Physical Sciences and Mathematics Commons^™

Sb-Corla: Schema-Based Constructivist Robot Learning Architecture, Yifan Tang

Doctoral Dissertations

This dissertation explores schema-based robot learning. I developed SB-CoRLA (Schema- Based, Constructivist Robot Learning Architecture) to address the issue of constructivist robot learning in a schema-based robot system. The SB-CoRLA architecture extends the previously developed ASyMTRe (Automated Synthesis of Multi-team member Task solutions through software Reconfiguration) architecture to enable constructivist learning for multi-robot team tasks. The schema-based ASyMTRe architecture has successfully solved the problem of automatically synthesizing task solutions based on robot capabilities. However, it does not include a learning ability. Nothing is learned from past experience; therefore, each time a new task needs to be assigned to a new …

Collective Behavior Of Interacting Magnetic Nanoparticles, Noppi Widjaja

Doctoral Dissertations

In the past, Low Dimensional Materials by Design group at ORNL in collaboration with students from the University of Tennessee, have successfully tailored and studied magnetic nanostructures in 2D, 1D and 0D spatial confinement on Cu(111) substrates. They observed a striking collective ferromagnetic long-range order in Fe-nanodots on Cu(111) surface which can be stabilized through the indirect exchange interaction mediated by the substrate. This type of magnetic interaction was expected to have little effect on promoting a global ferromagnetic order in a randomly distributed dot assembly. It is for certain that we need a better understanding of the relative roles …

Emergent Phenomena In Spatially Confined Manganites, Thomas Z. Ward

Doctoral Dissertations

Rare earth manganites exhibit colossal magnetoresistance (CMR). There is evidence that alloyed single crystal materials in this class can display electronic inhomogeneity in which areas with vastly different electronic and magnetic properties can form and coexist in phase separated domains ranging in size from a few nanometers to micrometers. This phase separation (PS) is of particular interest, as it has been suggested that it is the central feature that leads to CMR in manganites, the Mott transition in VO₂ and may play a role in high-TC superconductivity in cuprates. However there is debate as to its precise role.

The …

Scalable Graph Algorithms With Applications In Genetics, Yun Zhang

Doctoral Dissertations

Graph theoretical approaches have been widely used to solve problems arising in bioinformatics and genomic analysis. In particular, enumeration problems such as maximal clique and maximal biclique finding are cores for addressing many biological problems, such as the integration of genome mapping data. However, the enumeration problems may become computation and memory bot- tlenecks for genome-scale elucidation of biological networks due to their NP-hard nature and the huge memory requirements.

Therefore, this research is interested in developing exact, scalable, and efficient algorithms for these biological problems. The Clique Enumerator including a maximal clique enumeration algo- rithm and its parallel …

A Socioeconomic Study Of The Non-Industrial Private Forest Landowner Wood Supply Chain Link In The Cumberland Plateau Region Of Tennessee, Kevin Patrick Hoyt

Doctoral Dissertations

The Cumberland Plateau in Tennessee currently is experiencing widespread forest parcelization and changes in species composition as a result of changes in land use and ownership. These changes can be attributed partially to industrial forest land divestiture, the lingering effects of the 1998 – 2002 Southern Pine Beetle (SPB) epidemic, and expanding development due to increasing population growth. The region has recently become a focus of debate concerning land use change, land management practices, and the effects on biodiversity.

A stratified random sample of 1600 Nonindustrial Private Forest (NIPF) landowners owning 40 or more acres of forestland were surveyed obtaining …

Forestry Extension In Tennessee: Comparing Traditional And Web-Based Program Delivery Methods, Samuel Wayne Jackson

Doctoral Dissertations

As the traditional forestry Extension clientele in Tennessee changes, Extension professionals need to adapt and deliver programs in such a way as to reach the maximum audience while ensuring the educational benefit of the program and remaining within budget. The development of the Internet and associated web-based programs presents a new tool by which Extension professionals can develop and deliver educational programs to clientele.

