Video streaming over the Internet has become the most sought after application and is growing at a very fast rate. Internet Protocol Television (IPTV) is a technology that has been growing fast, replacing traditional cable TV. With the rapid development in the high speed networks, multimedia streaming over the internet has increased incredibly, of which video streaming is the major source of traffic in the core network. Hence IPTV video streaming over the core network has become one of the active topics for research. The major challenge associated with IPTV traffic is the fact that video traffic requires more bandwidth and is more sensitive to delay and packet loss due to congestion. Lots of research has been done to provide an Admission Control algorithm for IPTV traffic. Admission Control becomes an essential part as it is typically enforced to ensure QoS in the network. It helps prevent bottleneck in the core network. This thesis proposes an efficient method to provide admission control for IPTV traffic in the core network by using multiple GRIP probe packets to check the resource availability in the core network for the new incoming channel request. Moreover, the algorithm proves that using multiple video qualities in the network helps increase the number of channels delivered to the end user, thus satisfying more users, as opposed to single video quality. Using multiple GRIP packets made the proposed method more reliable and it was seen that on an average, the number of channels delivered to the end user was increase over 90%. / Thesis (M.S.)--Wichita State University, College of Engineering, Dept. of Electrical and Computer Science Engineering

This study examined the relationship between stress and depression, and the mediating role of spiritual factors among 316 older adults, 65 years or older in assisted living facilities (ALFs). Hierarchical regression analysis revealed that a high level of stress was associated with a high level of depression among older residents. For male residents, a Sobel test indicated that the direct coefficient of stress on depression decreased when spiritual coping and forgiveness were mediated. However, there was no significant mediating role of spiritual factors for stress and depression among female residents. This study suggests the importance of providing spiritual support for older men who are dealing with significant stress as a way to minimize depressive symptoms. / Thesis (M.S.W.)--Wichita State University, College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, Dept. of Social Work

This study presents the experimental results of time-temperature dependent viscoelastic behavior and cure kinetics of two commercial carbon fiber/epoxy prepregs, IM7/977-2 unidirectional tape (UD) and IM7/977-2 plain weave fabric (PW). An in-depth study on the oscillatory and transient rheological behavior of prepreg composites is conducted using a dynamic mechanical analyzer (DMA) and the study of cure kinetics is conducted using a differential scanning calorimeter (DSC). A novel experimental methodology is proposed in this study to describe the stress relaxation behavior of prepreg composites during cure. Time- and cure-dependent stress relaxation behavior of prepreg composites is studied in three in-plane directions: 0, 45, and 90 degrees of the laminates. Several other factors, such as the mismatch of fiber orientation of adjoining plies, stacking sequence of the laminate, and relative position of the plies with respect to the neutral axis are considered to study their effects on the stress relaxation behavior during cure. The stress relaxation behavior of cured composites is obtained by utilizing the time-temperature superposition (TTS) principle. TTS study on UD laminates (in 0, 45, and 90 degree fiber directions) is conducted at four distinct cure states, whereas the PW laminate is studied in the same fiber directions but at a fully cured state only. Experimental results are used to predict the life cycle of the composite products by generating the stress relaxation master curves for different combinations of fiber orientation and cure states. The study shows that the relaxation modulus during cure is case dependent, which leads to the assumption that the relaxation of process-induced stresses during cure varies for different conditions. Moreover, when comparing the performance of UD and PW prepregs, it shows that the PW laminate relaxes more residual stress than the UD laminate during cure. At cured condition, the PW material shows better long-term mechanical performance than UD material. / Thesis (M.S.)--Wichita State University, College of Engineering, Dept. of Mechanical Engineering.

Childhood obesity is on the rise, and many critics claim that environmental factors, such as screen-based media, are a contributing factor to this epidemic. Video games have gained popularity among this age group, especially exergames, which have researchers pondering the physiological effects of playing exergames. The purpose of this study is to examine the differences in heart rate achieved and maximum heart rate achieved between three exergaming systems, and to analyze the intensity level achieved while playing exergames. Twenty males and females ages 8-12 were in this study. Participants were allowed three sessions to become familiarized with equipment and were allowed to play three game systems: (1) Nintendo Wii, (2) Dance Dance Revolution (DDR), (3) Xbox Kinect. Heart rate monitors were worn on the wrist by each participant and were used to record heart rates during six exergaming sessions. Participants played one type of exergaming system for 30 minutes each session, collecting heart rate seven times. Heart rate data were compared to baseline measures, between the threeexergaming systems, and to heart rate thresholds of 50 percent and 70 percent of maximum heart rate. Repeated Measures ANOVA did not show significance for heart rate achieved and heart rate ranges achieved (p=0.563, p= 0.738 respectively). Sixty-four percent of participants achieved heart rates that ranged between set thresholds of 50 percent and 75 percent on all three exergaming systems. Thus, exergaming can be used as physical activity to supplement other forms of physical activity. / Thesis (M.Ed.)--Wichita State University, College of Education, Dept. of Human Performance Studies

The study of cavity flows has played a crucial role in understanding the aeroacoustics and aerodynamics of bodies with cavities. This new understanding has allowed challenges such as reduction in noise levels to be addressed. It has also helped in the reduction of structural resonance and fatigue, and to ensure the proper release of weaponry. In this thesis, a brief study was conducted on the flow-field characteristics of various cavity geometries. These cavities were partially covered, and the depth of the trailing edge of the cavities was varied. The flow field was set at Mach 0.7, and sound pressure levels were obtained using numerical simulations. Detached eddy simulations, which have proven to be successful in previous research work, were used in the present study. The simulations were carried out for a flow time of 0.05 sec. The cavity with the highest trailing edge depth was found to have a greater sound pressure levels; however, no resonance phenomenon was observed. A grid-independency study and a validation study were conducted using detached eddy simulations, and the convergence and stability of the results were investigated. / Thesis (M.S.)--Wichita State University, College of Engineering, Dept. of Aerospace Engineering.

