Engineering Commons^™

Signal Modeling With Non-Uniform Time Sampling Of Features For Automatic Speech Recognition, Montri Karnjanadecha

Electrical & Computer Engineering Theses & Dissertations

This dissertation presents an investigation of non-uniform time sampling methods for spectral/temporal feature extraction in speech. Frame-based features were computed based on an encoding of the global spectral shape using a Discrete Cosine Transform. In most current “standard” methods, trajectory (dynamic) features are determined from frame-based parameters using a fixed time sampling, i.e., fixed block length and fixed block spacing. In this research, new methods are proposed and investigated in which block length and/or block spacing are variable. The idea was initially tested with HMM-based isolated word recognition, and a significant performance improvement resulted when a variable block length and …

An Investigation Into The Noninvasive Assessment Of Bone Density Using Multiplexed Compton Scattered Tomography, Marc J. Sands

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this research is to investigate the application of a Compton scatter imaging technique to measure bone density. A demonstration Multiplexed Compton Scatter Tomograph (MCST) was assembled to demonstrate the feasibility of detecting osteoporosis by modifying a system originally designed to detect hidden corrosion in aluminum aircraft wings. Measurements were performed on an aluminum phantom representing a wrist bone containing varying densities in the center and varying thickness of the cortical shell. The densities in the center are comparable to normal trabecular bone, sixty-percent of normal trabecular bone and a void. The MCST images of the phantom were …

Gamma-Ray Imaging Detector For Small Animal Research, Andrew Gerard Weisenberger

Dissertations, Theses, and Masters Projects

A novel radiation imaging technology for in vivo molecular imaging in small mammals is described. The goal of this project is to develop a new type of imaging detector system suitable for real-time in vivo probe imaging studies in small animals. This technology takes advantage of the gamma-ray and x-ray emission properties of the radioisotope iodine 125 (125I) which is employed as the label for molecular probes. The radioisotope 125I is a gamma-ray emitting radioisotope that can be commercially obtained already attached to biomedically interesting molecules to be used as tracers for biomedical and molecular biology research.;The isotope 125I decays …

The Effects Of Human-Computer Communication Mode, Task Complexity, And Desire For Control On Performance And Discourse Organization In An Adaptive Task, Cristina Bubb-Lewis

Psychology Theses & Dissertations

The present study examined how different communication patterns affected task performance with an adaptive interface. A Wizard-of-Oz simulation (Gould, Conti, & Hovanyecz, 1983) was used to create the impression of a talking and listening computer that acted as a teammate to help participants interact with a computer application.

Four levels of communication mode were used which differed in the level of restriction placed on human-computer communication. In addition, participants completed two sets of tasks (simple and complex). Further, a personality trait, Desire for Control (DC), was measured and participants were split into high and low groups for analysis. Dependent measures …

Clustered Microcalcification Detection Using Optimized Difference Of Gaussians, Edward M. Ochoa

Theses and Dissertations

The objective of this thesis is to design an automated microcalcification detection system to be used as an aid in radiologic mammogram interpretation. This research proposes the following methodology for clustered microcalcification detection. First, preprocess the digitized film mammogram to reduce digitization noise. Second, spatially filter the image with a difference of Gaussians (DoG) kernel. To detect potential microcalcifications, segment the filtered image using global and local thresholding. Next, cluster and index these detections into regions of interest (ROIs). Identify ROIs on the digitized image (or hardcopy printout) for final radiologic diagnosis.

The Effects Of Risk Management Program Implementation On Worker Safety Knowledge, John C. Donnelly

Community & Environmental Health Theses & Dissertations

This study examined the effect of the implementation of a risk management program tool on worker safety knowledge in a composite building material fabrication facility whose workers suffered from an increasingly high injury (incidence) rate in recent years. Risk assessment codes (RACs) and job safety analyses (JSAs) were the primary tools used to introduce workers to the concept of risk. Because employee involvement is a crucial element in JSA development. employee input was frequently solicited throughout JSA development.

