Engineering Commons^™

Using Electronic Faculty Course Portfolios To Showcase Classroom Practices And Student Learning, Paul Savory, Amy M. Goodburn

Department of Industrial and Management Systems Engineering: Faculty Publications

Faculty course portfolios are a valuable medium for documenting and making visible the serious intellectual work of teaching. Developing a faculty course portfolio follows the same process one uses to explore a research question. Faculty members inquire, analyze, and document their teaching practices and the resulting student learning and then make the results accessible for use, review, and assessment by one’s peers. In this article, we introduce four types of electronic course portfolios that sponsor different forms of inquiry into student learning. We highlight the major components of each type, offer advice in developing them, and share examples of each. …

Modeling Of Metal-Ferroelectric-Insulator-Semiconductor Structures Based On Langmuir–Blodgett Copolymer Films, Timothy J. Reece, Stephen Ducharme

Stephen Ducharme Publications

Among the ferroelectric thin films used in field-effect transistor devices; the ferroelectric copolymer of polyvinylidene fluoride PVDF –CH2–CF2–, with trifluoroethylene TrFE –CHF–CF2–, has distinct advantages, including low dielectric constant, low processing temperature, low cost, and compatibility with organic semiconductors. The operation of a metal-ferroelectric insulatorsemiconductor structure with PVDF-TrFE as the ferroelectric layer was analyzed and optimized by numerical solution of the Miller and McWhorter model. A model device consisting of 20 nm PVDF/TrFE on a 10-nm-thick high-k dielectric buffer exhibits a memory window of 5 V with an operating voltage of 15 V. The operating voltage can be reduced to …

Responses To “Comment On ‘Response To Plevin: Implications For Life Cycle Emissions Regulations’” And “Assessing Corn Ethanol: Relevance And Responsibility”, Adam Liska, Kenneth Cassman

Adam Liska Papers

This letter responds to two issues concerning the greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions intensity of corn-ethanol that were raised in discussions of our response (Liska and Cassman 2009) to Plevin’s article (2009), which critiques our original research (Liska et al. 2009) published in the Journal of Industrial Ecology. ... The suggestion by Anex and Lifset (2009) that corn-ethanol does not reduce GHG emissions by 47% compared to gasoline, but instead by “somewhere between” 35 to 40%, is unsubstantiated.

Live Load Models For Long Span Bridges, Marta Lutomirska

Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering: Dissertations, Theses, and Student Research

In the doctoral dissertation a live load model for long span structures was derived. The live load model is valid for spans between 600 ft and 5000 ft and it is intended to reflect current traffic patterns, quantities of trucks and their weights. The live load models available were developed for short and medium span bridges. Those models were not appropriate for long span bridges due to different types of structure and critical traffic patterns. Live load on long spans depends on traffic mix. One heavily overloaded truck does not have significant influence. Moreover, the continuous increase in the number …

Classification, Clustering And Data-Mining Of Biological Data, Thomas Triplet

School of Computing: Dissertations, Theses, and Student Research

The proliferation of biological databases and the easy access enabled by the Internet is having a beneficial impact on biological sciences and transforming the way research is conducted. There are currently over 1,100 molecular biology databases dispersed throughout the Internet. However, very few of them integrate data from multiple sources. To assist in the functional and evolutionary analysis of the abundant number of novel proteins, we introduce the PROFESS (PROtein Function, Evolution, Structure and Sequence) database that integrates data from various biological sources. PROFESS is freely available at http://cse.unl.edu/~profess/. Our database is designed to be versatile and expandable and …

Imprinting Polymerfilm On Patterned Substrate, Li Tan, Yen-Peng Kong, Stella W. Pang, Albert F. Yee

Department of Mechanical and Materials Engineering: Faculty Publications

A method of applying a pattern on a topography includes first applying a polymer film to an elastormer member, such as PDMS, to form a pad. The pad is then applied to a substrate having a varying topography under pressure. The polymer film is transferred to the substrate due to the plastic deformation of the polymer film under pressure compared to the elastic deformation of the PDMS member pulls away from the polymer layer, thereby depositing the polymer layer, thereby depositing the polymer layer upon the substrate.

