Digital Commons Network^™

Effect Of Casting Conditions On The Crystallization And Resulting Morphology In Compatibilized And Uncompatibilized Poly (Ethylene Oxide )-Poly (Vinylidene Fluoride) Blends, Tejas Upasani

Theses

This thesis describes the effect of casting conditions on the crystallization and resulting morphology in compatibilized and uncompatibilized blends of poly(ethylene oxide) and poly (vinylidene fluoride). Two systems based on grades of PVDF were used: Kynar 301, pure PVDF, and Kynar7201, a 80:20 copolymer of PVDF and hexafluoro propylene. Poly (methyl methacrylate) and poly (vinyl acetate) were used as compatibilizers. Acetonitrile and tetrahydrofuran were used as common solvents to prepare the polymer blends. Two casting conditions were employed. In the first, hot polymer solutions were precipitated in cold hexane. In the second, the hot solutions were cast on aluminum pans. …

Evaluation Of Numerical, Analytical, And Experimental Particle Deposition In Simple And Lung Geometries, Pamela M. Snyder

Theses

Particle deposition is utilized to determine exposure limits, design inhaled medications, and study pulmonary disorders that are a result of airborne pathogens. This information can be obtained from analytical equations, experimental studies, empirical relationships, and numerical analysis.

This research utilizes analytical equations, empirical relationships, and experimental data to investigate the accuracy of three Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) software packages; Fluent Discrete Phase Model (DPM), Fluent Fine Particle Model (FPM) and CFX. The sedimentation, molecular diffusion and impaction deposition mechanisms are investigated in a straight tube, bifurcating tube, and three generation lung geometry.

Sedimentation is evaluated in the straight tube for …

Focus: An Efficient Solar Cooking System, Sampada Peshwe

Theses

Not included.

Our Features And Our Fictions, Maria Fernanda Satizabal-Ruales

Theses

Not included.

The Current And The String, Kristin C. Callahan

Theses

A descriptive narration of a project to create an interactive installation of video art and narration representing memory as it is altered by mood and circumstance, as seen through the relationship between father and daughter as it develops through her adolescence into adulthood. Includes shot list, production stills, text of the poem that narrates the video, and a DVD-R with the installation video followed by footage of viewers interacting with the installation.

Effects Of Pace And Stress On Upper-Extremity Biomechanical Responses In Sign Language Interpreters, Jin Qin

Theses

Repetitive motion injuries (RMIs) are disorders of the soft tissues due to repeated exertion and excessive movement of the body. Sign language interpreters who have to move their fingers, hands, wrists and arms repeatedly are susceptible to RMIs. One of the major research voids in the studies of RMIs in sign language interpreters is the lack of quantification of biomechanical exposures. The objective of this study was to analyze the impact of pace and psychosocial stress of sign language interpreting on the biomechanical responses in a quantitative manner and compare the results with the industrial high risk benchmarks.

Twelve professional …

New Readings, Gi Dong Lee

Theses

This thesis explores the search for a creative process for my photographic studies over the past two years at Rochester Institute of Technology. It explains the thought behind the artwork such as why I am interested in the genre of still life, inspiration, process, and my future artistic goals.

The subject matter of my thesis exhibition motivated me to explore the world of still life. By painting on an object, my imagery has evolved into a new reading that led to a new interpretation of the still life both physically and psychologically. My thesis images emphasize a new aesthetic experience …

Compact Realizations Of Embedded Filters In Organic Substrates, William Lambert

Theses

Making communication devices smaller, lighter, and cheaper has been the driving force behind the development of new technologies which have made the cellular phones and wireless networks we now take for granted possible. The frequent emphasis on miniaturization particularly has required the development of a variety of new approaches to creating communications circuits. One such technology that has attracted a great deal of attention in recent years is passives that are embedded into the package of communications integrated circuits. Using these devices reduces the amount of surface area required to implement a communications device, in addition to potentially improving performance …

Development Of Control Algorithm And A Simulation Tool For Self-Assembly Of Microsystems Based On Swarm Technology, Siddharth Mestry

