Computer Sciences Commons^™

A Reduced-Dimensional Structure For Fast, Visually-Assisted Search, Montadar Mohammad Al-Muhana

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this project is to determine if the properties preserved by low-dimensional manifolds of high-dimensional data sets can be combined with human visual acuity to improve search. Dimensionality-reducing manifold embeddings preserve relative path lengths between data elements even as a number of dimensions by which the data is represented are removed. By preserving smooth spatial variations between data elements, we may leverage the power of the human vision system to infer spatial patterns within the manifold and rapidly guide the search process to highly desirable regions of the data set: this should be true even when relevant data …

A Hierarchical Multi-Output Nearest Neighbor Model For Multi-Output Dependence Learning, Richard Glenn Morris

Theses and Dissertations

Multi-Output Dependence (MOD) learning is a generalization of standard classification problems that allows for multiple outputs that are dependent on each other. A primary issue that arises in the context of MOD learning is that for any given input pattern there can be multiple correct output patterns. This changes the learning task from function approximation to relation approximation. Previous algorithms do not consider this problem, and thus cannot be readily applied to MOD problems. To perform MOD learning, we introduce the Hierarchical Multi-Output Nearest Neighbor model (HMONN) that employs a basic learning model for each output and a modified nearest …

Toward Scalable Human Interaction With Bio-Inspired Robot Teams, Daniel Sundquist Brown

Theses and Dissertations

Bio-inspired swarming behaviors provide an effective decentralized way of coordinating robot teams. However, as robot swarms increase in size, bandwidth and time constraints limit the number of agents a human can communicate with and control. To facilitate scalable human interaction with large robot swarms it is desirable to monitor and influence the collective behavior of the entire swarm through limited interactions with a small subset of agents. However, it is also desirable to avoid situations where a small number of agent failures can adversely affect the collective behavior of the swarm. We present a bio-inspired model of swarming that exhibits …

Sfidat E Kalimit Në Cloud Computing, Fannol Gashi

Theses and Dissertations

Pasi që nevojat dhe varësia e njerëzve dhe veçanërisht ndërmarrjeve biznesore për qasje në sa më shumë aplikacione/ informacione për të ofruar /marrë shërbime po rritet vazhdimisht. Po ashtu nevojitet që këto shërbime të jenë të disponueshme në pajisje si kompjuter lokal, telefona të mençur e që mund të mos kenë kapacitete të mëdha procesuese e as hapësirë. Andaj ofrohet mundësia që shumica e aplikacioneve dhe informacioneve që janë të instaluara në kompjuterët, server lokal të kalojnë në Cloud Computing. Kjo teknologji e re kësisoj mundëson që të dhënat të ruhen në serverë që janë të shpërndarë gjeografikisht kudo nëpër …

Cliff Walls: Threats To Validity In Empirical Studies Of Open Source Forges, Landon James Pratt

Theses and Dissertations

Artifact-based research provides a mechanism whereby researchers may study the creation of software yet avoid many of the difficulties of direct observation and experimentation. Open source software forges are of great value to the software researcher, because they expose many of the artifacts of software development. However, many challenges affect the quality of artifact-based studies, especially those studies examining software evolution. This thesis addresses one of these threats: the presence of very large commits, which we refer to as "Cliff Walls." Cliff walls are a threat to studies of software evolution because they do not appear to represent incremental development. …

Optimized Simulation Of Granular Materials, Seth R. Holladay

Theses and Dissertations

Visual effects for film and animation often require simulated granular materials, such as sand, wheat, or dirt, to meet a director's needs. Simulating granular materials can be time consuming, in both computation and labor, as these particulate materials have complex behavior and an enormous amount of small-scale detail. Furthermore, a single cubic meter of granular material, where each grain is a cubic millimeter, would contain a billion granules, and simulating all such interacting granules would take an impractical amount of time for productions. This calls for a simplified model for granular materials that retains high surface detail and granular behavior …

