Digital Commons Network^™

Sequential Pattern Mining With Uncertain Data, Jiaqi Ge

Open Access Dissertations

In recent years, a number of emerging applications, such as sensor monitoring systems, RFID networks and location based services, have led to the proliferation of uncertain data. However, traditional data mining algorithms are usually inapplicable in uncertain data because of its probabilistic nature. Uncertainty has to be carefully handled; otherwise, it might significantly downgrade the quality of underlying data mining applications.

Therefore, we extend traditional data mining algorithms into their uncertain versions so that they still can produce accurate results. In particular, we use a motivating example of sequential pattern mining to illustrate how to incorporate uncertain information in the …

The Search For Dark Matter Annihilation In Galaxy Clusters At Veritas, James V. Tucci

Open Access Dissertations

Recent data and cosmological models point to a significant fraction of the Universe being comprised of Cold Dark Matter (DM), though little is known about it directly as it does not interact electromagnetically. The most likely explanation for DM is a Weakly Interacting Massive Particle (WIMP) having a mass as low as ∼10 GeV to as high as ∼10 TeV. WIMPs are believed to be their own antiparticles and self-annihilate into a variety of lighter particles including γ-rays. Many direct detection, indirect detection, and direct production schemes have been proposed to search for the elusive WIMP. Galaxy clusters, consisting of …

Thermal Neutron Analysis For Improvised Explosive Device Detection, Matthew David Marziale

Open Access Dissertations

In this dissertation, the design of a system to detect improvised explosive devices is considered. The technique utilized is thermal neutron analysis. In this method, thermal neutrons are used to interrogate a volume for the presence of nitrogen, which is used as an indicator of explosive, given its unusual high energy line in the gamma ray spectrum generated by thermal capture reactions on explosive material. The performance of the system is then considered for a number of devices used to represent an improvised explosive device, including a 155 mm shell, an antitank mine, and a air to surface bomb. The …

Using Information Technology To Model Hand-Washing Behavior And To Improve Policies Impacting Elementary School Absenteeism Due To Influenza, Galina V. Miller

Open Access Dissertations

This dissertation revealed several problems on the analysis of in?uenza propagation by indicating how agent-based modeling can be employed to measure the e?ectiveness of control measures and assist in improving health policy to decrease absenteeism among elementary students. The primary question posed was as following: “What is the e?ect of hand hygiene on the possible incidence rates among school children?” After creating an agent-based model representing the in?uenza transmission dynamic, the incidence rates were calculated based on the hand-washing success rates. The statistical results from the simulation model were displayed in graphical format.

Finally, the author addressed the issue of …

Solving Classical Insight Problems Without Aha! Experience: 9 Dot, 8 Coin, And Matchstick Arithmetic Problems, Amory H. Danek, Jennifer Wiley, Michael Öllinger

The Journal of Problem Solving

Insightful problem solving is a vital part of human thinking, yet very difficult to grasp. Traditionally, insight has been investigated by using a set of established “insight tasks,” assuming that insight has taken place if these problems are solved. Instead of assuming that insight takes place during every solution of the 9 Dot, 8 Coin, and Matchstick Arithmetic Problems, this study explored the likelihood that solutions evoked the “Aha! experience,” which is often regarded as the defining characteristic of insight. It was predicted that the rates of self-reported Aha! experiences might vary based on the necessary degree of constraint relaxation. …

Situative Creativity: Larger Physical Spaces Facilitate Thinking Of Novel Uses For Everyday Objects, Joel Chan, Timothy J. Nokes-Malach

The Journal of Problem Solving

People often use spatial metaphors (e.g., think “laterally,” “outside the box”) to describe exploration of the problem space during creative problem solving. In this paper, we probe the potential cognitive underpinnings of these spatial metaphors. Drawing on theories of situative cognition, semantic foraging theory, and environmental psychology, we formulate and test the hypothesis that larger physical spaces can facilitate divergent (but not convergent) processes in problem space exploration. Across two experiments, participants worked on a battery of problem solving tasks intended to represent divergent (alternative uses, shape invention) and convergent (remote associates, letter extrapolation) problem solving processes in either a …

Science Demonstrations, Steven Smith

Libraries Faculty and Staff Presentations

Use demonstrations to engage students and get them thinking about concepts through multiple science areas. Demos and brief discussions until we run out of time.