This study compared two Extension program delivery methods, web-based and traditional field-based. A series of field workshops were held and participants were surveyed. From these field workshops, a web-based program was developed and was marketed to …

Assessing The Tree-Ring Oxygen Isotope Hurricane Proxy Along The Atlantic And Gulf Coastal Seaboards, Usa, Whitney L. Nelson

Doctoral Dissertations

A recent increase in hurricane activity has put coastal populations at risk. To better understand hurricane activity, it is necessary to look beyond the modern instrumental record, using proxy records to establish modes of past variability. The utility of a newly developed tree-ring oxygen isotope proxy is further assessed. I present oxygen isotope time series from three sites: Francis Marion and Sandy Island, South Carolina and Eglin Air Force Base, Florida. Proxy results are verified against the instrumental record of hurricane occurrence. The sites record similar percentages (45% for Francis Marion and Sandy Island, 63% for Eglin Air Force Base) …

New Carbon-Carbon Bond Forming Reactions Mediated By Boron And Transition Metal Halides, Travis R. Quick

Doctoral Dissertations

This dissertation summarizes the recent use of boron and transition metal halides to form new carbon-carbon bonds. Several novel reactions have been discovered. These include the haloallylation of aryl aldehydes with boron trihalide; alkyne-aldehyde couplings mediated by boron trihalide to give either (Z,Z)-1,5-dihaloalkenes or (Z,E)-1,5- dihaloalkenes; dehydroxylation of benzylic alcohols and in situ generated benzylic alcohol salts with iron(III) chloride and triethylsilane to afford diarylmethanes; and, the alkenylation of allylic, benzylic, and propargylic alcohols with phenylacetylenes and titanium(IV) halide. The results of these studies strongly imply a cationic mechanism. The reaction methodology of the research described herein can be characterized …

Direct Extraction Of Normal Mapped Meshes From Volume Data, Mark Barry, Zoë J. Wood

Computer Science and Software Engineering

We describe a method of directly extracting a simplified contour surface along with detailed normal maps from volume data in one fast and integrated process. A robust dual contouring algorithm is used for efficiently extracting a high-quality "crack-free" simplified surface from volume data. As each polygon is generated, the normal map is simultaneously generated. An underlying octree data structure reduces the search space required for high to low resolution surface normal mapping. The process quickly yields simplified meshes fitted with normal maps that accurately resemble their complex equivalents.

Three-Dimensional Microfluidic Devices Fabricated In Layered Paper And Tape, Andres W. Martinez, Scott T. Phillips, George M. Whitesides

Chemistry and Biochemistry

This article describes a method for fabricating 3D microfluidic devices by stacking layers of patterned paper and double-sided adhesive tape. Paper-based 3D microfluidic devices have capabilities in microfluidics that are difficult to achieve using conventional open-channel microsystems made from glass or polymers. In particular, 3D paper-based devices wick fluids and distribute microliter volumes of samples from single inlet points into arrays of detection zones (with numbers up to thousands). This capability makes it possible to carry out a range of new analytical protocols simply and inexpensively (all on a piece of paper) without external pumps. We demonstrate a prototype 3D …

Global Irrigation Water Demand: Variability And Uncertainties Arising From Agricultural And Climate Data Sets, Dominik Wisser, Steve Frolking, Ellen M. Douglas, Balazs M. Fekete, Charles Vorosmarty, Andreas H. Schumann

Earth Sciences

Agricultural water use accounts for around 70% of the total water that is withdrawn from surface water and groundwater. We use a new, gridded, global-scale water balance model to estimate interannual variability in global irrigation water demand arising from climate data sets and uncertainties arising from agricultural and climate data sets. We used contemporary maps of irrigation and crop distribution, and so do not account for variability or trends in irrigation area or cropping. We used two different global maps of irrigation and two different reconstructions of daily weather 1963–2002. Simulated global irrigation water demand varied by ∼30%, depending on …

