Digital Commons Network^™

A Credit-Based Distributed Protocol For Long-Term Fairness In Ieee 802.11 Single-Hop Networks, Yan Wu, Sonia Fahmy

Department of Computer Science Technical Reports

No abstract provided.

New Computational Intelligence Algorithms And Their Applications, Hoi-Ming Chi, Okan K. Ersoy

Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering Technical Reports

Several new computational intelligence algorithms and their applications are investigated in this thesis. First, a linear support vector machine decision tree (LSVMDT) is developed by building a binary tree with a linear support vector machine in each tree node. It has built-in rare event detection mechanism, and allows efficient rule extraction. Secondly, an efficient recursive update algorithm when new data becomes available is derived for least squares support vector machines. This is very essential in online learning. Thirdly, a three-layered learning system is proposed. It consists of a random mapping stage and a learning stage with ordinary least squares, error-correcting …

Robust And Distributed Computation Of Aggregates In Wireless Sensor Networks, Jen-Yeu Chen, Gopal Pandurangan, Dongyan Xu

Department of Computer Science Technical Reports

No abstract provided.

Unstructured Peer-To-Peer Networks For Sharing Processor Cycles, Asad Awan, Ronaldo A. Ferreira, Suresh Jagannathan, Ananth Y. Grama

Department of Computer Science Technical Reports

No abstract provided.

Algoritmo Genético Para Calibração Automática De Um Simulador De Tráfego Em Rodovias De Pista Simples, C. Y. Egami, J. R. Setti, Laurence Rilett

Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering: Faculty Publications

Este trabalho relata o desenvolvimento de um sistema automático para calibração do modelo de simulação de tráfego em rodovias de pista simples TRARR, baseado em um algoritmo genético. O processo de calibração consiste em procurar valores para alguns parâmetros selecionados do simulador, de tal modo que a diferença entre as correntes de tráfego simuladas e as observadas em campo sejam minimizadas. Os parâmetros escolhidos para a calibração estão relacionados principalmente ao comportamento dos motoristas e, por isso, de difícil calibração. As diferenças entre a simulação e o fluxo real foram determinadas em termos de duas medidas de desempenho: a velocidade …

Web Based Evaluation Of Material Handling Alternatives For Automated Manufacturing : A Parallel Replications Approach., John B. Casebier 1973-

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This research project describes the application of a master/slave configuration of processors to study a comparison of alternative material handling configurations for automated manufacturing. Such a study usually requires a large number of simulation replications, and carrying out those replications on a multi-processor platform can yield a significant savings in elapsed time. The objective of this study is to develop such a platform. In the present application, a parallel replication simulation system is developed to foster simultaneous processing. This system utilizes two separate applications to facilitate communication between master and slave computers. Additionally, the "master" and "slave" or "client" applications …

Efficient Algorithm For Computing Einstein Integrals, Junke Guo, Pierre Y. Julien

Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering: Faculty Publications

Analytical approximations to Einstein integrals are proposed. The approximations represented by two fast-converging series are valid for all values of their arguments. Accordingly, the algorithm can be easily incorporated into professional software like HEC-RAS or HEC-6 with minimum computational effort.

Diel Foraging Behavior Of American White Pelicans ()Pelecanus Erythrorhynchos) On Experimental Aquaculture Ponds , Scott J. Werner

United States Department of Agriculture Wildlife Services: Staff Publications

Videography and night vision equipment were used to observe the diurnal and nocturnal activities of American white pelicans (Pe1ecanus erythrorhynchos) (N= 6) foraging on three experimental (0.04 ha) channel catfish (Ictalurus punctatus) aquaculture ponds in March 2001. Captive pelicans spent most time foraging per hour from 1700 through 2300 h (CST). No foraging was observed from 0700 through 0800 h. Fish captures per hour were greatest from 1700 through 1900 h. On average, captive pelicans (N = 5) consumed 1.0 ± 0.2 kg of catfish per bird per day during the 10-d foraging …

Alligators As West Nile Virus Amplifiers, Kaci Klenk, Jamie Snow, Katrina Morgan, Richard Bowen, Michael Stephens, Falacia Foster, Paul Gordy, Susan Beckett, Nicholas Komar, Duane Gubler, Michael Bunning

United States Department of Agriculture Wildlife Services: Staff Publications

Recent evidence suggests that American alligators (Alligator mississippiensis) may be capable of transmitting West Nile virus (WNV) to other alligators. We experimentally exposed 24 juvenile alligators to WNV parenterally or orally. All became infected, and all but three sustained viremia titers >5.0 log₁₀ PFU/mL (a threshold considered infectious for Culex quinquefasciatus mosquitoes) for 1 to 8 days. Noninoculated tankmates also became infected. The viremia profiles and multiple routes of infection suggest alligators may play an important role in WNV transmission in areas with high population densities of juvenile alligators.

