bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An Adaptive IMM for Tracking Maneuvering Target with High Variability of Environment
Authors: Thanh Tran Thi , Kien Tran Trung , Khuong Nguyen Van , Tuan Tran Quoc , Hop Tran Vu , Loi Nguyen Van
Published: December 2024

This paper introduces a novel approach for tracking maneuvering targets in highly variable environments. An adaptive interacting multiple model algorithm, which is a combination of the modified adaptive Kalman algorithm and the interacting multiple model algorithm, is proposed to enhance tracking performance. One notable aspect of this method is its ability to continuously adjust the residual values of each sub-filter in the interacting multiple model algorithm, leading to improved adaptation to the target’s high mobility and increased accuracy in position estimation. In comparison to the classical interacting multiple model algorithm, the results from both simulation and real data suggest that the proposed adaptive interacting multiple model algorithm has shown a 38.3% increase in overall tracking accuracy in position and approximately 28% in velocity.
An Intelligent Service System Model for Chronic Diseases from the Perspective of DIKW
Authors: Tan Mingliang , You Qianghua , Lyu Jialu , Li Jie , Deng Yawen
Published: December 2024

Massive data resources about chronic diseases could be analyzed and organized by new information technologies to finally converge on intelligent health knowledge services. This has very significant consequences for improving health management of chronic diseases, reducing the economic burdens of patients, alleviating serious pressure on health care, and improving the current uneven distribution of medical resources. This paper appeals to DIKW, a well-known framework in the field of information science and knowledge management, to build an intelligent service system model for chronic diseases through theories and methods related to data mining, knowledge organization, artificial intelligence, and knowledge services. This model involves 3 stages: Data Acquisition and Data Processing, Ontology Construction and Semantic Annotation, and Demand Mining and Knowledge Exploitation. These stages realize a shift and transition from data to information, from information to knowledge, and from knowledge to wisdom.
Precise Services in Smart Cultural Tourism for Tourists
Authors: Liao Xinhai , Wu Jiaqi , Jia Zilin , Xian Jiaxing
Published: December 2024

In response to the specific problems encountered in addressing the needs of tourists in the cultural and tourism industry, innovations have been introduced how Big Data enhances precision services in smart tourism through a tourist-centric framework that improves personalization and accuracy using advanced algorithms. A service model centered on tourists and utilizing information technology to achieve precise smart cultural and tourism services has been proposed. Based on collaborative filtering recommendation systems, combined with the transformer model, predictions are made on tourist needs and behavior in order to provide personalized and precise service recommendations to tourists. Recommendations have also been made to promote the transformation of the cultural and tourism industry towards smart cultural and tourism based on this model.
Super-Resolution Reconstruction Technology of Beidou Satellite Transmission Images Based on Adaptive Mechanism
Authors: Zhang Lanyong , Yao Yuanlin , Liu Sheng
Published: December 2024

Satellite image transmission is crucial for distant sea monitoring and navigation safety. Beidou satellite communication has low cost, high security and confidentiality, and has broad development potential in the field of satellite image transmission. However, the communication capacity of Beidou satellites is limited. In order to increase the transmission rate of images, the images are compressed and sent. The shore end receives and decodes images with lower resolution. Therefore, the shore end designs super-resolution reconstruction technology to perform image processing on the received images. The improvement of resolution, improving the quality and texture details of images and making them clearer and more realistic are urgent problems that need to be solved. This paper proposes a generative adversarial network super-resolution reconstruction method based on an adaptive mechanism. This method uses a new perceptual loss function combination to integrate pixel loss, feature loss based on an adaptive weight mechanism, and adversarial loss to achieve a total loss function. At the same time, an adaptive weight mechanism is introduced in the feature loss, and a spatial attention mechanism is introduced in the generator and discriminator of SRGAN, thereby effectively distinguishing the salient areas and background areas of the image, and fully retaining the high-frequency details and edge features of the image. This solves the problems of low resolution, edge smoothness and detail distortion of images received at the shore end. Experimental results show that the image details of the overall area of the ship image (including the salient area and the background area) reconstructed by this method are clearer than existing super-resolution reconstruction methods such as EnhanceNet, ESPCN, and SRCNN, and the edge integrity of the salient area is better.
VReport 2.0: Report Generator to Support Independent Learning for the Visually Impaired Students in Science and Engineering
Authors: Ok Yubin , Lee Jongwoo
Published: December 2024

