Engineering Commons^™

The Catabolism Of Arginine By Lactobacillus Brevis In A Chemostat, Jeanette Carque

Theses

A total of thirty chemostat runs were evaluated for steady state biomass concentration of L. brevis and arginine deiminase activity at dilution rates ranging from 0.022 to 0.1.07 h^-1 for a substrate feed consisting of 1.0% glucose and 0.5% arginine (w/v). Biomass concentration and enzyme activity responses were also evaluated for variations in glucose concentration from 0.05% to 1.5% and variations in arginine concentrations from 0.25% to 1.0% at a constant dilution rate (0.06 h^-1).

The system exhibited multiple steady states for the range of dilution rates from 0.022 to 0.107 h^-1. A steady state …

Transport Phenomena Of Copper Ions Through An Electromembrane, Ren-Fu Cheng

Theses

A separation process based on a new class of membrane ( the electromembrane ) was studied. Experiments were performed using three types of electromembrane to remove copper ions from aqueous solution. A Separation Cell Unit was designed and set up to investigate the transport of copper ions through the electromembranes under the influence of both an electric field and a concentration gradient. Fluxes achieved were much greater than those reported for other membrane processes, and the energy consumption was one half that of electrolytic deposition.

Computer Simulation Of A Batch Distillation Column With A Reflux Divider, Michael Gerard Clarke

Theses

The operation of a batch distillation column with a reflux divider has been mathematically simulated to reproduce operational equipment.

The operation of the column consists of one or more product recoveries. During each product recovery period the column alternates between total reflux and total product withdrawal, with the product withdrawal period being 2 — 5 seconds. Between product recoveries the column operating conditions can be reset.

The basic assumption of this batch distillation simulation is that the column completely equilibrates during the period of total reflux. The determination of the total reflux condition is obtained computationally using the iterative Newton—Raphson …

Scheduling Effects Of 5-(3,3-Dimethyl-1-Triazeno)Imidazole-4-Carboxamide (Dtic) And 1,3-Bis-Chloroethyl-1-Nitrosourea (Bcnu) On Mouse Melanoma Cells B16cl5, Gracie V. Coffey

Theses

DTIC and BCNU have been demonstrated to have enhanced chemotherapeutic effects in mice bearing Bl6 mouse melanoma cells. The order of administration seems to be important in maintaining optimum effects. This was shown is a study by Hill et al. (unpublished).

In the present study, mouse melanoma cells, Bl6CL4, were treated with either DTIC or BCNU. The drug was allowed to remain on the cells for 2, 3, or 4 days. The drug-containing media were then removed, the cells were washed and fresh medium was added. The cells were incubated in an atmosphere of 5% CO2 and 95% air at …

The Biodegradation Of Phenolics Using Mixed Liquor From Passaic Valley Sewerage Commissioners Plant, Newark, New Jersey, Daewon Pak

Theses

The biological degradation of phenol, O-chlorophenol, and 2,6-dichlorophenol was studied at room temperature in aerated 5 liter batch reactors using mixed liquor from Passaic Valley Sewerage Commissioners Plant (Newark, New Jersey). From the concentration versus time data, kinetic rate constants were determined for phenol (at 100 ppm), 2'-chlorophenol (at 20 ppm), and 2,6-dichlorophenol (at 10 ppm). Air stripping and adsorption were determined to be insignificant removal mechanisms for the three compounds studied.

It was noted that the biodegradation rates increased after the organisms were acclimated to 100 ppm phenol. In addition, on substrate exposure, the degradation rate increased from the …

Preparation And Properties Of Novel Dental Adhesives Based Upon Pentaerythritol, Yuan-Yuan Su

Theses

Urethane methacrylates were synthesized from Pentaerythritol, TDI, HEMA and four phenolic blocking agents or from hydroxypropyl methacrylatel TDI and two phenolic blocking agents. All the products were characterized by melting pointy infrared spectroscopy, NMR spectra, and elemental analysis. The bonding of these materials to dentin slices was also investigated. Such materials are supposed to not only react with the organic constituent of dentin but also polymerized with restorative resin. It was found that bond strength was enhanced by the use of the urethane methacrylates, resulting in best mean bonding strengths of 2400 psi.

