Science and Technology Studies Commons^™

The Stream Of Life, Yitao Yuan

Masters Theses

The repetitive engagement with technological objects erases the depth of emotion by creating habits that bypass embodied and erotic pleasures and lead to a de-sexualized form of technology fetishism. The stimuli produced by machines that humans engage with are not able to convey the strength of intimacy between humans. Such virtual stimuli as the words and images produced and mediated through modern machines continuously shape conscious perception. This thesis book is split into two sections: a theoretical text and a series of images and explanations about my installation practice and process. They both seek to investigate the intersection of human …

Curriculum Development For Computer Numerical Control Course, Brad Curry

Masters Theses

This study analyzed the past Machine Tool Advanced Skills Technology (MAST), and the National Institute for Metalworking Skills, Inc (NIMS) standards of workforce competency to be used to develop a curriculum, learning objectives and skill sets need by industry for a course on CNC machining. Instructional methods and strategies for delivery were determined for best practices. The coursework was designed and delivered, with an analysis of student learning based on learning objectives performed. Students were surveyed in regard to their understanding of the material covered in the course.

Categories of knowledge needed include machining knowledge about tooling and tool selection, …

A Thermal Conversion Efficiency Study On Biomass Gasification Of Arundo Donax And Woodchips, Wei Wang

Masters Theses

The threat of energy depletion and greenhouse gas effect prove that fossil fuels are no longer sustainable for wide use. Thus, looking for alternative energy resources that are sustainable for use, environmentally friendly as well as regionally available is a challenge for current researchers. Biomass gasification is a process that turns solid biomass into combustible syn-gas. The identification of appropriate fuel sources for biomass gasification facilities in a particular region is significant from both energy and economic efficiency perspective.

This research developed three methods to calculate thermal conversion efficiency for biomass gasification using a downdraft laboratory scale gasification system. These …

Evaluating The Effectiveness Of The All Power Labs Power Pallet As A Training Tool For Biomass Gasification Education, Christopher Che Frederick

Masters Theses

The purpose of this study was to provide a better understanding of classroom training with regard to renewable energies. A lecture series and survey were developed by the principle researcher and presented to students in the Alternative and Renewable Energy Systems class and Machine Design class at Eastern Illinois University. The lecture series introduced students to biomass gasification and its application at Eastern Illinois University. The survey analyzed participant's level of knowledge of gasification technologies. The survey's pre and post test scores were used to validate the effectiveness of the training.

The All Power Labs Power Pallet was utilized as …

Manufacturing Process And The Integration Process Needed To Create A Streamline Work Cell For Instruction At The University Level Course, Nicholas J. Savitzky

Masters Theses

Current manufacturing standards expect excellence in part utilization and timely delivery on production. The processes in which parts are manufactured play a pivotal roll in the potential success or failure of a business.

The software industry and the manufacturing sector have combined over the years to create a process of joining machining and computers. This alliance of two worlds enables the machinist to create a part with reduced scrap and low costs.

This research examined multiple programs in order to map out the best process in which to use to illustrate the manufacturing processes that are currently used in today's …

Instructional Technology Resistance Levels Among University Faculty, Katie Glaze

Masters Theses

The purpose of the study was to contribute to a better understanding of resistance to instructional technology among university faculty. Siegel's (2008) Resistance to Instruction Technology questionnaire was employed to full-time faculty members working at a mid-west regional state university. Results from 226 respondents (37% of population) reported low levels of technology resistance. Further, respondents gave insight to their perceptions, attitudes, and actual use of instructional technology. Finally, recommendations for practitioners related resistance to instructional technology were discussed.

Necessary Competencies For Computer-Based Construction Estimating Curriculum: Delphi Study Of An Expert Panel, Ryan Schulz

Masters Theses

Universities are continuously updating curriculum to meet the needs of students entering the work force in an ever competitive environment. The construction industry is not immune to this competition and in need of competent estimators proficient in producing highly detailed estimates with the aid of computer based estimating programs.

This study set out to find necessary competencies for college students learning how to use computer based estimating programs that can be transferred to real world situations upon graduation. Using a modified Delphi technique, a panel of experts was established from the construction industry and academia too accurately obtain a set …

Methodology For Evaluating Statistical Equivalence In Face Recognition Using Live Subjects With Dissimilar Skin Tones, Bryan Baker

Masters Theses

The question sought in this study is whether there is a significant statistical difference between a facial recognition system's ability to recognize dark or light skin tone subjects. In addition to the direct comparison of results from two different populations, this study also examines four factors commonly effecting facial recognition systems. The four factors tested were angle of the camera viewing the subject; both horizontally to the left and right, as well as vertically, both above and below the subject's line of sight.

