The Lexiphone is a reading machine for the blind which makes an optical to auditory transformation from the printed character to a sound code. This thesis is the development of a computer-based environment for studying the code. Fluctuations in the code signals generated by repeated scanning of the same ink pattern were studied using a Fourier analysis routine. From the Fourier coefficients representing these code signals it was established that the error in mean pitch of the code sound produced for the letter "s" is less than 1%. This error is typical for the alphabet and does not cause the blind user difficulty. The method of compressing the code signals is explained and studied with the aid of a Hadamard transform routine. This transform permits ready, comparison of compressed and uncompressed code signals. The results of direct comparisons between uncompressed code and compressed code are disappointing: the two presentations seem approximately equivalent. The reading rate in words per minute for a blind subject trained to read with the uncompressed code was not improved with the compressed code. A previous worker had found that the compressed code for letters was better discriminated and easier to learn. In. another experiment reported in the thesis six sighted subjects were used: three subjects were taught eight four-letter words presented in uncompressed code and the other three were taught the same words in a compressed version of the code. The learning curves for the two groups were approximately the same. Experimental time for subject testing was less than that used by the previous worker and suggestions are made for further experiments which may elucidate the problem of reading compressed code. / Applied Science, Faculty of / Electrical and Computer Engineering, Department of / Graduate

The current infrastructure as a service (IaaS) cloud systems, allow users to load their own virtual machines. However, most of these systems do not provide users with an automatic mechanism to load a network topology of virtual machines. In order to specify and implement the network topology, we use software switches and routers as network elements. Before running a group of virtual machines, the user needs to set up the system once to specify a network topology of virtual machines. Then, given the user’s request for running a specific topology, our system loads the appropriate virtual machines (VMs) and also runs separated VMs as software switches and routers. Furthermore, we have developed a manager that handles physical hardware failure situations. This system has been designed in order to allow users to use the system without knowing all the internal technical details.

In this thesis, the fatigue response of arteries to four specific physiological conditions representative of various morphological changes that artery undergo during its lifetime, was explored. Single layered nonlinear elastic micromechanical model of artery was developed for this purpose. A comparative study was completed on fatigue response, in the form of available life and shear stress accumulation, between hypertensive and normotensive arteries. The effects of morphological changes of ageing arteries on the fatigue response of the artery were studied. Change in stiffness, arterial dilation and remodeling were taken into consideration. The effect of undulation of the artery, due to weakening of arterial walls with age or hypertension, on fatigue response, is the third aspect of this study. Lastly, the contribution of the surrounding linear elastic tissue material on fatigue response of the artery was investigated to reflect the in-vivo condition of artery where it is always surrounded by different tissues.

In support of ACM's and the IEEE's commitment to professionalism, the ACM Committee on Professional Ethics, a technical co-sponsor of this conference, is presenting a workshop designed to help faculty provide students with tools to better understand and to better resolve their ethical challenges as professionals. This workshop will have a special focus on issues raised by robots, Google Glass, and other increasingly sophisticated devices. The workshop will use both lecture and small group activities to introduce and enhance participants' teaching skills in computer and engineering ethics. Leaders will present materials to be used in a complete professional ethics course, and that can also be integrated as examples and exercises into specific technical courses. The materials will include case studies, suggested course syllabi, and suggestions for creating and grading assignments. The workshop will feature demonstrations of several advanced devices, and how they can be used to teach about ethics, and to attract attention to ethical issues.

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