In recent years, the education landscape has undergone major changes, such as the pandemic, the introduction of digitalization, and advanced technologies that facilitate the dissemination of contactless services. All of these are driving innovations in the learning experience. Furthermore, the United Nations has declared a digital bill of rights, which seeks to define digital as a fundamental human right beyond the concept of expanding digital access or bridging the gap. However, the issue of poor information accessibility for the disadvantaged remains a significant challenge, both domestically and internationally. In order to face this reality, this paper implemented a function based on LaTex that allows the visually-impaired students to enter formulas by voice in there reports. The performance and usability evaluation of this feature was analysed by T-Test, and it was discovered that the report generator has a significant effect on enabling independent learning for blind students. Therefore, this feature is expected to not only foster independence in learning for blind students in science and technology, but also to ensure general social integration and digital accessibility for blind students through the introduction of technology that is in line with the times.
Usability Testing of Card-Based Design Ideation: IoT Tiles Inventor Toolkit
Authors: Ganvir Leeladhar , Shikha Deep , Kalita Pratul
Published: December 2024

The rapid growth of the Internet of Things (IoT) has spurred the demand for user-centric design ideation tools catering to diverse user groups, ranging from experts to non-technical individuals. The “IoT Tiles Inventor Toolkit” is a user-centric approach for rapid IoT ideation. It is an innovative card-based design method to facilitate the process of generating IoT product and service design concepts and fostering collaborative ideation. This study aims to investigate the significance and effectiveness of the IoT Tiles Inventor Toolkit. Research questions were formulated to conduct usability testing through experiment design. This study presents the formulation of hypotheses and outcomes of comprehensive usability testing conducted with control and experimental groups (n = 25). The usability testing results revealed valuable insights for further refining the toolkit, including the need for additional explanatory materials and expanding the range of card components for enhanced usability. Overall, the usability testing demonstrated that the IoT Tiles Toolkit is a promising method for empowering non-experts to ideate IoT products rapidly and creatively while offering valuable insights for refining and upgrading the existing toolkit with the new cards, which influences the new technology adoption.
Explainable Statistical Evaluation and Enhancement of Automated Driving System Safety Architectures
Authors: Faller Rainer
Published: December 2024

Deep Neural Networks [DNNs] are being integrated into Automated Driving Systems [ADS] to perform complex perception and control problems. However, DNNs are generally challenging or impossible to interpret for the purpose of functional safety [FuSa] or Safety of the intended functionality [SOTIF] assessment. In contrast, physical models of the driving task are generally much easier to explain and assess than the abstract statistical models encoded in a DNN. In this paper, we present a statistical modelling and evaluation workflow that can be easily explained to FuSa and SOTIF assessors. Our workflow uses Bayesian networks [BN] refining fault trees and a physical model of an ADS in a given scenario. The Dominant Factors [DF] that impact the ADS risk can then be identified based on simulations of the physical model and simulations sampled from the BN. The workflow can evaluate under which conditions a tolerable risk target [TRT] can be achieved. We evaluate our proposed workflow in an example high-frequency traffic scenario, a highway cut-in scenario. We compare two methods to identify and confirm the DF for meeting the TRT. The DF found show that a static operating design domain [ODD] definition is insufficient. In the example, if the sense-plan-act control architecture is extended by a dynamic traffic monitoring protection layer, the TRT can be achieved.
Solving A.I Safety and Alignment Issues Through Classical Safety Technology
Authors: Lin Bentley Yusen
Published: December 2024

As the performance and capabilities grow in current A.I technologies, A.I is widely used in many different products potentially having safety impacts to the human. These products include Autonomous Driving, Robotics and Weapons…etc. The safety issues of the product which embeds A.I technologies, need to be evaluated and handled from both of functionalities, performances and malfunctioning perspective; Furthermore, the alignment issue of super intelligent large A.I model, is also an even bigger threats to public safety. In this paper, an approach to integrate system engineering, deductive and inductive analysis and classical safety technologies with modern A.I technologies to attempt to solve A.I safety and alignment issues are proposed
Research on the Current Status and Development of Programming Education for Youth in Northern Guangdong in the Intelligent Era
Authors: Huang Xiaolong , Lin Jierong
Published: December 2024

In order to adapt to the development of the intelligent era, the country has successively introduced policies to promote the development of programming education, which has gradually become a key teaching content in the information technology curriculum for young people. However, due to the uneven development of the region and the imbalance of educational resources, there are many problems and difficulties in the implementation of relevant educational work. Through interviews, surveys, and questionnaire surveys, we explored participants’ perceptions of the importance of programming education, their level of understanding of programming education, the problems that exist in the development and implementation of related courses, and the issues that need to be addressed. We analyzed the current status of programming education in the sample areas and provided development suggestions for the problems identified.
THE IMPLEMENTATION OF DAKON MATHEMATICS (DAKOTA) LEARNING MEDIA WITH DISCOVERY LEARNING METHOD
Authors: Lestari Fitria , Efendi Deni , Hardianti Desrina
Published: December 2024

