Digital Commons Network^™

Extraction Of Physically-Realistic Pore Network Properties From Three-Dimensional Synchrotron Microtomography Images Of Unconsolidated Porous Media, Riyadh Ibrahim Al-Raoush

LSU Doctoral Dissertations

Algorithms were implemented to obtain high resolution three-dimensional images using synchrotron microtomography. Morphological algorithms were developed to extract physically-realistic pore-network structure from unconsolidated porous media systems imaged using synchrotron microtomography. The structure can be used to correlate pore-scale phenomena with the pore structure and can also be incorporated into a pore-network model to verify existing models, understand, or predict transport and flow processes and phenomena in complex porous media systems. The algorithms are based on the three-dimensional skeletonization of the pore space in the form of nodes connected to paths. Dilation algorithms were developed to generate inscribed spheres on the …

Numerical Reservoir Characterization Using Dimensionless Scale Numbers With Application In Upscaling, Djuro Novakovic

LSU Doctoral Dissertations

Dimensionless space provides a tool for analyzing the behavior of complex systems described by mathematical relationships. The limited application of dimensionless variables in numerical reservoir simulation and experimental design motivated the development of a complete set of dimensionless scaling groups. Inspectional analysis yielded 8 dimensionless groups completely describing the flow system. Further analysis of fluid interaction reduced the number of dimensionless groups to 7. The newly developed dimensionless equations and groups were used for analytical and numerical reservoir characterization, quantifying the behavior of differential and difference equations employed in fluid flow in three-dimensional porous media. The behavior of the dimensionless …

Memory Optimization Techniques For Embedded Systems, Jinpyo Hong

LSU Doctoral Dissertations

Embedded systems have become ubiquitous and as a result optimization of the design and performance of programs that run on these systems have continued to remain as significant challenges to the computer systems research community. This dissertation addresses several key problems in the optimization of programs for embedded systems which include digital signal processors as the core processor. Chapter 2 develops an efficient and effective algorithm to construct a worm partition graph by finding a longest worm at the moment and maintaining the legality of scheduling. Proper assignment of offsets to variables in embedded DSPs plays a key role in …

Nutrient Profile, Functional Properties, And Microstructure Of Dried Waste Milk Products For Use As A Potential Animal Feed, Ronald I. Thompson

LSU Doctoral Dissertations

A study was conducted to determine the feasibility of concentrating the wastewater of a butter/powder factory for use as an animal feed. Two concentrated products were evaluated: recovered milk product (RMP), which is the direct factory waste stream; and formulated recovered milk product (FRMP), which is a product made by combining RMP and separator de-sludge in a 3:1 ratio. Three pilot scale dryer systems were used to concentrate the product: a spray dryer, a roller dryer, and a pulse combustion dryer. Dried samples were analyzed for fat, moisture, protein, ash, nitrates, chloride, pH, calcium, phosphorus, sodium and amino acids. Values …

Dynamic Modeling And Analysis Of Oscillatory Bioreactors, Yongchun Zhang

LSU Doctoral Dissertations

Dynamic modeling of bioreactors is a challenging problem. The complexity of first principle models also make model validation and analysis very difficult and model-based controller design practically intractable. This thesis has focused on finding an effective tool for model dynamic analysis, construction of low-dimension model and simple and effective controller design. The validity of a biochemical reactor model often is evaluated by comparing transient responses to experimental data. Dynamic simulation can be rather inefficient and ineffective for analyzing bioreactor model. Bifurcation analysis is found to be a powerful tool for obtaining a more efficient and complete characterization of the model …

The Culture Of Crime: Representations Of The Criminal In Eighteen-Century England, Daniel Gonzalez

LSU Doctoral Dissertations

This dissertation explores how literary criminal narratives reflected public anxieties over the increasing commercialization of England during the early eighteenth century. It accounts for the popularity of the criminal in literature as well as public concerns about commercialization and the individuality it encouraged, revealing how these concerns were expressed in the most popular form of criminal narrative in this era, the criminal biography. Chapters on the criminal narratives of John Bunyan, Daniel Defoe and John Gay reveal how the criminal narrative functioned as a means of critiquing a developing commercial society in England. Bunyan first employs the formula of the …

Analysis Of Diagnostic Testing Of Sustained Casing Pressure In Wells, Rong Xu

LSU Doctoral Dissertations

Over 8,000 wells in the Gulf of Mexico exhibit sustained casing pressure (SCP). SCP is defined as “any measurable casing pressure that rebuilds after being bled down, attributable to cause(s) other than artificially applied pressures or temperature fluctuations in the well”. The Minerals Management Service (MMS) regulations consider SCP hazardous and, in principle, require its elimination. In some cases the agency may allow continuing production at a well with SCP by granting a temporary “departure” permit. The departure permits are based on diagnostic tests involving pressure bleed-down through a 0.5-inch needle valve followed by closing the valve and recording pressure …

