Computer Sciences Commons^™

Anempirical Performance Comparison Of Meta-Heuristic Algorithms For School Bus Routing Problem, Sherehe Semba, Egbert Mujuni

Tanzania Journal of Science

School Bus Routing Problem is an NP-hard Combinatorial Optimization problem. Thus, mega-heuristic algorithms are widely used to solve instances of the School Bus Routing Problem with large data. In this work we present a model of the School Bus Routing Problem and empirical performances comparison between three meta-heuristic algorithms named Simulated Annealing (SA), Tabu Search (TS) and Ant-Colony Optimization (ACO) on the problem. We have analyzed their performances in terms of solution quality. The results show that all three algorithms have the ability to solve the School Bus Routing Problem. In addition, computational results show that TS performed best when …

Localizing Little Landmarks With Transfer Learning, Sharad Kumar

Dissertations and Theses

Locating a small object in an image -- like a mouse on a computer desk or the door handle of a car -- is an important computer vision problem to solve because in many real life situations a small object may be the first thing that gets operated upon in the image scene. While a significant amount of artificial intelligence and machine learning research has focused on localizing prominent objects in an image, the area of small object detection has remained less explored. In my research I explore the possibility of using context information to localize small objects in an …

Robotic Motion Generation By Using Spatial-Temporal Patterns From Human Demonstrations, Yongqiang Huang

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Robots excel in manufacturing facilities because the tasks are repetitive and do not change. However, when the tasks change, which happens in almost all tasks that humans perform daily, such as cutting, pouring, and grasping, etc., robots perform much worse. We aim at teaching robots to perform tasks that are subject to change using demonstrations collected from humans, a problem referred to as learning from demonstration (LfD).

LfD consists of two parts: the data of human demonstrations, and the algorithm that extracts knowledge from the data to perform the same motions. Similarly, this thesis is divided into two parts. The …

Force Feedback And Intelligent Workspace Selection For Legged Locomotion Over Uneven Terrain, John Rippetoe

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Legged robots present an incredible opportunity for humanity to conduct dangerous operations such as search and rescue, disaster recovery, and planetary exploration without ever placing themselves in harms way. The ability of a leg to more freely dictate its shape, orientation, and length gives it tremendous mobility and adaptability demanded of a system intended for operation outside of a controlled environment. However, one only need look at the average cat, dog, or friendly neighborhood squirrel to understand the immense gap that exists between what is possible of legged systems and their current set of capabilities.

Areas of study relevant to …

Immersive Virtual Reality Attacks And The Human Joystick, Peter Casey, Ibrahim Baggili, Ananya Yarramreddy

Electrical & Computer Engineering and Computer Science Faculty Publications

This is one of the first accounts for the security analysis of consumer immersive Virtual Reality (VR) systems. This work breaks new ground, coins new terms, and constructs proof of concept implementations of attacks related to immersive VR. Our work used the two most widely adopted immersive VR systems, the HTC Vive, and the Oculus Rift. More specifically, we were able to create attacks that can potentially disorient users, turn their Head Mounted Display (HMD) camera on without their knowledge, overlay images in their field of vision, and modify VR environmental factors that force them into hitting physical objects and …

Extending And Improving Tla+, Amy House

Theses and Dissertations

TLA+ is a mathematically precise specification language based on set theory. We provide a reusable TLA+ module for specifying asynchronous message-passing systems. The syntax and semantics of the TLA+ language are introduced. An example algorithm is translated from pseudocode to TLA+ to show the new module's use. TLC is used to model-check the translated algorithm. An established parallel algorithm for detecting strongly connected components of a graph is translated to PlusCal, a pseudolanguage that can be mechanically translated into TLA+, then a formal correctness proof is given. This algorithm is one proposed to improve the efficiency of liveness checking in …

Mosquito Image Classification Using Convolutional Neural Networks, Sumanth Vissamsetty

LSU Master's Theses

Human life has always been affected by insects, especially mosquitoes, since it's early beginnings. This pesky insect acts as a vector that transmit pathogens through feeding on our blood, spreading life-threatening diseases like Zika Virus, Malaria, Dengue fever, Chikungunya and more. It is important to prevent these mosquitoes from harming humans and one way to do so is to control the mosquito population, or mosquito abatement as it is commonly known. It is important to note that not all mosquitoes are the same and each of them live, reproduce and attack in their own unique way. Hence it is crucial …

