Systems and Communications Commons^™

Characterization Of On-Road Petrol Vehicle Emissions Patterns In Dar Es Salaam City (Tanzania), Geoffrey John

Tanzania Journal of Engineering and Technology (TJET)

Motor vehicle emissions have been identified to be the major source of air pollution in most urban cities. It has serious impact on urban air quality and public health. The Governments of many countries need to adopt stringent vehicle emissions regulations to protect the air quality, the undertaking of which can only be implemented once the problem at hand is known. In the present study, the characteristics of on road vehicle emissions from the selected local ar~as at the city of Dar es Salaam in a developing country for in-use petrol vehicles for urban driving conditions ranging from idling, lOkm/h …

An Intervention Framework Based On A Complementary Theory Of Organizational Decline, George S. Mwaluko

Tanzania Journal of Engineering and Technology (TJET)

This paper has developed an intervention framework based a complementary theory Of Organization decline. Any management intervention effort is normally based on a certain theory of organizational decline i.e. a theory that explains the causes for failure of organizations. Four major theories Of Organisational decline were identified in the literature, reviewed and integrated into one, presumably more superior, theory of organisational decline. They included the natural selection theory, the resourc+based theory, the theory Of misperception of feed!mck and the contingency theory. The new theory was then used to guide the design of an intervention framework. The framework utas then used …

Towards Effective Online Learning Implementation In Tanzanian Higher Learning Institutions: Obstacles, Challenges And Opportunities, M Victor

Tanzania Journal of Engineering and Technology (TJET)

This paper identifies and discusses several influential factors as well as opportunities, associated with effective- online learning implementation in Tanzanian Higher Learning Institutions (THUs). Fourteen (14) THUs were surveyed, using face-to-face interviews in focus groups. The groups included Lecturers, Heads of ICT Departments, ICT Technical Personnel as well as Admi/:listrative Staff. Results indicate that mostly, problems with effective online implementation in THUs are centred on a severe scarcity of online resources and tools and that the main challenges lie in going beyond the process of integrating technology with their teaching curricular, so that training of both teaching and supporting staffs …

Fault Arrangements And Their Effect On The Performance Of Wireless Sensor Networks, Dwayne Sayone Blai

Electrical & Computer Engineering Theses & Dissertations

Wireless sensor networks face many reliability challenges. The networks are deployed in open, hostile environments, making them easily susceptible to network failure. As a result, there are countless faults that can occur in sensor networks, from component failure to outside attacks. Outside attacks take place when an adversary gains control over a node or set of nodes in the network. Outside attackers can destroy a network in numerous ways such as random attacks, clustering attacks, search-based attacks, etc. The method and strategy used in each of these attacks directly affects the network's reliability. Understanding how these adversaries are positioned is …

The Effects Of Background Traffic On The End-To-End Delay For Video Streaming Applications Over Ieee 802.11b Wlan Networks, Nicola Cranley, Mark Davis

Conference papers

The bursty nature of video streaming applications is due to the frame-based structure of video and this has an important impact on the resource requirements of the WLAN, affecting its ability to provide Quality of Service (QoS) particularly under heavily loaded conditions. In this paper we analyse this bursty behaviour in depth. We show how each video frame is queued at the AP causing the packet delay to vary in a sawtooth manner that is related to the frame rate, the number of packets per video frame, and the packet size. We infer the maximum background traffic load that can …

A General Framework For Analyzing, Characterizing, And Implementing Spectrally Modulated, Spectrally Encoded Signals, Marcus L. Roberts

Theses and Dissertations

Fourth generation (4G) communications will support many capabilities while providing universal, high speed access. One potential enabler for these capabilities is software defined radio (SDR). When controlled by cognitive radio (CR) principles, the required waveform diversity is achieved via a synergistic union called CR-based SDR. Research is rapidly progressing in SDR hardware and software venues, but current CR-based SDR research lacks the theoretical foundation and analytic framework to permit efficient implementation. This limitation is addressed here by introducing a general framework for analyzing, characterizing, and implementing spectrally modulated, spectrally encoded (SMSE) signals within CR-based SDR architectures. Given orthogonal frequency division …

