Digital Commons Network^™

An Analysis Of Connectivity, Tayeb Al Karim

Theses

Recent evidence in biology indicates crossmodal, which is to say information sharing between the different senses, influences in the brain. This helps to explain such phenomenon as the McGurk effect, where even though a person knows that he is seeing the lip movement “GA” and is hearing the sound “BA”, the person usually can’t help but think that they are hearing the sound “DA”. The McGurk effect is an example of where the visual sense influences the perception of the audio sense. These discoveries transition old feedforward models of the brain to ones that rely on feedback connections and, more …

An Image Processing Technique For The Improvement Of Sign2 Using A Dual Camera Approach, Kanthi Sarella

Theses

A non-intrusive translation system to transform American Sign Language to digital text forms the pivotal point of discussion in the following thesis. With so many techniques which are being introduced for the same purpose in the present technological arena, this study lays claim to that relatively less trodden path of developing an unobtrusive, user-friendly and straightforward solution. The phase 1 of the Sign2 Project dealt with a single camera approach to achieve the same end of creating a translation system and my present investigation endeavors to develop a solution to improve the accuracy of results employing the methodology pursued in …

Dynamac Media Distribution System, Luis A. Caceres Chong

Theses

This thesis describes the initial development of a multiplatform client-server based system capable of distributing content derived from a new format over an IP network. The system will also provide digital rights management and secure transmission of video content utilizing the DYNAMAC video compression/decompression algorithm. The work presented here is part of the Digital Media Research Group, which is focused on the use of the DYNAMAC algorithm for digital rights management and distribution of high definition media content in real time, while achieving better efficiency on bandwidth usages. Three components were created with this initial development: a player capable of …

Computational Aspects Of Voting: A Literature Survey, Fatima Talib

Theses

Preference aggregation is a topic of study in different fields such as philosophy, mathematics, economics and political science. Recently, computational aspects of preference aggregation have gained especial attention and “computational politics” has emerged as a marked line of research in computer science with a clear concentration on voting protocols. The field of voting systems, rooted in social choice theory, has expanded notably in both depth and breadth in the last few decades. A significant amount of this growth comes from studies concerning the computational aspects of voting systems. This thesis comprehensively reviews the work on voting systems (from a computing …

Complexity Of Control Of Borda Count Elections, Nathan Russell

Theses

In this thesis, we discuss some existing and new results relating to computational aspects of voting. In particular, we consider, apparently for the first time, the computational complexity of the application of certain types of control to the Borda count voting system. We use control in the formal sense of attempts by an election's administrator to make a specific candidate win or lose by various means. We consider control problems for weighted elections, as well as for unweighted elections with voter preferences input both individually and in succinct representation.

A Comparison Of Material Preferences By Chocolatiers And Consumers, Jillian Sinclair

Theses

Premium solid and hollow chocolate theme-shaped figures are special to consumers’ celebrations. Due to chocolates’ high quality ingredients there was a focus on product preservation. Two packaging materials, aluminum foil wrap and clear cellophane bags were evaluated for maintaining product quality from the perspective of chocolatiers and consumers. Two different surveys were developed. One survey was mailed to a selection of chocolate manufacturers to gather information about chocolate production. The other survey, completed by volunteers, asked about their chocolate purchasing experiences. The conclusion showed that consumers favored one packaging material based on their purchasing experience while the chocolate manufacturers considered …

Exploring Tourism Development On Uninhabited Islands, Mohamed Jamal

Theses

Travel Industry has become the bread winner of many Island destinations across the globe. The practices, policies and institutional forms used in developing tourism on public lands vary from destination to destination. The research aims to identify the practices, policies and institutional forms in development of tourism consisting of resorts or hotels in public lands specifically on uninhabited islands. Public lands referred in this thesis include lands, beaches, sea owned by governments or the 'public sector'. The term 'public sector' covers the whole range of public organizations from national government ministries and departments to government business enterprises and local government …

2007 January, Office Of Communications & Marketing, Morehead State University.

Morehead State Press Release Archive, 1961 to the Present

Press releases for January of 2007.

