Engineering Commons^™

On-The-Go Soil Sensors For Precision Agriculture, Viacheslav I. Adamchuk, J. W. Hummel, M. T. Morgan, S. K. Upadhyaya

Department of Agricultural and Biological Systems Engineering: Faculty Publications

The basic objectives of site-specific management of agricultural inputs are to increase profitability of crop production, improve product quality, and protect the environment. Information about the variability of different soil attributes within a field is essential for the decision-making process. The inability to obtain soil characteristics rapidly and inexpensively remains one of the biggest limitations of precision agriculture. Numerous researchers and manufacturers have attempted to develop on-the-go soil sensors to measure mechanical, physical and chemical soil properties. The sensors have been based on electrical and electromagnetic, optical and radiometric, mechanical, acoustic, pneumatic, and electrochemical measurement concepts. While only electric and …

Jun 2004, Tractor Museum

Lester F. Larsen Tractor Museum: Planning and Development Documents

Vinod Gupta Gift Camp Creek Swap Meet UNL Signage to Museum

Acuta Enews June 2004, Vol. 33, No. 6

ACUTA Newsletters

In This lssue

Make Plans to Attend Annual Conference

From the President............................. Walter L. Czerniak, Northern Illinois University

URGENT: ITFS Spectrum at Risk

Tech Talk........................ Kevin Tanzillo, Dux Public Relations

FCC Releases Study on Telephone Trends

Preconference Seminars Address Timely Topics

DC Update.......................... Whitney Johnson, Retired, Northern Michigan Univ.

Unexpected Dangers in the Plenum................. Frank Bisbee, Communications Planning Corp.

ACUTA Member Sites to See

Board Report......................... Carmine Piscopo, Providence College, ACUTA Secretary/Treasurer

Welcome New Members

A Recommendation For An Enhanced Fujita Scale (Ef-Scale)

United States Department of Commerce: Staff Publications

Background

National Weather Service (NWS) personnel who are responsible for rating tornadoes have expressed frustrations in applying the Fujita Scale in a consistent and accurate manner. Weak links in a structural system or a slow-moving storm sometimes lead to an overrating of a tornado event. Several technical articles suggest that wind speeds associated with some descriptions of damage are too high. For example, a 260 mph wind speed is not required to completely destroy a well constructed house and blow away the debris. The damage occurs at significantly lower wind speeds. Minor et al. (1977) and Phan and Simiu (2003) …

Integrating Gis And Transportation Modeling Operations For The Nebraska Department Of Roads, Sunil G. Narumalani, Markus Craig

Nebraska Department of Transportation: Research Reports

No abstract provided.

Least-Squares Finite-Element Lattice Boltzmann Method, Yusong Li, Eugene J. Leboeuf, P. K. Basu

Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering: Faculty Publications

A new numerical model of the lattice Boltzmann method utilizing least-squares finite element in space and Crank-Nicolson method in time is presented. The new method is able to solve problem domains that contain complex or irregular geometric boundaries by using finite-element method’s geometric flexibility and numerical stability, while employing efficient and accurate least-squares optimization. For the pure advection equation on a uniform mesh, the proposed method provides for fourth-order accuracy in space and second-order accuracy in time, with unconditional stability in the time domain. Accurate numerical results are presented through two-dimensional incompressible Poiseuille flow and Couette flow.

Exchange Model For Oscillatory Interlayer Coupling And Induced Unidirectional Anisotropy In [Pt/Co]3/Nio/[Pt/Co]3 Multilayers, Mikhail Ye Zhuravlev, Evgeny Y. Tsymbal, Sitaram Jaswal

Materials Research Science and Engineering Center: Faculty Publications

In a recent Letter [1] Liu and Adenwalla found an interesting oscillatory behavior of the interlayer exchange coupling (IEC) through an insulating NiO (111) layer with a period of 2 monolayers (ML). They interpreted this phenomenon in terms of multiple reflections of electronic waves from a periodic atomic potential in the spirit of the model of Ref. [2]. However, this interpretation is not consistent with the tunneling mechanism used by the authors which would result in a modulated exponential decrease of the IEC but no periodic change in sign. In this Comment we show that the observed oscillatory IEC can …

Effect Of Interface Bonding On Spin-Dependent Tunneling From The Oxidized Co Surface, Kirill D. Belashchenko, Evgeny Y. Tsymbal, Mark Van Schilfgaarde, Derek A. Stewart, Ivan I. Oleynik, Sitaram Jaswal