The learning faced by students is teacher-centered learning. The lack of teachers in managing active classes affects student learning outcomes. The purpose of this study is to improve student learning outcomes in the material for FPB and KPK through the Discovery Learning method assisted by the Dakota learning media (Dakon Mathematics). This research is a classroom action research which consists of 2 cycles, namely cycle I and cycle II. Both cycle I and cycle II have the same stages, starting from planning, implementing, observing and reflecting. The subject of the class action research was conducted at SD Negeri 3 Tanjung Ratu class VI with 26 students, 14 of whom were boys and 12 of them were girls. The object of this research is to improve student learning outcomes on the KPK and FPB materials. Data collection techniques used are tests and non-tests. The data analysis technique is comparing the percentage of student learning outcomes in cycle I and cycle II. The criteria for learning success can be seen from the increase in student learning outcomes with the application of the Discovery Learning learning method and the Dakota learning media. The results showed that the application of the Discovery Learning method and the Dakota learning media could improve student learning outcomes. The data obtained from the results of students' learning completeness in the implementation of cycle 1 with a percentage value of 47% from the previous percentage of 26% in the pre-cycle. In cycle 2 it increased to 74%..
An application of integer/discrete/0-1 programming for nonlinear, conceptual design optimization
Authors:   , Cheng Jyi-Fang
Published: December 2024

"The primary goal of this thesis is to establish an algorithm by which the conceptual design and optimal design can be accomplished simultaneously. Take for example, a ten-member bridge truss that is to be constructed; and the objective is to design a minimum weight structure that meets certain constraint requirements. Available for each component of the bridge truss are three varieties of material and three types of cross-section. The total number of possible combinations for the bridge truss, therefore, amounts to 910. If the search for the optimal design is to be conducted by optimizing each of the 910 alternatives and then making the final decision, it will certainly be a time-consuming and tedious process. A large amount of the effort expended will have gone toward redundant work. The algorithm that this thesis sets out to establish will greatly facilitate the optimization process in attaining the optimal criterion. It allows the engineering designer to reach a judgmental decision without having to actually test all possible cases."--Page 5.
Shape optimal design of a CAM profile
Authors:   , Chun-Chuan Chou
Published: December 2024

"As we know, design involves two aspects of engineering and scientific endeavor : the creative process of coming up with a proposed enbodiment of solutions and the analytical process of determining if the proposed solution is correct or rational [1]. Furthermore, optimal design means " making the most effective use of the design." The concept of shape optimization has received considerable attention in the solid and fluid mechanics areas [2] [3], but has not been widely considered as an everyday tool for mechanism synthesis. Shape optimization refers to altering the form of a design to best meet the design criteria while maintaining constraint feasibility. The problem can be considered to be one of merging a general geometric representation with analysis and nonlinear programming techniques. When viewed from this perspective the design and synthesis of cam-follower mechanisms can be classified as a shape optimization problem. The goal of the optimization is to produce the cam profile which best meets the designer's objective."--Page 1.
Minimum area requirements of some breeding bird species in fragmented habitats in Missouri
Authors:   , Hayden Timothy J.
Published: December 2024

Studies of island biogeographic theory and area/species relationships have spawned some of the most useful, pervasive, and controversial findings in ecology during the last two decades. The recognition that species diversity, composition, and occurrence may be limited by area and isolation (MacArthur and Wilson 1963, 1967; Diamond 1975a, 1975b) has important implications for present day conservation practices and problems. This is true not only for island systems but also for insular mainland habitats. The questions surrounding this area of ecology are of obvious importance in this era of widespread ecosystem destruction, fragmentation, and habitat loss. Answers to these questions are crucial to successful refuge design and species preservation. This study tests island biogeographic theories and other empirical studies by examining the avifauna of fragmented habitats in Missouri, and presents information relevant to local faunal preservation and refuge design.
The supply response of Malaysian rubber in mature acreage an econometric analysis
Authors:   , Suleiman Habibah
Published: December 2024

"There are six chapters to the thesis. Chapter II gives a brief summary of variables associated with the structure of the industry. One chapter cannot fully describe an industry that has been in existence for decades. Thus only salient features pertinent to the study are outlined. Theory behind the model is discussed in Chapter III. The quantitative results and review of previous research is given in Chapter IV and V. Chapter IV outlines past models that have been written on perennial crops in general and rubber in particular. Model specification and data used is discussed in Chapter V. Findings are discussed and compared with past studies. Forecast is made with the final model chosen. Finally Chapter VI briefly outlines the whole study and any policy implications that can be derived."--Page 3.
Ethanol recovery by extraction
Authors:   , Lin Feng-Min
Published: December 2024