Cutting Propagation And Container Production Of Rudy Haag Burning Bush [Euonymus Alatus Rudy Haag], Amy Lynn Poston

University of Kentucky Master's Theses

Softwood cuttings of Euonymus alatus and the cultivar Rudy Haag, a nearly seedless cultivar, were taken in Kentucky on two cutting dates. E. alatus Rudy Haag cuttings taken in mid-May, untreated or treated with 1000 - 3000 ppm IBA, produced many roots on a high percentage of cuttings. Post-rooting shoot growth was reduced for the species with cuttings taken in June. Rudy Haag produced new growth on cuttings taken in May with no IBA treatment. Transplanting resulted in a decrease in new growth. Liner plants of E. alatus Compactus and Rudy Haag were planted into 1 and 3 gallon containers …

Numerical Investigation And Parallel Computing For Thermal Transport Mechanism During Nanomachining, Ravi R. Kumar

University of Kentucky Master's Theses

Nano-scale machining, or Nanomachining is a hybrid process in which the total thermal energy necessary to remove atoms from a work-piece surface is applied from external sources. In the current study, the total thermal energy necessary to remove atoms from a work-piece surface is applied from two sources: (1) localized energy from a laser beam focused to a micron-scale spot to preheat the work-piece, and (2) a high-precision electron-beam emitted from the tips of carbon nano-tubes to remove material via evaporation/sublimation. Macro-to-nano scale heat transfer models are discussed for understanding their capability to capture and its application to predict the …

Chiral 1, 2-Diamino Guests In Chain Replacement Peptidomimetics: A New Helical Motif, Marlon D. Jones

University of Kentucky Doctoral Dissertations

Peptides are short, sequence and length specific oligomers composed of small amino acid residues. Nature has refined these peptide sequences and their endogenous function through evolution. In addition, peptides have played an important role in medicine, which has lead to further research into developing peptides as lead pharmaceuticals (therapeutic peptides). Unfortunately, therapeutic peptides are inferior as drug candidates due to their low oral bioavailability; immunogenicity and potential to be attacked by peptidases. Fortunately, peptides can be modified by steric constraints, cyclization, and/or replacement of the peptide backbone itself creating a mimic (peptidomimetic) of the original peptide. Peptidomimetics are deliberately designed …

Hebi Sani: Mental Well Being Among The Working Class Afro-Surinamese In Paramaribo, Suriname, Aminata Cairo

University of Kentucky Doctoral Dissertations

This dissertation describes the results of a two year anthropological investigation into the concept of mental well being among the working class Afro-Surinamese population in Paramaribo, Suriname. More specifically, the research investigated how working class Afro-Surinamese in Paramaribo, Suriname define and maintain their sense of mental well-being, given their unique ethnic identity within a multi-ethnic and multicultural society, and given that their environment is heavily compromised by negative globalizing forces Over the course of two years a total of 62 people contributed information through group and individual interviews, which was supplemented by information obtained through participant observation. Findings show a …

Projecting The Results Of State Smoking Ban Initiatives Using Cartographic Analysis, Donna Arlene Gilbreath

University of Kentucky Master's Theses

Because tobacco smoking causes 430,000 U.S. deaths annually, wide-reaching smoking bans are needed. Bans reduce cigarette consumption, encourage cessation, protect nonsmokers from second-hand smoke, and promote an attitude that smoking is undesirable. Therefore, bans may prevent future generations from suffering many smoking-related health problems. The federal government has not implemented widereaching smoking bans so it falls on individual states, counties, or communities to devise appropriate smoking policy. To date, smoking policy has been determined by legislators, who may have conflicts that prevent them from acting in the publics best interest. However, this method of implementing smoking policy may be changing. …

