Digital Commons Network^™

Quantifying The Tibiofemoral Joint Space Using X-Ray Tomosynthesis, Benjamin Kalinosky, John M. Sabol, Kelly Piacsek, Beth Heckel, Taly Gilat Schmidt

Biomedical Engineering Faculty Research and Publications

Purpose: Digital x-ray tomosynthesis (DTS) has the potential to provide 3D information about the knee joint in a load-bearing posture, which may improve diagnosis and monitoring of knee osteoarthritis compared with projection radiography, the current standard of care. Manually quantifying and visualizing the joint space width (JSW) from 3D tomosynthesis datasets may be challenging. This work developed a semiautomated algorithm for quantifying the 3D tibiofemoral JSW from reconstructed DTS images. The algorithm was validated through anthropomorphic phantom experiments and applied to three clinical datasets. Methods: A user-selected volume of interest within the reconstructed DTS volume was enhanced with 1D multiscale …

A Gravitational Wave Observatory Operating Beyond The Quantum Shot-Noise Limit: Squeezed Light In Application, J. Abadie, B. P. Abbott, T. D. Abbott, Matthew Benacquista, Teviet Creighton, Mario C. Diaz, Soumya Mohanty, Soma Mukherjee, Volker Quetschke, Joseph D. Romano

Physics & Astronomy Faculty Publications

Around the globe several observatories are seeking the first direct detection of gravitational waves (GWs). These waves are predicted by Einstein's general theory of relativity(1) and are generated, for example, by black-hole binary systems(2). Present GW detectors are Michelson-type kilometre-scale laser interferometers measuring the distance changes between mirrors suspended in vacuum. The sensitivity of these detectors at frequencies above several hundred hertz is limited by the vacuum (zero-point) fluctuations of the electromagnetic field. A quantum technology-the injection of squeezed light(3)-offers a solution to this problem. Here we demonstrate the squeezed-light enhancement of GEO 600, which will be the GW observatory …

Investigations Of The Tribological Effects Of Engine Oil Dilution By Vegetable And Animal Fat Feedstock Biodiesel On Selected Surfaces, Sultana Mahbuba Shanta

College of Graduate Studies: Theses & Dissertations

Biodiesels have become attractive alternative fuel to replace traditional fossil fuels. Biodiesels can be used in diesel engines with no major modification, but its use leads to some degree of engine oil dilution because of biodiesel leaking and scrapping to engine oil pan. Biodiesels can be made from vegetable and animal fat feedstocks. Therefore, the fatty acid methyl ester components of biodiesel may vary upon these sources of feedstock. In this thesis work, engine oil is diluted with vegetable (canola oil, peanut oil and soybean oil biodiesel) and animal (chicken fat) feedstock biodiesels at known percentages and these mixtures are …

Embodied Compositionality, A Cangelosi

School of Engineering, Computing and Mathematics

Luc Steels [10] provides a comprehensive overview of the key theoretical issues on the cultural evolution of language and of the contribution of computational and robotics models to the study of the social emergence of language in societies of interactive agents. In this short commentary, I would like to extend the discussion by focusing: (i) on the origins of the hierarchical structure of language, as grounded in the embodied compositional nature of motor representations and skills such as those of object manipulation; and (ii) on the interaction of genetic and cultural evolution processes in language evolution.

Anxiety: An Evolutionary Approach, M Bateson, B Brilot, D Nettle

School of Biological and Marine Sciences

Anxiety disorders are among the most common mental illnesses, with huge attendant suffering. Current treatments are not universally effective, suggesting that a deeper understanding of the causes of anxiety is needed. To understand anxiety disorders better, it is first necessary to understand the normal anxiety response. This entails considering its evolutionary function as well as the mechanisms underlying it. We argue that the function of the human anxiety response, and homologues in other species, is to prepare the individual to detect and deal with threats. We use a signal detection framework to show that the threshold for expressing the anxiety …

First Mover: Otto Struve And The Use Of Scientific Capital In Astrophysics, 1921–1950, Erik Paul Norquest

