Digital Commons Network^™

Accessible Web Automation, Yury Puzis

Stony Brook Theses and Dissertations Collection, 2006-2020 (closed to submissions)

The Web is far less usable and accessible for people with visual impairments than it is for sighted people. There are only a handful of screen-reader applications that improve web browsing accessibility by reading aloud the content of web pages. However, accessibility does not imply usability; blind people end up spending minutes on browsing tasks that take sighted people seconds. This lack of productivity using the Web poses a significant barrier for people with visual impairments in education, employment, healthcare, etc. Web automation, a process of automating browsing actions on behalf of the user, has the potential to bridge the …

Formal Analysis Of Dns Attacks And Their Countermeasures Using Probabilistic Model Checking, Tushar Suhas Deshpande

Stony Brook Theses and Dissertations Collection, 2006-2020 (closed to submissions)

The Domain Name System (DNS) is an internet-wide, hierarchical naming system used to translate domain names into physical IP addresses. Any disruption of the service DNS provides can have serious consequences. We present a formal analysis of two notable threats to DNS, namely cache poisoning and bandwidth amplification, and the countermeasures designed to prevent their occurrence. Our analysis of these attacks and their countermeasures is given in the form of a cost-benefit analysis, and is based on probabilistic model checking of Continuous-Time Markov Chains. We use CTMCs to model the race between legitimate and malicious traffic in a DNS server …

The Legitimacy Of Elected And Appointed Institutions And Their Roles In A Political System, Benjamin Woodson

Stony Brook Theses and Dissertations Collection, 2006-2020 (closed to submissions)

This dissertation presents a study showing that the perceived legitimacy for elected and appointed institutions are two fundamentally different forms of legitimacy. They are derived from different sources and interact with the public in different ways. The legitimacy of appointed institutions is derived from perceptions of a principled decision-making process and the legitimacy of elected institutions is derived from elections. These two forms of legitimacy vary on three different properties. The first property is magnitude: the amount of legitimacy attributed to an institution. The second is effectiveness: the degree to which legitimacy is converted into acceptance of an institution's decision. …

A Rssi Based Locating Algorithm For Multi-Robot System, Pan Wang

Stony Brook Theses and Dissertations Collection, 2006-2020 (closed to submissions)

An algorithm based on Received Signal Strength Indicator (RSSI) is designed for locating a wireless signal source in Multi-Robot System (MRS). Mobile robots are initially assigned to different locations. They are either sending or sensing wireless signals. The purpose of the algorithm is to establish communication among robots by locating the signal sources. Three main behavior modes of a robot are proposed for the algorithm skeleton through behavior-based analyzing. A log-distance path loss model is adopted for representing Received Signal Strength Indicator (RSSI) on a grid map. The locating process is a gradient-based motion control which refers to the RSSI …

The Synthesis Of Polycyclic Fused-Ring Systems Via Rh(I)-Catalyzed Higher Order Cycloaddition Reactions With Carbon Monoxide, Alexandra Athan

Stony Brook Theses and Dissertations Collection, 2006-2020 (closed to submissions)

Abstract of the Dissertation The Synthesis of Polycyclic Fused-Ring Systems via Rh(I)-Catalyzed Higher Order Cycloaddition Reactions with Carbon Monoxide by Alexandra A. Athan Doctor of Philosophy in Chemistry Stony Brook University 2013 The seven-membered ring is a common motif in various bioactive natural products. Many examples of natural product cores possessing fused-ring systems are also prevalent. Therefore, it is useful to provide methods that allow access to these cores rapidly and efficiently. We have previously reported the successful construction of fused-ring skeletons containing seven-membered rings via Rh-catalyzed carbocyclization and cycloaddition reactions. As part of our continuing study on higher order …

The Role Of The Ctenophore Mnemiopsis Leidyi In Nutrient Cycling In Long Island Sound, Ny, Laura Mae Treible

Stony Brook Theses and Dissertations Collection, 2006-2020 (closed to submissions)

Gelatinous zooplankton blooms have been increasing in magnitude and frequency globally. Seasonal variations in food availability and temperature can trigger a population bloom and subsequent crash in coastal and estuarine waters. Long Island Sound (LIS) is a highly-productive urban estuary. Due to its proximity to New York City and annual summer hypoxia, there has been substantial focus on anthropogenic nutrient inputs and reductions to LIS. When determining nutrient budgets, an important process is the recycling of nutrients within a system. Gelatinous zooplankton, including the most common species in LIS, the ctenophore Mnemiopsis leidyi, are capable of high rates of nutrient …