Additionally, the distance the subjects are from the camera, and then intensity of the illumination on the …

Mentor Perceptions Of Closure In Formal Youth Mentoring Relationships, Anna Maria Peterson

Masters Theses

In formal community-based youth mentoring relationships, mentors and mentees travel through phases of a relationship from inception through closure. To form an understanding of mentor perceptions of the closure phase of those relationships, a Glaserian grounded theory survey was conducted. Mentors located in central Illinois participated in the survey providing their perceptions, insights and experiences regarding the closure phase of the youth mentoring relationships in which they were involved.

Key Factors Affecting Color Reproduction On T-Shirt Fabrics Using Heat Transfer Printing, Molly Frank

Masters Theses

Dye sublimation heat transfer printing is commonly used to transfer an image to fabric for small production runs. This process is very inexpensive and is very quick. Unlike digitally printing on fabric, there is no need to treat the fabric once the image has been transferred onto it. Heat transfer printing is also commonly used due to the fact that three different factors can be controlled while printing. These three factors are the temperature, the dwell time, and the pressure. Color reproduction is easy to do once the correct combination of these three factors is found. The temperature, time, and …

Improvements To Vertical Axis Wind Turbine Blades To Aid In Self-Starting, Joseph P. Tillman

Masters Theses

No abstract provided.

Design And Evaluation Of Laboratory Practices For An Advanced Computer Networking Curriculum, Jorgealberto Zetino

Masters Theses

Educators in the area of computer networking face the challenge of developing successful academic courses that can increase students' comprehension and interest while improving their competitiveness in the job market. This situation requires the development of a curriculum with emphasis on current industry needs and practical activities that can provide students with hands-on experience. This study focuses on the development oflaboratory practices in three areas of significant importance for the industry: network security, wireless networks and voice over IP. The objectives of the laboratory practices are to improve the use of equipment in the telecommunication laboratory at Eastern Illinois University, …

The Effects Of Teaching Styles On Student Knowledge, Ryan Devries

Masters Theses

This study analyzed the effects that the instructor has in determining if student knowledge of a given subject is significantly impacted when teaching styles differ. The study examined the effects of the independent variable (learning through instruction style) on the one dependent variable: knowledge (gained and retained).

Traditional educational methods often vary between instructors, even when those instructors teach the same course. Teachers' objectives are to present the course information in a way that will be the most beneficial to the student. The teachers have to consider situational factors, goals for the course, learning styles, and level of learning. "In …

Analysis Of Team Trust Building Behaviors In Virtual Workplace Teams, Natasha Von Sommer

Masters Theses

Teams are becoming increasingly vital to many organizations. Due to globalization organizations have started to utilize virtual workplace teams. Members of virtual workplace teams typically interact electronically however they may occasionally meet face-to-face. It can be difficult for a virtual workplace team to succeed due to anonymity, lack of control, lack of physical proximity, inefficiencies in information technology and lack of trust. Trust is a key factor in the success of a virtual workplace team. Trust is examined to determine which trust building behavior is most effective at building virtual workplace team trust.

Facial Recognition System Screening Evaluation Methodology For Complexion Biases, Harold Harris

Masters Theses

Over the years, facial recognition systems (FRS) have come under scrutiny from watchdog groups who voice their complaints concerning the potential existence of FRS biases towards certain cultures of people when deployed in security screening situations. Psychology has used the term "other-race effect" to describe this occurrence in humans. Researchers of FRS have used the theory behind the other-race effect to describe the occurrence of bias associated with algorithms tested during the Face Recognition Vendor Test of 2006. In this thesis, we develop a scientific methodology based on the factors of illumination, distance, and angle to evaluate whether or not …

The Relationship Between The Myers-Briggs Type Indicator And The Dispositional Resistance To Change Scale, Thomas A. Rausch

Masters Theses

The purpose of this study was to contribute to a better understanding of relationship between resistance to change and personality preference types. A survey was developed and administered to graduate students in the School of Technology at Eastern Illinois University. A total of 33 students responded. The surveys compared levels of resistance to organizational change to Myers Briggs Type Indicator preference types on each indices of personality. Results of this study indicated that the level of resistance to change based upon personality preference types is not significant. Recommendations for practice and recommendations for further research are discussed.

