Digital Commons Network^™

Modeling And Simulation Of Components In An Integrated Gasification Combined Cycle Plant For Developing Sensor Networks To Detect Faults, Pratik Pednekar

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

The goal of this work is to help synthesize a sensor network to detect and diagnose faults and to monitor conditions of the key equipment items. The desired algorithm for sensor network design would provide information about the number, type and location of sensors that should be deployed for fault diagnosis and condition monitoring of a plant. In this work, the focus was on the integrated gasification combined cycle (IGCC) power plant where the faults at the equipment level and the plant level are considered separately. At the plant level, the objective is to observe whether a fault has occurred …

Development Of Emission Factors (Efs) Model For Coal Train Loading Operations, Bisleshana Brahma Prakash

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

The objectives of this research were to conduct an analysis of dust emission and to develop a dust emission factors (EFs) model for coal train loading operations. To achieve these objectives, field measurements and data collection were carried out at a facility operating along with a coal mine in West Virginia, U.S. The dust emission for the train loading point was determined by two methods: (i) the EPA AP-42 emission factor estimation equations (AP-42 Dust Emission Estimation), and (ii) the methodology used in the development of AP-42 equations (Type-2 Dust Emission Estimation). The analysis of dust emission revealed that dust …

Development Of Real-Time Optimal Control Strategy Of Hybrid Transit Bus Based On Predicted Driving Pattern, Wei Qi

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

The control strategy of a hybrid electric vehicle (HEV) has been an active research area in the past decades. The main goal of the optimal control strategy is to maximize the fuel economy and minimize exhaust emissions while also satisfying the expected vehicle performance. Dynamic programming (DP) is an algorithm capable of finding the global optimal solution of HEV operation. However, DP cannot be used as a real-time control approach as it requires pre-known driving information. The equivalent consumption minimization strategy (ECMS) is a real-time control approach, but it always results in local optima due to the non-convex cost function. …

Design And Evaluation Of Functional Gear For Protection, Fit And Mobility, Ruchireeka Rath

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Functional wearables are a growing field at the intersection of fashion and technology. This research centers on the conceptual development of a fastening system in a functional wearable - fishing footwear - by assimilating utilitarian design values in a product design model. A project-based research methodology utilizing an iterative design process was used to create a multifunctional and technologically enabled closure system in fishing footwear. As part of the planning phase, an extensive review was conducted. This exploration substantiated the need for research centered around fastening systems for fishing footwear. A thorough investigative study was conducted as part of research …

Evaluating The Effect Of Feed Mixing And Sampling Methodologies On Nutrient Analysis And The Inclusion Of A Novel Protease In Broiler Diets, Danielle A. Reese

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Proper poultry feeding requires a homogenous mixture of macro and micro ingredients to ensure feed nutrients are being supplied to meet bird requirements. Samples of complete feed may be taken during manufacture and analyzed for nutrient content in order to estimate if nutrients are present in feed in accordance to diet formulation. However, variables associated with mixing and feed sampling may influence the results of nutrient analysis, thus over or under estimating the formula comparison. The objective of this study was to vary mix time, sample location, sample number, and sample blending technique on nutrient analysis. Ingredients were mixed in …

Imaging White Blood Cells Using A Snapshot Hyper-Spectral Imaging System, Christopher John Robison

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Automated white blood cell (WBC) counting systems process an extracted whole blood sample and provide a cell count. A step that would not be ideal for onsite screening of individuals in triage or at a security gate. Snapshot Hyper-Spectral imaging systems are capable of capturing several spectral bands simultaneously, offering co-registered images of a target. With appropriate optics, these systems are potentially able to image blood cells in vivo as they flow through a vessel, eliminating the need for a blood draw and sample staining. Our group has evaluated the capability of a commercial Snapshot Hyper-Spectral imaging system, specifically the …

Design, Construction, And Qualificataion Of The West Virginia University Environmental Wind Tunnel, Stephen N. Rotruck

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

The interaction with the planetary atmosphere is an unavoidable fact when dealing with problems related to aerodynamic studies within the confines of the planet. These include flow effects on bridges, buildings, and various terrain types. Researchers look for more realistic approaches to modeling the complex behavior of the turbulent atmosphere. Environmental wind tunnels (EWTs) were specifically developed to meet this need.;Using parts donated by Cornell University to West Virginia University, a new EWT was built to allow researchers at West Virginia University to begin studying interactions with flow phenomena present in Earth's atmosphere. Problems in the original design required sections …