Tracking The Sea-Level Signature Of The 8.2 Ka Cooling Event: New Constraints From The Mississippi Delta, Torbjörn E. Törnqvist, Scott J. Bick, Juan L. Gonzalez, Klaas Van Der Borg, Arie F. M. De Jong

School of Earth, Environmental, & Marine Sciences Faculty Publications

The ever increasing need for accurate predictions of global environmental change under greenhouse conditions has sparked immense interest in an abrupt, century‐scale cooling around 8200 years ago, with a focal point in the North Atlantic and with hemispheric teleconnections. Despite considerable progress in the unraveling of this striking feature, including a conceivable driving mechanism (rapid drainage of proglacial Lake Agassiz/Ojibway and a resulting reduced strength of North Atlantic thermohaline circulation), several key questions remain unanswered. One salient aspect concerns the total amount of freshwater released during this catastrophic event, likely echoed by a near‐instantaneous eustatic sea‐level rise. So far, no …

Stabilization Of Desert Sand Using Water-Borne Polymers, Shihab Wagiealla Abdalla Mohamed

Theses

Soil stabilization is one of the various applications that have benefited from the advances in polymeric materials. In this research, three water-borne polymeric emulsions with different chemical and physical properties were tested as stabilizers for sandy soil.

This study is divided into three parts. In the first part, the performance of the three emulsions in reducing the hydraulic conductivity and improving the mechanical properties of the sand was investigated. Specimens with polymer contents of up to 2 wt. % were prepared using two preparation methods, mixing and spraying. Both types of specimens exhibited a significant improvement in the studied properties. …

To Countable Infinity And Beyond: My Quest For Higher Education, Alicia A. Alexander

Digitized Theses and Dissertations (prior to 2008)

A portfolio submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Education in Adolescent Education in the Department of Secondary and Middle Grades Education in the Bagwell College of Education of Kennesaw State University

On The Use Of Randomness In Computing To Perform Intelligent Tasks, Ryan Scott Regensburger

Theses and Dissertations

The study of Artificial Intelligence attempts to simulate the processes of human intelligence in a set of computable algorithms. The purpose of Random Algorithms in this field is to provide a best-guess approach at identifying the unknown. In this thesis, research shows that random algorithms are able to break down many intelligent processes into a set of solvable problems. For example, solving puzzles and playing games involve the same estimating ability shown in standard problems such as the Coupon Collector problem or the Monty Hall problem. This thesis shows Random Algorithmic applications in two overlapping categories of intelligent behavior: Pattern …

Modeling The Spread And Prevention Of Malicious Mobile Code Via Simulation Cs-2004-15, Christopher Brian Shirey

Theses and Dissertations

Malicious mobile code causes billions of dollars every year in damages, and that cost keeps increasing. Traditional signature-based anti-virus software is a reactive solution that can not detect fast spreading malicious code quickly enough to prevent widespread infection. If we hope to prevent widespread infection of future malicious mobile code, new prevention techniques must be developed that either stop a new infection completely, or at least limit the spread until signature-based anti-virus software can be updated. Simulators exist that model the spread of malicious mobile code, but none currently exists that can efficiently model host-based and network-based spread prevention techniques …

Managing Classroom Behavior Of Head Start Children Using Response Cost And Token Economy Procedures, Jennifer D. Tiano

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

The efficacy of three behavior management techniques used in a Head Start classroom was examined. The three techniques included: (a) techniques currently used by the teacher, (b) response cost, and (c) the Level System (token economy). The current study used an ABACA single subject withdrawal design with follow-up where all conditions were implemented until stability was reached. Classroom behavior was evaluated by both behavioral observation and teacher report. Children's behavior, teacher skill, number of time-outs, and satisfaction with behavior management techniques (i.e., teacher, parent, and child) were examined. No conclusions could be made concerning the efficacy (i.e., inappropriate behavior, class …

Load-Based Energy Savings In Three-Phase Squirrel Cage Induction Motors, Subodh Chaudhari

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Energy is an extremely valuable resource which should be used carefully. After realizing this in the 1990's DOE started various energy efficiency measures in order to reduce the energy consumed by US industry. Motors use almost 50 percent of the electricity in the United States. If motor efficiency could be increased then energy consumption could be reduced. There have been efforts to increase motor efficiency over past decade which lead to development of premium efficiency motors. Designed motor efficiency is normally above 90 percent so motors do not waste energy. However, motor efficiency decreases when load factor is less than …

Symposium Introduction: Hegel's Logic Of The Concept, David G. Carlson

Cardozo Public Law, Policy & Ethics Journal

No abstract provided.

