Digital Commons Network^™

On The Effectiveness Of Code-Reuse-Based Android Application Obfuscation, Xiaoxiao Tang, Yu Liang, Xinjie Ma, Yan Lin, Debin Gao

Research Collection School Of Computing and Information Systems

Attackers use reverse engineering techniques to gain detailed understanding of executable for malicious purposes, such as re-packaging an Android app to inject malicious code or advertising components. To make reverse engineering more difficult, researchers have proposed various code obfuscation techniques to conceal purposes or logic of code segments. One interesting idea of code obfuscation is to apply codereuse techniques (e.g., Return-Oriented Programming) to (re-)distribute essential code segments before they are reconstructed at runtime. Such techniques are well understood on x86 platform, but relatively less explored on Android. In this paper, we present an evaluation on the extent to which code-reuse-based …

Discovering Historic Traffic-Tolerant Paths In Road Networks, Pui Hang Li, Man Lung Yiu, Kyriakos Mouratidis

Research Collection School Of Computing and Information Systems

Historic traffic information is valuable in transportation analysis and planning, e.g., evaluating the reliability of routes for representative source-destination pairs. Also, it can be utilized to provide efficient and effective route-search services. In view of these applications, we propose the k traffic-tolerant paths (TTP) problem on road networks, which takes a source-destination pair and historic traffic information as input, and returns k paths that minimize the aggregate (historic) travel time. Unlike the shortest path problem, the TTP problem has a combinatorial search space that renders the optimal solution expensive to find. First, we propose an exact algorithm with effective pruning …

Easing Cross-Border Communication: Mobile-Mediated Communication And Its Framework, Kyungsub Choi, Young Soo Kim

Research Collection School Of Computing and Information Systems

Communication is probably the most critical component of an organization engaged in a cross-border collaboration. Today’s smart devices substantially contribute to such communication. Combined with social media, mobile communication technologies are becoming the main platform for many core functions within organizations. In this paper, we identified seven media identifiable attributes: synchronicity (SYN), de-individuation and co-presence (DCP), accessibility readiness (ARD), cognizance of environment change (CEC), wearability-portability (WRB) modality-select (MDS) and visibility (VSB). These seven attributes significantly impact the course of mobile-mediated communication. We believe that development of a theoretical perspective that embraces the complexity of mobile-mediated communication is due in order …

Exploring Representativeness And Informativeness For Active Learning, Bo Du, Zengmao Wang, Lefei Zhang, Liangpei Zhang, Wei Liu, Jialie Shen, Dacheng Tao

Research Collection School Of Computing and Information Systems

How can we find a general way to choose the most suitable samples for training a classifier? Even with very limited prior information? Active learning, which can be regarded as an iterative optimization procedure, plays a key role to construct a refined training set to improve the classification performance in a variety of applications, such as text analysis, image recognition, social network modeling, etc. Although combining representativeness and informativeness of samples has been proven promising for active sampling, state-of-the-art methods perform well under certain data structures. Then can we find a way to fuse the two active sampling criteria without …

Research Strategies For Biomedical And Health Informatics: Some Thought-Provoking And Critical Proposals To Encourage Scientific Debate On The Nature Of Good Research In Medical Informatics, Reinhold Haux, Et Al.

Research Collection School Of Computing and Information Systems

Medical informatics, or biomedical and health informatics (BMHI), has become an established scientific discipline. In all such disciplines there is a certain inertia to persist in focusing on well-established research areas and to hold on to well-known research methodologies rather than adopting new ones, which may be more appropriate. To search for answers to the following questions: What are research fields in informatics, which are not being currently adequately addressed, and which methodological approaches might be insufficiently used? Do we know about reasons? What could be consequences of change for research and for education? Outstanding informatics scientists were invited to …

High Impact Bug Report Identification With Imbalanced Learning Strategies, Xinli Yang, David Lo, Xin Xia, Qiao Huang, Jianling Sun

Research Collection School Of Computing and Information Systems

In practice, some bugs have more impact than others and thus deserve more immediate attention. Due to tight schedule and limited human resources, developers may not have enough time to inspect all bugs. Thus, they often concentrate on bugs that are highly impactful. In the literature, high-impact bugs are used to refer to the bugs which appear at unexpected time or locations and bring more unexpected effects (i.e., surprise bugs), or break pre-existing functionalities and destroy the user experience (i.e., breakage bugs). Unfortunately, identifying high-impact bugs from thousands of bug reports in a bug tracking system is not an easy …

Sensor-Driven Detection Of Social Isolation In Community-Dwelling Elderly, W K P Neranjana Nadee Rodrigo Goonawardene, Xiaoping Toh, Hwee-Pink Tan

