Digital Commons Network^™

Colorful Seashells: Identification Of Haem Pathway Genes Associated With The Synthesis Of Porphyrin Shell Color In Marine Snails, Suzanne T. Williams, Anne E. Lockyer, Patricia Dyal, Tomoyuki Nakano, Celia K. C. Churchill, Daniel Isaac Speiser

Faculty Publications

Very little is known about the evolution of molluskan shell pigments, although Mollusca is a highly diverse, species rich, and ecologically important group of animals comprised of many brightly colored taxa. The marine snail genus Clanculus was chosen as an exceptional model for studying the evolution of shell color, first, because in Clanculus margaritarius and Clanculus pharaonius both shell and foot share similar colors and patterns; and second, because recent studies have identified the pigments, trochopuniceus (pink-red), and trochoxouthos (yellow-brown), both comprised of uroporphyrin I and uroporphyrin III, in both shell and colored foot tissue of these species. These unusual …

Multi-Sensor Fault Tolerant Learning Algorithm In An Agricultural Robotic System, Praditya Ajidarma

Open Access Theses

In recent years, more attempts on mechanization, intensification, and automation have been implemented to increase agricultural productivity. However, only few of the concepts are financially feasible for most agricultural fields, mostly due to the high cost of stationary on-ground sensors that is required in such concepts. In response to this issue, a novel approach of using sensor-mounted mobile robots to perform daily inspection has been proposed. By moving the sensors towards different object location, the investment cost is lowered and the framework become more affordable for most agricultural fields. In response to the background mentioned above, this research aims to …

Relative Importance Of Different Body Channels To The Believability Of A Stylized 3d Character Animation In A Full Body Shot, Saikiran Anasingaraju

Open Access Theses

Character animation involves movement in different channels of the character’s body. There is a norm in the animation industry that each of these different body channels has varying contributions to the believability of an acting performance: body movement being the highest contributor and lip sync the lowest. This thesis investigated this norm using statistical analysis. While the reduction of body motion caused the biggest drop in believability, similar reductions in facial animation and lip sync have not made a significant effect on the believability. The only exception to the above statement is the animation depicting the emotion sadness, where no …

Interactivity Factors In Visualization-Based Exploratory Search, Ali Baigelenov

Open Access Theses

Two of the main components of visualizations are representation and interaction. Several researchers have noted that the interaction component has been receiving less attention than the visual (representation) component. It was also noted by several researchers that there is currently no well-developed theoretical base for interaction research in information visualization. A number of important contributions to this problem were made, resulting in different frameworks that aimed to deal with various aspects of interaction design, such as benefits, costs, and techniques, to name a few. Despite the contributions and findings, the interactivity factors of diversity, complementarity, and fitness are still relatively …

Design Of A Twisting Multi-Stable Actuator, Aaron J. Anderson

Open Access Theses

Actuators based on compliant multi-stable structures o˙er bene˝ts of low mass, large stroke, high blocking force, and fast actuation response. The compliant structure eliminates friction and failure points inherent to actuators featuring joints and moving parts. These characteristics o˙er a large potential for application in ˝elds such as aerospace or robotics where they can be scaled and modi˝ed to ˝t many design scenarios. A class of twisting bi-stable structures lends itself for use in linear actuation, as linear displacement is created upon twisting. These structures are also capable of fast actuation via snap-through between stable twisted states. This paper considers …

An Open-Source Life Cycle Analysis Tool For Rare Earth Products Critical To The Clean-Tech Industry, Praneet Singh Arshi

Open Access Theses

The clean-energy industry has been expanding drastically over the past decade with economically scalable technology and favorable policies. Rare earth elements (REEs), with unique chemical and physical properties have played a key role in this boom by improving the efficacy of certain cleanenergy products. For example, rare earth based magnets have a higher maximum energy output, reducing the size and weight of magnets in wind turbines and electric vehicle motors. However, its benefits are undercut by the drastic environmental impacts on the areas surrounding the mining and processing sites. Existing literature provides some information on these impacts but often fails …

