Digital Commons Network^™

Theoretical And Experimental Evaluation Of Spatial Resolution In A Variable Resolution X-Ray Computed Tomography Scanner, Roman Melnyk

Theses and Dissertations (ETD)

A variable resolution x-ray (VRX) computed tomography (CT) scanner can image objects of various sizes with greatly improved spatial resolution. The scanner employs an angulated discrete detector and achieves the resolution boost by matching the detector angulation to the scanner field of view (FOV) determined by the size of an object being imaged. A comprehensive evaluation of spatial resolution in an experimental version of the VRX CT scanner is presented in this dissertation. Two components of this resolution were evaluated – the pre-reconstruction spatial resolution, described by the detector presampling modulation transfer function (MTF), and the post-reconstruction spatial resolution, given …

Synthesis Of Novel Sulfonamide-Based Calpain Inhibitors And Their Potential As Anti-Tumor Agents, Jin Xu

Theses and Dissertations (ETD)

Calpain is a class of intracellular cytoplasmic cysteine proteases.1 The enzyme participates in different intracellular signaling pathways that are mediated by Ca2+.2 The two major isoforms of calpain universally distributed in most mammalian tissues are calpain 1 (µ-calpain) and calpain 2 (m-calpain). The exact in vivo function of the enzyme is not clear, but calpain has been implicated in a variety of physiological and pathological conditions,3 such as cancer, stroke, cardiac ischaemia, muscular dystrophy, cataract and Alzheimer’s disease. Calpain inhibitors are therefore of interest as therapeutic agents and as biomedical tools.

Several potent calpain inhibitors isolated from natural sources as …

Weak Ferromagnetism In Fe₁₋ₓcoₓsb₂, Rongwei Hu, Raphäel P. Hermann, Fernande Grandjean, Yong Jae Lee, John B. Warren, Vesna F. Mitrovic, Cedomir Petrovic

Chemistry Faculty Research & Creative Works

Weak ferromagnetism in Fe_1-xCo_xSb₂ is studied by magnetization and Mössbauer measurements. A small spontaneous magnetic moment of the order of ~ 10^-3µ_B appears along the b axis for 0.2 ≤ x ≤ 0.4. Based on a structural analysis, we argue against extrinsic sources of weak ferromagnetism. We discuss our results in the framework of the nearly magnetic electronic structure of the parent compound FeSb₂.

Hobo Or Not A Hobo-That Is The Question: A Photographic Key To Discerning Hobo From Non-Hobo Spiders, Ryan Davis

All Current Publications

This key is intended for use with, at a minimum, a microscope with 8-35x zoom capability. In addition to couplet choices based on anatomy, this key is accompanied by pictures taken with a Leica EZ4D stereoscope (the same scopes given to selected Utah Extension offices) to aid in identification.

Graduate And Employer Perceptions Regarding Job Preparedness Skills Of Design Technology Graduates, Bonnie Higgins

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to investigate graduate and employer perceptions in regard to the job preparedness level of graduates from a design technology program at a single Midwestern university in five skill category areas: (a) general work habits and skills, (b) communication skills, (c) technical skills, (d) graphic communication skills, and (e) project management skills.

This study was conducted as evaluation research and implemented an internal formative evaluation conducted through the administration of surveys to two distinct groups. Fifty-nine (27.4%) program graduates from 2001 -2006 completed and returned the 19-item survey, while twenty-seven (67.5%) employers of program graduates …

Application Of A Reflective Optical Probe To Measure Solids Fractions In A Circulating Fluidized Bed, Steven M. Seachman

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

A novel method of extracting localized solids volume fractions from reflective multi-fiber optical probes was developed. The fiber optic probes were originally designed by Vector Scientific, Inc. to measure local solids velocities. The probe measures reflected light from a particle medium which is converted into a voltage. Development of this new method yields two valuable solid flow parameters from a single probe system. The method involves a formulated model with empirical calibrations and three physical bases. The three physical bases are the Conservation Law, Beer-Lambert's Law, and the reflected light intensity from the particle medium. A novel bed depth calibration …

