Digital Commons Network^™

Inclusion Engineering In Femnal Steels, Rairu Vaz Penna

Masters Theses

"Low density high Mn and Al steels, or FeMnAl steels, show great promise for military vehicles and automotive applications in which high strength and toughness is a requirement. However, these steels are subject to processing challenges including development of oxide and nitride inclusions during melting and casting as well as a large as-cast grain size and heavy interdendritic segregation. This can lead to non-uniform heat treatment response and cracking during subsequent hot rolling. Adding up to 10%Al lowers the density of these steels by as much as 15%, unfortunately, this also results in large amounts of hard and faceted AlN …

Removal Of Antimony And Bismuth From Copper Electrorefining Electrolyte By Two Proprietary Solvent Extraction Extractants, Andrew Artzer

Masters Theses

"Antimony and bismuth are two of the most problematic impurities in copper electrorefining (ER). Because of this, much research has been done investigating the ways to remove them. Processes that are currently being used industrially include anode additions, liberators, ion exchange (IX), and solvent extraction (SX). Of these, liberators and anode additions are the most common while SX is the least, mostly being used for arsenic removal. There are other methods that have been evaluated, but are not in commercial use. These include the use of various electrolyte additives, and adsorbents such as bentonite clay and heavy metal sulfates.

Two …

Asphaltene Stability In Crude Oil During Carbon Dioxide Injection And Its Impact On Oil Recovery: A Review, Data Analysis, And Experimental Study, Sherif M. Fakher

Masters Theses

"Crude oils are usually associated with many compounds, some of which are favorable and others, which are not. One of the most unfavorable components of crude oil that pose severe operational problems and decreases oil production significantly are asphaltenes. These compounds are solids that are homogenized in the crude oil at room temperature but tend to separate from solution when agitated. They can deposit in the reservoir pores, wellbore, and transportation pipelines thus causing severe operational problems and oil recovery reduction.

Even though researchers have been studying asphaltenes for more than 100 years, there is still an ambiguity concerning asphaltene …

Archaeological Investigation Using Geophysical Methods To Locate Historic Byram's Ford Road, Marshall Seth Foster

Masters Theses

"Ground penetrating radar, a time domain electromagnetic metal detector and a frequency domain electromagnetic metal detector were used with the goal of locating a section of the Byram's Ford Road believed to be intersecting the historic Big Blue Battlefield in the Westport area of Kansas City, Missouri.

Ground penetrating data were acquired at three sites, Site A, Site B, and Site C. The time domain EM metal detector was used to acquire data at Site A, where subsequent ground truthing was conducted using the frequency domain EM metal detector and an excavation tool. Significant anomalies were visible on both the …

Routing Algorithm For The Ground Team In Transmission Line Inspection Using Unmanned Aerial Vehicle, Yu Li

Masters Theses

"With the rapid development of robotics technology, robots are increasingly used to conduct various tasks by utility companies. An unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) is an efficient robot that can be used to inspect high-voltage transmission lines. UAVs need to stay within a data transmission range from the ground station and periodically land to replace the battery in order to ensure that the power system can support its operation. A routing algorithm must be used in order to guide the motion and deployment of the ground station while using UAV in transmission line inspection. Most existing routing algorithms are dedicated to …

Evolved Parameterized Selection For Evolutionary Algorithms, Samuel Nathan Richter

Masters Theses

"Selection functions enable Evolutionary Algorithms (EAs) to apply selection pressure to a population of individuals, by regulating the probability that an individual's genes survive, typically based on fitness. Various conventional fitness based selection functions exist, each providing a unique method of selecting individuals based on their fitness, fitness ranking within the population, and/or various other factors. However, the full space of selection algorithms is only limited by max algorithm size, and each possible selection algorithm is optimal for some EA configuration applied to a particular problem class. Therefore, improved performance is likely to be obtained by tuning an EA's selection …