Exploration Of A Method For Constructing An Industrial Ethernet With Ethernet Enabled Devices In An Industrial Environment Using A Cisco Adaptive Security Appliance, Uros Marjanovic

Masters Theses

Industrial computing has been around for quite some time. It has just recently begun to show its true potential. Over recent years programmable logic controllers, or PLC, have become an integral part of an industrial operation; they have also become more and more powerful, faster and more accurate. One of the most current evolutions has been the integrated addition of Ethernet com1ectivity to these devices, previous to this a serial connection was used which is extremely slow and not always reliable. The addition of networking these devices has opened the door to many possibilities such as remote device control, increased …

Training Delivery Methods Utilized By Illinois American Society Of Training And Development (Astd) Members, Kimberly S. Ervin

Masters Theses

The purpose of this study was to contribute to a better understanding of training for the state of Illinois and identify training delivery methods currently being utilized by the American Society of Training and Development (ASTD) Illinois members. A survey was developed and made available to members of all five Illinois ASTD chapters. A total of 169 Illinois ASTD members responded. The survey created an inventory of all training delivery methods used and identified the most utilized training and delivery method and most perceived effective training and delivery method. The majority of respondents indicated the single most utilized training and …

Development Of Learning Objectives For An Undergraduate Electrical Discharge Machining Technology Course Using The Delphi Technique, Aaron Harmon

Masters Theses

The purpose of this Delphi study was to develop comprehensive learning objectives that support undergraduates' acquisition of knowledge and skills of the Electrical Discharge Machining (EDM) processes and procedures. This study reflects learning objectives created for EDM. The learning objectives were derived by utilizing a panel of experts from academia and industry involved with EDM. The results of this study are intended for use when creating an instructional module for undergraduate machining studies.

A panel of experts was chosen through recommendations from members of an engineering and technology listserv. Two successive rounds of Delphi instruments were utilized to complete a …

Anxiety, Graduate Students, And New Student Orientation Programs: A Quantitative Study, Megan M. Hullinger

Masters Theses

The purpose of this study is to analyze the anxiety levels of incoming graduate students at a Midwest regional state university and determine if an online graduate student orientation program assists in lowering those levels. The researcher used the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory Form Y-1 (STAI) to measure state anxiety levels before and after the orientation program was administered. Each participating student completed a pre- and post-test in conjunction with the online orientation program. Once the information was received, the researcher analyzed the data using a paired t test to determine if the orientation program lowered anxiety levels for incoming graduate …

Development Of Face Recognition System Using Verilook Software Development Kit, Paras Pradhan

Masters Theses

With built-in libraries and functions, VeriLook Software Development Kit (SDK) provides interfaces for biometric face recognition systems. This research was conducted to gain experience in the development of face recognition system using VeriLook SDK. A prototype named FRECPROJ was developed using the SDK. Major functions were implemented in the prototype, including face enrollment and match using still image files, live streaming with a web camera, or video files.

Through this research, it was realized that a typical face recognition system performs enrollment, verification and identification functions. A single image consisting of a single face is enrolled and the enrolled template …

Automated Estimation Of Time Codes For Captioning Digital Media, Daniel P. Harvey Ii

Masters Theses

Captioning provides accessibility to media resources for deaf and hearingimpaired persons and is mandated by federal and state laws such as the Americans with Disabilities Act. However, the process of creating synchronized captions for media is time consuming and labor intensive. Consequently, many content providers still do not incorporate captions into media presentations on the web.

In this research, algorithms were developed to automate part of the captioning process by estimating the timing of captions for web-based audio and video files using plain-text transcripts and their corresponding audio recordings. Recordings used in this study were of professional speakers/readers from American …

A Correlation Study Between Employee Perception And Customer Satisfaction In An Automotive Manufacturing Corporation, Jason Travis Felton

Masters Theses

Organizations may be able to utilize internal measures of customer and employee satisfaction in order to get a head start on potential customer satisfaction issues. Correlation analysis is employed to determine significance between measures of employee perception and the pulse of customer satisfaction. Employee perceptions and external customer satisfaction metrics are quantified across 3 manufacturing sites to determine relationships between key indicators. Validated survey questions are compiled statistically in composite groups in order to evaluate employee perceptions of customer satisfaction efforts and employee satisfaction efforts. Results are evaluated using Pearson product moment "r". Results indicate a positive correlation exists between …

A Study Of Knowledge Management Used For Managing Quality Systems In Selected Manufacturing Organizations In Coles And Effingham Counties, Merlin Haryati

Masters Theses

The globalization and information revolutions increase the complexity and competition resulting in a business environment that is no longer stable and static. Executives of all organizations face the challenge of adopting new management practices to keep their organizations vibrant in a rapidly changing technological business world. Knowledge management is one of the emerging fields that promise workplace improvements by putting the tacit knowledge of the company into use.