Digitally Implemented Klapper-Kratt Fm Detector Using The Intel-292o Digital Signal Processor, Chang-Hwan Park

Theses

This thesis describes and analyses a digitally implemented FM detector, which is a new member of the family of FM detectors introduced by Drs. Klapper and Kratt.

The properties of the new detector are low delay, excellent sensitivity, extreme linearity, and compatibility of components with integrated circuit technology.

A working model is implemented by adapting FIR digital s signal processing methods, and is realized using the Single-Chip Digital Signal Processor Intel-2920 which is comprised of micro-processor, scratch-pad data RAMs, program store EPROMs, A/D and D/A conversion circuitry, and I/O circuitry.

The performance of the working model shows very good linearity …

Analysis And Application Of Automatic Guided Vehicle Systems, Mansuk Bae

Theses

It is the intent of this thesis to analysis the practical applications of Automatic Guided Vehicle Systems (AGVS) as a vital aid in the development of material handling operations within a variety of business sectors.

An evaluation of basis concepts, structural components, practical applications and benefits, and future accessments of AGVS, in terms of material handling are fully discussed. Additionally, a computerized simulation model that calculates "How many Automatic Guided Vehicles Are Needed?" under specific factory conditions and external environmental factors, is both tested and result evaluated.

The author concludes that the use of AGVS as a method for material …

Skyline Technique For Least Square Temporal Finite Element Method, Ying-Woei Hu

Theses

Skyline technique is known to be one of the most efficient numerical methods for solving symmetric and positive definite simultaneous linear algebraic equations whose coefficient matrix is banded and sparse. This technique considers non-zero elements below the skyline only and manipulates Gaussian elimination process efficiently.

In recent years, the finite element methods applied to discretize the space domain has been successfully extended to time domain discretization. This new technique, temporal finite elements, makes it possible to numerically solve initial value problems in a manner similar to boundary value problems.

This thesis introduces skyline technique to one of the temporal finite …

Effect Of Federal Income Tax Regulations On Small Business Decision Making, Leon V. Stanisz

Theses

A comparison of small business organizations was performed in order to see how each is directly or indirectly effected by Federal income tax regulations. Each small business form was examined thoroughly in order to objectively assess organizational advantages and disadvantages and how they are effected by different tax requirements and regulations.

Business expenditures were analyzed to see how and where they could be utilized to the fullest. The thesis tried to examine as thoroughly as possible the cost and the value of these "fringe benefits" both to the company and to the individuals.

The results conclude that any type of …

Computerized Instrumentation System For Indirect Measurement Of Metabolic Changes In Rats, Holger Tebbje

Theses

This work describes the further development of a system for the measurement of the energy expenditure of rats. Based on the concept of indirect calorimetry the respiratory exchange is monitored in a controlled experiment. Rats are held in cages through which air is drawn and analyzed. Transducers and sensors, interfaced to the computer, are measuring the composition and the physical parameters of the gas entering and leaving the chambers. The data recieved is processed, displayed on a screen, printed and stored for later analysis.

The accuracy and repeatability of the system improved by measuring additional parameters like barometric pressure and …

Free Convection Boundary Layer Heat Transfer Analysis Of Isothermal Horizontal Square Plates, Konstantinos E. Tsouras

Theses

The theoretical study presented here examines free convective boundary layer flow and heat transfer over isothermal horizontal square plates.