Theses and Dissertations - UTB/UTPA

Otto Struve (1897-1963) came to the United States in 1921 and became one of the dominant personalities in the field of astrophysics. Struve’s career made him, in the words of sociologist Pierre Bourdieu, a “first mover” in a scientific field that was firmly engaged in the process of what Thomas Kuhn called “normal science.” Struve pulled astrophysics further away from its empirical roots in categorization and made it more like physics in its unification of theory and observation. The primary way that he accomplished this was through his administration of Yerkes and McDonald observatories, where he brought in theorists to …

The Role Of Thermally-Induced Geometrical Changes In Temperature Trending Of Railroad Tapered Roller Bearings, Andrei G. Vaipan

Theses and Dissertations - UTB/UTPA

The understanding of the phenomenon of temperature trending of railroad tapered roller bearings is of paramount importance to the railroad industry. The problem that this poses to the industry is that it leads to false alarms triggered by wayside detectors, which forces the premature removal of defect-free bearings. This thesis provides more insight into this phenomenon and answers questions regarding the importance of key tapered roller bearing components geometry and geometrical changes during temperature trending events. In this study, dynamic experiments conducted in the laboratory have represented the primary method of testing bearing temperature trending. The experimental results are brought …

Subthreshold 3 Phase Mixers, Jesus Angel Torres

Theses and Dissertations - UTB/UTPA

This thesis will discuss subthreshold FET mixers with a focus on conversion loss derivations. To begin understanding the mixers, a look into the FET model is first taken in Chapter II. Then in Chapter III, a single FET device mixer is studied and its conversion loss is found from its small-signal model. The chapter will then include a two FET device mixer and a four device FET mixer. Finally a new type of mixer will be discussed in Chapter IV. The new type of mixer is a 3 phase mixer with the phase angles being 0°, 120°, and 240°. The …

The Evaluation And Analysis Of The Impact Of Variability On The Twelve Workstation Factory, Hernando Garrido

Theses and Dissertations - UTB/UTPA

Presently, there is theory and work examples about factory performance presented in the book ―Optimizing factory Performance‖ by James Ignizio, Ph.D. The theory explains how to determine performance using three fundamental equations by considering the impact and propagation of variability through a 12-Workstation Factory Model, and a number of its variations. The objective of developing a simulation model was to serve as a tool for instructors to illustrate the impact and propagation of variability in the manufacturing industry and to investigate phenomena (i.e., time to reach steady state, impact of variability) in the three dimensions of manufacturing. The validation of …

Analysis And Design Of An Anisotropic, Compliant Suspension Component, Samantha Jean Salinas

Theses and Dissertations - UTB/UTPA

A steering pad on a train is meant to reduce the force on the wheel while moving along a curve in the rail. A new steering pad was desired with properties tuned for a new suspension system design. An anisotropic, compliant pad was designed for a specific stiffness anisotropy, 20:1. Finite element analysis was performed on various models as a guide to designing a pin with the desired stiffness ratio. A design was chosen for a prototype made of thermoset polyurethane, a similar material to that currently used. Experiments were performed on the prototype pad model to determine vertical and …

Linear Electromagnetic Energy Scavenging Device Designed In Low Temperature Co-Fired Ceramics, Hope A. Bateman

Boise State University Theses and Dissertations

For a soldier deployed in a remote location on the earth or a recreational hiker in the wilderness or a wild land firefighter battling a destructive wildfire, access to a power source is problematic. Local and regional communication systems, navigation, lights, imaging: all of these require a power source. For short time periods, batteries may be sufficient but with extended time periods the weight of the batteries and cost of replacement becomes a problem. Energy scavenging devices could fill this need and be used as a secondary power source when solar or batteries are not available.

