Digital Commons Network^™

Subspace Detection And Scale Evolutionary Eigendecomposition, Spyros C. Kyperountas

Electronic Theses and Dissertations 2000 - 2009

A measure of the potential of a receiver for detection is detectability. Detectability is a function of the signal and noise, and given any one of them the detectability is fixed. In addition, complete transforms of the signal and noise cannot change detectability. Throughout this work we show that "Subspace methods" as defined here can improve detectability in specific subspaces, resulting in improved Receiver Operating Curves (ROC) and thus better detection in arbitrary noise environments. Our method is tested and verified on various signals and noises, both simulated and real. The optimum detection of signals in noise requires the computation …

Synthesis Characterization And Ion Exchange Properties Of Aluminum Phosphonates, Rupert Garth Mccormack

Electronic Theses and Dissertations 2000 - 2009

Three aluminum organophosphonate compounds; aluminum phenylphosphonate, aluminum octylphosphonate, and aluminum octadecylphosphonate, have been synthesized by refluxing aluminum nitrate with an excess of the appropriate organophosphonic acid in aqueous, methanol, or butanol solvents respectively. Each of these compounds was found to have pillared layered structures and ligand to metal ratios of 2:1. Additionally, these compounds were shown to exhibit cation exchange properties. In contrast to that observed for conventional cation-exchange resins, the exchange capacities of these compounds are larger for small cations, such as Li+ and Na+, than for larger ions such as Na+ and K+. The results indicate a size …

Target Signature For A Periodic Structure Using A Low-Frequency Broadband Side-Scan Simulator, Jerrold Edward Gilbert Dietz

Electronic Theses and Dissertations 2000 - 2009

Many acoustic targets of interest contain features that are periodic in space. This thesis demonstrates that a chirp waveform, 2 kHz to 12 kHz, can detect repetitive structures with periods in the range of 0.125 m to 0.75 m. As aspect angle increases from 0 deg to 90 deg, a frequency shift in the range of 830 Hz to 4800 Hz will occur as the period decreases from 0.75 to 0.125 m. It follows that, spectral analysis can aid in target identification. A sonar propagation model has been developed to simulate the acoustic backscattered energy of a target with periodic …

The Use Of Nesting Initiation Dates Of Roseate Spoonbills ( Ajaia Ajaja) In Northeastern Florida Bay As An Ecosystem Indicator For Water Management Practices, 1935--1999, Rodriguez Elsa Marcella Alvear

Electronic Theses and Dissertations 2000 - 2009

Quantity and timing of freshwater flow from the Everglades to Florida Bay varied under different water management practices in the twentieth century, with negative ecological repercussions. Ecological indicators that respond to differences in hydrology, such as wading bird colony dynamics, can be used for hydrological restoration projects. I examined the possibility of using timing of nesting of Roseate Spoonbills (Ajaia ajaja) in northeastern Florida Bay as an ecological indicator. Nest initiation dates (N = 51) from 1936--1999 (x = November 25) were calculated from numerous published and unpublished sources. The dates were strikingly consistent and did not show significant trends …

Theory Of And A Novel Approach To High-Stability Frequency Control Circuits, David J. Brunell

Electronic Theses and Dissertations 2000 - 2009

Portable, wireless devices have become ubiquitous, and ever-increasing requirements of functionality and reliability are being placed upon these devices. There is a need to accommodate the oft-conflicting requirements of small size, low power consumption, low cost, and extremely accurate control of frequency. To address these RF design requirements, a comprehensive survey of existing frequency-control methods is presented, followed by a novel design which accomplishes a high degree of frequency accuracy through the use of direct digital synthesis and a software seeking algorithm. The proposed design can be implemented pursuant to the requirements of current and future portable wireless devices.

Transducer Design For Underwater Acoustic Communications Using The Finite Element Method, Jean-Philippe M J Jacquemin

Electronic Theses and Dissertations 2000 - 2009

The behavior of radially polarized free-flooded ring (FFR) transducers is studied for application in underwater acoustic communications. Theoretical models are first presented. Then the finite element method (FEM) is introduced and a FEM model for the FFR transducer is proposed. Experimental data are collected and compared to the simulation results with good correspondence. A series of FEM simulations lead then to optimum geometrical parameters for a fine-tuned FFR transducer dedicated to underwater acoustic communications. Finally, stack transducers models and the piezocomposite technology are presented as possible improvement of the present transducer.

