Digital Commons Network^™

3-Dimensional Computational Fluid Dynamics Modeling Of Solid Oxide Fuel Cell Using Different Fuels, Sachin Laxman Puthran

Masters Theses

"Solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) technology has been of great interest over many years due to its flexibility in using different fuels for operation; including the fundamental fuel i.e. Hydrogen. Various computational and numerical models have been developed along with experimental work to evaluate the performance as well as to identify and overcome the problems faced in the development of SOFC's. In an attempt to achieve efficient operation with respect to design and combined thermal and electrochemical perspective, the main objective of the proposed study is to present a three-dimensional computational model, which will serve as a framework for the …

Quantifying Model Uncertainty Using Measurement Uncertainty Standards, Harsheel Rajesh Shah

Masters Theses

"Model uncertainty quantification is mainly concerned with the problem of determining whether the observed data is consistent with the model prediction. In real world, there is always a disagreement between a simulation model prediction and the reality that the model intends to represent. Our increased dependence on computer models emphasizes on model uncertainty which is present due to uncertainties in model parameters, lack of appropriate knowledge, assumptions and simplification of processes. In addition, when models predict multi-variate data, the experimental observation and model predictions are highly correlated. Thus, quantifying the uncertainty has a basic requirement of comparison between observation and …

Contrast Enhancement Of Digital Mammography Based On Multi-Scale Analysis, Muhammad Imran Khan Abir

Masters Theses

"A contrast enhancement algorithm is developed for digital mammograms aiming to assist radiologists in discerning early breast cancer easily. The algorithm is based on a Laplacian pyramid framework image processing technique. The mammogram is decomposed into three frequency sub-bands, low, mid, and high frequency sub-band images. The lower sub-band image contains very fine details and higher level contains coarser features. In this method contrast enhancement is achieved from high and mid sub-bands by decomposing the image based on multi-scale Laplacian pyramid and enhance contrast by image processing. Several mapping functions are applied on sub-band images based on experimental analysis. After …

Isolation And Characterization Of Bacterial Symbionts From Crotalaria Spectabilis Grown On Trichloroethene Contaminated Soil, April Lyn Rocha

Masters Theses

"The discovery of several members of the Leguminosae family growing on a TCE contaminated site demonstrated that they have the capabilities to tolerate the TCE contamination. This led to an investigation of the plants' ability to metabolize TCE. Research by Dr. Lee Newman showed that nodules from Crotalaria spectabilis grown on the site had TCE metabolites present while nodules from other legumes at the site did not. The presence of TCE metabolites within the C. spectabilis nodules suggests that the bacterial symbiont may be responsible for TCE metabolism. This led us to investigate the symbiont of C. spectabilis and its …

Impact Effects Of Explosively Formed Projectiles On Normal And High Strength Concrete, Laurin Ashley Bookout

Masters Theses

"The ability to quickly estimate the damage that a projectile will do to a structure is highly desired for structures that will be required to resist threats of this nature. There are several formulas for concrete penetration due to projectile impact that are based on empirical data. However, there is a lack of publicly available data for projectile impacts with striking velocities that exceed 1 km/s and have weights greater than a few grams. This research is intended to expand the available data on explosively formed projectile impacts and determine which, if any, of the existing equations can be used …

Evaluation Of Rsl History As A Tool For Assistance In The Development And Evaluation Of Computer Vision Algorithms, Ben Holm

Theses

A revision of Recognition Strategy Language (RSL), a domain-specific language for pattern recognition algorithm development, is in development. This language provides several tools for pattern recognition algorithm implementation and analysis, including composition of operations and a detailed history of those operations and their results. This research focuses on that history and shows that for some problems it provides an improvement over traditional methods of gathering information. When designing a pattern recognition algorithm, bookkeeping code in the form of copious logging and tracing code must be written and analyzed in order to test the effectiveness of procedures and parameters. The amount …

The Uncorporation And The Unraveling Of “Nexus Of Contracts” Theory, Grant M. Hayden, Matthew T. Bodie

Hofstra Law Faculty Scholarship

This is a review of The Rise of the Uncorporation, by Larry E. Ribstein (Oxford University Press 2010). The Rise of the Uncorporation gives a compelling account of the increasing reliance on business forms other than the corporation. These new organizational forms - such as limited liability companies, limited liability partnerships, partnerships, and the like - give businesses greater freedom to structure themselves in ways that best facilitate their particular needs. And this, according to Ribstein, is an unqualified good, for it allows firms to operate more efficiently than if they were forced to assume an intensely regulated form.

