In anticipation of a Rhode Island Sound (RIS) SCOAP deployment, a site planning method was developed using archived Automatic Identification System (AIS) data. AIS is a real-time, radio-based system for sharing navigation information among vessels. Archived data were used to determine geographic and seasonal patterns of RIS vessel traffic, and associated frequency of potential collision encounters for various hypothetical repeat transect ASC surveys under consideration. Seasonal-mean AIS vessel traffic varied from as low as 0.01 tracks per day or less in southeastern RIS to about 8 tracks per day in shipping lanes near Narragansett Bay. Corresponding numbers of potential collision encounters for a month-long repeat transect ASC survey in these two areas are about 0-2 and 12-22, respectively, with lower/higher values in winter/summer. Crudely estimated non-AIS traffic suggests up to 3-4 times higher total (AIS and non-AIS vessels) potential encounters. The method provides quantitative information to enable site planning that best balances oceanographic sampling goals against associated collision risks.

On-board autonomy software capable of performing collision avoidance (CA) maneuvers is essential for long duration ASC operations. To demonstrate and evaluate its CA performance the Mission Oriented Operation Suite Interval Programming Helm autonomy software, to be implemented on SCOAP, was used to simulate repeat transect ASC surveys with traffic vessels. The CA algorithm used avoids collisions without attempting to comply with Coast Guard (CG) Collision Avoidance Regulations (COLREGS). Three categories of ASC CA maneuver were identified, in which nearly all encounters fall: large deflection, course-reversal, and leave/return to station keeping. ASC path disruptions are substantially reduced when traffic vessels perform CA in addition to the ASC; sensitivity of encounter statistics to other ASC and traffic vessel path configurations, and CA algorithm parameters, is modest. Overall the CA algorithm performed reliably, resolving at least 97% of encounters in 10s of seconds, including interactions with multiple traffic vehicles simultaneously.

A framework was developed for how ASCs can best approach compliance with COLREGS, the set of rules (prescribed behaviors and exceptions to them) applicable to vessels with human operators on board. The framework considers the ASC operating mode and its maneuverability relative to traffic vessels. For SCOAP, marked for restricted maneuverability and executing repeat transects, the recommendation is to always give way except when station-keeping with sensors overboard. The framework will be reassessed when CG requirements for ASC COLREGS compliance, currently under development, are completed. Regardless, it is suggested that on-board autonomy software include flexibility to implement different combinations of prescribed behaviors and exceptions, for different ASCs and applications.

The study presented here aimed at identifying immunogenic salivary proteins from I. scapularis recognized by human immune sera. To identify these potential antigens, which later on need to be characterized with regards to their vaccination potential, a phage display approach was utilized. Antigen libraries derived from salivary gland mRNA of 18 h fed I. scapularis were screened with human immune sera.

Screening with an antigen library derived from nymphal ticks led to identification of a metalloprotease. This enzyme has been described previously and appears promising as a novel vaccine candidate. Furthermore, it has close homologs in other ixodid species raising its potential as a universal vaccine.

MANOVA test was conducted based on six indices developed under the Dupont Strategic Profit Model (including annual growth rate of net sales, annual growth rate of cost of goods sold, gross margin percentage, net profit margin, asset turnover, and return on assets). Eight luxury apparel and eight mass apparel companies were selected for the purpose of the study.

The results showed that first, the overall financial performance between luxury apparel and mass apparel companies was statistically different from 2008 to 2011. Second, luxury apparel and mass apparel companies had different gross margin and asset turnover from 2008 to 2011. Third, there was no evidence showing that luxury apparel and mass apparel companies achieved different growth of net sales, growth of cost of goods sold and return on assets (ROA) from 2008 to 2011. Fourth, luxury apparel companies outperformed mass apparel companies starting in 2010 in terms of net profit margin, indicating more robust post-crisis recovery.

The results of the study confirmed the differentiated performance of selected luxury apparel and mass apparel companies’ business models. The findings also suggested that luxury apparel companies achieved a more robust post-crisis recovery. Additionally, the results suggested that mass apparel companies should not enter the luxury apparel market because ROA of luxury apparel companies did not appear to be better than mass apparel companies.

