Computer Science , geometric design , b-spline , triangular surfaces

For modelling curves, B-splines [3] are among the most versatile control schemes. However, scaling this technique to surface patches has proven to be a non-trivial endeavor. While a suitable scheme exists for rectangular patches in the form of tensor product B-splines, techniques involving the triangular domain are much less spectacular. The current cutting edge in triangular B-splines [2] is the DMS-spline. While the resulting surfaces possess high degrees of continuity, the control scheme is a...

Computer Science , Alborz , Query language , Approximate graph matching , Component , Connector , Constraint , Architecture recovery environment , Software views , Data mining , High-level view , Architectural pattern , Graph pattern , Graph representation , Graph modeling , Graph e

Pattern matching approaches in reverse engineering aim to incorporate domain knowledge and system documentation in the software architecture extraction process, hence provide a user/tool collaborative environment for architectural design recovery. This thesis presents a model and an environment for recovering the high level design of legacy software systems based on user defined architectural patterns and graph matching techniques. In the proposed model, a high-level view of a software system in...

Physics & Astronomy , Chemistry , BeH , Born-Oppenheimer , Diatomic , Emission , Fourier , GeO , Infrared , MgH , Molecule , Molecular , Radical , Spectra , Spectroscopy , Spectrum , Transform , Transient , Species , Unstable , WO

The procedures and results of experimental and/or theoretical studies of four transient molecules, GeO, WO, BeH, and MgH are reported in the thesis. Two of them, GeO and WO, are diatomic molecules composed of relatively heavy atoms, and the other two are diatomic molecules with hydrogen as one of their component atoms. The GeO species was generated using a high temperature furnace. The rovibrational spectrum of five isotopomers were detected in emission using a Bruker IFS 120 HR Fourier transfor...

Physics & Astronomy , general relativity , extra dimensions , brane world scenarios , Kaluza-Klein theory , Space-Time-Matter theory

In this thesis, we study various aspects of physics in higher-dimensional manifolds involving a single extra dimension. After giving some historical perspective on the motivation for studying higher-dimensional theories of physics, we describe classical tests for a non-compact extra dimension utilizing test particles and pointlike gyroscopes. We then turn our attention to the problem of embedding any given <i>n</i>-dimensional spacetime within an (<i>n&a...

Computer Science , ferret , computer aided geometric design , surface pasting , tensor product B-splines , hierarchical modelling

Ferrets are amusing, flexible creatures that have been under represented in computer models. Because their bodies can assume almost any curved shape, splines are the natural tool for modelling ferrets. Surface pasting is a hierarchical method of modelling with spline surfaces, where features are added onto a base surface. Existing surface pasting techniques are limited to modelling rectilinear shapes. Using the task of modelling a ferret as a driving force, I propose a method of pasting cylinder...

Computer Science , Shortest Path Query , Spatial Database , Pruning Algorithm

Many variations of algorithms for finding the shortest path in a large graph have been introduced recently due to the needs of applications like the Geographic Information System (GIS) or Intelligent Transportation System (ITS). The primary subjects of those algorithms are materialization and hierarchical path views. Some studies focus on the materialization and sacrifice the pre-computational costs and storage costs for faster computation of a query. Other studies focus on the shortest-path alg...

Mathematics , quantum , causal , de Broglie , Bohm , interpretation , hydrogen , foundations , trajectories , relaxation

The de Broglie-Bohm causal interpretation of quantum mechanics is discussed, and applied to the hydrogen atom in several contexts. Prominent critiques of the causal program are noted and responses are given; it is argued that the de Broglie-Bohm theory is of notable interest to physics. Using the causal theory, electron trajectories are found for the conventional Schrödinger, Pauli and Dirac hydrogen eigenstates. In the Schrödinger case, an additional term is used to account fo...

Mathematics , postman problems , mixed graphs , approximation algorithms , combinatorial optimization

The <i>mixed postman problem</i> consists of finding a minimum cost tour of a mixed graph <i>M</i> = (<i>V</i>,<i>E</i>,<i>A</i>) traversing all its edges and arcs at least once. We prove that two well-known linear programming relaxations of this problem are equivalent. The <i>extra cost</i> of a mixed postman tour <i&g...

