Digital Commons Network^™

Laminar Flame Speed Estimation From Experimental Data Using A Quasi-Dimensional Turbulent Flame Entrainment Combustion Simulation For Spark Ignition Engines, Akash Desai

All Theses

The goal of this research is to develop a thermodynamic simulation of spark-ignition engine combustion that uses a predictive burn-rate model. Previously done thermodynamic engine simulations in MATLAB are based on a specified burn rate model. Also, the effect of turbulence parameters on the rate of mass burn up is not considered. A predictive burn rate model is necessary to study the effect of different fuels on spark ignition engine combustion. The effect of laminar flame speed and turbulent intensity on combustion is difficult to assess experimental due to the difficulty in the measurement of these two variables. Thus, the …

An Analysis Of Managerial Retention Decisions Using Major League Baseball, William Ward

All Theses

Major League Baseball managers are often blamed for the poor performance of a baseball team. In the past two years alone, there have been eight midseason managerial firings and six postseason managerial firings. While this number may seem high, these numbers have actually been consistent with probabilities of managerial retention since 1930, when baseball was still in the early stages of its development as a professional sport. In the following study, I examine the factors that are taken into account during these managerial firing decisions and what conditions are present when changes do take place. Using Major League Baseball managerial …

Use Of The Health Belief Model To Assess Hand Hygiene Knowledge, Perceptions, And Practices Of Saudi Students Studying In The U.S., Najla Khateeb

All Theses

Many factors influence hygiene but those that have the greatest impact vary widely across population groups. Our aim was to characterize hand hygiene practices of Saudi students studying in the U.S. by completing two objectives: (1) assess hand hygiene knowledge, perceptions, and practices of Saudi students studying in the U.S. and (2) determine the relationship among knowledge, perceptions, and practices.
A modified version of the Health Belief Model was the theoretical framework to characterize hand hygiene practices. A web-based instrument was posted to the ¬DSaudis Studying in USAÁÂ Facebook page. The instrument was prepared in English then translated into Arabic. …

Rigging And Texturing Considerations For The Short Film Spider Fight, Casey Johnson

All Theses

This paper delves into two separate production areas of the short film, Spider Fight: the approach used to solve the problem of rigging eyelids for 3d characters, and the pipelines that were implemented for texturing 3d assets. Typically, problems exist in the rigging of eyelids for 3d characters. Productions rely on a series of blend shapes, or a combination of joints and blend shapes, to produce satisfactory eyelid movement. Spider Fight, however, used a series of curves and joints to control the movement of the eyelids, which allowed a high degree of control over eyelid movement, and also fast editing …

A Comparison And Evaluation Of Three Different Pose Estimation Algorithms In Detecting Low Texture Manufactured Objects, Robert Kriener

All Theses

This thesis examines the problem of pose estimation, which is the problem of determining the pose of an object in some coordinate system. Pose refers to the object's position and orientation in the coordinate system. In particular, this thesis examines pose estimation techniques using either monocular or binocular vision systems.
Generally, when trying to find the pose of an object the objective is to generate a set of matching features, which may be points or lines, between a model of the object and the current image of the object. These matches can then be used to determine the pose of …

Sensory Spaces, Thomas Schram

All Theses

We are all products of our environments and simultaneously have the ability to shape and change those environments. Physical environments obviously influence how we perceive and understand ourselves in relation to our surroundings, but non-physical environments have an ever-increasing effect as well. Changing technologies and increased use of online networks pose new questions about how we understand and relate to the settings we inhabit. Inspired by the work of Sherry Turkle, my work examines the tension in the transition many people experience as they incorporate more internet-ready, globally connected technology into their daily lives. I examine the intersection between virtual …

Parallel Implementation Of The Singular Value Decomposition Using Opencl, Bhushan Rayrikar

All Theses

General-Purpose Graphics Processing Units (GPGPUs) have massively parallel computational capabilities. Low cost and ease of programming make them a popular choice over other parallel architectures such as large clusters and accelerators such as Field-Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs). Mature programming frameworks for GPGPUs, such as CUDA from Nvidia and OpenCL from the Khronos Group, reduce the learning curve and development time for programming GPGPU architectures. OpenCL, a relatively new industry standard for parallel computing makes it possible to write a single program for heterogeneous platforms that is portable across multiple platforms including GPGPUs and multi-core processors with minimal coding modifications.
GPGPU …

Investigation Of A Novel Method For Polonium-210 Determination In Groundwater, Tara Matheny

All Theses

A novel method was investigated for the quantification of 210Po in water as an alternative to the standard method of spontaneous plating onto Ag disks followed by quantification with an alpha spectrometer. The novel method concentrated a 0.5L sample by MnO2 co-precipitation followed by dissolution of the precipitate into a solution. Polonium-210 was separated from the solution and quantified in a column containing a 50:50 by volume mixture of Pb resin (Eichrom Technologies, Inc.) mixed with granulated CaF2:Eu scintillator. The column containing 210Po is quantified on a liquid scintillation counter without the introduction of liquid cocktail. The minimum detectable concentration …

