Engineering Commons^™

Tdma Slot Reservation In Cluster-Based Vanets, Mohammad Salem Almalag

Computer Science Theses & Dissertations

Vehicular Ad Hoc Networks (VANETs) are a form of Mobile Ad Hoc Networks (MANETs) in which vehicles on the road form the nodes of the network. VANETs provide several services to enhance the safety and comfort of drivers and passengers. These services can be obtained by the wireless exchange of information among the vehicles driving on the road. In particular, the transmission of two different types of messages, safety/update and non-safety messages.

The transmission of safety/update message aims to inform the nearby vehicles about the sender's current status and/or a detected dangerous situation. This type of transmission is designed to …

Biodiesel Reactor Design With Glycerol Separation To Increase Biodiesel Production Yield, Budy Rahmat, Imas Siti Setiasih, Roni Kastaman

Makara Journal of Technology

The study consisted of reactor design used for transesterification process, effect of glycerol separation on transesterification reaction, determination of biodiesel quality, and mass balance analysis. The reactor was designed by integrating circulated pump/stirrer, static mixer, and sprayer that intensify the reaction in the outer tank reactor. The objective was to reduce the use of methanol in excess and to shorten the processing time. The results showed that the reactor that applied the glycerol separation was able to compensate for the decreased use of the reactant methanol from 6:1 to 5:1 molar ratio, and changed the mass balance in the product, …

Development Of Seebeck-Coefficient Measurement Systems Using Kelvin-Probe Force Microscopy, Kazutoshi Miwa, Faiz Salleh, Hiroya Ikeda

Makara Journal of Technology

Thermoelectric device is investigated by a number of researchers in order to enhance the thermoelectric efficiency. It is known that the efficiency can be improved by quantum effect. However, it is difficult to measure the thermoelectric characteristics of nanometer-scale structures. Thus a new measurement method is expected to be developed. We propose to apply Kelvin-probe force microscopy (KFM) to characterization of thermoelectric materials. KFM can locally observe surface potential of Fermi energy of a sample without touching the sample surface. In the present paper, we estimate the Seebeck coefficient of thin Si-on-insulator layers using KFM.

Recognition System Of Indonesia Sign Language Based On Sensor And Artificial Neural Network, Endang Supriyati, Mohammad Iqbal

Makara Journal of Technology

Sign language as a kind of gestures is one of the most natural ways of communication for most people in deaf community. The aim of the sign language recognition is to provide a translation for sign gestures into meaningful text or speech so that communication between deaf and hearing society can easily be made. In this research, the Indonesian sign language recognition system based on flex sensors and an accelerometer is developed. This recognition system uses a sensory glove to capture data. The sensor data that are processed into feature vector are the 5-fingers bending and the palm acceleration when …

Growth Of Crsi2 Nanostructures Using Crcl2 Powder On Si Substrates, Wen Li, Meng Erchao, Tomoji Matsushita, Shingo Oda, Daisuke Ishikawa, Kaito Nakane, Hirokazu Tatsuoka

Makara Journal of Technology

Chromium disilicide (CrSi2) nanostructures were grown by the exposure of Si (111) substrates to CrCl2 vapor in an argon gas flow at atmospheric pressure without using any metal catalyst. Dependence of the growth condition on the structural property was investigated. Hexagonal-shaped CrSi2 microrods were grown at 750 °C with 0.05 g of CrCl2. As the quantity of CrCl2 increased to 0.1 g, the bundle of CrSi2 nanowires with microrods and web-liked CrSi2 nanostructure with turning angles were grown at 750 °C and 700 °C, respectively. The preliminary discussion on the growth mechanism of CrSi2 micro- and nanostructures was carried out.

Measuring The Value Of Conceptual Modeling A Return On Investment (Roi) Analysis, Jeffrey Alan Brelsford

Computational Modeling & Simulation Engineering Theses & Dissertations

This thesis presents a method for calculating the return on investment (ROI) of conceptual modeling. Conceptual modeling as it relates to Modeling and Simulation (M&S) studies is a process that abstracts a model of a real or proposed system to be subsequently used for developing computer models. The conceptual modeling process is a critical constituent in an M&S project because it produces the central reference for building the computer model. Computer models require formal logic to carry out procedures, and consistent arguments in formal logic are crucial for the model to be useful. Not only does formal logic provide the …

Time Synchronization For Ofdm Transmission With Applications To 4g Wimax Wireless Systems, Hamad Alhajri

