Physical Sciences and Mathematics Commons^™

Game Engine Architecture : A Comprehensive View, Donald Kehoe

Theses

Game development is an ever growing interdisciplinary field. A variety of different skill sets need to come together to create a professional game. These range from art, audio and design through programming and development. It is difficult to isolate the different disciplines in game development since every aspect of the game is co-dependent on everything else. Even in the programming domain there are a number of sub-disciplines that a game can require such as physics programming, environmental programming, artificial intelligence and programming the core game engine, A game can even be developed in a number of different ways depending on …

Road-Based Proactive Routing Protocols For Vehicular Networks, Neeraj Mahadevrao Rajgure

Theses

Vehicular networks are formed by vehicles communicating in an ad hoc manner or through cellular and IEEE 802.11 base stations. Routing in vehicular networks is challenging due to highly dynamic network topologies. Previous research done at the UbiNetS lab at NJIT has proposed the idea of Road-Based using Vehicular Traffic information (RBVT) routing. In RBVT, routes are sequences of road intersections, and geographical forwarding is used for sending packets between the intersections.

This thesis proposes two proactive RBVT protocols (RBVT-P and RBVT-PS) for city-based Vehicular Ad hoc NETworks (VANETs). RBVT-P is a completely distributed protocol that unicasts connectivity packets in …

Sustainable Site Remediation : A Life Cycle Assessment Approach, Harnoor Dhaliwal

Theses

Remediation of contaminated areas is often a resource-intensive activity that itself can create environmental burdens. Life cycle assessment (LCA) was used as a tool to examine the environmental impacts associated with remediation activities. A hypothetical contaminated site with five remediation alternatives was developed for this analysis. The results of Life cycle Impact Assessment (LCIA) indicated that greater site activity in terms of transportation, material and equipment use translated into higher environmental impacts.

A sensitivity analysis was performed to evaluate the environmental impacts further in different time horizons. The results showed that choice of time horizon can have a significant effect …

Rna Secondary Structure Detection Programs With An Emphasis On Covariance Models, Justin Slotman

Theses

RNA secondary structure prediction requires a different approach from traditional alignment methods. Functional RNAs often have their secondary structure better conserved than their primary structure. Covariance models, probabilistic models that utilize stochastic-context-free grammars, are one approach. CMs allow for homology to be detected where purely sequence-based methods would fail. A background on CMs is given, as well as a background of the major classes of non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs). Comparisons are made between some CM-using tools (the Infernal suite and CMfinder) and some other RNA secondary structure tools (CARNAC, miRNAminer, Pfold, Mfold) as well as between Infernal and the primary alignment …

Thermochemistry And Bond Energies Of Nitro -Alkanes, -Alkenes, -Carbonyls And Corresponding Nitrites, Surawee Snitsiriwat

Theses

Density functional and ab initio theory based calculations were performed on a series of nitro -alkanes, -alkenes, carbonyl and corresponding nitrites representing large-scale primary, secondary and tertiary nitro compounds and their radicals resulting from the loss of skeletal hydrogen atoms. Geometries, vibration frequencies and thermochemical properties, ΔfH°₂₉₈, S °(T) and C°p(T) (10K T 5 5000K) are calculated at the individual B3LYP/6-31G(d,p), B3LYP /6-31+G(2d,2p) and composite CBS-QB3 levels. Potential energy barriers for the internal rotations have been computed at the B3LYP/6-31G(d, p) level of theory and the lower barrier contributions are incorporated into entropy and heat capacity data. The …

Calorimetric Study Of Phthalate Adsorption From Solution Onto Silica Adsorbent And Correlation Between Energy And Adsorption Isotherms, Nasima A. Goni

Theses

No abstract provided.

Sustainability Of Potable Water In The Pilbara, Timothy P. Pidhirnyj

Theses

This paper provides an examination of current and future demands on potable (drinking) water in the Pilbara. In this examination, it builds a picture summarizing human habitation in the Pilbara, and the nature in which the Western Australia state and Commonwealth governments assess and manage resources in the Pilbara, state wide, and nationally. Following on, water demand is broken down into its major user groups per town, and future demand is estimated based on publically available documents. It will be shown that water demand in certain areas of the Pilbara will exceed their licensed extraction limits within the next 20 …

Fluoride And Phosphate Glass Whispering Gallery Micro-Resonators, Jonathan Ward

Theses

This PhD work focuses on spherical microlasers made from commercial and experimental laser glasses. The laser light in a microsphere is confined in a region called a whispering gallery mode, which has unique properties that allow for many nonlinear effects to be observed with only sub-mW pump powers. Efficient coupling of light into the microsphere is attained by using adiabatically tapered fibres fabricated using various heating methods including a CO₂ laser, a sapphire tube furnace and electric heaters. However, the best result is obtained using a fibre pulling rig with an oxy-butane torch as the heat source. This system …

