As of 2007, U.S. pesticide use stood at 1.1 billion pounds with 80% of all usage in agriculture. Such realities pose a potentially dangerous threat to our surface water bodies. This research provides a detailed analysis of the design, operation and field testing of a prototype water sampler, the Small Volume Autonomous Water Sampler (SVAWS). The research includes a discussion of the design and construction of the SVAWS. Seven USGS employees operated the SVAWS in a number of different states and conditions in order to collect samples for pesticide analysis. Field-testing outcomes of the SVAWS were measured through a Participant Survey Request and a Likert-Scale Assessment. Overall, survey data proved the SVAWS to be an effective device for collecting water samples in different locations and conditions. Users also understood the SVAWS has significant potential for applications other than pesticide studies. While feedback did show a number of alterations or modifications could improve the design, the device proved to be effective across many of its goals, from valid water sampling to reducing costs of sample acquisition. Recommendations for future research include these and other avenues of research. A conclusion addresses the potential future of the SVAWS with respect to water sampling applications.

Triethanolamine (TEA) is a semiconducting polymer which exhibits a resistance change when exposed to various gases. The polymer also exhibits a number of reactions with nitrogen dioxide, with the reaction products being heavily dependent on the presence or absence of water vapor. Previous studies have attempted the incorporation of a TEA-carbon nanoparticle composite as the active sensing layer in a chemresistive sensor for detection of NO₂. The incorporation of carbon nanoparticles in the polymer nanocomposite was thought to amplify the sensor's response. There are a number of chemical reactions that can occur between TEA and NO₂, with the reaction products being heavily dependent on the presence and amount of water vapor in the environment. Because of this influence, it becomes necessary to know to what degree the presence of water vapor interferes with the sensing response. In this work we show that the sensor exhibits a reversible resistance change as background humidity changes. This sensitivity to humidity changes is so large that it renders undetectable any resistance change that could be caused by the reaction of TEA with NO₂. Furthermore, we show that the presence of low levels of NO₂ do not interfere with adsorption of water vapor. The detection mechanism is based on measuring resistance changes in the TEA film due to the adsorption/desorption of water vapor. The sensing response can be described by Langmuir adsorption by using a site-based model for the polymer film resistance. Breakdown of the polymer film over time due to continuous adsorption of water vapor, as well as photodegradation of the polymer film, will be discussed. SEM images will also be presented showing growth of crystallites on the electrode walls, as well as experimental results demonstrating degradation of the sensing film during sensor operation.

The need for hearing protection in industry has evolved from the growing awareness of the detrimental effects of noise on hearing and recent legislation enacted to protect the hearing of noise-exposed employees through the use of hearing conservation programs. In lieu of expensive or impractical engineering and administrative controls, personal hearing protection devices (HPDs) are considered to be the most practical and effective means of protecting employees from the damaging effects of noise in industry today.

Methods of generating renewable energy such as through solar photovoltaic (PV) cells and wind turbines offer great promise in terms of a reduced carbon footprint and overall impact on the environment. However, these methods also share the attribute of being highly stochastic, meaning they are variable in such a way that is difficult to forecast with sufficient accuracy. While solar power currently constitutes a small amount of generating potential in most regions, the cost of photovoltaics continues to decline and a trend has emerged to build larger PV plants than was once feasible. This has brought the matter of increased variability to the forefront of research in the industry. Energy storage has been proposed as a means of mitigating this increased variability -- and thus reducing the need to utilize traditional spinning reserves -- as well as offering auxiliary grid services such as peak-shifting and frequency control. This thesis addresses the feasibility of using electrochemical storage methods (i.e. batteries) to decrease the ramp rates of PV power plants. By building a simulation of a grid-connected PV array and a typical Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) in the NetLogo simulation environment, I have created a parameterized tool that can be tailored to describe almost any potential PV setup. This thesis describes the design and function of this model, and makes a case for the accuracy of its measurements by comparing its simulated output to that of well-documented real world sites. Finally, a set of recommendations for the design and operational parameters of such a system are then put forth based on the results of several experiments performed using this model.