Unguided Cyber Education Techniques Of The Non-Expert, Seth A. Martin

Theses and Dissertations

The United States Air Force and Department of Defense continues to rely on its total workforce to provide the first layer of protection against cyber intrusion. Prior research has shown that the workforce is not adequately educated to perform this task. As a result, DoD cybersecurity strategy now includes attempting to improve education and training on cyber-related concepts and technical skills to all users of DoD networks. This paper describes an experiment designed to understand the broad methods that non-expert users may use to educate themselves on how to perform technical tasks. Preliminary results informed subsequent experiments that directly compared …

Near Real-Time Rf-Dna Fingerprinting For Zigbee Devices Using Software Defined Radios, Frankie A. Cruz

Theses and Dissertations

Low-Rate Wireless Personal Area Network(s) (LR-WPAN) usage has increased as more consumers embrace Internet of Things (IoT) devices. ZigBee Physical Layer (PHY) is based on the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) 802.15.4 specification designed to provide a low-cost, low-power, and low-complexity solution for Wireless Sensor Network(s) (WSN). The standard’s extended battery life and reliability makes ZigBee WSN a popular choice for home automation, transportation, traffic management, Industrial Control Systems (ICS), and cyber-physical systems. As robust and versatile as the standard is, ZigBee remains vulnerable to a myriad of common network attacks. Previous research involving Radio Frequency-Distinct Native Attribute …

A Blockchain-Based Anomalous Detection System For Internet Of Things Devices, Joshua K. Mosby

Theses and Dissertations

Internet of Things devices are highly susceptible to attack, and owners often fail to realize they have been compromised. This thesis describes an anomalous-based intrusion detection system that operates directly on Internet of Things devices utilizing a custom-built Blockchain. In this approach, an agent on each node compares the node's behavior to that of its peers, generating an alert if they are behaving differently. An experiment is conducted to determine the effectiveness at detecting malware. Three different code samples simulating common malware are deployed against a testbed of 12 Raspberry Pi devices. Increasing numbers are infected until two-thirds of the …

Two-On-One Pursuit With A Non-Zero Capture Radius, Patrick J. Wasz

Theses and Dissertations

In this paper, we revisit the "Two Cutters and Fugitive Ship" differential game that was addressed by Isaacs, but move away from point capture. We consider a two-on-one pursuit-evasion differential game with simple motion and pursuers endowed with circular capture sets of radius l > 0. The regions in the state space where only one pursuer effects the capture and the region in the state space where both pursuers cooperatively and isochronously capture the evader are characterized, thus solving the Game of Kind. Concerning the Game of Degree, the algorithm for the synthesis of the optimal state feedback strategies of the …

A Generalized Phase Gradient Autofocus Algorithm, Aaron Evers

Theses and Dissertations

The phase gradient autofocus (PGA) algorithm has seen widespread use and success within the synthetic aperture radar (SAR) imaging community. However, its use and success has largely been limited to collection geometries where either the polar format algorithm (PFA) or range migration algorithm is suitable for SAR image formation. In this work, a generalized phase gradient autofocus (GPGA) algorithm is developed which is applicable with both the PFA and backprojection algorithm (BPA), thereby directly supporting a wide range of collection geometries and SAR imaging modalities. The GPGA algorithm preserves the four crucial signal processing steps comprising the PGA algorithm, while …

The Effect Of Modeling Simultaneous Events On Simulation Results, John M. Carboni

Theses and Dissertations

This thesis explores the method that governs the prioritizing process for simultaneous events in relation to simulation results for discrete-event simulations. Specifically, it contrasts typical discrete-event simulation (DES) execution algorithms with how events are selected and ordered by the discrete-event system specification (DEVS) formalism. The motivation for this research stems from a desire to understand how the selection of events affects simulation output (i.e., response). As a particular use case, we briefly investigate the processing of simultaneous events by the Advanced Framework for Simulation, Integration and Modeling (AFSIM), a military discrete-event combat modeling and simulation package. To facilitate the building …

Testing The Fault Tolerance Of A Wide Area Backup Protection System Using Spin, Kenneth James

Theses and Dissertations

Cyber-physical systems are increasingly prevalent in daily life. Smart grids in particular are becoming more interconnected and autonomously operated. Despite the advantages, new challenges arise in the form of defending these assets. Recent studies reveal that small-scale, coordinated cyber-attacks on only a few substations across the U.S. could result in cascading failures affecting the entire nation. In support of defending critical infrastructure, this thesis tests the fault tolerance of a backup protection system. Each transmission line in the system incorporates autonomous agents which monitor the status of the line and make decisions regarding the safety of the grid. Various malfunctions …

Evaluating Machine Learning Techniques For Smart Home Device Classification, Angelito E. Aragon Jr.