Materials Research Science and Engineering Center: Faculty Publications

We demonstrate that the factorization of the tunneling transmission into the product of two surface transmission functions and a vacuum decay factor allows one to generalize Jullière's formula and explain the meaning of the "tunneling density of states" in some limiting cases. Using this factorization we calculate spin-dependent tunneling from clean and oxidized fcc Co surfaces through vacuum into Al using the principal-layer Green's-function approach. We demonstrate that a monolayer of oxygen on the Co(111) surface creates a spin-filter effect due to the Co-O bonding which produces an additional tunneling barrier in the minority-spin channel. This changes the minority-spin dominated …

Zone Heating For Wean-To-Finish Facilities: A Performance Comparison, Rick R. Stowell

Department of Agricultural and Biological Systems Engineering: Faculty Publications

Farm research trials were conducted in 2003 and 2004 to assess the effects of the type of zone heater and floor mat used in a wean-to-finish building on the thermal environment created for newly weaned pigs and resulting pig performance. Modulated LP gas-fired brooder heaters were compared to electric heat lamps, and floor mats made from farm-cut wood sheathing (3/8” oriented-strand board, OSB) were compared to commercial [unheated] rubber mats in a replicated 2x2 factorial experiment. No consistent differences in air temperature near the heating zone were found between either of the treatments, with treatment means within 1^oF …

Acuta Enews May 2004, Vol. 33, No. 5

ACUTA Newsletters

ln This lssue

Board Approves State of Nominees for 2004-05

From ACUTA Headquarters................................ Jeri A. Semer, CAE, Executive Director

Tech Talk................................... Kevin Tanzillo, Dux Public Relations

Securing Your Wireless Network........................................ Stephen Cobb and Chey Cobb

Board Report............................................. Carmine Piscopo, Providence College, ACUTA Secretary/Treasurer

DC Update..................................... Whitney Johnson, Retired, Northern Michigan Univ.

CUPA-HR Salary Survey

Be a Moderator/Monitor in Chicago............................ Donna Hall, Manager, Professional Development

Nu-Deck Precast Deck Panels And Innovative Bridge Research And Construction, Maher K. Tadros, Charles J. Vranek

Nebraska Department of Transportation: Research Reports

Most of the deficiency in existing stringer-type bridges lie in deterioration of the bridge deck. Cast-in-place reinforced concrete decks experience cracking shortly after construction due to large differential creep and shrinkage with the supporting beams, and due to the temperature drop experienced during the hydration cycle. The NUDECK (Nebraska University) system is a full-depth precast/prestressed concrete bridge deck panel system. The combination of high performance precast concrete, where little creep and shrinkage occur after the deck is made composite with the beams, and two-way prestressing assure continued pre-compression of the deck during its life. With this system, construction time and …

Nebraska Summary S466: Massey Ferguson 6480 Diesel 32-Speed, Nebraska Tractor Test Lab

Nebraska Tractor Tests

No abstract provided.

A Regional Guidebook For Applying The Hydrogeomorphic Approach To Assessing Wetland Functions Of Rainwater Basin Depressional Wetlands In Nebraska, Randy G. Stutheit, Michael C. Gilbert, Karen L. Lawrence, P. Michael Whited

United States Army Corps of Engineers, Omaha District

The Hydrogeomorphic (HGM) Approach is a method for developing functional indices and the protocols used to apply these indices to the assessment of wetland functions at a site-specific scale. The HGM Approach was initially designed to be used in the context of the Clean Water Act, Section 404 Regulatory Program, permit review to analyze project alternatives, minimize impacts, assess unavoidable impacts, determine mitigation requirements, and monitor the success of compensatory mitigation. However, a variety of other potential uses have been identified, including the determination of minimal effects under the Food Security Act, design of wetland restoration projects, and management of …

Immobilized Pseudornonas Cepacia Lipase For Biodiesel Fuel Production From Soybean Oil,, Hossein Noureddini, X Gao, R S. Philkana

Papers in Biomaterials

No abstract provided.

Transdermal Delivery Of Phosphorodiamidate Morpholino Oligomers Across Hairless Mouse Skin, Angela K. Pannier, Vikram Arora, Patrick L. Iversen, Rhonda M. Brand

Department of Agricultural and Biological Systems Engineering: Faculty Publications

The skin is the largest organ in the body and an obvious route for both local and systemic drug delivery. Antisense oligomers have tremendous potential as therapeutic agents for numerous diseases. The objective of this study was to investigate the influence of vehicle on the transdermal delivery of several phosphorodiamidate Morpholino oligomers (PMOs) with different sizes, lengths, base compositions, sequences, and lipophilicities. Eleven different PMOs were synthesized complementary to biologically relevant gene targets and delivered across hairless mouse skin in vitro using vehicles composed of 95% propylene glycol, 5% linoleic acid (PG/LA), water, 50% water:50% PG/LA, and 75% water:25% PG/LA. …

Highly Selective, Electrically Conductive Monolayer Of Nanoparticles On Live Bacteria, V Berry, Rangaswamy S, Ravi F. Saraf

Papers in Nanotechnology

Using specific peptide−bacteria affinity, a monolayer of 30 nm Au particle is selectively deposited on live bacteria surface to produce electrically conducting bridges spanning over 12 μm. The conductivity of the monolayer network is further improved by over 10-fold by “electric-field annealing”. The annealing process is explained by a percolation model.

