Engineering Commons^™

Qos Provisioning In Multimedia Streaming, Hong Zhao

Dissertations

Multimedia consists of voice, video, and data. Sample applications include video conferencing, video on demand, distance learning, distributed games, and movies on demand. Providing Quality of Service (QoS) for multimedia streaming has been a difficult and challenging problem. When multimedia traffic is transported over a network, video traffic, though usually compressed/encoded for bandwidth reduction, still consumes most of the bandwidth. In addition, compressed video streams typically exhibit highly variable bit rates as well as long range dependence properties, thus exacerbating the challenge in meeting the stringent QoS requirements of multimedia streaming with high network utilization. Dynamic bandwidth allocation in which …

Ultra-Wideband Technology For Short-Range Wireless Communication, Li Zhao

Dissertations

The ultra-wideband (UWB) radio core idea is to open large amounts of spectrum to a variety of users with little mutual interference between them. While ultra-wideband is being championed by several commercial companies, this technology has not followed the conventional path where commercial interest is preceded by years of academic research. This work attempts to fill in some of the gap by studying fundamental properties of communications with impulse-based radio UWB signals. We study jam resistance and capacity of UWB. Jam resistance is analyzed for binary pulse position modulation (PPM) with the interference being modeled as correlated Gaussian. Closed-form expressions …

Transmission And Detection For Space-Time Block Coding And V-Blast Systems, Lei He

Dissertations

This dissertation focuses on topics of data transmission and detection of space -time block codes (STBC). The STBCs can be divided into two main categories, namely, the orthogonal space-time block codes (OSTBC) and the quasi-orthogonal space-time codes (Q-OSTBC). The space-time block coded systems from transceiver design perspective for both narrow-band and frequency selective wireless environment are studied. The dissertation also processes and studies a fast iterative detection scheme for a high-rate space-time transmission system, the V-BLAST system.

In Chapter 2, a new OSTBC scheme with full-rate and full-diversity, which can be used on QPSK transceiver systems with four transmit antennas …

Hybrid Routing And Bridging Strategies For Large Scale Mobile Ad Hoc Networks, Sheng Xu

Dissertations

Multi-hop packet radio networks (or mobile ad-hoc networks) are an ideal technology to establish "instant" communication infrastructure for military and civilian applications in which both hosts and routers are mobile. In this dissertation, a position-based/link-state hybrid, proactive routing protocol (Position-guided Sliding-window Routing - PSR) that provides for a flat, mobile ad-hoc routing architecture is described, analyzed and evaluated. PSR is based on the superposition of link-state and position-based routing, and it employs a simplified way of localizing routing overhead, without having to resort to complex, multiple-tier routing organization schemes. A set of geographic routing zones is defined for each node, …

Novel Internally-Staged Ultrafiltration For Protein Purification, Meredith Ann Feins

Dissertations

A new ultrafiltration technique based on a multimembrane stack has been developed to fractionate proteins closer in molecular weight than conventionally possible. The technique is illustrated here by obtaining a pure protein product from a binary protein mixture. By employing membranes in series using the same membrane without any gaskets or spacers in-between, ultrafiltration is carried out to separate two proteins relatively close in molecular weight. Flat membranes, of the same molecular weight cutoff (MWCO) 30,000 or 100,000, are stacked together in the desired number, and ultrafiltration takes place. The membrane rejection of a protein is amplified with each additional …

Mathematical Modeling And Simulation Of Human Motion Using 3-Dimensional, Multi-Segment Coupled Pendulum System : Derivation Of A Generalized Formula For Equations Of Motion, Loay Ahmed-Wasfe Al-Zube

Theses

The use of mathematical models to investigate the dynamics of human movement relies on two approaches: forward dynamics and inverse dynamics. In this investigation a new modeling approach called the Boundary Method is outlined. This method addresses some of the disadvantages of both the forward and the inverse approach. The method yields as output both a set of potential movement solutions to a given motor task and the net muscular impulses required to produce those movements. The input to the boundary method is a finite and adjustable number of critical target body configurations. In each phase of the motion that …