Research Collection School Of Computing and Information Systems

Ageing-in-place, the ability to age holistically in the community, is increasingly gaining recognition as a solution to address resource limitations in the elderly care sector. Effective elderly care models require a personalised and all-encompassing approach to caregiving. In this regard, sensor technologies have gained attention as an effective means to monitor the wellbeing of elderly living alone. In this study, we seek to investigate the potential of non-intrusive sensor systems to detect socially isolated community dwelling elderly. Using a mixed method approach, our results showed that sensor-derived features such as going-out behavior, daytime napping and time spent in the living …

Safestack+: Enhanced Dual Stack To Combat Data-Flow Hijacking, Yan Lin, Xiaoxiao Tang, Debin Gao

Research Collection School Of Computing and Information Systems

SafeStack, initially proposed as a key component of Code Pointer Integrity (CPI), separates the program stack into two distinct regions to provide a safe region for sensitive code pointers. SafeStack can prevent buffer overflow attacks that overwrite sensitive code pointers, e.g., return addresses, to hijack control flow of the program, and has been incorporated into the Clang project of LLVM as a C-based language front-end. In this paper, we propose and implement SafeStack+, an enhanced dual stack LLVM plug-in that further protects programs from data-flow hijacking. SafeStack+ locates data flow sensitive variables on the unsafe stack that could potentially affect …

The Challenges And Opportunities Of Addressing Particle Size Effects In Sediment Source Fingerprinting: A Review, J. Patrick Laceby, Olivier Evrard, Hugh G. Smith, Will H. Blake, Jon M. Olley, Jean P.G. Minella, Philip N. Owens

School of Geography, Earth and Environmental Sciences

No abstract provided.

Infrastructure, Trade Facilitation, And Network Connectivity In Sub-Saharan Africa☆,☆☆, Ben Shepherd

Journal of African Trade

This paper uses new measures of value added in exports in two sectors (textiles and clothing, and agriculture) to examine the linkages between trade facilitation and infrastructure on the one hand, and value chain participation on the other. It applies network analysis methods to derive a summary measure of value chain connectivity for 189 countries, including 44 in Sub-Saharan Africa. There is a statistically significant association between this measure and summary indicators of infrastructure development and trade facilitation performance. Moreover, it is not only a country's own performance that matters, but also that of its neighbors. The regional dimension of …

Trade And Economic Growth In Developing Countries: Evidence From Sub-Saharan Africa, Pam Zahonogo

Journal of African Trade

This study investigates how trade openness affects economic growth in developing countries, with a focus on sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). We use a dynamic growth model with data from 42 SSA countries covering 1980 to 2012. We employ the Pooled Mean Group estimation technique, which is appropriate for drawing conclusions from dynamic heterogeneous panels by considering long-run equilibrium relations. The empirical evidence indicates that a trade threshold exists below which greater trade openness has beneficial effects on economic growth and above which the trade effect on growth declines. The evidence also indicates an inverted U-curve (Laffer Curve of Trade) response, robust …

Screening Guidelines And Data Analysis For The Application Of In-Situ Polymer Gels For Injection Well Conformance Improvement, Munqith Naeem Rashak Aldhaheri

Doctoral Dissertations

"Excessive water production represents a major industry challenge because of its serious economic and environmental impacts. Polymer gels have been effectively applied to mitigate water production and extend the productive lives of mature oilfields. However, selecting a proper gel technology for a given reservoir is a challenging task for reservoir engineers because of the associated geological and technical complexities and the absence of efficient screening tools.

A comprehensive review for the worldwide gel field projects was conducted to develop an integrated systematic methodology that determines the applicability of three injection well gel technologies including bulk gels, colloidal dispersion gels, and …

Additive Manufacturing Of Glass Using A Filament Fed Process, Junjie Luo

Doctoral Dissertations

"There are many scientific and engineering applications of glass including optics, communications, electronics, and hermetic seals, there has been minimal research towards the Additive Manufacturing (AM) of transparent glass parts. The special thermal and optical properties of glasses make them hard to be printed using conventional AM techniques. In this dissertation, two different AM techniques for glass AM were developed, Selective Laser Melting (SLM) and filament fed process.