Impact Of Framing And Base Size Of Computer Security Risk Information On User Behavior, Xinhui Zhan

Masters Theses

"This research examines the impact of framing and base size of computer security risk information on users' risk perceptions and behavior (i.e., download intention and download decision). It also examines individual differences (i.e., demographic factors, computer security awareness, Internet structural assurance, self-efficacy, and general risk-taking tendencies) associated with users' computer security risk perceptions. This research draws on Prospect Theory, which is a theory in behavioral economics that addresses risky decision-making, to generate hypotheses related to users' decision-making in the computer security context. A 2 x 3 mixed factorial experimental design (N = 178) was conducted to assess the effect of …

Coupling Path Visualization Based On Reciprocity Theorem, Yang Zhong

Masters Theses

"A new method to visualize coupling path is proposed to help solve EMI problems. Based on the reciprocity theorem and the concept of reaction, coupling coefficient (CC) is defined to characterize coupling power density. For two-port networks, surface integral of CC can represent coupled voltage on the open-circuited port or coupled power on the loaded port. For dipole-moment based systems, surface integral of CC can represent coupled field components. The calculated CC should be a complex scalar at each point. By properly adjusting the excitation phases, the imaginary part of surface integral of CC will be zero and thus can …

Passively-Coded Embedded Microwave Sensors For Materials Characterization And Structural Health Monitoring (Shm), Katelyn Rose Brinker

Masters Theses

"Monitoring and maintaining civil, space, and aerospace infrastructure is an ongoing critical problem facing our nation. As new complex materials and structures, such as multilayer composites and inflatable habitats, become ubiquitous, performing inspection of their structural integrity becomes even more challenging. Thus, novel nondestructive testing (NDT) methods are needed. Chipless RFID is a relatively new technology that has the potential to address these needs. Chipless RFID tags have the advantage of being wireless and passive, meaning that they do not require a power source or an electronic chip. They can also be used in a variety of sensing applications including …

Characterization Of Chromosomal Translocations In A Group Of Killifish Species By Using Genome-Wide High-Density Snp Mapping Approach, Naznin Sultana Remex

Masters Theses

"The role of chromosomal rearrangements in reproductive isolation and introgression between species is poorly understood. In heterozygous form, rearrangements may directly interrupt meiotic progression leading to partial sterility/subfertility (underdominance) or may suppress local meiotic segregation (recombination suppression). Such unbalanced meiotic segregation may also result in reproductive isolation and play roles as a driving force of speciation. The objective of this study was to gain insight into the pattern of chromosomal rearrangements in two closely related killifish species in the genus Fundulus (F. notatus, and F. olivaceus) by constructing genetic linkage maps using high-resolution single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) …

Less Is More: Beating The Market With Recurrent Reinforcement Learning, Louis Kurt Bernhard Steinmeister

Masters Theses

"Multiple recurrent reinforcement learners were implemented to make trading decisions based on real and freely available macro-economic data. The learning algorithm and different reinforcement functions (the Differential Sharpe Ratio, Differential Downside Deviation Ratio and Returns) were revised and the performances were compared while transaction costs were taken into account. (This is important for practical implementations even though many publications ignore this consideration.) It was assumed that the traders make long-short decisions in the S&P500 with complementary 3-month treasury bill investments. Leveraged positions in the S&P500 were disallowed. Notably, the Differential Sharpe Ratio and the Differential Downside Deviation Ratio are risk …

Propagation Of Uncertainty Through Coning, Sculling, And Scrolling Corrections For Inertial Navigation, James Daniel Alan Brouk

Masters Theses

"This thesis investigates the propagation of estimation errors through generalized coning, sculling, and scrolling algorithms used in modern day inertial navigation systems, in order to accurately quantify the uncertainty in the estimation of position, velocity, and attitude. The corrections for coning, sculling, and scrolling algorithms have an often unaccounted for effect on documented and empirically derived error statistics for measurements used to predict the uncertainty in a vehicle's position, velocity, and attitude estimates. Through the development of an error analysis for these generalized algorithms, mappings of the measurement and estimation errors through the correction termare generated. Using the developed mappings, …