Theses and Dissertations

Smart devices in the Internet of Things (IoT) have transformed the management of personal and industrial spaces. Leveraging inexpensive computing, smart devices enable remote sensing and automated control over a diverse range of processes. Even as IoT devices provide numerous benefits, it is vital that their emerging security implications are studied. IoT device design typically focuses on cost efficiency and time to market, leading to limited built-in encryption, questionable supply chains, and poor data security. In a 2017 report, the United States Government Accountability Office recommended that the Department of Defense investigate the risks IoT devices pose to operations security, …

Performance Analysis Of Angle Of Arrival Algorithms Applied To Radiofrequency Interference Direction Finding, Taylor S. Barber

Theses and Dissertations

Radiofrequency (RF) interference threatens the functionality of systems that increasingly underpin the daily function of modern society. In recent years there have been multiple incidents of intentional RF spectrum denial using terrestrial interference sources. Because RF based systems are used in safety-of-life applications in both military and civilian contexts, there is need for systems that can quickly locate these interference sources. In order to meet this need, the Air Force Research Laboratory Weapons Directorate is sponsoring the following research to support systems that will be able to quickly geolocate RF interferers using passive angle-of-arrival estimation to triangulate interference sources. This …

Cyber-Attack Drone Payload Development And Geolocation Via Directional Antennae, Clint M. Bramlette

Theses and Dissertations

The increasing capabilities of commercial drones have led to blossoming drone usage in private sector industries ranging from agriculture to mining to cinema. Commercial drones have made amazing improvements in flight time, flight distance, and payload weight. These same features also offer a unique and unprecedented commodity for wireless hackers -- the ability to gain ‘physical’ proximity to a target without personally having to be anywhere near it. This capability is called Remote Physical Proximity (RPP). By their nature, wireless devices are largely susceptible to sniffing and injection attacks, but only if the attacker can interact with the device via …

Instantaneous Bandwidth Expansion Using Software Defined Radios, Nicholas D. Everett

Theses and Dissertations

The Stimulated Unintended Radiated Emissions (SURE) process has been proven capable of classifying a device (e.g. a loaded antenna) as either operational or defective. Currently, the SURE process utilizes a specialized noise radar which is bulky, expensive and not easily supported. With current technology advancements, Software Defined Radios (SDRs) have become more compact, more readily available and significantly cheaper. The research here examines whether multiple SDRs can be integrated to replace the current specialized ultra-wideband noise radar used with the SURE process. The research specifically targets whether or not multiple SDR sub-band collections can be combined to form a wider …

Confidence Inference In Defensive Cyber Operator Decision Making, Graig S. Ganitano

Theses and Dissertations

Cyber defense analysts face the challenge of validating machine generated alerts regarding network-based security threats. Operations tempo and systematic manpower issues have increased the importance of these individual analyst decisions, since they typically are not reviewed or changed. Analysts may not always be confident in their decisions. If confidence can be accurately assessed, then analyst decisions made under low confidence can be independently reviewed and analysts can be offered decision assistance or additional training. This work investigates the utility of using neurophysiological and behavioral correlates of decision confidence to train machine learning models to infer confidence in analyst decisions. Electroencephalography …

Non-Contact Height Estimation For Material Extrusion Additive Systems Via Monocular Imagery, Andrew C. Gorospe

Theses and Dissertations

Additive manufacturing is a dynamic technology with a compelling potential to advance the manufacturing industry. Despite its capacity to produce intricate designs in an efficient manner, industry still has not widely adopted additive manufacturing since its commercialization as a result of its many challenges related to quality control. The Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL), Materials and Manufacturing Directorate, Functional Materials Division, Soft Matter Materials Branch (RXAS) requires a practical and reliable method for maintaining quality control for the production of printed flexible electronics. Height estimation is a crucial component for maintaining quality control in Material Extrusion Additive Manufacturing (MEAM), as …

Preserving Privacy In Automotive Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems, Kenneth L. Hacker