User Habitation In Keystroke Dynamics Based Authentication, Qi Cheng

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Most computer systems use usernames and passwords for authentication and access control. For long, password security has been framed as a tradeoff between user experience and password security. Trading off one for the other appears to be an inevitable dilemma for single password based security applications. As a new biometric for authenticating access, keystroke dynamics offers great promises in hardening the password mechanism. Our research first investigate the keystroke dynamics based password security by conducting an incremental study on user's habituation process for keystroke dynamics analysis using two distinct types of passwords. The study shows that (1) long and complex …

Fractal Analysis Of Fingerprints, John C. Deal

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Current methods for comparing fingerprints have weaknesses that have opened them to criticism. Current methods concentrate on the comparison of minutia in the print either manually or with the assistance of a computer algorithm. This causes these methods to depend highly on the presence of minutia and their relationship to one another. Absence or rotations of minutia can prevent current methods form making accurate comparisons. The goal of this process is to develop a new method for analyzing fingerprints that addresses many of the concerns with current methods.;The developed process uses an iterated function sequence (IFS) to convert the image …

Quality Of Iris Segmentation As A Predictor Of Verification Performance, Syvale Lee

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

In this thesis, the accuracy of iris segmentation algorithms will be compared using quality measures based on both homogeneity and heterogeneity of the resulting image regions. After calculation of the quality measures, Principal Component Analysis (PCA) is performed. The resulting pairwise distances between the genuine pairs are compared to the hamming distance scores of the iris templates. The relationship between the two samples will be examined, and curve fitting by least squares regression is shown to be an adequate method of prediction for genuine Hamming distance score. The work proposes a segmentation quality metric that is highly correlated with the …

Evaluation Of Heavy-Duty Engine Exhaust Hydrocarbon And Non-Methane Hydrocarbon Analysis Methods, Abishek Muralidharan

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

The harmful environmental and health effects of automobile exhaust constituents have necessitated their regulation in many countries. The constituents of concern from diesel fueled engines are oxides of nitrogen (NOx), hydrocarbons (HC), carbon monoxide (CO) and particulate matter. Hydrocarbons combine with the oxides of nitrogen in a photochemical reaction, aided by sunlight, to form ozone which is a major constituent of smog. However methane does not aid in smog formation and is excluded from the present United States on-road hydrocarbon regulation.;Flame ionization detectors (FID) are the preferred detectors for hydrocarbon measurement from compression ignition internal combustion engines. Regulatory requirement for …

Comparative Study In Stereographic Reading, Alberto E. Santiago

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Viewing a Single Image Random Dot Stereogram (SIRDS) or autostereogram picture requires careful concentration from the viewer. The concentration necessary to perceive depth may affect the performance of the reading process. We are studying if information perceived by way of a stereogram is better retained in memory compared to normal reading without stereo vision. To measure subject's memory performance we administered a questionnaire after a stereographic experience containing a readable story. We discovered that exposing subjects to stereographic information has a slight advantage on the ability to remember precise details of the information read.

Reproductive Consequences Of Exposure To Sediment Extracts From The South Branch Of The Potomac River On Japanese Medaka (Oryzias Latipes), Seth R. Davis

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

An intersex condition, defined as the presence of oocytes in the testes of male gonochoristic fish, has been observed in smallmouth bass in the South Branch of the Potomac River, West Virginia, which indicates exposure to exogenous estrogens. Endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDC's) are generally hydrophobic and would tend to be found within the sediment of aquatic environments. Few studies have attempted to show the effects of exposure to EDC's on fish using sediment chemical extracts. We have developed a mass sediment extraction technique using 2 solvents (hexane, ethyl acetate:acetone 50:50) to determine the effects of extracted chemicals from three sites …

Determination Of The Nutritional Value, Protein Quality And Safety Of Krill Protein Concentrate Isolated Using An Isolelectric Solubilization/Precipitation Technique, Joseph Christopher Gigliotti