Dual Fine Tracking Control Of A Satellite Laser Communication Uplink, Louis A. Noble

Theses and Dissertations

A dual fine tracking control system (FTCS) is developed for a single aperture optical communication receiver to compensate for high frequency disturbances affecting tracking of two incident laser communication beams. The optical communication receiver resides within a payload module aboard a geosynchronous satellite, while each laser communication transmitter is housed within a module aboard a high altitude unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV). In addition to platform specific disturbances, the impact of atmospheric optical disturbances affecting tracking error are investigated. The system dynamics and FTCS are modeled and evaluated in MATLAB and SIMULINK. An optimal controller is developed to mitigate these disturbances …

Investigation Of Negative Refractive Index In Reciprocal Chiral Materials, Monish Ranjan Chatterjee, Partha P. Banerjee, Pradeep R. Anugula

Electrical and Computer Engineering Faculty Publications

It is well known that there exist both natural materials (such as milk or sugar solution) possessing chiral (or handed) properties, as well as an increasing list of man-made materials (such as sodium bromate) that exhibit chirality. One of the principal properties of chirality is that light of any arbitrary polarization, when propagating through a chiral material, splits up into two circular polarizations propagating in different directions. In the past decade or longer, researchers have investigated electromagnetic transverse (plane) wave propagation across a non-chiral/chiral interface, and determined the electromagnetic Fresnel coefficients for such propagation. Traditionally, such coefficients are derived under …

An Operational Model For Mobile Sensor Cloud Management, Indrajeet Kalyankar

Electrical & Computer Engineering Theses & Dissertations

Mobile sensors provide a safe, cost effective method for gathering information in hazardous environments. When the hazardous environment is either unexplored, such as the surface of Mars, or unanticipated, such as the result of chemical contamination, it is desirable for a system to gather information with a minimal amount of outside control (localization, decision control, etc.) and prepositioned sensors. If one takes a look at the number of the sensors deployed on a scale, at the lower end is the sole, multipurpose sensor unit. The upper end deals with hordes of inexpensive, expendable sensors. In the middle, a cluster of …

Socio-Economic Impacts Of Computer Viruses In Tanzania, M Victor

Tanzania Journal of Engineering and Technology (TJET)

This paper reports on a research project conducted with an objective of identifying and assessing various approaches used by different computer users (Management, System Administrators and end users) in Tanzania to combat computer viruses (CVs), and to assess users' awareness level on CVs. Specifically, the study aimed at assessing the awareness level on CVs to the Tanzanian business community; analyze the socio -economic impact caused by CVs in Tanzania and; assess existing methods, capacity and limitations on controlling CVs in Tanzania. Data was collected using both questionnaires and interview from financial institutions such as NBC and BOT, and telecommunications sector …

Managing Bandwidth And Traffic Via Bundling And Filtration In Large-Scale Distributed Simulations, Roberto C. Sánchez

Theses and Dissertations

Research has shown that bandwidth can be a limiting factor in the performance of distributed simulations. The Air Force's Distributed Mission Operations Center (DMOC) periodically hosts one of the largest distributed simulation events in the world. The engineers at the DMOC have dealt with the difficult problem of limited bandwidth by implementing application level filters that process all DIS PDUs between the various networks connected to the exercise. This thesis examines their implemented filter and proposes: adaptive range-based filtering and bundling together of PDUs. The goals are to reduce the number of PDUs passed by the adaptive filter and to …

Evaluation Of The Effects Of Predicted Associativity On The Reliability And Performance Of Mobile Ad Hoc Networks, Esteban Francisco Sanchez