Acuta Enews April 2004, Vol. 33, No. 4

ACUTA Newsletters

ln This lssue

Nominate Now for Leadership Award

From the President.............................. Walter L. Czerniak, Northern Illinois University

Tech Talk..................... Kevin Tanzillo, Dux Public Relations

St. Olaf College and Phone Company............................... Craig Dunton, St.Olaf College

DC Update................................. Whitney Johnson, Retired, Northern Michigan Univ.

8 5 Ways to Keep Your PBX Running Strong.......................... from Telecom Manager's Voice Report

Board Report................... Carmine Piscopo, Providence College, ACUTA Secretary/Treasurer

Welcome New Members

Nebraska Blueprint - Spring 2004

Nebraska Blueprint (Student Publication)

Table of Contents:

From the Editor
A Well-Earned Yet Charmed Life by Tom Cudd
Combating Tomorrow’s Diseases Today by Kevin Mlnarik
Where We're Headed by Cecelia Orwig
Not Today But Here Tomorrow by Tom Cudd
My So Called Life: 2054 by Cecelia Orwig
What It's All About by Tom Cudd
Why Don't Engineers get involved? by Tom Cudd
ASME Hosts Successful Conference

Tl-5 Development Of 42 And 51-Inch Tall Single-Faced, F-Shape Concrete Barriers, Ronald K. Faller, Dean L. Sicking, Jordan Larsen, Robert W. Bielenberg M.S.C.E., E.I.T., John R. Rohde, Karla A. Polivka

Nebraska Department of Transportation: Research Reports

No abstract provided.

Application Of Freeway Video Surveillance For Accident Investigation, Aemal Khattak, Yu Liu, Geza Pesti

Nebraska Department of Transportation: Research Reports

This report presents information on Research Project Number Z820 (UNL Ref. No. 26-1118- 0057-001) titled “Application of Freeway Video Surveillance for Accident Investigation.” Traffic accident investigation requires detailed documentation of the accident scene, vehicles, and persons involved in the collision. To adequately document an accident scene, investigating officers accurately record various measurements (e.g., skid marks, dimensions of different highway geometric elements, etc.). Typically, a measuring tape and/or a total station (theodolite) are used to obtain the needed measurements. Advances in digital imaging and computer technology make it possible to develop cost-effective traffic accident investigation system alternatives that provide sufficient accuracy, …

Controlled Release Systems For Non-Viral Vectors, Angela K. Pannier, Lonnie D. Shea

Department of Agricultural and Biological Systems Engineering: Faculty Publications

Adapting controlled release technologies to the delivery of non-viral vectors has the potential to overcome barriers that limit gene therapy. Controlled release systems can enhance gene delivery and increase the extent and duration of transgene expression relative to more traditional delivery methods. Delivery vehicles for controlled release are fabricated from natural and synthetic polymers, which function either by releasing the vector into the local tissue environment or by maintaining the vector at the polymer surface. Vector release or binding is regulated by the effective affinity of the vector for the polymer, which depends upon the strength of molecular interactions. These …

Anisotropy Of Exchange Stiffness And Its Effect On The Properties Of Magnets, K. D. Belashchenko

Kirill Belashchenko Publications

Using the spin-spiral formulation of the tight-binding linear muffin-tin orbital method, the principal components of the exchange stiffness tensor are calculated for typical hard magnets including tetragonal CoPt-type and hexagonal YCo₅ alloys. The exchange stiffness is strongly anisotropic in all studied alloys. This anisotropy makes the domain wall surface tension anisotropic. Competition between this anisotropic surface tension and magnetostatic energy controls the formation and dynamics of nanoscale domain structures in hard magnets. Anisotropic domain wall bending is described in detail from the general point of view and with application to cellular Sm–Co magnets. It is shown that the repulsive …

Vector Dissipativity Theory For Large-Scale Impulsive Dynamical Systems, Wassim H. Haddad, Vijaysekhar Chellaboina, Qing Hui, Sergey Nersesov

Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering: Faculty Publications

Modern complex large-scale impulsive systems involvemultiplemodes of operation placing stringent demands on controller analysis of increasing complexity. In analyzing these large-scale systems, it is often desirable to treat the overall impulsive system as a collection of interconnected impulsive subsystems. Solution properties of the large-scale impulsive system are then deduced from the solution properties of the individual impulsive subsystems and the nature of the impulsive system interconnections. In this paper, we develop vector dissipativity theory for large-scale impulsive dynamical systems. Specifically, using vector storage functions and vector hybrid supply rates, dissipativity properties of the composite large-scale impulsive systems are shown to …

Mar 2004, Tractor Museum

Lester F. Larsen Tractor Museum: Planning and Development Documents

Curator's Report Director's Report Treasurer's Report

Causes Of Proteolytic Degradation Of Secreted Recombinant Proteins Produced In Methylotrophic Yeast Pichia Pastoris: Case Study With Recombinant Ovine Interferon-Τ, Mehmet İnan, Michael M. Meagher, Bradley A. Plantz, Jayanta Sinha

Papers in Biochemical Engineering

It was observed that during fermentative production of recombinant ovine interferon-τ (r-oIFN-τ) in Pichia pastoris, a secreted recombinant protein, the protein was degraded increasingly after 48 h of induction and the rate of degradation increased towards the end of fermentation at 72 h, when the fermentation was stopped. Proteases, whose primary source was the vacuoles, was found in increasing levels in the cytoplasm and in the fermentation broth after 48 h of induction and reached maximal values when the batch was completed at 72 h. Protease levels at various cell fractions as well as in the culture supernatant were …

Bio-Chip, Photoluminescent Methods For Identifying Biological Material, And Apparatuses For Use With Such Methods And Bio-Chips, Ravi F. Saraf

Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering: Patents

A method detects binding of molecules, advantageously without tagging molecules in the sample. A sensor is used in which is included a single stranded nucleic acid sequence and a photoluminescent material in respective layers. After the sensor is exposed to a biological sample for sufficient time for its single stranded nucleic acid sequence to bind to a material of interest, photoluminescence from the sensor can be measured. An apparatus for tagging-free detection of binding of molecules also is provided. Methods of making tagging-free sensors are provided. Also, tagging-free methods to detect binding of antigens and related devices are disclosed.

Acuta Enews March 2004, Vol. 33, No. 3

ACUTA Newsletters

ln This lssue

Mob Cramming Slammed Shut by Federal Authorities Randal J. Hayes, Univ of No. lowa

FCC Converts ITFS Licensing to the Universal Licensing System

From ACUTA Headquarters.................... Jeri A. Semer, CAE, ACUTA Executive Director

Board Report............................ Carmine Piscopo, Providence College, ACUTA Secretary/Treasurer

Tech Talk.............................. Kevin Tanzillo, Dux Public Relations

DC Update..................................... Whitney Johnson, Retired, Northern Michigan Univ.

Nominate for 2004-05 Board of Directors

ACUTA Member Sites to See

Dealing with Dollars and lnvaders...................... Curt Harler

Welcome New Members

Making Learning Visible: Peer Review And The Scholarship Of Teaching, Paul Savory

Department of Industrial and Management Systems Engineering: Presentations

This is the conference program from the March 2004 national conference, Making Learning Visible: Peer Review and the Scholarship of Teaching. This conference was hosted by the UNL Peer Review of Teaching project and the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.

Making Learning Visible: Peer Review And The Scholarship Of Teaching, Paul Savory

Department of Industrial and Management Systems Engineering: Presentations

This is the promotional brochure from the March 2004 national conference, Making Learning Visible: Peer Review and the Scholarship of Teaching. This conference was hosted by the UNL Peer Review of Teaching project and the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.

Nanotube Magnetism, Yucheng Sui, Ralph Skomski, Kory D. Sorge, David J. Sellmyer

Nebraska Center for Materials and Nanoscience: Faculty Publications

FePt and Fe3O4 nanotubes are produced by hydrogen reduction in nanochannels of porous alumina templates and investigated by electron microscopy, x-ray diffraction analysis, and magnetic measurements. Loading the templates with a Fe chloride and Pt chloride mixture followed by hydrogen reduction at 560 °C leads to the formation of ferromagnetic FePt nanotubes in the alumina pores. Using a Fe nitrate solution, thermally decomposed at 250 °C and reduced in hydrogen for 2.5 h at the same temperature, yields Fe3O4 tubes. The length of the nanotubes is about 50 mm and their diameters range from about 150 to 220 nm, depending …