Olivine is the most ideal mineral reactant for carbon sequestration, based on abundance and reactivity. My data show that the first 45 m of surface rocks of the CRO contain very little olivine, but petrography shows olivine at least 110 m below the surface, and olivine has been previously identified in various sections of the CRO. Using energy-dispersive x-ray spectroscopy, I showed that the amount of Mg in olivine in the rocks is 24% and the amount of total Mg + Fe + Ca is 38%. Based on these figures and volume, density, and the percentage of rock reacted with CO_2, I calculate that the CRO can sequester ~ 6.9x10¹³ kg CO₂ for Mg-only sequestration and ~9.1x10¹³ kg CO₂ for Mg, Fe, and Ca sequestration, which correspond to 14% and 39% of the amount of atmospheric CO₂ that would return us to 350 ppm CO₂, Thus the CRO, while not capable of eliminating enough CO₂ to halt global warming by itself, still can sequester a considerable amount and should be considered a viable option for mineral sequestration.

Fishery independent survey data from Georges Bank and the Eastern Bering Sea were evaluated for at least an eighteen year period. Changes in the proportion of length distributions, mean length, and maximum length of annual trawl catches were evaluated for the entire catch and particular species of interest. Annual measurements of species diversity were quantified through the use of species richness, evenness, and trophic diversity calculations and overall trends were evaluated between the ecosystems.

Results indicate that fishing pressure is correlated to fish size distributions in both ecosystems, however the relationship between fishing pressure and species diversity is slight in both ecosystems. Additionally, a surprising trend of increasing species diversity is apparent in both ecosystems, despite the simultaneous decline of several stocks on Georges Bank. Lastly, an evaluation of management approaches revealed that management of the Georges Bank region has been largely reactive, responding to immediate ecological needs of the fishery. In the Eastern Bering Sea, groundfish management has been comparatively proactive, seeking to address needs of the fishery prior to reaching critical management points. These differing management styles are apparent in the ecological assessments of both ecosystems. Frequently, the reactive management actions on Georges Bank resulted in more immediate responses in single species abundance and ecosystem diversity, while the more proactive management actions in the Eastern Bering Sea resulted in little ecological change in the system. These results highlight the importance of utilizing a proactive approach to fisheries management and suggest that changes in ecosystem and community composition should be strongly considered in all management actions to gain a more holistic perspective. Furthermore, they suggest that management goals related to the maintenance of biological diversity may not be suitable because of inadequate understanding of community dynamics.

The second portion of this study sought to identify how the social-networking site, Facebook, might play a role within the identified indie folk subculture. In order to examine this, a survey was conducted with individuals who responded to targeted Facebook posts from individuals in Rhode Island. The results of these surveys demonstrates that Facebook does play a role in the indie folk community, specifically through the posting and sharing of media, the creation and sharing of events, and interaction through and on fan, band, and group pages.

Many different muscles were examined as potential candidates for the EMG sensors. The output of each sensor was observed and several different sensor setups were chosen for focus. For each setup, at least one classifier configuration was designed in the attempt to obtain the highest testing accuracy. The angular velocity measurements of the z and y axis in the IMU were chosen to physically control the mouse cursor. Several different techniques were designed based on the different sensor setups and classifier configurations to obtain the highest overall system accuracy and fewest false positives.

Training data was collected in MatLab for processing. Time domain features were extracted and provided as input to a linear discriminant classifier. The implementation of the designs were programed in C++ for fast and efficient real-time performance. The setup and configuration with the highest training accuracy, highest testing accuracy, lowest false positive rate, and best overall IMU integration, was the setup with EMG sensors on the muscles: Extensor Carpi Radialis, Extensor Carpi Ulnaris, Flexor Carpi Ulnaris, Flexor Carpi Radialis, and Flexor Digitorum Superficialis (Near Wrist). One classifier took the input of all five channels for classification into a total of seven classes or actions: Rest, Up, Down, Left, Right, Left Click, and Right Click. This design took the least time to complete the accuracy program designed to evaluate the different configurations. This design also saw the lowest false positives.

Compared to a standard mouse or track pad, the best design still fell far short in performance. However, the common user has been using a standard mouse or track pad their whole life, and the need for time to practice with the device is expected. With practice, the design has the potential to match or come close to the accuracy of existing mice. With further automation of the training data collection and classifier training, the device would require little configuration to start using. Further development towards a commercial product would minimize the equipment required, the sensor setup time, and make the device no less convenient than a standard mouse.

One of the design goals at the forefront of this project, is the application and usability by hand amputees. Muscle locations are located in the forearm, and the IMU device located on the back of the wrist or forearm, allows hand amputees and those with hand disabilities to operate the device.

