Engineering Commons^™

Crystalization Studies In Hollow Fiber Devices, Dimitrios Zarkadas

Dissertations

Crystallization was examined under a new perspective and in a flow environment much different from that available in currently used industrial devices. Three crystallization techniques were tested in the unique flow environment offered by hollow fiber devices. In addition, a new type of heat exchanger based on hollow fibers was tested as well as the potential use of porous hollow fiber devices as mixing devices. Hollow fiber devices are compact, extremely efficient on a volumetric basis, easy to scale up and control and their inherent characteristics promote the creation of homogeneous temperature and concentration conditions on a scale considerably smaller …

Investigation Of Static And Dynamic Enhancement Of Laminar Natural Convection Cooling Of Electronics, Laurie Ann Florio

Dissertations

With the proliferation of consumer electronics devices and the increasingly demanding thermal control requirements for such devices, more effective and efficient means of cooling electronics are needed. The feasibility of three alternative approaches to enhancing pure natural convection cooling of electronics is investigated in the current research. The three static or dynamic methods investigated are alternate cross-flow passages, the strategic placement of transversely oscillating plates near the heat sources and a combined method using both the cross-flow passages and the strategically placed oscillating plates. These cooling methods are intended to operate in the regime for which natural convection cooling is …

In Vitro Drug Delivery Based On A Porous Membrane-Based Aqueous-Organic Partitioning System And Its Enhancements Through Mouse Skin, Qiuxi Fan

Dissertations

Novel approaches for transdermal drug delivery (TDD) based on a porous membrane-based aqueous-organic partitioning system have been investigated and successful deliveries were observed. Doxycycline hydrochloride (HCl), a polar antibiotic drug with a relatively large molecule weight (MW: 480.1) was studied as a basic model agent. Its controlled release using this technique was studied first. Satisfactory release profiles demonstrate the practical potential of such a system to achieve useful controlled release rates. The enhancer linoleic acid was essential to successful release using a mouse skin beneath a porous polymeric membrane. The transport rates of smaller molecules e.g., caffeine and nicotine from …

Qos Constrained Cellular Ad Hoc Augmented Networks, Chi-Tung Chen

Dissertations

In this dissertation, based on different design criteria, three novel quality of service (QoS) constrained cellular ad hoc augmented network (CAHAN) architectures are proposed for next generation wireless networks. The CAHAN architectures have a hybrid architecture, in which each MT of CDMA cellular networks has ad hoc communication capability. The CAHAN architectures are an evolutionary approach to conventional cellular networks. The proposed architectures have good system scalability and high system reliability.

The first proposed architecture is the QoS constrained minimum-power cellular ad hoc augmented network architecture (QCMP CAHAN). The QCMP CAHAN can find the optimal minimum-power routes under the QoS …

Labview Controlled Study Of The Propagation Properties Of Ultrasound In Synthetic Fog Environment, Aparna Venkataraman

Theses

Diagnostic ultrasound employs pulsed, high frequency sound waves that are reflected back from body tissues and processed by ultrasound receivers to create characteristic images in varied applications such as cardiology, obstetrics and gynecology neurology and urology. Ultrasound intensity is primarily affected by the changes in acoustic impedance of the medium. Literature on ultrasound indicates that the propagation of ultrasound increases gradually as the density increases from air to water. Such studies have been confined to only the three states of matter and have never discussed a fog medium.

The primary objective of this thesis study was to design a system …

An Autonomous Router-Based Solution To Detect And Defend Low Rate Ddos Attacks, Karunakar Anantharam

Theses

Internet security was not a concern when the Internet was invented, but we cannot deny this fact anymore. Since all forms of businesses and communications are aligned to the Internet in one form or the other, the security of these assets (both infrastructure and content) is of prime importance. Some of the well known consequences of an attack include gaining access to a network, intellectual property thefts, and denial of service.

This thesis focuses on countering flood-type attacks that result in denial of service to end users. A new classification of this denial of service attacks, known as the low …

A Co-Processor Design To Support Mpi Primitives In Configurable Multiprocessor Designs, Rohan Bafna

Theses

The Message-Passing Interface (MIPI) is a widely used standard for inter-processor communication in parallel computers. This standard is normally implemented in software, thus resulting in large communication latencies. A hardware implementation can reduce communication latencies significantly, thereby increasing the bandwidth. However, this approach cannot be applied in practice to the very large set of functions in MPI.