"A literature survey was carried out and the characteristics of promising solvents were carefully reviewed. Six solvents which showed promise as ethanol extractants were tested in this work. They were n-butanol, n-amyl alcohol, n-butyl acetate, isopropyl ether, butyl phthalate and propylene carbonate. A careful chemical analysis of solubility data was performed with a Varian model 3700 gas chromatograph. Six different ternary liquid systems were tested, the solubility envelope, the distribution coefficient Kd, and the selectivity [beta] were defined. The UNIQUAC model for experimental data correlation proved suitable for predicting the distribution coefficients and the selectivities of the ternary liquid-liquid systems. Two adjustable parameters per binary for the six different systems were obtained which facilitated further computer aided design, process optimization, and simulation. After a preliminary survey of the ternary liquid systems, the water-ethanol-butyl acetate system was chosen for the dual solvent extraction design. The mass balance and the energy consumption were calculated. The resulting design indicated the overall economics seem to be somewhat better than traditional distillation operations."--Summary.
TRUGRAPH : a graphics pre-and post-processor for TRUOPT
Authors:   , Wainman Richard Lloyd
Published: December 2024

TRUGRAPH is a graphics pre- and post- processor designed to interface effectively with current and future versions of TRUOPT. TRUOPT is computer program which produces the optimal design for a given three-dimensional space truss subjected to multiple independent static loading conditions, behavioral constraints on element stresses and nodal displacements, and bounds on optimization design variables. Care has been taken to maintain functional modularity of TRUGRAPH subroutines in order to maximize the modification capability of the system and to keep graphics commands as independent of the graphics language used as is practical. In this thesis, attention is given to the methods used in performing the graphics processing and to providing a source of information for possible future modifications of the system. Important algorithms, such as 2- and 3-dimensional graphics transformations, clipping, and the graphic representations of structural data are given more significance than derivations of basic graphics routines.
Relations between forest and prairie fragmentation and depredation of artificial nests in Missouri
Authors:   , Burger Leslie Donaldson
Published: December 2024

"Human settlement of native ecosystems has resulted in the destruction and fragmentation of habitats until, in many cases, only isolated remnants remain. The emerging field of conservation biology often examines these fragments, attempting to illucidate patterns of diversity, the mechanisms that determine species composition, and ways of preserving the existing flora and fauna within the remaining areas. Principles derived from island biogeography offer possibilities for conserving species in fragmented habitats. MacArthur and Wilson (1967) proposed that the number of species on an island is a balance between immigration and extinction rates; this equilibrium point may be affected by island size and degree of isolation. Although this model was originally conceptualized for oceanic islands, it recently has been applied to terrestrial habitat islands to explain effects of fragmentation. Direct relationships between avian species number and habitat area have been documented for many habitat types (e.g., marshes (Brown and Dinsmore 1986), old-growth forest (Harris 1984), upland hardwood forest (Robbins 1979, Whitcomb et al. 1981, Ambuel and Temple 1983)); however, the pattern is not universal to all habitats (e.g., cypress ponds (O'Meara 1984)). Where species-area relationships seem to exist, area-dependent or area-sensitive species (species that are found only in large areas) also are documented. To preserve all the constituent species within an ecosystem, including area-sensitive species, large refuges would be needed (Wilson and Willis 1975)."--Introduction.
Experimental evaluation of spinal fracture stabilization systems : comparison of Luque rectangles, the Kaneda device, and Harrington rods with sublaminar wires
Authors:   , Glascock Colin Frank
Published: December 2024

"At the University of Missouri-Columbia a spinal stabilization instrument evaluation system was developed by Carson, Gaines, Glascock, Karra, and Pak [3,16] to determine the ability of internal fixation devices to stabilize fractured spines. The system was designed to measure and calculate the relative 3 dimensional movement of vertebrae allowed by a fixation device when an instrumented spinal segment is subjected to physiologically simulated loading conditions. The original version of the system was used in a previous study [3,16] to determine the stabilization ability of Harrington rods alone, Harrington rods supplemented with Edwards sleeves, and Harrington rods supplemented with sublaminar wires."--Introduction.
An annual econometric beef model with imposed biological restrictions
Authors:   , Lammers Phyllis A.
Published: December 2024