Precast Post-Tensioned Segmental Pole System: U.S. Patent No. Us 6,851,231 B2, Maher K. Tadros, E. Terence Foster, Sherif A. Yehia, Audra L. Hansen

Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering: Faculty Publications

A precast post-tensioned segmental pole system capable of supporting a load is provided. The pole system includes a plurality of pole segments that use connectors and strands to anchor them together. The strands extend within a cavity formed in the pole segments and are external to the wall structure of the pole segments. The strands may be coupled between both of the pole segments, or be anchored to a connector. The connector includes an upper piece that is coupled to one pole segment, and a lower piece that is coupled to the other pole segment. Upper and lower pieces interlock …

Acuta Enews November 2009, Vol. 38, No. 11

ACUTA Newsletters

ln This Issue

From ACUTA Headquarters: Announcing ACUTA Connections ............Jeri Semer, CAE, Exec. Dir

Audio Seminar: "Cutting the Telecom Power Bill"

Deadline Approaching for Institutional Excellence Awards

Tech Talk: Forecast: Cloudy, with a Slight Chance of Lost Data? .............Kevin Tanzillo, Dux PR 3

UNC to Place Wind Turbines along the Outer Banks......................... From Campus technology News Update

DC Update ..........Dave Ostrom, Washington State University (retired)

lnfo Links................. Randy Hayes, Univ. of Northern lowa

Washington Update Newsletter for ACUTA Members

Bring Fall Seminar to Your Desktop 6 Remember: Nominate Now for 2010-2011 Board of Directors

Send Payments Direct to ACUTA

Addressing …

Next Generation Biofuels And Advanced Engines For Tomorrow’S Transportation Needs, Sandia National Laboratories, Doe Combustion Research Facility, Doe Joint Bioenergy Institute

United States Department of Energy: Publications

In November 2009, Sandia National Laboratories hosted the Next Generation Biofuels and Advanced Engines for Tomorrow’s Transportation Needs Workshop. The event focused on the combined opportunities in biofuels and engines in the transportation sector. The workshop brought together the DOE Combustion Research Facility and the DOE Joint BioEnergy Institute along with oil companies, biofuel developers, engine manufacturers, suppliers, and experts from the university, regulatory, finance, and national laboratory communities. The intersection of biofuels and engines, if properly scaled, can meet a triad of national goals:

• Reduced climate impact

• Economic development

• Energy security through energy diversity

The workshop …

Use Of Ground Penetrating Radar For Construction Quality Assurance O Concrete Pavement, George Morcous, Ece Erdogmus

Nebraska Department of Transportation: Research Reports

No abstract provided.

Nutrient And Bacterial Transport In Runoff From Soil And Pond Ash Amended Feedlot Surfaces, John E. Gilley, Jason R. Vogel, Elaine D. Berry, Roger Eigenberg, David B. Marx, Brian L. Woodbury

Department of Agricultural and Biological Systems Engineering: Faculty Publications

The addition of pond ash (fly ash that has been placed in evaporative ponds and subsequently dewatered) to feedlot surfaces provides a healthier environment for livestock and economic advantages for the feedlot operator. However, the water quality effects of pond ash amended surfaces are not well understood. The objectives of this field investigation were to: (1) compare feedlot soil properties, and nutrient and bacterial transport in runoff, from pond ash amended surfaces and soil surfaces; (2) compare the effects of unconsolidated surface materials (USM) (loose manure pack) and consolidated subsurface materials (CSM) (compacted manure and underlying layers) on nutrient and …

Modeling And Simulation Of Interactions Between Blast Waves And Structures For Blast Wave Mitigation, Wen Peng

Department of Mechanical and Materials Engineering: Dissertations, Theses, and Student Research

Explosions occur in military conflicts as well as in various industrial applications. Air blast waves generated by large explosions move outward with high velocity, pressure and temperature. The blast waves not only incapacitate military and civilian personnel, but also damages buildings, vehicles, and other properties. Hence, there has been extensive research on how to mitigate blast wave effects. Understanding the interactions between blast waves and structures is a very important step in the development of devices for blast wave mitigation. The objective of this dissertation is to explore the complicated physical problem of blast waves impacting structures. The structures comprise …

Moisture Sensitivity Of Hot Mix Asphalt Mixtures In Nebraska -- Phase Ii, Ingryd Pinto, Hoki Ban, Yong-Rak Kim

Nebraska Department of Transportation: Research Reports

No abstract provided.

Developing Processes And Criteria For External Reviews Of Scholarly Teaching, Paul Savory, Amy M. Goodburn

Department of Industrial and Management Systems Engineering: Faculty Publications

This workshop explores theoretical questions and practical strategies for how to develop peer reviewers for faculty required to document their scholarly teaching. After reading two mini case-studies of how faculty have documented the intellectual work of their teaching, participants will engage in guided discussion about reviewing and assessing such work and about developing faculty communities equipped to do such work. Presenter(s) also will seek feedback on guidelines that they have developed for external reviewers of SOTL work.