Factors Influencing The Efficacy Of Delayed Auditory Feedback In Treating Dysarthria Associated With Parkinson's Disease, Paul Gerard Blanchet

LSU Doctoral Dissertations

Parkinson's disease patients exhibit a high prevalence of speech deficits including excessive speech rate, reduced intelligibility, and disfluencies. The present study examined the effects of delayed auditory feedback (DAF) as a rate control intervention for dysarthric speakers with Parkinson's disease. Adverse reactions to relatively long delay intervals are commonly observed during clinical use of DAF, and seem to result from improper "matching" of the delayed signal. To facilitate optimal use of DAF, therefore, clinicians must provide instruction, modeling, and feedback. Clinician instruction is frequently used in speech-language therapy, but has not been evaluated during use of DAF-based interventions. Therefore, the …

Thermal Rheological Analysis Of Cure Process Of Epoxy Prepreg, Liangfeng Sun

LSU Doctoral Dissertations

The cure process of epoxy prepreg used as composite pipe joints was studied by means of differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), Bohlin Rheometer and other techniques. Isothermal DSC measurements were conducted between 110 and 220 oC, at 10 oC intervals. The results show that the complete cure reaction could be achieved at oC. The isothermal cure process was simulated with the four-parameter autocatalytic model. Except in the late stage of cure reaction, the model agrees well with the experimental data, especially at high temperatures. To account for the effect of diffusion on the cure rate, a diffusion factor was introduced into …

Cementitious Stabilization Of Soils In The Presence Of Sulfate, Lan Wang

LSU Doctoral Dissertations

Winn Rock (anhydrite, CaSO4) comes from a quarry in Winn Parish in north Louisiana. Gravel from the quarry has been used extensively as a surface course on local parish and logging roads. Stabilization of these roads with Type I Portland cement followed by an overlay by asphaltic concrete sometimes resulted in heaving. The causes for heaving and possible solutions were investigated. In the laboratory 2" x 4" molds of Winn Rock containing soil were prepared and cured in water bath at 40°C, sealed plastic bag at room temperature, and air. Molds were prepared with 5% to 20% cementitious material. The …

The Relationship Between A Sense Of Urgency Implementation And Successful Change Strategies In Organizations, Brian Keith Baxter

OTS Master's Level Projects & Papers

The focus of this study was to determine how the sense of urgency has caused the implementation of successful change initiatives in management practices in organizations. How was "establishing a sense of urgency" actually applied in the organizational change process?

Impact Of Subject Related Factors And Position Of Flight Control Stick On Acquisition Of Simulated Flying Skills Using A Flight Simulator, Bo-Keun Cho

LSU Doctoral Dissertations

Increasing demand on aviation industry calls for more pilots. Thus, pilot training systems and pilot-candidate screening systems are essential for civil and military flying training institutes. Before actual flight training, it is not easy to determine whether a flight trainee will be successful in the training. Due to the high cost of actual flight training, it would be better if there were low cost methods for screening and training candidates prior to the actual flight training. This study intended to determine if subject related factors and flight control stick position have an impact on acquisition of simulated flying skills using …

The Role Of Cysteine 230 And Lysine 238 Of Biotin Carboxylase In The Deprotonation Of Biotin And Synthesis Of Bisubstrate Analogy Inhibitor Of Carboxyltransferase, Keith Logan Levert

LSU Doctoral Dissertations

Acetyl-CoA carboxylase catalyzes the first step in the synthesis of fatty acids. The Escherichia coli form of the enzyme consists of a biotin carboxylase protein, a biotin carboxyl carrier protein, and a carboxyltransferase protein. This enzyme uses the cofactor biotin as a carboxyl carrier. In order for the carboxylation of biotin to occur, biotin must be deprotonated at its N-1 position. It has been proposed that the active site residues cysteine 230 and lysine 238 act as an acid-base pair to deprotonate biotin. To test this hypothesis, site-directed mutagenesis was used to mutate cysteine 230 to alanine (C230A) and lysine …

A Comparison Of Various Methods For The Preparation Of Polystyrene And Poly(Methyl Methacrylate) Nanocomposites, Dongyan Wang, Jin Zhu, Qiang Yao, Charles A. Wilkie