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Despite its abundance and nutritional value, krill has not been widely utilized for human consumption due to the lack of proper technology for protein recovery. The study objectives were to isolate krill protein concentrate (KPC) and to determine the nutritional value, health benefits, and safety of KPC for human consumption. Proximate analysis indicated KPC on a dry basis is composed of ∼78% protein and ∼8% fat of which ∼27% are omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (o-3 PUFAs). The amino acid composition of KPC indicated that all nine essential amino acids were present in amounts that met the requirements for adult humans …

Use Of Native Seed Mixtures To Improve Erosion Control And Wildlife Habitat On Log Landings Following Timber Harvest In The Upper Elk Watershed Of West Virginia, Lisa R. Tager

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Foresters in West Virginia follow BMP guidelines by reseeding retired log landings with inexpensive grasses that quickly provide erosion control. However, these grasses typically are not native nor do they provide high quality forage for wildlife. I developed 3 native seed mixtures for log landing reclamation that would maintain sediment control, as well as enhance wildlife habitat. These mixtures included an erosion control mixture, a wildlife mixture, and a wildflower mixture. I assessed sediment control, biomass production, vegetation structure, forage quality, and small mammal usage of my native mixtures and a commonly used, nonnative traditional mixture in 2005 and 2006. …

Three-Dimensional, High Resolution, Computerized Ionospheric Tomographic Imaging And Computational Modeling Of An Artificial Ionospheric Cavity, Craig A. Selcher

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Tomographic techniques use line integral measurements to reconstruct local values of the measured parameter. These techniques have been applied to the ionosphere by using radio transmissions to measure the integral of electron density between a satellite and a chain of ground-based receiving stations. The resultant reconstructions form a two-dimensional map of the electron density in the plane of the satellite/receiver chain. Insufficient quantity of receivers and not having a complete range of accessible look angles with the available receivers are responsible for the non-uniqueness in the reconstructions. The limited look angle problem can be alleviated by making use of alternative …

Selected Topics In Video Coding And Computer Vision, Congxia Dai

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Video applications ranging from multimedia communication to computer vision have been extensively studied in the past decades. However, the emergence of new applications continues to raise questions that are only partially answered by existing techniques. This thesis studies three selected topics related to video: intra prediction in block-based video coding, pedestrian detection and tracking in infrared imagery, and multi-view video alignment.;In the state-of-art video coding standard H.264/AVC, intra prediction is defined on the hierarchical quad-tree based block partitioning structure which fails to exploit the geometric constraint of edges. We propose a geometry-adaptive block partitioning structure and a new intra prediction …

Choice Among Stimuli In Equivalence Classes, Christina Alligood

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Stability in responding to stimuli within equivalence classes has implications for the maintenance of classes and the ease at which they can be reformed. One way of investigating stability is to examine accuracy and speed of responding as a function of nodal number, or the number of nodes between stimuli in a class. Previous research suggests that subjects respond more quickly and more accurately on relations involving fewer nodes (Fields, Adams, & Verhave, 1989 [May]; Fields, Adams, Verhave, & Newman, 1990; Fields, Adams, & Verhave, 1993; Fields, Landon-Jiminez, Buffington, & Adams, 1995; Spencer & Chase, 1996). A second way to …

Application Of The Emotional Intelligence Construct To College Student Binge Drinking, Jeffrey P. Dulko

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Although extensive research has been conducted in the area of college binge drinking, relatively little has been done to study differences among alcohol-related consequences. Some initial studies have shown that binge drinking and its consequences are associated with several emotional and interpersonal factors, but there has been no comprehensive examination of these relationships. The theory of emotional intelligence (EI) has been developed recently to study emotional and interpersonal factors as an integrated construct. Research of the relationship between alcohol and EI could provide a valuable base for which to design alcohol prevention programs that target improving emotional and interpersonal deficits …

Capacity -Based Parameter Optimization Of Bandwidth Constrained Cpm, Rohit Iyer Seshadri