Theses and Dissertations

Routing in Mobile Ad Hoc Networks (MANETs) presents unique challenges not encountered in conventional networks. Predicted Associativity Routing (PAR) is a protocol designed to address reliability in MANETs. Using associativity information, PAR calculates the expected lifetime of neighboring links. Nodes use this expected lifetime, and their neighbor's connectivity to determine a residual lifetime. The routes are selected from those with the longest residual lifetimes. In this way, PAR attempts to improve the reliability of discovered routes. PAR is compared to AODV using a variety of reliability and performance metrics. Despite its focus on reliability, PAR does not provide more reliable …

Mobius: An Omnidirectional Robotic Platform And Software Architecture For Network Teleoperation, Samuel Aaron Miller

Electrical & Computer Engineering Theses & Dissertations

The following thesis presents the results of a project to develop and test an omnidirectional robotic system (hardware and software) at NASA Langley Research Center's Robotics and Intelligent Machines Lab. The impetus for the project was the unique capabilities of omnidirectional systems. Some of the many potential benefits these systems have include improved material-handling capabilities in constrained environments (such as might be found in extraterrestrial manned habitats), efficient camera-based vehicle teleoperation, and simplified route planning for autonomous robot operations.

The project's focus was to design, build, and test a system that used Mecanum wheels to achieve omnidirectional motion. In addition …

Clarifying The Role Of Self-Efficacy And Metacognition As Indicators Of Learning: Construct Development And Test, Trevor T. Moores, Jerry Cha-Jan Chang, Deborah K. Smith

Management, Entrepreneurship and Technology Faculty Research

We propose extending our understanding of self-efficacy by comparing self-efficacy with a related construct called metacognition. Metacognition involves the monitoring and control of one's thought processes and is often related, as is self-efficacy, to performance on a task. We develop an instrument that attempts to measure both self-efficacy and metacognition with respect to one's performance on a test covering declarative and procedural knowledge (knowing that, and knowing how) of DFDs and ERDs. With data collected from a sample of 124 students, we use partial least squares (PLS) to show that self-efficacy and metacognition are distinct yet related constructs. While self-efficacy …

The Reliability Of The Computer Communication Networks Including Mobile Nodes, Sahin Yasar

Electrical & Computer Engineering Theses & Dissertations

The wireless computer networks have an uncertainty in their structures aside from their big advantages for the users. The environmental conditions, changing locations of the mobile hosts and the changing components in the system can easily affect their reliability. In order to know a system capability performing its functions, keep the reliability at a certain level and/or detect the deficiency of the system, it is necessary to analyze the reliability of a computer communication network including the wired and wireless parts. But the above reasons also make the analysis and a unique solution difficult so a set of algorithms is …

Characterizing The Impact Of Precision Time And Range Measurements From Two-Way Time Transfer Systems On Network Differential Gps Position Solutions, Kendra L. B. Cook

Theses and Dissertations

Precise positioning plays an important role for both military and civilian users, from cell phones and OnStar to precision munitions and swarms of UAVs. Many applications require precise relative positioning of a network of vehicles (such as aircraft, tanks, troops, etc). Currently, the primary means for performing precise positioning is by using the Global Positioning System (GPS), and although GPS has become commonplace in today’s society, there are still limitations affecting the system. Recent advances in dynamic Two-Way Time Transfer (TWTT) have potentially provided a means to improve precise relative positioning accuracy over differential GPS (DGPS)-only approaches. TWTT is a …

Exploiting Semi-Directional Transceivers For Localization In Communication Systems, Andrew S. Crockford

Theses and Dissertations

Localization is the process of determining relative, as well as absolute, positions of communicating devices. Traditionally, the process is conducted using range or directional estimates. In contrast, this research uses weak information to form relatively tight bounds on possible locations of communicating devices. Under certain conditions, achieved location estimation results are strong. However, these results are highly sensitive to the operating conditions of the proposed networks. More significant results were obtained from specialized cases and that the application yields somewhat limited information for a general randomized network topology. Feasible localization results were found to be attainable but not necessarily practical …