Supervised Learning-Based Explicit Nonlinear Model Predictive Control And Unknown Input Estimation In Biomedical Systems, Ankush Chakrabarty

Open Access Dissertations

Application of nonlinear control theory to biomedical systems involves tackling some unique and challenging problems. The mathematical models that describe biomedical systems are typically large and nonlinear. In addition, biological systems exhibit dynamics which are not reflected in the model (so-called 'un-modeled dynamics') and hard constraints on the states and control actions, which exacerbate the difficulties in designing model-based controllers or observers.

This thesis investigates the design of scalable fast explicit nonlinear model predictive controllers (ENMPCs). The design involves (i) the estimation of a feasible region using Lyapunov stability methods and support vector machines; and (ii) within the estimated feasible …

A Flexible And Versatile Framework For Statistical Design And Analysis Of Quantitative Mass Spectrometry-Based Proteomic Experiments, Meena Choi

Open Access Dissertations

Quantitative mass spectrometry (MS)-based proteomics is an indispensable technology for biological and clinical research. As the proteomics field grows, MS-based proteomic workflows are becoming more complex and diverse. The accuracy and the throughput of the MS measurements and of the signal processing tools dramatically increased. However, many existing statistical tools and workflows have not followed the technological development. Therefore, there is a need for flexible statistical tools, which reflect diverse and complex workflows, are computationally efficient for large datasets, and maximize the reproducibility of the results.

We propose a family of linear mixed effects models, and a split-plot view of …

The Scholarly Publishing Scene--Another Year Of Prose, Myer Kutz

Against the Grain

No abstract provided.

Little Red Herrings--Roosting Chickens?, Mark Y. Herring

Against the Grain

No abstract provided.

Does Comparing Informal And Formal Procedures Promote Mathematics Learning? The Benefits Of Bridging Depend On Attitudes Toward Mathematics, Shanta Hattikudur, Pooja G. Sidney, Martha W. Alibali

The Journal of Problem Solving

Students benefit from learning multiple procedures for solving the same or related problems. However, past research on comparison instruction has focused on comparing multiple formal procedures. This study investigated whether the benefits of comparing procedures extend to comparisons that involve informal and formal procedures. We also examined how learner characteristics, including prior knowledge and attitudes toward mathematics, affect learning from comparing procedures. We addressed these issues in college students' learning procedures for solving systems of equations problems in algebra. Learners who liked mathematics learned equally well whether they received comparison or sequential instruction. However, among learners who did not like …

Alternative Representations In Algebraic Problem Solving: When Are Graphs Better Than Equations?, Marta K. Mielicki, Jennifer Wiley

The Journal of Problem Solving

Successful algebraic problem solving entails adaptability of solution methods using different representations. Prior research has suggested that students are more likely to prefer symbolic solution methods (equations) over graphical ones, even when graphical methods should be more efficient. However, this research has not tested how representation format might affect solution success, and whether the efficiency of solution varies depending on the nature of the problem solving task. This study addressed the question of whether symbolic or graphical representation format provides different affordances with respect to two different types of problems: computation and interpretation. Graphical representation was found to facilitate problem …

Multi-Class Simultaneous Adaptive Segmentation And Quality Control Of Point Cloud Data, Ayman Habib, Yun-Jou Lin

Lyles School of Civil Engineering Faculty Publications

3D modeling of a given site is an important activity for a wide range of applications including urban planning, as-built mapping of industrial sites, heritage documentation, military simulation, and outdoor/indoor analysis of airflow. Point clouds, which could be either derived from passive or active imaging systems, are an important source for 3D modeling. Such point clouds need to undergo a sequence of data processing steps to derive the necessary information for the 3D modeling process. Segmentation is usually the first step in the data processing chain. This paper presents a region-growing multi-class simultaneous segmentation procedure, where planar, pole-like, and rough …

Segmentation Of Planar Surfaces From Laser Scanning Data Using The Magnitude Of Normal Position Vector For Adaptive Neighborhoods, Changjae Kim, Ayman Habib, Muwook Pyeon, Goo-Rak Kwon, Jaehoon Jung, Joon Heo

Lyles School of Civil Engineering Faculty Publications

Diverse approaches to laser point segmentation have been proposed since the emergence of the laser scanning system. Most of these segmentation techniques, however, suffer from limitations such as sensitivity to the choice of seed points, lack of consideration of the spatial relationships among points, and inefficient performance. In an effort to overcome these drawbacks, this paper proposes a segmentation methodology that: (1) reduces the dimensions of the attribute space; (2) considers the attribute similarity and the proximity of the laser point simultaneously; and (3) works well with both airborne and terrestrial laser scanning data. A neighborhood definition based on the …