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Continuous phase modulation (CPM) is an attractive modulation choice for bandwidth limited systems due to its small side lobes, fast spectral decay and the ability to be noncoherently detected. Furthermore, the constant envelope property of CPM permits highly power efficient amplification. The design of bit-interleaved coded continuous phase modulation is characterized by the code rate, modulation order, modulation index, and pulse shape. This dissertation outlines a methodology for determining the optimal values of these parameters under bandwidth and receiver complexity constraints. The cost function used to drive the optimization is the information-theoretic minimum ratio of energy-per-bit to noise-spectral density found …

Three Essays On Corporate Liquidity, Financial Distress And Equity Returns, Fang Wang

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

The three essays in this dissertation study the impact of corporate liquidity on a firm's value, how corporate liquidity affects the probability of financial distress and equity returns, and whether corporate liquidity represents an idiosyncratic risk, or serves as a priced risk factor.;The first essay examines the relationship between corporate liquidity and equity returns for individual firms. It is found that firms holding more liquid assets have significantly higher equity returns. This positive relationship between corporate liquidity and equity returns is more pronounced among firms with financial constraints. In addition, firms expecting volatile cash flows stock more cash for precautionary …

Dna Damage Response Activated By Anti-Cancer Agent, Irofulven, Timothy D. Wiltshire

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

The DNA damage response is a complex network of signals that coordinate to protect cells from accumulating mutations that lead to the development of cancer. Upon the introduction of DNA damage from either environmental or endogenous sources, the DNA damage response coordinates the control of cell cycle with DNA repair mechanisms to ensure genomic integrity within the cell. Mutations in proteins in this pathway lead to genomic instability and early onset of cancer. BRCA1 is a protein that plays a critical role in response to DNA damage caused by ionizing radiation and is responsible for approximately 50% of inherited breast …

The Era Of Deference: Courts, Expertise, And The Emergence Of New Deal Administrative Law, Reuel E. Schiller

Michigan Law Review

The first two terms of Franklin Roosevelt's presidency (1933-1941) were periods of great administrative innovation. Responding to the Great Depression, Congress created scores of new administrative agencies charged with overseeing economic policy and implementing novel social welfare programs. The story of the constitutional difficulties that some of these policy innovations encountered is a staple of both New Deal historiography and the constitutional history of twentieth-century America. There has been very little writing, however, about how courts and the New Deal-era administrative state interacted after these constitutional battles ended. Having overcome constitutional hurdles, these administrative agencies still had to interact with …

Taking Text Too Seriously: Modern Textualism, Original Meaning, And The Case Of Amar's Bill Of Rights, William Michael Treanor

Michigan Law Review

Championed on the Supreme Court by Justice Scalia and Justice Thomas and in academia most prominently by Professor Akhil Amar textualism has emerged within the past twenty years as a leading school of constitutional interpretation. Textualists argue that the Constitution should be interpreted in accordance with its original public meaning, and in seeking that meaning, they closely parse the Constitution's words and grammar and the placement of clauses in the document. They have assumed that this close parsing recaptures original meaning, but, perhaps because it seems obviously correct, that assumption has neither been defended nor challenged. This Article uses Professor …

Remote Sensing Of Heat Fluxes Validation And Inter-Sensor Comparison, Tedros M. Berhane

Theses and Dissertations

Instantaneous heat fluxes were modeled using data obtained from Landsat 5 TM (Thematic Mapper), Landsat 7 ETM+ (Enhanced Thematic Mapper Plus) and Terra MODIS (Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradioineter) using the Surface Energy Balance Algorithm for Land (SEBAL) model for cloud-free days. The modeled results were compared with measurements of net radiation (both incoming and outgoing, shortwave and longwave), soil sensible and latent heat fluxes from two flux towers located in Brookings, SD, and Fort Peck, MT. Flux tower data consisted of 30 minute averages at every half an hour, and footprints of contributing movement of air within the period were …

The Berlin Poplars: A Translation, Lene Johansen

Theses and Dissertations

This thesis is a translation of a section of Anne Birkeland Ragde's Berlinerpoplene, or The Berlin Poplars, a contemporary Norwegian novel about how' family dynamics shape and haunt following generations. The narrative alternates between three brothers and reflects how each of them experiences and deals (consciously or not) with feelings of belonging, alienation, and isolation. The Berlin Poplars is a strong novel: the character development and the interpersonal dynamics are rich, and Ragde presents her very flawed protagonists in a dark, brutally honest, yet humane manner. Furthermore, the novel strongly reflects Norway and traditional Norwegian culture.