Combining Quality Of Service And Topology Control In Directional Hybrid Wireless Networks, Michael C. Erwin

Theses and Dissertations

Recent advancements in information and communications technology are changing the information environment in both quantitative and qualitative measures. The developments in directional wireless capabilities necessitate the ability to model these new capabilities, especially in dynamic environments typical of military combat operations. This thesis establishes a foundation for the definition and consideration of the unique network characteristics and requirements introduced by this novel instance of the Network Design Problem (NDP). Developed are a Mixed-Integer Linear Program (MILP) formulation and two heuristic strategies for solving the NDP. A third solution strategy using the MILP formulation with a degree-constrained Minimum Spanning Tree starting …

Development Of A Wireless Model Incorporating Large-Scale Fading In A Rural, Urban And Suburban Environment, Roger A. Illari

Theses and Dissertations

The goal of this research is to develop a more realistic estimate of received signal strength level as calculated by OPNET. The goal is accomplished by replacing the existing free-space pathloss model used by OPNET with the Hata and COST-231 pathloss models. The calculated received signal strength using the new models behaves similarly to the measured values, with a 0.245 dB difference for 880 MHz and a 1.365 dB difference for 1922 MHz between the pathloss slopes. There is an 11.3 dBm difference between the initial starting signal strength from the calculated values and the measured values. An important aspect …

Performance Analysis Of A Cooperative Search Algorithm For Multiple Unmanned Aerial Vehicles Under Limited Communication Conditions, Kevin M. Morris

Theses and Dissertations

This research investigates the impacts of realistic wireless communications upon a group of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) utilizing a distributed search algorithm. The UAVs are used to survey an area for mobile targets and they require communication to cooperatively locate the targets. The mobile targets do not continually radiate energy, which exacerbates the search effort; a UAV could fly directly over a target and not detect it. A simulation of cooperative UAVs is implemented using the OPNET Modeler network simulation tool. The search performance of a group of UAVs is observed when communication range, data rate, and the number of …

Integrated Antenna For Multiband Multi-National Wireless Combined With Gsm1800/Pcs1900/Imt2000 + Extension, Matthias John, Max Ammann

Articles

A printed triple-band monopole antenna appropriate for use as a terminal antenna in modern wireless multiband systems is proposed. The impedance bandwidth of each band has been optimised using a quasi-Newton technique and the bandwidth includes virtually all wireless bands. Various parameter sweeps are presented which improve our understanding of the antenna, in particular, the effect of groundplane-size and branch-off point on impedance bandwidth and radiation pattern.

Evaluation And Analysis Of Node Localization Power Cost In Ad-Hoc Wireless Sensor Networks With Mobility, Brian A. Sessler

Theses and Dissertations

One of the key concerns with location-aware Ad-hoc Wireless Sensor Networks (AWSNs) is how sensor nodes determine their position. The inherent power limitations of an AWSN along with the requirement for long network lifetimes makes achieving fast and power-efficient localization vital. This research examines the cost (in terms of power) of network irregularities on communications and localization in an AWSN. The number of data bits transmitted and received are significantly affected by varying levels of mobility, node degree, and network shape. The concurrent localization approach, used by the APS-Euclidean algorithm, has significantly more accurate position estimates with a higher percentage …

Least Squares Support Vector Machine Based Classification Of Abnormalities In Brain Mr Images, S. Thamarai Selvi, D. Selvathi, R. Ramkumar, Henry Selvaraj

Electrical & Computer Engineering Faculty Research

The manual interpretation of MRI slices based on visual examination by radiologist/physician may lead to missing diagnosis when a large number of MRIs are analyzed. To avoid the human error, an automated intelligent classification system is proposed. This research paper proposes an intelligent classification technique to the problem of classifying four types of brain abnormalities viz. Metastases, Meningiomas, Gliomas, and Astrocytomas. The abnormalities are classified based on Two/Three/ Four class classification using statistical and textural features. In this work, classification techniques based on Least Squares Support Vector Machine (LS-SVM) using textural features computed from the MR images of patient are …

