Computer Sciences Commons^™

A Genetic Algorithm Approach For Optimized Routing, Pavithra Gudur

Electrical & Computer Engineering Theses & Dissertations

Genetic Algorithms find several applications in a variety of fields, such as engineering, management, finance, chemistry, scheduling, data mining and so on, where optimization plays a key role. This technique represents a numerical optimization technique that is modeled after the natural process of selection based on the Darwinian principle of evolution. The Genetic Algorithm (GA) is one among several optimization techniques and attempts to obtain the desired solution by generating a set of possible candidate solutions or populations. These populations are then compared and the best solutions from the set are retained. Subsequently, new candidate solutions are produced, and the …

Selective Phase-Based De-Weathering (Spdw), Christopher Morris

Electrical & Computer Engineering Theses & Dissertations

No Abstract.

How To Improve Project Management For Agile Federation Development, Priyanka Kotikalpudi

Engineering Management & Systems Engineering Theses & Dissertations

Developing a simulation federation out of a variety of heterogeneous simulation solutions is a complex task requiring very effective project management support in order to accomplish the common objectives and goals of this M&S federation. This thesis study conducts a detailed survey of available literature to identify the project management methods that can be extended to be applied to manage the development of simulation systems. The literature review led to the following two main results: (a) in general, there is insufficient literature dealing with M&S challenges for project management, (b) in particular, the two challenges of often changing requirements leading …

Expression Invariant Face Recognition Using Shifted Phase-Encoded Joint Transform Correlation Technique, Trisha Ahmed

Electrical & Computer Engineering Theses & Dissertations

A new face recognition algorithm using a synthetic discriminant function based shifted phase-encoded fringe-adjusted joint transform correlation (SDF-SPFJTC) technique is proposed. The dark region in an input image is enhanced by using a nonlinear technique named ratio enhancement in gaussian neighborhood (REIGN). Histogram equalization and Gaussian smoothing are then performed to the enhanced face images and the synthetic discriminant function (SDF) image before they are subjected to the joint transform correlation process. The two distinct correlation peaks produced on extreme ends of the SPFJTC plane signifies the recognition of a potential target. A post processing step utilizes the peak-to-clutter ratio …

M&S Body Of Knowledge: Progress Report And Look Ahead, Andreas Tolk

Computational Modeling & Simulation Engineering Faculty Publications

No abstract provided.

Transmitter Optimization In Multiuser Wireless Systems With Quality Of Service Constraints, Danda B. Rawat

Electrical & Computer Engineering Theses & Dissertations

In this dissertation, transmitter adaptation for optimal resource allocation in wireless communication systems are investigated. First, a multiple access channel model is considered where many transmitters communicate with a single receiver. This scenario is a basic component of a. wireless network in which multiple users simultaneously access the resources of a wireless service provider. Adaptive algorithms for transmitter optimization to meet Quality-of-Service (QoS) requirements in a distributed manner are studied. Second, an interference channel model is considered where multiple interfering transmitter-receiver pairs co-exist such that a given transmitter communicates with its intended receiver in the presence of interference from other …

Security In Ad Hoc Networks And Pervasive Computing, Isaac Z. Wu, X.-Y. Li, M. Song, C.-M. Liu

Electrical & Computer Engineering Faculty Publications

Pervasive computing is an exciting and blooming research field, in which innovative techniques and applications are continuously emerging and aim to provide ambient and personalized services to users with high quality. Ad hoc networks are wireless, self-organizing systems formed by cooperating nodes within communication range of each other that form temporary networks. Their topology is dynamic, decentralized, ever changing and the nodes may move around arbitrarily. The last few years have witnessed a wealth of research ideas on ad hoc networking that are moving rapidly into implemented standards. Technology under development for ad hoc networks and pervasive computing is making …

Modeling Decision Making Related To Incident Delays During Hurricane Evacuations, Robert Michael Robinson

Computational Modeling & Simulation Engineering Theses & Dissertations

Successful evacuations from metropolitan areas require optimizing the transportation network, monitoring conditions, and adapting to changes. Evacuation plans seek to maximize the city's ability to evacuate traffic to flee the endangered region, but once an evacuation begins, real time events degrade even the best plans.

To better understand behavioral responses made during a hurricane evacuation, a survey of potential evacuees obtained data on demographics, driving characteristics, and the traffic information considered prior to and during an evacuation. Analysis showed significant levels of correlation between demographic factors (e.g., gender, age, social class, etc.) and self-assessed driver characteristics, but limited correlation with …

Prediction Of Brain Tumor Progression Using A Machine Learning Technique, Yuzhong Shen, Debrup Banerjee, Jiang Li, Adam Chandler, Yufei Shen, Frederic D. Mckenzie, Jihong Wang, Nico Karssemeijer (Ed.), Ronald M. Summers (Ed.)

