Digital Commons Network^™

The Mediated Data Integration (Medint) : An Approach To The Integration Of Database And Legacy Systems, Suvimol Mukviboonchai

Theses: Doctorates and Masters

The information required for decision making by executives in organizations is normally scattered across disparate data sources including databases and legacy systems. To gain a competitive advantage, it is extremely important for executives to be able to obtain one unique view of information in an accurate and timely manner. To do this, it is necessary to interoperate multiple data sources, which differ structurally and semantically. Particular problems occur when applying traditional integration approaches, for example, the global schema needs to be recreated when the component schema has been modified. This research investigates the following heterogeneities between heterogeneous data sources: Data …

Automatic Human Face Detection In Color Images, Son Lam Phung

Theses: Doctorates and Masters

Automatic human face detection in digital image has been an active area of research over the past decade. Among its numerous applications, face detection plays a key role in face recognition system for biometric personal identification, face tracking for intelligent human computer interface (HCI), and face segmentation for object-based video coding. Despite significant progress in the field in recent years, detecting human faces in unconstrained and complex images remains a challenging problem in computer vision. An automatic system that possesses a similar capability as the human vision system in detecting faces is still a far-reaching goal. This thesis focuses on …

Expertise And Training Effects On Co-Ordination Dynamics In A Whole Body Rhythmical Task, Gordana Cacija

Theses: Doctorates and Masters

This research consists of two studies. The purpose was to investigate the effects of slow and fast music tempo on interjoint co-ordination variability in an aerobic stepping task. The 'step knee-up' task is a cyclical whole body movement performed on the step platform. The exercise consisted of a few repetitive cycles. A cycle was defined by eight counts, four counts for the left leg pattern and four for the right leg as follows: The first half of the cycle was counted: I. Step up with the left foot onto the 20-cm step platform, 2. Flex the right hip to bring …

A Mathematical Analysis Of The Financial And Medical Impact Of Hepatitis C Among Drug Users In Perth, Western Australia, Raelene Kirkpatrick

Theses: Doctorates and Masters

The ability of public health planners continues to be hampered by uncertainties encountered with transmissible diseases. Key epidemiological factors such as, how many Western Australian injecting drug users are hepatitis C seropositive or will become infected, duration of intravenous drug use, the intensity of infection, the fraction of those infected that will develop end-stage disease and after how long a period, all combine to limit the ability of a mathematical model to predict future trends. These models can, however, provide information about certain epidemiological parameters and identify data required to predict future trends. They can be applied to make predictions …

The Role Of Stereotypes In Age Discrimination In Hiring: Evaluation And Intervention, Eyal Gringart

Theses: Doctorates and Masters

As the number of older adults grows, governments find it increasingly harder to support them through social and health care services. One solution to this problem is for older adults to remain in paid employment longer. However, older workers are discriminated against due to negative stereotyping by employers. Previous research has found that older females experienced greater discrimination than did older males. In order to address the issue of hiring discrimination against older adults a progressive two-stage research project was conducted. Using a questionnaire that was developed especially for this project, Study One explored the stereotypes held about older workers …

Wavelet-Based Simulation Of Geological Variables, T. T. Tran

Theses: Doctorates and Masters

This thesis introduces a number of conditional simulation algorithms using wavelet bases. These make use of two orthogonal wavelet bases, the Haar and the Db2 bases. Firstly, two single-level algorithms are introduced, HSIM: with the Haar basis and DB2SIM with the Db2 basis. HSIM reproduces the histogram and semivariogram model of isotropic samples but not the semivariogrnm model of anisotropic samples. DB2SIM reproduces the histogram and semivariogram model in both the isotropic and anisotropic cases but, because of the conditioning method employed, is not as computationally efficient as we would wish. Because of the limitations of HSIM and Db2SIM two …

An Exploration Of Mpeg-7 Shape Descriptors, Bret Woz

Theses

The Multimedia Content Description Interface (ISO/IEC 15938), commonly known to as MPEG-7, became a standard as of September of 2001. Unlike its predecessors, MPEG- 7 standardizes multimedia metadata description. By providing robust descriptors and an effective system for storing them, MPEG-7 is designed to provide a means of navigation through audio-visual content. In particular, MPEG-7 provides two two-dimensional shape descriptors, the Angular Radial Transform (ART) and Curvature Scaled Space (CSS), for use in image and video annotation and retrieval. Field Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs) have a very general structure and are made up of programmable switches that allow the end-user, …

Image Processing Techniques To Separate Linear And Curvilinear Features In Textures, Bhavani Pidaparthi