Product And Process Based Assembly Time Estimation In Engineering Design, Michael Miller

All Theses

This thesis presents the research and development of two assembly time estimation techniques for the automotive industry. Both of these techniques are capable of being implemented early in the product life-cycle of a vehicle and require information available in this phase. Currently, assembly time estimation is performed after production has begun and is a tedious manual process requiring hours of motion-time method studies for each assembly activity. The techniques proposed in this thesis can both be performed prior to the start of production and are capable of being performed automatically after the initial mapping.
The first assembly time estimation technique …

Practicing Orthodontists' Use And Perceived Efficacy Of Self-Ligating Brackets, John-David Beuhler

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Introduction.

The purpose of this study was to compare perceptions of efficacy and efficiency of Self-Ligating Brackets vs. conventional brackets between practicing Orthodontists and Orthodontic Residents.

Methods.

Cross-sectional survey research using a three-wave emailing of addresses from the current American Association of Orthodontists directory. The directors of all orthodontic residency programs in the US were asked to also distribute to all residents. The survey included five sections: (1) respondents' experience, (2) factors that influence, (3) positive or negative factors, (4) the perceived efficiency/efficacy, and (5) demographics. A 39% response rate (N=707) was obtained.

Results.

Over half (51.8%) …

Global And Specific Controls Of Protein Synthesis In Hibernators, Peipei Pan

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Mammalian hibernation is a highly dynamic physiological process that is composed of a series of torpor bouts, wherein hibernators oscillate between periods of torpor and interbout arousal. Although normally vital to homeostasis, many energetically consumptive processes such as translation or protein synthesis are virtually ceased during hibernation. Earlier studies indicated that protein synthesis had fallen to almost negligible levels. Cap-dependent initiation of translation is well regulated by eukaryotic translation initiation factor 4E (eIF4E) and its binding partner eIF4E-binding protein 1 (4E-BP1) when hibernators cycle in and out the torpor state. Herein, I investigated well-characterized regulatory mechanisms of global and specific …

The Relationship Between The Functions Of School Refusal Behavior And Family Environment, Rachel Marie Schafer

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

The current study examined the relationship between the functions of school refusal behavior and family environment characteristics in a community sample of youth. The primary aim was to determine the family environments most strongly associated with each function of school refusal behavior in an ethnically diverse, community-based sample of youths referred to the legal process for absenteeism. Hypotheses for the current study were based on the premise that family environment characteristics of the community sample of youths with problematic absenteeism would generally resemble those identified in previous clinical samples. The first hypothesis was that youth who refuse school primarily to …

Magnesium, A Drug Of Diverse Use, Mohammad Irfan Akhtar, Hameed Ullah, Mohammad Hamid

Department of Anaesthesia

Magnesium has evolved as a drug with diverse clinical applications. Mg++ is an important caution and its homeostasis is very important for normal body functioning. The physiological role of Mg is due to its calcium channel blocking properties at smooth muscle, skeletal muscle and conduction system levels. The analgesic properties are due to NMDA receptor blocking action. Mg++ is beneficial in acute Myocardial Infarction, protection during open heart surgery and treatment and prevention of heart rhythm disturbances. Mg has an established role in the management of preeclampsia and eclampsia. Magnesium prevents or controls convulsions by blocking neuromuscular transmission and decreasing …

Crew Resource Management Training For Nurse Anesthesia Education, John P. Lonneman

Theses and Dissertations

Communication encores have been identified by The Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organization (JCAHO) as the leading cause of wrong site operations and other sentinel events (Makary et al., 2006; Neily et al., 2009). Additionally, poor teamwork in the OR results in higher morbidity and mortality (Mazzocco et al., 2009). The aviation industry has used the concepts of Crew Resource Management (CRM) for more than 20 years to reduce accidents caused by human factors (Rivers, Swain & Nixon, 2003). CRM focuses on communication, leadership, decision making and resource management to achieve safe outcomes. CRM has been shown to lower …

Implications Of Fatigue And Sleep Loss On Medical Professionals And Countermeasures To Prevent Fatigue, Tracie J. Christensen

Theses and Dissertations

The number of hours worked per individual has long been limited by the law in many professional industries. Recent increases in the incidence of medical and diagnostic errors related to fatigue has led to an increased interest in health care worker fatigue. For human beings, functioning on a 24-hour basis poses unique physiological challenges. Acknowledging and managing these challenges can promote performance, productivity, and safety in 24-hour operations. Ignoring these factors can lead to decrements in human capability and to the potential for incidents and accidents that can result in tremendous societal and individual costs. Long duty hours, reduced sleep …

