Physical Sciences and Mathematics Commons^™

Using Deep Neural Network And Transformers To Extract Graphene Compounds And Properties, Ayman Ibn Jaman

Computer Science Graduate Research Workshop

No abstract provided.

Deep Learning-Based Image Watermarking With Transform Invariant Representation Learning, Arjon Das

Computer Science Graduate Research Workshop

No abstract provided.

Opening Social

Computer Science Graduate Research Workshop

No abstract provided.

Reducing Loading On The Contralateral Limb Using Human-In-The-Loop Optimization, Siena Senatore

UNO Student Research and Creative Activity Fair

In most everyday activities, we head towards a specific goal by updating our choices for a more direct path. However, there are specific clinical tasks where taking the direct path is more challenging. Clinical investigations of optimizing a prosthesis involve the assessment of multiple parameter settings through trial and error rather than goal-directed optimization. We investigate if a human-in-the-loop optimization algorithm can guide manual alterations to a prosthesis-simulating device to reduce the ground reaction force on the contralateral limb. In most participants, the optimal condition reduced the loading rate on the contralateral limb compared to the initial condition tested. These …

Design And Development Of Software With A Graphical User Interface To Display And Convert Multiple Microscopic Histology Images, Sayed Ahmadreza Razian, Majid Jadidi, Alexey Kamenskiy

UNO Student Research and Creative Activity Fair

Histological images are widely used to assess the microscopic anatomy of biological tissues. Recent advancements in image analysis allow the identification of structural features on histological sections that can help advance medical device development, brain and cancer research, drug discovery, vascular mechanobiology, and many other fields. Histological slide scanners create images in SVS and TIFF formats that were designed to archive image blocks and high-resolution textual information. Because these formats were primarily intended for storage, they are often not compatible with conventional image analysis software and require conversion before they can be used in research. We have developed a user-friendly …

The 10th Annual Computer Science Workshop, Submissions, Abstract Template, Computer Science Department

Computer Science Faculty Proceedings & Presentations

This is the abstract template for the 10th Annual Computer Science Graduate Research Workshop (2022). To learn more about this workshop, please visit: https://digitalcommons.unomaha.edu/csworkshop/2022/.

On The Security Of Bluetooth Low Energy In Two Consumer Wearable Heart Rate Monitors/Sensing Devices, Yesem Kurt Peker, Gabriel Bello, Alfredo J. Perez

Computer Science Faculty Publications

Since its inception in 2013, Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) has become the standard for short-distance wireless communication in many consumer devices, as well as special-purpose devices. In this study, we analyze the security features available in Bluetooth LE standards and evaluate the features implemented in two BLE wearable devices (a Fitbit heart rate wristband and a Polar heart rate chest wearable) and a BLE keyboard to explore which security features in the BLE standards are implemented in the devices. In this study, we used the ComProbe Bluetooth Protocol Analyzer, along with the ComProbe software to capture the BLE traffic of …

Factors Affecting Student Educational Choices Regarding Oer Material In Computer Science, Anastasia Angelopoulou, Rania Hodhod, Alfredo J. Perez

Computer Science Faculty Publications

The use of Open Educational Resources (OER) in course settings provides a solution to reduce the textbook barrier. Several published studies have concluded that high textbook costs may influence students' educational choices. However, there are other student characteristics that may be relevant to OER. In this work, we study various factors that may influence students' educational choices regarding OER and their impact on a student’s perspectives on OER use and quality. More specifically, we investigate whether there are significant differences in the frequency of use and perceived quality of the OER textbook based on gender, prior academic achievements, income, seniority, …

Secure And Privacy-Preserving Crowdsensing Using Smart Contracts: Issues And Solutions, Alfredo J. Perez, Sherali Zeadally

Computer Science Faculty Publications

The advent of Blockchain and smart contracts is empowering many technologies and systems to automate commerce and facilitate the exchange, tracking and the provision of goods, data and services in a reliable and auditable way. Crowdsensing systems is one type of systems that have been receiving a lot of attention in the past few years. In crowdsensing systems consumer devices such as mobile phones and Internet of Things devices are used to deploy wide-scale sensor networks. We identify some of the major security and privacy issues associated with the development of crowdsensing systems based on smart contracts and Blockchain. We …

Collaborcrack: A Collaborative Password Cracking Solution For Windows Penetration Testing, Andrew Griess