A linear electromagnetic generator …

An Inertial Measurement System For Hand And Finger Tracking, Edward Nelson Henderson

Boise State University Theses and Dissertations

The primary Human Computer Interfaces (HCI) today are the keyboard and mouse. These interfaces do not facilitate a fluid flow of thought and intent from the operator to the computer. A computer mouse provides only 2 Degrees of Freedom (2DOF). Touch interfaces also provide 2DOF, but with multiple points, making the touch interface far more expressive. The hand has 6 Degrees of Freedom (6DOF)by itself. Combined with the motion of the fingers, the hand has the potential to represent a vast array of differing gestures. Hand gestures must be captured before they can be used as a HCI. Fortunately, advances …

Spark Plasma Sintering Of Tungsten And Tungsten-Ceria: Microstructures And Kinetics, Jeffrey Bryce Perkins

Boise State University Theses and Dissertations

Tungsten casting is impractical, and tungsten compacts are most often produced by press-and-sinter or by hot pressing. The temperatures typically required to sinter tungsten above 90% dense are above 1800 ºC, and sintering times are typically hours. Alternatively, spark plasma sintering (SPS) can be used to consolidate materials to high densities at lower temperatures and shorter times than traditional sintering techniques. In this study, pure tungsten and tungsten with 1, 4, 10, 15, and 20 weight percent ceria were spark plasma sintered at varying pressures, temperatures, and times to investigate the microstructures and the kinetics of sintering.

Densification of tungsten …

Matlab/Simulink Implementation And Analysis Of Three Pulse-Width-Modulation (Pwm) Techniques, Phuong Hue Tran

Boise State University Theses and Dissertations

With advances in solid-state power electronic devices and microprocessors, various pulse-width-modulation (PWM) techniques have been developed for industrial applications. For example, PWM-based three-phase voltage source inverters (VSI) convert DC power to AC power with variable voltage magnitude and variable frequency.

This thesis discusses the advantages and drawbacks of three different PWM techniques: the sinusoidalPWM(SPWM) technique, the third-harmonic-injection PWM(THIPWM) technique, and the space-vector PWM (SVPWM) technique. These three methods are compared by discussing their ease of implementation and by analyzing the output harmonic spectra of various output voltages (poles voltages, line-to-neutral voltages, and line-to-line voltages) and their total harmonic distortion (THD). …

Laser Particulate Counter Calibration To A Micro-Orifice Uniform-Deposit Impactor, Benjamen Fredrich Seely

Boise State University Theses and Dissertations

In semi-arid regions, like southwest Idaho, snowmelt is a significant source of water. Anthropogenic activities continue to increase demand for this vital natural resource. Water resource managers must be able to quantify both the timing and quality of snowmelt. Atmospheric contaminants can deposit on the snow, altering its physical properties. For example, deposition of atmospheric particulate matter (PM) can cause snow to darken, thereby increasing radiative forcing on the snowpack, potentially causing a change in snowmelt timing.

This research is to calibrate a laser particulate counter (LPC) to a federal reference standard. The LPC provides real-time PM concentration data and …

Improved Heat Transfer Coefficient Data For Gas Turbine Cooling Channels Using Inverse Methods, Tommy Kurt Smith

Boise State University Theses and Dissertations

Determination of heat transfer in channel flow is important in many fields, with particular interest to this research being the cooling channels in gas turbine engine blades. Validation of gas turbine engine design is an essential step in their development process. Accurate knowledge of heat transfer that occurs within turbine blades during their operation allows for reduction of thermal stresses, increasing blade life and energy efficiency. Measuring heat flux, q, directly is difficult, so it is often calculated based on Newton‟s Law of Cooling.