Reconfigurable computing has reached levels where entire parallel systems can be built inside one or more FPGAs (Field-Programmable Gate Arrays). In this scheme, specialized components must be built for inter-processor communication and the resulting code is difficult to port to other reconfigurable platforms. …

Study Of Steganalysis Methods, Wen Chen

Theses

Steganography is the art and science of hiding the presence of conmunication by embedding secret message into digital images. The steganographic techniques can be applied in many areas. On one hand, people can benefit from their application. For example, they can be used for copyright protection. On the other hand, these techniques may be used by criminals or terrorists for malicious purposes. For example, terrorists may use the techniques to transmit the secret plan of terror attacks. Law enforcement and security authorities have concerns about such activities. It is necessary to devise the methods to detect steganographic systems. The detection …

Cyclic Prefix Assisted Block Transmission For Low Complexity Communication System Design, Haibin Huang

Theses

This thesis presents new results on cyclic prefix (CP) assisted block transmission for low complexity communication system design. Two important aspects are studied: the CP based low-complexity schemes for channel equalization and channel estimation.

Specifically, based on the simple frequency domain equalization, a low complexity joint receiver is proposed for CP-CDMA system, which is a special application of block transmission.

And in this work the finite impulse response (FIR) model is used for the unknown communication channels. To identify an unknown FIR channel, a novel channel estimation method is proposed by exploiting the cyclic prefix technique. Compared to a conventional …

Parameter Based Synthesis Of Sign Language, Amanda Irving

Theses

The primary objective of this project is to demonstrate synthesis of signs in American Sign Language with a finite number of parameters. The parameters in this method include 22 key locations, six location modifiers, six orientation indicators, 46 hand shapes, six predefined movements and seven possible end effectors. These parameters can be used in conjunction with a computer script and they maximize precision and versatility while minimizing development time and resources. The parameters for each sign are stored in an individual text file averaging approximately half a kilobyte.

The success of this project is demonstrated using UGS's Jack Software, Version …

A Digital Signature And Watermarking Based Authentication System For Jpeg2000 Images, Rui Jing

Theses

In this thesis, digital signature based authentication system was introduced, which is able to protect JPEG2000 images in different flavors, including fragile authentication and semi-fragile authentication. The fragile authentication is to protect the image at code-stream level, and the semi-fragile is to protect the image at the content level.

The semi-fragile can be further classified into lossy and lossless authentication. With lossless authentication, the original image can be recovered after verification. The lossless authentication and the new image compression standard, JPEG2000 is mainly discussed in this thesis.

Obtaining Optimal Data Length For Fmri Images, Vikram M. Natarajan

Theses

Interest in brain hemodynamics has led to a substantial increase in state of the art research within the field of functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI). FMRI enables research to be conducted on brain mapping in healthy individuals, as well as in patient populations. The need for accurate functional images is required. The primary objective was the development of a method to determine the optimal number of time points required to obtain reliable activation maps. The second phase involved the development of a program, which enabled the conversion of functional magnetic resonance images to a format that the neurosurgeon's scanner could …

Optical Properties Of Sige Nanostructures, Varun Sharma

Theses

In this thesis, Raman Scattering (RS) and photoluminescence (PL) measurements of Ge nanowires (NWs) grown via vapor-liquid-solid (VLS) using chemical vapor deposition silicon substrates consisting of (100) and (111) crystallographic orientations are reported. Ge NWs grown are ~40 nm in diameter, approximately a micrometer in length, and a sharp narrow Raman peak at ~300cm^-1 indicates single crystal quality. An absence of SiGe peak in the Raman spectra indicates that SiGe interdiffusion is insignificant for the NW volume. Low temperature PL-intensity-dependence spectra indicate that the observed emission originates at the Ge NW - Si substrate interface, where SiGe intermixing has …

Study Of Joint Embedding And Compression On Jpeg Compression Scheme Using Multiple Codebook Data Hiding, Amol Nishikant Sukerkar

Theses

This thesis studies a direct application of multiple codebook data hiding technique in the multimedia applications. It studies the practical implementation of a joint embedding and compression scheme. It presents a study of Type III data embedding technique using multiple codebook design on JPEG-85 compression scheme. The application of the above technique is compared with the Type III data embedding techniques using single codebook design. The comparison is carried out in tenns of the parameters such as mean square error and normalized correlation between the embedded and extracted watermark.

The performance of data hiding rate against the embedding distortion is …

Electrospinning Of Biphasic Biopolymer And Polymer : A Feasibility And Characterization Study, Sherry Hsiu-Ying Wang

Theses

Electrospinning of polymeric materials have been experimented to achieve nanoscaled diameters. The approaches to the current study are to combine a natural material such as collagen with synthetic materials and determine if the interactions between the materials can be used in the electrospinning process. Collagen is a material of choice due to its biocompatibility. When collagen is combined with polymer, Polyethylene Oxide (PEG), the fiber diameters ranged from 150nm to one micron. The fibers produced have shown drastic phase separation. The next study involved using a duel solvent system to electrospin fibers. The polymer of choice is Poly (1-lactic acid) …

Scalable Wide Area Ad-Hoc Networking, Nithin Bose

Theses

The scalability problem of routing algorithms in Mobile Ad-hoc networks (MANET) has conventionally been addressed by introducing hierarchical architectures, clusters, and neighborhood zones. In all of these approaches, some nodes are assigned different routing related roles than others. Examples include cluster heads, virtual backbones and border nodes. The selection of these nodes on a fixed or dynamic basis adds complexity to the routing algorithm, in addition to placing significant demands on mobility and power consumption of these nodes. Furthermore, the scalability achieved with hierarchical architectures or partitions is limited.