The study instrument consisted of a pre-test and post-test survey, to which an experimental and control group were subjected. The instrument was …

Three Dimensional Localization Of Lesions From Digitized Mammograms, Amy L. Magnus

Theses and Dissertations

This thesis describes new algorithms to localize regions-of-interests (ROIs) three dimensionally from a pair of digitized mammograms. This work is intended to add a layer of sophistication to computer aided diagnosis by putting to use the fixed and measurable parameters of mammographic imaging. The fixed parameters are the source to film orientation and the podium-image distance. Measurable parameters are the rotation angle of the x-ray tube from the horizontal and the compression depth (the distance from compression paddle to contact podium distance) at the time of imaging. As an additional benefit, three dimensional localization algorithms alleviate the confusion radiologists may …

Calculations Of The Interactions Of Energetic Ions With Materials For Protection Of Computer Memory And Biological Systems, Myung-Hee Y. Kim

Dissertations, Theses, and Masters Projects

Theoretical calculations were performed for the propagation and interactions of particles having high atomic numbers and energy through diverse shield materials including polymeric materials and epoxy-bound lunar regolith by using transport codes for laboratory ion beams and the cosmic ray spectrum. Heavy ions fragment and lose energy upon interactions with shielding materials of specified elemental composition, density, and thickness. A fragmenting heavy iron ion produces hundreds of isotopes during nuclear reactions, which are treated in the solution of the transport problem used here. A reduced set of 80 isotopes is sufficient to represent the charge distribution, but a minimum of …

Development Of A Mammographic Image Processing Environment Using Matlab, John L. Kelley

Theses and Dissertations

Breast cancer is a disease that accounts for a disturbingly large number of deaths in females each year. Its prevalence is a topic of concern to all of us since it can affect our families, friends, and coworkers. Although mammographic screening is the most effective method currently available for the early detection of breast cancer, it is far from being an infallible procedure. Mammographic reading is error prone, partly because of the complexity of the task and partly because of the variability in human performance. Computers offer high reproducibility, and when used as an adjunct by the radiologist, may improve …

Efficacy Of Implementing An Ergonomics Program In An Industrial Setting Regarding Cumulative Trauma Disorders To The Upper Extremity, Christa Abraham, Lisa Evans, Patrick Hoban

Masters Theses

The purpose of this study was to determine if implementation of an industrial ergonomics program would decrease the number of upper extremity cumulative trauma disorders, lost days of work, and insurance costs. Data was collected from company records and OSHA logs including type of injury, lost days of work, restricted days of work, and insurance costs. This data was then analyzed using regression analysis and descriptive statistics.; The results of this study supported the concept that ergonomic programs may decrease the number of lost days of work. In this study, a number of limitations and weak correlations were found between …

Competitive Enzyme Immunoassay By Polyclonal Antibodies Against Organophosphorus Pesticides, Kuo-Lan Wen

Theses and Dissertations in Biomedical Sciences

Organophosphorus compounds (OPs) comprise one of the major classes of pesticides in use today because they are highly effective and less toxic. Because of their extensive use, there is a need for monitoring OPs in water and vegetables. Gas chromatography (GC) is the usual method for OPs screening, but it is time-consuming and has the high cost of instrumentation. The goal of this project was to find an easy method which was sensitive and had less instrumentation required to test OPs.

Microwells and microtubes were utilized as the solid-phase immobilization for the development of an enzyme immunoassay for OPs. A …

Longitudinal Study Of Plasma And Erythrocyte Selenium Levels In Type I Diabetic Children During Development And Treatment Of Ketoacidosis, Pi-Hsia Fan

Chemistry & Biochemistry Theses & Dissertations

Most studies on the biological activity of selenium have focused on its role at the active site in the ubiquitous enzyme, glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) which catalyzes the removal of hydrogen peroxide and organic hydroperoxides (1). A connection between selenium deficiency and a wide range of diseases in animals and humans has been reviewed (2). Development of various forms of human cancer (3), failure of the immune system (4), as well as some cardiovascular diseases (5) have been reported or suspected to correlate with selenium deficiency. However, the physiological function of selenium in these different diseases is not fully understood, and …

