Computer Sciences Commons^™

Priority Assessment Of Software Requirements From Multiple Perspectives, Xiaoqing Frank Liu, Chandra Sekhar Veera, Yan Sun, Kunio Noguchi, Yuji Kyoya

Computer Science Faculty Research & Creative Works

The development of complex software systems involves collecting software requirements from various stakeholders. Often stakeholder perceptions conflict during the requirements elicitation phase. An effective technique to resolve such a conflict is needed. We presented a framework that prioritizes software requirements gathered from multiple stakeholders by incorporating inter-perspective relationships, which is not addressed by existing priority assessment techniques. We use a relationship matrix to analyze the impact between requirements and facilitate the integration process which assesses their priorities based on their relationships from multiple perspectives. It allows the development team to resolve conflicts effectively and concentrate their valuable time and resources …

Disjoint Np-Pairs, Christian Glasser, Alan L. Selman, Samik Sengupta, Liyu Zhang

Computer Science Faculty Publications

We study the question of whether the class DisjNP of disjoint pairs (A, B) of NP-sets contains a complete pair. The question relates to the question of whether optimal proof systems exist, and we relate it to the previously studied question of whether there exists a disjoint pair of NP-sets that is NP-hard. We show under reasonable hypotheses that nonsymmetric disjoint NP-pairs exist, which provides additional evidence for the existence of P-inseparable disjoint NP-pairs. We construct an oracle relative to which the class of disjoint NP-pairs does not have a complete pair; an oracle relative to which …

Guided Model Checking With A Bayesian Meta-Heuristic, Michael D. Jones, Peter Lamborn, Kevin Seppi

Faculty Publications

This paper presents a formal verification algorithm for finding errors in models of complex concurrent systems. The algorithm improves explicit guided model checking by applying the Empirical Bayes method to revise heuristic estimates of the distance from a given state to an error state. Guided search using the revised estimates finds errors with less search effort than the original estimates.

Creating A Video Device Application, Kevin Septor

Honors Theses

A video device, such as a webcam, has the capability to be used in many ways, including recording video and behaving like a security camera. A TV tuner card can also record video, and in addition be used for watching television. However, the video hardware and device driver the operating system uses to access it are only capable of delivering raw frames of video. A user space application is necessary for exploiting the capabilities of such a device beyond reading sequential frames of video. This research explores the desiderata in a powerful video device application, and introduces a program that …

A Similarity Based Concordance Approach To Word Sense Disambiguation, Ramakrishnan B. Guru

Masters Theses

This study attempts to solve the problem of Word Sense Disambiguation using a combination of statistical, probabilistic and word matching algorithms. These algorithms consider that words and sentences have some hidden similarities and that the polysemous words in any context should be assigned to a sense after each execution of the algorithm. The algorithm was tested with sufficient sample data and the efficiency of the disambiguation performance has proven to increase significantly after the inclusion of the concordance methodology.

Using Spki/Sdsi For Distributed Maintenance Of Attribute Release Policies In Shibboleth, Sidharth Nazareth, Sean W. Smith

Computer Science Technical Reports

The Shibboleth middleware from Internet2 provides a way for users at higher-education institutions to access remote electronic content in compliance with the inter-institutional license agreements that govern such access. To protect end-user privacy, Shibboleth permits users to construct attribute release policies that control what user credentials a given content provider can obtain. However, Shibboleth leaves unspecified how to construct these policies. To be effective, a solution needs to accommodate the typical nature of a university: a set of decentralized fiefdoms. This need argues for a public-key infrastructure (PKI) approach---since public-key cryptography does not require parties to agree on a secret …

A Sat-Based Polynomial Space Algorithm For Answer Set Programming, Enrico Giunchiglia, Marco Maratea, Yuliya Lierler

Computer Science Faculty Proceedings & Presentations

The relation between answer set programming (ASP) and propositional satisfiability (SAT) is at the center of many research papers, partly because of the tremendous performance boost of SAT solvers during last years. Various translations from ASP to SAT are known but the resulting SAT formula either includes many new variables or may have an unpractical size. There are also well known results showing a one-to-one correspondence between the answer sets of a logic program and the models of its completion. Unfortunately, these results only work for specific classes of problems.

In this paper we present a SAT-Based decision procedure for …

A Fast And Simple Algorithm For Computing M-Shortest Paths In State Graph, M. Sherwood, Laxmi P. Gewali, Henry Selvaraj, Venkatesan Muthukumar

Electrical & Computer Engineering Faculty Research

We consider the problem of computing m shortest paths between a source node s and a target node t in a stage graph. Polynomial time algorithms known to solve this problem use complicated data structures. This paper proposes a very simple algorithm for computing all m shortest paths in a stage graph efficiently. The proposed algorithm does not use any complicated data structure and can be implemented in a straightforward way by using only array data structure. This problem appears as a sub-problem for planning risk reduced multiple k-legged trajectories for aerial vehicles.

