Digital Commons Network^™

Design Structure Method As Applied To The Structural Organization Of A 5th Genertation Fighter Jet, Israel Michel Michel

Open Access Theses & Dissertations

In current times, the demand for protection against enemies in a volatile geopolitical climate is an increasingly demanding concern. Many countries invest billions of dollars attempting to protect their borders and in fact strive to become the most powerful and dominant war power in the world. As the dollar amount of each country increases, and while other countries seem to always beat each other, the path for innovations and demand is never ending. The complexity of each project continues to grow as they become very sophisticated in their respective field.

In recent decades, itâ??s been proven that whoever reaches the …

An Evaluation Framework For Scientific Programming Productivity, W.K. Umayanganie Munipala Munipala

Open Access Theses & Dissertations

Substantial time is spent on building, optimizing and maintaining large-scale software that is run on supercomputers. However, little has been done to utilize overall resources efficiently when it comes to including expensive human resources. The community is beginning to acknowledge that optimizing the hardware performance such as speed and memory bottlenecks contributes less to the overall productivity than does the development lifecycle of high-performance scientific applications. Researchers are beginning to look at overall scientific workflows for high performance computing. Scientific programming productivity is measured by time and effort required to develop, configure, and maintain a simulation experiment and its constituent …

An Integrated Geophysical Survey Of Kilbourne Hole, Southern New Mexico: Implications For Near Surface Exploration Of Mars And The Moon, Nisa Maksim

Open Access Theses & Dissertations

Features such as the Home Plate plateau on Mars, a suspected remnant of an ancient phreatomagmatic eruption, can reveal important information about paleohydrologic conditions. The eruption intensity of a phreatomagmatic volcano is controlled mainly by the quantity of water and magma, the internal geometry of the volcano, and the depth of the interaction zone between magma and water. In order to understand the paleohydrologic conditions at the time of eruption, we must understand all the factors that influenced the phreatomagmatic event. I conducted an integrated geophysical survey, which are magnetic and gravity surveys, and a ground-penetrating radar (GPR) surveys at …

Enhancing Surface Finish Of Fused Deposition Modeling Parts Through Targeted Chemicals And Design Of Experiments, Saurabh Nayyar Nayyar

Open Access Theses & Dissertations

Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) is one of the most popular rapid prototyping (RP) technologies due to its low operational cost, high fabrication speed, and range of applications served. However, FDM fabricated parts generally have poor surface finish quality which have limited their utilization in end-use applications. To enhance surface quality of FDM materials, several researchers have regulated key process parameters using the FDM material, Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS), with varying results. The main goal of this research is to investigate the effects of a post-fabrication chemical treatment process on the surface roughness for FDM parts of the FDM material ULTEM. …

Combining Interval And Probabilistic Uncertainty In Engineering Applications, Andrew Martin Pownuk

Open Access Theses & Dissertations

In many practical application, we process measurement results and expert estimates. Measurements and expert estimates are never absolutely accurate, their result are slightly different from the actual (unknown) values of the corresponding quantities. It is therefore desirable to analyze how this measurement and estimation inaccuracy affects the results of data processing. There exist numerous methods for estimating the accuracy of the results of data processing under different models of measurement and estimation inaccuracies: probabilistic, interval, and fuzzy. To be useful in engineering applications, these methods should provide accurate estimate for the resulting uncertainty, should not take too much computation time, …

National Evaluation For Development And Exploration Potential Of Mineral Commodities In Produced Waters, Stephanie Ray

Open Access Theses & Dissertations

The U.S. Geological Survey recently updated a geochemical database consisting of data for approximately 160,000 produced waters samples, primarily from petroleum and geothermal reservoirs. Using major and trace elements from conventional and unconventional well types from the database, this Thesis provides a comprehensive, national evaluation for mineral commodity potential in produced waters. Produced waters contain virtually every naturally occurring element and can range in salinity to several times that of seawater. Despite the typical outlook to view produced waters as a waste, they have potential for natural resource development.

This Thesis provides, for each mineral commodity found in the produced …

Modeling Of Piezoelectric Traveling Wave Rotary Ultrasonic Motors With The Finite Volume Method, Ivan Arturo Renteria Marquez

Open Access Theses & Dissertations

In 1983 Toshiiku Sashida developed a new motor concept called Piezoelectric Traveling Wave Rotary Ultrasonic Motor (PTRUSM). The advantages of these motors include high torque at low speed, absence of a generated magnetic field, and high potential for miniaturization. Unfortunately PTRUSMs have some disadvantages that limit the areas of applications for these types of motors. The disadvantages are a short operating life (about 1000 hours), small output power, and the need of a complex motor controller.