Mathematical Modeling Of Transient State Transdermal Drug Delivery, Alison Nickol Weltner

Theses

In this work, a two-pathway mathematical model for transdermal drug delivery with iontophoresis is presented. The partial differential equations are described and then solved. An alternative, two-pathway, three-layer model is also presented, and the implications of the coefficients within the equation are discussed. Using Franz cell iontophoretic delivery data from three drug substances (amitriptyline HCl, clomipramine HCl, and nortriptyline HCl), the two-pathway model is regressed to determine the diffusion coefficient and the concentration within the skin at the drug reservoir interface. ANOVA analysis indicates a correlation between iontophoretic current and concentration of drug within the stratum corneum.

Measurement Of The Effectiveness Of Enhanced External Counterpulsation On Heart Rate Variability For Patients With Myocardial Ischemia, Kripa Jayaraman

Theses

This thesis is a study to measure the changes in heart rate variability due to the activity of the autonomic nervous system caused by the Enhanced External Counterpulsation treatment. The treatment is a non surgical, mechanical procedure that can reduce the symptoms of angina or Congestive Heart Failure, presumably by stimulating the opening, or formation of, small branches of blood vessels (collaterals) to create a natural bypass around narrowed or blocked arteries. It has been proved that rhythms can be markers of normal functional states. Even in the absence of external perturbations, the normal heartbeat is not characterized by clockwise …

Application Of Bootstrap Resampling In Fmri, Arthika Bappal

Theses

This thesis demonstrates the use of the bootstrap resampling technique considering temporal dependency in the fMRI data to determine the reliability and confidence interval of fMRI parameters. Traditionally, the test-retest method has been used to reliably detect active voxels in the fMRI image of the brain, which is based on repetitive experimentation. The main concern with the test-retest method is the reproducibility of data over these multiple repetitions. Fatigue, habituation, motion artifacts, and repositioning errors are few of the factors, which can affect the reproducibility of data.

The conventional bootstrap resampling technique is based on the assumption that the dataset …

Effects Of Sleep Deprivation On Autonomic Nervous System, Jaeyeaon Cho

Theses

Sleep deprivation (SD) has been thought a potential factor to trigger cardiovascular events by increasing the sympathetic nervous system activity. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the relationship between sleep deprivation and the autonomic nervous system activity by means of heart rate variability (HRV) and blood pressure variability (BPV). All data were acquired in the sleep lab of Columbia University.

Data were acquired from the two groups, SD and control. Subjects in the SD group did not sleep for thirty-six hours but subjects in the control group slept at night as usual. There were five different data …

Case Studies In Disassembly Process Planning, Riteshkumar Dhimmar

Theses

The rapid advancement in technology started in last century and still continuing resulted in decreased life cycle of electronic products. It also resulted in increased product disposal rate and filling land fill space faster causing shortage of such space and consequently creates major environmental problems. So, since couple of decade environmental concern has focused on production process and environmental regulations imposed by government has watched industrial pollution. With government regulations to control environmental problems; consumers are also aware of adverse effects of product disposal forcing manufacturer to become more responsible for safe product disposal and recycling of used product.

A …

An In Vitro Evaluation Of Tyrosine Derived Polyarylates And Polycarbonate As Polymeric Scaffold For Human Mesenchymal Stem Cells Osteogenic Differentiation, Manish Suresh Godbole

Theses

Human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs) obtained from the adult bone marrow are multipotential cells that are capable of differentiating along several lineages. They are readily available and abundant source of cells in the field of tissue engineering. For their use in treating certain connective tissue defect or disorders, their success depends at minimum on the use of scaffolds that support differentiation. Therefore , this thesis details a study that systematically evaluated hMSC differentiation on materials that exhibit gradual range in surface properties as a first study for selecting materials as potential scaffolds. Polycarbonates and polyarylates have combinatorial libraries that exhibit …