Current And Historic Freshwater Mollusk Distributions Of The Upper Coosa River Basin, Sabrina Felicitas Novak

Masters Theses and Doctoral Dissertations

This thesis contains summary data from all Tennessee Aquarium Research Institute (TNARI) survey activities of freshwater mollusks within the upper Coosa River basin (UCRB) from 1998 to 2003. Survey results of 4 different TNARI studies, a total of 515 separate collections, are presented. My component of the study examined 231 sites primarily in the Coosawattee and Etowah river basins in 2002 - 2003. In addition to the 231 sites surveyed, a large database was constructed from natural history museum records to evaluate temporal changes in species richness and distribution across the UCRB. Of 43 mussel and 33 snail species reported …

Statistical Tools For Digital Image Forensics, Alin C. Popescu

Dartmouth College Ph.D Dissertations

A digitally altered image, often leaving no visual clues of having been tampered with, can be indistinguishable from an authentic image. The tampering, however, may disturb some underlying statistical properties of the image. Under this assumption, we propose five techniques that quantify and detect statistical perturbations found in different forms of tampered images: (1) re-sampled images (e.g., scaled or rotated); (2) manipulated color filter array interpolated images; (3) double JPEG compressed images; (4) images with duplicated regions; and (5) images with inconsistent noise patterns. These techniques work in the absence of any embedded watermarks or signatures. For each technique we …

Ethics Ruling No. 12 Under Rule 201 - General Standards And Rule 202 Compliance With Standards., American Institute Of Certified Public Accountants. Professional Ethics Executive Committee.

AICPA Professional Standards

No abstract provided.

Correlating Technology Surveys And Third- And Fifth-Grade Proficiency Levels In Math And Reading Throughout Tennessee., Gary L. Lilly

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This study used two different sets of data collected through two distinct means during the 2002-2003 school year. To fulfill the federal accountability requirements related to the distribution of monies known as EdTech (2002), the Tennessee State Department of Education required every school within districts that accepted the formula EdTech funds to complete an online survey called the EdTech Tennessee Online Technology Evaluation or E-TOTE. The E-TOTE survey collected information on a variety of topics related to educational technology including questions about teaching and learning, educators' preparation and development, infrastructure, and equipment counts. The other set of data came from …

Papain: A Novel Urine Adulterant., David Burrows

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The estimated number of employees in the United Stated screened annually for illicit drugs is approximately 20 million, with marijuana being the most frequently abused drug. Urine adulterants provide an opportunity for illicit drug users to obtain a false negative result on commonly used primary drug screening methods such as the Fluorescence Polarized Immunoassay (FPIA) technique. Typical chemical adulterants such as nitrites are easily detected or render the urine specimen invalid as defined in the proposed federal guidelines for specimen validity testing based on creatinine, specific gravity and pH. Papain is a cysteine protease with intrinsic ester hydrolysis capability. The …

Risk Perceptions Of Adults In The Town Of Unicoi, Tennessee, Regarding The Possible Building Of A Uranium Enrichment Plant., Shannon Kathleen Sellards

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

A prolonged siting controversy for a uranium enrichment facility has occurred in the Town of Unicoi, Tennessee. One hundred-seventy residents of Unicoi were interviewed using a questionnaire regarding the building of a proposed uranium enrichment facility for Unicoi. The questionnaire sought to determine relationships between residents’ risk perceptions and 18 variables. When the Fisher’s exact procedure was applied at α< 0.05, the results indicated several associations. Odds ratio measured the strength of association. Results are reported as crude measures of association. Risk perceptions were influenced by the choice of possible locations for the facility [p=0.0003; OR=32.6]. Residents' risk perceptions were associated with a history of working with nuclear materials [p=0.0476; OR=3.2]. Finally, risk perceptions were associated with residents' beliefs that the nuclear facility would affect their health [p=0.0001; OR=18.8]. These results are discussed in light of risk perception and communication theories.