Computer Science , descriptive complexity , mathematical discovery , second-order existential logic , theorem proving

We explore the possibility of automating <i>NP</i>-hardness reductions. We motivate the problem from an artificial intelligence perspective, then propose the use of second-order existential (<i>SO</i>∃) logic as representation language for decision problems. Building upon the theoretical framework of J. Antonio Medina, we explore the possibility of implementing seven syntactic operators. Each operator transforms <i&...

Computer Science , topic spread , topic flow signals , topic characterization , topic words , topic word selectors , topic relevance measures

This work aims at studying the effect of word position in text on understanding and tracking the content of written text. In this thesis we present two uses of word position in text: topic word selectors and topic flow signals. The topic word selectors identify important words, called <i>topic words</i>, by their spread through a text. The underlying assumption here is that words that repeat across the text are likely to be more relevant to the main topic of the text ...

Mathematics , DRM , Digital Rights Management , Code Obfuscation

Digital Rights Management (DRM) involves retaining control over digital information, even after it has been made public. Preventing illegal file sharing on the Internet, which is a topic that has recently received a large amount of media attention, is just one instance where DRM is needed. In this thesis, we attempt to create formal definitions for DRM. Currently, there is a lack of such formal definitions, which is one reason why DRM schemes have achieved little success. We will also examine tw...

Computer Science , Hierarchical modelling , tensor product surfaces , splines

Surface pasting is an interactive hierarchical modelling technique used to construct surfaces with varying levels of local detail. The concept is similar to that of the physical process of modelling with clay, where features are placed on to a base surface and attached by a smooth join obtained by adjusting the feature. Cylindrical surface pasting extends this modelling paradigm by allowing for two base surfaces to be joined smoothly via a blending cylinder, as in attaching a clay head to the bo...

Computer Science , state complexity , monoids , formal languages , regular languages

In this thesis, we cover the general topic of state complexity. In particular, we examine the bounds on the state complexity of some different representations of regular languages. As well, we consider the state complexity of the operation root(<i>L</i>). We give quick treatment of the deterministic state complexity bounds for nondeterministic finite automata and regular expressions. This includes an improvement on the worst-case lower bound for a regular expression, ...

Computer Science , BRANCHING , BRANCHING STRATEGY , CONSTRAINT , CONSTRAINT SATISFACTION PROBLEM , CONSTRAINT PROGRAMMING , DOMAIN SPLITTING , K-WAY BRANCHING , 2-WAY BRANCHING , BACKTRACKING SEARCH , VARIABLE ORDERING , HEURISTIC , OPTIMIZATION , DOMAIN SIZE , LEAST COMMITMENT

Many real life problems can be formulated as constraint satisfaction problems <i>(CSPs)</i>. Backtracking search algorithms are usually employed to solve <i>CSPs</i> and in backtracking search the choice of branching strategies can be critical since they specify how a search algorithm can instantiate a variable and how a problem can be reduced into subproblems; that is, they define a search tree. In spite of the apparent importance of the b...

Optometry & Ophthalmology , anterior segment , cornea , tear film , dry eye , ocular discomfort

<b>Purpose:</b> Assess the relationship between tear film drying and sensation between blinks. <b>Methods:</b> MATLAB sampled a slitlamp video camera, a potentiometer and a microphone while subjects kept one eye open for as long as possible. 23 subjects rated the intensity of the ocular sensation while video and voice data were collected simultaneously. The tear drying on the cornea was measured. <b>Results:</b> ...

Civil & Environmental Engineering , snow , hydrological modelling , hydrology

The cryosphere is defined as the portions of the earth where water is in solid form. It represents a very important part of the hydrologic cycle, affecting ecological, human and climate systems. A number of component models describing the energy and mass balances of a snowpack have been developed and these component models are finding their way into watershed models and land surface schemes. The purpose of this thesis is to examine the incorporation of a number of snow processes in the coupled l...

Civil & Environmental Engineering , ventilation , cladding , moisture , hygrothermal , building enclosure

Control of moisture and heat flow through building enclosure assemblies is a critical component of overall building performance. This thesis shows that significant drying of moisture in wall assemblies is possible and that ventilation of cladding significantly increases the rate of drying in some assemblies without having detrimental impact on the enclosures thermal performance. A review found that thermal and moisture buoyancy, wind pressure gradients and mechanical equipment drive ventilation ...