Characterization Of Electrospun Dlplga Nanofibers For A Drug Delivery System For Intracranial Tumors And Avms, Kimberly A. Griswold

Theses

Electrospinning processes apply electric fields to a polymer solution in order to produce strands of polymer in the nanoscale range. These polymer fibers are manipulated for their porosity, high surface area, fineness and uniformity. In order to create the ideal drug delivery system for intracranial arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) and tumors, D, L poly-(lactice-poly-glycolide) (DLPLGA) nanofibers were electrospun in a tetrahydrofuran (THF) solvent. Three different concentration ratios of DLPLGA, 85/15, 80/20, and 75/25 were analyzed to obtain the prime base for drug annexation. 1 ,3-bis (2-chloroethyl)- 1 -nitrosourea (BCNU) was then codissolved with the DLPLGA nanofibers to form a homogenous solution, …

Study Of Design Tradeoffs Of Dram And Sram Memories, Using Hspice Computer Simulation, Bageshri Kale

Theses

Semiconductor random access memories are complex systems that can be described by performance parameters such as memory cycle time, access delays, storage capacity, bit packing density, chip area and retention time. In this thesis, tradeoffs between cycle time, chip area, and storage size as reflected by bit line capacitance (Cbl) were studied as a function of particular design variables: memory cell capacitance (Cc); CMOS flip-flop sense amplifier (SA) transistor sizes; and size of precharge (PC), and word line (WL) switches. Performance was optimized using circuit simulation software, HSPICE, to observe DRAM and SRAM waveforms. With TSMC 0.18 micron technology, minimum …

Voice Onset Time Variation In Stop Consonant To Vowel Transitions, Abhishek Gunvant Parikh

Theses

Reduced duration, increased consistency, and improved intelligibility are goals of reducing the motor complexity of speech for individuals with cerebral palsy having dysarthria. In this study, measurement and analysis were made to compare an individual with spastic Cerebral Palsy (CP) having dysarthria to an individual with athetoid CP having dysarthria as well as to a non-dysarthric individual. Each participant's normal speech, whispering, and speech using an artificial larynx was evaluated, utilizing the source-filter theory methodology. The plausibility of dysarthric speech duration reduction by minimizing vocalization is tested by stop consonant "P,, to vowel transitions. The data suggest that speech duration …

Extending The Boundary Method For Solving Human Motion Problems Using A 3 Dimensional Coupled Pendulum Model, Avani Janardan Patel

Theses

Mathematical modeling, an evolving area in movement analysis research, couples quantitative measures of human motion with theoretical concepts in physiology and mechanics. Literature reveals two methods to solve for human motion problems, Forward and Inverse Mechanics. In this investigation, a new approach called the Boundaty Method is adopted to solve for human motion. This approach has the advantage of being able to solve for both new motions and the net muscular joint forces required to produce those motions but only at those discrete times and body configurations that are believed to be most crucial for accomplishing the task.

The method …

Simulation Analysis Of Anti-Rollover Mechanism For Vehicles, Mohib L. Raid

Theses

Rollover accidents are considered the most significant safety problems for all classes of light vehicles, especially pickups, Sport Utility Vehicles (SUV), Light Truck Vehicle (LTV) and vans. The main objective of the research is the design of a new mechanism able to keep the vehicle stable under various road conditions and high speeds, to prevent the vehicle from rolling over and to maintain the stability for the vehicle by creating an anti-rolling torque on the vehicle body capable of turning the vehicle smoothly to stable position.