The Population Ecology Of The Spiny Dogfish In The Northeast (Us) Shelf Large Marine Ecosystem: Implications For The Status Of The Stock, Skyler Rose Sagarese

Stony Brook Theses and Dissertations Collection, 2006-2020 (closed to submissions)

In this dissertation, statistical and modeling approaches were undertaken to increase the knowledge of spiny dogfish distribution, habitat, and population dynamics including: (1), environmental preference (2), habitat modeling (3), assessing diel variation in survey catchability of spiny dogfish and key prey species and (4), elucidating how spiny dogfish distributional shifts influenced their availability to commercial fisheries. For objective (1), I estimated habitat preference for neonate (total length, TL <= 26 cm), immature (male: 26 cm < TL < 60 cm; female: 26 cm < TL < 80 cm), and mature (male: TL >= 60 cm; female: TL >= 80 cm) spiny dogfish using Northeast Fisheries Science Center (NEFSC) annual bottom trawl survey data from 1963 through 2009. Preferences were compared between dogfish stages to …

The Genetic Diversity Of Endangered Fishes In The Northwest Atlantic, Shannon Joy O'Leary

Stony Brook Theses and Dissertations Collection, 2006-2020 (closed to submissions)

Genetic diversity is the fundamental building block of biodiversity, harboring the adaptive potential of populations. The magnitude of the two main factors eroding genetic diversity, inbreeding and genetic drift, increases as the effective population size (Ne) decreases. Ne describes the number of reproductively mature adults effectively contributing to the next generation. In populations with overlapping generations, the effective number of breeders (Nb). Loss of genetic diversity has long been a concern for terrestrial and freshwater organisms, but traditionally less so for fisheries management due to the paradigm that marine fish populations are large, panmictic and thus resistant to the erosion …

Prey Plasticity Responses To A Native And Nonnative Predator, Alexandra Hooks

Stony Brook Theses and Dissertations Collection, 2006-2020 (closed to submissions)

Phenotypic plasticity in response to environmental stimuli is exceedingly common across systems and taxa. For instance, predation risk in many gastropods can induce a variety of defenses including growing thicker shells, growing shells of different shapes, and developing apertural teeth. However, the role of coevolution between species that produce these defense responses and their consumers is not well known. This thesis examines the responses of an ovoviviparous gastropod (Littorina saxatilis) with low dispersal from three different habitats (marsh habitat, rocky habitat, and cobble stone habitat) to the presence of chemical cues from a native (Dyspanopeus sayi) and nonnative (Hemigrapsus sanguineus) …

Merging And Creating Culturally Relevant Pedagogy In Public Schools, Sunni Ali, Ryan Murphy

Journal of Research Initiatives

During the last fifty years, numerous individuals have sought new strategies for students, such as African Americans, whom the public schools have historically underserved. Not only are some parents of these students seeking change, but also researchers, politicians, and local groups. Nevertheless, it is clear that these efforts have posed several dilemmas, which (a) limit the voice and personal choice of learners, (b) standardize the value of learning, and (c) connote a hegemonic discourse. Therefore, this Best Practices essay is based on the theory that a culturally value-driven framework (CVD) of learning will allow African Americans and other students of …

Outcome Of Radiologically Placed Tunneled Haemodialysis Catheters, Raza Sayani, Muhammad Anwar, Tanveer-Ul-Haq, Nauman Al-Qamari, Muhammad Asif Bilal

Department of Radiology

Objective: To study the outcome of radiologically placed double lumen tunneled haemodialysis catheters for the management of renal failure.STUDY Design: Case series.PLACE AND DURATION OF STUDY: Interventional Suite of Radiology Department at the Aga Khan University Hospital, Karachi, from April 2010 to June 2011.METHODOLOGY: All consecutive patients who were referred to the department of radiology by the nephrologists for double lumen tunneled haemodialysis catheter (Permacath) placement during the study period were included. Patients with septicemia, those for whom follow-up was not available, those coming for catheter exchange or who died due to a noncatheter related condition were excluded. A radio-opaque, …

Electrotransfer Of Single-Stranded Or Double-Stranded Dna Induces Complete Regression Of Palpable B16.F10 Mouse Melanomas, Loree Heller, Vesba Todorovic, Maja Cemazar

Bioelectrics Publications

Enhanced tumor delivery of plasmid DNA with electric pulses in vivo has been confirmed in many preclinical models. Intratumor electrotransfer of plasmids encoding therapeutic molecules has reached Phase II clinical trials. In multiple preclinical studies, a reduction in tumor growth, increased survival or complete tumor regression have been observed in control groups in which vector or backbone plasmid DNA electrotransfer was performed. This study explores factors that could produce this antitumor effect. The specific electrotransfer pulse protocol employed significantly potentiated the regression. Tumor regression was observed after delivery of single-stranded or double-stranded DNA with or without CpG motifs in both …