Electrical & Computer Engineering Theses & Dissertations

Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing (OFDM) has recently gained a lot of attention as a promising new technology for Broadband Wireless Access. OFDM-based communication systems decompose a high rate data stream into a set of lower data rate streams that are transmitted simultaneously over multiple subcarriers. WiMAX is an efficient and reliable wireless transmission standard that employs OFDM transmission. Due to its flexibility and mobility, WiMAX is becoming a preferred air interface for next generation broadband wireless systems. OFDM systems, including WiMAX, are very sensitive to time offsets introduced by radio signal propagation between transmitters and receivers. The lack of time …

Discrimination Of Photon- And Dark-Initiated Signals In Multiple Gain Stage Apd Photoreceivers, George M. Williams, David A. Ramirez, Majeed M. Hayat, Andrew S. Huntington

Electrical and Computer Engineering Faculty Research and Publications

We demonstrate the ability of linear mode single carrier multiplication (SCM) avalanche photodiode (APD)-based optical receivers to discriminate single-photon-initiated avalanche events from dark-current-initiated events. Because of their random spatial origin in discrete regions of the depletion region, in the SCM APD the dark-generated carriers multiply differently than the photon-generated carriers. This causes different count distributions and necessitates different statistical descriptions of the signal contributions from photon- and dark-originating impulse responses. To include dark carriers in the performance models of the SCM APD, we considered the influence of the spatial origin of the ionization chains on a receiver's noise performance over …

Estimating Cell Capacity For Multi-Cell Electrical Energy System, Iman Ahari Hashemi

Doctoral Dissertations and Master's Theses

A Multi-Cell Electrical Energy System is a set of batteries that are connected in series. The series batteries provide the required voltage necessary for the contraption. After using the energy that is provided by the batteries, some cells within the system tend to have a lower voltage than the other cells. Also, other factors, such as the number of times a battery has been charged or discharged, how long it has been within the system and many other factors, result in some cells having a lesser capacity compared to the other cells within the system. The outcome is that it …

Using Micro-Raman Spectroscopy To Assess Mems Si/Sio2 Membranes Exhibiting Negative Spring Constant Behavior, Lavern A. Starman, Ronald A. Coutu Jr.

Electrical and Computer Engineering Faculty Research and Publications

We introduce a novel micro-mechanical structure that exhibits two regions of stable linear positive and negative stiffness. Springs, cantilevers, beams and any other geometry that display an increasing return force that is proportional to the displacement can be considered to have a “Hookean” positive spring constant, or stiffness. Less well known is the opposite characteristic of a reducing return force for a given deflection, or negative stiffness. Unfortunately many simple negative stiffness structures exhibit unstable buckling and require additional moving components during deflection to avoid deforming out of its useful shape. In Micro-Electro-Mechanical Systems (MEMS) devices, buckling caused by stress …

Circular Reranking For Visual Search, Ting Yao, Chong-Wah Ngo

Research Collection School Of Computing and Information Systems

Search reranking is regarded as a common way to boost retrieval precision. The problem nevertheless is not trivial especially when there are multiple features or modalities to be considered for search, which often happens in image and video retrieval. This paper proposes a new reranking algorithm, named circular reranking, that reinforces the mutual exchange of information across multiple modalities for improving search performance, following the philosophy that strong performing modality could learn from weaker ones, while weak modality does benefit from interacting with stronger ones. Technically, circular reranking conducts multiple runs of random walks through exchanging the ranking scores among …

Electromagnetic Simulation For Thz Antenna-Coupled Microbolometers Operated At Room Temperature, Makoto Aoki, Masanori Takeda, Norihisa Hiromoto

Makara Journal of Technology

Room-temperature terahertz (THz) detectors with higher performance are necessary for utilizing the THz wave in various sensing, spectroscopy and imaging, but even the best ones in the present are still insufficient for the practical applications. This issue is essential especially in the region around 1 THz at which there exists a large technology gap between microwave and middle-infrared. Therefore, we study to develop an antenna-coupled microbolometer to achieve a high-performance THz detector operated at a room-temperature for sensing at around 1 THz frequency wave. In this paper, we present several important features and results obtained from electromagnetic simulations, which help …

Performance Optimization Of Microbial Fuel Cell (Mfc) Using Lactobacillus Bulgaricus, Rita Arbianti, Tania Surya Utami, Heri Hermansyah, Deni Novitasari, Ester Kristin, Ira Trisnawati

Makara Journal of Technology

Electrical energy needs in Indonesia are expected to continue to rise. The use of petroleum as a source of energy still dominates, although oil reserves in Indonesia are increasingly being depleted. Therefore, there is a need to develop alternative sources of sustainable energy, such as microbial fuel cell (MFC). In this study, Lactobacillus bulgaricus was used as an electricity producer in a dual-chamber MFC reactor. We investigated the maximum electrical energy by varying the bacterial optical density (OD), the operational time of MFC, the reactor volume, the electrolyte solution, and the configuration of MFC reactor. In this study, the maximum …