After reviewing past beef and livestock econometric models, economic theory, and econometric techniques for simultaneous systems and their simulation, an annual econometric system of equations was estimated for the U.S. beef economy. Care was taken in each OLS specification to include relevant economic variables and to have parameter estimates which exhibit strong t-statistics and proper signs. High coefficients of determination were also desirable. In order to incorporate as much known information of the beef industry as possible, long term biological averages were imposed in supply equations at the farm level. Resulting retail demand elasticities were consistent with those of previous studies. The 29 equations were simulated as a simultaneous system generating simulation statistics. These statistics are reasonably good which implies that the system of equations captures the underlying structure of the beef industry fairly well. Key individual equations were subjected to non-nested tests to determine the level of significance that one specification explains more of the variation in the dependent variable than does the alternate specification. This model containing economic and biological information was compared to an established model developed without biological information imposed on its estimation. The previously developed Yanigida model simulated quite well and marginally better than the biologically constrained model in some cases. A recommendation was made for improving the performance of the biologically constrained model by imposing short-term biological averages, possibly from the last 7-10 years,thus eliminating some of the trend these averages have taken over the past 22 years.
An interactive computer program for force system structural and dimensional synthesis
Authors:   , Oladiran Olawale Bamidele
Published: December 2024

"The general design problem being considered in this project is illustrated in figures 1.1 and 1.2, and can be stated as follows: Given: 1) A mechanism (its link geometry and mass properties), 2) Any known externally applied input-output forces or torques, and 3) The mechanism's desired motion-time response (independent pair variable 02 position, speed and acceleration as a function of time.) Find or synthesize: 1) A system (structural configuration) of externally applied force producing devices (elements) such as linear springs, linear dampers, constant torques, and between which links to attach them, and 2) Numerical values of force device parameters and coordinates of their points of attachment to the mechanism to force the mechanism to have the desired motion-time response and input-output forces. This is the Force System Synthesis Problem labeled with the acronym FORSS by Carson [1]*. This acronym will be used in this paper to refer to the force system synthesis problem as previously described. Carson and Haney [2,3] developed an interactive computer program to investigate potential concepts that could be used for FORSS. They discovered several simple-to-use concepts that involve for example: 1) finding the intersections of lines which are perpendicular to selected points on coupler curves, and 2) visually comparing the desired generalized force curves to those produced by possible force systems. The purpose of the work reported in this thesis was to incorporate the techniques which they discovered into an interactive computer program which a designer with minimal theoretical knowledge of FORSS could use to design force systems. The remaining two sections of this introductory chapter contain a discussion of example FORSS problems to illustrate the breadth of applications, and a summary of prior work done by other authors (excluding that of Carson and Haney) to point out the difficulties encountered with the prior techniques and thus the need for the development of the interactive computer program for FORSS. Chapter 2 contains a detailed summary of Carson and Haney's generalizations and techniques which were incorporated into the development of the computer program. The program is discussed in Chapter 3. The acronym ISD-FORSS, Interactive Structural and Dimensional Force System Synthesis, is hereafter used to refer to the program developed in this work. Chapter 4 contains examples of a designers interaction with ISD-FORSS to illustrate the capabilities of the program and how easily a designer with limited theoretical knowledge of FORSS can design with the program."--Introduction.
Potential for expansion of the Tanzanian smallholder farm production with special reference to the Arusha region
Authors:   , Semgalawe Zainab Mbaga
Published: December 2024

"Objectives of the study: The main objective of this study is to determine if under the prevailing production conditions there is a potential for Tanzanian farmers to increase their agricultural output, given the current agricultural policy. Specific objectives are: 1. To examine the current level of net farm income, output and marketable surplus. 2. To identify the limiting resources to current farm production activities. 3. To evaluate the net farm income and output levels for various production technologies given the input costs and expected returns. 4. To identify the technology alternative(s) and policy mix that could improve the smallholder farm income and output, and economically utilize the available farm resources. 5. To establish a planning model that can be used by the Tanzanian government to attain the desired level of technological change that can improve agricultural output and farm income."--Page 15.
The effects of quality of diet on labor productivity and population growth in India
Authors:   , Engels Carlos F.
Published: December 2024

"The last few decades have witnessed an increasing interest on the part of economists in the relationship between health and economic development. In the following pages it will be seen how, in the poorest regions of the world, disease and malnutrition are believed to be retarding economic progress. Labor productivity is said to be suffering in these areas not only because workers are currently underfed or sick, but because they suffered the same conditions during their formative years. This is believed to have prevented them from achieving their full intellectual, physical, and emotional potential. If the human population is one of the most important economic resources of any country, in order to achieve economic development, the quality of this resource must be improved. This could be the result of direct investments in health or merely the long-run consequence of investment in other forms of capital. A simultaneous relationship exists between health and income in that although health is said to affect income, income also affects heal th. This simultaneous relationship implies the existence of multipliers. These multipliers operate through what in this paper will be called the "income links". The "positive" income link refers to the mechanism whereby an improvement in income, resulting from an improvement in health, will itself result in a further improvement in heal th. The "negative" income link is an income contracting multiplier that results from an income induced population growth. Whether the income contracting or expanding multipliers will come out "victorious" will depend on the size of these multipliers and on the size of the exogenous variables. No attempt will be carried out in this study to calculate these multipliers owing to data deficiencies."--Background.
Force system with link cross section synthesis for a 4r-4bar
Authors:   , Leo Hain-Ling
Published: December 2024