Calibrating Function Point Backfiring Conversion Ratios Using Neuro-Fuzzy Technique, Justin Wong, Luiz Fernando Capretz, Danny Ho

Electrical and Computer Engineering Publications

Software estimation is an important aspect in software development projects because poor estimations can lead to late delivery, cost overruns, and possibly project failure. Backfiring is a popular technique for sizing and predicting the volume of source code by converting the function point metric into source lines of code mathematically using conversion ratios. While this technique is popular and useful, there is a high margin of error in backfiring. This research introduces a new method to reduce that margin of error. Neural networks and fuzzy logic in software prediction models have been demonstrated in the past to have improved performance …

Fixing The Leaky Pipe: Increasing Recruitment Of Underrepresented Groups In Ecology, Brian L. Bingham, Lisette E. Torres

Environmental Sciences Faculty and Staff Publications

Many students from underrepresented groups lack adequate opportunities and mentorship as they head through the “pipeline” to graduate school. Despite the need for unique perspectives in collaborative scientific research, ethnic minority students continue to “leak” from the system. Here, I present some points for consideration for academic professionals (including educators, administrators, and program managers), based on the first-hand experiences of successful minority scientists.

Green Roofs For A Green Town: Possibilities Of Green Roof Implementation In The Town Of Normal, Lindsey Sihau, '09

Outstanding Senior Seminar Papers

Green roofs have been growing in popularity throughout the world. Scientists have been studying them since the 1980’s. This research project reviews the literature regarding both the benefits and barriers to green roof construction and management. Policies around the nation are then examined and analyzed. Suggestions are made regarding possible additions to the local Stormwater Management Policy that would emphasize the importance of sustainable building techniques such as green roofs, and hopefully offer incentive to their implementation.

What Impact Does Sustainable Certification Have? A Comparison Of Aquatic Nitrate And Phosphate Levels Between Two Golf Courses In The Bloomington-Normal Community, Jason Koval, '09

Outstanding Senior Seminar Papers

Two golf courses in the Bloomington-Normal community in central Illinois were tested for nitrate and phosphate concentrations in their ponds. One golf course (The Den) is Audubon International certified while the other golf course (Ironwood) is not. This study tries to establish if differing environmental management practices can contribute to significantly different concentrations of nutrients. It was determined that the nitrate concentration was higher at the non-certified golf course, while the phosphate concentrations at both courses were essentially negligible. The implications of these findings are discussed and were presented to both golf courses. It is the hope of this paper …

The Feasibility Of Implementing Farm To School Programs In Bloomington-Normal Public Schools, Margaret Kane, '09

Outstanding Senior Seminar Papers

Farm to School programs promote partnerships between local farmers and school districts in which farmers can provide fresh organic produce for school meals and education about sustainable agriculture. A focus on local and organic foods has a variety of benefits that affect the environmental, health, and community. This study explores opportunities for Farm to School programs in Bloomington-Normal public schools, and concludes that a this type of program would be feasible in Normal, although there are quite a few barriers to overcome before implementation would be possible.

Environmental Evaluation Of A Quaternary Wastewater Treatment Wetland, Olivia Demeo, '09

Outstanding Senior Seminar Papers

Constructed wetlands for wastewater treatment have become a sustainable alternative to environmentally harmful traditional wastewater treatment methods. This case study evaluated the Schroeder Wildlife Sanctuary, a wetland area constructed for removal of nutrients from wastewater. An environmental evaluation of the wetland was completed that addressed three parameters: the water quality of wetland effluent, the avian biodiversity within the sanctuary, and an assessment of community outreach and education initiatives. Water quality testing was conducted using rudimentary LaMotte and Hach testing kits. The data was contrary to the literature and showed no nutrient removal occurring. However, the results were inconclusive because the …

The Feasibility Of Incorporating Sustainable Materials In The Design Of Habitat For Humanity Homes, Meaghan Collins, '09

Outstanding Senior Seminar Papers

The concept of sustainable design has been one of increasing interest with regards to both personal choices and desire to reduce human impacts on the environment. This paper looks at the concept of sustainable housing design and why it is important. Particularly, it focuses on sustainable housing designs and materials that the McLean County Chapter of Habitat for Humanity can incorporate into the construction of its homes. This paper investigates three types of sustainable construction materials, flooring, cabinetry, and paints that Habitat for Humanity could incorporate into its homes.