Predictive Modeling Of Webpage Aesthetics, Ang Chen

Masters Theses

"Aesthetics plays a key role in web design. However, most websites have been developed based on designers' inspirations or preferences. While perceptions of aesthetics are intuitive abilities of humankind, the underlying principles for assessing aesthetics are not well understood. In recent years, machine learning methods have shown promising results in image aesthetic assessment. In this research, we used machine learning methods to study and explore the underlying principles of webpage aesthetics"--Abstract, page iii.

Temporal Changes Of Nutrients Within The Lower Grand River Watershed And Selected Sites, Weston Scott Duley

Masters Theses

"This report presents the results of a study carried out in collaboration with the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) and the Missouri Department of Natural Resources (MDNR) to estimate total nitrogen (TN) and total phosphorus (TP) at five USGS monitoring sites within Lower Grand River Watershed (LGRW) and two monitoring sites on the Missouri River. The objective of this study was to quantify temporal changes in TN and TP concentrations and compare those to best management practices (BMPs).

In this study, the approach to the analysis of long-term surface water-quality data by using Weighted Regressions on Time, Discharge and Seasons models …

Characterization Of The Surface Condition In Aa6061 Resulting From Deep Rolling As A Function Of Common Industrial Parameters, Andrew Kenneth Layer

Masters Theses

"Roller burnishing is widely used in industry to improve the surface finish and fatigue life of components. As weight reduction continues to grow in the automotive and transportation industries, deep rolling can help maintain product performance by mitigating the increase in component stresses resulting from lower weight systems. Deep rolling parameters such as tool, applied angle, feed rate, spindle speeds, and relative tool direction all affect cycle time, product performance, and appearance. The effects of common industrial parameters on the resultant surface roughness and residual stress profiles were studied in this investigation. The samples were manufactured on a CNC lathe …

Design And Implementation Of Applications Over Delay Tolerant Networks For Disaster And Battlefield Environment, Karthikeyan Sachidanandam

Masters Theses

"In disaster/battlefield applications, there may not be any centralized network that provides a mechanism for different nodes to connect with each other to share important data. In such cases, we can take advantage of an opportunistic network involving a substantial number of mobile devices that can communicate with each other using Bluetooth and Google Nearby Connections API(it uses Bluetooth, Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE), and Wi-Fi hotspots) when they are close to each other. These devices referred to as nodes form a Delay Tolerant Network (DTN), also known as an opportunistic network. As suggested by its name, DTN can tolerate delays …

Changes In Fresh Properties Of Flowable Concrete Induced By Pumping And Composition Of The Lubrication Layer, Alexis Salinas

Masters Theses

"Pumping is an easy method to move concrete while keeping stability. It is worldwide accepted as one of the principal methods for concrete placement, as it accelerates construction. Typically, concrete acceptance in terms of fresh quantitative empirical properties (i.e. slump/slump flow and air content) are performed prior to the pumping process. However, empirical measurements have the drawback that they only measure 1 point. Rheology is better tool to evaluate the behavior of concrete. Pumping is a process that induces considerable shearing in the concrete that can impact its rheological properties. Therefore, the magnitude of these changes in fresh properties depends …

Multiphysics Prediction Model Of Microwave Curing For Thick Polymer Composites, Siva Dasari

Masters Theses

"Microwave curing technologies have many advantages over the traditional thermal curing methods for the manufacturing of fiber reinforced polymers, especially the processing speed and energy efficiency. Energy can be instantaneously transferred through applied electromagnetic fields and heat is generated based on dipolar rotational interactions. Microwave curing processes have been used for glass fiber composites but there are significant challenges associated with microwave curing of carbon fiber composites. Efficient heating may be difficult due to high dielectric loss associated with carbon fibers. Laminate quality will be highly dependent on the uniformity of the electromagnetic field in the material. In this work, …