Interactive computer program, ISD-CROSS-FORSS, was developed to simultaneously: 1) synthesize a force system to drive a 4R-4bar linkage with desired input motion, and input-output forces, and 2) synthesize the size and shape of link cross sections to withstand the maximum allowable stress in the links. The program includes an interactive structural and dimensional force system synthesis algorithm; which is used as a pre-post precessor to a numerical optimization based dimensional synthesis algorithm. Two examples, fork lift and oil well, were used to investigate and demonstrate the capabilities and usefulness of ISD-CROSS-FORSS.
Development of interactive structural and dimensional force system synthesis program version ISD-FORSS-IA and survey of industrial applications
Authors:   , Muenks Jeffrey Craig
Published: December 2024

"Force System Synthesis (FORSS) is the process of synthesizing a system of force elements E acting on a mechanism to drive it with the desired motion time response T2 = f(t) and also create desired input-output forces. See figure 1.1. Some related objectives, depending on the particular problem, are: 1) to reduce the required size of driving force devices, 2) reduce energy consumption, 3) control maximum bearing forces, 4) reduce inertial shaking forces and moments; and 5) reduce impact forces and noise. Once a set of design objectives has been identified, the force system design process involves three phases of decision making as presented by Carson, Erdman, and Starr [1]; and shown in figure 1.2. The three phases of the design process are: 1) structural synthesis, 2) dimensional synthesis, and 3) analysis of the design. Phase 1, Structural Synthesis (or Type S election) involves selecting the type of force device and between which two links to place it; such that the force system selected will have the potential of satisfying the design objectives. The designer can select from force devices such as springs, dampers, hydraulic cylinders, etc.; and can select placement between any two links or in any joint."--Introduction.
Financial analysis of slaughter-locker firms
Authors:   , Becker Kenneth A. E.
Published: December 2024

"Objectives: The objectives of this study were: 1. To develop procedures to identify operating costs and profit margins for slaughter-locker firms to use in analyzing their business. 2. To identify operating costs and profit margins for slaughter-locker firms in Missouri."--Page 2.
Computer simulation of a miniature distillation column and transfer function prediction
Authors:   , Cole Jerome David
Published: December 2024

"The Department of Chemical Engineering is in the process of developing microprocessor control of a laboratory distillation. The purpose of this research was to construct a mathematical computer simulation of the distillation column that would be used in further studies for the digital control. The response of the overhead vapor concentration to step changes in feed concentration, and reflux and feed flow rates was calculated by the simulation program. Transfer functions of these responses were determined. Simulation of a chemical process is the creation of a mathematical model which represents the chemical process. The model is evaluated by comparing its response, due to changing inputs, to the actual response of the chemical process. The mathematical model, if it is an adequate representation of the process, will respond to disturbances and changing inputs in the same way as the real process. There are three basic steps in the development of a process simulation: 1. Define the process and derive a mathematical model to represent it. 2. Pro gram the computer. 3. Run and test the simulation by comparing it to the real process. Simulation applications are valuable for the improvement of startup, shutdown, changeover from one kind of feed to another, control strategies and needs, and responses of a process to disturbances. In the area of control synthesis, simulation has notable advantages. Inspection of the differential equations in the model will suggest control strategies to be studied. The knowledge obtained about the process during the formulation of the model, sometimes not obtainable experimentally, will often lead to better synthesis of solutions to control system problems. Also, transfer functions can be generated from data obtained by programming disturbances or variable inputs into the simulation from which control schemes can be designed. Once an adequate simulation is developed, different control methods can be programmed into the simulation, allowing testing of the control methods. This is a trial-and-error procedure by which the relative performance of the different control schemes is evaluated. An advantage here is that simulation programs can be operated at speeds many times faster than actual processes and the computer can perform the operation much more conveniently than an experimenter testing the actual process. Also, programming changes to alter control schemes are much more easily implemented than modifying live process equipment. The remainder of the thesis presents a description of the equipment and of the computer simulation program. The accuracy of the simulation in representing the real system is discussed and transfer functions are presented."--Introduction.
The construction of sound intensity apparatus and experiments on the relative intensity of successive, simultaneous, ascending and descending tones
Authors:   , Weiss Albert Paul
Published: December 2024