Student See Versus Student Do: A Comparative Study Of Two Online Tutorials, Ilana Stonebraker, M Brooke Robertshaw, Jennifer D. Moss

Libraries Faculty and Staff Scholarship and Research

This study examines the impact on student performance after interactive and non-interactive tutorials using a 2 × 2 treatment-control design. In an undergraduate management course, a control group watched a video tutorial while the treatment group received the same content using a dynamic tutorial. Both groups received the same quiz questions. Using effect size to determine magnitude of change, it was found that those in the treatment condition performed better than those in the control condition. Students were able to take the quiz up to two times. When examining for change in performance from attempt one to attempt two, the …

The Relationship Between Intermittent Limit Cycles And Postural Instability Associated With Parkinson’S Disease, James R. Chagdes, Jessica E. Huber, Meredith Saletta, Meghan Darling-White, Arvind Raman, Shirley Rietdyk, Howard N. Zelaznik, Jeffrey M. Haddad

School of Mechanical Engineering Faculty Publications

Background: Many disease-specifc factors such as muscular weakness, increased muscle stiffness, varying postural strategies, and changes in postural refexes have been shown to lead to postural instability and fall risk in people with Parkinson’s disease (PD). Recently, analytical techniques, inspired by the dynamical systems perspective on movement control and coordination, have been used to examine the mechanisms underlying the dynamics of postural declines and the emergence of postural instabilities in people with PD. Methods: A wavelet-based technique was used to identify limit cycle oscillations (LCOs) in the anterior–posterior (AP) postural sway of people with mild PD (n = 10) compared …

The Basic Competencies Of Biological Experimentation: Concept-Skill Statements, Nancy Pelaez, Trevor Anderson, Stephanie M. Gardner, Yue Yin, Joel K. Abraham, Edward Bartlett, Cara Gormally, Jeffrey P. Hill, Mildren Hoover, Carol Hurney, Tammy Long, Dina L. Newman, Karen Sirum, Michael Stevens

PIBERG Instructional Innovation Materials

This biological experimentation competencies map is a model created by members of the ACE-Bio Network of seven areas a competent biologist calls in when doing experimentation in biology. Each competency is represented by a summary word on a uniquely colored segment of the model. For presentation convenience, the seven major areas within experimentation in biology are mapped onto tables in a linear manner. However, this is not meant to convey a particular order that one must follow during experimentation. The areas are given equal weight and flexible order of their use throughout the process of experimentation. This work is meant …

Interfacial Mechanical Strength Characterization In Multilayered Materials Via Nanoscale Impact And Nano Mechanical Raman Spectroscopy Experiments, Devendra Verma

Open Access Dissertations

A composite materials strength can significantly depend on the constitutive description of interfaces. A computational model of composite deformation should, therefore, incorporate interface constitutive behavior. These interfaces poses several challenges in studying them due their length scales of micrometer to nanometer as well the coupling of other factors such as confinement during the loading. Thus, separating main phase constitutive behavior from interface constitutive behavior in mechanical property measurement experiments is an arduous task. In this work, an epoxy interface between glass plates is analyzed under quasistatic and dynamic loading conditions to obtain a description of interfacial constitutive response at strain …

Combining Markov Random Field And Marked Point Process For Microscopy Image Modeling, Huixi Zhao

Open Access Dissertations

In many microscopy image analysis applications, it is of critical importance to address

The Effect Of Zno Nanoparticles On Thermoelectric Behavior And Fresh Properties Of Cement Paste, Seyedali Ghahari

Open Access Theses

Close to 60% of energy produced in the U.S. is wasted as heat, which can be directly converted into electricity using thermoelectric (TE) technology via the Seebeck effect. However, the potential use of TE technology for energy harvesting has not been fully explored yet, especially in civil infrastructure applications. Therefore, the aim of this work is to investigate the possibility of developing TE concrete by incorporating semiconductor nanoparticles, such as zinc oxides (ZnO) and ZnO alloys in cement paste. This study has systematically evaluated the influence of aluminum ZnO (AZO) nanoparticles and undoped zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles on the thermoelectric, …

Quantitative Modeling Of Scaling Of Patterns And Receptor Signaling In Morphogenesis, Md Shahriar Karim