Like …

An Analysis Of The Implementation-Potential Of The Threaded Engram Database Model, Sourabh Mehta

Theses

The row-and-column orientation of the Relational Database Model is optimized for the storage of "data," but is not optimized for the storage of "information." This capstone project, researches the different human memory models, in-order to understand how memories are formed and how independent memories are linked together. The memory models explored include the Atkinson-Shiffrin memory model, Baddeley's model of working memory, and the Memory-Prediction model. The results of this investigation of human memory serve as a foundation for the design and implementation of a new database model, called the Threaded Engram Database (TED) model.

Dynamic Load Balancing Based On Live Migration Of Virtual Machines: Security Threats And Effects, Melvin Ver

Theses

Live migration of virtual machines (VMs) is the process of transitioning a VM from one virtual machine monitor (VMM) to another without halting the guest operating system, often between distinct physical machines, has opened new opportunities in computing. It allows a clean separation between hardware and software, and facilitates fault management, load balancing, and low-level system maintenance. Implemented by several existing virtualization products, live migration also aids in aspects such as high availability services, transparent mobility and consolidated management. While virtualization and live migration enable important new functionality, the combination introduces novel security challenges. A virtual machine monitor that incorporates …

An Analysis Of The Million Module March Algorithm Applied To The Atron Robotic Platform, James Phipps

Theses

The Million Module March algorithm is a locomotion planning algorithm for self-reconfiguring robotic systems. It was first introduced by Robert Fitch and Zack Butler. It has already been proven to successfully plan movement for a kinematic abstraction whose traits are very different from the kinematic traits of the ATRON system. In this work we further examine this algorithm, and an adaptation of it to the ATRON robotic system. We examine a two dimensional proof of the reachability of connected configurations of sliding squares, and expand the proof to the three dimensional SlidingCube model of a self-reconfiguring robot. Using this proof, …

Introduction To Ip Multicast In Production Networks, Ganesh Vidyadharan Girija

Theses

The objective of this paper is to introduce the reader to the world of IP multicasting. I intend to achieve this goal by providing an introduction that bridges the gap between the existing unicast networks and the developing multicast network. The basics of multicast that is covered in the earlier chapter includes the multicast addressing scheme, different protocols used for multicast transmission, various distribution trees that are formed by these protocols and various aspects of multicast forwarding. We take a look at IGMP which is the protocol that runs between the host devices and their first hop multicast routers, enabling …

Lawyer, Candidate, Beneficiary And Judge? Role Differentiation In Elected Judiciaries, James Sample

Hofstra Law Faculty Scholarship

The article presents information on the law of judicial election with reference to the trial Republican Party of Minnesota v. White and its decisions. It further discusses the involvement of Judge Frank Easterbrook of Court of Appeals of the U.S. in enforcement of disqualification rules for protecting and preserving judicial impartiality. It also discusses the role of jurists and judges as public employees.

Democracy At The Corner Of First And Fourteenth: Judicial Campaign Spending And Equality, James Sample

Hofstra Law Faculty Scholarship

The Supreme Court recently decided in Caperton v. A.T. Massey Coal Co. that substantial independent expenditures in support of a judicial candidate present threats to judicial impartiality similar to those posed by direct contributions. This Article posits that the Caperton holding, guaranteeing due process of law in state courts, presents a compelling state interest justifying the regulation of spending in judicial elections.