Electrical & Computer Engineering Faculty Publications

A machine learning technique is presented for assessing brain tumor progression by exploring six patients' complete MRI records scanned during their visits in the past two years. There are ten MRI series, including diffusion tensor image (DTI), for each visit. After registering all series to the corresponding DTI scan at the first visit, annotated normal and tumor regions were overlaid. Intensity value of each pixel inside the annotated regions were then extracted across all of the ten MRI series to compose a 10 dimensional vector. Each feature vector falls into one of three categories:normal, tumor, and normal but progressed to …

Structure Prediction For The Helical Skeletons Detected From The Low Resolution Protein Density Map, Kamal Al Nasr, Weitao Sun, Jing He

Computer Science Faculty Publications

Background: The current advances in electron cryo-microscopy technique have made it possible to obtain protein density maps at about 6-10 Å resolution. Although it is hard to derive the protein chain directly from such a low resolution map, the location of the secondary structures such as helices and strands can be computationally detected. It has been demonstrated that such low-resolution map can be used during the protein structure prediction process to enhance the structure prediction.

Results: We have developed an approach to predict the 3-dimensional structure for the helical skeletons that can be detected from the low resolution protein density …

Improving Predicted Protein Loop Structure Ranking Using A Pareto-Optimality Consensus Method, Yaohang Li, Ionel Rata, See-Wing Chiu, Erik Jakobsson

Computer Science Faculty Publications

Background

Accurate protein loop structure models are important to understand functions of many proteins. Identifying the native or near-native models by distinguishing them from the misfolded ones is a critical step in protein loop structure prediction.

Results

We have developed a Pareto Optimal Consensus (POC) method, which is a consensus model ranking approach to integrate multiple knowledge- or physics-based scoring functions. The procedure of identifying the models of best quality in a model set includes: 1) identifying the models at the Pareto optimal front with respect to a set of scoring functions, and 2) ranking them based on the fuzzy …

Fully Generalized Two-Dimensional Constrained Delaunay Mesh Refinement, Panagiotis A. Foteinos, Andrey N. Chernikov, Nikos P. Chrisochoides

Computer Science Faculty Publications

Traditional refinement algorithms insert a Steiner point from a few possible choices at each step. Our algorithm, on the contrary, defines regions from where a Steiner point can be selected and thus inserts a Steiner point among an infinite number of choices. Our algorithm significantly extends existing generalized algorithms by increasing the number and the size of these regions. The lower bound for newly created angles can be arbitrarily close to $30^{\circ}$. Both termination and good grading are guaranteed. It is the first Delaunay refinement algorithm with a $30^{\circ}$ angle bound and with grading guarantees. Experimental evaluation of our algorithm …

(Re-) Discovering Lost Web Pages, Martin Klein, Michael L. Nelson

Computer Science Presentations

PDF of a powerpoint presentation from a Mathematics & Computer Science Seminar at Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, October 2, 2009. Also available on Slideshare.

Rapid Prototyping Augmented Skin Pathology For Medical Simulation And Training, Annette Castelino

Electrical & Computer Engineering Theses & Dissertations

The goal of this research is to study how augmented reality technology could be applied in training medical students for better clinical practice and diagnosis in the treatment of skin conditions using skin pathology prototypes. Described within this thesis is an innovative method of producing skin abscess prototypes that augment the Standardized Patient (SP) for simulation purposes.

The method adopted is a combination of the cost-effective technique of rapid prototyping (RP) — 3D inkjet printing and 3D graphics modeling. The visual and haptic realism of these developed prototypes along with the use of moulage enable the SP to exhibit realistic …

A Smart-Phone Application For Improving Communication Skills In Children With Autism, Lakshmi Padmaja Battagiri

Electrical & Computer Engineering Theses & Dissertations

The prevalence of autism, a complex neurobiological disorder, has grown at a staggering rate in the recent past. Today, one out of 150 American children is diagnosed with autism. Generally, the disorder appears during an individual's first three years of life of and persists through his/her entire life span. The individual faces various social interaction, communication and behavioral problems. Developmental disabilities, extreme withdrawal, lack of social behaviour, severe language and attention deficits, repetitive behaviours and limited interests are the characteristics of this disorder. There is no verified cure yet, but several therapies and intervention systems especially focused on the early …