Extraction And Characterization Of Natural Cellulose Fibers From Common Milkweed Stems, Narendra Reddy, Yiqi Yang

Department of Agricultural and Biological Systems Engineering: Faculty Publications

Natural cellulose fibers with cellulose content, strength, and elongation higher than that of milkweed floss and between that of cotton and linen have been obtained from the stems of common milkweed plants. Although milkweed floss is a unique natural cellulose fiber with low density, the short length and low elongation make milkweed floss unsuitable as a textile fiber. The possibility of using the stems of milkweed plant as a source for natural cellulose fibers was explored in this research. Natural cellulose fibers extracted from milkweed stems have been characterized for their composition, structure, and properties. Fibers obtained from milkweed stems …

Acuta Enews October 2009, Vol. 38, No. 10

ACUTA Newsletters

In This lssue

Nominate Now for 2010-2011 Board of Directors

From the President........... Harvey "Buck" Buchanan, Florida State Univ., ACUTA President

Tech Talk To Blog or Not to Blog....................Kevin Tanzillo, Dux PR

Nominate Now for Institutional Excellence Award

Board Report....................... George Denbow Univ. of Texas-Austin, ACUTA Secretary/Treasurer

DC Update.................Dave Ostrom, Washington State Univ. (retired)

Audio Seminar: "Cutting the Telecom Power Bill"

Tweet Tweet?................. .Amy Burton, Mgr., Membership Marketing & Corp. Relations

Get Your ACUTA Logo Here

lnfo Links ............ Randy Hayes, Univ. of Northern lowa

Financial Crisis Activity in Washington Newsletter

Welcome New Members

Performance Limits For 6-In. High Curbs Placed In Advance Of The Mgs Using Mash Vehicles Part:Ii Full-Scale Crash Testing, Karla A. Lechtenberg, Ronald K. Faller, Dean L. Sicking, Robert W. Bielenberg M.S.C.E., E.I.T., Jeffery C. Thiele, John D. Reid

Nebraska Department of Transportation: Research Reports

No abstract provided.

Behavior And Design Of Buried Concrete Pipes Phase Ii, Ece Erdogmus, Maher K. Tadros

Nebraska Department of Transportation: Research Reports

No abstract provided.

Termination And Anchorage Of Temporary Concrete Barriers, Scott Rosenbaugh, Robert W. Bielenberg, Ronald K. Faller, John R. Rohde, Dean L. Sicking, Karla A. Lechtenberg, James C. Holloway M.S.C.E., E.I.T., John D. Reid

Nebraska Department of Transportation: Research Reports

No abstract provided.

Nebraska Blueprint- Fall 2009

Nebraska Blueprint (Student Publication)

Table of Contents:

From the Editor

Then and Now

Engineering Block: A History of Home

College of Engineering Timeline

Longtime Professors Leave Lasting Impact

IEEE 125th Anniversary Celebration

October 2009, Tractor Museum

Lester F. Larsen Tractor Museum: Planning and Development Documents

Agenda, minutes, treasurer report, director report, docent report, associate report, activities report, test lab report

Investigation And Mitigation Of Driver Confusion At Modern Roundabouts, Aemal Khattak, Gregory Mcknight, Karen Schurr, Ram R. Bishu

Nebraska Department of Transportation: Research Reports

Construction of modern roundabouts in place of traditional four-legged intersections is becoming common in the United States. Roundabout negotiation can be confusing for drivers who are not familiar with their use. This research was carried out to identify roundabout elements that play a role in incorrect roundabout negotiation, ascertain driver characteristics prominent in incorrect roundabout negotiation, assess the relative potential for incorrect negotiation amongst different groups of drivers, and suggest measures for improving drivers’ abilities to negotiate roundabouts. Potential for incorrect roundabout negotiation was measured by asking questions in a survey questionnaire related to rules of roundabout negotiation and the …

Course Portfolio - Discrete Event Simulation, Paul Savory

Department of Industrial and Management Systems Engineering: Faculty Publications

This course portfolio, written by Dr. Paul Savory, provides an overview of his Discrete Event Simulation course at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. It offers an overview of the course goals, a summary of the classroom activities for achieving them, and a detailed assessment of student learning. He highlights his introduction of the simul8 programming environment to his students. In addition to exploring his students’ learning, Dr. Savory also explores different approaches for documenting his teaching by including multimedia clips (video and audio), uses graphs, uses color, and incorporates images. The resulting portfolio is one that can be reviewed, shared, and …

Nanoscale Domain Patterns In Ultrathin Polymer Ferroelectric Films, Pankaj Sharma, Timothy J. Reece, Daniel W. Wu, Vladimir M. Fridkin, Stephen Ducharme, Alexei Gruverman

Stephen Ducharme Publications

High-resolution studies of domain configurations in Langmuir–Blodgett films of ferroelectric polymer poly(vinylidene fluoride-trifluoroethylene), P(VDF-TrFE), have been carried out by means of piezoresponse force microscopy (PFM). Changes in film thickness and morphology cause significant variations in polarization patterns. In continuous films and nanomesas with relatively low thickness/grain aspect ratio (<1/10), the relationship between the average domain size and thickness follows the Kittel law. Nanomesas with high aspect ratio (>1/5) exhibit significant deviations from this law, suggesting additional surface-energy-related mechanisms affecting the domain patterns. Polarization reversal within a single crystallite has been demonstrated and local switching parameters (coercive voltage and remnant piezoresponse) have been measured by monitoring the local hysteresis loops. Reliable control of polarization at the sub-grain level demonstrates …