An Optimized R5rs Macro Expander, Sean P. Reque

Theses and Dissertations

Macro systems allow programmers abstractions over the syntax of a programming language. This gives the programmer some of the same power posessed by a programming language designer, namely, the ability to extend the programming language to meet the needs of the programmer. The value of such systems has been demonstrated by their continued adoption in more languages and platforms. However, several barriers to widespread adoption of macro systems still exist. The language Racket defines a small core of primitive language constructs, including a powerful macro system, upon which all other features are built. Because of this design, many features of …

Implementing Lan/Wan Network For Small To Medium Size Enterprises - Sme, Armir Kuçi

Theses and Dissertations

Ndërmarrjet e vogla dhe të mesme (SME) për të komunikuar në mes vete, kohë më parë, kanë pasur shumë probleme. Me zhvillimin e rrjeteve kompjuterike, komunikimi në mes tyre është bërë më i lehtë. Mënyra se si komunikojnë në mes vete, më ka bërë kurioz që të përcaktohem për këtë hulumtim që do bëj në vazhdim për rrjetet kompjuterike, zhvillimin dhe implementimin e tyre. Kush i përdorë rrjetet kompjuterike? Institucionet qeveritare dhe joqeveritare, përdoruesit shtëpiakë, industritë e ndryshme, institucionet shëndetësore, ndërmarrjet e ndryshme. Për çka përdoren rrjetet kompjuterike? Transaksione biznesore, e-commerce (shitblerja elektronike), kërkime, lojra online, biseda, posta elektronike (e-mail), …

Animating Non-Rigid Bodies Using Motion Capture, Jie Long

Theses and Dissertations

Simulating the motion of a non-rigid body under external forces is a difficult problem because of the complexity and flexibility of the non-rigid geometry and its associated dynamics. Physically based animation of objects moving in the wind is computationally expensive, so simulation-based approaches oversimplify the model by ignoring important effects, such as tree's sheltering. Motion capture records actual responses of a non-rigid body to external forces and helps solve these problems. Mainly focusing on natural trees and ropes as instances of non-rigid bodies, we present a new approach to building motion for objects in wind using incomplete motion capture data …

Siguria E Internet Protokol Ipv4 Vs Ipv6, Imran Junuzi

Theses and Dissertations

Me zhvillimin e shpejtë të teknologjisë dhe përhapëjen e shpejtë të internetit, Internet Protocol versionin 4 ishte teknologji themelore që e bën të mundur që të lidhen paisjet tona në internet. Kurdo që një pajisje të hyn në internet, dhe dergon të dhëna nga një kompjuter në tjetrin me anë të internetit, një pako të dhënave duhet të transferohen në të gjithë rrjetin që përmban adresat IP të dyja pajisjet. Pa IP adres kompjuterët nuk do të jenë në gjendje të komunikojnë dhe të dërgojm të dhëna me njëri-tjetrin. IPv6 është rishikimi i gjashtë për Internet Protocol dhe pasardhës i …

Walkcompass: Finding Walking Direction Leveraging Smartphone's Inertial Sensors, Nirupam Roy

Theses and Dissertations

Determining moving direction with smartphone's inertial sensors is a well known problem in the field of location service. Compass alone cannot solve this problem because smartphone's compass cannot achieve high accuracy. Moreover GPS is not suitable in indoor scenario. Another well known approach is dead-reckoning but dead-reckoning needs to know phones initial orientation and over time it keeps accumulating errors and after some time the estimation becomes to noisy to use. To overcome these limitations, we propose a solution called WalkCompass which is specially designed for pedestrians keeping in mind the variation of force during normal human walk. Therefore the …

Charlie: A New Robot Prototype For Improving Communication And Social Skills In Children With Autism And A New Single-Point Infrared Sensor Technique For Detecting Bbeathing And Heart Rate Remotely, Laura Boccanfuso