In this thesis research, I examine the factors that contribute to the tools utilized to manage the fishery in the ICCAT Convention Area to shed light on why they are managed differently than other ICCAT stocks. To do this, I conducted a literature review on publicly available ICCAT reports, governmental and non-governmental documents, peer reviewed scientific literature, and other sources to understand and explain the relevant importance of each contributing factor to the management of the species. I utilized key informant interview methodology to obtain insights from twelve bluefin tuna experts representing a variety of interests that attend ICCAT official meetings. I transcribed and collected insights from semi-structured interviews, which I used to ground-truth the findings of the literature review.

No single factor is responsible for the unique management in place to govern ICCAT’s bluefin tuna fishery. Rather, a nuanced interaction of many important factors contributes to the species’ poor stock status and unique management. The history and complex nature of the fishery, unique biology of the species, strong demand in the world sushi market, impact of Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated (IUU) fishing, and political will of ICCAT member countries to enforce Recommendations and Resolutions influence which measures are adopted and implemented. This finding contrasts peer reviewed literature and other information to the contrary that attribute the unique management and poor stock status of bluefin tuna to such factors as high market value of the species’ meat, ineffective ICCAT management, Hardin’s “Tragedy of the Commons,” or the “free riding” of noncooperating fishing entities fully.

Based on key informant interviews, expert respondents share a high level of agreement that the special, “iconic” status that bluefin tuna have attained in popular media, scientific publications, and in general public opinion is an important factor that contributes to their management. I argue that the powerful symbol that bluefin tuna has become in the policy realm affects its management in direct and indirect ways. This thesis research provides analyses of these various forces and the management context of the species, and shares recommendations for improving management of bluefin tuna and other ICCAT stocks.

Significant, yet moderate relationships were found between respondents’ assessment of their social skills and their relational satisfaction. Although additional analyses yielded other moderate relationships that may influence relationship satisfaction, it is difficult to determine from this data what variables would strengthen the relationship between these two variables. While the research indicates a relationship between the variables, the results in this study question whose social skills play a role in determining relationship satisfaction –the individual or her or his partner.

A quantitative approach, called “Testing Theory-Based Quantitative Predictions” (TTQP), has been proposed using effect size indices and confidence intervals to directly test predictions posited by theory (Velicer et al, 2008). Effect size indices provide information regarding the magnitude and direction of an effect while confidence intervals provide a means of “testing” specific predictions. This approach is an iterative process, allowing the researcher to tailor the theory as empirical data is collected. The use of the TTQP approach contributes to the movement away from NHST and the reliance on p-values, while promoting a stronger and more informative method. A quantitative orientation represents an essential change in thinking about theory testing by emphasizing the numeric strength of a measure, leading researchers away from a simple binary accept/reject framework. Predictions are made relative to the specific measure/variable, but the use of effect sizes allows for comparison across studies and across theories. Therefore, the TTQP approach actually provides more information than traditional NHST.

The TTQP approach involves several steps. First, verbal descriptions of the expected values are designated a priori. These predictions are theory-based and guided by previous empirical findings (e.g. “small effect”). Second, verbal predictions are translated into quantitative values based on traditional guidelines or empirical results (e.g. “0.01”). Then, observed effect size estimates with surrounding confidence intervals are generated from sample data. If a confidence interval contains the predicted value, the prediction is confirmed. If the predicted value falls outside of the confidence interval, the prediction is not confirmed and explanations for failed predictions are examined.

The current study replicated findings from Velicer et al. (2008) and extended previous research by generating predictions for new health behaviors: diet and sun exposure. Secondary analyses were performed on cross-sectional data from a multiple health risk behavioral intervention. Predictions for each behavior varied slightly depending on the nature of the behavior and represented the major constructs of the Transtheoretical Model: decisional balance, self-efficacy, and processes of behavior change. Effect size indices were represented as ω2 and 99% confidence intervals were generated to employ a stringent test of fit.

This thesis investigates the modification of an existing emulator to achieve the goals of high-performance and higher-quality enhancement than what has previously been available. Two approaches were implemented and compared. The first uses traditional image processing techniques to perform object detection. The second uses a modified emulator to access virtual hardware state information to perform object detection. The results of object detection are used to perform replacement of all graphics with highresolution replacements and to implement a form of scene recognition to add additional graphical and audio effects.

The system developed as part of this research uses a modified version of the FCEUX emulator for the Nintendo Entertainment System. The performance of the using virtual hardware state information as a means of object detection and localization has been found to be more efficient and accurate than using image processing algorithms. Using this system, a substantial audio-visual upgrade was successfully developed for a commerciallyreleased game.