Nonparametric Inference Based On Conditional Moment Inequalities, Donald W.K. Andrews, Xiaoxia Shi

Cowles Foundation Discussion Papers

This paper develops methods of inference for nonparametric and semiparametric parameters defined by conditional moment inequalities and/or equalities. The parameters need not be identified. Confidence sets and tests are introduced. The correct uniform asymptotic size of these procedures is established. The false coverage probabilities and power of the CS’s and tests are established for fixed alternatives and some local alternatives. Finite-sample simulation results are given for a nonparametric conditional quantile model with censoring and a nonparametric conditional treatment effect model. The recommended CS/test uses a Cramér-von-Mises-type test statistic and employs a generalized moment selection critical value.

Nonparametric Inference Based On Conditional Moment Inequalities, Donald W.K. Andrews, Xiaoxia Shi

Cowles Foundation Discussion Papers

This paper develops methods of inference for nonparametric and semiparametric parameters defined by conditional moment inequalities and/or equalities. The parameters need not be identified. Confidence sets and tests are introduced. The correct uniform asymptotic size of these procedures is established. The false coverage probabilities and power of the CS’s and tests are established for fixed alternatives and some local alternatives. Finite-sample simulation results are given for a nonparametric conditional quantile model with censoring and a nonparametric conditional treatment effect model. The recommended CS/test uses a Cramér-von-Mises-type test statistic and employs a generalized moment selection critical value.

The Relationship Of Teachers' Perceptions Of High School Principal's Monitoring Student Progress And Student Achievement In Southeastern Ohio, T. C. Chappelear

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Principals in school buildings across this nation and perhaps throughout the world are under immense pressure to improve outcomes for all students. Recent literature suggests this accountability may be warranted, at least in part, as there is overwhelming evidence that building principals can positively impact student achievement through their behavior as effective instructional leaders. Much of the evidence for this emanates from the elementary school level. The problem is that little research exists at the high school level to examine the relationship between building principals monitoring student progress and student achievement.;This baseline study examined the relationship between teachers' perceptions of …

The Impact Of A Modified Cooperative Learning Technique On The Grade Frequencies Observed In A Preparatory Chemistry Course, Bridget J. Hayes Russell

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

This dissertation explored the impact of a modified cooperative learning technique on the final grade frequencies observed in a large preparatory chemistry course designed for pre-science majors. Although the use of cooperative learning at all educational levels is well researched and validated in the literature, traditional lectures still dominate as the primary methodology of teaching. This study modified cooperative learning techniques by addressing commonly cited reasons for not using the methodology. Preparatory chemistry students were asked to meet in cooperative groups outside of class time to complete homework assignments. A chi-square goodness-of-fit revealed that the final grade frequency distributions observed …

Mothers' Accuracy And Bias In Predicting Their Toddlers Performance On The Bayley Scales Of Infant Development, Darcey N. Powell

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

This study evaluated mothers' specific knowledge of their own toddlers' development. Mothers' predictions of their toddlers' performance on the Bayley Scales of Infant Development, Second Edition (BSID-II) were compared to their toddlers' performance on each task. In addition, mothers' accuracy in their predictions and toddlers' performance was compared to the toddlers' display of emotional behaviors during the assessment. Mothers (N = 68, Mage = 31.31 years) with toddlers between the ages of 19 and 26 months (M age = 21.76 months) completed demographic questionnaires, measures assessing their perceived parenting self-efficacy, their knowledge of developmental norms, and their expectation for their …

Alternative Modeling Of Multiply Hydraulic Fractures In Horizontal Wells Completed In Low Permeability Formation, Mahmod S. Alkalawi

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Many conventional gas reservoirs around the world have been developed and well-understood on contrary to unconventional gas reservoirs where the amount of information available to the public considered still not abundant. The unconventional reservoirs (tight formation) where permeability ranges from 0.001millidarciesto micro-Darcy permeability is a relatively new area in some parts of the world and the details involving ways to increase productivity of wells and best fracture design yet has to be investigated .The unconventional gas reservoirs are important in the world due to its availability, future energy demand around the world, and most conventional gas reservoirs have already been …

Utilization Of Igs Information For Improved Real-Time Gps Positioning, Francis James Barchesky

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

The estimation of a precise user's position is a difficult and complex problem. In addition, the use of geodetic grade position instruments is often not possible for Small Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (SUAV) systems. However, the availability of the global navigation satellite system (GNSS) and International GNSS Service (IGS) predicted product data allows an attempt to increase the precision of a navigation algorithm, which is the aim in this thesis.;The utilization of this information within an algorithm work environment is a complex problem, requiring the development of multiple tools in order to use and access the IGS raw and product data. …

The Salt Shaker (Vol. 8, Issue 2), Valparaiso University

SALT Shaker

No abstract provided.