Effects Of Dry-Aging On Eating Quality, Physicochemical, And Microbiological Attributes Of Grass-Fed Beef Loins, Jordy Berger

Open Access Theses

The United States has the greatest number of cattle on feed and is the largest producer of beef in the world (Jones, 2017). As a major contributor to the American economy, it is vital for the beef industry to provide consumers with high quality products that meet their expectations in order to ensure continued meat purchase (Schroeder and Mark, 2000). To accomplish these objectives, an understanding of beef eating quality attributes and ongoing research to identify how and what factors contribute to these attributes is essential. Beef palatability is assessed by the evaluation of tenderness, juiciness, and flavor (Reicks et …

Autoignition Of Diesel Water Emulsions At Conditions Relevant To Gas Turbine Engine Operation, Venkatasubramanian Athmanathan

Open Access Theses

Lean premixed prevaporixed (LPP) combustion systems are commonly used in gas turbine engines. The advantages of using an LPP system are many including lower NOx emissions and better combustion eÿciency. However, LPP systems pose the risk of autoignition and fashback in the premixer. Therefore understanding the autoignition characteristics of fuels used by modern–day fuel fexible stationary gas turbine engines is imperative for the safe operation of land–based gas turbine engines. In a gas turbine premixer, when the fuel-air mixture temperature is suÿciently low, the combustion reaction occurs via a low-temperature chemical reaction pathway called cool fames. When the mixture temperature …

Secondary Loop Residential Heat Pump Design, Performance, And Cost Analysis Utilizing R290, Tim Blatchley

Open Access Theses

The use of alternative refrigerants and HVAC technologies is necessary because of the inevitable phase out of current refrigerants. Ammonia and Propane are desirable for air conditioning applications because of their superior thermodynamic and transport properties compared to many HFC refrigerant alternatives. However, these refrigerants are toxic or flammable. The idea to use a secondary loop cycle enables these refrigerants to be used while not bringing them in contact with people. An initial analysis of a secondary loop system for a residential heat pump using propane as the refrigerant was performed using ACHP showing a comparable performance to a traditional …

Using Ultrasonic Speckle Velocimetry To Detect Fluid Instabilities In A Surfactant Solution, Jason E. Bice

Open Access Theses

Rheometry is a leading technology used to define material properties of multi-phase viscoelastic fluid-like materials, such as the shear modulus and viscosity. However, traditional rheometry relies on a mechanical response from a rotating or oscillating rotor of various geometries which does not allow for any spatial or temporal quantification of the material characteristics. Further, the setup operates under the assumption of a uniform and homogenous flow. Thus, only qualitative deductions can be realized when a complex fluid displays inhomogeneous behavior, such as wall slip or shear banding. Due to this lack of capability, nonintrusive imaging is required to define and …

Output Function Optimization For Faster Convergence Rate In Underactuated Title Bipedal Walking Control, Wai Kei Chan

Open Access Theses

Bipedal walking control has been studied for decades. Because of the variant degrees of freedom of the robot during walking, underactuation does occur in some phases of the walking process. Underactuation is defined as the situation in which the number of the actuators is less than the degrees of freedom of the robot. In general, underactuated cases are harder to be handled than fully-actuated cases due to the lack of control effort at the unactuated joints. As a result, underactuation in bipedal walking control has always been one of the main issues in achieving walking stabilization. Previously, underactuated bipedal walking …

Formation And Removal Of Toxic Disinfection By-Products From Cross-Linked Polyethylene (Pex) Pipes In Building Premise Plumbing System, Gaopin Cao

Open Access Theses

Cross-linked polyethylene (PEX) pipes are widely installed in the US, and the usage is increasing due to several advantages that PEX pipes have over other alternatives (e.g. copper) that are related to cost, flexibility, and environmental friendly. However, these pipes are well known to leach total organic carbon (TOC), and thus affect overall drinking water quality within premise plumbing systems. One area that has not been explored is the potential for such pipes to form disinfection by-products (DBPs) from these leached organics in the presence of chlorinated waters. This issue is of concern since DBPs are regulated within the water …