Coalgebras And Modal Expansions Of Logics, Alexander Kurz, Alessandra Palmigiano

Engineering Faculty Articles and Research

In this paper we construct a setting in which the question of when a logic supports a classical modal expansion can be made precise. Given a fully selfextensional logic S, we find sufficient conditions under which the Vietoris endofunctor V on S-referential algebras can be defined and we propose to define the modal expansions of S as the logic that arises from the V-coalgebras. As an example, we also show how the Vietoris endofunctor on referential algebras extends the Vietoris endofunctor on Stone spaces. From another point of view, we examine when a category of ‘spaces’ (X,A), ie sets X …

Staging Transformations For Multimodal Web Interaction Management, Michael Narayan, Christopher Williams, Saverio Perugini, Naren Ramakrishnan

Computer Science Faculty Publications

Multimodal interfaces are becoming increasingly ubiquitous with the advent of mobile devices, accessibility considerations, and novel software technologies that combine diverse interaction media. In addition to improving access and delivery capabilities, such interfaces enable flexible and personalized dialogs with websites, much like a conversation between humans. In this paper, we present a software framework for multimodal web interaction management that supports mixed-initiative dialogs between users and websites. A mixed-initiative dialog is one where the user and the website take turns changing the flow of interaction. The framework supports the functional specification and realization of such dialogs using staging transformations – …

Program Transformations For Information Personalization, Saverio Perugini

Computer Science Faculty Publications

Personalization constitutes the mechanisms and technologies necessary to customize information access to the end-user. It can be defined as the automatic adjustment of information content, structure, and presentation. The central thesis of this dissertation is that modeling interaction explicitly in a representation, and studying how partial information can be harnessed in it by program transformations to direct the flow of the interaction, can provide insight into, reveal opportunities for, and define a model for personalized interaction. To evaluate this thesis, a formal modeling methodology is developed for personalizing interactions with information systems, especially hierarchical hypermedia, based on program transformations. The …

Automatically Generating Interfaces For Personalized Interaction With Digital Libraries, Saverio Perugini, Naren Ramakrishnan, Edward A. Fox

Computer Science Faculty Publications

We present an approach to automatically generate interfaces supporting personalized interaction with digital libraries; these interfaces augment the user-DL dialog by empowering the user to (optionally) supply out-of-turn information during an interaction, flatten or restructure the dialog, and inquire about dialog options. Interfaces generated using this approach for CITIDEL are described.

Empowering Agents Within Virtual Environments, Alan Martin, Brian Duffy, Gregory O'Hare, Bianca Schoen-Phelan, John Bradley

Conference Papers

An agent’s embodiment within a virtual environment refers to its representation, and defines its capabilities, within the environment. This paper presents a system for the strong integration of embodiment with the agent’s deliberative mechanism. This mechanism is based upon the Belief-Desire-Intention (BDI) paradigm, and allows the agent to deliberate directly upon the location and animation of its embodiment. This fusion then provides the agent with the ability to freely mutate its embodied form to best suit the task at hand. At the same time, care must be taken to preserve the agents’ sense of self, so that users have a …

An Emergent Framework For Self-Motivation In Developmental Robotics, James Marshall, Doug Blank, Lisa Meeden

Computer Science Faculty Research and Scholarship

This paper explores a philosophy and connectionist al- gorithm for creating a long-term, self-organizing develop- mental robot control system. This intrinsic algorithm and architecture implements self-motivation by creating a sys- tem capable of anticipating its next state, while simultane- ously attempting to seek out that which it cannot predict. These competing internal pressures are designed to drive the system in a manner reminiscent of a co-evolutionary arms race.

Avoiding The Karel-The-Robot Paradox: A Framework For Making Sophisticated Robotics Accessible, Doug Blank, Holly Yanco, Deepak Kumar, Lisa Meeden

Computer Science Faculty Research and Scholarship

As educators, we are often faced with the paradox of having to create simplified examples in order to demon- strate complicated ideas. The trick is in finding the right kinds of simplifications—ones that will scale up to the full range of possible complexities we eventually would like our students to tackle. In this paper, we argue that low-cost robots have been a useful first step, but are now becoming a dead-end because they do not allow our stu- dents to explore more sophisticated robotics methods. We suggest that it is time to shift our focus from low- cost robots to …

Dit-Call: Naturally Speaking But Slow, Dermot Campbell, Marty Meinardi, Bunny Richardson, Eugene Coyle, Olivia Donnellan, Pak Kui Leung, Ciaran Macdonaill, Elmar Jung, Charles Pritchard

Articles

This paper introduces a new development in speech technology and describes its planned application in an EFL context. Special attention is paid to the pedagogical potential of the resultant language tool.