New In Vivo And In Vitro Techniques For Quantification Of Lateral Force Levels That Cause Implants To Fail : A Progress Report On Monkey Research, V. Leroy Leggitt

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Two new techniques for quantification of forces generated by an expansion screw apparatus placed between pairs of cylindrical endosseous titanium implants are described, along with preliminary data gained from their use in Macaca rhesus monkeys. Strain gages were bonded to the expansion apparatus and were calibrated either directly by micro load cell, or indirectly by Instron Machine to reflect the applied force.

Immediate loads of up to 6 kilograms have been applied to the implants with no increase in mobility as verified by a Periotest device. No previous studies on the orthodontic uses of implants have evaluated in vivo forces …

Optimization Of Cryopreservation Protocols For Cardiovascular Tissue, Jianfei Hu

Theses and Dissertations in Biomedical Sciences

The purpose of this research was to determine the effects of cryopreservation on the physical, biochemical and cellular aspects of heart valve tissue. The present study demonstrated that radiolabeled proline accumulation provides a quantitative estimate of total cellular metabolic viability. Radiolabeled inulin was demonstrated to be a useful marker for extracellular tissue space. Assessment of metabolic viability of the cellular population of leaflet tissue as a function of procurement and processing revealed that proline accumulation declined with increasing warm and cold ischemic times. Amphotericin B and streptomycin were toxic to the cells. Cefoxitin, lincomycin, polymyxin B, vancomycin and penicillin had …

Instrumentation And Control For A Microprocessor-Based Coronary Perfusion System, Daniel L. Priester

Master's Theses (1922-2009) Access restricted to Marquette Campus

No abstract provided.

Development And Characterization Of Monoclonal Antisperm Antibodies: Potential For Contraception, Dilrowshan H. Haque

Theses and Dissertations in Biomedical Sciences

There is an expressed need to develop a greater variety of safe contraceptive methods which would find acceptance worldwide, particularly in developing countries. Immunization against spermatozoa might be such a method as judged by the accumulated evidence from studies on human females and in a number of female animal species.

Two extraction techniques were used for sperm membrane antigen isolation. The first technique involved NP-40 detergent for antigen extraction from human motile sperm and the second technique employed homogenized human testis for antigen extraction. Using these immunogens, sperm membrane-specific monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) were developed. When these antisperm MAbs were subjected …

Electromagnetic Field Variations In The Activation Of Bone Cell Synthesis, Gary Ketcherside

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

[Abstract Not Included]

Self-Perceived Benefits Which Occur As The Result Of Kimberly-Clark's Health Management Program, Richard Lee Langford

Dissertations and Theses @ UNI

The purpose of this study was to determine if employee participants in Kimberly-Clark's Health Management Program perceived benefits from their participation that have affected their lifestyles, both at work and outside of work.

The population for this study consisted of all salaried employees of Kimberly-Clark in the Fox Valley of Wisconsin who have been participants within the Health Service Center for at least six months at an adherence level of two days per week or more. A random sample of this population was used to conduct the survey. A total of 130 employees were surveyed.

The research study was of …

Investigation Of Blood Pressure Measurement Using A Hydraulic Occlusive Cuff, Kusha R. Bhattarai

Dissertations and Theses

This thesis presents an improved oscillotonometric system for the measurement of human blood pressure. The study included:

1. The design of a hydraulic occlusive cuff,

2. The investigation of the wave forms taken from the blood pressure measurements, and

3. The design of a mechanism for the simulation of human blood pressure pulse.

In this study, an experimental system consisting of a rigid shell occlusive cuff, a constant volume displacement pump, a transducer, and a chart recorder was designed and used for data collection.