Theses/Capstones/Creative Projects

Cybersecurity professionals attempt to crack password hashes during penetration tests to determine if they are strong enough. A password hash is a way to encode a password securely. This paper describes a proof-of-concept program called CollaborCrack, a team-based password cracking solution. CollaborCrack addresses the issues of computational complexity, remote cracking security, duplication of work, and the cost associated with password cracking. To address computational complexity, CollaborCrack enables remote password cracking. Remote cracking requires additional safeguards, which CollaborCrack mitigates by storing sensitive information locally. To reduce the duplication of work, CollaborCrack provides a shared interface designed around collaboration and teamwork. CollaborCrack …

Recent Advances In Wearable Sensing Technologies, Alfredo J. Perez, Sherali Zeadally

Computer Science Faculty Publications

Wearable sensing technologies are having a worldwide impact on the creation of novel business opportunities and application services that are benefiting the common citizen. By using these technologies, people have transformed the way they live, interact with each other and their surroundings, their daily routines, and how they monitor their health conditions. We review recent advances in the area of wearable sensing technologies, focusing on aspects such as sensor technologies, communication infrastructures, service infrastructures, security, and privacy. We also review the use of consumer wearables during the coronavirus disease 19 (COVID-19) pandemic caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus …

Swift Trust And Sensemaking In Fast Response Virtual Teams, Xiaodan Yu, Yuanyanhang Shen, Deepak Khazanchi

Information Systems and Quantitative Analysis Faculty Publications

Fast-response virtual teams (FRVTs) have been developed as a response to emergent challenges faced by organizations that need to be addressed urgently. Even though FRVTs offer enormous potential in terms of their benefits, their success is not guaranteed. When used, the need for high performing FRVTs has become critical for organizational success. However, there is a lack of detailed understanding of how sensemaking can potentially influence FRVT performance. Drawing on social exchange theory, we identify swift trust as a potential antecedent of sensemaking. In this paper, we report the results of a study that examined the effects of swift trust …

Transitioning From Vue 2 To Vue 3, Adele Kanley

Theses/Capstones/Creative Projects

Frontend development is a field that is constantly changing because of the vast amounts of tools that are made available each year. One of the most popular frameworks being utilized to create fluid user experience is the Vue framework. Branching from the well-known Angular.js, Vue.js is an independent open-source project that is making its mark in the user interface community.

Regardless of the popularity of a framework, updates are inevitable to keep up with the innovations required by the IT Field. To ensure that UNO IS&T students are being offered opportunities to learn and develop in the most update to …

Evolving Efficient Floor Plans For Hospital Emergency Rooms, Alex Ramsey

Theses/Capstones/Creative Projects

Genetic Algorithms find wide use in optimization problems across many fields of research, including crowd simulation. This paper proposes that genetic algorithms could be used to create better floor plans for hospital emergency rooms, potentially saving critical time in high risk situations. The genetic algorithm implemented makes use of a hospital-specific crowd simulation to accurately evaluate the effectiveness of produced layouts. The results of combining genetic algorithms with a crowd simulation are promising. Future work may improve upon these results to produce better, more optimal hospital floor plans.

Visual Analysis Of Historical Lessons Learned During Exercises For The United States Air Force Europe (Usafe), Samantha O'Rourke

Theses/Capstones/Creative Projects

Within the United States Air Force, there are repeated patterns of differences observed during exercises. After an exercise is completed, forms are filled out detailing observations, successes, and recommendations seen throughout the exercise. At the most, no two reports are identical and must be analyzed by personnel and then categorized based on common themes observed. Developing a computer application will greatly reduce the time and resources used to analyze each After Action Report. This application can visually represent these observations and optimize the effectiveness of these exercises. The visualization is done through graphs displaying the frequency of observations and recommendations. …

Optimizing Networking Topologies With Shortest Path Algorithms, Jordan Sahs

UNO Student Research and Creative Activity Fair

Communication networks tend to contain redundant devices and mediums of transmission, thus the need to locate, document, and optimize networks is increasingly becoming necessary. However, many people do not know where to start the optimization progress. What is network topology? What is this “Shortest Path Problem”, and how can it be used to better my network? These questions are presented, taught, and answered within this paper. To supplement the reader’s understanding there are thirty-eight figures in the paper that are used to help convey and compartmentalize the learning process needed to grasp the materials presented in the ending sections.