Theses and Dissertations

This research delivers a new, interactive game-playing robot named CHARLIE and a novel technique for remotely detecting breathing and heart rate using a single-point, thermal infrared sensor (IR). The robot is equipped with a head and two arms, each with two degrees of freedom, and a camera. We trained a human hands classifier and used this classifier along with a standard face classifier to create two autonomous interactive games: single-player ("Imitate Me, Imitate You") and two-player ("Pass the Pose"). Further, we developed and implemented a suite of new interactive games in which the robot is teleoperated by remote control. Each …

Accelprint:Accelerometers Are Different By Birth, Sanorita Dey

Theses and Dissertations

This paper submits a hypothesis that smartphone accelerometers possess unique fingerprints. We believe that the fingerprints arise from hardware imperfections during the sensor manufacturing process, causing every sensor chip to respond differently to the same motion stimulus. The differences in responses are subtle enough that they do not affect most of the higher level functions computed on them. Nonetheless, upon close inspection, these fingerprints emerge with consistency, and can even be somewhat independent of the stimulus that generates them. Measurements and classification on 80 standalone accelerometer chips, 25 Android phones, and 2 tablets, show precision and recall upward of 96%, …

Accelerating Short Read Mapping Using A Dsp Based Coprocessor, Shaun I. Gause

Theses and Dissertations

Advances in next generation sequencing technologies have allowed short reads to be generated at an increasing rate, shifting the bottleneck of the sequencing process to the short read mapping computations. High costs and extended processing times drive researchers to pursue more efficient solutions with an overall goal of a short read mapping architecture capable of processing short reads as they are generated. Digital signal processors have shown high performance capabilities while maintaining low power consumption in a wide field of applications. This thesis explores the use of a DSP accelerated exact match short read mapping algorithm, focusing on a performance …

3d Grain Segmentation In Superalloy Images Using Multichannel Edge-Weighted Centroidal Voronoi Tessellation Based Methods, Yu Cao

Theses and Dissertations

Accurate grain segmentation on 3D superalloy images is very important in materials science and engineering. From grain segmentation, we can derive the underlying superalloy grains' micro-structures, based on which many important physical, mechanical and chemical properties of the superalloy samples can be evaluated. However, grain segmentation is usually a very challenging problem since: 1) even a small 3D superalloy sample may contain hundreds of grains; 2) carbides and noises may degrade the imaging quality; and 3) the intensity within a grain may not be homogeneous. In addition, the same grain may present different appearances, i.e. intensities, under different microscope settings. …

An Analysis Of Constructive Network Formation Models, Gary Fredericks

Theses and Dissertations

We study a family of network formation models to determine how payment rules affect the final network topologies that emerge. In our model a set of nodes starts out without any edges and the nodes must pay for the creation of edges using one of several different payment mechanisms. Example payment mechanisms include one node paying for the whole edge, and the cost being shared equally between the two nodes. We show how the set of networks formed by some payment rules are subsets of those formed by other rules. We also perform extensive empirical tests on networks of up …

Plc Code Vulnerabilities Through Scada Systems, Sidney E. Valentine, Jr.

Theses and Dissertations

Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) systems are widely used in automated manufacturing and in all areas of our nation's infrastructure. Applications range from chemical processes and water treatment facilities to oil and gas production and electric power generation and distribution. Current research on SCADA system security focuses on the primary SCADA components and targets network centric attacks. Security risks via attacks against the peripheral devices such as the Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs) have not been sufficiently addressed.

Our research results address the need to develop PLC applications that are correct, safe and secure. This research provides an analysis of …

Multi-Label Segmentation Propagation For Materials Science Images Incorporating Topology And Interactivity, Jarrell Waggoner

Theses and Dissertations

Segmentation propagation is the problem of transferring the segmentation of an image to a neighboring image in a sequence. This problem is of particular importance to materials science, where the accurate segmentation of a series of 2D serial-sectioned images of multiple, contiguous 3D structures has important applications. Such structures may have prior-known shape, appearance, and/or topology among the underlying structures which can be considered to improve segmentation accuracy. For example, some materials images may have structures with a specific shape or appearance in each serial section slice, which only changes minimally from slice to slice; and some materials may exhibit …

Quasinovo: Algorithms For De Novo Peptide Sequencing, James Paul Cleveland

Theses and Dissertations

High-throughput proteomics analysis involves the rapid identification and characterization of large sets of proteins in complex biological samples. Tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS) has become the leading approach for the experimental identification of proteins. Accurate analysis of the data produced is a computationally challenging process that relies on a complex understanding of molecular dynamics, signal processing, and pattern classification. In this work we address these modeling and classification problems, and introduce an additional data-driven evolutionary information source into the analysis pipeline.