Using Geographic Information Systems To Produce Time Area Diagrams For The Clark Hydrograph Method, Michael Francis Kohler

Electronic Theses and Dissertations 2000 - 2009

Methodologies in GIS are used to compute stream flows for a watershed in Northern California by implementing the Clark Hydrograph Method. GIS algorithms are used to produce time area diagrams with time of concentration formula. These methods are compared to a simulation in HEC-HMS with the dimensionless TAD equation and the ModClark Method. Each GIS method is used to estimate the hydrograph for a measured rainfall event. The accuracy of each of the methods is explored using the HEC objective function, mean squared error, and other statistical measures of correlation. Advantages and limitations of the GIS methodologies are examined and …

Thermal And Stress Analysis Of Heterojunction Bipolar Transistor, Jose Fernando Rivero

Electronic Theses and Dissertations 2000 - 2009

The objective of this work is to perform the current induce thermal stress analysis of heterojunction bipolar transistor and to determine the implications of the variation of the thermal shunt thickness. A thesis presented on multi-physics using finite element analysis, covering fluid, thermal and stress with fatigue life analysis of a microelectronic heterojunction bipolar transistor.

Using Color Image Processing Techniques To Improve The Performance Of Content-Based Image Retrieval Systems, Fabio Morais Costa

Electronic Theses and Dissertations 2000 - 2009

A Content-Based Image Retrieval (CBIR) system is a mechanism intended to retrieve a particular image from a large image repository without resorting to any additional information about the image. Query-by-example (QBE) is a technique used by CBIR systems where an image is retrieved from the database based on an example given by the user. The effectiveness of a CBIR system can be measured by two main indicators: how close the retrieved results are to the desired image and how fast we got those results. In this thesis, we implement some classical image processing operations in order to improve the average …

Wavelet-Based Detector For Underwater Communication, Branko. Petljanski

Electronic Theses and Dissertations 2000 - 2009

The need for reliable underwater communication at Florida Atlantic University is critical in transmitting data to and from Autonomous Underwater Vehicles (AUV) and remote sensors. Since a received signal is corrupted with ambient ocean noise, the nature of such noise is investigated. Furthermore, we establish connection between ambient ocean noise and fractal noise. Since the matched filter is designed under the assumption that noise is white, performance degradation of the matched filter due non-white noise is investigated. We show empirical results that the wavelet transform provides an approximate Karhunen-Loeve expansion for 1/f-type noise. Since whitening can improve only broadband signals, …

Hydrogeological Study Of The Dongolocking Reserves, Dumbleyung, Western Australia, Ben Whitfield

Resource management technical reports

The aims of the hydrogeological study were to assess the characteristics of aquifers within the weathered zone, throughout the Dongolocking Reserves and in the surrounding farmland; provide baseline data on root zone salt store (EM38) and vertical distribution of stored salts (EM38) through the use of ground-based geophysical techniques; identify remnant bush at risk of salinisation; suggest management options to address any observed salinity problems; provide a groundwater monitoring network.

Development Of An Industrial Technology Associates Degree For Lake Region College, Michael L. Nottestad

Theses and Dissertations

No abstract provided.

Meeting Research & Publication Requirements In An Undergraduate E T Program Through Senior Design Projects, Alok K. Verma

Engineering Technology Faculty Publications

(First paragraph) Success in an Engineering Technology programs has been traditionally evaluated based upon three factors namely, Teaching, Research and Service. While the relative ranking of these factors is arguable 1,5, it is the research (and the associated requirement of publication) which causes great anxiety for faculty in ET programs. This is specially true, in view of increasing emphasis placed on the research and publication by the ET programs in the nation. A number of articles have been written on the promotion and tenure requirements 2,3,4. Most of these publications discuss the general requirements of promotion and tenure and the …

Innovative Student Research Projects, Alok K. Verma

Engineering Technology Faculty Publications

Innovation in capstone projects, which should not be limited by external funding, is discussed. It is found that the properly designed unfunded senior projects can offer quality learning experience for students. Involvement of industry is a key factor for a successful capstone course. Innovative research projects can be offered under various organizational framework.