The competence of composite materials to supersede the use of metals and traditional materials has made it a preferred application in the field of structural engineering, aviation, automobiles, etc. An insightful research into the evaluation mechanical properties and behavior of the material under different loading conditions enables an improved design of the structure. The evaluation of different types of defects in a composite material has been a key area of research in the recent years. In structural analysis, the fiber waviness in laminate layers is often ignored and ideal properties of straight fibers are assumed. These properties are generally lower and non-conservative as the strength and stiffness are lower than that predicted for straight fiber composites. In this thesis, the compressive behavior of a composite cross ply laminate with fiber waviness is investigated. The reduction in the mechanical properties such as stiffness and strength is studied with the help of analytical equations and finite element modeling. First, an analytical model is developed to predict the reduction in the stiffness for a cross ply laminate. The equations in the model are solved in Maple software. The finite element analysis is then carried out on ABAQUS software to study the effect of waviness on the stress distributions and the loss of strength for a laminate with fiber waviness. The results obtained from various experiments are used to validate the analytical models and the finite element results under similar conditions. / Thesis (M.S.)--Wichita State University, College of Engineering, Dept. of Mechanical Engineering

Falls are the leading cause of injury among adults age 65 years and older. Falls in older adults result in physical disability, emotional distress, and financial burdens. Risk factors for falls include: poor vision, polypharmacy, home safety hazards, and lack of strength and balance. Strategic plans have been proposed to reduce risk factors. The Centers for Disease Control and the National Council of Aging recommend routine vision exams, medication reviews, home safety evaluations, and routine exercise. Based on these guidelines, the Wichita State University Regional Institute on Aging Falling LinKS research group developed a toolkit to be used independently by older adults to reduce their risk of falling. However, providing older adults with a well-designed product does not ensure its use. The purpose of this study was to evaluate a locally developed toolkit, Falling Less in Kansas; to determine if it is easy to use and is satisfying to the user. We also inquired about preferential venues of distribution for the toolkit. Four focus group sessions, recruited from two urban organizations and two rural health clinics, were conducted. In addition, six older adults from a rural community participated in a usability test to determine the ease of use of the toolkit. Although the participants felt the toolkit was attractive, well organized, and easy to use, they thought it may contain too much information. Interestingly, the majority of participants admitted they would not actively use the toolkit on their own, but would need it introduced to them by a health care provider (primary care provider or pharmacist) or in a social setting. / Thesis (M.A.)--Wichita State University, College of Health Professions, Dept. of Public Health Sciences

This paper explores the relationship between man, nature and immortality through the lens of two novels: The Children of Men by P.D. James, and The Road by Cormac McCarthy. The paper looks at the way these two novels approach the end of humanity and how the characters respond to the pending extinction. In The Road a nuclear holocaust wipes everything out, covering the world in ash, and slowly killing humans much the way the dinosaurs died. The Children of Men focuses on the singular extinction of the human race alone, through world-wide infertility. If our immortality has always been assure by our progeny, and the knowledge that we live on through them both biologically and through the art and literature and creations that we leave behind for future generations, what becomes of humanity when there are no future generations? Is the immortality of humans something only achieved within the human race, or is there hope that we can embrace a more holistic sense of our place in the natural order? Is there a type of immortality granted to us simply because we are part of the whole of nature? And if so, is it enough for mankind? / Thesis (M.A.)--Wichita State University, College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, Dept. of English

Data caching is a well-acknowledged method for reducing access times to commonly requested data. Data caching yields considerable results when employed in communication systems that exhibit bidirectional communication, such as web browsing. This technique has been used in anonymous networks to increase the overall anonymity provided by the system. With the increasing number of anonymous networks in place today, the need arises for a metric in order to differentiate the degree of anonymity provided by these systems. This thesis presents a method to compute the degree of anonymity provided by such systems. The model focuses on an anonymous system employing data caching and builds on existing related work in order to allow senders to send multiple messages and receivers to receive multiple messages. A systemwide metric is proposed for measuring the anonymity provided by such systems and is then tested under special conditions. The thesis concludes with an analysis of a pool mix system employing data caching. / Thesis (M.S.)--Wichita State University, College of Engineering, Dept. of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science

Computational chemistry and mass spectrometry are two extremely useful tools that when used in conjunction with each other allow detailed knowledge of the gas-phase ions. To that end, computational chemistry, specifically density functional theory is used for theoretical to experimental frequency comparisons. This allows for insight into the reaction pathways and likely structures to be explored in detail. / Thesis (M.S.)--Wichita State University, College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, Dept. of Chemistry