On one hand, these motors have been used in satellites, mobile phones, photocopiers, robotic arms, telescopes, automobiles, and camera autofocusing. On the other hand, …

The Persistent Fear Of Crime In A Safe Metropolitan Area: The Continual Impact Of Social Disorganization, Guillermo Rivas

Open Access Theses & Dissertations

While the association between physical and social disorder on crime have been established (Skogan, 1990), it is less clear how they influence fear of crime. Fear of crime is important to consider given that is can decrease both physical and mental health (Gee & Payne-Sturges, 2004). Utilizing data based on a randomly selected household survey in El Paso County, Texas (N= 1,070) I seek to examine the influence of physical and social disorders and social cohesion on fear of crime. OLS linear regression results illustrate the persistent impact of physical and social disorders regardless of neighborhood characteristics of poverty and …

Improving The Engineering Properties Of Pla For 3d Printing And Beyond, Carmen R. Rocha

Open Access Theses & Dissertations

Additive manufacturing (AM), now more commonly known as 3D printing, has been classified as efficient, fast, and practical in the prototyping sector of product development. In the work presented here, we will use one of the AM techniques known as Material extrusion 3D printing (ME3DP), which has all the advantages of AM. However, one of the biggest challenges facing ME3DP technologies is the limitation of the range of materials used by this technique. Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) and poly-lactic acid (PLA) are currently the most common thermoplastics materials used in ME3DP because of their ability to melt and be reprocessed. …

Intrinsic And Metal-Doped Gallium Oxide Based High-Temperature Oxygen Sensors For Combustion Processes, Ernesto Javier Rubio

Open Access Theses & Dissertations

Currently, there is enormous interest in research, development and optimization of the combustion processes for energy harvesting. Recent statistical and economic analyses estimated that by improving the coal-based firing/combustion processes in the power plants, savings up to ~$450-500 million yearly can be achieved. Advanced sensors and controls capable of withstanding extreme environments such as high temperatures, highly corrosive atmospheres, and high pressures are critical to such efficiency enhancement and cost savings. For instance, optimization of the combustion processes in power generation systems can be achieved by sensing, monitoring and control of oxygen, which is a measure of the completeness of …

Nutrition Knowledge Among A Predominantly Hispanic College Population, Heather Sandford

Open Access Theses & Dissertations

ABSTRACT

Many chronic diseases such as Type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease and some types of cancer are prevalent and have been associated with unhealthy eating patterns. At the same time overweight and obesity are contributing factors to the development of these conditions. There are multiple factors contributing to overweight and obesity. Some of these include a frequent consumption of unhealthy or high energy-dense foods combined with the lack of physical activity. A true understanding and foundation of proper nutrition allows people to make healthy eating choices. It has been documented that among the population, college students have a limited nutrition …

Only The Aperture, Katherine Elizabeth Seltzer

Open Access Theses & Dissertations

Only the Aperture is a collection of ten short stories. Each story renders a moment in a different famous photographer's life.

Development Of Efficient Simultaneous Confidence Bounds For Linear Mixed Models With Applications In Alcohol Research, Emmanuel Joseph Sequeira

Open Access Theses & Dissertations

Multiplicity corrections are necessary to ensure the accuracy of conclusions made in studies that carry out multiple inferences simultaneously. This Thesis uses the methodology derived by Hunter and Worsley to obtain improved simultaneous confidence bounds (SCBs) that are less conservative than the highly used Bonferroni SCBs, for studies using linear mixed modeling. Empirical coverage rates were obtained for data that was generated using simulations, to compare the accuracy of the Hunter-Worsley SCBs with that of the Bonferroni SCBs. The bounds were also applied to data in the field of alcohol research, where comparisons were made to determine the moderating effect …

Investigation Of Lunar Subsurface Cavities Using Thermal Inertia And Temperature Maximum To Minimum Ratios, Rachel Ann Slank