The Behavioral And Physiological Effects Of Long-Distance Translocation On Western Rattlesnakes (Crotalus Oreganus), Kory Hayden Heiken

Master's Theses

Long-distance translocation (LDT), the relocation of an animal outside of its home range, is a popular strategy for mitigating conflict between humans and venomous snakes. While LDT has been demonstrated to prevent a snake’s return to the location of capture, it may result in increased mortality, magnitude and frequency of movements, and activity range sizes. Thus, it has generally been discouraged. However, the effects of LDT on stress physiology and thermoregulation have gone largely unstudied in reptiles. To elucidate these effects, we conducted an experimental LDT on Western Rattlesnakes (Crotalus oreganus) on Vandenberg Air Force base in California. …

St. Jude Medical: Pulmonary Edema Monitoring In Pacemakers And Icds, David Wei-Péng Chang

Master's Theses

Pulmonary edema occurs when fluid leaks from the pulmonary capillary network into the lung interstitium and alveoli. When the heart is not able to pump blood to the body efficiently, fluid can back up into the veins that take blood through the lungs to the left atrium. This then builds up the pressure in the blood vessels and fluid is pushed into the alveoli in the lungs. The fluid reduces normal oxygen movement through the lungs and can cause impaired gas exchange and respiratory failure. There are many causes of congestive heart failure that may lead to pulmonary edema such …

Active Learning Using Model-Eliciting Activities And Inquiry-Based Learning Activities In Dynamics, Jeffrey Phillip Georgette

Master's Theses

This thesis focuses on a year-long project of implementing active learning in undergraduate dynamics courses at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo from 2012-2013. The purpose is to increase conceptual understanding of critical dynamics concepts and to repair misconceptions of the students. Conceptual understanding in Dynamics is vital to understanding the big picture, building upon previous knowledge, and better understanding the behavior of engineering systems. Through various hands-on activities, students make predictions, test their conceptions, and solve real world problems. These active learning methods allow students to improve their learning of Dynamics concepts. Education research on active learning is present in …

Functional 3-D Cellulose & Nitrocellulose Paper-Based, Multiplex Diagnostic Platforms Without Coupling Agents, Mackenzie Elizabeth Tageson

Master's Theses

The purpose of this thesis was to demonstrate device functionality of 3-D paper-based, multiplex platforms, µPADs, without the use of coupling agents between layers. Previously, these platforms were fabricated with double-sided tape and cellulose powder to try to augment proper fluid routing, but difficulties with this method occurred. An acrylic housing unit with strategically placed pressure tabs was designed to aid horizontal and vertical fluid routing through the platform, thus eliminating the inconsistencies associated with coupling agents. Channel characterization studies, a COMSOL^TM simulation, and development time studies were performed to aid device design and demonstrate device functionality.

The implementation …

Confused Spaces: Theatricality As A Device For Defining Different Types Of Public Space, Danton Christopher Spina

Master's Theses

Confused Spaces has come to the conclusion that theatricality can be a device for defining different types of public space. This book aims to define theatricality in architectural terms by taking principles from the disciplines of theater and urban design. It limits the scope of the definition to a specific set of elements of theatricality that include spectacle, transition, flexibility, and compactability. After attempting to define why these elements of theatricality are valid architectural concepts, the text then pushes to understand the experience that these elements can create. Through the use of historical and contemporary references, an argument for theatricality …

Design Of A Low Power Cargo Security Device Using A Micropower Ultra-Wideband Impulse Radar, Brian M. Wihl

Master's Theses

Each year, thousands of cargo containers are broken into during shipping, costing billions of dollars in lost and damaged goods. In addition to removing its contents, intruders can also add unwanted and dangerous materials to a container, posing a threat to National Security. The possibilities of cargo container break-ins require that the containers go through check points at which they are physically searched. These searches often require the opening of the container, unloading and inspecting all cargo, and then loading the container and resealing it. This is a long and costly process.