In …

Extended Functionalities For Automating Comic Book Pull Files, Jackson Cunningham

Theses/Capstones/Creative Projects

This Honors Thesis project involves programming additional features for a Java application developed as a team for the UNO Computer Science Capstone Project. The purpose of this Capstone project was to develop an updated Pull File system for Dragon’s Lair Comics & Games, which has been running an outdated system in need of improvement. The pull file is an organizational system used by customers to reserve new issues of specific on-going comic book series as they are released. The comic book store can use a pull file system to maintain records of customers, store inventory, and order requests, gaining important …

Politeness In Security Directives: Insights In Browser Compliance For The Human Element, Deanna House, Gabe Giordano

Information Systems and Quantitative Analysis Faculty Publications

The technical protection provided by information security technology is necessary as a frontline defense against threats. However, the human element adds great risk to systems and cannot be ignored. This research explores the human elements related to security communications and intention to comply with security directives. Security communications are more-commonly being sent using richer computer-based channels. While the goal of security communications is the gain compliance, there is still much to learn related to what influences a user to comply. This research explores the effects that (im)politeness has on intention to comply with security directives. The research utilized an experiment …

A User Study Of A Wearable System To Enhance Bystanders’ Facial Privacy, Alfredo J. Perez, Sherali Zeadally, Scott Griffith, Luis Y. Matos Garcia, Jason A. Mouloud

Computer Science Faculty Publications

The privacy of users and information are becoming increasingly important with the growth and pervasive use of mobile devices such as wearables, mobile phones, drones, and Internet of Things (IoT) devices. Today many of these mobile devices are equipped with cameras which enable users to take pictures and record videos anytime they need to do so. In many such cases, bystanders’ privacy is not a concern, and as a result, audio and video of bystanders are often captured without their consent. We present results from a user study in which 21 participants were asked to use a wearable system called …

Cyber Supply Chain Risk Management: Toward An Understanding Of The Antecedents To Demand For Assurance, Clark Hampton, Steve G. Sutton, Vicky Arnold, Deepak Khazanchi

Information Systems and Quantitative Analysis Faculty Publications

Recognizing the need for effective cyber risk management processes across the supply chain, the AICPA issued a new SOC in March 2020 for assuring cyber supply chain risk management (C-SCRM) processes. This study examines supply chain relationship factors and cyber risk issues to better understand the demand for C-SCRM assurance. Resource-Advantage Theory of Competition provides the conceptual foundation for assessing the dual drivers of relationship building and cyber risk management on demand for assurance. We use a field survey to collect data from 205 professionals enabling evaluation of the complex relationships in the theoretical model. Results support all hypotheses, provide …

Effect Of Implementing Subgoals In Code.Org's Intro To Programming Unit In Computer Science Principles, Lauren E. Margulieux, Briana Baker Morrison, Baker Franke, Hari Ramilison

Computer Science Faculty Publications

The subgoal learning framework has improved performance for novice programmers in higher education, but it has only started to be applied and studied in K-12 (primary/secondary). Programming education in K-12 is growing, and many international initiatives are attempting to increase participation, including curricular initiatives like Computer Science Principles and non-profit organizations like Code.org. Given that subgoal learning is designed to help students with no prior knowledge, we designed and implemented subgoals in the introduction to programming unit in Code.org's Computer Science Principles course. The redesigned unit includes subgoal-oriented instruction and subgoal-themed pre-written comments that students could add to their programming …

Prototypical Career Paths In Urban, Suburban, And Rural Locations In The United States, Tenace Kwaku Setor, Damien Joseph

Information Systems and Quantitative Analysis Faculty Publications

Career paths are formed over time from interactions between individuals, organizations, and labor markets within and across geographic locations. What are the prototypical career paths thus formed? Who are the likely incumbents of these career paths? What are the consequences of pursuing these career paths? This study combines micro-level perspectives on personal agency and macro-level institutional factors to explain how careers unfold over time and space. The juxtaposition of micro- and macro-level factors contributes to career research and practice, which have traditionally examined careers as movements across organizations and occupations over time, but almost exclusively within specific geographic locations. We …

When Agile Means Staying: A Moderated Mediated Model, Tenace Kwaku Setor

Information Systems and Quantitative Analysis Faculty Publications

The design of software development methods focuses on improving task processes, including accommodating changing user requirements and accelerating product delivery. However, there is limited research on how the use of different software development methods impacts IT professionals’ perceptions of organizational mobility. Drawing on concepts from the agile development literature and job characteristics theory, we formulate a moderated mediation model explicating the mechanism and the condition under which agile development use exerts an influence on IT professionals’ intention to stay with their current employer. Specifically, we examine job satisfaction as mediating the effect of using agile development on the intention to …