The boundary layer equations subjected to the appropriate boundary conditions were solved by using Von Karman's approximate integral technique. The analysis was performed by considering an axisymmetric boundary layer because the analyzed phenomenon is three-dimensional in nature. Three-dimensional boundary layer analysis, however, is complicated and the work involved is rather tedious. Consequently, the axisymmetric boundary layer offers a useful alternative. Unfortunately, it was found that this type of analysis is applicable to the case of an upward-facing heated plate only; for …

The Quantitative Analysis Of Airborne Particulates By X-Ray Flourescence, George C. Asteriou

Theses

Airborne particulate matter from the New Jersey State area collected on Quartz Microfiber filters was analyzed by X-Ray Fluorescence spectroscopy. The quantitative analysis of the samples against N. B. S. standards produced results which were compared with Atomic Absorption analysis

The results from the two methods were correlated by the introduction of empirical factors for each element.

However, a larger number of analyzed standards of varied composition, along with the creation of a spectral library, can minimize the need for empirical factors and yield accu¬rate results.

Digital Fm-Demodulation Using Digital Signal Processing Techniques, Peter Wagner

Theses

This thesis presents the results of research in the area of digital demodulation of FM signals. The first part of the thesis describes the performance of digital Hilbert-transformers and Differentiators that are optimized in a determined bandwidth. These digital filters are used to build a digital Klapper-Kratt detector. According to this procedure, the coefficients of the digital Klapper-Kratt detectors up to the filter length N=25 are calculated and the resulting discriminator ripple computed and evaluated. One suggested algorithm gives the opportunity to balance the detector at a certain center-frequency. The major part of this thesis describes a new approach towards …

Automated Eeg Spectrum Analysis System, Marinela C. Laguna

Theses

A computer system has been designed to acquire EEG data from monkeys and to perform the spectral and statistical analysis. The system is capable of processing two channels simultaneously, acquire 64 Kbytes of EEG data for each channel on floppy disk, do the spectrums and averages of the spectrums, and calculate the histogram amplitudes of 13 frequency bands in a range of 0-71.1 Hz.

The software gives the user a lot of choices with respect to data acquisition and processing. The relative spectral power differences between "no-drug" and "drug" experiments give information about the drug effects on the central nervous …

Vapor Pressures Of Some Coal Oil Fractions, David G. Gaydos

Theses

New data on coal tar oils and data from the literature on pure compounds and oils derived from coal were used for testing the predictions by the correlation of Maxwell—Bonnell. Based on the observation that the discrepancies between the predicted values and the data are systematic, recommendations were deduced on needed modifications to the correlation. A proposal for modification to the Maxwell and Bonnell correlation to improve prediction of vapor pressures of highly aromatic fuel fractions with characterization factors of8 UOPK 10.5 was made.

Experimental data were taken on vapor pressures of fractions of coke oven coal tar oils and …

The Kinetics And Hepatotoxicity Of Benzyl Chloride Vapor In Rats, Hari V. Rao

Theses

Male Sprague Dawley rats (250g) were exposed to benzyl chloride vapor at a concentration of 220 ppm for 6 hours. During inhalation, the blood benzyl chloride concentration increased to reach a steady state level of 9-10 ug/ml between 4 and 6 hours of exposure. A small concentration of benzyl chloride (0.86 ug/ml) was present in the blood four hours after the termination of exposure. The absorption half life was 0.53 hours (0.39-0.81) and the elimination half life was l.12 hour (0.93-l.40).

The absorbed benzyl chloride was largely retained in the blood and some of it (0.22 ug/g) was sequestered into …

Preparation And Testing Of Blocked Isocyanate Dental Adhesives, George W. Sweitzer

Theses

Three monomers were used in this study. Two were prepared from 2,4-toluene diisocyanate (TDI),2 hydroxyethyl methacrylate (HEMA), and either o-methoxyphenol, or o-chlorophenol. The third monomer was prepared from pentaerythritol, TDI, HEMA, and p-cresol.