Prototype Development For A Leak-Preventive Toilet Flush System- An Met Senior Design (Capstone) Project, Cheng Y. Lin

Engineering Technology Faculty Publications

A senior design (Capstone) project for three mechanical engineering technology students at Old Dominion University is described. A prototype design is presented to perform the functional test of a leak-preventive toilet system. There are two major leaks in the toilet water tank. In the first case, leaking occurs when the seal in the water tank becomes aged. The leak is very easy to detect visually, since the outside of the tank and the floor becomes wet. In the second case, leak occurs when the flapper valve can't complete shut off the water, due to corrosion or damage of the rubber …

Factors Of Team Success : A Study Of North Dakota State University Extension Service Professionals In A Volunteer Setting, Michael E. Hanson

Theses and Dissertations

No abstract provided.

Student Perception Of The Online Approach To Technology Teacher Education At Valley City State University : A Study Of Twenty Students, James Allen Boe

Theses and Dissertations

No abstract provided.

The Cost Of Eliminating A Military Standard, Andrew Stark

Theses and Dissertations

No abstract provided.

Economic Impacts Of Salinity On Townsite Infrastructure, Rural Towns Management Committee, Department Of Agriculture.

Bulletins 4000 -

The study looked at six case study towns: Katanning, Brookton, Corrigin, Cranbrook, Merriden and Morawa. Recommendations are mde for each town to manage salinity issues.

Farming Systems To Manage Salinity. Farmer Directed Research, Development And Extension. Research Results 2001, Richard Olive

Natural resources published reports

More and more of Western Australia's agnicultural lands are becoming saline. Currently it is estimated that about 18 milliion ha of land are affected to a greater or lesser degree by salinity causing production losses estimated at about $70 million a year.

Unless ways are found to halt and reverse the salinisation of land it is estimated that another 4.4 million ha could become saline over the next 50 years.

Grain growers and the Federal Government, through the Grains Research and Development Corporation (GRDC). are investing $12 4 million in R&D across Australia to develop productive solutions to the salinity …

Soilguide (Soil Guide) : A Handbook For Understanding And Managing Agricultural Soils, Geoff Allan Moore

Bulletins 4000 -

This handbook integrates the current knowledge of soils in south-western Australia in a user-friendly form. It describes how to assess which soil properties influence production and land degradation in the agricultural area and summarises management options to remedy or minimise soil limitations. The potential for growing a large range of crops and pastures can be assessed. In particular, the links between soil morphology, soil properties, management and agronomy are emphasised. The manual is designed for use at the paddock scale or for site assessment, but it can also be used at a catchment or regional scale. It is specifically designed …

Search For Resonance Decays To A V̄ Plus Jet In E+P Scattering At Desy Hera, J. Breitweg, S. Chekanov, M. Derrick, D. Krakauer, S. Magill, B. Musgrave, A. Pellegrino, J. Repond, R. Stanek, R. Yoshida, Margarita C. K. Mattingly, P. Antonioli, G. Bari, M. Basile, L. Bellagamba, D. Boscherini, A. Bruni, G. Bruni, G. Cara Romeo, L. Cifarelli, F. Cindolo, A. Contin, M. Corradi, S. De Pasquale, P. Giusti, G. Lacobucci, G. Levi, A. Margotti, T. Massam, R. Nania, F. Palmonari

Faculty Publications

A study of the v̄-jet mass spectrum in e+p→v̄X events at a center-of-mass energy 300 GeV has been performed with the ZEUS detector at the HERA collider at DESY using an integrated luminosity of 47.7 pb-1. The mass spectrum is in good agreement with that expected from standard model processes over the v̄-jet mass range studied. No significant excess attributable to the decay of a narrow resonance is observed. By using both e+p→>e+X and e+p-vX data, mass-dependent limits are set on the s-channel production of scalar and vector resonant states. Couplings to first-generation quarks are considered and limits are …

On Castles And Commerce: Zoning Law And The Home Business Dilemma, Nicole Stelle Garnett