Theses

"Chunxel" Technology is a novel concept of constructing 3-dimensional structures using a group of intelligent, autonomous, and cooperating micro robots. Chunxels are small robotic modules, cubical in shape, which are immersed in a tank containing a viscous fluid. The chunxels are propelled by the electromagnetic forces created by passing direct current through a set of large coils placed on each face of the tank and small coils embedded in the micro device. The chunxels follow a set of rules which mimic a swarm behavior and selfassemble in the liquid to form a 3-D structure. Swarm behavior is a dynamic problem …

Effect Of Flexing On The Barrier Properties Of Metallized Films, Anjum Parkar

Theses

One of the major concerns with respect to metallized films is the effect of flexing on their barrier properties. Films encounter a series of mechanical stress situations during manufacturing, processing, handling, and distribution. These mechanical stresses often result in flexing of the packaging film, which is more prominent with metallized films. The first part of my study evaluates the effect of real stresses of flex by using packages already manufactured and that have been through the distribution cycle. Metallized film samples from these packages were tested to see the effect of real stress on their barrier properties. The results showed …

An Evaluation Of A Multigrid Algorithm Error Spike Correction Method, Erika L. Mcmichael

Theses

This study is an evaluation of a method of improving the multigrid process by cor recting error spikes which are generated when moving from a coarser to finer level. The correction method was tested on nine one-dimensional problems governed by second order differential equations. Tests were performed with an accomodative, full approximation scheme, full multi-grid algorithm.

Results indicate that appropriate implementation of the correction can increase so lution accuracy. Accuracy was increased in 75% of cases in which a single correction was applied to a point in the central portion of the grid. Single corrections performed on points with error …

Polarimetric Remote Sensing In The Visible To Near Infrared, James R. Shell Ii

Theses

Polarization adds another dimension to the spatial intensity and spectral information typ ically acquired in remote sensing. Polarization imparted by surface reflections contains unique and discriminatory signatures which may augment spectral target-detection tech niques. Benefits such as improving man-made object detection are often touted, as well as possible improvements to spectral algorithms used for detection and identification. How ever, virtually all efforts fail to cast polarimetric remote sensing within a cohesive framework in which a priori predictions of polarized radiance are made, as is done with spectral remote sensing techniques. This is due, in part, to the challenges of measuring …

Designing Medical Legal Exhibits: A Guide To Creating Successful Presentations, Sara M. Krause

Theses

This thesis provides design instruction for medical illustrators, including ideas and facts about design, literacy, attention, retention, and recall. It is designed to help illustrators create persuasive printed exhibits to serve as demonstrative evidence in court cases.

Novel Vlsi Architecture For Quantization And Variable Length Coding For H-264/Avc Video Compression Standard, Suneetha Kosaraju

Theses

Integrated multimedia systems process text, graphics, and other discrete media such as digital audio and video streams. In an uncompressed state, graphics, audio and video data, especially moving pictures, require large transmission and storage capacities which can be very expensive. Hence video compression has become a key component of any multimedia system or application. The ITU (International Telecommunications Union) and MPEG (Moving Picture Experts Group) have combined efforts to put together the next generation of video compression standard, the H.264/MPEG-4 PartlO/AVC, which was finalized in 2003. The H.264/AVC uses significantly improved and computationally intensive compression techniques to maximize performance. H.264/AVC …

Data Aggregation And Cross-Layer Design In Wsns, Carter May

Theses

Over the past few years, advances in electrical engineering have allowed electronic devices to shrink in both size and cost. It has become possible to incorporate environmental sensors into a single device with a microprocessor and memory to interpret the data and wireless transceivers to communicate the data. These "sensor nodes" have become small and cheap enough that they can be distributed in very large numbers into the area to be monitored and can be considered disposable. Once deployed, these sensor nodes should be able to self-organize themselves into a usable network. These "wireless sensor networks," or WSNs, differ from …

An Investigation Of Verbal Versus Visual Persuasive Elements In Travel And Gambling Pop-Up Advertisements, Elizabeth Karras