Manipulation Tools For Laser-Cooled Rubidium Atoms : Ultrathin Optical Fibres And Magnetic Diffraction Gratings / Michael J. Morrissey., Michael J. Morrissey

Theses

This thesis describes the construction and characterisation of a standard six-beam configuration magneto-optical trap (MOT) used to cool and trap neutral ⁸⁵Rb atoms. This system is capable of producing a cloud of ~10⁸ atoms whose average temperature is in the sub-Doppler range. The fabrication process for the production of subwavelength tapered optical nanofibres (TONFs) is also described, as well as their guiding properties. These have many proposed applications in the field of cold atoms. However, significant technical progress must be made before many of these applications can be realised. The objective of the research work was to combine …

Application Of Multiple Mass Spectrometric Techniques In The Isolation, Determination And Characterisation Of The Marine Toxins; Azaspiracid, Keith O'Callaghan

Theses

The Azaspiracids are a class of polyether marine biotoxins that present a significant health risk to consumers of shellfish. Since their discovery in the late 1990s several human intoxications have been reported, and traced to Irish shellfish farms resulting in closures or harvest rejections. As such incidents involving azaspiracid shellfish poisoning have a major socio-economic impact on communities that rely on shellfish farming revenues.

Recent evidence suggests that azaspiracid poisoning events may become more commonplace. With this increased risk the understanding of azaspiracids mode of action and biological targets becomes crucial. To support these endeavours effective analytical methods need to …

Characterisation Of Immunosensor Surfaces Using Scanning Force Microscopy, Eva Maria Gil Romero

Theses

The overall aim of this thesis was twofold. Firstly, to evaluate how scanning force microscopy (SFM) could be used to characterise the surfaces of immunosensors. Four aspects of immunosensor characteristics where SFM has particular application potential have been identified: (a) immobilisation chemistry and (b) the surface density, (c) orientation and (d) specificity of the immobilised antibodies. Secondly, to examine experimentally how the Explorer SFM instrument could be used for such characterisation.

The Explorer SFM instrument is of an open-loop actuator design that is exposed to the intrinsic inadequacies of piezoelectric actuators. In this regard, careful calibration has shown that achieving …

Automated Network Planning For Industrial Ethernet Networks, Holger Machens

Theses

Engineers usually use computer aided methods to ease the increasingly complex planning task of automation plants. One such computer aided method for automated planning of Industrial Ethernet networks under given network QoS requirements is presented in this thesis. The method is based on partitioning the given set of network nodes according to specified communication relationships between the nodes, thereby creating subsets of nodes which are joined using given networking algorithms. Several networking algorithms may be applicable for each subset of nodes and any complete solution is a combination of several partial solutions, one for each subset of nodes. Enumeration through …

The Geometry Of The Space Of Oriented Geodesics Of Hyperbolic 3-Space, Nikos Georgiou

Theses

In this thesis we construct a Kähler structure (J, Ω, G) on the space L(H³) of oriented geodesics of hyperbolic 3-space H³ and investigate its properties. We prove that (L(H³),J) is biholomorphic to (see thesis pdf), and that the Kähler metric G is of neutral signature, conformally flat and scalar flat.

We establish that the identity component of the isometry group of the metric G on L(H³) is isomorphic to the identity component of the hyperbolic isometry group. We show that the geodesics of G correspond to ruled minimal surfaces in H3, which …

Ultrafast Carrier Dynamics Of An Inas/Gaas Semiconductor Quantum Dot Absorber, Gillian Emma Madden

Theses

High-speed semiconductor quantum dot saturable absorbers have dramatically improved lasers to generate ultrafast optical pulses with a diverse range of applications. The carrier escape and relaxation dynamics of an InAs/GaAs quantum dot absorber waveguide were investigated using a heterodyne pump-probe spectroscopy technique. The measurements of the absorption recovery of the quantum dot waveguide were performed under applied reverse bias utilising both single-colour and two-colour pump probe spectroscopy. The study revealed differences in the intradot relaxation dynamics related to the initial population of the ground state or the excited state of the quantum dots. It was concluded that phonon mediated recovery …

Information Brokerage - A New Approach Using Knowledge Management, Robert Loew

Theses

Traditional knowledge management attempts to store the total enterprise knowledge into IT related structures, but knowledge management strategies should focus also on people and organisations and not just on technology.

This can be addressed in part by communicating knowledge between people, in and across organisations. Such communication focuses on the development and exchange of people’s experience.

