Digital Commons Network^™

Profiling Deployed Software: Strategic Probe Placement, Madeline Diep, Sebastian Elbaum, Myra B. Cohen

School of Computing: Technical Reports

Profiling deployed software provides valuable insights for quality improvement activities. The probes required for profiling, however, can cause an unacceptable performance overhead for users. In previous work we have shown that significant overhead reduction can be achieved, with limited information loss, through the distribution of probes across deployed instances. However, existing strategies for probe distribution do not account for several relevant factors: acceptable overheads may vary, the distributions to be deployed may be limited, profiled events may have different likelihoods, and the user pool composition may be unknown. This paper evaluates strategies for probe distribution while manipulating these factors through …

A Generalized Algorithm For The Generation Of Correlated Rayleigh Fading Envelopes, Le Chung Tran, Tadeusz Wysocki, Jennifer Seberry, Alfred Mertins

Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering: Faculty Publications (to 2015)

Although generation of correlated Rayleigh fading envelopes has been intensively considered in the literature, all conventional methods have their own shortcomings, which seriously impede their applicability. In this paper, a very general, straightforward algorithm for generation of an arbitrary number of Rayleigh envelopes with any desired, equal or unequal power, in wireless channels either with or without Doppler frequency shifts, is proposed. The proposed algorithm can be applied in case of spatial correlation, such as with antenna arrays in Multiple Input Multiple Output (MIMO) systems, or spectral correlation between the random processes like in Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing (OFDM) systems. …

Disseminating Usability Design Knowledge Through Ontology-Based Pattern Languages, Scott Henninger, Padmapriya Ashokkumar

School of Computing: Technical Reports

Usability patterns represent knowledge about known ways to design graphical user interfaces that are usable and meet the needs and expectations of users. There is currently a plethora of usability patterns published in books, private repositories and the World-Wide Web. The dominance of pattern discovery efforts has neglected the emerging need to organize the patterns so they can become a proactive resource for developing interfaces. This paper presents an approach using Semantic Web concepts that turns informal patterns into formal representations capable of supporting systematic design methods. Through this method, loosely coupled pattern collections can be turned into strongly coupled …

Real-Time Divisible Load Scheduling For Cluster Computing, Xuan Lin, Ying Lu, Jitender S. Deogun, Steve Goddard

School of Computing: Technical Reports

Cluster Computing has emerged as a new paradigm for solving large-scale problems. To enhance QoS and provide performance guarantees in cluster computing environments, various workload models and real-time scheduling algorithms have been investigated. The divisible load model, propagated by divisible load theory, models computations that can be arbitrarily divided into independent pieces and provides a good approximation of many real-world applications. However, researchers have not yet investigated the problem of providing performance guarantees to divisible load applications. Two contributions are made in this paper: (1) divisible load theory is extended to compute the minimum number of processors required to meet …

Dgkd: Distributed Group Key Distribution With Authentication Capability, Pratima Adusumilli, Xukai Zou, Byrav Ramamurthy

School of Computing: Conference and Workshop Papers

Group key management (GKM} is the most important issue in secure group communication (SCC). The existing GKM protocols fall into three typical classes: centralized group key distribution (CGKD), decentralized group key management (DGKM), and distributed/contributory group key agreement (CGKA). Serious problems remains in these protocols, as they require existence of central trusted entities (such as group controller or subgroup controllers), relaying of messages (by subgroup controllers), or strict member synchronization (JOT multiple round stepwise key agreement), thus suffering from the single point of failure and attack, performance bottleneck, or mis-operations in the situation of transmission delay or network failure. In …

Crtdh: An Efficient Key Agreement Scheme For Secure Group Communications In Wireless Ad Hoc Networks, Ravi K Balachandran, Byrav Ramamurthy, Xukai Zou, N.V. Vinodchandran