A Three-Dimensional Pattern-Space Representation For Volumetric Arrays, William C. Barott, Paul G. Steffes

Publications

A three-dimensional pattern-space representation is presented for volumetric arrays. In this representation, the radiation pattern of an array is formed by the evaluation of the three-dimensional pattern-space on a spherical surface. The scan angle of the array determines the position of this surface within the pattern-space. This pattern-space representation is used in conjunction with a genetic algorithm to minimize the sidelobe levels exhibited by a thinned volumetric array during scanning.

Minerva 2008, The Honors College

Minerva

This issue of Minerva includes an article on the completion of the restoration of Colvin Hall; a reflection by Ruth Nadelhaft, former UMaine Honors program director; and an article on Honors alumnus and Nobel Peace Prize winner Bernard Lown and his 2008 Rezendes Visiting Scholar in Ethics Lecture/Distinguished Honors Graduate Lecture.

Robust Stability And Optimality Conditions For Parametric Infinite And Semi-Infinite Programs, M J. Cánovas, M A. Lopez, Boris S. Mordukhovich, J Parra

Mathematics Research Reports

This paper primarily concerns the study of parametric problems of infinite and semi-infinite programming, where functional constraints are given by systems of infinitely many linear inequalities indexed by an arbitrary set T, where decision variables run over Banach (infinite programming) or finite-dimensional (semi-infinite case) spaces, and where objectives are generally described by nonsmooth and nonconvex cost functions. The parameter space of admissible perturbations in such problems is formed by all bounded functions on T equipped with the standard supremum norm. Unless the index set T is finite, this space is intrinsically infinite-dimensional (nonreflexive and nonseparable) of the l(infinity)-type. By using …

On The Movement Of Beluga Whales In Cook Inlet, Alaska: Simulations Of Tidal And Environmental Impacts Using A Hydrodynamic Inundation Model, Tal Ezer, Roderick Hobbs, Lie-Yauw Oey

CCPO Publications

The population of beluga whales in Cook Inlet, Alaska, is in decline, and since 2000 these whales have been under consideration for designation as "endangered" under the Endangered Species Act (and were placed on the list in October 2008, just before this article went to press). In order to study environmental and hydrodynamic impacts on the belugas' movements and survival in the unique habitat of the inlet, a three-dimensional ocean circulation and inundation model is combined with satellite-tracked beluga whale data. Model-wale data comparisons from two whale paths during a five-day period (september 17-21, 2000) covering 10 tidal cycles suggest …

Reconstructing Three-Dimensional Shape Envelopes From Time-Resolved Small-Angle X-Ray Scattering Data, Jessica Lamb, Lisa W. Kwok, Xiangyun Qiu, Kurt Andresen, Hye Yoon Park, Lois Pollack

Physics and Astronomy Faculty Publications

Modern computing power has made it possible to reconstruct low-resolution, three-dimensional shapes from solution small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) data on biomolecules without a priori knowledge of the structure. In conjunction with rapid mixing techniques, SAXS has been applied to time resolve conformational changes accompanying important biological processes, such as biomolecular folding. In response to the widespread interest in SAXS reconstructions, their value in conjunction with such time-resolved data has been examined. The group I intron from Tetrahymena thermophila and its P4–P6 subdomain are ideal model systems for investigation owing to extensive previous studies, including crystal structures. The goal of this …

Detection Of An So2 Plume Over Sapporo, Japan From The Eruption Of Mt. Kasatochi Using A Balloon Sounding Technique, Gary A. Morris, Jun Hirokawa, Masatomo Fujiwara, Fumio Hasebe, Keisuke Ishida, Nicholay Krotkov, Mark R. Schoeberl, Walter Komhyr, Barry Lefer, James Flynn