Measuring Fatigue Crack Deflections Via Cracking Of Constituent Particles In Aa7050-T7451 Rolled Plate Via In-Situ X-Ray Synchrotron Computed Micro-Tomography, Stephen T. Carter

Open Access Theses

Brittle constituent particles play a significant role in the fatigue of 2xxx series and 7xxx series aluminum alloys. This thesis contributes new knowledge of physically small fatigue crack growth in AA7050-T7451 3/4 inch rolled plate. In-situ fatigue crack growth imaging with x-ray synchrotron computed micro-tomography (μXSCT) is used to observe and quantify in three-dimensions tortuously propagating fatigue cracks interacting with constituent particles. An empirical relationship is shown between the surface area of a constituent particle and crack path deflection distance. An analysis using a linear elastic model for the Eshelby inhomogeneity and the Westergaard crack tip indicates the stress concentrations …

What Are The Lived Challenges Experienced By Black Females In A Stem Doctoral Program At A Majority White Institution?, Sharlane S. Cleare

Open Access Theses

The purpose of this study is to explore the challenges experienced by Black female STEM doctoral students at a Majority White Institution. This study examined how, and to what extent did the Majority White Institution’s STEM environment infuenced such challenges. The qualitative phenomenological approach to this investigation utilized the lenses of Black Feminist Thought and Critical Race Feminism Theoretical Frameworks as interconnected lenses by which to conceptualize this phenomenon. This study answered the following question: What are the lived challenges experienced by Black female in a STEM doctoral program at a Majority White Institution? Purposeful and snowball sampling were employed …

Development Of A Five-Factor Model Measure Of Machiavellianism., Katherine L. Collison

Open Access Theses

Machiavellianism is characterized by planfulness, the ability to delay gratification, interpersonal antagonism, and callousness. Although its theoretically positive relation with facets of conscientiousness should make Machiavellianism distinct from psychopathy, current measurements of Machiavellianism are indistinguishable from those of psychopathy. The goal of the present study was to create a theoretically grounded measure of Machiavellianism using an expert-derived trait profile based on the thirty facets of the Five Factor Model (FFM) and then test the validity of that measure by comparing it to relevant constructs. Expert ratings of the prototypical Machiavellian on FFM facets yielded a profile of 13 facets spanning …

Performance Improvement Of An Electronic Nose And Tongue System, Po-Yu Chou

Open Access Theses

Environmental pollution is a matter of serious concern and monitoring needs to be improved. In this research, we focused on how to improve the performance of an integrated sensor system for detecting environmental contaminants. The system we investigated is the electronic nose and tongue system, which is designed to emulate human chemosensory system. The system is capable of detecting pollutants, such as volatile organic compounds (VOCs), ammonia and carbon dioxide in the air, and arsenic (As(III)) in the water.

Food And Language: Price-Based Lexical Variation In Turkish Online Restaurant Reviews, Maria Joy Cupery

Open Access Theses

Previous research has demonstrated price-based lexical variation in American online restaurant reviews and advertising (Freedman and Jurafsky, 2011; Jurafsky, Chahneau, Routledge & Smith 2014). According to the theories of Bourdieu (1986, 1987), and Douglas and Isherwood (2002), this type of variation may be the result of different social classes using differing cultural capital to evaluate their consumer experiences. As reviewers’ lexical choices reflect the criteria they apply to that good, the reviews of more expensive restaurants were expected to use significantly different lexicons than the reviews of less expensive restaurants. In comparing lexical, grammatical and etymological choices across four price …

Optimizing Strength And Versatility Of Underwater Adhesion Polymer System, Shannon R. Daily

Open Access Theses

Among the hundreds of commercial adhesives available today, few, if any, have the ability to form strong adhesive bonds in an underwater system. Man-made adhesives have been shown to not work underwater because the glues interact with water rather than forming adhesive and cohesive bonds with the surface of the substrate. However, mussels and oysters naturally produce an adhesive that is unaffected by their watery environment. Examination of this adhesive has shown that shellfish use a mixture of proteins containing 3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine (DOPA) that crosslink to form glue. Thus, an effort has been made to create a biomimetic polymer that includes …

