DRUM Community: Theses and Dissertations from UMD

Design and testing methodologies for signal processing systems using DICE

2010-01-01T00:00:00Z

Title: Design and testing methodologies for signal processing systems using DICE Authors: Kedilaya, Soujanya Akirebari Abstract: The design and integration of embedded systems in heterogeneous programming environments is still largely done in an ad hoc fashion making the overall development process more complicated, tedious and error-prone. In this work, we propose enhancements to existing design flows that utilize model-based design to verify cross-platform correctness of individual actors. The DSPCAD Integrative Command Line Environment (DICE) is a realization of managing these enhancements. We demonstrate this design flow with two case studies. By using DICE's novel test framework on modules of a triggering system in the Large Hadron Collider, we demonstrate how the cross-platform model-based approach, automatic testbench creation and integration of testing in the design process alleviate the rigors of developing such a complex digital system. The second case study is an exploration study into the required precision for eigenvalue decomposition using the Jacobi algorithm. This case study is a demonstration of the use of dataflow modeling in early stage application exploration and the use of DICE in the overall design flow.

The Many Faces of Paul Hindemith

2006-01-01T00:00:00Z

Title: The Many Faces of Paul Hindemith Authors: WANG, SZU-YING Abstract: The purpose of this project is to present selected violin pieces by Paul Hindemith (1895-1963) against a backdrop of the diverse styles and traditions that he integrated in his music.

\nFor this dissertation project, selected violin sonatas by Hindemith were performed in three recitals alongside pieces by other German and Austro-German composers. These recitals were also recorded for archival purposes.

\nThe first recital, performed with pianist David Ballena on December 10, 2005, in Gildenhorn Recital Hall at the University of Maryland, College Park, included Violin Sonata Op.11, No. 1 (1918) by Paul Hindemith, Sonatina in D Major, Op. 137 (1816) by Franz Schubert, and Sonata in E-flat Major, Op.18 (1887) by Richard Strauss. The second recital, performed with pianist David Ballena on May 9, 2006, in Gildenhorn Recital Hall at the University of Maryland, included Sonata in E Minor, KV 304 (1778) by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Sonata in E (1935) by Paul Hindemith, Romance for Violin and Orchestra No.1 in G Major (1800-1802) by Ludwig Van Beethoven, and Sonata for Violin and Piano in A minor, Op. 105 (1851) by Robert Schumann. The third recital, performed with David Ballena and Kai-Ching Chang on November 10, 2006 in Ulrich Recital Hall at the University of Maryland, included Violin Sonata Op.12 No.1 in D Major (1798) by Ludwig Van Beethoven, Sonata for Violin and Harpsichord No.4 in C Minor BWV 1017 (1720) by J.S. Bach, and Violin Sonata Op.11 No.2 (1918) by Paul Hindemith.

\nFor each of my dissertation recitals, I picked a piece by Hindemith as the core of the program then picked pieces by other composers that have similar key, similar texture, same number of movements or similar feeling to complete my\nprogram. Although his pieces used some classical methods of composition, he added his own distinct style: extension of chromaticism; his prominent use of interval of the fourth; his chromatic alteration of diatonic scale degrees; and his non-traditional cadences. Hindemith left behind a legacy of multi-dimensional, and innovative music\ncapable of expressing both the old and the new aesthetics.

Morphology in Urbanized Streams of the Puget Sound Lowland Region

2004-01-01T00:00:00Z

Title: Morphology in Urbanized Streams of the Puget Sound Lowland Region Authors: Boyle, Pamela Abstract: The purpose of this research is to evaluate the effects of urbanization on channel morphology. Three hypotheses are tested: 1) Channel morphology measured from one cross section is not similar to reach-averaged values, 2) Channel shear stress ratios and erosivity increase with urbanization, and 3) Channel morphological complexity decreases with urbanization increases. Results indicate that single cross-section data do not adequately describe channel morphology. Shear stress and bed mobility did not increase with urbanization, perhaps due to the presence of large bed grain sizes that adjust to increases in flow. Similarly, channel complexity did not decrease with increased urbanization. These data indicate that channel changes resulting from urbanization are influenced by sediment supply as well as discharge, and that this should be taken into consideration in restoration design.

A Dialogue on Human Rights: America's Policy Makers and the Soviet Dissident Movements, 1956-1976

2012-01-01T00:00:00Z

Title: A Dialogue on Human Rights: America's Policy Makers and the Soviet Dissident Movements, 1956-1976 Authors: Finch, Robert James Abstract: Through the 1950s and 1960s, American news correspondents working in Moscow had come to befriend many of the Soviet dissidents. This friendship was realized in the American press, where there was an explosion of news coverage on the dissidents. Through this news coverage, American interest groups and politicians became interested in the plight of the Soviet dissidents and began to demand that their government make human rights an essential part of its foreign policy. American politicians challenged the Nixon administration's policy of détente by seeking to link trade with the Soviet Union to its human rights practices. By 1976, the Moscow Helsinki Watch Group and the Commission on Security and Cooperation in Europe were established to monitor the Soviet government's compliance with the human rights provisions of the Helsinki Final Act. This represented the first time Soviet dissidents and American politicians directly communicated on issues related to human rights.