Biological Pretreatment Of Oil Palm Frond Fiber Using White-Rot Fungi For Enzymatic Saccharification, Euis Hermiati, Sita Heris Anita, Lucky Risanto, Dyah Styarini, Yanni Sudiyani, Achmad Hanafi, Haznan Abimanyu

Makara Journal of Technology

Oil palm frond is one type of lignocellulosic biomass abundantly and daily available in Indonesia. It contains cellulose which can be converted to glucose, and further processed to produce different kinds of value –added products. The aim of this research is to study the effects of biological pretreatment of oil palm frond (OPF) fiber using Phanerochaete chrysosporium and Trametes versicolor on the enzymatic saccharification of the biomass. The OPF fiber (40-60 mesh sizes) was inoculated with cultures of the two fungi and incubated at 27 °C for 4 weeks. The samples were taken after 1, 2, 3, and 4 weeks …

Agricultural Drought Pattern In West Java Using Thermal Vegetation Index From Modis-Terra Satellite, Dini Daruati, Rahmatulloh Rahmatulloh, Sri Hardiyanti Purwadhi

Makara Journal of Technology

This study examines agricultural drought paddy fields in West Java. The aims of this research are to know the pattern and distribution of paddy field drought in West Java and the correlation between drought and the physical characteristics. The agricultural drought is obtained from TVI (Thermal Vegetation Index) model. TVI is derived from MODIS Terra satellite image, which is the ratio between the LST (Land Surface Temperature) and EVI (Enhanced Vegetation Index). Physical factors studied are rainfall, l slope, geomorphology, soil drainage, and irrigation areas. The most severe drought occurred in September 2006 because of El Nino, covering 806,564 ha, …

Impact Of Primary User Activity On The Performance Of Energy-Based Spectrum Sensing In Cognitive Radio Systems, Sara L. Macdonald

Electrical & Computer Engineering Theses & Dissertations

Increasing numbers of wireless devices and mobile data requirements have led to a spectrum shortage. However spectrum utilization percentages are often low due to the current static spectrum allocation process where primary users (PUs) are given exclusive use to spectrum. Several mechanisms to increase spectrum utilization have been proposed including opportunistic spectrum access (OSA). Cognitive Radio (CR) is an emerging concept in wireless communication systems that aims to enable OSA in licensed frequencies by secondary users (SUs). CR systems are expected to sense the spectrum in order to determine if the PU is transmitting. Therefore OSA performance relies on the …

Searching Visual Instances With Topology Checking And Context Modeling, Wei Zhang, Chong-Wah Ngo

Research Collection School Of Computing and Information Systems

Instance Search (INS) is a realistic problem initiated by TRECVID, which is to retrieve all occurrences of the querying object, location, or person from a large video collection. It is a fundamental problem with many applications, and also a challenging problem different from the traditional concept or near-duplicate (ND) search, since the relevancy is defined at instance level. True responses could exhibit various visual variations, such as being small on the image with different background, or showing a non-homography spatial configuration. Based on the Bag-of-Words model, we propose two techniques tailored for Instance Search. Specifically, we explore the use of …

The Influence Of Social Networking Technology In An Engineering Organization, Derrick Marcus Tepaske

EMSE Doctoral Projects

Computer facilitated Social Networking (SN) is becoming more prevalent in our society, both in our personal and professional lives. As its use grows, there is a desire to determine how it will impact an organization. If it can positively impact an organization then it is an initiative that could be embraced and leveraged for any number of business related activities from marketing to engineering. This project develops and implements a social networking treatment for an engineering organization in order to determine how it impacts the responsiveness and performance of the organization. The treatment includes an online tool, a training package, …

Maximize Your Decision-Making: A Review Of Emerging Technology Trends, Carol Watson

Continuing Legal Education Presentations

Provides overview of new technologies (both software and hardware) that could become the "next big thing."

Don't Panic: The Lawyer’S Guide To Making Your Own Mobile App, Jason Tubinis

Continuing Legal Education Presentations

Provides overview of steps used to create a personal mobile app.

Appapalooza: Valuable Legal And Productivity Apps For Your Smart Phone Or Tablet, Tj Striepe

Continuing Legal Education Presentations

Presents helpful tools and programs to make legal research and general office work more efficient and portable.