School of Computing: Conference and Workshop Papers

As a result of the growing popularity of wireless networks, in particular ad hoc networks, security over such networks has become very important. In this paper, we study the problem of secure group communications (SGC) and key management over ad hoc networks. We identify the key features of any SGC protocol for such networks. We also propose an efficient key agreement scheme for SGC. The scheme solves two important problems that exist in most current SGC schemes: requirement of member serialization and existence of a central entity. Besides this, the protocol also has many highly desirable properties such as contributory …

Same-Destination-Intermediate Grouping Vs. End-To-End Grouping For Waveband Switching In Wdm Mesh Networks, Mengke Li, Wang Yao, Byrav Ramamurthy

School of Computing: Conference and Workshop Papers

We investigate waveband switching (WBS) with different grouping strategies in wavelength-division multiplexing (WDM) mesh networks. End-to-end waveband switching (ETEWBS) and same-destination-intermediate waveband switching (SD-IT-WBS) are analyzed and compared in terms of blocking probability and cost savings. First, an analytical model for ETEWBS is proposed to determine the network blocking probability in a mesh network. For SD-IT-WBS, a simple waveband switching algorithm is presented. An analytical model to determine the network blocking probability is proposed for SD-IT-WBS based on the algorithm. The analytical results are validated by comparing with simulation results. Both results match well and show that ETE-WBS slightly outperforms …

A Novel Cost-Efficient On-Line Intermediate Waveband-Switching Scheme In Wdm Mesh Networks, Mengke Li, Wang Yao, Byrav Ramamurthy

School of Computing: Conference and Workshop Papers

Waveband switching (WBS) is an important technique to save switching and transmission cost in wavelength -division multiplexed (WDM) optical networks. A cost-efficient WBS scheme would enable network carriers to increase the network throughput (revenue) while achieving significant cost savings. We identify the critical factors that determine the WBS network throughput and switching cost and propose a novel intermediate waveband switching (IT-WBS) algorithm, called the minimizing-weighted-cost (MWC) algorithm. The MWC algorithm defines a cost for each candidate route of a call. By selecting the route with the smallest weighted cost, MWC balances between minimizing the call blocking probability and minimizing the …

Wonderwise 4-H: Following In The Footsteps Of Women Scientists, Amy N. Spiegel, S. Kay Rockwell, Deanna Acklie, Saundra Wever Frerichs, Kathleen French, Judy Diamond

Department of Educational Psychology: Faculty Publications

Wonderwise 4-H: Women in Science Learning Kits, recently included in the National 4-H Curriculum Collection and widely tested by 4-H leaders, have positively affected youths’ perspectives on science, scientists, and scientific work. Adult leaders who used the multimedia, inquiry-based Wonderwise 4-H kits completed a Web survey describing the impact of the kits on youth. It indicated that the kits increased youth’s interest and understanding of science, broadened their view of scientists, and opened their eyes to the possibility of science in their own futures. More information about Wonderwise 4-H and downloadable activities are available at wonderwise.unl.edu.

Optimization Of Time Of Day Plan Scheduling Using A Multi-Objective Evolutionary Algorithm, Montasir M. Abbas, Anuj Sharma

Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering: Faculty Publications

Coordinating traffic signals can provide great savings to motorists in terms of reduced delays and number of vehicular stops. In order to maximize benefits, engineers need to use a mechanism by which the most optimal timing plans are activated when the traffic patterns change. Common ways of accomplishing this need is by using Time of Day (TOD) plan scheduling, or Traffic Responsive Plan Selection (TRPS). Out of the two modes, the TOD mode is by far the most common. Engineers, however, typically use their judgment to determine the TOD plan scheduling. Unless traffic patterns change at certain times of the …

High-Resolution Ocean Color Remote Sensing Of Benthic Habitats: A Case Study At The Roatan Island, Honduras, Deepak R. Mishra, Sunil G. Narumalani, Donald Rundquist, Merlin P. Lawson

Department of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences: Faculty Publications