Open Access Theses & Dissertations

Previous studies have revealed a small number of subsurface cavities, including lava tubes, as well as skylights, lava flow pits, and impact melt pits on the Moon. The interiors of subsurface cavities would have been protected from micrometeorite bombardment, solar radiation, space weathering, and extreme diurnal temperature swings over long periods of geologic time. As a result, subsurface cavities can provide access to pristine crustal samples and stratigraphy. These cavities may also harbor important volatiles, such as water ice, that would enable future exploration missions by relieving many operational constraints, including the supply of propellants and life support. In addition, …

'Out Vile Jelly': The Consumption Of Violence In King Lear And The Winter's Tale, Evan Marie Stapleton

Open Access Theses & Dissertations

There is a distinct difference in the representation of violence and its aftermath in Shakespeareâ??s Elizabethan and Jacobean plays. More so after 1603, bloody spectacles, brutal torture, and public theatrics are commonplace in daily life and entertainment; Jacobean life is comprised of a culture of violence. This paper examines the representation of violence and its aftermath in "King Lear" and "The Winter's Tale." As Shakespeare adapts plays for a Jacobean audience, the violence in the plays is decidedly more nuanced and psychological than in the Elizabethan plays, which tend to favor gore, spectacular images, and mostly physical damages. First, I …

The Efficacy Of Brief Individual And Group Interventions Among Light And Intermittent Smokers, Beatriz Suro Maldonado

Open Access Theses & Dissertations

Despite the decline in daily smoking between 2005 to 2013, light and intermittent smoking rates have increased. Few studies assessing smoking cessation in light (â?¤10 cigarettes per day) and intermittent smokers (nondaily smoking; LITS) exist. The current study assessed the efficacy of a brief smoking intervention for light smokers in a predominantly Hispanic young adult sample. Several smoking cessation predictors were identified. Two hundred fifty two light and intermittent smokers were recruited primarily from community health clinics and the University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP). Participants completed baseline measures assessing socio demographics, tobacco use and history, stage of change, …

3-D Structure Of Colombia From 1-D Constrained Joint Inversion Of Receiver Functions And Surface Wave Dispersion, Nick Talavera

Open Access Theses & Dissertations

The country, Colombia, resides at the northwest corner of the South America with seismicity and volcanism due to the intersections of the Nazca, South America and Caribbean tectonic plates (Figure 1). The boundaries of the South America plate, on which Colombia lies, borders between 60 to 200 kilometers from its coasts. A dense spot of seismicity known as the Bucaramanga Nest has had many theories to explain its existence. Two tectonic microplates suspected in this region have not been well understood. With many mysteries of the behavior of the tectonic plates beneath Colombia, using new methods may shed light on …

Ontology-Driven Integration Of Data For Freight Performance Measures, Eduardo J. Torres

Open Access Theses & Dissertations

Transportation performance measures are defined as quantitative and qualitative indicators that rely on data or information to explain mobility, congestion, safety, environmental and other factors. Though performance measures have been used for freeways and other highways, not many have been specified and applied to the freight transportation system. Recently, freight performance measures have been recommended by Federal Highway Administration to quantify the operating efficiency of the freight transportation system on existing infrastructures. This research seeks to expand this concept and to develop a comprehensive freight performance measurement framework. The expanded framework recommended in this Thesis consists of four criteria: safety, …

Determining The Role Of Poly [Adp-Ribose] Polymerase 1 (Parp-1) In Retroviral Infection, Luis Valdes Rodriguez

Open Access Theses & Dissertations

Possible links between PARP-1 and HIV-1 have been previously reported but the role of this protein during viral infection has remained elusive. Based on the high evolutionary conservation of PARP-1, from Drosophila to humans, we have been able to counteract the difficulties related with the functional redundancy manifested in the PARP family by studying the influence of PARP-1 on the expression of an endogenous retrovirus using the chicken B lymphoblastoid cell line DT40, this cell line exhibits low PARP-1 functional redundancy and is viable after PARP-1 knockout. We have determined that the transcription level of the endogenous retrovirus RAV-1 is …

Nutritional Effects On Reproductive Performance Of Captiveadult Female Coyotes (Canis Latrans), Eric M. Gese, Beth M. Roberts, Frederick F. Knowlton

United States Department of Agriculture Wildlife Services: Staff Publications

Interactions between animals and their environment are fundamental to ecological research. Field studies of coyote (Canis latrans) reproductive performance suggest mean litter size changes in response to prey abundance. However, this relationship has been assessed primarily by using carcasses collected from trappers. The objective of this study was to assess whether nutritional manipulation prior to mating affected reproduction in adult female coyotes. We examined the effects of caloric restriction during the 7 months prior to estrus on the reproductive rates of 11 captive female coyotes and the subsequent initial survival of pups through two reproductive cycles. This was …

People V. Ferrer, California Superior Court

Historical and Topical Legal Documents

COURT’S FINAL RULING ON DEMURRER

Heritage Capital V. Christie's, Northern District Of Texas

Historical and Topical Legal Documents

No abstract provided.