Semi-transparent parts were printed with SLM process. However, the filament fed process was found to be more robust and promising for printing optically transparent glass parts. Therefore, this dissertation is focused on …

Optimal Electric Vehicle Scheduling : A Co-Optimized System And Customer Perspective, Maigha

Doctoral Dissertations

"Electric vehicles provide a two pronged solution to the problems faced by the electricity and transportation sectors. They provide a green, highly efficient alternative to the internal combustion engine vehicles, thus reducing our dependence on fossil fuels. Secondly, they bear the potential of supporting the grid as energy storage devices while incentivizing the customers through their participation in energy markets. Despite these advantages, widespread adoption of electric vehicles faces socio-technical and economic bottleneck. This dissertation seeks to provide solutions that balance system and customer objectives under present technological capabilities. The research uses electric vehicles as controllable loads and resources. The …

Pillar Design For St. Peter Sandstone Formation, Francis Anohomah Arthur

Doctoral Dissertations

"Silica sands produced primarily from St. Peter Sandstone are used for hydraulic fracturing in the petroleum industry, glassmaking, chemicals, ceramics, filtration and the foundry industry in the US. The recent high demand for silica sands for hydraulic fracturing has triggered increased production and commissioning of new silica sand mines to support natural gas production from shale and tight gas deposits in the US. Most mines use surface mining methods to extract St. Peter Sandstone. The room and pillar mining method has been successfully used for St. Peter Sandstone mining in a few US locations, however, no one has proposed a …

Spot It! Mathematical Structure In A Children's Game, Tom Clark

Faculty Work Comprehensive List

"Whenever I lead the Northwest Iowa Math Teachers’ Circle I want to use a problem that is easy to explain, unfolds in many directions, and encourages inquiry. Spot It! is the best session topic I have ever seen for this. All you have to do is play the game for a minute or two, and questions arise spontaneously."

A University For All Ages? An Exploration Of Age-Stereotyping And Unconscious Bias And Its Impact On The Student Experience., Marie Lavelle, Cath Gristy, Joanna Haynes

School of Law, Humanities and Social Sciences

Aims of project:  To explore aspects of age stereotyping and age related unconscious bias on the multi-age site of Plymouth University campus.  To investigate ways in which members of the PU community experience and express understandings of age.  To explore how conceptions and expectations of age are shaped by the informal environment and practices, particularly those practices related to joining and becoming a member of the university community. Background/context to project: The University might be considered a space associated with ‘being’ a certain age, constructed not just with learning in mind but also a space where rites …

Analyzing The Rio Chama Flow Project’S Capacity To Implement Adaptive Management, Avery Olshefski

Water Resources Professional Project Reports

The Rio Chama is the main tributary to the Rio Grande in New Mexico. Several reservoirs were built on the Rio Chama to store water for downstream users, which has led to the river section becoming highly managed, resulting in negative ecological effects. Approximately 400,000 AF per year of water is conveyed through the system without considerable consumptive amounts, 96,200 AF of which were added with the San Juan-Chama trans-basin diversion, creating more water in the system then historically available. Therefore, the flow between the El Vado and Abiquiu Reservoirs has the potential to be optimized in order to provide …

Swmp Plan 2017, U.S. Department Of Energy, National Technology & Engineering Solutions Of Sandia, Llc

Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) Permit

No abstract provided.

Lipoma Of The Tendon Sheath Causing Symptoms Of De Quervain’S Tenosynovitis: A Case Report, James Rose, Moheb S. Moneim

UNM Orthopaedic Research Journal

Deep lipomas arising from the extensor compartments of the wrist are extremely rare. Owing to infrequent presentation and mass effect on nearby structures, lipomas can be mistaken for other clinical entities. We describe a 70-year-old woman who presented to our clinic with symptoms initially suggestive of de Quervain’s tenosynovitis of the left wrist. However, findings of physical examinations and imaging techniques revealed a lipoma of the tendon sheath of the second dorsal compartment. The patient was successfully treated operatively, with excision and release of the first dorsal compartment. To help accurately diagnosis and treat lipomas of the wrist in deep-tissue …

Capitate Stress Injuries Of Both Wrists In An Adolescent Female Gymnast: A Case Report, Brynne R.W Latterell, Deana M. Mercer, Shane P. Cass, Christopher A. Mcgrew

UNM Orthopaedic Research Journal

Gymnastic activities expose the wrist to a wide variety of overuse and acute stresses. Injuries to the distal radius are the most commonly reported gymnastic wrist condition; however, many other structures are at risk of injury from the sport’s high acute and overuse demands, including the carpal bones, most commonly the scaphoid. We describe a 17-year-old female, high-level gymnast in whom stress injuries to both capitate bones were ultimately diagnosed after initial symptoms of pain. This case demonstrated the need for prompt recognition, without which much chronic and debilitating injury would develop. For successful diagnosis, healthcare providers should carefully examine …