Journal Articles

Most zoning laws severely restrict residents' ability to work from home. Some prohibit it outright. These regulations serve the ostensible purpose of protecting neighbors from externalities that might be generated by home businesses. But, home occupation restrictions also reflect in a particularly sharp way the central motivating ideology underlying all zoning laws - namely, that the good life requires the careful segregation of work and home. Today, home business regulations are being challenged by both planning theory and economic reality. At the same time that many in the academy and planning professions are calling into question zoning's pervasive segregation of …

Savages, Victims, And Saviors: The Metaphor Of Human Rights, Makau Wa Mutua

Journal Articles

This article critically looks at the human rights project as a damning three-dimensional metaphor that exposes multiple complexes. It argues that the grand narrative of human rights contains a subtext which depicts an epochal contest pitting savages, on the one hand, against victims and saviors, on the other. The savages-victims-saviors (SVS) construction lays bare some of the hypocrisies of the human rights project and asks human rights thinkers and advocates to become more self-reflective. The piece questions the universality and cultural neutrality of the human rights project. It calls for the construction of a truly universal human rights corpus, one …

Justice Under Siege: The Rule Of Law And Judicial Subservience In Kenya, Makau Wa Mutua

Journal Articles

The piece examines the tortured history of the judiciary in Kenya and concludes that various governments have deliberately robbed judges of judicial independence. As such, the judiciary has become part and parcel of the culture of impunity and corruption. This was particularly under the one party state, although nothing really changed with the introduction of a more open political system. The article argues that judicial subservience is one of the major reasons that state despotism continues to go unchallenged. It concludes by underlining the critical role that the judiciary has to play in a democratic polity.

Multi-Level Voltage-Source Duty-Cycle Modulation: Analysis And Implementation, Keith Corzine, J. R. Baker

Electrical and Computer Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

Multi-level converters have become increasingly popular due to high power quality, high-voltage capability, low switching losses, and low EMC concerns. Considering these advantages, the multi-level converter is a suitable candidate for implementation of future naval ship propulsion systems. This paper focuses on modulation techniques for the multi-level converter. In particular, a novel voltage-source method of multi-level modulation is introduced and compared to existing methods. The proposed method is discrete in nature and can therefore be readily implemented on a digital signal processor (DSP). The method is also readily extendable to any number of voltage levels. Results of experimental implementation are …

Human Rights International Ngos: A Critical Evaluation, Makau Wa Mutua

Contributions to Books

Published as Chapter 7 in NGOs and Human Rights: Promise and Performance, Claude E. Welch, Jr., ed.

The Human rights movement can be seen in a variety of guises. It can be seen as a movement for international justice or as a cultural project for “civilizing savage” cultures. In this chapter, I discuss a part of that movement as a crusade for a political project. International nongovernmental human rights organizations (INGOs), the small and elite collection of human rights groups based in the most powerful cultural and political capitals of the West, have arguably been the most influential component of …

The Road From Welfare To Work: Informal Transportation And The Urban Poor, Nicole Stelle Garnett

Journal Articles

Individuals struggling to move from welfare to work face numerous obstacles. This Article addresses one of those obstacles: lack of transportation. Without reliable transportation, many welfare recipients are unable to find and maintain jobs located out of the reach of traditional forms of public transportation. Professor Garnett argues that lawmakers should remove restrictions on informal van or jitney services, allowing entrepreneurs to provide low-cost transportation to their communities. This reform would not only help people get to work, but it could also provide jobs for low-income people.

Talk Of The Town And Others, Sam Gruenberg

Theses and Dissertations

No abstract provided.

Digital Libraries And Virtual Workplaces: Important Initiatives For Latin America In The Information Age, Johann Van Reenen

University Libraries & Learning Sciences Faculty and Staff Publications

In a world becoming increasingly connected electronically the divide between people working in different at different levels, in different departments, organizations, and countries are melting away. It is becoming easier to "cross" political, economic and national borders. However, to participate in this global workplace, workers will need: local information and technological infrastructures access to global connectivity at reasonable speed and reliability the skills required to work digitally the attitudes needed to work in an increasingly ambiguous, paradoxical, and complex work environment access to pertinent and affordable information appropriate management structures to support virtual work and, most importantly, leaders with vision …