Disney Enterprises V. Vidangel, Central District Of California

Historical and Topical Legal Documents

No abstract provided.

Fareportal V. Travana, Southern District Of New York

Historical and Topical Legal Documents

No abstract provided.

Mission Capital Advisors V. Romaka, Southern District Of New York

Historical and Topical Legal Documents

No abstract provided.

Mission Capital Advisors V. Romoka, Southern District Of New York

Historical and Topical Legal Documents

Seizure Order

Use Of Predator Hair To Enhance Perceived Risk To White-Tailed Deer In A Foraging Context, Thomas W. Seamans, Bradley F. Blackwell, Kimberly E. Linnell

United States Department of Agriculture Wildlife Services: Staff Publications

Deer react to predator scent in varying degrees even when exposed to unknown predators. This response could be genetically based and maintained as long as the population is exposed to predation. We tested whether predator scent in the form of hair would enhance perceived risk and serve as a foraging repellent to free-ranging white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus). During the winters of 2013 and 2014, we quantifi ed alert behaviors and consumption of whole-kernel corn in response to current (coyote [Canis latrans]) and extirpated (bobcat [Lynx rufus]; black bear [Ursus americanus]) predator species …

Evaluating Wildlife-Cattle Contact Rates To Improve The Understanding Of Dynamics Of Bovine Tuberculosis Transmission In Michigan, Usa, Michael J. Lavelle, Shannon L. Kay, Kim M. Pepin

United States Department of Agriculture Wildlife Services: Staff Publications

Direct and indirect contacts among individuals drive transmission of infectious disease. When multiple interacting species are susceptible to the same pathogen, risk assessment must include all potential host species. Bovine tuberculosis (bTB) is an example of a disease that can be transmitted among several wildlife species and to cattle, although the potential role of several wildlife species in spillback to cattle remains unclear. To better understand the complex network of contacts and factors driving disease transmission, we fitted proximity logger collars to beef and dairy cattle (n = 37), white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus; n=29), raccoon (Procyon lotor; n=53), and Virginia …

Repellent Application Strategy For Wild Rodents And Cottontail Rabbits, Scott J. Werner, Shelagh T. Deliberto, Roger A. Baldwin, Gary W. Witmer

United States Department of Agriculture Wildlife Services: Staff Publications

Effective chemical repellents and repellent application strategies are needed to manage damages caused by wild rodents and rabbits to agricultural resources. For the purpose of comparatively investigating the behavioral response of wild rodents and rabbits to a chemical repellent, we experimentally evaluated the concentration-response relationship of an anthraquinone-based repellent in California voles (Microtus californicus Peale), Richardson’s ground squirrels (Urocitellus richardsonii Sabine), deer mice (Peromyscus maniculatus Wagner) and cottontail rabbits (Sylvilagus audubonii Baird) in captivity. We observed 52–56% feeding repellency for whole oats treated with 10,800ppm anthraquinone or 18,500ppmanthraquinone in mice and squirrels, and 84–85% repellency for …

Translating Knowledge For Action Against Stroke--Using 5-Minute Videos For Stroke Survivors And Caregivers To Improve Post-Stroke Outcomes: Study Protocol For A Randomized Controlled Trial (Movies4stroke)., Ayeesha Kamran Kamal, Adeel Khoja, Bushra Usmani, Nargis Asad, Asma Ahmed, Iqbal Azam, Sarah Saleem, Saleem Sayani

Department of Medicine

Background: Two thirds of the global mortality of stroke is borne by low and middle income countries (LMICs). Pakistan is the world’s sixth most populous country with a stroke-vulnerable population and is without a single dedicated chronic care center. In order to provide evidence for a viable solution responsive to this health care gap, and leveraging the existing >70 % mobile phone density, we thought it rational to test the effectiveness of a mobile phone-based video intervention of short 5-minute movies to educate and support stroke survivors and their primary caregivers.

Methods: Movies4Stroke will be a randomized control, outcome assessor …