Theses

Varied image processing techniques have been developed to extract or detect linear features from images. However, these techniques are targeted at extracting or detecting linear features, and it has been shown in an existing technique that the Fourier transform can be used in conjunction with the polar transformation to essentially lift or separate linear features from the background image. Extracting or detecting linear features in images involves locating these features in the image while separating or lifting them involves separating them from the background image such that we get two images: one image containing the linear features and the other …

Automatic Classification Of One-Dimensional Cellular Automata, Daniel R. Kunkle

Theses

Cellular automata, a class of discrete dynamical systems, show a wide range of dynamic behavior, some very complex despite the simplicity of the system's definition. This range of behavior can be organized into six classes, according to the Li-Packard system: null, fixed point, two-cycle, periodic, complex, and chaotic. An advanced method for automatically classifying cellular automata into these six classes is presented. Seven parameters were used for automatic classification, six from existing literature and one newly presented. These seven parameters were used in conjunction with neural networks to automatically classify an average of 98.3% of elementary cellular automata and 93.9% …

Multisensor Image Registration Utilizing Th Log Filter And Fwt, Karl C. Walli

Theses

This thesis examines the utility of automated image registration techniques developed by the author. The major thrusts of this research include using the Laplacian of Gaussian (LoG) filter to automatically determine ground control points (GCPs) and wavelet theory for multiresolution analysis. Additionally, advances in both composite and predictive transformations will be covered. The defense will include an overview of the processes involved in general image registration and specifically how they pertain to automation with the techniques utilized in this thesis. Use of the LoG filter to extract semi- invariant GCPs, development of automated point matching schemas, and the use of …

Effective And Economical Development And Implementation Of Environmental Performance Evaluation In Small And Medium Size Enterprises, Hyunkee Bae

Theses

Nowadays, diverse interested parties - non-governmental organizations (NGOs), regulators, investors, customers, and other stakeholders are demanding more meaningful information about organizations' environmental performances. Regardless of whether or not many companies have a certified Environmental Management System (EMS) inplace, they are becoming increasingly interested in Environmental Performance Evaluation (EPE) as an effective decision-making tool for managing the environmental aspects of their activities, products and services. While large companies have created diverse procedures, methods, and criteria depending on each organization's unique situation, Small and medium size Enterprises (SMEs) typically do not have enough resources to create and develop the evaluation procedures, criteria, …

Unsupervised Skin Lesion Classification And Matching, Paula Yandow-Reilly

Theses

According to the American Cancer Society (ACS), since 1973, the mortality rate for melanoma has increased by 44%. The number of serious skin cancers diagnosed has also more than doubled in that same period. Even though serious skin cancers (melanoma) account for only 4% of skin cancer diagnoses (and skin cancer is the most common cancer) it is responsible for almost all (79%) cancer deaths. The ACS reports about 7,300 people in the United States are expected to die of melanomas in 2002, other sources put the number as high as 7,800. There are about 130,000 cases of melanoma worldwide, …

Regaining Control Through Digital Rights Management (Drm): What's In Store For The Music Industry?, Gregory J. Romania

Theses

This paper, as part of the final requirement for the completion of a Master of Science in Information Technology at the Rochester Institute of Technology, will examine the current state of digital media content and its inherent problems with regard to rendering and distribution. Discussions will focus on the protection and sales of digitalized intellectual property through Digital Rights Management (DRM) while also concentrating on how these technologies can be employed to acquire copyright protection. Though much of the discussion may apply to a wide range of media types, e.g. - movies, software and digital books, the primary focus will …

Optical Properties Of Materials For 157 Nm Lithography, Anatoly Bourov

Theses

A survey of optical properties of sputtered materials in the spectral range of 145 nm to 800 nm has been performed. The optical constants n and k have been measured using ellipsometric techniques. Four combination materials have been created with the properties suitable for application in Attenuated Phase Shift Mask (APSM) manufacturing. The four combination materials have also been characterized, with the results presented.