"From the impression which gradually developed during the course of the experiment it seems probable to the writer that both difference in vibration rates and the ratios of the intervals have an influence upon the judgments of the tone intensities. It is these facts mainly which led him to conclude that the intensity judgment in audition is really a mixed judgment. A tone may be judged as strong as another tone one moment, but presented again a few moments later, they will be judged of different intensity."--Text taken from page 80.
State police jurisdiction in the United States
Authors:   , Evans Chester Alva
Published: December 2024

"At the outset of this study of the present jurisdiction of each of the state police organizations of the Unites States, it will be worthwhile to consider some of the factors which brought the state trooper into the state law enforcement picture. It is also necessary to review briefly the past and present duties of the sheriff. In doing this, it must be remembered that a complete analysis of the authority of the sheriff is beyond the scope of this study, for the intention is to suggest that the present day sheriff, because of the numerous duties imposed on him, could not hope to solve today's law enforcement problem. Since the state police often exercise authority similar to that of the sheriff, the duties of the sheriff as a peace officer require a brief survey." --Introduction.
Implementation of time optimal digital control
Authors:   , Young Lawrence Martin
Published: December 2024

"This work deals with the implementation of time optimal digital control. The time optimal control algorithm that was used found the unconstrained control variable, u, and allowed the controller to saturate if the calculated control fell outside the allowable control region. The time optimal algorithm was compared with conventional cascade compensation, and a time optimal solution which was computed taking into account controller saturation by the use of linear programming."--Page 4.
OPEC as a non-state actor : formation and dynamics
Authors:   , Dredi Ibrahim B.
Published: December 2024

This dissertation analyzes the factors which have promoted the formation of OPEC and the dynamics of its confrontation with the multinational oil companies (MNOCs). It analyzes the rise of OPEC from the perspective of the growing literature on non-state actors within the international system. Its central hypothesis is that OPEC emerged as a collective bargaining instrument, but has become a non-state actor that impacts upon as well as serves the policies of its member-states. As a corollary it is assumed that the politics of oil in the 1960s can best be understood as the clash of two non-state actors -- OPEC and MNOCs, both involved in changing relationships with their home governments. OPEC's creation was a direct response to the unequal relationship between the powerful MNOCs and the weak oil-producing states of the Third World. In this regard this study argues that the formation of OPEC has been a turning point in the struggle of the Third World countries against the hegemony of the Multinational Corporations. This study utilizes the non-state actor approach to explain the growing importance of OPEC within the international political and economic system. This approach was chosen on the assumption that international relations of the contemporary world arena has undergone tremendous change since World War II. This change is primarily attributable to the increasing economic transactions and interdependence. It has been so great that traditional theories of international relations with their focus on the nation-state as the main actor in the international system, are no longer adequate. This proposition is investigated in the following chapters as for the long-run prognosis, it is assumed that OPEC has partially institutionalized itself, and the organization survivability will depend on its member-countries' desire to preserve its existence and their abilities to compromise and cooperate. Nevertheless, the study concludes that although OPEC did make structural changes in the international oil industry previously concentrated in the hands of the MNOCs, it did not press to the point that the international economic system was threatened. Moreover, OPEC proved to be a responsible international actor in a number of specific respects. It attempted to provide financial aid to those Third World countries adversely affected by the energy crisis of 1973-74. OPEC members recycled their financial wealth in the international monetary system. On occasion it restrained some members from pushing for higher prices This benefitting the Western industrial oil-consuming nations. As a result OPEC served as a stabilizing factor in the international oil industry.
A market study of sealed bid competition for Utah public school lunch milk, 1970-1975
Authors:   , Jensen Halbert K.
Published: December 2024

This study was designed to determine the influence of various economic factors on sealed bid prices and, accordingly, to serve as a guide for setting these factors to obtain a more competitive price. Traditional concepts on structure, conduct, and performance provide a set of characteristics constituting the main reference frame. In adapting selected aspects of these concepts and including general market performance principles, a basis for analyzing the Utah public school lunch milk market was established. In effect, this approach facilitated development of an organizational frame whereby application of specific concepts was directed to the actual market setting. By using this procedure, specific theoretical market performance criteria were compared to an overall general assessment of how "well" the school lunch market performed. The selected data provided a basis for analyzing sealed bid price changes during the years, 1970 to 1975, for sampling of 24 of 32 Utah school districts. At the study outset two large cooperatives, one national chain, and a number of small local dairies served the market. A major transition in the number of firms occurred during the six years through combining the cooperatives into a marketing organization and the exit of smaller firms. Main characteristics associated with better performing sealed bid prices were increased numbers of bidders, larger contract size on a cross-sectional basis, and shorter distance from plant to school districts. Also significant were lower sealed bid prices the first three years of the study in contrast to higher sealed bid prices the last three years (a period marked by major structural changes). Others studying in the sealed bid area of economics may find this specific sealed bid market a viable approach for extension to similar markets. Thus, those investigating competitive price conditions in sealed bid markets may find these concepts useful.
Modeling and optimization of anaerobic swine waste digestion systems
Authors:   , Durand James
Published: December 2024