The Supreme Court's landmark decision in Buckley v. Valeo is understood to hold that only an "anti-corruption" rationale can justify campaign finance regulations. Buckley drew a rigid distinction between political campaign "expenditures" and "contributions, " holding that the …

The Curious Case Of Corporate Liability Under The Alien Tort Statute: A Flawed System Of Judicial Lawmaking, Julian G. Ku

Hofstra Law Faculty Scholarship

This article challenges the widely held view that the Alien Tort Statute (ATS) imposes liability on private corporations for violations of customary international law. I lay out the modern origins and development of this cause of action in U.S. federal courts and argue that doctrine rests on shaky, indeed illusory, analytical and jurisprudential foundations. Despite the absence of a well defined norm of customary international law that imposed liability upon private corporations, courts, when they even considered the validity of the claims, built a consensus around the fact that no norm existed forbidding the imposition of liability on private corporations. …

Protocol Additional To The Geneva Conventions Of 12 August 1949, And Relating To The Treatment Of Terrorist Combatants (Protocol Iv)--A Proposal, Erin Creegan

California Western International Law Journal

No abstract provided.

Should The Law Governing Maritime Areas In The Arctic Adapt To Changing Climatic Circumstances?, Erik Franckx

California Western International Law Journal

No abstract provided.

Transitional Justice In Kenya? An Assessment Of The Accountability Process In Light Of Domestic Politics And Security Concerns, Thomas Obel Hansen

California Western International Law Journal

No abstract provided.

The Interwoven Fabric Of Anglo-American Law: A Bibliographic View From Alabama, Paul M. Pruitt Jr.

Articles

No abstract provided.

The Puzzling Persistence Of Curtiss-Wright-Based Theories Of Executive Power, Robert D. Sloane

Faculty Scholarship

This is a brief comment on Curtiss-Wright responding to one of the Journal of the National Security Forum's "Ten Questions" for its recently released symposium issue. It describes the origins of Justice Sutherland's controversial thesis, canvasses a few of the many critiques of that thesis, and offers a few reflections on why a theory about executive power that has been vigorously criticized by scholars across the ideological spectrum continues to exert an influence out of proportion to its substantive merits.

Does Westlawnext Really Change Everything: The Implications Of Westlawnext On Legal Research, Ronald E. Wheeler

Faculty Scholarship

WestlawNext, Thomson Reuters’ newest electronic research service, has been around for over a year now. Ron Wheeler shares his thoughts on how this service may impact various aspects of legal research, and he suggests further study and research are necessary to fully evaluate and comprehend the system.

Poverty Tourism And The Problem Of Consent, Kyle Powys Whyte, Evan Selinger, Kevin Outterson

Faculty Scholarship

Is it morally permissible for financially privileged tourists to visit places for the purpose of experiencing where poor people live, work, and play? Tourism associated with this question is commonly referred to as 'poverty tourism.' While some poverty tourism is plausibly ethical, other practices will be more controversial. The purpose of this essay is to address mutually beneficial cases of poverty tourism and advance the following positions. First, even mutually beneficial transactions between tourists and residents in poverty tourism always run a risk of being exploitative. Second, there is little opportunity to determine whether a given tour is exploitative since …

The Willingness To Pay—Willingness To Accept Gap, The "Endowment Effect," Subject Misconceptions, And Experimental Procedures For Eliciting Valuations: Reply, Charles R. Plott, Kathryn Zeiler

Faculty Scholarship

The purpose of Plott and Zeiler (2005) — henceforth, PZ — was to investigate whether previously published experiments using consumption goods such as mugs and candy bars to measure gaps between willingness to pay (WTP) and willingness- to-accept (WTA) support endowment effect theory (EET). Our results demonstrate that the gap for commodities can be turned on and off by implementing procedures designed to control for subject misconceptions about the value elicitation procedures. Following experiments traditionally used to demonstrate the endowment effect, we used mug valuations to test EET. We used lottery rounds only to provide our subjects with paid practice …

The Consumer Indebtedness Crisis: Law School Clinics As Laboratories For Generating Effective Legal Responses, Peggy Maisel, Natalie Roman