Because of the high costs of break-ins and …

Investigation Of Parameters Influencing Reverse Fault Rupture Propagation To The Ground Surface, Kevin V. Stanton

Master's Theses

Surface fault rupture poses a serious threat to infrastructure in many seismically active regions, but knowledge about the factors which control the likelihood of surface displacement is limited. Current probabilistic frameworks rely only on fault mechanism and moment magnitude to predict the probability of rupture to the ground surface. However, recent work has shown that there may be other parameters which also deserve consideration. For example, statistical analyses have demonstrated that variation in near surface material stiffness may significantly affect the probability of surface rupture over reverse faults. In addition, numerical investigations indicate that the rupture history of native soil …

Measuring The Counter/Assumption Model's Effect On Argumentation Quality, Evan D G Ovadia

Master's Theses

This thesis presents a new platform called See the Reason, built upon a tree- structured argumentation model called the Counter/Assumption model. In the Counter/Assumption model, a topic is posted first, then under that topic, reasons for and against, and for each reason, counterarguments, and for any counterargu- ment, more counterarguments. The model enables us to systematically determine whether a claim is “tentatively true” or “tentatively false,” in an effort to motivate people to make their side’s claims tentatively true and the opposing side’s claims tentatively false, thus encouraging conflict. Research suggests that debates with more conflict are better, so this …

Csbs Kudos, December 2013, University Of Northern Iowa. College Of Social And Behavioral Sciences.

CSBS Kudos

Contents:

-- Bye, Bye, Baker Hall
-- CSBS News: In Celebration of Creativity
-- Geography Welcomes Guest
-- Legacy Family
-- Faculty & Staff Kudos
-- Student Kudos
-- Alumni Kudos
-- The Semester in Pictures

Design, Analysis, And Fabrication Of A Modified Competition Tractor Chassis, Aaron A. Flores

BioResource and Agricultural Engineering

This senior project discusses the design and fabrication processes of building a tube frame chassis for a modified pulling tractor. This report will compare the tube style chassis to the wedge style chassis that is currently used on Mustang Fever and the costs associated with it. The purpose of building a new tube chassis is to rebuild Mustang Fever, allowing it to perform more competitively in a lighter weight class.

Invisible Minority: People Incarcerated With Mental Illness, Developmental Disabilities, And Traumatic Brain Injury In Washington's Jails And Prisons, Bette Michelle Fleishman

Seattle Journal for Social Justice

No abstract provided.

Filling In The Holes In Whistleblower Protection Systems: Lessons From The Hanford Council Experience, Jonathan Brock

Seattle Journal for Social Justice

No abstract provided.

The Money Or The Media? Lessons From Contrasting Developments In Us And Australian Whistleblowing Laws, Terry Morehead Dworkin, A.J. Brown

Seattle Journal for Social Justice

No abstract provided.

An Inconsistent Invitation: Am I Invited To Be A Party? How Not Affording Party Status To Youth In Washington Dependency Hearings Can Be A Violation Of Due Process, Laura Baird

Seattle Journal for Social Justice

No abstract provided.

Stymieing Controversy Over Generic Top-Level Domains (Gtlds) And Other Internet Governance Decisions With Content Neutrality, Nafees Uddin

Seattle Journal for Social Justice

No abstract provided.

The Future Of Transit In West Virginia, Diana Long, Benjamin L. Blandford, Peter J. Dailey, Sinaya Dayan, Justin Matthews, Kent Sowards

Reports with Contribution from KTC Researchers

No abstract provided.

Faculty Senate Newsletter, December 2013, Louisiana State University And Agricultural & Mechanical College

LSU Faculty Senate Publications

Message from President: Discussion of higher education policy today takes place in the language or practicality: of productivity, of graduation targets, and of workforce development. Yet politics, even of the most pragmatic variety, is compounded as much of speculation and fantasy as of data, experience, or “reality.” Policy discussions quickly turn from what is to what should be. For decades—since the heyday of Margaret Thatcher—privatization has been heralded by “the silent majority” as the best way to increase efficiency. In academe, the twentieth-century dream of a lean, dynamic government has expressed itself in a faith in production line metrics such …

The Effects Of Precipitation Manipulation On Carbohydrate Dynamics And Mortality In A Piñon-Juniper Woodland, Lee Turin Dickman

Biology ETDs

Drought-induced forest mortality is an increasing global problem with far-reaching consequences, yet mortality mechanisms remain poorly understood. Depletion of non-structural carbohydrate (NSC) stores has been implicated as a major factor in drought-induced mortality, but experimental field tests are rare. We conducted an ecosystem-scale precipitation manipulation experiment and evaluated leaf and twig NSC dynamics of two co-occurring conifers with different water regulation strategies; the relatively drought-averse piñon pine (Pinus edulis) and relatively drought-tolerant oneseed juniper (Juniperus monosperma). Experimental drought caused decreased leaf starch in dying trees of both species and increased allocation to glucose and fructose in juniper, consistent with osmoregulation …