Chemistry Faculty Research and Publications

Polymer−clay nanocomposites of styrene and methyl methacrylate have been prepared by bulk, solution, suspension, and emulsion polymerization as well as by melt blending. Two different organic modifications of montmorillonite have been used:  one contains a styryl monomer on the ammonium ion while the other has no double bond. The organic modification as well as the mode of preparation determines if the material will be exfoliated or intercalated. Exfoliation is more likely to occur if the ammonium ion contains a double bond which can participate in the polymerization reaction, but the mere presence of this double bond is not sufficient to …

Piano Teaching Philosophies And Influences On Pianism At The Central Conservatory Of Music In Beijing, China, Chi Lin

LSU Doctoral Dissertations

The Central Conservatory of Music (CCOM) is considered the best music institute in China and represents the highest level of music education in China. Since the founding of the CCOM in 1950, its piano department has been a national center for teaching, performance and research. The CCOM has trained hundreds of pianists; many of them are now key members of music schools, art organizations, and research institutes all over China and some of them have won prizes at major international competitions. Through fifty years of efforts by Chinese pianists and the influences of foreign pianists, especially Russian pianists, the CCOM …

The Greatest Problem With Which The Library Is Confronted: A Survey Of Academic Library Outreach To The Freshman Course, Cindy Pierard, Kathryn A. Graves

University Libraries & Learning Sciences Faculty and Staff Publications

The Freshman Year Experience movement has created an excellent opportunity for academic library outreach. Its values, which include collaboration among various campus units charged with supporting student success and a focus on student mastery of key academic skills, correspond well with the objective of many college and university libraries: to become a more central part of the institution's educational mission. This chapter provides a discussion of academic library outreach to one of the movement's most significant components, the freshman course. The aim is to provide an overview of historic and contemporary trends in postsecondary freshman programming and corresponding library outreach …

Radionuclide Leaching From Residual Soils: Screening Study, Mark W. Fitch, Ellen England

Civil, Architectural and Environmental Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

Four soil samples, collected from a National Priorities Listed site contaminated with uranium, thorium, and radium, were leached for two, seven, and 30 days. The nonleached soils, leached soils, and leachates were analyzed using gamma spectroscopy, alpha spectroscopy, and delayed neutron activation. Unleached and leached soils had low radionuclide activities, and four different leaching solutions had no significant observable effect upon the resulting leachate activity. Three of the soils produced leachates with uranium activities below the expected primary drinking water standard of 30 µg/L for uranium, but the leachate from the fourth soil had an unacceptably high concentration of uranium …

Global Dynamic E-Marketplaces, And Their Role In The Internet-Based Economy, Mehdi Rafi

Theses

Collaboration capabilities are what will most probably create the gap between winners and losers in business-to-business (B2B) commerce. In this context, the electronic marketplace (EM) comes as a medium for trade and collaboration, and a common entry point where partners can share business processes and adopt a decentralized business model fuelled by market evolution. The thesis illustrates the advantages of collaborative business and presents the information technologies that support it. The purpose of this thesis is to educate both the author and the reader on the technology and infrastructure that supports collaborative business and to posit that among the three …

Packaging Process: When Should It Occur, Paula Raney

Theses

The purpose of this thesis was to determine whether John Deere's packaging process needed to be streamlined, and whether consideration should be given to engaging the packaging department earlier in the product development process. An IMPACT study produced a flowchart of the current packaging system, which identified gaps in the current packaging process. Evaluation of the IMPACT study isolated the packaging process areas that needed to be modified to create an improved packaging decision process. A survey was then given to several thousand Deere dealers to determine whether Deere's packaging and delivery of service parts was meeting customer expectations. The …

Software Engineering As A Business, Ann K. Miller, C. Ebert

Electrical and Computer Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

No abstract provided.

Electron Pulse Broadening Due To Space Charge Effects In A Photoelectron Gun For Electron Diffraction And Streak Camera Systems, Bao-Liang Qian, Hani E. Elsayed-Ali

Electrical & Computer Engineering Faculty Publications

The electron pulse broadening and energy spread, caused by space charge effects, in a photoelectron gun are studied analytically using a fluid model. The model is applicable in both the photocathode-to-mesh region and the postanode electron drift region. It is found that space charge effects in the photocathode-to-mesh region are generally unimportant even for subpicosecond pulses. However, because of the long drift distance, electron pulse broadening due to space charge effects in the drift region is usually significant and could be much larger than the initial electron pulse duration for a subpicosecond electron pulse. Space charge effects can also lead …

Acceleration Element For Femtosecond Electron Pulse Compression, Bao-Liang Qian, Hani E. Elsayed-Ali

