Construction of a mosaic image using a set of low resolution images taken at different zoom settings and at different angles was investigated in this thesis. The proposed reconstruction algorithm uses the zoom based super resolution technique, based on maximum likelihood estimate. A computationally less intensive point matching algorithm was introduced based on a known algorithm. The simulation results show that the implemented algorithm can find point correspondences of images successfully, even they are differently zoomed, that helps for image registration. / Thesis (M.S.)--Wichita State University, College of Engineering, Dept. of Electrical and Computer Engineering / "December 2006." / Kansas National Science Foundation (NSF) EPSCOR Program, First Award Grant KUCR #NSF32241

A composite is defined as a material that constitutes of at least two constituents, which are bonded together along the interface in the composite. Metal Matrix Composite (MMC) is a composite material in which one constituent is a metal or alloy forming at least one percolating network. The other constituent is embedded in this metal matrix. The particulate metal matrix composites when compared to metal alloys exhibit higher strength, wear resistance and stiffness. Because of their high plastic modulus, they exhibit higher buckling and compressive strength. They have high electrical conductivity, better thermal conductivity and low thermal expansion. More over their isotropic behavior and formability by conventional methods makes them good choice for low cost applications. Optimization of the design of structural joints leads to increase in their load carrying capacity, minimizing weight and cost. Extensive knowledge of multiple parameters that effect the behavior of the structural joints is required for reliable and effective design of joints. The aim of this research is to predict the stress concentration around the hole in the lap joint made of MMC and to investigate the effects of the different parameters on the stress around the hole. A three dimensional finite element model has been developed to study the effects of various design parameters on the structural performance of such joints. The model is validated by comparing the results with a closed form solution for a simple problem of determining the stress around the hole in a flat plat. The present study quantifies relationship between stress concentration around the hole and the bolt diameter; distance between the holes, Young’s modulus, fastener pre-tension and the axial load. / Thesis (M.S.)--Wichita State University, College of Engineering, Dept. of Mechanical Engineering.

In ad hoc wireless mobile networks, the mobility of wireless nodes plays a significant role in evaluating the network’s performance. As the nodes are mobile there is a frequent transition between the connections of nodes from up to down state. It is essential to know the likeliness of having a connection between different nodes and the parameters on which the connection probability depends in order to have a better performance of the mobile networks. This thesis presents such an approach to evaluate the likeliness of having connections amongst the nodes in ad hoc mobile network. In this study a mathematical model is proposed for evaluating one hop connection probability between nodes of different groups. The mathematical model is devised for a specific group mobility model, known as Reference Point Group Mobility model (RPGM) which can be used to simulate the networks where node co-ordinate with each other. The mathematical model is based on the results of ongoing research in the field of mobile ad hoc networks. It provides a relationship between different network parameters which sufficiently determine the connection probability in reference point group mobility model. This work demonstrates the impact of different parameters on connection probability. Furthermore, the graphical results are used to illustrate the behavior of connection probability in RPGM. It is found that connection probability of directly connected nodes of two different groups’ increases with decrease in the difference between mean locations of the two groups. Second observation is that as the mobile nodes move with higher velocity, the nodes break their intergroup connections quickly which result in lower connection probability and vice versa. The study also suggests that as range of nodes increases, the connection probability increases. The mathematical model developed in this thesis work can be used to determine the values of various network parameters for required connection probability in a mobile wireless network. The practical use of this thesis work can be found in determining the connection probability in real world scenarios like disaster recovery where two or more groups need to interact with each other. Another useful application is in military scenario where member are divided in different groups and they interact with each other. In such scenarios the devised model can be used to set values of different network parameters such as velocity of mobile nodes, transmission range etc. to have required connection probability in the network. / Thesis (M.S.)--Wichita State University, College of Engineering, Dept. of Electrical and Computer Engineering. / "December 2006."

This study explored parenting styles and epistemological beliefs. The purpose was to determine if one’s epistemological beliefs are associated with the parenting style one experiences as a child. Parenting styles were classified as authoritative, authoritarian, indulgent, and neglectful. Epistemological beliefs were classified as certain knowledge, simple knowledge, omniscient authority, quick learning, and innate ability. An ancillary analysis revealed epistemological beliefs and vocabulary knowledge were related to GPA. Sixty-four mostly 17 and 18 year-old students from a medium sized high school in the Midwest completed the Epistemic Beliefs Inventory, a parenting style measure, and a vocabulary measure. Significant differences between parenting styles were found for quick learning, certain knowledge, and omniscient authority. This suggests that the parenting style parents use may impact the formation of the child’s epistemological beliefs. A significant interaction effect was found between vocabulary and quick learning for GPA. This suggests that sophisticated beliefs in quick learning may help a student overcome their low vocabulary knowledge and earn a high GPA. / Thesis (M.Ed.)--Wichita State University, College of Education, Dept, of Counseling, Educational Psychology, and School Psychology / "December 2006."