Towards Supervised Autonomous Task Completion Using An In Vivo Surgical Robot, Jason J. Dumpert

Department of Mechanical and Materials Engineering: Dissertations, Theses, and Student Research

Laparoscopy is a minimally invasive alternative to traditional abdominal surgery. Unlike traditional surgery, a laparoscopic procedure can be completed using small incisions. The use of these small incision results in reduced pain to the patient, shorter recovery times, and less trauma to skin, muscle and other tissues. However, these benefits to the patient are offset by the increased difficulty to the surgeon performing the procedure. These difficulties include reduced dexterity, reduced perception, and longer procedure times. The use of small in vivo robotic devices in minimally invasive surgery is one possible solution to these problems. The movement of these devices …

Energy-Efficient, Flow-Specific Medium Access Using Preamble Sampling, T. Owens Walker Iii, Murali Tummala, John Mceachen

United States Navy: Publications

Current wireless sensor network applications face challenging power constraints that demand low duty cycles. In this paper, we propose an energy-efficient, flow-specific medium access scheme that is capable of achieving low duty cycles while taking advantage of the performance improvements available through a flow-specific medium access approach. The scheme is based on an adaptive sleep and wake cycle that responds to changes in both contention and non-contention traffic loads through the use of preamble sampling. A preamble sampling probability parameter is introduced to manage the trade-off between energy efficiency and network throughput and delay performance. A performance analysis is conducted …

Power Consumption And Performance Analysis Of Object Tracking And Event Detection With Wireless Embedded Smart Cameras, Mauricio Casares, Alvaro Pinto, Youlu Wang, Senem Velipasalar

Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering: Faculty Publications

An embedded smart camera is a stand-alone unit that not only captures images, but also includes a processor, memory and communication interface. With battery-powered and embedded smart cameras, it has become viable to install many spatially-distributed cameras interconnected by wireless links. Not requiring to have access to electrical outlets and have wired links increase system flexibility. However, wireless and battery-powered smart-camera networks introduce many additional challenges since they have very limited resources, such as power, memory and bandwidth. The algorithms running on the camera boards should be lightweight and efficient. In addition, the frequency of communication between camera nodes, and …

Power Efficiency Of Cooperative Communication In Wireless Sensor Networks, Sunita Gupta, Mehmet C. Vuran, M. Cenk Gursoy

Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering: Faculty Publications

In this paper, a new protocol termed CoopXLM that integrates cooperative communication and Cross-Layer Module (XLM) is created and examined via simulation. CoopXLM modifies XLM by allowing multiple cooperative nodes to participate in receiver-based contention. Although there is increased energy consumption for processing, simulation results indicate that across all duty cycles there is an average energy savings of 38% with CoopXLM in comparison to XLM. It was also found that CoopXLM yields higher goodput than XLM at lower duty cycles but yields lower goodput at higher duty cycles.

Model For Virtual Physical Layer Communication Over Deployed Wireless Sensor Networks, Thomas Childers, Yow Thiam Poh, John Mceachen, Murali Tummala

United States Navy: Publications

A method for file transfer utilizing forward error correction (FEC) to pass traffic over deployed wireless sensor networks is studied. The entire wireless sensor network is modeled as an error-prone virtual physical link. Previous work in the area of terminal communication across the sensor network is expanded upon to include file transfer in order to provide a more capable channel and a basis for testing the performance obtained through erasure coding. The results of the FEC implementation are examined using multiple sensor network configurations. While the error correction method proved effective, larger topologies presented congestion issues due to the sensors’ …

Acuta Enews September 2009, Vol. 38, No. 9

ACUTA Newsletters

In This Issue

From ACUTA Headquarters: Higher Ed Weighs in with IRS on Celt Phones ....Jeri Semer, CAE, Exec. Dir

What Will You Learn in Portland?

Tech Talk: Wake Up, Little Computer ................Kevin Tanzillo, Dux PR

DC Update ...........Dave Ostrom, Washington State University (retired)

lnfo Links ............. Randy Hayes, Univ. of Northern lowa

"Financial Crisis Activity in Washington" Newsletter for ACUTA Members

How People use Smartphones Harvard Business Publishing

Bring the Summit on UC or Annual Conference to Your Desktop

The analog Line ls Dead? Not Yet .Gory Audin, Delphi, lnc.

Welcome New Members

Check lt Out: Press Releases, Job …