Open Access Dissertations

Organs and tissue development often experience perturbations, but developmental processes seem to replicate a common body template to maintain appropriate proportions and positions. The key signaling factors that guide a number of those processes are known as morphogens. Developing cells sense their respective positional information from a graded morphogen profile, and differentiate into patterns. Remarkably, patterns are highly robust and reproducible among species, and the underlying mechanisms associated with such high degrees of precision are still enigmatic. In addition, details of the signal, such as the Bone Morphogenetic Protein (BMP) signal, that transmit patterning information to a group of homogenous …

Efficient Sparse Bayesian Learning Using Spike-And-Slab Priors, Syed Abbas Zilqurnain Naqvi Zilqurnain Naqvi

Open Access Dissertations

In the context of statistical machine learning, sparse learning is a procedure that seeks a reconciliation between two competing aspects of a statistical model: good predictive power and interpretability. In a Bayesian setting, sparse learning methods invoke sparsity inducing priors to explicitly encode this tradeoff in a principled manner.

Spatial Reconstruction Of Biological Trees From Point Cloud, Jayakumaran Ravi

Open Access Theses

Trees are complex systems in nature whose topology and geometry are

Graph Diffusions And Matrix Functions: Fast Algorithms And Localization Results, Kyle Kloster

Open Access Dissertations

Network analysis provides tools for addressing fundamental applications in graphs such as webpage ranking, protein-function prediction, and product categorization and recommendation. As real-world networks grow to have millions of nodes and billions of edges, the scalability of network analysis algorithms becomes increasingly important. Whereas many standard graph algorithms rely on matrix-vector operations that require exploring the entire graph, this thesis is concerned with graph algorithms that are local (that explore only the graph region near the nodes of interest) as well as the localized behavior of global algorithms. We prove that two well-studied matrix functions for graph analysis, PageRank and …

Statistical Characterization Of Attitude Determination Algorithms Using Two Noisy Vector Measurements, Adam Lloyd Bruce

Open Access Theses

Using Monte Carlo simulations, we analyze the statistical characteristics of three

Ultra Short Pulse Laser Surface Modification, Shashank Sarbada

Open Access Theses

ABSTRACT

Frequency Dependent Mechanical Properties Of Elastic Metamaterials With Locally Resonant Microstructures, Xiaohui Shen

Open Access Dissertations

Frequency dependent mechanical properties of elastic metamaterials with locally resonant microstructures were investigated. Due to the dynamic behavior of the microstructures, the mechanical properties of these elastic metamaterials, if represented by effective continuous media, would exhibit frequency dependent characteristics. This phenomenon was studied from the energy propagation point of view. Based on the monatomic mass lattice model, two band gap formation mechanisms were proposed. For each representative element, considering the time period when effective mass velocity increases from zero to maximum, if the kinetic energy requirement is beyond the capability of the external work of external spring, the monatomic lattice …

Tailoring Optical And Plasmon Resonances In Core-Shell And Core-Multishell Nanowires, Sarath Ramadurgam

Open Access Dissertations

Semiconductor nanowires (NWs) are sub-wavelength structures which exhibit strong optical (Mie) resonances in the visible range. In addition to such optical resonances, the localized surface plasmon resonances (LSPR) in metal and semiconductor (or dielectric) based core-shell (CS) and core-multishell (CMS) NWs can be tailored to achieve novel negative-index metamaterials (NIM), extreme absorbers, invisibility cloaks and sensors. Particularly, in this dissertation, the versatility of CS and CMS NWs for the design of negative-index metamaterials in the visible range and, plasmonic light harvesting in ultrathin photocatalyst layers for water splitting are studied.

Utilizing the LSPR in the metal layer and the magnetic …

A Study Of Alterations In Dna Epigenetic Modifications (5mc And 5hmc) And Gene Expression Influenced By Simulated Microgravity In Human Lymphoblastoid Cells, Basudev Chowdhury, Arun Seetharam, Zhiping Wang, Yunlong Liu, Amy C. Lossie, Jyothi Thimmapuram

Cyber Center Publications

Cells alter their gene expression in response to exposure to various environmental changes. Epigenetic mechanisms such as DNA methylation are believed to regulate the alterations in gene expression patterns. In vitro and in vivo studies have documented changes in cellular proliferation, cytoskeletal remodeling, signal transduction, bone mineralization and immune deficiency under the influence of microgravity conditions experienced in space. However microgravity induced changes in the epigenome have not been well characterized. In this study we have used Next-generation Sequencing (NGS) to profile ground-based “simulated” microgravity induced changes on DNA methylation (5-methylcytosine or 5mC), hydroxymethylation (5-hydroxymethylcytosine or 5hmC), and simultaneous gene …