Retribution For Rats: Cooperation, Punishment, And Atonement, Michael A. Simons

Vanderbilt Law Review

To mobsters, he is a "rat"; to drug dealers, a "snitch." To school children, he is a "tattletale"; to corporate executives, a "whistle- blower." To cops, he is an "informant"; to prosecutors, a "cooperator." By whatever name he is known, the person who betrays his associates to the authorities is almost universally reviled. In movies, on television, in literature, the cooperator embodies all that society holds in contempt: he is disloyal, deceitful, greedy, selfish, and weak. The cooperator, though, has long been a mainstay of our criminal justice system. For centuries, criminal defendants have received leniency in return for testimony …

Corrective Justice In Contract Law: Is There A Case For Punitive Damages?, Curtis Bridgeman

Vanderbilt Law Review

Twentieth-century American legal theory has been dominated by utilitarian and economic approaches. As a result, scholarly analyses of contract and tort law have focused on the public effects of the resolution of private disputes. But in the last twenty years or so justice has undergone a renaissance as so-called corrective-justice theorists have tried to shift the discussion in private law back to the relationships between individual parties. Tort law has been a particularly fertile ground for corrective-justice theorists, and a lively debate has developed about what the best corrective-justice account of tort law would look like.

By contrast, comparatively little …

Imsa 2003 Profile, Office Of College And Academic Counseling

IMSA Profile

No abstract provided.

The International Law Of Business Method Patents, John M. Conley

Faculty Publications

No abstract provided.

Design, Synthesis, And Applications Of Bio-Derived Crosslinking Monomers For Molecular Imprinting, Martha Sibrian-Vazquez

LSU Doctoral Dissertations

Most of the research in the field of molecular imprinting has been focused on the development of new functional monomers, in order to improve the molecular recognition properties afforded by these materials. The role of the crosslinking monomer has often been overlooked, since it is considered an inert component that only provides a scaffold to support the binding sites. However, the crosslinking monomer represents a high percent (80-90%) of the composition of molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs), which can have a large influence on the MIPs properties. This research addresses the design, synthesis, and applications of new crosslinking monomers for molecular …

Solid-Phase Dna Sequencing Reactions Performed In Micro-Capillary Reactors And Solid-Phase Reversible Immobilization In Microfluidic Chips For Purification Of Dye-Labeled Dna Sequencing Fragments, Yichuan Xu

LSU Doctoral Dissertations

The research presented in this dissertation involves micro-capillary reactors for solid phase DNA sequencing, the identification of dye terminator sequencing fragments with time-resolved methods, and purification of dye-labeled DNA fragments using solid- phase reversible immobilization in microfluidic chips. Solid-phase micro-reactors have been prepared for DNA sequencing applications using slab gel electrophoresis. A PCR product was immobilized to the interior wall of a fused-silica capillary tube via a biotin-streptavidin linkage. Solid-phase sequencing was carried out in micro-capillary reactors using a four-lane, single color dye primer chemistry strategy. The read length was found to be 589 bases. The complementary DNA fragments generated …

Clay Landfill Liners Subject To Variable Interfacial Redox And Ph Conditions-Heavy Metal And Clay Interactions, Ping Zhou

LSU Doctoral Dissertations

Municipal landfill leachate contains high levels of metal species, including Cu, Zn, Cd and Pb generating competitive interactions between these metal species and the landfill clay liner materials. Characterization of the clay fraction, physical and chemical characteristics of landfill clay liner materials, the competitive interaction of metal species with clay liner materials, the kinetic modeling of metal species transport in clay liner, and the effect of cyclic interfacial redox potential on the structural changes to the clay liner and leachate metal transport were investigated in this study. The clay liner materials studied included Na-bentonite, kaolinite and Amite soil (sandy silty …

Correlation Of Core Characteristics To Outcrop Upper Jackfork Group Turbidites, Degray Lake, Arkansas, Daniel James Golob

LSU Master's Theses

Pennsylvanian age Jackfork Group cores from the DeGray Lake Dam and outcrop from the east wall of the DeGray Lake Spillway, Arkansas, provide an opportunity for a detailed study on the transport and depositional characteristics of a fine-grained, deep-water depositional system. Two phases of resedimentation processes are responsible for deposition of the sediments in the cores and the outcrop. Primary resedimentation processes transport terrigenous sediments from the shelf or basin edge into the middle fan environment, while secondary resedimentation alter the sediments after they are initially deposited in the environment. Debris flows, slurry flows, and high and low density turbidity …

Collective Efficacy: A Framework For Understanding Classroom Teacher's Perceptions Of Integrating Physical Activity, Melissa Ann Park

LSU Doctoral Dissertations

Children’s physical inactivity is becoming an important health concern, and it has been suggested by professionals that school programs can be important in the effort to increase activity levels. Physical education specialists cannot achieve the goal of significantly increasing children’s activity in isolation, and it is apparent that whole school programs at the elementary level have the potential to foster active lifestyles. If those programs are to be successful, all school personnel must play a role, so it is important to find ways to facilitate their involvement. The purpose of this study was to use collective efficacy as a framework …