Evaluation Of Effect Of Extrusion Process Variables On Mechanical Properties Of Extruded Collagen Tubes And Effect Of Post Extrusion Treatments, Mayank K. Patel

Theses

This study evaluated the effect of extrusion process variable on mechanical properties of extruded collagen tubes made using a specialized extruder, made by ZOKO Corporation of Czechoslovakia. Three extrusion variables were considered; extrusion speed, linear draw rate and rotation speed. Using Taguchi L₄ matrix, a design of experiment (DOE) was run. Two mechanical properties, wall thickness and estimated elastic modulus, were considered as response of this DOE. Data was analyzed statically to evaluate the effect of extrusion variables on both these properties. Result of this study showed that linear draw rate of the extrusion process has the highest influence …

Fabrication Of Nanofiber Scaffolds By Electrospinning And It's Potential For Tissue Engineering, Shobana Shanmugasundaram

Theses

Electrospinning is a fabrication process that uses an electric field to control the deposition of polymer fibers on to a target substrate. This electrospinning strategy can be used to fabricate fibrous polymer mats composed of fiber diameters ranging from several microns down to tens of nanometers. This study assesses the potential of electrospinning, as an alternative scaffold fabrication technique for tissue engineering applications. In this study, electrospinning is adapted to produce tissue-engineering scaffolds of two different size ranges composed of non-woven poly-L-lactide (PLLA) nanofibers and as a first study, the potential use of these scaffolds as tissue engineering scaffolds was …

Si-Sio2 Interface Behavior In N-Mosfets With Screening Potential During High-Field Injection, Purushothaman Srinivasan

Theses

This work investigates the screening of hot carrier stress degradation in n-channel MOSFETs when the devices were exposed to plasma processing. Devices with various antenna ratios were subjected to current stress (both gate injection and substrate injection) while the source and drain terminals were reverse biased by a screening potential followed by hot carrier stress. It was observed that screening of the drain edge was effective for both gate injection and substrate injection at different screening potentials. The hot carrier lifetime is directly related to interface state density (Dit), measured by charge pumping method. The results suggest that hot electron …

Particle Size Dependence On Immobilized Molecular Sensors : Assay Of Nucleic Acid Probes Attached To Paramagnetic Particles, Celin Sunny

Theses

Nanotechnology is concerned with materials and systems whose structure and components exhibit novel and significantly improved physical, chemical and biological properties, phenomena and processes due to their nano scale size.

The transition from micro scale to nano scale leads to a number of changes in physical properties, possibly including new physical principles, some of which may be yet to be discovered. One of the major factors in this is the increase in ratio of surface area to volume.

This thesis research uses the increase in ratio of surface area to volume property of going from macro to micro to nano …

Spinning Of Collagen Fibers And Characterizing Thermal, Mechanical, Tensile And Structural Properties, Grace Evangelin Tatagiri

Theses

Collagen is the most important building block in the entire animal world. It plays an important role in regeneration of broken bones and wound healing, also helps grow blood vessels to feed the healing areas. The use of synthetic materials has been extensive, but these materials have there own limits and drawbacks. Poor biocompatibility of these materials is the main issue and often result in inflammations. Hence collagen is being heralded as one of the most appropriate replacement as an implantable material. The reasons being that it is a naturally occurring material, exhibits high biocompatibility low antigenicity and host response. …

Human Factors Approach Towards Improving Readability Of Bus Schedules, Anand Tharanathan

Theses

Due to an increasing concern over the readability of existing bus schedules of a public transportation agency the schedule format was redesigned. Two prototype schedules were designed based on the gathered information from the literature survey, focus group meetings and data from other public transportation agencies' schedules. One of the prototypes was designed by giving primary importance to the direction of travel and was named the directional prototype schedule. The other prototype was designed by giving primary importance to the day of the week, and was named weekday / weekend prototype schedule. A time based laboratory experiment and a subjective …

Modeling Corrosion In Oxygen Controlled Lbe Systems With Coupling Of Chemical Kinetics And Hydrodynamics-Task V: Third Quarterly Report 03/01/2004-05/31/2004, Samir Moujaes, Yitung Chen

Transmutation Sciences Materials (TRP)

The Lead-Bismuth eutectic (LBE) has been determined from previous experimental studies by the Russians and the European scientific community to be a potential material that can be used as a spallation target and coolant for the TRP proposed application. Properly controlling the oxygen content in LBE can drastically reduce the LBE corrosion to structural steels. However, existing knowledge of material corrosion performance was obtained from point-wise testing with only very sparse experimental data. Scientists have noticed that the concentration of oxygen dissolved in the liquid alloy could control the corrosion rate of steels exposed to Pb or Pb-Bi. At high …

Design And Evaluation Of Processes For Fuel Fabrication: Quarterly Progress Report #11, Georg F. Mauer

Fuels Campaign (TRP)

The eleventh quarter of the project covered the following:

• Mr. Richard Silva successfully defended his thesis in April 2004 and graduated from the MEG Master’s program.