The emergence of knowledge management in the year 2000 caused organizations to realize that their intellectual assets are central to their survival. Managing and harvesting these assets is the focus of knowledge …

Inventory Management Improvement Techniques, James Lanman

Masters Theses

An inventory management system that does not ensure inventory record accuracy greatly reduces the ability of a company to control inventory levels and fulfill customer requirements. This study investigated how two principles of inventory management affected three business metrics: on-time delivery, inventory record accuracy, and inventory level management.

Eight manufacturers of aircraft parts and equipment in northeastern lllinois responded to a survey created to analyze the effects of ABC classification of inventory and cycle counting techniques on inventory management. Survey data were collected via teleconference with a representative of each manufacturer.

Half of the manufacturers reported using ABC inventory classification …

Implementation Of An Open Source Enterprise Resource Planning (Erp) System, Jing Shao

Masters Theses

Characterized with free access, free distribution and high adaptability, open source ERP system provides an alternative to the high cost of adopting an ERP system in small and medium-sized business (SMB). This research explored the possibility of adopting open source ERP system in SMB, with Compiere -- a typical open source ERP system. The ERP system was designed and customized for a fictitious computer manufacturing company. Major processes including partner relations, quote to invoice, requisition to invoice, material management, and project management were implemented.

Through this research, it was realized that necessary procedures of implementing an open source ERP system …

Web-Driven Database For E-Manufacturing Using Unified Modeling Language, Kaihong He

Masters Theses

E-manufacturing technology is enabling manufacturing companies to provide their customers with mass customization, from traditional mass production. This thesis explored how e-manufacturing strategy can be implemented using various technology to better serve customers and to efficiently manage inventory for manufacturing operations. In this study, a virtual computer manufacturing company was used to model e-manufacturing process in terms of customer interactions and inventory management. A web-driven database of inventory management was developed with Rational Unified Process. The e-manufacturing computing architecture was modeled in Unified Modeling Language.

The project implemented the e-manufacturing architecture using Java technology and Oracle database. Java Server Page …

Design And Implementation Of A Networked Control System, Mi Chen

Masters Theses

One of the major challenges faced by modem control systems is to integrate the computing, communication, and control into different levels of operations and information processes. The current practice to tackle these control problems focuses on distributed implementation of control systems. A Networked Control System (NCS) is one type of distributed control systems where the control loop is operated over a communication network.

This thesis discusses the structure and hierarchical model of a typical NCS, The prototype combines both network and control theory, addresses the detailed procedures on design, configuration, integration and implementation of a process control via communication network. …

Computer Security Perceptions Of Students Attending The School Of Technology At Eastern Illinois University, David C. Fulton

Masters Theses

Computer security is a major concern that demands attention. Computer viruses and other security risks proliferate on a daily basis. In the academic environment several disciplines of learning may share a common network or computer environment. This situation presents a number of challenges for a university. Allowing access to the Internet yet protecting the interests of the school can be a difficult undertaking. Data protection and the liabilities associated with protecting data is a major undertaking for a university.

This thesis examines the perceptions of students attending the School of Technology at Eastern Illinois University in the area of computer …

Cultural Competency In Healthcare: How Effective Are Cultural Diversity Training Modules Developed By The University Of Illinois, College Of Nursing,, Linda M. Moore

Masters Theses

Cultural diversity is a core part of our country and its impact has significant implications for quality health care delivery throughout the United States. The need for culturally competent health care services for diverse populations is gaining attention from health providers and educators. Cultural competency is about delivering quality patient care while demonstrating cultural awareness, respect, and concern for other cultures and social groups. Generally there has been a lack of research in the area of cultural competency in health care and the effectiveness of cultural competency training programs on health care providers. The purpose of this study was to …