Reducing Withdrawal And Failure Rates In Introductory Programming With Subgoal Labeled Worked Examples, Lauren E. Margulieux, Briana B. Morrison, Adrienne Decker

Computer Science Faculty Publications

Background

Programming a computer is an increasingly valuable skill, but dropout and failure rates in introductory programming courses are regularly as high as 50%. Like many fields, programming requires students to learn complex problem-solving procedures from instructors who tend to have tacit knowledge about low-level procedures that they have automatized. The subgoal learning framework has been used in programming and other fields to breakdown procedural problem solving into smaller pieces that novices can grasp more easily, but it has only been used in short-term interventions. In this study, the subgoal learning framework was implemented throughout a semester-long introductory programming course …

Comparative Analysis Of Metabolic Pathways Of Bacteria Used In Fermented Food, Keanu Hoang, Kiran Bastola

Theses/Capstones/Creative Projects

This study presents a novel methodology for analyzing metabolic pathways. Utilizing KEGG REST API through a Biopython package and file parser, data about whether or not a bacteria has an enzyme or not was extracted. The results found that differences in metabolic pathway enrichment values follow along the lines of genera and pathway type. In particular, bacteria found in food spoilage and commercial nitrogen fixing products had high values of enrichment.

A Semi-Automated Technique For Transcribing Accurate Crowd Motions, Alexander Fuchsberger, Brian Ricks, Zhicheng Chen

Computer Science Faculty Publications

We present a novel technique for transcribing crowds in video scenes that allows extracting the positions of moving objects in video frames. The technique can be used as a more precise alternative to image processing methods, such as background-removal or automated pedestrian detection based on feature extraction and classification. By manually projecting pedestrian actors on a two-dimensional plane and translating screen coordinates to absolute real-world positions using the cross ratio, we provide highly accurate and complete results at the cost of increased processing time. We are able to completely avoid most errors found in other automated annotation techniques, resulting from …

The 10th Annual Computer Science Workshop, Submissions, Abstract Template, Computer Science Department

Computer Science Faculty Proceedings & Presentations

This is the abstract template for the 10th Annual Computer Science Graduate Research Workshop (2020). To learn more about this workshop, please visit: https://digitalcommons.unomaha.edu/csworkshop/2020/.

Encryption Decrypted, Alex Ramsey

UNO Student Research and Creative Activity Fair

Encryption is a complex and bewildering process, yet it is absolutely foundational for secure and safe activities on the internet. Encryption, in its many forms, ultimately enables identity verification, password protection, secure conversation, cryptocurrency trade, and other online activities. Despite this widespread use, encryption is not a process easily explained to the layperson due to its complexity. Thus, the object of this research is to demystify the process of encryption and provide an understanding of one of the most common forms of modern encryption - RSA Encryption. This will be accomplished through the information provided on my poster as well …

Automated Tool Support - Repairing Security Bugs In Mobile Applications, Larry Singleton

UNO Student Research and Creative Activity Fair

Cryptography is often a critical component in secure software systems. Cryptographic primitive misuses often cause several vulnerability issues. To secure data and communications in applications, developers often rely on cryptographic algorithms and APIs which provide confidentiality, integrity, and authentication based on solid mathematical foundations. While many advanced crypto algorithms are available to developers, the correct usage of these APIs is challenging. Turning mathematical equations in crypto algorithms into an application is a difficult task. A mistake in cryptographic implementations can subvert the security of the entire system. In this research, we present an automated approach for Finding and Repairing Bugs …

A Cost Analysis Of Internet Of Things Sensor Data Storage On Blockchain Via Smart Contracts, Yesem Kurt Peker, Xavier Rodriguez, James Ericsson, Suk Jin Lee, Alfredo J. Perez

Computer Science Faculty Publications

Blockchain is a developing technology that can be utilized for secure data storage and sharing. In this work, we examine the cost of Blockchain-based data storage for constrained Internet of Things (IoT) devices. We had two phases in the study. In the first phase, we stored data retrieved from a temperature/humidity sensor connected to an Ethereum testnet blockchain using smart contracts in two different ways: first, appending the new data to the existing data, storing all sensor data; and second, overwriting the new data onto the existing data, storing only a recent portion of the data. In the second phase, …