A University Online Portal For Enterprise Learning Communities, Marco Neumann, Ciaran Mcdonnell, Deirdre Hogan, Carol Reinsford, Stefan Decker

Conference papers

This paper describes the Programme for University Industry Interface Semantic Web Portal project that supports the efforts in enterprise training units to upskill the employee in the company and facilitates the creation and reuse of knowledge in online communities. The main purpose of this project is to support on-line learning communities and monitor the changing needs and skills of the work force in enterprise environments.

A Framework For Processing Viewer-Based Directional Queries In A Simulated Mobile Environment, Keith Gardiner

Masters

With the steady and fast advancements in the integration of geographic information systems and mobile location-based services, interest in exploiting this technology for Cultural Heritage (CH) data sharing has become apparent. In this area there has been an increasing need to integrate positional information with non-positional data and add a spatial dimension to the definition of a users “context” In this research the integration of Cultural Heritage information coupled with spatial technologies is investigated. The idea is based on a 3-tier architecture that positions the user at the client layer with a mobile device, a spatial query processor in the …

Neural Analysis Of Top Shielded Multilayered Coplanar Waveguides, Mustafa Türkmen, Celal Yildiz, Şeref Sağiroğlu

Turkish Journal of Electrical Engineering and Computer Sciences

Artificial neural networks (ANNs) have been promising tools for many applications. In recent years, a computer-aided design approach based on (ANNs) has been introduced to microwave modelling, simulation and optimization. In this work, the characteristic parameters of top shielded multilayered coplanar waveguides (CPWs) have been determined with the use of ANN models. These neural models were trained with Levenberg-Marquardt, resilient propagation, Bayesian regulation, quasi-Newton, and backpropagation learning algorithms. Better performance and learning speed with a simpler structure were achieved from these models. The results have shown that the estimated characteristic parameters are in very good agreement with the computed results …

A Simple And Global Optimization Algorithm For Engineering Problems: Differential Evolution Algorithm, Dervi̇ş Karaboğa, Selçuk Ökdem

Turkish Journal of Electrical Engineering and Computer Sciences

Differential Evolution (DE) algorithm is a new heuristic approach mainly having three advantages; finding the true global minimum regardless of the initial parameter values, fast convergence, and using few control parameters. DE algorithm is a population based algorithm like genetic algorithms using similar operators; crossover, mutation and selection. In this work, we have compared the performance of DE algorithm to that of some other well known versions of genetic algorithms: PGA, Grefensstette, Eshelman. In simulation studies, De Jong's test functions have been used. From the simulation results, it was observed that the convergence speed of DE is significantly better than …

Using Autonomous Robots To Integrate Middle School Academic Standards, Technology Standards, And 21st Century Workplace Skills, Barbara M. Burckart

CCAC Theses and Dissertations

The amount of knowledge that students are required to master continues to grow. Teachers struggle to find age appropriate ways to integrate state academic standards, technology standards, and 21st century workplace skills. Improved problem solving skills are deemed important to these standards as well as in the workplace. This dissertation utilized a robot design project to examine the changes in problem solving skills of seventh grade science students. In the process, 21st century workplace skills, technology standards, and South Carolina middle school science and math standards were identified and integrated into the learning process.

To test the validity of the …

A Use-Case Model For A Knowledge Management System To Facilitate Disaster Relief Operations, Eileen Eudy

CCAC Theses and Dissertations

There are numerous disaster relief agencies poised to respond to disasters; however, coordinating the activities of these diverse and dispersed entities and capitalizing on their knowledge assets can be a challenge. All of these agencies are dedicated to serving survivors of disasters, but they at times lack the coordination necessary to respond efficiently. The Virginia Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (VOAD) is an umbrella organization of existing agencies dedicated to working closely with other organizations to improve service and minimize duplication during disaster operations. To better cope with disasters, the Virginia VOAD needs to develop knowledge management strategies to coordinate …

The Education Of Information Security Professionals: An Analysis Of Industry Needs Vs Academic Curriculum In The 21st Century, Albert L. Fundaburk

CCAC Theses and Dissertations

This research compared the employment of the skills and attributes needed by information systems security professionals in an information systems security work environment with those taught in NSA Centers of Academic Excellence in Information Assurance Education. Using two surveys the goal of this research was to determine if the skills and attributes identified in the CISSP were employed in an information systems work environment and if these skills were taught in colleges and universities designated as NSA Centers of Academic Excellence in Information Assurance Education.