A Comparative Analysis Of Intrusion Of Incisor Teeth Achieved In Adults And Children According To Facial Type, Ronald L. Otto

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

A comparison of incisor intrusion achieved in deep bite adults and children was made. Facial type was also examined for affect upon intrusion achieved. Fifty-five cases treated with Bioprogressive mechanics were studied cephalometrically, including twenty-four adults and thirty-one children. Neither age nor facial type was found to be statistically related to the amount of incisor intrusion achieved in this sample. A method of measuring intrusion at the root apices was devised which was felt to give a more accurate indication of actual bodily intrusion. More external root changes during treatment were observed for adults than for growing children. Wide latitude …

Determination Of Lead Content In Apical Tissue Following Root Canal Obturation With Sargenti's Formula, G. Merle Hickok

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Four Stump-tail monkeys were used to help determine if the lead in Sargenti's formula diffuses out into the apical tissue while confined entirely within the root canal. In each animal two teeth were filled with Sargenti's formula 1-2 millimeters short of the radiographic apex, and two teeth were filled with gutta percha and Proco-Sol sealer for controls, making a total sample size of sixteen. The time ranged from 48 hours to 120 days. Lead analysis using the spectrophotometric method showed a higher lead content in the teeth filled with Sargenti's formula than with the gutta percha controls.

A Method Of Analyzing Mandibular Movement, Richard B. Mccoy

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Mandibular movement is considered to be a fundamental factor in the study, analysis, and treatment of occlusion. For many years, dentists have realized that dental health depends upon the compatibility of mandibular movements and occlusion. This realization has led to the development of new methods and techniques for recording accurately and scientifically the movements of the mandible. In order for this data to be of scientific value, it must be stored in a usable form which is easily available for analysis.

The purpose of this research project was to develop a procedure for storing and recalling mandibular-movement information. Before such …

The Theoretical Distribution Of Forces In The Rigid Component Of The Buccal Arch Positioner, Dennis H. Teruya

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

The distribution of an applied force to the rigid component of the Buccal Arch Positioner was determined with a theoretically formulated model. The rigid component was assumed to be a free body without the semi-rigid attachments and was evaluated at four points for the force distribution. The summation of the forces and the moments were equated to zero and were utilized to derive equations to solve for the unknown forces. The unknown forces at each point of the rigid component were solved for in terms of the given force applications.

A laterally directed force application at one of the posterior …

X-Ray-Induced Specific-Locus Mutation Rates In Newborn And Young Mice, Paul Bruce Selby

Doctoral Dissertations

The specific-locus mutation frequency resulting from 300 R of acute X irradiation has been determined for the germ cells present in male mice at 0, 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 14, 21, 28, and 35 days of age and also for female mice at 0 days of age, Sample size was much larger for the males irradiated on day 0 than for other age groups but in all groups it was large enough to insure that an extremely high rate would be noticed. At 35 days of age the testis is histologically similar to that of the adult. It was …

The Development Of An Instrument For Three Dimensional Analysis Of Micron Quantities Of Tooth Movement, M. Clark Lamberton

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

In order to quantitate initial tooth movement in response to forces applied to the tooth crown, an instrument for intraoral use has been developed. The photomicrometer consists of nine photosensitive cells mounted in an assembly of two layers. Eight of the cells were mounted to form X and Y axes, top layer and bottom layer, to measure horizontal movements. The ninth cell was mounted in the center of the bottom layer and was used for alignment and for measurements in the Z or vertical axis. The photocell assembly was approximately 10 mm diameter and 6 mm high. This assembly when …

A Procedure For The Measurement Of Glosso-Maxillary Forces, Howard L. Lilly Jr.

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

The purpose of this investigation was to develop a clinically feasible procedure for recording the magnitudes of glosso-maxillary forces at four palatal loci using an electronic transducer system described by Lear et, al. (1965). Of particular interest was the development of a convenient and accurate calibration device for both intraoral and extraoral application. A further object of interest was the effect an acrylic carrier plate might introduce to the magnitude of force response. Finally whether or not any significant adaptation to the carrier plate or to the transducers occurs during a reasonable testing period (six to seven hours).

A calibration …