Mathematical models of the digestion process, an anaerobic digestion system, and an economic analysis of a digestion system were developed. The goal was to accurately simulate the performance of a facility producing less than one million grams of total solids of waste per day. Once developed and validated, these models were used to conduct optimization and sensitivity studies to delineate the best regions for system operation, and to determine the variables and parameters that have the biggest impact on system performance. Whether optimizing for energy or economic value, it was found that the best designs included thermophilic operation with high values of influent volatile solids concentration. Although large improvements in performance are predicted above standard mesophilic operation, these stressed conditions have not been confirmed with data from full scale digesters using swine manure. It was also found that the digestion process is the most sensitive to bacterial growth constants directly related to the production or utilization of acetate. The economic model was the most sensitive to parameters which effect the volume of the digester (such as the hydraulic retention time), or the methane productivity (such as the methane yield constant).
Textural properties of coagulated milk products containing soy protein
Authors:   , Lee Yung-Hsiung
Published: December 2024

The textural properties of coagulated milk products were studied by Scanning Electron Microscopy and Texture Profile Analysis. Soy protein and casein interactions were explored with chemically modified soy proteins. The microstructure of process cheese was changed from fine to coarse network by either native or boiled soy proteins (10 percent as total protein). Free fat appeared on the surface of remelted cheeses containing soy proteins but not on control cheese; the fat emulsion of cheese was broken by soy proteins. The hardness and cohesiveness of cheese were lowered 20 and 10 percent, respectively, by soy proteins. Native soy protein (20 percent as total protein) in rennet coagulated milk curd (stored for 2 A hr) was adhered onto casein strings and was aggregated. The aggregated soy protein interfered with the contraction of casein and decreased the hardness and cohesiveness of milk curd by 26 and 22 percent, respectively. Boiled soy protein was more aggregated than native soy protein and lowered both hardness and cohesiveness of milk curd by 50 percent; it also lowered the springiness by 18 percent. The 24 hr old rennet coagulated caseinate curd was composed of a network of casein submicelles. Hardness and cohesiveness of caseinate curd were 49 and 84 percent, respectively, of those of milk curd. Both added native and boiled soy proteins (20 percent as total protein) were indistinguishable from caseinate in micrographs. Hardness of caseinate curd was lowered 14 and 42 percent by native and boiled soy proteins, respectively; cohesiveness was lowered 19 percent by boiled soy protein. Soy protein (20 percent as total protein) in nonfat milk was adsorbed onto casein micelles and lowered the strength of nonfat milk coagulum, which was measured by back-extrusion test before syneresis had occurred. Soy protein modified to increase negative charges (acetylation, succinylation and alkylation) or modified by bulky neutral reagents (N-ethylmaleimide, glycine methyl ester and carbodiimide) lowered the strength of milk coagulum more than did native soy protein, whereas, the opposite was true for soy proteins modified to decrease negative charges or treated by alkali. Thus, soy protein in milk interfered with the electrostatic and hydrophobic interactions among rennet treated casein micelles.
The effect of heat processing conditions upon cholesterol content of a restructured pork/soy hull product
Authors:   , Ibrahim Niama M.
Published: December 2024

The effect of convective heat processing upon cholesterol and cholesterol oxides in a restructured pork/soy hull model system was studied. Thirty different time-temperatures relationships were studied. Quadratic equations were determined for all time-temperature relationships. The integral (area) and second derivative (acceleration) were determined. Two GC-MS instruments were used to quantify and qualify cholesterol and cholesterol oxides in the product. Results indicated that no cholesterol oxides were developed in the product with all 30 time-temperature profiles, ranging from 19 - 89.6 min, and 9 - 97 [degrees] C final product temperatures. The mean cholesterol content of heat processed samples ranged from 34 - 64 mg/100 gm (wet basis). Three plant sterols were identified in the product. Positive relationships were found between final temperature, fat, and cholesterol content. Negative relationships were found between the integral of the time-temperature curve, moisture, and product yield.