This thesis introduces a hybrid knowledge management solution consisting of an automated system that includes people: employees, experts and Knowledge Brokers (KB). The hybrid concept supports the identification of suitable people for certain topics of discussion. Further, it supports the knowledge communication process by …

Development And Characterization Of Sulfur Dioxide Gas Analyzer, Samira Mohamed Saeed Mohamed Baomran

Theses

Sulfur dioxide (SO₂) is considered one of the main contaminants in air because of its major contribution to acid rain and due to the major health concerns associated with exposure to high concentrations of SO₂. Hence, there has been a great interest in the determination of SO₂ because of continuous monitoring its impacts on the environment and public health. However, limited reports targeted SO₂ in gas streams.

Therefore, the primary objective of the present work was to develop affordable gas analyzer for continuous monitoring of SO₂ in gas streams. The principle of operation …

Environmental Catalysis By Nanostructured Chromium Oxides: Methanol Conversion To Dimethyl Ether As A Clean Fuel Alternative, Mariam Humaid Salem Al-Shamisi

Theses

Heterogeneous catalysts which are mainly based on metal particles and metal oxides have shown promising activity and selectivity in several environmental and industrial important reactions. Catalysis plays a key role in chemical and material manufacturing, fuel cells as well as other energy conversion and pollution control systems. Petroleum and fuel industry, in particular, rely largely on heterogeneous catalysis. Since catalysts play such a critical role in essential processes, the search for more effective and selective catalysts continues to be of great importance for both environmental and commercial considerations. The current study focuses on the catalytic conversion of methanol to other …

Influence Of Iron And Iron-Bearing Minerals On Soil Magnetic Properties, Suzan Marwan Ramadan Shahin

Theses

In this study, soil magnetic properties (magnetic susceptibility/ permeability) due to iron and iron bearing minerals have been evaluated by using MS2B on different percentage levels from pure iron, hematite and magnetite content at different conditions. The study shows that soil magnetic behavior has a strong dependency on grain size, temperature, water content, pH and compositional content.

Also, soil electrical behaviors have been studied due to iron and iron bearing minerals by using Impedance/ gain-phase Analyzer on different soil magnetic inclusion at different percentages. The study has established the strong effect of the magnetic inclusion on the measurements of relative …

Utilizing Available Residual Pressure In Fujairah Lines In Bypassing Al Ain Reception Station Considering Transients And Water Hammer Conditions, Hazem Bakri Al Naser

Theses

The objective of this study is to utilize the available residual pressure at Fujairah Transmission lines in order to save energy, operation and maintenance costs, and still deliver the required water to the end users of the distribution network. This has been achieved by bypassing the existing pumping stations (i.e. AARS Reservoir and pumping stations in addition to the local reservoirs and pumping stations of each area). The possibility of transients, surge, and cavitation occurrence was studied via a comprehensive transient simulation to make sure that the proposed bypassing will not have any impact on the upstream transmission system by …

Polymeric Nanofibrous Media For Enhanced Ground Water Filtration, Bothaina Abdulla Al Shamsi

Theses

Water is one of the bulk transportation media for transmission of particulate contaminants. These contaminants are complex mixtures of particles; most of them are usually smaller than 1000 µm in diameter. Chemical and biological aerosols (particulates) are frequently in the range of 1- 10 µm. The particulate matters may carry some adsorbed gaseous contaminants. The removal of particulate and biological contaminants is thus an important step in water purification process. Particulate contaminants if not removed tend to foul reverse osmosis membranes and severely reduce the throughput of the final purification step. The filtration industry is looking for more efficient high …

Evaluation Of Management Options For Groundwater Resources In Khatt Basin Area, Uae Using Gis And Modflow, Nada Buti Khalifa Buthiana Alsuwaidi

Theses

Khatt springs area has been chosen in 1979 to be a major recreational site in Ras Al Khaimah. The outflow water from these springs has been used to irrigate the surrounding farms. In the period 1999-2004, there was a severe drought which affected the flow and water temperature from the spring as the flow decreased to almost one tenth of its average value and temperature decreased from 40 to 33 C. This work is an attempt to develop a GIS-based groundwater flow model for the Khatt springs area with the following main objectives: 1) Characterize the general hydrogeological setting of …

Aspects Of The Microbiological Quality And Safety Of Ready-To-Eat Foods In Sharjah Supermarket Stores, Najla Ali Al-Mualla

Theses

Ready to eat foods covers a wide range of pre-processed food products that are readily eaten by consumers without further processing. Recently, there has been considerable increase in the demand of processed and convenience foods that are mildly pre-cooked, rapidly chilled, portioned and distributed for refrigeration prior to reheating and consumption by consumers. However, some of these foods such as, luncheon meals, ready to eat vegetables, fruit salad, spinach salad, and other deli-style meat and poultry products can be a harbor for pathogenic bacteria that are harmful to health when consumed by people especially with weak immune system.

Unfortunately, these …

Screening For Latent Or Silent Celiac Disease “Gluten-Sensitive Enteropathy” In Uae Adults Nationals, Waheeba Salman Al Zaabi

Theses

No abstract provided.