Environmental Studies , waterfront development , stakeholders , phases

Waterfront development has been an issue of wide concern and extensive discussion since the 1970s. This study provides more insight into the phenomenon by applying the existing knowledge to a different political and economic context. A “phased model” is proposed as a “prototype” of waterfront development. It analyzes waterfront development as a series of five temporal stages, i. e. pre-start-up, start-up, early development, mega projects and maturity. Each of ...

Computer Science , Combinatorics on words

The study of combinatorics on words dates back at least to the beginning of the 20th century and the work of Axel Thue. Thue was the first to give an example of an infinite word over a three letter alphabet that contains no squares (identical adjacent blocks) <i>xx</i>. This result was eventually used to solve some longstanding open problems in algebra and has remarkable connections to other areas of mathematics and computer science as well. In this thesis we primaril...

Electrical & Computer Engineering , Performance , Coding , Communications , Invariance , Series

Certain properties of optimal bitwise APP (A Posteriori Probability) decoding of binary linear block codes are studied. The focus is on the Probability Density Function (<i>pdf</i>) of the bit Log-Likelihood-Ratio (<i>LLR</i>). A general channel model with discrete (not necessarily binary) input and discrete or continuous output is considered. It is proved that under a set of mild conditions on the channel, the <i>pdf</...

Mechanical Engineering , Thermal Contact Resistance , Sphere Flat Contacts , Surface Roughness , Thermal Conductance , Pressure Distribution

As a result of manufacturing processes, real surfaces have roughness and surface curvature. The real contact occurs only over microscopic contacts, which are typically only a few percent of the apparent contact area. Because of the surface curvature of contacting bodies, the macrocontact area is formed, the area where microcontacts are distributed randomly. The heat flow must pass through the macrocontact and then microcontacts to transfer from one body to another. This phenomenon leads to a rel...

Computer Science

This thesis concerns combinatorics on words. I present many results in this area, united by the common themes of periodicity and repetition. Most of these results have already appeared in journal or conference articles. Chapter 2 – Chapter 5 contain the most significant contribution of this thesis in the area of combinatorics on words. Below we give a brief synopsis of each chapter. Chapter 1 introduces the subject area in general and some background information. Chapter 2 and Chap...

Computer Science , texture mapping , cache , sparse texture

Hardware texture mapping is essential for real-time rendering. Unfortunately the memory bandwidth and latency often bounds performance in current graphics architectures. Bandwidth consumption can be reduced by compressing the texture map or by using a cache. However, the way a texture map occupies memory and how it is accessed affects the pattern of memory accesses, which in turn affects cache performance. Thus texture compression schemes and cache architectures must be designed in conjunction w...

Mathematics , delay differential equations , DDE , Perron-Frobenius operator , ergodic theory , densities , chaos

Systems whose time evolutions are entirely deterministic can nevertheless be studied probabilistically, <em>i. e. </em> in terms of the evolution of probability distributions rather than individual trajectories. This approach is central to the dynamics of ensembles (statistical mechanics) and systems with uncertainty in the initial conditions. It is also the basis of ergodic theory--the study of probabilistic invariants of dynamical systems--which provides one framewo...

Earth Sciences , nitrate , isotopes , forested catchments , nitrification , wetlands , forest harvest

<p class=MsoNormal><span style="mso-spacerun: yes">          </span>Stable isotopic analysis of nitrate (<sup>15</sup>N/<sup>14</sup>N and <sup>18</sup>O/<sup>16</sup>O) was used to trace nitrate sources and cycling under undisturbed conditions and follow...

DNA-Binding Proteins. NF-kappa B. Retroviridae Proteins, Oncogenic.

Thesis (Ph. D.)--University of Missouri--Columbia, 1998. | "May 1998." Typescript. Vita. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 172-189). Also available on the Internet.

Cell Nucleus DNA-Binding Proteins. Molecular Sequence Data. NF-kappa B. Retroviridae Proteins, Oncogenic.

Thesis (Ph. D.)--University of Missouri--Columbia, 1998. | "May 1998." Typescript. Vita. Includes bibliographical references (l. 325-355). Also available on the Internet.

DNA-binding proteins. Retroviruses. Oncogenic viruses. DNA-Binding Proteins. NF-kappa B. Retroviridae Proteins, Oncogenic.

