm and 19 …

Observation Of Direct Instruction Teaching Behaviors: Determining A Representative Sample Of Time For Supervision, N. E. Marchand-Martella, R. Martella, Benjamin Lignugaris / Kraft

Special Education and Rehabilitation Counseling Faculty Publications

The purpose of this study was to determine the optimal amount of time a supervisor needed to observe a teacher to obtain a representative sample of his teaching behaviors while Direct Instruction was provided. These data were gathered across two Direct Instruction programs—Spelling and Reading Mastery—presented by a teacher with over 10 years of Direct Instruction experience. A Direct Instruction observation instrument and rating form were used to gather and summarize these data across 3-, 6-, 9-, 12-, 15-, 18-, 21-, and 24-min observation sessions. Results indicated that although there were minor variations in the percentages of teacher behaviors and …