This thesis demonstrates that location awareness can greatly aid in MANET …

Ambulatory Measurement Of Body Position, Swetha Vennamaneni

Theses

Ambulatory monitoring is playing an important role in the clinical and research field. In the modem era, physicians are showing much interest in measuring heart rate, blood pressure and many other physical and cardiac conditions and recording electrocardiogram (ECG, a popular technique for diagnosing heart related disease), while the patient is ambulatory. Heart rate, blood pressure and ECG waveform can change because of body position. In the case of the ECG, the changes caused by body position are can change the ST-T segment and also the QRS amplitude. The heart rate and blood pressure changes when there is a change …

Heat Transfer Model For The Ignition Of Metal Powder On A Heated Filament, Trent Stanton Ward

Theses

The thermal processes leading to ignition of metal powders in environments that experience rapid temperature changes are currently poorly understood. In this research, a methodology for studying and quantification of such processes is developed. In the experimental case study, the ignition temperature of Mg powder coated on the surface of an electrically heated filament is detected optically at different heating rates. To interpret the results, a heat transfer model has been developed for a multilayer powder coating on top of an electrically heated filament. The coating is modeled using a hexagonal close packed geometry and the heat transfer equations are …

Investigating Graphical User Interface Usability On Task Sequence And Display Structure Dependencies, Tirthankar Sengupta

Dissertations

Designing Graphical User Interfaces (GUI) requires the consideration of task sequence requirements (sequence of operations arising from task structures and application constraints) and display structure (layout of the elements of the interface) relationships. The basic purpose was to understand the usability differences of the interfaces through efficiency, motor performance, and search performance.

Thirty-two subjects performed experiments in four groups. The experiments differed in display structure and compatibility of task sequences. Subject mouse actions, mouse coordinates and eye positions were recorded. The derived measures, click efficiency, mouse traversal and eye visits to different areas of interest (namely the tool, object, and …

Network Anomaly Detection Using Management Information Base (Mib) Network Traffic Variables, Jun Li

Dissertations

In this dissertation, a hierarchical, multi-tier, multiple-observation-window, network anomaly detection system (NADS) is introduced, namely, the MIB Anomaly Detection (MAD) system, which is capable of detecting and diagnosing network anomalies (including network faults and Denial of Service computer network attacks) proactively and adaptively. The MAD system utilizes statistical models and neural network classifier to detect network anomalies through monitoring the subtle changes of network traffic patterns. The process of measuring network traffic pattern is achieved by monitoring the Management Information Base (Mifi) II variables, supplied by the Simple Network Management Protocol (SNMP) LI. The MAD system then converted each monitored …

Modeling Contaminant Transport And Fate And Subsequent Impacts On Ecosystems, Ming Fan

Dissertations

Assessing risks associated with the release of metals into the environment and managing remedial activities requires simulation tools that depict speciation and risk with accurate mechanistic models and well-defined transport parameters. Such tools need to address the following processes: (1) aqueous speciation, (2) distribution mechanisms, (3) transport, and (4) ecological risk. The primary objective of this research is to develop a simulation tool that accounts for these processes. Speciation in the aqueous phase can be assessed with geochemical equilibrium models, such as MINEQL+. Furthermore, metal distribution can be addressed mechanistically. Studies with Pb sorption to amorphous aluminum (HAG), iron (HFO), …

Continuity Of Bridges Composed Of Simple-Span Precast Prestressed Concrete Girders Made Continuous, Libin Yin

Dissertations

Bridges composed of simple-span, precast, prestressed concrete girders made continuous via cast-in-place decks and diaphragms are continuous only for live loads and superimposed dead loads. The continuity diaphragms often crack due to time dependent effects in the girders. These cracks not only impair bridge ascetics and durability, but also reduce "degree of continuity". A related issue is that joint construction is time consuming and expensive due to reinforcement congestion. This dissertation presents a series of field tests, analytical studies, and laboratory experiments concerning the design and performance of this type of bridge.