Whole Body Vibration In Anterior Cruciate Ligament Rehabilitation, Sara Ruby Vargas

All Graduate Plan B and other Reports, Spring 1920 to Spring 2023

There has been an increasing prevalence of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries. In the literature describing ACL rehabilitation program flexibility, muscle strength, proprioception, and postural stability have been identified as reoccurring struggles that have arisen during rehabilitation. Whole Body Vibration (WBV) has been investigate as a rehabilitation tool that can be used when recovering from an ACL injury. Research has suggested that WBV can be used to increase flexibility, improve muscular strength, increase proprioception, and improve postural stability. The purpose of this review is to gather the WBV protocols used in previous research and apply them to ACL rehabilitation. An …

Nonlinear Aerodynamic Corrections To Blade Element Momentum Model With Validation Experiments, Robert S. Merrill

All Graduate Plan B and other Reports, Spring 1920 to Spring 2023

Blade element momentum theory is well suited for propeller analysis during the early stages of design. The analytic blade element momentum model is presented along with a proposed nonlinear improvement. The analytical model makes small angle assumptions which are known to be inaccurate under some conditions. The nonlinear model avoids these assumptions. The results of the analytical and nonlinear models are compared against each other. The differences between these are most prevalent on lower pitch propellers at high advance ratios. A wind tunnel validation test is outlined. Results of the validation test and other published data from the University of …

Report On Advances In The Field Of Artificial Intelligence Attributed To Captcha, Craig M. Schow

All Graduate Plan B and other Reports, Spring 1920 to Spring 2023

A CAPTCHA is a specialized human interaction proof that exploits gaps between human and computer recognition abilities. By design, the hardness of a CAPTCHA is based on the difficulty of advancing the underlying artificial intelligence [AI] technology to a level that eliminates any exploitable gap. Due to this fact computer scientists have concluded that the widespread use of CAPTCHA would accelerate research in the underlying fields of AI eventually leading to near-­‐human capabilities in certain AI systems. Despite these predictions no attempt has been made to identify advances in AI which can be attributed to the use of CAPTCHA.

The …

Closed-Loop Attitude Control Using Fluid Dynamic Vectoring On An Aerospike Nozzle, Nathan Erni

All Graduate Plan B and other Reports, Spring 1920 to Spring 2023

Attitude control of a prototype satellite bus using fluid mechanical vectoring on an aerospike nozzle is demonstrated. The design achieves thrust vectoring by injecting propellant asymmetrically into the unconstrained aerospike exhaust plume near the nozzle base. The prototype system uses cold-gas thrusters to both spin-up and de-tumble the test article. The system is configured with axially directed annular flows that produce large longitudinal thrusts and smaller secondary lateral-injection flows for side thrusts. Both open and closed-loop attitude control, with and without main aerospike annular flow active, are demonstrated. Proportional, integral, derivative (PID) regulation is used for closed-loop attitude control. When …

Enhancing Inettest By Improving The Programming Question And Group Grading, Sushil Dosi

All Graduate Plan B and other Reports, Spring 1920 to Spring 2023

This report describes an improvement to the Utah State University iNetTest testing system. The iNetTest system allows instructors and/or students to: • Create/take tests with rich sets of question types (multiple choice, essay, true/false, computational programming question, etc.); • Monitor the test takers for cheating; • Auto-grade for many types of questions, as well as group grade for all question types; and • Send scores to students via either email or SMS. Specifically, this report discusses the design and development of an improved computational programming question for the iNetTest system. For programming questions, iNetTest allows for the use of various …

A Model For Rapid Charging Events On International Space Station, Debrup Hui

All Graduate Plan B and other Reports, Spring 1920 to Spring 2023

Surface charging by plasma can be a serious issue for any spacecraft. Though significant charging is not observed in all spacecrafts at all times, it only requires a single episode of extreme charging to result in serious damage. The International Space Station (ISS) is an interesting platform to study these charging effects because of its size and relatively high voltage systems. Of the many kinds of charging observed on ISS, the rapid charging events during solar eclipse exit in a low-density ionosphere is not yet understood. This report is an investigation to understand this phenomenon. This report proposes a simple …

Optimization Of Crime Control Resources In A Society, Steven S. Thompson

All Graduate Plan B and other Reports, Spring 1920 to Spring 2023

This paper looks at the economics of crime control through the Phillips-Votey Societal Cost Function model and mathematically proves that there is a socially optimal point at which society should be devoting resources towards the prevention of crime. This allows the society to minimize the social cost of crime given a theoretical cost constraint. This paper take the model further by conducting comparative analysis to determine the effect that changes in the functional form of crime generation, and crime prevention will have on society as represented in the model. This paper also looks at the counter intuitive effect that growth …