Apical Canal Transportation After Instrumentation With Two New Rotary Files; A Comparative Study With Micro Ct, Wisam Sakr

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Introduction.;Excessive dentin removal in a single direction within the canal causes canal transportation. A study by Peters OA has shown that the canal transportation is highest apically. A number of cleaning and shaping principles have been previously suggested and should be followed to achieve optimum results. These principles include the developing of a continuously tapering funnel from the coronal access cavity to the root apex, following the original canal shape and maintaining the apical foramen in its original spatial relationship both to the periapical tissues and to the root surface. The aim of this study is to construct detailed three-dimensional …

Comprehensive Academic Undergraduate Advising Services: One University's Successful Model, Heidi B. Samuels

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

This qualitative study examined the emerging field of comprehensive academic advising programs (CAAPs). The purpose of this study is to describe a successful CAAP in-depth at one public four-year higher education institution. The research specifically investigated strategies the CAAP uses with the aim of increasing retention rates, and level of CAAP embeddedness into institutional culture. Findings indicated that the CAAP was successful at embedding the CAAP in to the surface and middle layers of the culture. Good academic advising was recognized as an essential element of the effective CAAP across participant groups. Slightly divergent results concerning other CAAP elements indicated …

The Effect Of Ovine Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells On Haemonchus Contortus Larval Death In Vitro, Elizabeth Anne Shepherd

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Gastrointestinal nematode parasitism is the greatest problem facing small ruminant livestock, largely due to development of anthelmintic resistance. Of particular concern is Haemonchus contortus, a hematophagous trichostrongylid that can lead to death in lambs or immunocompromised sheep. Some breeds of sheep are resistant to Haemonchosis, e.g. St. Croix (STC) hair sheep. St. Croix sheep have well-documented resistance and have been shown to develop a robust immune response, generating a rapid cellular response to larval stages that does not occur in susceptible sheep. Studies evaluating effects of mononuclear cells, including monocytes and lymphocytes, indicate that these cells dramatically reduce motility of …

Robustness Of Topological Superconductivity In Solid State Hybrid Structures, Piyapong Sitthison

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

The non-Abelian statistics of Majorana fermions (MFs) makes them an ideal platform for implementing topological quantum computation. In addition to the fascinating fundamental physics underlying the emergence of MFs, this potential for applications makes the study of these quasiparticles an extremely popular subject in condensed matter physics. The commonly called `Majorana fermions' are zero-energy bound states that emerge near boundaries and defects in topological superconducting phases, which can be engineered, for example, by proximity coupling strong spin-orbit coupling semiconductor nanowires and ordinary s-wave superconductors. The stability of these bound states is determined by the stability of the underlying topological superconducting …

Geotechnical Testing And Finite Element Modeling Of Geomorphic Landform Design With A Multi-Layer Cap And Cover System, Jeffrey R. Stevens

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

This research was aimed at implementation of Geomorphic Landform Design (GLD) principles to the Royal Scot abandoned coal refuse disposal facility in Greenbrier County, West Virginia, USA. This facility currently exhibits many undesirable environmental problems including acid-mine drainage and significant erosion and sediment transport.;A multi-layer cap and cover system in conjunction with GLD principles was proposed as a solution to these environmental problems. This cover is proposed to be constructed from the coarse coal refuse material on-site and a short paper fiber material (MGro(TM)) from the MeadWestVaco paper mill in nearby Covington, Virginia, USA. To determine the possible effectiveness of …

Cooperative Maneuver Enabled Uav Relative Localization, Jared Strader

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

The ability to localize itself in an environment is essential for any autonomous vehicle. In applications involving multiple Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) such as formation flight, surveillance, and mapping, the relative pose of each UAV provides vital information for multiple vehicles to coordinate effectively. The majority of cooperative localization tasks involving multiple UAVs assume the transformation between reference frames, but this information is not always provided in the absence of landmarks or a Global Positioning System (GPS).;This thesis presents a method for estimating the relative pose of a pair of UAVs using range-only measurements. In this method, there is no …

Law Enforcement Access To Data Across Borders: The Evolving Security And Rights Issues, Jennifer Daskal

Scholarly Articles in Law Reviews & Journals

No abstract provided.