Based on a survey of the state departments …

Fluidization Of Nanoparticles, Caroline Hijung Nam

Dissertations

During the past decade, nanoparticles (1-100 nm) and nanocomposites have become the focus of many studies due to the unique properties of nanostructured materials that make them attractive for various applications. Due to their atomic and molecular interactions, nanoparticles and nanocomposites have unique and often favorable catalytic, mechanical, optical, electronic and / or other properties. For instance, nanocrystalline copper is up to 5 times harder than conventional micron sized copper particles. Nanocomposites, such as a homogenous mixture of different nanoparticles, can also exhibit improved properties. Other examples include coating and reacting nanoparticles with a second nanostructured phase. These processes are …

Carrier Transport In Ge Nanowires And One Dimensional Si/Ge Heterojunctions, Eun Kyu Lee

Theses

Ge Nanowires (Ge NWs) on single crystal, (100) and (111) oriented n-type Si substrates were grown via the vapor-liquid-solid (VLS) mechanism and studied with respect to their electrical properties.

Using different contact geometries, direct current (DC) and alternating current (AC) electrical and photoelectrical measurements were carried out at room temperature to investigate electrical properties of Ge NWs and Ge NWs/Si substrate one-dimensional (1 D) heterojunctions (HJs). A rectifying junction behavior is observed at NWs/substrate interface, but many orders of magnitude greater AC conductance than DC in Ge NW volume is measured at high frequencies. The obtained experimental data are consistent …

Fluidization Of Agglomerates Of Nanoparticles Under Different Force Fields, Jose A. Quevedo

Theses

Nanoparticles are the focus of many research activities, and in the near future they will be handled in large amounts by industry. Fluidization is a very important unit operation which is applied in several industrial processes.

In the present work, fluidization experiments with agglomerates of nanoparticles were done under different force fields: (1) gravity force or conventional fluidization; (2) a magnetic force field, which uses magnetic particles under the influence of a magnetic field; and (3) a centrifugal force, generated by a rotating frame that simulates higher gravity conditions.

Among the significant results with agglomerates of nanoparticles, conventional fluidization was …

Spectrum Control And Iterative Coding For High Capacity Multiband Ofdm, Divaydeep Sikri

Theses

The emergence of Multiband Orthogonal Frequency Division Modulation (MB-OFDM) as an ultra-wideband (UWB) technology injected new optimism in the market through realistic commercial implementation, while keeping promise of high data rates intact. However, it has also brought with it host of issues, some of which are addressed in this thesis.

The thesis primarily focuses on the two issues of spectrum control and user capacity for the system currently proposed by the Multiband OFDM Alliance (MBOA). By showing that line spectra are still an issue for new modulation scheme (MB-OFDM), it proposes a mechanism of scrambling the data with an increased …

Ultra Wideband Communication Link, Preeti Singh

Theses

Ultra-wideband communication (UWB) has been a topic of extensive research in recent years especially for its short-range communication and indoor applications. The preliminary objective of the project was to develop a description and understanding of the basic components of the communication link at microwave frequencies in order to achieve the primary objective of establishing a communication setup at a bandwidth of 2.5 GHz for testing Ultra Wideband (UWB) antennas. This was achieved with the aid of commercially available optical system which was modified for the purpose. Beginning with the generation of baseband narrow pulses with energy spanning over a broad …

Surface Treatment Of Ferrous Alloys With Boron, Naruemon Suwattananont

Theses

Boronizing is a thermo-chemical surface hardening treatment in which boron atoms diffused into the metal substrate form the metallic boride layer, providing high hardness, corrosion resistance, and 3-10 times increasing service life. This type of surface treatment is widely used in many applications.

The purpose of this work was to investigate the structures and properties of boronized ferrous alloys. Three types of steels, AISI 1018 (plain low carbon steel), AISI 4340 (high strength alloy steel), and AISI 304 (austenitic stainless steel), were used for this study. The boronized AISI 1018 and AISI 4340 demonstrated the saw-tooth structure with average 75-76 …

Thermal Analysis Of Poly(Desamino Arylates), Ali Cem Recber

Theses

The goal of this study is to better understand the thermal characteristics and molecular behavior of two poly(desaminotyrosyl arylates). These two polymers were chosen from a combinatorial library of polymers developed by changing the type and size of the two substitutable chain locations. TGA, DSC and TSC studies were conducted on Poly(12,10) and Poly(2,2) after the samples were exposed to various conditions. The TGA of Poly(12,10) shows low water uptake at 25° C, higher water uptake at 80°C. Water uptake for Poly(2,2) at 25°C is similar to Poly(12,10) at 80°C. The Thermally Stimulated Current analysis (TSC) results indicate a molecular …

Detection Of Denial Of Service Attacks Using Database Queries, Dmytro Zakhalyavko

Theses

In the current intrusion detection world, most intrusion detection systems output data into flat files. This project was conducted in order to improve intrusion detection data and alerts by writing them into a database system and analyzing them with SQL. A database plug-in was developed that helps to transition the data from an intrusion detection system to a database. Storing, analyzing, categorizing, and accessing data are major advantages and reasons for using databases in intrusion detection. Security analysts have to constantly perform the difficult task of sorting through a haystack of attack alerts, many of which turn out to be …