The skills and attributes within the10 domains of the CISSP were identified by 23 questions …

The Impact Of Distance Learning On Faculty Contracts And Policies In Florida Community Colleges, M. Kate Legrand

CCAC Theses and Dissertations

Distance Learning is state of the art and is fast becoming a primary instructional delivery method in Florida community colleges. However, the present laws and policies that govern Florida's community college educational system are created based on traditional methods for delivering educational services. The potential change in faculty roles and responsibilities brought about by distance learning has raised questions about the impact distance learning will have on overall labor conditions for American faculty. In some instances, the use of alternative methods of delivering educational services has resulted in inconsistent policies. As more faculty become involved in teaching online courses, there …

Implementation Of An Individual Professional Development System Using A Web-Accessible Database, Edward R. Lovitt

CCAC Theses and Dissertations

Higher education is looking for ways to encourage new careers in education and retain current faculty working in the field. A successful working relationship between supervisors and faculty is crucial to continued attractiveness of a career in education. These shared relationships exist in "learning organization" models, which are used in professional development offerings that stress the importance of learning by individuals, as a way to benefit the entire institution.

This developmental study focused on building partnerships with supervisors and faculty. These partnerships require contracts or individual development plans that can be reviewed for progress and modified for future needs. The …

Applying Security Risk Management To Internet Connectivity In K-12 Schools And School Districts, Carol C. Woody

CCAC Theses and Dissertations

Internet connectivity has been added to the classrooms of United States (U.S .) K-12 schools, but recognition of the security risks and related management responsibilities to address increased risk exposure is not apparent. Providing a sufficient level of access for K-12 students to learn through exploration and experimentation needs to be balanced with sufficient limitations to minimize the risk of technically proficient participants inflicting harm through school resources. Problems of inappropriate use such as adjusting grades, tampering with work of other students, and defacing Web sites by K-12 students are already appearing in U.S. newspapers. In addition, the growing level …

Data Driven Calculations Histories To Minimize Ieee-755 Floating-Point Computational Error, Lawrence E. Shafer

CCAC Theses and Dissertations

The widely implemented and used IEEE-754 Floating-point specification defines a method by which floating-point values may be represented in fixed-width storage. This fixed-width storage does not allow the exact value of all rational values to be stored. While this is an accepted limitation of using the IEEE-754 specification, this problem is compounded when non-exact values are used to compute other values. Attempts to manage this problem have been limited to software implementations that require special programming at the source code level. While this approach works, the problem coder must be aware of the software and explicitly write high-level code specifically …

A Framework For The Identification Of Electronic Commerce Visual Design Elements That Enable Trust Within The Small Hotel Industry, R. Todd Stephens

CCAC Theses and Dissertations

Trust plays an important role in any customer relationship or transaction. This is especially true in the world of commerce. Buyers and sellers must make the conscious decision whether or not to trust the other party. Trust is an integral part of commerce and has been in existence since the beginning of human social interactions. With the emerging use of the Internet as a business medium of exchange, trust maintains an important role in electronic commerce. This research reviews the role of trust within the small hotel industry and the design elements having the highest impact toward developing trust between …

Evaluating Consistency Algorithms For Temporal Metric Constraints, Yang Shi, Anagh Lal, Berthe Y. Choueiry

School of Computing: Conference and Workshop Papers

Focus: Networks of temporal metric constraints

Task: Evaluating the performance of algorithms for:

·Determining the consistency of the Simple Temporal Problem (STP)

·Finding the minimal network of the Temporal Constraint Satisfaction Problem (TCSP)

Future: Enhance triangulation-based algorithms with incrementality

Incremental Genetic K-Means Algorithm And Its Application In Gene Expression Data Analysis, Yi Lu, Shiyong Lu, Farshad Fotouhi, Youping Deng, Susan J. Brown

Wayne State University Associated BioMed Central Scholarship

Abstract

Background

In recent years, clustering algorithms have been effectively applied in molecular biology for gene expression data analysis. With the help of clustering algorithms such as K-means, hierarchical clustering, SOM, etc, genes are partitioned into groups based on the similarity between their expression profiles. In this way, functionally related genes are identified. As the amount of laboratory data in molecular biology grows exponentially each year due to advanced technologies such as Microarray, new efficient and effective methods for clustering must be developed to process this growing amount of biological data.

Results

In this paper, we propose a new clustering …