O presente estudo foi realizado baseando-se na multidisciplinaridade do Design aplicado a Odontologia. Buscou-se desenvolver um protótipo de caráter inovador, por meio da reformulação morfológica do instrumental prendedor de rolo de algodão, amplamente utilizado e requisitado no atendimento clínico em Odontopediatria. No estudo deste instrumento a base metodológica utilizada foi o Metaprojeto, visando melhor compreensão e embasamento sobre produtos similares existentes, além de pesquisar e desenvolver novos conceitos. Inicialmente foi feita a observação da utilização de prendedores de rolo disponíveis nas clínicas de Odontopediatria da Faculdade de Odontologia de Bauru, durante o atendimento de pacientes com idade entre 5 a 12 anos, para conhecer os produtos similares e identificar os pontos positivos a serem incorporados e os pontos negativos a serem evitados no projeto do novo produto. Os profissionais que realizavam os atendimentos foram consultados e colaboraram com a seleção dos primeiros conceitos, além do estudo e análise das especificações de fabricantes disponíveis na internet. Para a elaboração do protótipo considerou-se os seguintes critérios: cirurgião dentista com as mãos livres durante o atendimento; morfologia adequada de modo a não atuar como obstáculo no acesso à estrutura dentária; superfície de apoio de contato apropriada para melhor apoio na língua; superfície ou sistema de preensão eficaz em relação aos pontos de apoio da anatomia do paciente, de maneira a não causar desconforto durante o uso; possibilidade de ajuste da pressão necessária para uma satisfatória fixação do rolo, causando o mínimo desconforto; facilidade e simplicidade de manuseio e posicionamento; condições de fabricação e produção em larga escala e de baixo custo. Como resultado este projeto apresenta uma nova e inovadora opção de um produto bastante utilizado na rotina de profissionais da odontologia, propõe um prendedor de rolo de algodão cuja morfologia é composta de dois componentes principais e os mecanismos idealizados para que não ocorra o acúmulo de resíduos e facilite a limpeza e autoclave. O funcionamento se dá de maneira simples bidirecional, com ajuste que permitem a fixação sem necessidade de acionamento do botão, sendo utilizado apenas para a remoção. Possui abertura linear, sistema de regulagem de fácil utilização com nível de ajuste de precisão milimétrica e morfologia desenhada de maneira a minimizar desconforto no paciente e permitir ao profissional manter as mãos livres durante o atendimento. O presente estudo destacou a importância da multidisciplinaridade na concepção de projetos funcionais e inovadores. Espera-se que os dados obtidos auxiliem na concepção de futuros estudos e projetos de produto. / The present study was performed based on the multidisciplinarity of Design applied to Dentistry. We sought to develop a prototype of an innovative character, through the morphological reformulation of the cotton roll fastener instrument, widely used and required in clinical care in Pediatric Dentistry. In the study of this instrument the methodological base used was the Metaproject, aiming at a better understanding and foundation on existing similar products, besides researching and developing new concepts. Initially, it was observed the use of roller fasteners available in the Pediatric Dentistry clinics of the Faculty of Dentistry of Bauru, during the care of patients aged 5 to 12 years, to know the similar products and to identify the positive points to be incorporated and the negative points to avoid in the design of the new product. The professionals who attended the services were also consulted and collaborated with the selection of the first concepts, besides the study and analysis of the specifications of manufacturers available in the internet. For the elaboration of the prototype the following criteria were considered: dental surgeon with hands free during the care; adequate morphology so as not to be an obstacle in access to dental structure; appropriate contact support surface for better support in the tongue; surface or gripping system in relation to the points of support of the patient\'s anatomy so as not to cause discomfort during use; possibility of adjusting the pressure required for a satisfactory setting of the roller, causing minimal discomfort; ease and simplicity of handling and positioning; large-scale, low-cost manufacturing and production conditions. As a result this project presents a new and innovative option of a product widely used in the routine of dentistry professionals, proposes a cotton roll fastener whose morphology is composed of two main components and the mechanisms designed so that there is no accumulation of waste and facilitate cleaning and autoclaving. The operation takes place in a simple bidirectional way, with adjustment that allows the fixation without need of button activation, being used only for the removal. It has a linear aperture, an easy-to-use adjustment system with millimetric precision adjustment level and morphology designed to minimize patient discomfort and allow the professional to keep their hands free during care. The present study highlighted the importance of multidisciplinarity in functional and innovative designing projects. It is hoped that the data obtained will aid in the design of future studies and product designs.