The particular problem being solved is peptide sequencing via MS/MS. The objective in solving this problem is to decipher the …

Exploitation Of Rf-Dna For Device Classification And Verification Using Grlvqi Processing, Donald R. Reising

Theses and Dissertations

This dissertation introduces a GRLVQI classifier into an RF-DNA fingerprinting process and demonstrates applicability for device classification and ID verification. Unlike MDA/ML processing, GRLVQI provides a measure of feature relevance that enables Dimensional Reduction Analysis (DRA) to enhance the experimental-to-operational transition potential of RF-DNA fingerprinting. Using 2D Gabor Transform RF-DNA fingerprints extracted from experimentally collected OFDM-based 802.16 WiMAX and 802.11 WiFi device emissions, average GRLVQI classification accuracy of %C greater than or equal to 90% is achieved using full and reduced dimensional feature sets at SNR greater than or equal to 10.0 dB and SNR greater than or equal to …

Hybrid Solvers For The Boolean Satisfiability Problem: An Exploration, Nicole Nelson

Theses and Dissertations

The Boolean Satisfiability problem (SAT) is one of the most extensively researched NP-complete problems in Computer Science. This thesis focuses on the design of feasible solvers for this problem. A SAT problem instance is a formula in propositional logic. A SAT solver attempts to find a solution for the formula. Our research focuses on a newer solver paradigm, hybrid solvers, where two solvers are combined in order to gain the benefits from both solvers in the search for a solution. Our hybrid solver, AmbSAT, combines two well-known solvers: the systematic Davis-Putnam-Logemann-Loveland solver (DPLL) and the stochastic WalkSAT solver. AmbSAT's design …

Website Adaptive Navigation Effects On User Experiences, James C. Speirs

Theses and Dissertations

The information search process within a website can often be frustrating and confusing for website visitors. Navigational structures are often complex and multitiered, hiding links with several layers of navigation that user's might be interested in. Poor navigation causes user frustration. Adaptive navigation can be used to improve the user's navigational experience by flattening the navigational structure and reducing the number of accessible links to only those that the user would be interested in. This examines the effects on a user's navigational experience, of using adaptive navigation as the main navigational structure on a website. This study measured these effects …

Necessary And Sufficient Informativity Conditions For Robust Network Reconstruction Using Dynamical Structure Functions, Vasu Nephi Chetty

Theses and Dissertations

Dynamical structure functions were developed as a partial structure representation of linear time-invariant systems to be used in the reconstruction of biological networks. Dynamical structure functions contain more information about structure than a system's transfer function, while requiring less a priori information for reconstruction than the complete computational structure associated with the state space realization. Early sufficient conditions for network reconstruction with dynamical structure functions severely restricted the possible applications of the reconstruction process to networks where each input independently controls a measured state. The first contribution of this thesis is to extend the previously established sufficient conditions to incorporate …

Data Acquisition From Cemetery Headstones, Cameron Smith Christiansen

Theses and Dissertations

Data extraction from engraved text is discussed rarely, and nothing in the open literature discusses data extraction from cemetery headstones. Headstone images present unique challenges such as engraved or embossed characters (causing inner-character shadows), low contrast with the background, and significant noise due to inconsistent stone texture and weathering. Current systems for extracting text from outdoor environments (billboards, signs, etc.) make assumptions (i.e. clean and/or consistently-textured background and text) that fail when applied to the domain of engraved text. Additionally, the ability to extract the data found on headstones is of great historical value. This thesis describes a novel and …