Vehicle Integrated Aerospike For High Mass Mars Missions, Ted Danielson

Open Access Theses

A significant factor that currently limits exploration of Mars is the limited payload mass that can be safely placed on the Martian surface. Current systems have only demonstrated successful landing of up to 2 metric tons of payload mass on Mars as seen with the Mars Science Laboratory (MSL). Requirements for future manned missions to Mars will probably require up to 40 metric tons of payload mass in a single descent vehicle. While inflatable and rigid aerodynamic decelerators provide a solution to this problem, supersonic retro-propulsion (SRP) boasts greater simplicity of design as well as improved targeting control. Furthermore, descent …

Looking For A Reason: An Exploration Of Why Students Empathize With Some Characters Over Others, Ariel Cornelissen

Open Access Theses

In this study, 8th grade Language Arts students read the young adult novel, Torn. The study then looked to explain why the students empathized with some characters in the novel over others and the implications the findings could have in regards to classroom practice. The objective of the research was to develop an understanding of why students empathize with particular characters over others in order to inform future studies of empathy development in adolescents. In order to achieve this, the study employed the methodologies of grounded theory and action research to build upon the existing literature about empathy and young …

A Study On Understanding The Creation Of Component Maintenance Manual Using Model-Based Definition, Akshob Dasaiah Aravind

Open Access Theses

The use of Model-based definition (MBD) over 2D drawings is slowly becoming a reality in most organizations. The MBD models are intended to replace drawings in all downstream processes including technical publication. Technical authors have for long relied on engineering drawings as one of the inputs to create maintenance manuals. There exists no frameworks or models that can help define the contents of an MBD dataset for creation of maintenance manuals. The intent of this study was to develop one such model specific to creation of Component Maintenance Manuals (CMMs). A survey and an optional follow-up interview was used to …

Social Perceptions Of Word-Final Alveolar Stop Deletion: Examining The Meaning Of A Sociophonetic Variable, Emily C. Dick

Open Access Theses

Word-final alveolar stop deletion is a form of variation that is found in many dialects of American English, and therefore, has been extensively studied and documented in the literature. Within the available literature, however, there is very little information to be found regarding if and how listeners use this variation to form initial judgments about a speaker’s character. The work described in this thesis is an attempt to begin bridging this literary gap. This thesis studies how both word-final alveolar stop deletion and speaker gender, as well as the interactions between these two factors, affect a listener’s initial opinions about …

Low Current Surface Flashover For Initiation Of Electric Propulsion Devices, Omar G. Dary

Open Access Theses

There has been a recent increase in interest in miniaturization of propulsion systems for satellites. These systems are needed to propel micro-and nano-satellites, where platforms are much smaller than conventional satellites and require smaller levels of thrust. Micro-propulsion systems for these satellites are in their infancy and they must manage with smaller power systems and smaller propellant volumes. Electric propulsion systems operating on various types of electric discharges are typically used for these needs. One of the central components of such electrical micropropulsion systems are ignitor subsystems, which are required for creation the breakdown and initiation of the main discharge. …

Oxygen Diffusion Through Jp-8 As Related To Thermal-Oxidative Coking And Titania-Based Remediation Measures, John Wood Ellis

Open Access Theses

Thermal oxidative coking in jet engine injector passages leads to costly maintenance procedures as well as a significant decrease in engine efficiency. Research has shown that removing dissolved oxygen from the fuel before it reaches a heated passage can result in 1/70th of the coke buildup in injector passages [1]. However, the concern is that the high pressure, high temperature environment of an engine’s combustion chamber will cause the fuel to re-oxygenate rapidly, negating any positive effects of the de-oxygenating process. In connection with attempting to better understand and find solutions to the re-oxygenation leading to coking problem, the objective …

Using The Coulombian Approach To Model 3-D Forces, Torques, And Stable Positions In A Master / Slave Permanent Magnet System, James E. Davis Ii

Open Access Theses

Previous research in master and slave systems has demonstrated the effectiveness of using permanent magnets to perform remote functions. Different approaches have been utilized by authors to model the force interactions between two or more magnets. Limiting aspects such as solution time or models with limited geometry inspired the use of a different method.