Robotic surgery is becoming a popular technique for certain procedures since benefits of minimally invasive surgery (MIS) have become general knowledge. However, one of the major shortcomings of the present generation of master-slave robotic systems is the lack of haptic feedback; the surgeon that remotely controls the robot is not able to feel what is happening inside the patient. The objective of this thesis was to design a robust control system for a catheter insertion mechanism for cardiac catheterization with haptic feedback. This thesis is divided into two parts. The first part covers a comprehensive literature review, laboratory setup design and implementation. The second part covers the control aspect and design of a robust control. An H∞ controller was used to achieve system robustness. A new approach to find teleoperation system model for H∞ controller is given. The designed controller was implemented in MATLAB. / Thesis (M.S.)--Wichita State University, College of Engineering, Dept. of Mechanical Engineering. / "December 2006."

The multiterminal source coding problem has gained prominence recently due to its relevance to sensor networks. In general, rate-distortion in multiterminal source coding is an open problem. However, variations of multiterminal source coding, such as the chief executive officer problem, are addressed in the literature. In addition, full and partial cooperation among the sensors, and reliability and robustness against sensor failures are also being investigated in the literature. In this thesis, multiterminal Gaussian source coding was investigated in the context of sensor networks. The rate-distortion region was parameterized for a pair of correlated Gaussian sources using an implicit transform parameter. The approach made use of established results in multiple descriptor coding using pairwise orthogonal transforms. / Thesis (M.S.)--Wichita State University, College of Engineering, Dept. of Electrical Engineering / "December 2006."

In today’s competitive world, on time delivery is one of the most important factors while meeting customer demand. If organizations focus only on the invention and not on value from the customer’s point of view, principles may influence the performance of an organization. On time delivery is expected from organizations to be competitive. This supports research, which will enable to compute various techniques and support them with the organization’s premeditated and equipped plan. This thesis proposes a method that will analyze the transition state of move rate changes in a simulation model for an aircraft assembly plant. In order to analyze the results, the entire thesis was divided into two major sections. In the first section, a real case study was considered to develop a simulation model to match that of the actual system. After developing the model, the simulation was run for different move rates to capture and analyze the results. The case study dealt with an aircraft assembly plant with various input characteristics. In the case study, the company background was first discussed. The various processes were described in detail. After discussing the background and providing information about the various processes, the simulation model was developed to imitate the actual system. / Thesis (M.S.)--Wichita State University, College of Engineering, Dept. of Industrial and Manufacturing Engineering / "December 2006."

The purpose of this thesis was to develop and validate finite element models of the friction stir welding process for butt and lap welds for specific experimental cases that in effect enhances the predictability of temperature evolution in the joined workpiece. Significant research has been conducted on butt weld thermal process but limited study has been conducted on lap welds. Through examination of several process parameters critical to both weld and lap weld operations insights into process characterization of process parameters could be made. In this study three dimensional finite element heat transfer models using the commercial code LSDYNA were developed to obtain the temperature distribution in the workpiece for two types of welds, namely butt joints and lap joints. For the lap weld model a step function for thermal conductance between sheets was applied to account for varying contact resistance. The developed finite element models were validated with published experimental data. Parametric studies were performed involving both types of welds including process parameters such as tool travel rate and rotational tool velocity for different aluminium alloys. / Thesis (M.S.)--Wichita State University, College of Engineering, Dept. of Mechanical Engineering. / "December 2006."

This study seeks to examine the factors that influence work/family benefits. A conceptual model which includes relational, structural, and environmental level factors is proposed to reveal which factors affect the amount of benefits that a company offers. This research uses the National Organizational Survey of 2002. OLS regression analysis indicates strong relationships with Internal Labor market and Unions resulting in statistically significant increases in benefits by 1.526 and .947 respectively. These results indicate the importance of relational level variables on company dynamics. / Thesis (M.A.)--Wichita State University, College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, Dept. of Sociology / "December 2006."

The objective of this thesis is to design a system which can perform catheter insertion into a human body with haptic feedback. The haptic feedback will consist of a system; a surgeon can use to feel forces in his hand while performing operation from a remote distance. The addition of touch sensor will enable the surgeon to know how much force is being applied to any tissues, and he will sense the same feeling as if working on the patient during the manipulation of the catheter. In this research scale model is used to simulate the catheter insertion operation. This research also demonstrates the effectiveness of MR fluid devices in force feedback applications. Force and displacement sensors sense the environment conditions along which the end effectors of electronic actuator moves. This information is then used to control the MR fluid device to provide appropriate force feedback to user. The research done and system created intended for future research benefiting the Wichita State University’s biomechanics program. Suggestions for future research are included. Problems encountered during research and solutions found are also addressed. / Thesis (M.S.)--Wichita State University, College of Engineering, Dept. of Mechanical Engineering / "December 2006."