These monomers were bonded to dentin slices, and then combined with an adhesive copolymer consisting of methyl methacrylate and poly(methyl methacrylate). This mixture was polymerized at room temperature by addition of N,N-dimethyl-p-toluidine, and benzoyl peroxide. This adhesive copolymer was applied to monomer coated slices of dentin, and to aluminum coupons already fixed in a jig. The monomer-coated dentin slices (treated with the adhesive copolymer) were then placed …

Human Factors In The Design Of Computer Graphics Input/Output Interfaces, Michael Uche Amadi

Theses

Computers are used for solving problems of various kinds and therefore, if the users are to fully benefit from the systems, they must be considered during the earliest stages of the system development. There are three major classes of computer users namely: naive, managerial, and scientific-technical. These users have different characteristics that the designer must consider within his/her system. Only by including such distinctions will these user groups each be able to perform at their respective optimum levels. Just as there are different users, there are also numerous applications to which computers can be applied. This thesis will be restricted …

Standardization, Certification Its Impact On Electronic Systems Manufacturing, Lawrence M. Johmann

Theses

This thesis is a result of an in-depth study of the standardization and certification process in various countries throughout the world. The study was undertaken due to the general lack of readily available information on the subject and problems the author encountered while involved in standardization and certification activities at his previous place of employment.

The thesis discusses product and process standardization and certification and its impact on electronic systems manufacturers. First, the need for standardization and certification is established and its history is reviewed, then the various types and classifications are addressed. Subsequently, standardization in the United States, in …

Experimental Investigation Of Heat Transfer From An Array Of Air Jets Impinging Normally On A Flat Plate, Deniz Metin Kaya

Theses

Heat transfer from submerged, turbulent, circular and axisymmetric array of air jets impinging normally on a hot flat plate has been studied experimentally. Jets issued from an array of five nozzles 6.35 mm (0.25 in.) in diameter. The ratio of nozzle center-to-center distance to the nozzle diameter, given by C_n/D, of 2, 3 and 4 were considered. Nozzle exit Reynolds Numbers 14000, 26000 and 54000 were employed. The ratio of distance between the test plate and nozzle diameter (Z_n/D) varied from 5 to 15.

Two experimental arrangements, one with a segmented brass plate heated by a …

Two Dimensional Diffusional Model For Leakage Of Macromolecules In The Interstitial Space, Suthiluk Dumrongsiri

Theses

Two dimensional diffusion of macromolecules through the interstitial in the hamster cheek pouch was studied with intravital fluorescence microscopy. After topical application of Bradykinin, the movement of Fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC)-labeled dextrans of average molecular weight 150,000 daltons (Dextran 150) was recorded on videotape which latter was played back frame-by-frame for analysis by digital image processing. Leakage of macromolecules in response to topical application of Bradykinin occurs at discrete leakage site in post caplillary venules of 15-25 um diameter, rather than in the capillary themselves. A mathematical model of two dimensional convection plus diffusion was used to simulate the macromolecule transport. …

Behavior Of High Strength Irregular Shaped Reinforced Concrete Columns Under Combined Biaxial Bending And Compression, Gabriel Hannoush

Theses

Other than rectangular and circular shapes, channel and L-shaped reinforced concrete columns are a common design problem for engineers. Since the available design aids and the current code provisions do not provide adequate guidelines for evaluating the ductility and strength of biaxially-loaded reinforced concrete columns, an experimental and analytical investigation and study of the behavior of biaxially-loaded channel and L-shaped short columns was undertaken.

Four one-quarter scale specimens, two specimens for L-shaped and channel shaped columns respectively, were casted, cured and tested till failure.

Moment, curvature and load deflection curves developed from the experiment were compared with the results obtained …

Automated Arrhythmia Detection In The Exercise Electrocardiogram, Gregory Ciurpita

Theses

A self-adapting, non-real time method for detecting arrhythmias in single channel Exercise ECG is described. Linear and non-linear digital filtering techniques are used to remove additive noise. A time-varying threshold technique is used to detect R-waves based on amplitude. Feature extraction and matched filter methods are used to classify QRS-waves into existing types, or to create new types. The program works on digitized data from floppy disk and plots all data along with classification results on ReGis graphics terminal or printer. This work will continue so that the system will be capable of processing three-channel ECG in real-time.