Natural resource managers clamor for detailed reef habitat maps for monitoring smaller scale disturbances in reef communities. Coastal ocean color remote sensing techniques permit benthic habitats to be explored with higher resolution than ever before. The objective of this research was to develop an accurate benthic habitat map for an area off the northwest coast of Roatan Island, Honduras, using high-resolution multispectral IKONOS data. Atmospheric (Rayleigh and aerosol path radiance) and water column corrections (water depth and water column attenuation) were applied to the imagery, making it a robust method for mapping benthic habitats. Water depth for each pixel was …

Perpetual Trusts And The Settlor's Intent, Joshua C. Tate

Faculty Journal Articles and Book Chapters

In recent years, a number of American states have abolished the Rule Against Perpetuities, allowing for the creation of perpetual dynasty trusts. Some scholars have suggested that these states should also pass statutes making it easier for beneficiaries and trustees to undo a perpetual dynasty trust after the settlor has died. This article makes use of a novel source of empirical evidence - websites created by estate planners to entice clients to set up dynasty trusts - to show that settlors' goals would be frustrated by the proposed legislation.

Groundwater Irrigation In The Development Of The Grand Prairie Rice Industry, 1896-1950, John B. Gates

Department of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences: Faculty Publications

Elucidates some of the ways in which groundwater and groundwater irrigation have affected the Grand Prairie's rice industry over time and conversely how the development of the industry has altered the region's groundwater conditions. Concentrates on aspects of the industry's history that have often been overlooked in favor of rice cultivation's social dimensions and consider hydrological systems not just as resources awaiting exploitation or as simple constraints on production but as variables whose roles and effects can change over time.

Evolving Standards Of Evidentiary Review: Revising The Scope Of Review, William V. Dorsaneo Iii

Faculty Journal Articles and Book Chapters

Recently, the Texas Supreme Court has embraced an important recapitulation of the scope of evidentiary review in cases governed by the preponderance of the evidence standard of review. A similar approach has been applied by the court to cases controlled by the clear and convincing evidence standard of review. This article explores and explains these important developments.

Additions To Corporate Boards: The Effect Of Gender, Kathleen A. Farrell, Philip L. Hersch

Department of Finance: Faculty Publications

During the decade of the 1990s the number of women serving on corporate boards increased substantially. Over this decade, we show that the likelihood of a firm adding a woman to its board in a given year is negatively affected by the number of woman already on the board. The probability of adding a woman is materially increased when a female director departs the board. Adding a director, therefore, is clearly not gender neutral. Although we find that women tend to serve on better performing firms, we also document insignificant abnormal returns on the announcement of a woman added to …

Details And Description Of Industrial Engineering, Paul Savory

Department of Industrial and Management Systems Engineering: Faculty Publications

This content paper addresses key questions for students interested in pursuing industrial engineering as an academic major: What is industrial engineering? What personality characteristics do Industrial Engineers have? What types of projects do Industrial Engineers work on? What types of jobs do Industrial Engineers have? Where do Industrial Engineers work once they graduate? How much can Industrial Engineers earn? I have never heard of IE, is it a new area? How do Industrial Engineers benefit society and business? What classes will I take as an industrial engineering student? What are examples of problems I will learn how to solve? Are …

Design And Implementation Of A Non-Proprietary Campus Energy Management And Control System (Emcs), Stefan Newbold, Lalit Agarwal

Department of Industrial and Management Systems Engineering: Faculty Publications

The Energy Management and Control System (EMCS) used at the University of Nebraska - Lincoln (UNL) is unique in that system hardware and software has been developed primarily in-house. UNL has a successful track record with this approach stretching back more than twenty years.

This paper presents an industry experience report describing the high-level design and development of the latest version of this EMCS. This system is now being deployed on campus.