Theses

Although pop-up advertisements generate ill will, these ads, have an above average clickthrough rate compared to other forms of Internet advertising such as the banner ad, illustrating the significance this form has in modern day advertising. Travel and gambling ads are analyzed in the following study. Previous literature includes studies on factors that play an integral role in the success or failure of an online advertisement, the effectiveness of internet marketing on internet users, persuasive appeals used in advertising, and experiential consumption. Research on pop-up advertisements has focused primarily on tactics, their effects on the consumer, and their failures and …

Five Year Study Of The Effectiveness Of Safety Incentive Programs Instituted At Bj's Wholesale Club, Peter D. Van Derlyke

Theses

Safety incentive programs have been employed for many years as a means of keeping employee injuries under control. There are many ways incentives can be implemented and little is known about which are the most effective. This thesis project reports on a study conducted over five (5) years at some of BJ's Wholesale Club's highest accident frequency rate locations. Each year several locations with high accident frequency rates were chosen to be on what was called the Safety Task Force. The purpose of this thesis was to determine if safety incentives would aid in the reduction of workplace accidents. This …

The Development And Performance Evaluation Of Pif Logic Functional Blocks, Sheetal Suresh Sonar-Pardeshi

Theses

In the deep submicron range of integrated circuit design, interconnects and not the logical gates are causing the performance bottleneck. The number of available transistors increase by a factor of 2 every technology node but interconnects do not scale with devices, devices scale down faster and thus the present designs need to be scalable and reusable. Pipeline interconnect free (PIF) logic methodology has a potential to solve these current design problems. In PIF logic methodology the global interconnects are replaced by a chain of logical gates. PIF logic uses only one type of gate which can be connected only to …

Breeding Contempt, Amanda C. Lee

Theses

The thesis describes the artist's sculptural exhibition, Breeding Contempt, a body of work that explores the artist's struggle for individuation and creative empowerment, against the restrictions of a dysfunctional environment. The author details how she incorporates her life experiences into the thematic basis of this artwork, as well as the techniques used in the making of the sculptures.

The Relationship Between Young Women's Large And Small Friendship Networks, Self-Reported Preferences And The Influence Of Popular Fashion Magazine Readership, Meghann E. Connor

Theses

Friendship networks impact self-perceived body images, appearance, popularity, attractiveness, style, pressure, and self-consciousness. This study examines both large and small friendship networks and young women's popular fashion magazine readership. Eighty-seven senior high school young women completed a 22-question survey to determine placement in large or small networks. The survey was used to determine questions later discussed in the report. Significant differences were found between females in large and small networks with regard to attractiveness and style after reading fashion magazines. No other variables were found to be significant.

An Investigation Of The Dynamics Of Human Metamorphosis Triggered By Perception And Environment, Stacey Parker

Theses

This thesis describes the artist's sculptural work, a body of sculpture which explores the interactions between humans and their environment, and how they undergo metamorphoses triggered by internal and external forces.

Interview, Stacy Finkelstein

Theses

By means of digital imaging tools, specifically Adobe Photoshop, my art work uses painterly references to explore diverse themes. Using painting as a filter, my work explores the tradition of landscape in painting and photography, panorama suburbia through a photographic lens and surrealist art. The convergence of these ideas is captured in the constructed digital images that comprise my thesis work.

The interview format is the beginning of my progression into performance art, where I am exploring more avant-garde avenues of artistic representation that seeks to eliminate the viewer.

Women In The Printing Industry: The Challenges Of Women Press Operators, Margaret Przelski

Theses

There appear to be very few women press operators in the printing industry. Unfortunately, the reasons for this situation are not clearly understood. To investigate this phenomenon, three different questionnaires were administered to the following groups:

• human resource managers selected from the top local Rochester commercial printing companies listed in the Rochester Business Journal,

• alumni from RIT's School of Print Media, and

• women with press operation experience.