Test 1569: Versatile 876 Manual Diesel 12-Speed, Nebraska Tractor Test Lab

Nebraska Tractor Tests

EXPLANATION OF THE TEST PROCEDURE General Tractors are tested at the University of Nebraska according to the Agricultural Tractor Test Code approved by the American Society of Agricultural Engineers and the Society of Automotive Engineers or official Nebraska test procedure. The manufacturer selects the tractor to be tested and certifies that it is a stock model. Each tractor is equipped with the common power consuming accessories such as power steering, power lift pump, generator, etc., if available. Power consuming accessories may be disconnected only when the means for disconnecting can be reached from the operating station. An official representative of …

Test 1566: Versatile 836 Manual Diesel 15-Speed, Nebraska Tractor Test Lab

Nebraska Tractor Tests

EXPLANATION OF THE TEST PROCEDURE General Tractors are tested at the University of Nebraska according to the Agricultural Tractor Test Code approved by the American Society of Agricultural Engineers and the Society of Automotive Engineers or official Nebraska test procedure. The manufacturer selects the tractor to be tested and certifies that it is a stock model. Each tractor is equipped with the common power consuming accessories such as power steering, power lift pump, generator, etc., if available. Power consuming accessories may be disconnected only when the means for disconnecting can be reached from the operating station. An official representative of …

Test 1570: Versatile 936 Manual Diesel 12-Speed, Nebraska Tractor Test Lab

Nebraska Tractor Tests

EXPLANATION OF THE TEST PROCEDURE General Tractors are tested at the University of Nebraska according to the Agricultural Tractor Test Code approved by the American Society of Agricultural Engineers and the Society of Automotive Engineers or official Nebraska test procedure. The manufacturer selects the tractor to be tested and certifies that it is a stock model. Each tractor is equipped with the common power consuming accessories such as power steering, power lift pump, generator, etc., if available. Power consuming accessories may be disconnected only when the means for disconnecting can be reached from the operating station. An official representative of …

Coupled Radiation Transport / Thermal Analysis Of The Radiation Shield For A Space Nuclear Retractor, William John Barattino

Nuclear Engineering ETDs

The renewed interest of conducting operations in space has given rise to re-establishment of space reactor systems development. The current SP-100 program is focussing on design of a 100 kW nuclear e reactor for space application. This research project investigated the coupling between radiation transport, energy deposition, and temperature distribution for a variety of space reactor shield configurations. The basic shield design consisted of tungsten [W], and natural lithium hydride either cast or pressed into a stainless steel matrix [LiH(Nat)].

For a nuclear reactor operating at a power level of 1.66 MW_th, temperature feedback effects on energy deposition …

Test 1568: Versatile 856 Powershift Diesel 12-Speed, Nebraska Tractor Test Lab

Nebraska Tractor Tests

EXPLANATION OF THE TEST PROCEDURE General Tractors are tested at the University of Nebraska according to the Agricultural Tractor Test Code approved by the American Society of Agricultural Engineers and the Society of Automotive Engineers or official Nebraska test procedure. The manufacturer selects the tractor to be tested and certifies that it is a stock model. Each tractor is equipped with the common power consuming accessories such as power steering, power lift pump, generator, etc., if available. Power consuming accessories may be disconnected only when the means for disconnecting can be reached from the operating station. An official representative of …

Test 1565: Versatile 276 Diesel Hydrostatic, Nebraska Tractor Test Lab

Nebraska Tractor Tests

EXPLANATION OF THE TEST PROCEDURE General Tractors are tested at the University of Nebraska according to the Agricultural Tractor Test Code approved by the American Society of Agricultural Engineers and the Society of Automotive Engineers or official Nebraska test procedure. The manufacturer selects the tractor to be tested and certifies that it is a stock model. Each tractor is equipped with the common power consuming accessories such as power steering, power lift pump, generator, etc., if available. Power consuming accessories may be disconnected only when the means for disconnecting can be reached from the operating station. An official representative of …