Neonatal Immune Modulation To Improve Pneumocystis Clearance, Kerry Mcgarr Empey

University of Kentucky Doctoral Dissertations

Pneumocystis carinii is an opportunistic fungal pathogen that causes lifethreatening pneumonia in immunocompromised individuals. Infants appear to be particularly susceptible to Pneumocystis (PC) pulmonary infections. The higher incidence of PC as well as other pulmonary infections among infants is likely due to an immature immune system. The neonatal lung environment is deficient immunologically in preterm as well as term infants (1, 2). Decreased phagocytic capacity of macrophages in newborns may increase the risk of infection from inhaled pathogens (1, 2). We have previously demonstrated that there is approximately a 3-week delay in the clearance of PC organisms from pup mouse …

Geophysical And Geological Investigation Of Neotectonic Deformation Along The Caborn And Hovey Lake Faults, Wabash Valley Fault System, Central United States, James Whitt

University of Kentucky Master's Theses

Seismic reflection (P- and SH-wave), ground-penetrating radar, correlative drilling, and age dating data provide evidence of neotectonic deformation along the Caborn (CF) and Hovey Lake (HLF) faults, in the Wabash Valley fault system (WVFS). The WVFS is a series of high-angle normal faults located primarily in southern Indiana and Illinois. Since their formation, these faults have likely been transpressionally reactivated in the contemporary E-W-oriented compressive stress state. The WVFS has experienced large prehistoric earthquakes, but only moderate historic and contemporary seismicity; therefore, the seismic potential in this region is poorly defined. The bedrock expressions of the CF and HLF were …

Rlinks: A Mechanism For Navigating To Related Files, Naveen Akarapu

University of Kentucky Master's Theses

This thesis introduces Relative links or rlinks, which are directed labeled links from one file to another in a file system. Rlinks provide a clean way to build and share related-file information without creating additional files and directories. Rlinks form overlay graphs between files of a file system, thus providing useful alternate views of the file system. This thesis implements rlinks for the Linux kernel and modifies the storage structure of the Ext2 file system to store the rlinks.

Catalytic Growth Of Structured Carbon Via The Decomposition Of Halogenated Reactants Over Supported Nickel, Laxmi Deepshika Cherukuri

University of Kentucky Master's Theses

The synthesis of highly ordered carbonaceous materials, including carbon nanofibers, has been the subject of a disparate and burgeoning literature over the past decade. Growth of carbon nanotubes via an atypical catalytic route, the decomposition of halogenated reactants as chlorobenzene (CB) over 10% (w/w) Ni/SiO2 is investigated. The C (carbon) yield and structural order are a function of reaction time and temperature. Greater degree of structural order and C yield is observed from CB relative to benzene, suggesting Cl/catalyst interaction(s) and metal site restructuring. Evaluation of the effect of H2 on C growth from CB reveals that C yield is …

Focus Groups On Consumer Attitudes On Food Safety Educational Materials In Kentucky, Holly Holbrook Coleman

University of Kentucky Master's Theses

Four focus groups were conducted in Kentucky to evaluate differences in the participants knowledge of safe food handling practices, where they obtained their knowledge, which source(s) they trusted to provide accurate food safety messages and the effectiveness of messages from three different sources. The sources of food safety messages compared by the focus groups were the Partnership for Food Safety Educations FightBAC! material, food safety materials developed by the American Dietetic Association and funded by ConAgra Foundation and food safety materials developed by the University of Kentucky. Each focus group represented a specific population, (A) limited resource parents (Louisville); (B) …

Numerical Simulation Of Two Flow Control Approaches For Low Reynolds Number Applications, Daniel A. Reasor Jr.