The complexity of the …

Ground Heat Exchangers: Analytical And Numerical Modeling And Experimental Validation, Gopal K. Bandyopadhyay

Theses and Dissertations

Knowledge of the thermal response characteristics of the ground heat exchanger (GHX) in the early stage of a step heat input is essential for the design or simulation of ground source heat pump systems (GSHP). Recently this has assumed even a greater importance as the building cooling loads dominate in many regions due to the general warming trend and there is an urgent need for developing hybrid systems. In an operating GSHP system, the heat flux across the borehole boundary builds up gradually as the rise of the fluid temperature is dampened by the thermal mass of the aggregate fluid. …

Instrument Development And Psychometric Analysis: Nurses' Urinary Incontinence Knowledge, Beliefs, And Practices, Tracy L. Wright

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this research was to develop and psychometrically assess an instrument to measure nurses’ urinary incontinence (UI) knowledge, beliefs, and practices (NU1KBAP) in the female population using content experts and nursing students. This multiple methodology investigation was framed by Feminist and Orem’s Self-Care Deficit theories. UI prevalence among women ranges from 9-72% with $19.5 billion dollars spent in the US on direct UI expenses in the year 2000. Many nurses do not have adequate knowledge regarding female UI and little is known about their UI-related beliefs and practices.

The foci of Phase 1 were to develop, estimate validity, …

The Population Genetics Of The Wood Frog, Rana Sylvatica, Across Its Geographic Range, Tina M. Squire

Theses and Dissertations

This study aimed to determine the level of genetic variation across the continental-wide range of the wood frog, Rana sylvatica. Levels of genetic differentiation between sampled populations were investigated as was the possible locations of glacial refugia for this species. DNA microsatellites were used as the genetic marker. This study found significant genetic differentiation across the geographic range of Rana sylvatica that increased with geographic distance. In addition three likely glacial refugia, Alaska, New York and the southern Appalachians, were identified.

A subset of the populations used in the geographic range study was used to investigate the patterns at a …

Outcome Of Triple Procedure In Older Children With Developmental Dysplasia Of Hip (Ddh), Masood Umer, Haq Nawaz, Pashtoon Murtaza Kasi, Mahmood Ahmed

Department of Surgery Docs

Objective: To evaluate the radiographic and functional results of the triple procedure (open reduction, femoral shortening and Salter's Osteotomy) in the treatment of Developmental Dysplasia of the Hip (DDH) disease in older children. Methods: This case-series comprising 23 patients (29 hips) underwent the triple procedure of open reduction, femoral shortening and Salter osteotomy, at Aga Khan University Hospital between June 1995 and June 2005. Patients were classified pre-operatively according to the Tonnis class. Postoperative functional evaluation was performed using Modified MacKay's scoring system and radiographic assessment using Severin's scoring method. Results: The mean age of patients at presentation was 6.84 …

The Japanization Of American Corporate Governance? Evidence Of The Never-Ending History For Corporate Law, Dan W. Puchniak

Research Collection Yong Pung How School Of Law

The debate over corporate governance convergence has been heated for years and has created a cottage industry of experts. It is premised on the false assumption that American corporate governance has reached the end of its evolution by adopting a shareholder primacy and dispersed shareholding governance model. This article demonstrates that American corporate governance continues to evolve and that as such the convergence debate is fundamentally flawed and not worth fixing. The point of this article is simple: there is no endpoint corporate governance model. There is no optimally efficient American model. There is no optimally efficient Japanese model. To …