Faculty Scholarship

For the legal system to operate effectively, it must address problems arising from the absence of needed laws, or, if enacted, of laws that have been drafted poorly or are not being implemented in a fair and just manner. Since law schools are generally part of a larger university community, they are uniquely placed to serve as laboratories to find solutions to such problems, perhaps nowhere more so than in their legal clinics. The latter have in fact often played the role of legal innovators, but their contributions to the law and therefore to society at large have been little …

The Freedom Of Health, Abigail Moncrieff

Faculty Scholarship

What would have happened if the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA) really had authorized government “death panels” that would decide whether an elderly patient could get treatment? Leaving aside commerce clause and other constraints particular to Congress, would that kind of direct healthcare rationing be a constitutional exercise of governmental power in the United States? I think not. I argue here that an emergent substantive due process constraint would invalidate such an exercise; direct rationing of that kind would violate a constitutional “freedom of health” that is nascent in Supreme Court jurisprudence. Based on that logic, I argue …

Solidarity, Subsidiarity, And Preference For The Poor: Extending Catholic Social Teaching In Response To The Climate Crisis, Jame Schaefer

Theology Faculty Research and Publications

Grounding Catholic social thought is the belief that each human person has an intrinsic dignity and a desire for relationships with others that should lead to cooperating for their mutual good, making decisions individually and collectively to achieve it, and showing preference for the poor, vulnerable, and suffering in decision-making and actions. Rooted in the sacred scriptures, reflected upon at least implicitly for centuries by theologians, and taught by bishops of the Roman Catholic Church (the magisterium), principles to guide our decisionmaking and actions began to be considered collectively toward the end of the 19th century as “Catholic social teaching” …

The Global War On Terror: Who Wins, Who Loses?, G. Simon Harak S.J.

Theology Faculty Research and Publications

No abstract provided.

Probabilistic Knowledge Of Third-Party Trademark Infringement, Mark P. Mckenna

Journal Articles

This essay views secondary trademark liability in light of tort law’s treatment of parties whose actions expose a plaintiff to third party-wrongdoing. Broadly speaking, tort law imposes liability on a party for contributing to the tortious activity of another in two different ways. In vicarious and accomplice liability cases, courts impose the same liability on the defendant as they would have on the direct tortfeasors, had they been defendants: if the third-party wrongdoer is a batterer, the defendant is liable for battery. Another line of cases imposes liability for unreasonably putting a defendant at risk of third-party wrongdoing, and these …

Synthesis And Characterization Of Polymeric Antioxidant Delivery Systems, Paritosh P. Wattamwar

Theses and Dissertations--Chemical and Materials Engineering

Even though the role of oxidative stress in a variety of disease states is known, strategies to alleviate this oxidative stress by antioxidants have not been able to achieve clinical success. Particularly, treatment of oxidative stress by small molecule antioxidants has not received due attention because of the challenges associated with its delivery. Antioxidant polymers, where small molecule antioxidants are incorporated into the polymer backbone, are an emerging class of materials that can address some of these challenges.

In this work, biodegradable polymers incorporating phenolic antioxidants in the polymer backbone were synthesized. Antioxidant polymers were then characterized for their in …

The Obama Education Files: Is There Hope To Stop The Neoliberal Agenda In Education?, Paul R. Carr, Brad Porfilio

Journal of Inquiry and Action in Education

The contributors to this special issue of The Journal of Inquiry and Action provide insight into why the Obama administration’s educational policies manifest the dominance of neoliberal ideology over most elements of social life. The articles presented herein build on the work originally presented in The Phenomenon of Obama and the agenda for Education: Can hope audaciously trump neoliberalism? (Carr & Porfilio, 2011).

Implications Of Bias In Conservation Research And Investment For Freshwater Species , William Darwall, R Holland, K Smith, D Allen, E Brooks, V Katarya, C Pollock, Y Shi, Viola Clausnitzer, Neil Cumberlidge, A Cuttelod, K D. Dijkstra, M Diop, N Garcia, M Seddon, P Skelton, J Snoeks, D Tweddle, Jc Vie

Journal Articles

No abstract provided.