Evaluating Appropriability Defenses For The Exclusionary Conduct Of Dominant Firms In Innovative Industries, Jonathan Baker

Scholarly Articles in Law Reviews & Journals

In response to antitrust cases challenging the exclusionary conduct of dominant firms, some dominant firms offer an “appropriability defense.” This defense is the claim that prohibiting the challenged conduct would lessen the dominant firm’s return to investment in research and development (R&D), undermine that firm’s incentive to innovate, and harm the prospects for industry innovation. An appropriability defense should be questioned, and often rejected, if the dominant firm would be expected to increase its own R&D effort in response to increased R&D by its rivals after liability on a dominant firm is imposed. An analytical framework for determining whether a …

Why The Hurry To Regulate Autonomous Weapon Systems-But Not Cyber-Weapons?, Kenneth Anderson

Scholarly Articles in Law Reviews & Journals

No abstract provided.

Why Delaware Courts Should Abolish The Schnell Doctrine, Mary Siegel

Scholarly Articles in Law Reviews & Journals

No abstract provided.

Talking Foreign Policy: The Iran Nuclear Accord, Paul Williams, Milena Sterio, Avidan Cover, Mike Newton

Scholarly Articles in Law Reviews & Journals

No abstract provided.

The Feminist Case For Acknowledging Women's Acts Of Violence, Jamie Abrams

Scholarly Articles in Law Reviews & Journals

This Article makes a feminist case for acknowledging women’s acts of violence as consistent with — not threatening to — the goals of the domestic violence movement and the feminist movement. It concludes that broadly understanding women’s use of strength, power, coercion, control, and violence, even illegitimate uses, can be framed consistent with feminist goals. Beginning this conversation is a necessary — if uncomfortable — step to give movement to the movement to end gendered violence.

The domestic violence movement historically framed its work on a gender binary of men as potential perpetrators and women as potential victims. This binary …

Residual Value Capture In Subsidized Housing, Brandon Weiss

Scholarly Articles in Law Reviews & Journals

This Article argues that our primary federal subsidized housing production pro- gram, the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC), will result in the unnecessary forfeit of billions of dollars of government investment and the potential displacement of tens of thousands of households beginning in 2020 when LIHTC property use restrictions start to expire. The LIHTC example is presented as a case study of an inherent dynamic of public-private partnerships namely, the potential capture by for-profit providers of "residual value." For purposes of this Article, this is value generated by a public-private transaction that is unnecessary to incentivize a private provider to …

"I Am From Epifania And Tomas": An Autoethnography And Bi-Literacy Narrative Of A Mexican American Orchard Workers' Daughter, Brenda Lorena Aguilar

EWU Masters Thesis Collection

"This is an autoethnography and bi-literacy narrative of a first-generation Mexican American woman whose parents work in the orchards around Mattawa, Washington. It is a collection of 44 written artifacts dating back to high school Spanish class and moving forward to the graduate papers written in the master's program at Eastern Washington University as well as concurrent and retrospective journal entries documenting her infancy years through her graduate studies. A close and interactive reading of works by Mexican Americans, Richard Rodriguez and Gloria Anzaldua, is offered by the author who connects her own experiences growing up bilingually and biculturally in …

Jay Fox: The Life And Times Of An American Radical, David J. Collins

EWU Masters Thesis Collection

No abstract provided.

Multilingual Writers' Unintentional Plagiarism: Action Research In College Composition, Jacqueline D. Gullon

EWU Masters Thesis Collection

This study investigates the awareness of plagiarism and MLA citations among multilingual college students. It is an example of action research that began Fall Quarter 2013. The study conducted at Eastern Washington University in an English Composition for Multilingual Writers class involved students from Japan, Saudi Arabia, France, Germany, Spain, and China. The researcher used journal prompts to identify multi-lingual students' perception of plagiarism. The class had been designed to prepare the students for Standard American English composition writing. Students were given reading material and asked to cite and to paraphrase sentences and paragraphs. The data was analyzed, and the …

Games For Vocabulary Enrichment: Teaching Multilingual Writers At The College Level, Jennifer Hawkins

EWU Masters Thesis Collection

"This study explores the effectiveness of the game activity, Taboo, to teach ESL vocabulary in a college-level EAP course. It is mixed-methods research, including qualitative data in the form of student journals and quantitative data in the form of student assessments. It is also action research that reflects a novice teacher's experience of adapting a game activity to make it more effective for learning academic vocabulary. The study is centered on the voices of student writers who experienced the game in their classroom and wrote about the experience in journals. A comparative quantitative assessment measured students' learning outcomes on the …

The Warrior Kings And Their Giants: A Comparative Study Of Beowulf And King David, Fred Mcfarland

EWU Masters Thesis Collection

No abstract provided.