From Inference To Reasoning: The Construction Of Rationality, David Moshman

Department of Educational Psychology: Faculty Publications

Inference is elementary and ubiquitous: Cognition always goes beyond the data. Thinking—including problem solving, decision making, judgment, planning, and argumentation—is here defined as the deliberate application and coordination of one’s inferences to serve one’s purposes. Reasoning, in turn, is epistemologically self-constrained thinking in which the application and coordination of inferences is guided by a metacognitive commitment to what are deemed to be justifiable inferential norms. The construction of rationality, in this view, involves increasing consciousness and control of logical and other inferences. This metacognitive conception of rationality begins with logic rather than ending with it, and allows for developmental progress …

The Spectra Of Type Ii Cepheids. Iii. The Hα Line And Helium Emission In Long-Period Stars, Edward G. Schmidt, Dale Johnston, Kevin M. Lee, Shawn Langan, Peter R. Newman, Stephanie A. Snedden

Department of Physics and Astronomy: Faculty Publications

We have obtained Hα profiles from 175 spectra of 37 Cepheids with periods longer than 8 days. About two-thirds of the stars are likely type II Cepheids. In contrast to the situation among short-period stars, the velocity of Hα relative to the metal-line spectrum is not a useful parameter for distinguishing type I and type II Cepheids. On the other hand, at periods longer than 11 days and shorter than 34 days strong emission is observed in many stars and appears to be a good discriminator of type. On this basis we identify one probable type I Cepheid at a …

Thermodynamic Analysis Of Separation Systems, Yaşar Demirel

Papers in Thermal Mechanics

Separation systems mainly involve interfacial mass and heat transfer as well as mixing. Distillation is a major separation system by means of heat supplied from a higher temperature level at the reboiler and rejected in the condenser at a lower temperature level. Therefore, it resembles a heat engine producing a separation work with a rather low efficiency. Lost work (energy) in separation systems is due to irreversible processes of heat, mass transfer, and mixing, and is directly related to entropy production according to the Gouy-Stodola principle. In many separation systems of absorption, desorption, extraction, and membrane separation, the major irreversibility …

Genetic Methods Improve Accuracy Of Gender Determination In Beavers, Christen Lenney Williams, Stewart W. Breck, Bruce W. Baker

United States Department of Agriculture Wildlife Services: Staff Publications

Gender identification of sexually monomorphic mammals can be difficult. We used analysis of zinc-finger protein (Zfx and Zfy) DNA regions to determine gender of 96 beavers (Castor canadensis) from 3 areas and used these results to verify gender determined in the field. Gender was correctly determined for 86 (89.6%) beavers. Incorrect assignments were not attributed to errors in any one age or sex class. Although methods that can be used in the field (such as morphological methods) can provide reasonably accurate gender assignments in beavers, the genetic method might be preferred in certain situations.

Feature Detection Using Linear Structure Modeling And Pca, Kawshif Muhammed Riaz Ahmed

Masters Theses

An algorithm to extract features from digital images such as cracks in concrete bridges for automated inspection is developed. The algorithm is based on the use of Principal Component Analysis (PCA). In general, PCA is used to reduce the dimensionality of a data set that consists of a large number of interrelated variables while retaining the variation present in the original data set. This ability of PCA will be used in this project to identify clusters using two training sets of images. Linear structure modeling is used to emphasize the image features (cracks) prior to applying PCA. Whole images processing …

Synthesis And Characterization Of A Recombinant Thrombin Inhibitor, Joel Lwande

Masters Theses

The final step of the blood coagulation cascade is catalyzed by thrombin, a serine protease. Like most enzyme activities, thrombin activity encounters inhibition from both direct and indirect inhibitors. A new thrombin inhibitor peptide named theromin was recently isolated from the leech Theromyzon tessulatum, and it is the most potent thrombin inhibitor isolated to date. Theromin is made up of 67 amino acid residues, out of which 16 are cysteines engaged in 8-disulfide bridges.

We synthesized the theromin gene and expressed the protein in Eschericia coli. We purified the recombinant protein and carried out thrombin inhibition assays that …

Carbon Nanotube Based Chemical And Biological Sensors, Srikanth Singamaneni

Masters Theses

Carbon nanotubes are among those wonderful molecules man has discovered by chance. Carbon nanotubes are sheets of graphite rolled up to form seamless cylinders. Their outstanding electrical, mechanical and thermal properties form the inspiration behind this work. This work investigates the possible application of carbon nanotubes as biological sensors for the detection of various biomolecules like Streptavidin and Mouse monoclonal Immunoglobulin-G. Electrical conductance changes of Carbon nanotubes for exposure to alcohol vapors were studied. This thesis demonstrates that these quantum wires can form highly sensitive biological and chemical sensors at molecular level. Although the main focus of the-research was chemical …