Thesis (Ph. D.)--University of Missouri--Columbia, 1998. | Typescript. Vita. Includes bibliographical references (leaves : 172-189). Also available on the Internet.

Cell nuclei DNA-binding proteins. Retroviruses. Oncogenic viruses. Cell Nucleus DNA-Binding Proteins. Molecular Sequence Data. NF-kappa B. Retroviridae Proteins, Oncogenic.

Thesis (Ph. D.)--University of Missouri--Columbia, 1998. | Typescript. Vita. Includes bibliographical references (leaves : 325-355). Also available on the Internet.

Television advertising. Smoking. Cigarette habit. Advertising Advertising, Public service. Television programs, Public service. Antismoking movement.

Thesis (Ph. D.)--University of Missouri-Columbia, 1998. | Typescript. Vita. Includes bibliographical references (leaves [121]-137). Also available on the Internet.

Total quality management in education. School environment. Employee empowerment.

Thesis (Ed. D.)--University of Missouri-Columbia, 1998. | Typescript. Vita. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 191-197). Also available on the Internet.

Television advertising. Smoking. Cigarette habit. Advertising Advertising, Public service. Television programs, Public service. Antismoking movement.

Thesis (Ph. D.)--University of Missouri-Columbia, 1998. | Typescript. Vita. Includes bibliographical references (leaves [121]-137). Also available on the Internet.

Total quality management in education. School environment. Employee empowerment.

Thesis (Ed. D.)--University of Missouri-Columbia, 1998. | Typescript. Vita. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 191-197). Also available on the Internet.

Sennacherib, Palestine

Thesis (M.A.)--Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary, South Hamilton, MA, 1995. | Abstract and vita. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 165-173).

Pentecostal Assemblies of Canada Potter s Wheel School of Ministry (Kamloops, B.C.) Laity Theology

Thesis (D. Min.)--Trinity International University, 2002. | Abstract. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 224-227).

Blake, William, Imagination Visions in the Bible. Visions in literature.

Thesis (M.A.R.)--Emmanuel School of Religion, Johnson City, Tennessee, 2002. | Vita. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 66 [i.e. 65]-67).

North Carolina State University

Thesis (Ph. D.)--North Carolina State University. | Includes vita. Includes bibliographical references (p. 143-154).

Beaches Beaches Soils and climate.

Thesis (M.S.) in Geological Sciences--University of Maine, 2001. | Includes vita. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 205-214).

Ebro River Valley (Spain) País Vasco (Spain) Spain Spain Spain

Thesis (Ph. D.)--University of Missouri-Columbia, 2003. | Typescript. Vita. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 274-300). Also available on the Internet.

Thesis (M.S.)--University of Notre Dame, 2003. | Thesis directed by Patrick F. Dunn for the Department of Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering. "December 2003." Includes bibliographical references (leaf 110).

Thesis (Ph. D.)--University of Wisconsin--Madison, 2003. | Includes bibliographical references (p. 259-285). Also available on the Internet.

Thesis (Ph. D.)--University of California, Davis, 2002. | Degree granted in Chemistry. Also available via the World Wide Web. (Restricted to UC campuses).

Thesis (Ed. D.)--Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, 2003. | Title from electronic submission form. Vita. Abstract. Includes bibliographical references.

Thesis (M.S.I.E.)--University of South Florida, 2003. | Title from PDF of title page. Document formatted into pages; contains 99 pages. Includes bibliographical references.

Thesis (M.S.)--Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, 2003. | Vita. Abstract. Includes bibliographical references.

Thesis (M.S.)--University of Georgia, 2002. | Directed by Ron W. McClendon. Includes articles submitted to Computers and electronics in agriculture, and Transactions of the ASAE. Includes bibliographical references.

Thesis (Ph. D.)--University of Georgia, 2002. | Directed by Richard L. Hayes. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 95-107).

Thesis (Ph. D.)--University of Georgia, 2002. | Directed by K. Roscoe Davis. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 169-192).

Thesis (M.S.I.E.)--University of South Florida, 2003. | Title from PDF of title page. Document formatted into pages; contains 92 pages. Includes bibliographical references.

Thesis (M.A.)--Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, 2003. | Title from electronic submission form. Vita. Abstract. Includes bibliographical references.