Abstract not available

The transfer of air travelers with disabilities between a mobility aid and an aircraft seat is a major source of injury for both the travelers and the airline personnel assisting in the transfer. The risk to both parties might be reduced through the biomechanical study of the transfer task. Such study requires that the contact forces acting on the body of the rear transferor be known, including the contact force between the rear transferor and the seat-back. A seat-back mounted force plate was designed and constructed to accurately measure the magnitude and the center of pressure location of normal forces applied to the seat-back. This force plate collects data from four preloaded single component force transducers. The force transducers are mechanically isolated from shear forces to protect them from damage. Testing of the force plate found a normal force magnitude accuracy of 0.19 %FS over the 890 Newton (200 lbf) calibrated range. The force plate was shown to have a horizontal and vertical center of pressure location accuracy of 2.66 and 1.58 millimeters (0.105 and 0.062 inches) RMS respectively over its 343 by 293 millimeter (13.5 by 11.5 inches) measurement range. By measuring forces that may have otherwise been ignored, the seat-back mounted force plate can improve the quality of the biomechanical analysis of aircraft transfers. / Graduation date: 2005

The proliferation of body worn autometric devices has been enabled by advances in low-power electronics and fueled by the quantified-self movement. These devices range in complexity from pedometers to clinical vital sign measurement. They all share the same drawback, typically the most expensive and heaviest component, the battery. The future of autometric devices lies in wireless power. This work explores what is required from autometric devices and presents the results of testing both an embedded version and an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC) version of a wirelessly powered autometric device. / Graduation date: 2013

Two types of fish attractors, brush attractors made of cedar trees and Berkley and Company's Fish-Hab modules, were placed in a final cut coal mine lake and evaluated for fish concentrating effectiveness. Dives were conducted biweekly and numbers and species of fish at attractors were recorded. Data were then evaluated using Analysis of Variance tests.A total of 623 fish were recorded on attractors during the eight dives made from July 21 to October 24, 1986. Brush attractors held 485 fish or 78% of the total. Module attractors concentrated 105 fish (17%) and 33 fish (5%) were observed in the control areas. Brush attractors concentrated nearly five times as many fish as the modules and 15 times as many fish as the control area. The modules concentrated over three times as many fish as the control area. Results indicated there was no significant difference (0.05) in numbers of fish attracted by brush and modules with an Analysis of Variance With Repeated Measures test but density of individual species was not considered. Furthur analysis of attractors by date and specie over the study period using a One-Way Analysis of Variance revealed that brush attractors concentrated significantly (0.05) more fish than modules in mid to late summer, but not in the early fall. Modules were much less effective at concentrating fish and were never significantly different than the control areas.Scuba diving worked well as a method of evaluation for the attractors. Water clarity was adequate for visual observations and fish did not display a fright response or leave when the diver approached. At no time was there difficulty in identifying or counting fish greater than 10 cm.Ball State UniversityMuncie, IN 47306

Long resistive cables used in the operation of remote instrumentation impose fundamental limits on the amount of power delivered and create difficulties in voltage regulation at the remote-end (voltage at the end of the cable) with changing load conditions. This type of power delivery is used in many engineering systems such as in the operation of underwater remotely-operated vehicles, in oil drilling and mining industries, and in highly distributed systems (aircraft, submarines, and space stations, etc.). The focus of this research is to develop new approaches for power delivery in systems that have considerable voltage drops between the local and remote-ends.Two novel methods of power delivery based on state feedback control and parallel operation of switching and linear regulators to enhance stability and increase the power delivered at the remote-end are developed and validated experimentally.A system-level approach is developed to control the remote-end voltage for changing load conditions through the usage of a model inversion technique at the local-end along with a feedback of the local-end variables.