Chemically-Mediated Prey Responses: Invasive Brook Stickleback Induced Changes In Behavior And Life History Of Larval Long-Toed Salamanders, Renae K. Reed

EWU Masters Thesis Collection

"The purpose of this research was to assess the predator-induced responses of a larval amphibian to its natural predators and to an unfamiliar fish. Amphibians express chemically-mediated antipredator defenses in behavior, morphology and life history, and are currently threatened with predation by invasive fish. To investigate this issue, we first initiated a behavioral assay to test the null hypotheses that predator type and diet have no effect on long-toed salamander (Ambystoma macrodactylum) behavior. We exposed individual replicate A. macrodactylum to chemical cues (kairomones) from garter snakes (Thamnophis elegans), tiger salamanders (A. tigrinum) and brook stickleback (Culaea inconstans), which had been …

Determining The Effects Of Non-Native Brook Stickleback (Cualea Inconstans) On The Lentic Systems At Turnbull National Wildlife Refuge, Cheney, Wa, Jenae N. Yri

EWU Masters Thesis Collection

"The introduction of non-native fishes can cause trophic cascades in freshwater habitats; these effects may be amplified in ephemeral/temporary habitats. Non-native brook stickleback fishes (Culaea inconstans) were first documented on the Turnbull National Wildlife Refuge (WA) in 1999 and are now present in many portions of the refuge. The consequences of their presence on the refuge's perennial/permanent and temporary habitats are poorly understood. Therefore, the purpose of my project was to determine if brook stickleback are affecting habitat characteristics that are important for waterfowl nesting success. From April-August 2015, I compared the macro invertebrate and macrophyte community characteristics, fingernail clam …

Elk Summer-Autumn Habitat Selection In The Clearwater Basin Of North-Central Idaho, Calla R. Hetzner Hagle

EWU Masters Thesis Collection

"Since the 1960's, Rocky Mountain elk (Cervus elaphus nelsoni) populations have declined steadily in the Clearwater Basin in north-central Idaho. The Clearwater Basin Collaborative (CBC) was formed with the goal of restoring healthy elk populations to the Clearwater Basin. They initiated this study by collaring 53 cow elk from four distinct areas. I analyzed elk detection and GIS-based habitat data from June 15-September 15 2014 to address one of the CBC's objectives: identifying elk habitat use responses on summer-autumn range. Ground-truth surveys are necessary to verify satellite-derived data are analogous to actual vegetation components. I used a proportion analysis to …

Dynamically Parallel Camshift: Gpu Accelerated Object Tracking In Digital Video, Matthew J. Perry

EWU Masters Thesis Collection

"The CAMSHIFT algorithm is widely used for tracking dynamically sized and positioned objects in real-time applications. In spite of its extensive study on the platform of sequential CPU, its research on massively parallel Graphical Processing Unit (GPU) platform is quite limited. In this work, we designed and implemented two different parallel algorithms for CAMSHIFT using CUDA. The first design performs calculations on the GPU, but requires iterative data transfers back to the host CPU for condition checking, which bottlenecks the entire program. In the second design, we propose an enhanced parallel reduction-based CAMSHIFT using dynamic parallelism to reduce overhead of …

Increasing Multimedia Literacy In Composition For Multilingual Writers: A Case Study Of Art Analysis, Sony Nicole De Paula

EWU Masters Thesis Collection

"This multiple case study/critical ethnography/autoethnography was done in two composition classes for multilingual writers at EWU in order to explore ways to foster multimodal literacies in English Language Learners (ELL's). "Digital composing environments force writers, readers, and texts to change .... Today, more than ever before, attention is being given to the role of the arts, multi-modality, and new literacies as they relate to research and practice in English language arts classrooms and operate within 21st century literacies" (NCTE.org, 2016; Jocius, 2016). Following the call from the NCTE, the author urges us to consider postmodern views of reading and writing …