A Cps-Like Transformation Of Continuation Marks, Kimball Richard Germane

Theses and Dissertations

Continuation marks are a programming language feature which generalize stack inspection. Despite its usefulness, this feature has not been adopted by languages which rely on stack inspection, e.g., for dynamic security checks. One reason for this neglect may be that continuation marks do not yet enjoy a transformation to the plain λ-calculus which would allow higher-order languages to provide continuation marks at little cost. We present a CPS-like transformation from the call-by-value λ-calculus augmented with continuation marks to the pure call-by-value λ-calculus. We discuss how this transformation simplifies the construction of compilers which treat continuation marks correctly. We document an …

Algorithmically Flexible Style Composition Through Multi-Objective Fitness Functions, Skyler James Murray

Theses and Dissertations

Creating a fitness function for music is largely subjective and dependent on a programmer's personal tastes or goals. Previous attempts to create musical fitness functions for use in genetic algorithms lack scope or are prejudiced to a certain genre of music. They also suffer the limitation of producing music only in the strict style determined by the programmer. We show in this paper that musical feature extractors that avoid the challenges of qualitative judgment enable creation of a multi-objective function for direct music production. Multi-objective fitness functions enable creation of music with varying identifiable styles. With this system we produced …

Bayesian Test Analytics For Document Collections, Daniel David Walker

Theses and Dissertations

Modern document collections are too large to annotate and curate manually. As increasingly large amounts of data become available, historians, librarians and other scholars increasingly need to rely on automated systems to efficiently and accurately analyze the contents of their collections and to find new and interesting patterns therein. Modern techniques in Bayesian text analytics are becoming wide spread and have the potential to revolutionize the way that research is conducted. Much work has been done in the document modeling community towards this end,though most of it is focused on modern, relatively clean text data. We present research for improved …

Javalite - An Operational Semantics For Modeling Java Programs, Saint Oming'o Wesonga

Theses and Dissertations

Java is currently a widely used programming language. However, there is no formal definition of Java's semantics. Consequently, Java code does not have a universal meaning. This work discusses recent attempts to formalize Java and presents a new formalism of Java called Javalite. In contrast to common approaches to formalization, Javalite is purely syntactic in its definition. Syntactic operational semantics use the structure of the language to define its behavior. Javalite models most Java features with notable exceptions being threads, reflection, and interfaces. This work presents an executable semi-formal model of Javalite in PLT Redex. Being executable means that Javalite …

Qos Në Infrastrukturën E Kgjk-Së, Gëzim Kurshumliu

Theses and Dissertations

Cilësia e shërbimeve të ofruara nga një rrjete varet nga shumë faktorë. Megjithëse prodhuesit e pajisjeve të TI-së vazhdimisht ofrojnë zgjidhje të ndryshme për të rritur cilësinë e ofrimit të shërbimeve përmes TI-së. Është e pamundshme që me hovin që ka teknologjia informative ditëve të sotme, një organizatë të furnizohet në vazhdimësi me çdo pajisje të re që ofrojnë prodhuesit e tyre. Ajo që është në fokus edhe në këtë punim është pikërisht adresimi i mundësive që ofrojnë prodhuesit e njohur botërorë të TI-së për trajtimin e informatave që rrjedhin në rrjetë, gjithnjë duke i bërë ato të sillen në …

Iptv Implementation In Kosovo Infrastructure, Burim Krasniqi

Theses and Dissertations

Process of Routing information is one of the essential processes ranging from smaller networks communication. With the growth and development of computer networks in the size and complexity also the issue of IPTV as a network configuration which enables transport of voice and data through DSL (Digital Subscriber Line) technology to the customer premises, today is largely deployed. These services now days are provided also in Kosovo’s network through xDSL technologies, supported by IP/Ethernet optical core network and IP based switching/routing infrastructure. The readiness of already implemented NGN platform in Kosovo’s telecommunication network and steps, which should be taken related …