Integrating Advanced Facades Intro Sustainable Office Buildings In The Emirate Of Abu Dhabi, Uae, Ahmad Omar Balhamar

Theses

Abu Dhabi emirate consume about 130 millions AED in air conditioning electricity bills, this amount is only for 700 buildings in Abu Dhabi City and 300 buildings in Musafah district. Abu Dhabi city consumes 239.70 Kw/m²/year; however Musafah district consumes 179.92 Kw/m²/year. The difference came from different in total area of glass building facades between Abu Dhabi city and Musafah district buildings. Despite the fact that Abu Dhabi is one of the hottest cities in the Gulf region, its modern office buildings are characterized by glass facades. Such a concept comes with increased air conditioning operational …

Water Demand Forecasting In Umm Al Quwain Using The Iwr-Main, Aysha Abdulla Al Mualla

Theses

Water demand forecasting has become an essential component in effective water resources planning and management. It provides valuable trigger in determining the time and the capacity for new water resources development. In the United Arab Emirates, the need for an accurate water demand forecasting becomes particularly important. The reasons for this include, and are not limited to, high temperature throughout the year, high population growth rates, and high development growth.

The main objective of this study is to forecast the water demand in UAQ for the next 25 years using the IWR-MAIN software. Two methods; namely the Constant Use Rate …

The Germination Ecology And Composition Of The Indigenous Seeds Of Cyprus Conglomeratus: A Sand Dune Binder, Sheikha Saeed Amer Al Neyadi

Theses

Cyperus conglomeratus is among few species that tolerate the instability of sand dunes and its low nutrients. This species tolerates grazing animals and sand burial. It is considered as a good fodder for both domestic and wildlife animals. It has the potential to fix sand dunes. In addition, a preliminary observation indicated the presence of high contents of oil in the seeds. Despite the ecological importance of C. conglomeratus, little information is available about germination behaviour and seed composition. The present study assessed the dormancy, germination requirement, tolerance to salinity and drought during germination stage, the impact of dormancy regulation …

Antibiotic Resistance Of Helicobacter Pylori Strains In The United Arab Emirates And Its Relation To The Gene Associated To Gastric Cancer “Cag A Gene”, Wafa Ali Rashid Al-Tayyari

Theses

Helicobacter pylori is a flagellated corkscrew, slow growing neutrophilic gram negative ureolytic organism. It has an extraordinary ability to establish infection in human stomach that can last for years or decades. Its eradication remains an important public health challenge especially in light of broadening indications and increasing antimicrobial resistance.

AIM: i) Identification of H. pylori in UAE patients ii) Determination of the prevalence of antibiotic resistance genes (mutation in 23S rRNA gene in clarithromycin, and deletion in RdxA gene in metronidazole) among H. pylori strains isolated from U.A.E patients by using molecular methods, iii) Ascertain whether Cag A- positive H. …

Germination Ecology Of Two Indigenous Range Grasses Lasiurus Scindicus And Panicum Turgidum, Naeema Sultan Abdullah Al-Shamisi

Theses

The utilization of indigenous forage species to replace the exotic ones could help in saving large amounts of water. The indigenous forage grasses Lasiurus scindicus and Panicum turgidum have been ranked among the plants that could tolerate drought during vegetative and reproductive stages and are currently being successfully used as fodders under experimental conditions in the UAE and in some parts of the world. However, there are no enough information about their dormancy and the environmental factors affecting their seed germination. In this study, the innate dormancy, light and temperature requirements, drought and salinity tolerances and the impact of dormancy …

Development Of A Gis Database For Water Resources Management In Ajman Emirate, Uae., Mohammad Rehan Yusuf

Theses

The lack of freshwater resources represents a major constraint against the sustainable development in arid and semi-arid regions. Because of the scarcity and randomness nature of rainfall in arid regions, surface water resources are almost absent. Groundwater resources are always under stress and in many cases do not suffice the water demands for different sectors. Desalination plants are widely constructed to substitute for the water shortage. The UAE, including Ajman emirate, is witnessing a rapid development in the industrial, commercial, construction and agricultural fields which has led to a tremendous increase in water demands.

Proper management of the limited water …

Workplace Privacy: An Environmental-Behaviour Analysis Of Etisalat Offices In Al-Ain, Latefa Ali Saleh Ahmad Alkuwaiti

Theses

The purpose of this study was to explore environmental quality factors in the workplace and to examine the level of job satisfaction among the employees of Etisalat Al-Ain through three main factors: visual privacy, acoustical privacy and social interaction. The theoretical and conceptual elements of the study evolved from the literature of office history, behaviour studies, building performance evaluation and job satisfaction.

Data were gathered in two stages, first phase with a population of 10 and second stage with 100 subjects of Etisalat employees, including both those working in open plan workstations and those who work in enclosed offices.

Using …