Construção De Projetos Lúdicos Em Massachusetts, Rebeca S Brito, Beatriz Ibv Bermudez, Edison La Tizzot, Carlos Eduardo Siqueira

Gastón Institute Publications

It is essential to develop activities that promote the promotion of healthy dietary patterns and the regular practice of physical activity, in order to increase morbidity and mortality related to chronic non-communicable diseases. Since the school environment was considered favorable for the inclusion of these large-scale actions, the "Little Hearts Changing Lives" (LHCL) program was idealized for children. Employing Creative Learning concepts additionally incorporates some of the strategies drawn from participatory research methods and the use of validated tools that potentially sensitize the target audience during workshops for educators. In the expansion phase in the United States, this program was …

Jan2019, Robert Kelly

Robert Kelly Manuscripts

No abstract provided.

The Prism Model: Increasing Graduate Teaching Assistants’ Self-Perceptions Of Pedagogical Content Knowledge, Catharine Mattox

Theses and Dissertations

While graduate teaching assistants teach the majority of introductory lab and discussion sections at colleges and universities across the United States, there is a lack of empirical evidence on how to adequately prepare graduate teaching assistants for faculty roles and responsibilities outside of research. The purpose of this mixed methods study was to address a gap in the literature by examining a professional development activity that encouraged pedagogical content knowledge (PCK) development in conjunction with experiential learning for biology graduate teaching assistants. Specifically, this study sought to understand how: (a) the Teaching Triangles professional development activity supported biology graduate teaching …

Stakeholders’ Perceptions Of An Undergraduate Teacher Preparation Program In Special Education In Jamaica, Keitha Ava Marie Osborne

Theses and Dissertations

The problem addressed in this study was that stakeholders (i.e., graduates, cooperating teachers, principals, and heads of special education departments) of a teacher preparation program in special education at a teachers’ college in western Jamaica had not been asked their perceptions of the effectiveness of the undergraduate program that was started in 2011.

The purpose of the study was to determine stakeholders’ perceptions of the preparedness and effectiveness of graduates of a teacher preparation program in special education at a teachers’ college in western Jamaica. The stakeholders were the recent fulltime graduates of the program, cooperating teachers, principals, and heads …

Teacher Perspectives On Performance Pay In One Southeastern State, Wendy B. Firtell

Theses and Dissertations

This study investigated teachers’ perceptions of a teacher performance-pay initiative. Despite implementing a performance pay initiative at the beginning of the 2015-16 school year, the target school district had not investigated teachers’ perceptions of the initiative. The researcher included a convenience sample of 54 teachers who worked at a Title 1 elementary school located in the southeastern United States.

This applied dissertation used a descriptive survey research design. The researcher found Pre-K, kindergarten, and Grade 1 teachers were slightly more supportive of performance pay initiatives than Grade 2, Grade 3, Grade 4, and Grade 5 teachers (TPPP difference of 0.17 …

Implementing A Research-Based Reading Intervention Focused Upon Increasing Reading Comprehension Amongst Third-Grade Students, Kamaria Dalila Mcnair

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of the qualitative study was to determine if and how the strategy instruction model Reciprocal Teaching helped low-level readers comprehend what they read. The study also was conducted to measure if and how the Reciprocal Teaching strategies motivated the participants to read and if and how they used the strategies after their exposure to them. Lastly, the study measured the instructional strategies that were currently being used to help third-grade participants. The subjects involved in this study were 10 third-grade students who displayed a need for comprehension development. The sample size was determined by the reading benchmark test …

Effects Of A Sensory Diet On Attention And Participation In Children With Autism, Leighanne Smith-Mrkaja