Selective Advance Reservations Based On Host Movement Detection And Resource-Aware Handoff, Kyounghee Lee, Myungchul Kim, Chansu Yu, Ben Lee, Seungphil Hong

Electrical and Computer Engineering Faculty Publications

This paper proposes a new mechanism, which addresses the excessive advance reservation requirements of QoS guarantee methods for mobile Internet. To save resources for excessive advance reservations, the proposed mechanism employs a movement detection scheme for a mobile host (MH) using link-layer functionalities. With the movement detection scheme, advance reservations can be established at only where a MH is likely to visit soon. Another novel feature of our mechanism is resource-aware handoff direction scheme that allows a MH to choose its next BS according to not only the link-layer signal strength, but also the available amount of …

Synthesis Of High-Temperature Stable Anatase Tio2 Photocatalyst, Suresh Pillai, Declan Mccormack, Michael Seery, Pradeepan Periyat, Steven Hinder, John Colreavy, Reenamol George, Hugh Hayden

Articles

In the absence of a dopant or precursor odification, anatase to rutile transformation in synthetic TiO2 sually ccurs at a temperature of 600 700 °C. Conventionally, metal oxide dopants (e.g., Al2O3 nd SiO2 are used o tune the anatase to rutile transformation. A simple methodology is reported here to extend the anatase utile transformation by employing various concentrations of urea. XRD and Raman spectroscopy were used uring thermal treatment. A significantly higher anatase phase (97%) as been obtained at 800 C with use of a 1:1 Ti(OPr)4 urea composition and 11% anatase composition is etained even after calcining …

Pocket Deformable Mirror For Adaptive Optics Applications, Leonid A. Beresnev, Mikhail Vorontsov, Peter Wangsness

Electrical and Computer Engineering Faculty Publications

Adaptive/active optical elements are designed to improve optical system performance in the presence of phase aberrations. For atmospheric optics and astronomical applications, an ideal deformable mirror should have sufficient frequency bandwidth for compensation of fast changing wave front aberrations induced by either atmospheric turbulences or by turbulent air flows surrounding a flying object (air optical effects). In many applications, such as atmospheric target tracking, remote sensing from flying aircraft, boundary layer imaging, laser communication and laser beam projection over near horizontal propagation paths the phase aberration frequency bandwidth can exceed several kHz. These fast-changing aberrations are currently compensated using relatively …

Adaptive Beam Director For A Tiled Fiber Array, Mikhail Vorontsov, Jim F. Riker, Ernst Polnau, Svetlana Lachinova, Venkata S. Rao Gudimetla

Electrical and Computer Engineering Faculty Publications

We present the concept development of a novel atmospheric compensation system based on adaptive tiled fiber array architecture operating with target-in-the-loop scenarios for directed beam applications. The adaptive tiled fiber array system is integrated with adaptive beam director (ABD). Wavefront control and sensing functions are performed directly on the beam director telescope primary mirror. The beam control of the adaptive tiled fiber array aims to compensate atmospheric turbulence-induced dynamic phase aberrations and results in a corresponding brightness increase on the illuminated extended object. The system is specifically designed for tiled fiber system architectures operating in strong intensity scintillation and speckle-modulation …

Efficient Scheduling For Sdmg Cioq Switches, Mei Yang, S. Q. Zheng

Electrical & Computer Engineering Faculty Research

Combined input and output queuing (CIOQ) switches are being considered as high-performance switch architectures due to their ability to achieve 100% throughput and perfectly emulate output queuing (OQ) switch performance with a small speedup factor S. To realize a speedup factor S, a conventional CIOQ switch requires the switching fabric and memories to operate S times faster than the line rate. In this paper, we propose to use a CIOQ switch with space-division multiplexing expansion and grouped input/output ports (SDMG CIOQ switch for short) to realize speedup while only requiring the switching fabric and memories to operate at the line …