To Internet Or Not To Internet: Ethics Opinions On Internet Usage, Sharon Bradley

Continuing Legal Education Presentations

Considers the ethical implications of using email to communicate with clients, using cloud storage for legal files, and tracking people related to a case via the Internet . Highlights recent state bar ethics committee decisions.

Finding A Virtual Trail: Investigative Research On The Web, Suzanne R. Graham

Continuing Legal Education Presentations

Provides tips and resources for finding information about people and businesses on the Internet. Focuses on finding vital data, asset information, and criminal history.

Rolling In The Deep, Dark Web: Advanced Internet Searching, Anne Burnett

Continuing Legal Education Presentations

Shares effective search strategies to improve search engine results and discusses efforts to capture and index more of the deep web for retrieval.

Stochastic Modeling And Time-To-Event Analysis Of Voip Traffic, Imad Al Ajarmeh

College of Computing and Digital Media Dissertations

Voice over IP (VoIP) systems are gaining increased popularity due to the cost effectiveness, ease of management, and enhanced features and capabilities. Both enterprises and carriers are deploying VoIP systems to replace their TDM-based legacy voice networks. However, the lack of engineering models for VoIP systems has been realized by many researchers, especially for large-scale networks. The purpose of traffic engineering is to minimize call blocking probability and maximize resource utilization. The current traffic engineering models are inherited from the legacy PSTN world, and these models fall short from capturing the characteristics of new traffic patterns. The objective of this …

Computer Based Behavioral Biometric Authentication Via Multi-Modal Fusion, Kyle O. Bailey

Theses and Dissertations

Biometric computer authentication has an advantage over password and access card authentication in that it is based on something you are, which is not easily copied or stolen. One way of performing biometric computer authentication is to use behavioral tendencies associated with how a user interacts with the computer. However, behavioral biometric authentication accuracy rates are much larger then more traditional authentication methods. This thesis presents a behavioral biometric system that fuses user data from keyboard, mouse, and Graphical User Interface (GUI) interactions. Combining the modalities results in a more accurate authentication decision based on a broader view of the …

Learning Enterprise Malware Triage From Automatic Dynamic Analysis, Jonathan S. Bristow

Theses and Dissertations

Adversaries employ malware against victims of cyber espionage with the intent of gaining unauthorized access to information. To that end, malware authors intentionally attempt to evade defensive countermeasures based on static methods. This thesis analyzes a dynamic analysis methodology for malware triage that applies at the enterprise scale. This study captures behavior reports from 64,987 samples of malware randomly selected from a large collection and 25,591 clean executable files from operating system install media. Function call information in sequences of behavior generate feature vectors from behavior reports from the les. The results of 64 experiment combinations indicate that using more …

Cloud Computing Trace Characterization And Synthetic Workload Generation, Salvatore Capra

Theses and Dissertations

This thesis researches cloud computing workload characteristics and synthetic workload generation. A heuristic presented in the work guides the process of workload trace characterization and synthetic workload generation. Analysis of a cloud trace provides insight into client request behaviors and statistical parameters. A versatile workload generation tool creates client connections, controls request rates, defines number of jobs, produces tasks within each job, and manages task durations. The test system consists of multiple clients creating workloads and a server receiving request, all contained within a virtual machine environment. Statistical analysis verifies the synthetic workload experimental results are consistent with real workload …

Characterization Of Metal-Insulator-Transition (Mit) Phase Change Materials (Pcm) For Reconfigurable Components, Circuits, And Systems, Brent L. Danner

Theses and Dissertations

Many microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) use metal contact micro-switches as part of their reconfigurable device design. These devices utilize a mechanical component that can wear down and fail over time. Metal insulator transition (MIT) materials, also known as phase change materials (PCMs), exhibit a reversible transition that can be used to replace the mechanical component in reconfigurable devices. In the presence of a thermal or electric field stimuli, the PCMs will transition back and forth between a crystalline and amorphous state. During this transformation, the resistivity, reflectivity, and Young's modulus of the material drastically change. This research effort focuses on characterizing …

Machine Conscious Architecture For State Exploitation And Decision Making, Mark M. Derriso

Theses and Dissertations

This research addressed a critical limitation in the area of computational intelligence by developing a general purpose architecture for information processing and decision making. Traditional computational intelligence methods are best suited for well-defined problems with extensive, long-term knowledge of the environmental and operational conditions the system will encounter during operation. These traditional approaches typically generate quick answers (i.e., reflexive responses) using pattern recognition methods. Most pattern recognition techniques are static processes which consist of a predefined series of computations. For these pattern recognition approaches to be effective, training data is required from all anticipated environments and operating conditions. The proposed …