Electrical & Computer Engineering Faculty Publications

An acceleration element is proposed for compressing the electron pulse duration in a femtosecond photoelectron gun. The element is a compact metal cavity with curved-shaped walls. An external voltage is applied to the cavity where a special electric field forms in such a way that the slow electrons in the electron pulse front are accelerated more than the fast electrons, and consequently the electron pulse duration will be compressed. The distribution of the electric field inside the acceleration cavity is analyzed for the geometry of the cavity. The electron dynamics in this acceleration cavity is also investigated numerically. Numerical results …

Design Of Low Phase Drift Cmos Frequency Synthesisers, Cyril Patrick Hervé Florent Lahuec

Theses

This thesis presents a methodology for the development of high performance video clock synthesisers that have high (2000) input to output clock multiplication ratios. The synthesisers are required to be compatible with standard CMOS technologies and they must exhibit very low drift between their input and output clocks.

The methodology used borrows techniques established for RF synthesisers in the GHz range. In the RF domain there are significant constraints on spectral spread and because of this there has been significant interest in phase noise generated by intrinsic device noise. Simple and accurate models were developed that help understand the up …

Adaptive Radio Resource Management For 2.5g Cellular Networks, Ken Murray

Theses

Recent years have seen a dramatic increase in demand for mobile communication services and with the introduction of 2.5G services such as general packet radio service, this trend is expected to increase further. These new services will introduce highly dynamic tele-traffic variations due to the inherent variability in resource usage of the new data services. The net effect will be considerable increase in load on the available radio resources. The currently employed fixed channel allocation scheme lacks the flexibility to support such traffic variations. A plethora of dynamic channel allocation schemes have been proposed in the past in an effort …

Servo Response And Modelling Issues In Generalised Predictive Control, Ben Griffin

Theses

One of the more popular control strategies, of late, is the Generalised Predictive Controller (GPC). It has received widespread dissemination in academia and numerous successful applications in industry testify to its usefulness. Its popularity partly stems from its superiority to its predecessors, e.g. the generalised minimum variance and pole-placement controllers, but also from the GPC ‘tuning knobs’, which have simple time-domain interpretations and extremely robust default settings. However, despite the widespread interest, there would appear to be some issues relating to the specification of the closed-loop serv^o response that have not been covered in any great detail in the GPC …

Extensible Data Storage And Presentation Technology For An Ophthalmology Electronic Patient Record, Markus H. Heinrichs

Theses

The Electronic Patient Record (EPR) is a central element of practice systems used in ophthalmology. It acts as a repository for multi-media patient care data as well as billing information, serving healthcare providers and ultimately their patients. The aim of this thesis is to create both a data structure and a flexible on-screen representation of an EPR for an ophthalmology practice, and to provide an XML-based experimental prototype as a “proof of concept” which could ultimately be used as an replacement for an existing DOS- based solution. The medical background and requirements for this system will be described. The state-of-the-art …

Baptists: The Political Economy Of Environmental Interest Groups ?, Todd J. Zywicki

Case Western Reserve Law Review

No abstract provided.

Affluence, Technology, And Well-Being, Indur M. Goklany

Case Western Reserve Law Review

No abstract provided.

The Many Uses Of Digitized Oral History Collections: Implications For Design, Dagobert Soergel, Douglas W. Oard, Samuel Gustman, Lydia Fraser, Jinmook Kim, Joan Meyer, Elizabeth Proffen, Theresa Sartori

Faculty Publications

Oral history - and spoken word collections generally - are assuming increasing importance in digital libraries as the storage, transmission and reproduction infrastructure improves. This paper describes three synergistic approaches to user needs analysis, explains how they are being applied to guide the design of systems to provide access oral history collections (using a s test bed the Shoah Foundations collection of over 50,000 videotaped oral history interviews), presents preliminary results from so -called “discount requirements analysis” and an analysis of “early access” requests, and draws some design implications. The results show a wide variety of users and uses of …

An Xps Investigation Of Thermal Degradation And Charring Of Pmma Clay Nanocomposites, Jianxin Du, Jin Zhu, Charles A. Wilkie, Jiangqi Wang

Chemistry Faculty Research and Publications

Poly(methyl methacrylate)–clay nanocomposites have been studied using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. It is clear that as the polymer undergoes thermal degradation, the clay accumulates at the surface and the barrier properties which result from this clay accumulation have been described as the reason for the decreased heat release rate for nanocomposites. The surface composition of the clay changes as the nanocomposite is heated and the changes are affected by the organic-modification that were applied to the clay in order to prepare the nanocomposite.