Use of thermochromic liquid crystals (TLCs) in determining heat transfer coefficients h is common, as …

The Role Of Coastal Plant Community Response To Climate Change: Implications For Restoring Ecosystem Resiliency, Hannah June Kalk

Theses

Accelerated sea-level rise and increased intensity of tropical storm events have challenged the conventional approaches to conservation and restoration of coastal ecosystems. In coastal communities, where survival will depend largely on the ability of species to adapt to rapidly shifting conditions or become established farther inland, historic assemblages may be lost. Seed banks may be an important component of resilience and recovery in response to altered inundation regimes, should they contain species able to adapt or migrate inland. This study assess the ability of seed banks to act as ecological buffers to storm surge disturbances and to instill ecological resilience …

Thermal Conductivity Enhancement In Nanofluids -Mathematical Model, Anand Natchimuthu Chinnaraj

Theses

The study on developing a mathematical model for thermal conductivity enhancement in nanofluids was based on formation of nanoparticles into nanoclusters, nanolayer thickness, Brownian motion and volume fraction of nanoclusters. An equation for the thermal conductivity of nanofluids was developed. The expression developed successfully explained the enhanced thermal conductivity of nanofluids and led to some important conclusions. It was found that in this study the nanoparticles tend to form nanoclusters and the volume fraction of the nanoclusters and the trapped fluid in the nanocluster was contributing to the overall thermal conductivity enhancement. Various types of cluster formation was analyzed and …

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 …

Modeling Studies To Evaluate Performance Of The Horizontal Wells Completed In Shale, Abbas Belyadi

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

The results of the modeling studies to determine the production performance of multiple fractured horizontal wells completed in shale formation has been summarized in this dissertation. A commercial reservoir simulator was utilized to model both single and dual porosity reservoir (with and without adsorption) with multiple layers. The impact of reservoir characteristics including natural fractures and hydraulic fractures properties on the production performance were investigated. In addition, the results were utilized to investigate the flow regimes for horizontal wells with one or multiple hydraulic fractures.;Flow regime identification in low permeability reservoirs is extremely critical to evaluate performance of the horizontal …

Multi Agent System Based Fault Location In A Smart Microgrid System, Seetaram Alwala

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

The electric power grid is inherently a huge network that has been going through a lot of transformation because of its restructuring and increase in the deployment of Distributed Generation. The steep increase in electricity demand and the large financial losses caused by the blackouts has initiated research towards increasing the security and robustness of the electric grid and making it a Smart Grid. Smart Grids might incorporate MicroGrids, which can be defined as low to medium voltage networks that contain aggregation of certain loads and Distribution Generation units that can operate in either grid-connected or islanded mode. One of …

Creating Reporter Systems Within Drosophila Melanogaster, Ashley Elizabeth Banks

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

The objective of these projects was to generate two fluorescently based systems within Drosophila melanogaster for the advancement of molecular research. The first project was aimed to create fluorescent phosphomimetic constructs of m8, a regulator in eye formation. The second project was to create a fluorescent visual marker for heterochromatic gene silencing in Drosophila. Proper formation of the eye requires that only one cell from a group of equipotent cells assumes a neural fate (the R8 cell). The cells surrounding the R8 cell are prevented from assuming this outcome through a process known as lateral inhibition. Lateral inhibition uses the …

Gis Assisted Problem Analysis Of Trail Erosion In Monongahela National Forest, Steven J. Storck

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

This research investigates the frequency and patterns of trail erosion on purposefully selected natural surface trails in Monongahela National Forest. Trail erosion is considered a non-self-limiting process which degrades trail beds making them unattractive, difficult to travel on, and has the potential to impact local streams with the introduction of silt. Recreation ecology research delineates factors which influence the rate of erosion on a trail into three broad categories: recreational use, environmental conditions, and managerial actions. This study tests the relationship of variables from each of these categories to the local patterns of erosion. Three sampling strategies are used to …

The Historical Industrial Development, Regional Economic Analysis, And Household Livelihood Strategies Of A Rural Pennsylvania Community: A Case Study, Amanda. L. Krugh

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

This dissertation research focuses on the case study area of Mount Union, Huntingdon County, Pennsylvania. This three part dissertation research project includes analysis of the historical industrial development, current economy, and household livelihood strategies of this rural community. The regulation approach is utilized in this paper to analyze the historic economic development associated with manufacturing, specifically brick manufacturing, in the case study area. Quantitative techniques are used to indentify the economic structure of a region and used to examine the strengths and weaknesses of the Huntingdon County economy. Qualitative methods are utlized to examine what economic and social adjustments and …