The coulombian approach was used to model a master and slave system of neodymium magnets with complex 3-D orientation angles motivated by a previous prototype. The work demonstrated how the coulombian approach was applied to the master and slave system, how the force and torque interactions …

Nanosecond Electric Pulse Induced Changes Of Mammalian Cell Suspension Conductivity In Real Time, Andrew J. Fairbanks

Open Access Theses

Electric pulses (EPs) have been used for many biological applications from electrochemotherapy to wound healing. While conventional techniques use microsecond to millisecond pulses, more recent techniques use nanosecond EPs (NSEPs) with a much higher amplitude. Generally, the longer duration pulses fully charge the plasma membrane to permeabilize it in a process called electroporation. NSEPs fully charge the smaller intracellular organelles to enable the manipulation of intracellular function; however, they still partially charge the membrane to permeabilize it to facilitate the transport of smaller ions. Experiments have demonstrated this motion using dyes and long-term (on the order of minutes) electrical measurements. …

A Machine Learning Approach For Identifying The Effectiveness Of Simulation Tools For Conceptual Understanding, Sindhura Elluri

Open Access Theses

Interactive learning environments have been identified as promising technologies to improve teaching and learning in science and engineering. Specifically, simulation tools have become a vital part of coursework in both K-12 and higher education. It is therefore essential to identify better ways to integrate simulation tools in the classroom and at the same time provide teachers and students with feedback capabilities that can support existing assessment methods and provide opportunities for just-in-time teaching. One effective way to identify how students are benefiting from the use of computer simulations for conceptual learning is by having them explain the phenomena being explored. …

Characterization Of Porosity Defects In Selectively Laser Melted In718 And Ti- 6a1-4v Via Synchrotron X-Ray Computed Tomography, Alexander William Finch

Open Access Theses

Additive manufacturing (AM) is a method of fabrication involving the joining of feedstock material together to form a structure. Additive manufacturing has been developed for use with polymers, ceramics, composites, biomaterials, and metals. Of the metal additive manufacturing techniques, one of the most commonly employed for commercial and government applications is selective laser melting (SLM). SLM operates by using a high-powered laser to melt feedstock metal powder, layer by layer, until the desired near-net shape is completed. Due to the inherent function of AM and particularly SLM, it holds much promise in the ability to design parts without geometrical constraint, …

Above- And Belowground Community Responses To Control Techniques For The Invasive Shrub Amur Honeysuckle (Lonicera Maackii [Rupr.] Herder) In Mixed Hardwood Forests Of Indiana 0028199836, Graham S. Frank

Open Access Theses

Invasive shrubs in forest understories represent a threat to biodiversity and forest regeneration in the Eastern United States. Lonicera maackii [Rupr.] Herder (Amur honeysuckle, Caprifoliaceae) is a prevalent invasive shrub species in the Midwest, and has been documented in more than 30 states. Once a handful of established L. maackii shrubs reach maturity, prolific fruit production and extensive dispersal by wildlife can lead to explosive population growth and the formation of dense, monotypic thickets across wide areas of forested land. Light limitation, changes to soil nutrient cycling, increased throughfall interception, cascading effects on wildlife (e.g., increased rates of seed predation), …

Data Clustering Techniques To Identify User Groups And Resource Grouping In Nanohub, Mugdha Gogte

Open Access Theses

With a massive increase in the number of online resources for education and research, it is important to study their usage by target audience comprised mainly of students, educators and researchers. This study explores the application of data clustering techniques on user access data of online science platforms in order to detect user groups and categorize resources with the aim of finding evidence that nanoHUB, the largest science gateway in the field of nanotechnology, aids educational advancement and research. Several algorithms are examined to find the best-suited algorithm for the data set in question. The study uses a two-stage methodology …