Theses and Dissertations

This applied dissertation was designed to provide initial knowledge regarding sensory diets and sensory-based interventions. The need for classroom-based sensory interventions are not always considered, especially with the high number of students diagnosed with ASD at the researcher’s school. Often sensory intervention may not be considered educationally relevant, especially in the prekindergarten level. With the proper training and materials, as well as the guidance of the school-based occupational therapist, teachers, other therapists, classroom assistants, parents, and school-based staff might be able to utilize sensory-based activities like sensory diets to increase participation, positive behaviors, and attention. The following applied research study …

A Student Journal To Celebrate, Preserve, And Improve Beginning Undergraduate Writing, Ann E. Biswas, Maureen E. Schlangen, Heidi Gauder

Books and Book Chapters by University of Dayton Faculty

At the end of each semester, composition instructors at the University of Dayton (UD) collected portfolios of student writing for the annual program assessment, encouraging their students to return the following semester to pick up their folders of work. However, the stacks of unclaimed portfolios that piled up in faculty offices each year was an indication that students cared little about what they had written, perhaps believing no one beyond their instructor was interested in reading their writing now or in the future. Nevertheless, academic scholars have recognized that student writing improves—as do a sense of ownership and pride in …

Beauty In Disability: An Aesthetics For Dance And For Life, Aili W. Bresnahan, Michael Deckard

Books and Book Chapters by University of Dayton Faculty

To what extent does dance contribute to an ideal of beauty that can enrich human quality of life? To what extent are standards of beauty predicated on an ideal human body that has no disability? In this chapter, we show how conceptions of proportionality, perfection, and ethereality from the Ancient Greeks through the 19th century can still be seen today in some kinds of dance, particularly in ballet. Disability studies and disability-inclusive dance companies, however, have started to change this. The disabled person can be beautiful, we will show, in dance and in life, under a disability aesthetics that follows …

Oxidative Degradation Of Lignin And Investigation Of Utilization Of Lignin-Derived Materials As Building Blocks For Epoxy Resins, Zhen Fang

Theses and Dissertations--Chemistry

Lignin, the second most abundant biopolymer on earth, is potentially a replaceable source for bulky fuels and chemical feedstocks. There have been numerous reports on methods for the oxidative cleavage of β-O-4 linkages but relatively few reports of how those methods affect other linkages that are present in lignin. We investigated how the β-1 and β-5 linkages respond under oxidative conditions proposed for lignin deconstruction based on their effect on β-O-4 linkages. Mechanochemical treatment of lignin can greatly improve the yield of monomer products and we applied a mechanochemical approach, using powerful ring-and-puck milling to promote lignin degradation. Along with …

Oxidative Depolymerization Of Lignin To Low Molecular Weight Aromatics, Yang Song

Theses and Dissertations--Chemistry

To date, most lignocellulosic biorefinery strategies have focused on optimizing conversion of cellulose to ethanol, leaving lignin as an underutilized biomass constituent. Lignin is engineered by nature with the intent to protect plants from chemical and biological attack; this leaves lignin with high structural irregularity and recalcitrance, rendering conversion of the lignin macromolecule to valuable products particularly challenging. Nevertheless, given that the economics of cellulosic ethanol production are strongly dependent on the value that can be obtained for the lignin co-product, the successful valorization of lignin is a crucial step in the transition towards a bio-based economy.

This thesis focuses …

Bottom-Up Lignomics: Towards The Development Of Adduct Electrospray Ionization Mass Spectrometric Methods To Characterize And Sequence Lignin Oligomers, Shardrack O. Asare

Theses and Dissertations--Chemistry

Lignin, the second most abundant naturally occurring polymer found in plant cell wall has the potential of becoming an alternative source for the production of chemical synthons for the pharmaceuticals and other chemical industries. While much gain has been made towards the development of degradation methods to break down lignin, effective analytical methods are still required to rapidly and accurately identify the products of lignin breakdown experiments. The goal of this work was to develop mass spectrometric methods for the characterization of lignin oligomers based on the study of model lignin compounds.

Unlike peptides and oligosaccharides, lignin model compounds that …