Physics and Astronomy Faculty Presentations

During the month of August 2008, 10 ozonesondes were launched from Hokkaido University in Sapporo, Japan as part of a study to examine regional pollution during the Olympic period. Seven of these soundings included a second instrument with a filter designed to remove SO2 from the intake air stream. SO2 interferes with the normal chemistry of the electrochemical cell (ECC) method for ozone detection, with the net result being that each molecule of SO2 registers as minus one molecule of O3. Thus the unfiltered sonde reports [O3] - [SO2] while the filtered sonde reports [O3]. Laboratory tests prior to launch …

The Möbius Geometry Of Hypersurfaces, Michael Bolt

University Faculty Publications and Creative Works

No abstract provided.

An Analysis Of Entries In The First Tac Market Design Competition, Jinzhong Niu, Kai Cai, Peter Mcburney, Simon Parsons

Publications and Research

This paper presents an analysis of entries in the first TAC Market Design Competition final that compares the entries across several scenarios. The analysis complements previous work analyzing the 2007 competition, demonstrating some vulnerabilities of entries that placed highly in the competition. The paper also suggests a simple strategy that would have performed well.

Sublimital Analysis, Thomas Q. Sibley

Mathematics Faculty Publications

The Bolzano-Weierstrass theorem asserts, under appropriate circumstances, the convergence of some subsequence of a sequence. While this famous theorem ignores the actual limit of the subsequence, it is natural to investigate such limits. This note characterizes the set of possible limits of subsequences of a given sequence.

Partial Automorphism Semigroups, Jennifer Chubb, Valentina Harizanov, Andrei Morozov, Sarah Pingrey, Eric Ufferman

Mathematics

We study the relationship between algebraic structures and their inverse semigroups of partial automorphisms. We consider a variety of classes of natural structures including equivalence structures, orderings, Boolean algebras, and relatively complemented distributive lattices. For certain subsemigroups of these inverse semigroups, isomorphism (elementary equivalence) of the subsemigroups yields isomorphism (elementary equivalence) of the underlying structures. We also prove that for some classes of computable structures, we can reconstruct a computable structure, up to computable isomorphism, from the isomorphism type of its inverse semigroup of computable partial automorphisms.

Neural Networks As A Tool For Constructing Continuous Ndvi Time Series From Avhrr And Modis, M. E. Brown, D. J. Lary, A. Vrieling, D. Stathakis, H. Mussa

United States National Aeronautics and Space Administration: Publications

The long term Advanced Very High Resolution Radiometer (AVHRR)- Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) record provides a critical historical perspective on vegetation dynamics necessary for global change research. Despite the proliferation of new sources of global, moderate resolution vegetation datasets, the remote sensing community is still struggling to create datasets derived from multiple sensors that allow the simultaneous use of spectral vegetation for time series analysis. To overcome the non-stationary aspect of NDVI, we use an artificial neural network (ANN) to map the NDVI indices from AVHRR to those from MODIS using atmospheric, surface type and sensorspecific inputs to account …

Measuring And Modeling Co2 And H2O Fluxes In Complex Terrain, Diego Andrés Riveros-Iregui, Brian L. Mcglynn

School of Natural Resources: Faculty Publications

The feedbacks between the water and the carbon cycles are of critical importance to global carbon balances. Forests and forest soils in northern latitudes are important carbon pools because of their potential as sinks for atmospheric carbon. However there are significant unknowns related to the effects of hydrologic variability, mountainous terrain, and landscape heterogeneity in controlling soil carbon dioxide (CO₂) efflux. Mountainous terrain imposes large spatial heterogeneity in the biophysical controls of soil CO₂ production and efflux, including soil temperature, soil water content, vegetation, substrate, and soil physical properties. Further complications are introduced by the superimposed temporal …