Splitter Theorems For 3- And 4-Regular Graphs, Jinko Kanno

LSU Doctoral Dissertations

Let g be a class of graphs and ≤ be a graph containment relation. A splitter theorem for g under ≤ is a result that claims the existence of a set O of graph operations such that if G and H are in g and H≤G with G≠H, then there is a decreasing sequence of graphs from G to H, say G=G₀≥G₁≥G₂...G_t=H, all intermediate graphs are in g, and each G_i can be obtained from G_i-1 by applying a single …

Numerical Solution Of Ocular Fluid Dynamics, Satish Kumar

LSU Master's Theses

Numerical calculations of the aqueous humor dynamics in the anterior chamber of both the rabbit and the human eye are presented to delineate the basic flow and transport mechanisms. The calculations are based on a geometrical model of the eye, which represents the Trabecular mesh (TM) as a multi-layered porous zone of specified pore sizes and void fraction. Buoyancy is observed to be the dominant driving mechanism for the convective motion in both orientations (horizontal and vertical) of the eye. Reducing the TM pore size does not appear to have a significant influence on the intra-ocular pressure (IOP) until the …

Optimal Batch Quantity Models For A Lean Production System With Rework And Scrap, Pablo Biswas

LSU Master's Theses

In an imperfect manufacturing process, the defective items are produced with finished goods. Rework process is necessary to convert those defectives into finished goods. As the system is not perfect, some scrap is produced during this process of rework. In this research, inventory models for a single-stage production process are developed where defective items are produced and reworked, where scrap is produced, detected and discarded during the rework. Two policies of rework processes are considered (a) First policy: rework is done within the cycle, and (b) Second policy: rework is done after N cycles of normal production. Also, three types …

Optimization Of The Light Dynamics In The Hydraulically Integrated Serial Turbidostat Algal Reactor (Histar), Barbara Christine Benson

LSU Doctoral Dissertations

The research objective was the optimization of light dynamics in a Hydraulically Integrated Serial Turbidostat Algal Reactor (HISTAR). A deterministic model of HISTAR productivity that was responsive to manipulations of photosynthetic photon flux fluence rate (PPFFR) was developed, calibrated, and applied. A series of experiments was conducted to define the mathematical equations that best describe three relationships. The first relationship was between the elevation (E) of the light source and the culture surface PPFFR (I_o). The second relationship was between the biomass concentration (X) in the experimental unit and the average PPFFR in the reactor (I_a). …

Middle Miocene Grounding Events On The Ross Sea Outer Continental Shelf, Antarctica, Juan Manuel Chow

LSU Master's Theses

The middle Miocene δ¹⁸O enrichments from deep-sea data and eustatic sea level falls are traditionally attributed to expansion of the East Antarctic Ice Sheet. Interpretations of such data have led many to conclude that the West Antarctic Ice Sheet (WAIS) was not well-developed until the late Miocene. In such a scenario, middle Miocene glaciation on the Ross Sea shelf would have had to be minimal, perhaps in the form of ice caps, to be consistent with proxy data. New seismic-stratigraphic analysis of the Ross Sea outer continental shelf suggests that at least five grounding events (ice sheet advances …

A Parametrization Approach For Solving The Hamilton-Jacobi-Equation And Application To The A2 Toda Lattice, Mohammad Dikko Aliyu

LSU Master's Theses

Hamilton-Jacobi (HJ)-theory is an extension of Lagrangian mechanics and concerns itself with a directed search for a coordinate transformation in which the equations of motion can be easily integrated. The equations of motion of a given mechanical system can often be simplified considerably by a suitable transformation of variables such that all the new position and momemtum coordinates are constants. A particular type of transformation is chosen in such a way that the new equations of motion retain the same form as in the former coordinates; such a transformation is called canonical or contact and can greatly simplify the solution …

Biomechanical Reconstruction Of The Appendicular Skeleton In Three North American Jurassic Sauropods, Ray Wilhite

LSU Doctoral Dissertations

Forelimb and hindlimb articulation, reconstructed musculature, and function were examined in Apatosaurus, Diplodocus, and Camarasaurus. A technique was developed using a Microscribe three-dimensional digitizer to capture external morphological data for skeletal reconstruction and determination of taxonomically useful features. The appendicular musculature of Alligator mississippiensis was dissected to determine form, function, origin, and insertion of muscles to aid in reconstruction of sauropod musculature. Contrary to the literature, M. caudofemoralis longus was found to originate primarily from the lateral surfaces of the proximal chevrons instead of the bodies and transverse processes of the caudals, demonstrating that chevron morphology is indicative of the …