Diagnosing An Acute Quadratus Plantae Tear In A 37-Year-Old Athlete: A Case Report, James P. Toldi, Shane P. Cass, Richard A. Miller, Christopher A. Mcgrew

UNM Orthopaedic Research Journal

Foot injuries occur frequently in distance runners and can notably impact training performance. Common diagnoses include plantar fasciitis, tendinopathies of the forefoot or midfoot, and stress fractures of the metatarsals. Occasionally, more obscure structures may be involved. We describe a 37-year-old male distance runner who presented with symptoms of heel pain and ecchymosis, suggesting an acute plantar fascia injury. However, findings of magnetic resonance imaging revealed a tear to the quadratus plantae (QP). The patient gradually returned to normal levels of physical activity, with complete resolution of symptoms by 4 months after the initial injury. Healthcare providers should be aware …

Rare Tumors Adjacent To The Achilles Tendon: Report Of Two Cases, Jay J. Wojcik, Aditi S. Majumdar, Kathleen M. Madden, Richard A. Miller

UNM Orthopaedic Research Journal

Benign masses are not uncommon near the Achilles tendon of the ankle. However, the occurrence of angiomyomas or glomus tumors in the region has rarely been reported. We describe two patients, a 44-year-old woman and 44-yearold man, who presented with a tender mass posterior to the Achilles tendon. Excision led to successful removal of the lesion in both cases. Results of histological examinations revealed an angiomyoma and glomus tumor in the woman and man, respectively. Although rare, the presence of these tumors should be considered in the differential diagnosis of masses near the Achilles tendon.

A New Diagnosis Of Multiple Sclerosis In A 29-Year-Old Former Collegiate Basketball Player With Initial Symptoms Of Recurrent Bell’S Palsy: A Case Report, Eric R. Reynolds, Andrew D. Ashbaugh, Christopher A. Mcgrew

UNM Orthopaedic Research Journal

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a demyelinating disorder of the central nervous system, characterized by immunemediated destruction of myelinated axons, which leads to notable physical disability. Although presence among active athletes is extremely low, it can cause considerable lifestyle changes for those athletes affected as they transition into life after competitive athletics. We describe a 29-year-old former collegiate women’s basketball player in whom MS was diagnosed during a visit for recurrent evaluation of Bell palsy. Subsequent neurology consult and magnetic resonance imaging led to the confirmation of the diagnosis of MS, and the patient began treatment for relapsing-remitting MS. During visits …

The Albuquerque Community Sports Medicine Experience: Four Decades And Counting, Christopher A. Mcgrew, Thomas A. Decoster, Shane P. Cass, Richard Gerrells, Edward R. Sweetser

UNM Orthopaedic Research Journal

No abstract provided.

Posttraumatic Attenuation Of The Lisfranc Ligament In A 14-Year-Old Athlete: A Case Report, Paul J. Johnson, David M. Bennett

UNM Orthopaedic Research Journal

Lisfranc injuries in children are rare and range from mild midfoot sprains to severe traumatic fracture-dislocations. Management of sprains is nonoperative, whereas treatment of fracture-dislocations often requires internal fixation. We present a unique case of a midfoot sprain in a 14-year-old adolescent boy, with gradual increased instability at the joint owing to attenuation of the Lisfranc ligament. Closed reduction and percutaneous pinning resulted in successful treatment at 3 weeks postoperatively. Midfoot sprains may lead to further ligamentous attenuation and widening as seen on radiographs and thus should be monitored for signs of persistent pain and instability. Because midfoot instability contributes …

Missed Early Glenohumeral Septic Arthritis During Emergency Department Visit Owing To Low Virulence Streptococcus Mitis: A Case Report, Ashley A. Crum, Christopher A. Mcgrew, Matthew A. Tennison

UNM Orthopaedic Research Journal

Glenohumeral joint septic arthritis in a native joint is uncommon but can be debilitating if not treated early. Septic arthritis does not always present with the typical clinical findings, especially in immunocompromised patients. We report a rare case of glenohumeral septic arthritis from Streptococcus mitis infection in a diabetic woman that was initially missed on first presentation in the emergency department (ED). The exact cause of infection in this case remains unclear but is likely due to poor dentition and possible transient bacteremia in the setting of large rotator cuff tear in an immunocompromised patient (diabetes). The patient had a …

Front Matter, Unm Department Of Orthopaedic Surgery

UNM Orthopaedic Research Journal

No abstract provided.

Physical Therapy Faculty, Unm Department Of Orthopaedic Surgery

UNM Orthopaedic Research Journal

No abstract provided.

Letter From The Chair, Unm Department Of Orthopaedic Surgery

UNM Orthopaedic Research Journal

No abstract provided.