• Further refinements on Concepts and Methods for Vision-Based Hot Cell Supervision and control, focusing on rule-based object recognition (Ph.D. Graduate Jae-Kyu Lee). Ms. Caroline Wiejak, an exchange student from the ESIEE in Marne-la-Vallee, France is continuing with the image analysis effort. To date, she has transferred Jae-Kyu’s code to Matlab, and is presently expanding its application to more complex 3D shapes.

• Graduate student Jamil Renno refined and detailed his simulations of …

A Statistical Ultra Wideband Indoor Channel Model And The Effects Of Antenna Directivity On Multipath Delay Spread And Path Loss In Ultra Wideband Indoor Channels, Jason Anthony Dabin

Theses

Ultra-wideband (UWB) indoor frequency domain channel measurements have been performed in the 2 GHz to 6 GHz frequency band using three different transmitter/receiver (Tx/Rx) antenna combination pairs. The effects of antenna directivity on path loss and multipath propagation in the channel were analyzed extensively for various omni-directional and directional antenna combinations. A statistical model of the path loss in the channel is presented, where the parameters in the model (i.e., path loss exponent and shadow fading statistics) are dependent on the particular Tx/Rx antenna combination. Time domain statistics of the channel (i.e., mean delay spread and RMS delay spread) are …

A Kinematic Analysis Of Hand Configurations In Static And Dynamic Fingerspelling, Gillian B. Sherry

Theses

The focus of this study was the investigation of target handshapes in American Sign Language fingerspelling in order to determine whether there was a difference between static canonical structures and structures produced in the context of a movement sequence. This was achieved by measuring the joint angles of a signing hand with an 18-sensor CyberGlove® by Virtual Technologies, Inc.

A discriminant analysis was used to identify targets that occurred at points of minimum angular joint velocity. A multivariate analysis of variance with planned compansons was then applied to these dynamic data along with the static data to test the hypothesis. …

Supply Chain Risk Analysis, Venkata R. Kallepalli

Theses

A new decision support system is proposed and developed that will help sustaining business in a high-risk business environment. The system is developed as a web application to better integrate the supply chain entities and to provide a common platform for performing risk analysis in a supply chain. The system performs a risk analysis and calculates risk factor with each activity in the supply considering its interrelationship with other activities. Bayesian networks along with fault tree structures are embedded in the system and logical rules are used to perform a qualitative fault tree analysis, as the data required to calculate …

Parametric Synthesis Of Sign Language, Jerome Allen

Theses

The isolation of the deaf community from mainstream society is in part due to the lack of knowledge most hearing people have of sign language. To most, there seems to be little need to learn a language that is spoken by such a small minority unless perhaps a relative is unable to hear. Even with a desire to learn, the task may seem insurmountable due to the unique formational and grammatical rules of the language.

This linguistic rift has led to the call for an automatic translation system with the ability to take voice or written text as input and …

Design And Implementation Of Heart Rate Variability Measures In The Time Domain, Binoy John Mathews

Theses

The following study was conducted to design and implement computer programs to derive five time domain and two frequency domain Heart Rate Variability (HRV) measures from 24 hour Holter monitor recordings and to generate activity plots that display the variation of three of the five time domain measures and two frequency domain measures over a period of 24 hours.

Working with known pre and post experimental ECG data taken from a cyclical exercise program, standard parameters in both the time and frequency domains were derived using programs designed in Labview 7.0 engineering software package. Five parameters in the time domain …