Image Registration Using Conformal Log Polar Mapping, Bala Krishna Vadapally

Electrical & Computer Engineering Theses & Dissertations

Image Registration is the process of aligning, or overlaying two images of the same scene that were taken at different times and/or from different viewing angles and/or by sensors with different modalities or resolutions. The variations in the imaging environment induce the difference between the images of the same scene. In our situation, we have two images of the same scene taken with two sensors, one in the visible and the other in the infrared (IR) domain. The cameras are placed adjacent to each other on a stable platform, and the images are captured almost simultaneously. This means that the …

Fault-Tolerance And Recovery In Wireless Sensor Networks, Kevin M. Somervill

Electrical & Computer Engineering Theses & Dissertations

The topic of Wireless Sensor Networks (WSNs) has gained considerable attention in the research community due to the variety of applications and interesting challenges in developing and deploying such networks. The typical WSN is significantly energy constrained and often deployed in harsh or even hostile environments, resulting in sensor nodes that are prone to failure. Failing nodes alter the topology of the network resulting in segmented routing paths and lost messages, ultimately reducing network efficiency. These issues spur the desire to develop energy-efficient, Fault-Tolerant (FT) algorithms that enable the network to persist in spite of the failed nodes. This work …

Unplanned Maintenance Scheduling A Lean Application Using Group Technology And Adaptive Conflict Resolution, Manish Shashibhushan Mittal

Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering Theses & Dissertations

Historically, production of ships is based on Group Technology (GT) with product oriented work breakdown structure. Recent GT applications have been effectively adapted to ship maintenance operations. In this thesis we have developed a GT based classification and coding system for the three basic requirements for maintenance operations: personnel, resources and space.

Traditionally unplanned maintenance activities are executed as and when the resources are available. This thesis presents a method for planning and scheduling these jobs with many of the traditional Lean manufacturing principles first adapted appropriately and then applied to Lean Maintenance. This method begins with identifying the priority …

Monte Carlo Model Of Light Propagation In Tissues And The Effects Of Phase Changes On The Light Intensity, Rakesh Choula

Electrical & Computer Engineering Theses & Dissertations

Lasers, due to their unique properties, have a wide range of applications in the medical field. For accurate laser treatments that focus on bio-tissues, prior knowledge of the amount of laser power, spot size and its irradiation time are necessary. In order to predict the effects of lasers on tissues and their bio-effects, a first necessary step is the creation of a model that can predict the temperature distributions within the tissue following laser excitation. This involves modeling light propagation through the tissue with inclusion of internal scattering, and assessment of the energy deposited by the incoming photons. The next …

A Robust Method To Detect Concealed Weapons, Anand Gone

Electrical & Computer Engineering Theses & Dissertations

Concealed weapons detection is a large problem that is faced by the Police Department nowadays. There are many disasters caused by poor detection of the weapons. Since public safety is at risk there is a need to design an efficient detector that can detect the weapons hidden under the clothing. This thesis presents a novel method for detecting concealed weapons under clothing using image processing techniques. In this thesis IR imagery is used to capture an image which works on the principle of law of black body radiation. Image thresholding is performed on the captured data using Sauvola's adaptive thresholding …

Virtual Wired Transmission Scheme - A Novel Technique For Efficient Mobile Adhoc Networks, Manikya Vinay Rali

Electrical & Computer Engineering Theses & Dissertations

This thesis proposes a method called virtual wired transmission scheme for ad hoc networks. The scheme is an efficient method to improve network performance parameters such as energy efficiency, capacity, interference, network throughput, etc. Performance parameters improvement can be done at different layers of the network architecture for mobile ad hoc networks. However most of the research efforts are concentrated on Physical, MAC and Network layers. In this thesis, a MAC protocol with a major MAC layer modification is proposed in combination with the usage of directional antennas, developing a novel method called virtual wired transmission scheme. In virtual wired …

Brain Tumor Progression Assessment Using Multiple Mri Volumes, Yufei Shen

Electrical & Computer Engineering Theses & Dissertations

Predicting and assessing tumor progression is important in brain tumor treatment. We attempt to use machine learning techniques to achieve consistency in assessing brain tumor progression. This thesis presents a prediction method of brain tumor progression by exploring a large MR database, which contains two patients ' complete records covering all their visits in the past two years. All ten MRI series, namely, apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) , diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) , fractional anisotropy (FA), fluid attenuated inversion recovery (FLAIR), max eigenvalue (MAX), mid eigenvalue (MID), min eigenvalue (MIN) , post-contrast T₁-weighted, T₁- weighted, and …

Section Abstracts: Computer Science

Virginia Journal of Science

Abstracts of the Computer Science for the 87th Annual Meeting of the Virginia Academy of Science, May 27-29, 2009, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond Virginia.