We discuss aspects of our EMCS that enhance usability, fault tolerance, and security. Our system is unique in that it was primarily developed using non-proprietary, opensource software building …

The Unitary Executive In The Modern Era, 1945-2004, Anthony J. Colangelo, Christopher S. Yoo, Steven G. Calabresi

Faculty Journal Articles and Book Chapters

Since the impeachment of President Clinton, there has been renewed debate over whether Congress can create institutions such as special counsels and independent agencies that restrict the president's control over the administration of the law. Initially, debate centered on whether the Constitution rejected the executive by committee used by the Articles of Confederation in favor of a unitary executive, in which all administrative authority is centralized in the president. More recently, the debate has focused on historical practices. Some scholars suggest that independent agencies and special counsels are such established features of the constitutional landscape that any argument in favor …

X-Ray Bursts Produced By Laboratory Sparks In Air, Joseph R. Dwyer, Hamid K. Rassoul, Ziad H. Saleh, Martin A. Uman, J. Jerauld, J. Anderson Plumer

Aerospace, Physics, and Space Science Faculty Publications

X-ray observations were made during fourteen 1.5 to 2.0 m high-voltage discharges in air produced by a 1.5 MV Marx circuit. All 14 discharges generated x-rays in the ∼30 to 150 keV range. The x-rays, which arrived in discrete bursts, less than 0.5 microseconds in duration, occurred from both positive and negative polarity rod-to-plane discharges as well as from small, 5-10 cm series spark gaps within the Marx generator. The x-ray bursts usually occurred when either the voltages across the gaps were the largest or were in the process of collapsing. The bursts are remarkably similar to the x-ray bursts …

The Rule Of Capture--An Oil And Gas Perspective, Bruce M. Kramer, Owen L. Anderson

Faculty Articles

No abstract provided.

Illusions Of Liberty And Equality: An "Alien's" View Of Tiered Scrutiny, Ad Hoc Balancing, Governmental Power, And Judicial Imperialism, Michael A. Scaperlanda

Faculty Articles

No abstract provided.

Polar Ordering Of Reactive Chromophores In Layer-By-Layer Nonlinear Optical Materials, Kevin Van Cott, James R. Heflin Jr., Harry Gibson, Richey M. Davis

Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering: Faculty Publications

Thin films exhibiting second-order nonlinear optical (NLO) properties, as well as materials and methods for producing Such films, are provided. The films are formed by depositing, on a Substrate, alternate layers of a polyelectrolyte and a low molecular weight chromophore. The chromophore contains an electrophilic group that reacts with a previously deposited polyelectrolyte, and ionizable groups which present absorption sites for the next polyelectrolyte layer. The films find application in, for example, electro-optic modulators and frequency doubling devices.

Writing A Short Science Fiction Novel For Young Adults, Cheryl Robson

Graduate Research Papers

The purpose of this project is to write a dystopian science fiction short novel for young adults, in tum raising awareness of the genre among young people, as well as causing them to consider today's technology issues from a different viewpoint. Background research commenced on characteristics, history, and readership of science fiction. The sub genre of dystopian science fiction was reviewed through the examination of scholarly research in this particular area. After additional reading of science fiction books, the first chapter of the researcher's science fiction novel was written. Next, students in three sections of high school language arts classes …

Care And Maintenance Of Irrigation Wells, Tom Scherer

AE Series – Agricultural Engineering/ABEN

No abstract provided.

Selecting A Sprinkler Irrigation System, Tom Scherer

AE Series – Agricultural Engineering/ABEN

No abstract provided.

Corn Insects Of North Dakota Affecting The Crop After Emergence, Mark A. Boetel, Phillip Glogoza

E Series – Entomology

No abstract provided.

Weights And Measures Of Common Feed, J. W. Schroeder, Kenneth Hellevang

AS Series – Animal Science

No abstract provided.

Boron-Rich Semiconducting Boron Carbide Neutron Detector, Andrew D. Harken, Ellen E. Day, Brian W. Robertson, Shireen Adenwalla

Shireen Adenwalla Papers

Data on the neutron detection capabilities of a variety of boron carbide/Si heterojunction diodes is presented. The pulse height spectra are compared with previously measured conversion layer devices and the variations in shape and position of the peaks are discussed.

International Transportation, Lorraine B. Halloway, Mark J. Andrews, Kenneth E. Siegel, Dean Saul

The International Lawyer

No abstract provided.

Gps Unit Fact Sheet, John Nowatzki, Christopher Daigle

AE Series – Agricultural Engineering/ABEN

No abstract provided.