University of Kentucky Master's Theses

Current research in experimental and computational fluid dynamics is focused in the area of flow control. Flow control devices are usually classified as either passive or active. Plasma actuators are active flow control devices that require input from an external power source. Current efforts have modeled the effects of plasma actuators as a body force near the electrode. The research presented herein focuses on modeling the fluid-plasma interaction seen in dielectric barrier discharge plasma actuators as a body force vector in the region above the embedded electrode using computational fluid dynamics (CFD). This body force is modeled as the product …

Carbon Nanotube Augmentation Of A Bone Cement Polymer, Brock Holston Marrs

University of Kentucky Doctoral Dissertations

Acrylic bone cement is widely used as a structural material in orthopaedics, dentistry, and orofacial surgery. Although bone cement celebrates four decades of success, it remains susceptible to fatigue fracture. This type of failure can directly lead to implant loosening, revision surgery, and increased healthcare expenditures. The mechanism of fatigue failure is divided into three stages: 1) fatigue crack initiation, 2) fatigue crack propagation, and 3) fast, brittle fracture. Adding reinforcing fibers and particles to bone cement is a proposed solution for improving fatigue performance. The mechanical performance of these reinforced bone cements is limited by fiber ductility, fibermatrix de-bonding, …

Influence Of The Serotonergic System On Physiology, Development, And Behavior Of Drosophila Melanogaster, Sameera Dasari

University of Kentucky Doctoral Dissertations

The regulation and modulation of the serotonergic system is clinically significant in humans. Abnormally low levels of serotonin can result in depression and conditions like panic disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, social anxiety disorder, sudden infant death syndrome, and eating disorders. The mechanistic role of serotonin (5-HT) on the neural circuits related with these diseases is not definitively known. Drosophila is a simple model system that provides an advantage over vertebrates to modify genetically and for electrophysiological studies on identifiable cells. In this organism the sensory-CNS-motor circuit is modulated by 5-HT, octopamine (OA), and dopamine (DA), which gives one insight that these …

Virtual' Brides In The Post-Soviet Context, Michael Paul Begin

University of Kentucky Doctoral Dissertations

This project offers a multifaceted, interdisciplinary approach to understanding the contemporary post-Soviet Internet bride phenomenon and the rationales, motives, and aspirations of the industry's participants. As international marriage services have incorporated information and communications technologies (ICTs) to assist in the marketing of women of post-communist nations for correspondence courtship with Western men, the industry has furthered the globalization of marriage markets and the opportunities for communicative exchange among disparate nations and cultures. By way of case study, the project takes a special focus on the Belarusian/American segment of the industry, turning to personal interviews with participants and employing qualitative techniques …

Two Essays On Borrowing From Banks And Lending Syndicates, Pankaj Kumar Maskara

University of Kentucky Doctoral Dissertations

A loan deal is often composed of several components (for example, a 3-year revolving loan, a 10-year secured senior term loan, and a 5-year subordinated term loan). The division of a deal into two or more components, each with different risk characteristics, is called tranching. This study recognizes the importance of tranching and establishes tranching as an integral component of a syndicated loan structure. In the first essay, we present a model to explain the economic value of tranching and show that riskier firms are more likely to take loans with multiple tranches. Therefore, the average credit spread on syndicated …

Computer Simulation And Modeling Of Physical And Biological Processes Using Partial Differential Equations, Wensheng Shen

University of Kentucky Doctoral Dissertations

Scientific research in areas of physics, chemistry, and biology traditionally depends purely on experimental and theoretical methods. Recently numerical simulation is emerging as the third way of science discovery beyond the experimental and theoretical approaches. This work describes some general procedures in numerical computation, and presents several applications of numerical modeling in bioheat transfer and biomechanics, jet diffusion flame, and bio-molecular interactions of proteins in blood circulation.

A three-dimensional (3D) multilayer model based on the skin physical structure is developed to investigate the transient thermal response of human skin subject to external heating. The temperature distribution of the skin is …

Finite Element Analysis And Experimental Verification Of Soi Waveguide Losses, Harish Srinivasan

University of Kentucky Master's Theses

Bending loss in silicon-on-insulator rib waveguides was calculated using conformal mapping of the curved waveguide to an equivalent straight waveguide. Finite-element analysis with perfectly matched layer boundaries was used to solve the vector wave equation. Transmission loss was experimentally measured as a function of bend radius for several SOI waveguides. Good agreement was found between simulated and measured losses, and this technique was confirmed as a good predictor for loss and for minimum bend radius for efficient design.