A Simulation Study Of Convergence Speed For Distributed Codeword Adaptation Algorithms In Cdma Wireless Systems, Sahana Maharjan

Electrical & Computer Engineering Theses & Dissertations

In this thesis we present a side-by-side comparison of interference avoidance (IA) algorithms for distributed codeword adaptation in Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA) systems. In CDMA systems, the interference is determined by the values of the cross-correlation of codewords assigned to users, and various algorithms can be used for codeword optimization. The IA algorithms for codeword adaptation considered are the eigen-algorithm, the Minimum Mean Square Error (MMSE) update, and the adaptive IA algorithm, for which we investigate convergence speed using the extensive simulations of several uplink CDMA system scenarios. The results of this thesis were presented at the Fourth IEEE …

Analysis Of Partial Discharge Pulse Height Distribution Parameters, Vinay N. Nimbole

Electrical & Computer Engineering Theses & Dissertations

Partial Discharges (PD) have been traditionally used to assess the state of any insulation system and its remnant life. In earlier work, Perspex (PMMA) samples with a needle plane gap have been aged with AC voltage. Their tree growth was monitored simultaneously by collecting PD at regular intervals of time and taking microphotographs in real time without interrupting the aging voltage. The obtained partial discharge pulse amplitude records were clustered together into groups of class intervals. The sequence of PD pulse height records was quantified as a time series of shape (η), and scale (σ) parameters of a Weibull distribution. …

Synchronicity: Just-In-Time Discovery Of Lost Web Pages, Martin Klein, Michael L. Nelson

Computer Science Presentations

PDF of a powerpoint presentation from the National Digital Information Infrastructure and Preservation Program (NDIIPP) Partners Meeting, Washington D.C., June 24-25, 2009. Also available on Slideshare.

Using Timed-Release Cryptography To Mitigate The Preservation Risk Of Embargo Periods, Rabia Haq, Michael L. Nelson

Computer Science Presentations

PDF of a powerpoint presentation from the 2009 ACM/IEEE Joint Conference on Digital Libraries, Austin, Texas, June 15-19, 2009. Also available on Slideshare.

Adding Escience Assets To The Data Web, Herbert H. Van De Sompel, Carl Lagoze, Michael L. Nelson, Simeon Warner, Robert Sanderson, Pete Johnston

Computer Science Faculty Publications

Aggregations of Web resources are increasingly important in scholarship as it adopts new methods that are data-centric, collaborative, and networked-based. The same notion of aggregations of resources is common to the mashed-up, socially networked information environment of Web 2.0. We present a mechanism to identify and describe aggregations of Web resources that has resulted from the Open Archives Initiative - Object Reuse and Exchange (OAI-ORE) project. The OAI-ORE specifications are based on the principles of the Architecture of the World Wide Web, the Semantic Web, and the Linked Data effort. Therefore, their incorporation into the cyberinfrastructure that supports eScholarship will …

A Method For Introducing Artificial Perception (Ap) To Improve Human Behavior Representation (Hbr) Using Agents In Synthetic Environments, Randall Bartholomew Garrett

Computational Modeling & Simulation Engineering Theses & Dissertations

While psychology has shown that perception is very important for the human decision process, agent perception has not been covered in sufficient detail within the agent directed simulation field. To contribute to such a solution, an open challenge lies in capturing the knowledge of human sciences, such as psychology, and making this knowledge usable for engineers. This dissertation addresses perception by describing an experimental method where agent perception simulates human perception. In particular, it presents engineering methods based on accepted psychological approaches resulting in a proof of concept. To prove the feasibility, an Artificial Perception (AP) meta-model is presented using …

Algorithms For Vertex-Weighted Matching In Graphs, Mahantesh Halappanavar

Computer Science Theses & Dissertations

A matching M in a graph is a subset of edges such that no two edges in M are incident on the same vertex. Matching is a fundamental combinatorial problem that has applications in many contexts: high-performance computing, bioinformatics, network switch design, web technologies, etc. Examples in the first context include sparse linear systems of equations, where matchings are used to place large matrix elements on or close to the diagonal, to compute the block triangular decomposition of sparse matrices, to construct sparse bases for the null space or column space of under-determined matrices, and to coarsen graphs in multi-level …