Anisotropic Particles: Preparation And Study, Shengrong Ye

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Anisotropic particles have received significant attention in self-assembly for the large scale fabrication of hierarchical structures. Janus particles, a specific class of anisotropic particles, have two hemispheres with different materials. Due to the anisotropic nature of the particle shape and interactions, Janus particles have demonstrated interesting properties in interfacial assembly, switchable devices, cargo transport, and optical sensing. The objective of this research is to fabricate novel anisotropic Janus particles and explore their potential unique properties.;One of the driving forces arises from the previous work of bimetallic nanorods and their autonomous motion. The bimetallic nanorod systems undergo chemically powered non- Brownian …

Iris Recognition: Robust Processing, Synthesis, Performance Evaluation And Applications, Jinyu Zuo

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

The popularity of iris biometric has grown considerably over the past few years. It has resulted in the development of a large number of new iris processing and encoding algorithms. In this dissertation, we will discuss the following aspects of the iris recognition problem: iris image acquisition, iris quality, iris segmentation, iris encoding, performance enhancement and two novel applications.;The specific claimed novelties of this dissertation include: (1) a method to generate a large scale realistic database of iris images; (2) a crosspectral iris matching method for comparison of images in color range against images in Near-Infrared (NIR) range; (3) a …

A Comparison Of Fuel Efficiencies Between Dc-9-30 And B-737ng Aircraft For Delta Airlines At Atlanta Hartsfield Airport, Brandon Scott Newman

Doctoral Dissertations and Master's Theses

Improved fuel efficiency is one of aviation's top priorities, as it impacts the economy and the National Airspace System's environment. This descriptive study used data generated by the Total Airspace and Airport Modeler (TAAM) to show that the Boeing 737 Next Generation series aircraft would be more fuel-efficient than the McDonnell-Douglas DC-9-30 aircraft on various routes used by Delta Airlines out of Atlanta's Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport. Databases, such as Aircraft Situation Display to Industry (ASDI) and Base of Aircraft Data (BADA), were used to simulate the baseline flight route information. Simulations were performed on Boeing 737NG (-700, -800, -900) and …

Google’S China Problem: A Case Study On Trade, Technology And Human Rights Under The Gats, Henry S. Gao

Research Collection Yong Pung How School Of Law

Trade and human rights have long had a troubled relationship. The advent of new technologies such as internet further complicates the relationship. This article reviews the relationship between trade, technology and human rights in light of the recent dispute between Google and China from both theoretical and practical perspectives. Starting with an overview of the internet censorship regime in China, the article goes on to assess the legal merits of a WTO challenge in this case. First, the article discusses which service sector or subsectors might be at issue. Second, the article analyzes whether and to what extent China has …

Modeling Of Utility Distribution Feeder In Opendss With Steady State Impact Analysis Of Distributed Generation, Vaidyanath Ramachandran

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

With the deregulation of the electric power industry and the advancement of new technologies, the attention of the utilities has been drawn towards adopting Distributed Generation (DG) into their existing infrastructure. The deployment of DG brings ample technological and environmental benefits to the traditional distribution networks. The appropriate sizing and placement of DGs which generate power locally to fulfill consumer demands, helps to reduce power losses and avoid transmission and distribution system expansion.;The primary objective of this thesis is to model a utility distribution feeder in OpenDSS. Studies are conducted on the data obtained from American Electric Power utility. This …

Hardware Prototype For A Multi Agent Grid Management System, Jerry Lee Thompson

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

There is great effort in the power industry to incorporate Smart Grid functionalities to existing power systems. Distributed generation and the hardware necessary to interface the existing grid, as well as control algorithms to efficiently couple and operate these systems are being researched and implemented extensively. However, the added complexity of such components results in greater opportunities for failure in a system which is already challenging to protect.;There is great effort in the power industry to incorporate Smart Grid functionalities to existing power systems. Distributed generation and the hardware necessary to interface the existing grid, as well as control algorithms …