Cyclooxygenase-2-Dependent Remodeling Of The Ductus Arteriosus, Darshini Trivedi

University of Kentucky Doctoral Dissertations

Transition of the cardiopulmonary circulation at birth requires functional closure of the ductus arteriosus (DA). The DA is an arterial shunt that is vital in the fetus for diverting the pulmonary circulation away from the uninflated lungs. Failure of the vessel to functionally close after birth is known as patent DA, which is the second most common congenital heart disease. Patent DA may seriously compromise neonatal health and current pharmacological treatments are often limited by serious complications or a significant failure rate, thereby increasing the necessity for surgical intervention. Recently, we were the first to show that genetic or pharmacological …

Functionalization Of Fluorinated Surfactant Templated Silica, Gifty Osei-Prempeh

University of Kentucky Doctoral Dissertations

Surfactant templating provides for the synthesis of ordered mesoporous silica and the opportunity to tailor the pore size, pore structure, particle morphology and surface functionality of the silica through the selection of synthesis conditions and surfactant template. This work extends the synthesis of nanostructured silica using fluorinated surfactant templates to the synthesis of organic/inorganic composites. The effect of fluorinated surfactant templates (C6F13C2H4NC5H5Cl, C8F17C2H4NC5H5Cl and C10F21C2H4NC5H5Cl), which have highly hydrophobic fluorocarbon tails, on functional group incorporation, accessibility, and silica textural properties is examined and compared to properties of hydrocarbon surfactant (C16H33N(CH3)3Br, CTAB) templated silica. Hydrocarbon (vinyl, n-decyl and 3-aminopropyl) and fluorocarbon …

The Development And Test Of An Exchange-Based Model Of Interpersonal Workplace Exclusion, Kristin Damato Scott

University of Kentucky Doctoral Dissertations

The vast majority of social exclusion research has taken place outside of the workplace (i.e., in social settings). In addition, researchers often use a myriad of terms (i.e., ostracism, exclusion, rejection) when describing and investigating exclusion-related phenomena thus contributing to widespread conceptual confusion with respect to this construct. Moreover, past studies have failed to consider the role of social exchange in determining how individuals may react to being excluded by others particularly in a work setting. I sought to address these issues by conducting three multi-wave studies which develop and test a social-exchange based model of interpersonal workplace exclusion (IWE). …

Investigations Of Circadian Regulation And Immune-Circadian Interaction In The Horse, Barbara Anne Murphy

University of Kentucky Doctoral Dissertations

The circadian system provides animals with a means to adapt internal physiology to the constantly changing environmental stimuli that exists on a rotating planet. Light information is translated into molecular timing mechanisms within individual pacemaker cells of the mammalian hypothalamic suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) via transcriptionaltranslational feedback loops. Humoral and neural outputs from this master clock result in circadian rhythms of physiology and behavior. The hierarchy of the circadian system involves SCN synchronization of cellular clocks within peripheral tissues so that differential transcriptional profiles in individual organs reflect their specific function. The first step to investigating equine circadian regulation was to …

Identification And Characterization Of Components Of The Yeast Spliceosome, Shatakshi Shreekant Pandit

University of Kentucky Doctoral Dissertations

The spliceosome is a complex, dynamic ribonucleoprotein (RNP) complex that undergoes numerous conformational changes during its assembly, activation, catalysis and disassembly. Defects in spliceosome assembly are thought to trigger active dissociation of faulty splicing complexes. A yeast genetic screen was performed to identify components of the putative discard pathway. This study found that weak mutant alleles of SPP382 suppress defects in several proteins required for spliceosome activation (Prp38p, Prp8p and Prp19p) as well as substrate mutations (weak branch point mutants). This evolutionary conserved protein had been found in both yeast and mammalian splicing complexes. However, its role in splicing had …