The main purpose of the first survey was to determine how many women were actually employed as press operators in Rochester, New York. If women weren't working as press operators, what positions did …

Total Synthesis Of Montiporyne E, Jian Chen

Theses

Montiporyne A-F is a family of new diacetylenic natural products recently isolated from stony coral Montipora sp. Biological study shows that these compounds exhibit bioactivity against certain solid tumor cells. Of particular interest is Montiporyne E, whose molecular structure is comprised of an interesting seven-membered lactam ring and a diacetylenic sidechain, which is a common structural feature among the Montiporyne family members.

An efficient synthesis of Montiporyne E is described in this paper. The seven-membered lactam ring was constructed using a Beckmann rearrangement. The desired natural product was synthesized using a Sonograshira coupling of the seven-membered lactam vinyl triflate with …

Coexisting, Hyun Jung Lee

Theses

This thesis describes the artist's sculpture and jewelry/wall composition, which uses figurative forms representing simplified and exaggerated parts of the human body. The author describes how this artwork expresses the themes of community and coexistence in the human condition.

Asthma Brochure And Logo For Rochester General Hospital's Camp Bronchopower And Pediatric Associates, Christine Marie Curtiss

Theses

This thesis describes the creation of a lay public educational brochure for Rochester General Hospital, showing asthmatic children how to use a spacer device with a metered dose inhaler. The thesis was created using the author's original artwork and was translated and adapted for a Spanish version. The second part of the thesis describes the revision of the logo for Camp Bronchopower, a children's asthma camp run by Rochester General Hospital.

Making Sustainable And Environmental Improvements Through Focused Factories, Kyle Hurst

Theses

The purpose of this thesis is to examine the relationship between environmental strategy, business strategy, and manufacturing strategy. Specifically, this paper evaluates the potential link between a manufacturing strategy known as focused manufacturing (focused factories) and improved environmental performance. The thesis explores the current literature on focused factories and various environmental tools and strategies. Barriers to sustainable and environmental improvements are discussed, as well as the integration of environmental strategy into the overall business strategy of a company. To examine the relationship between focused factories and environmental improvement, statistical analysis is performed on data generated from a web-based survey sent …

An Advanced Specular And Diffuse Bidirectional Reflectance Distribution Function Target Model For A Synthetic Aperture Ground Penetrating Radar, Robert M. Kapfer

Theses

Specific radars that are designed to radiate electromagnetic (EM) energy into the ground for the purpose of detecting and identifying underground targets are called ground penetrating radars (GPR). High resolution three-dimensional images of the underground environment can be produced using a bistatic, synthetic aperture radar (SAR) processing technique. Information pertaining to the underground scenario can be extracted from the three-dimensional images through methodical post data analysis.

Theoretical models and proof-of-concept designs are used to validate and advance deep GPR research and development efforts. The theoretical modeling of a deep GPR system is a lucrative method to obtain realistic deep GPR …

Operating, Testing And Evaluating Hybridized Silicon P-I-N Arrays, Andrew C. Moore

Theses

Use of CCD detector arrays as visible imagers in space telescopes has been problematic. Charge-coupled devices rapidly deteriorate due to damage from the high radiation environment of space. CMOS-based imagers, which do not transfer charge, offer an alternative technology that is more tolerant of a high-radiation environment.

This dissertation evaluates the performance of four "pathfinder" 1K by 1K hybridized silicon P-I-N detector arrays made by Raytheon under subcontract to RIT as candidates for use in a space telescope application. Silicon P-I-N arrays have photon capture properties similar to back-thinned CCD's and should be far more robust than CCD's in the …

Effective Knowledge Management (Km) Strategy Within A Business Organization, Brian L. Roeder

Theses

A cohesive Knowledge Management (KM) strategy is found at the cornerstone of every successful business enterprise's overall business strategy. The full benefit of this strategy can only be achieved through a dynamic, technology-enabled framework that encourages best and better practices to capture the outputs of human innovation and creative knowledge. Competitive pressures and technological convergence, most prevalent in high technology business sectors, have demonstrated the critical need for an information strategy that can harness and discern the continual amass of intellectual property. The continual accumulation of information and knowledge critical to the sustained viability of many business organizations, presents significant …