Theses and Dissertations

The automotive industry is moving towards a more connected ecosystem, with connectivity achieved through multiple wireless systems. However, in the pursuit of these technological advances and to quickly satisfy requirements imposed on manufacturers, the security of these systems is often an afterthought. It has been shown that systems in a standard new automobile that one would not expect to be vulnerable can be exploited for a variety of harmful effects. This thesis considers a seemingly benign, but government mandated, safety feature of modern vehicles; the Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS). Typical implementations have no security-oriented features, leaking data that can …

Imitating Human Responses Via A Dual-Process Model Approach, Matthew A. Grimm

Theses and Dissertations

Human-autonomous system teaming is becoming more prevalent in the Air Force and in society. Often, the concept of a shared mental model is discussed as a means to enhance collaborative work arrangements between a human and an autonomous system. The idea being that when the models are aligned, the team is more productive due to an increase in trust, predictability, and apparent understanding. This research presents the Dual-Process Model using multivariate normal probability density functions (DPM-MN), which is a cognitive architecture algorithm based on the psychological dual-process theory. The dual-process theory proposes a bipartite decision-making process in people. It labels …

Modeling Crowd Feedback In The Mobile App Market, Grant S. Williams

LSU Doctoral Dissertations

Mobile application (app) stores, such as Google Play and the Apple App Store, have recently emerged as a new model of online distribution platform. These stores have expanded in size in the past five years to host millions of apps, offering end-users of mobile software virtually unlimited options to choose from. In such a competitive market, no app is too big to fail. In fact, recent evidence has shown that most apps lose their users within the first 90 days after initial release. Therefore, app developers have to remain up-to-date with their end-users’ needs in order to survive. Staying close …

A Storytelling, Social-Belonging Intervention In An Introductory Computer Science Course, Shanon Reckinger, Chris Gregg

ASEE IL-IN Section Conference

A brief social-belonging intervention was tested in two introductory computer science (CS) courses. This intervention used storytelling to help improve a sense of belonging and establish the importance of persistence in the classroom. In previous experiments using this one-time intervention, there were significant results (Walton & Brady, 2017). Recent CS graduates were interviewed about their own struggles and failures in their computer science courses. These interviews were videotaped and edited to follow the storytelling pattern of a struggle, followed by an attribution, and concluding with redemption. Interviewees were selected to represent a diverse group of students including both dominant majority …

Parallelization Of Genetic Algorithm To Solve Max-3sat Problem On Gpus, Prakruthi Shivram

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

There are many combinatorial optimization problems such as flow shop scheduling, quadraticassignment problem, traveling salesman problem, that are computationally intractable. Genetic Algorithm is a heuristic algorithm used to find an answer to combinatorial optimization problems. MAX-3SAT is an example of combinatorial optimization problem which has wide range of applications as many real world problems can be translated to MAX-3SAT problem. Genetic algorithms are suitable to solve MAX-3SAT problems but usually undergo premature convergence. To prevent this convergence and maintain diversity, one possible solution is to use large population size. This increases computation cost and time. Since Genetic Algorithms compute the …

An Efficient Run-Time Cfi Check For Embedded Processors To Detect And Prevent Control Flow Based Attacks, Srivarsha Polnati

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

A popular software attack on a program is by transferring the program control to malicious code inserted into the program. Control Flow Integrity (CFI) check has been proposed as a detection mechanism for control flow deviation. In the context of embedded processors, this thesis proposes a novel approach to implement CFI to detect and stall under a control flow attack. We exploit the unused bits in an instruction word to embed a label that can be used to check CFI during runtime. Given a control flow graph, we embed a unique label in each instruction in a basic block such …

Algorithms To Approximate Solutions Of Poisson's Equation In Three Dimensions, Ray Dambrose

Rose-Hulman Undergraduate Mathematics Journal

The focus of this research was to develop numerical algorithms to approximate solutions of Poisson's equation in three dimensional rectangular prism domains. Numerical analysis of partial differential equations is vital to understanding and modeling these complex problems. Poisson's equation can be approximated with a finite difference approximation. A system of equations can be formed that gives solutions at internal points of the domain. A computer program was developed to solve this system with inputs such as boundary conditions and a nonhomogenous source function. Approximate solutions are compared with exact solutions to prove their accuracy. The program is tested with an …

Empirical Analysis Of A Cybersecurity Scoring System, Jaleel Ahmed

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

In the field of cybersecurity, the top-level management make use of metrics to decide if the organization is doing well to protect itself from cyber attacks or is in tatters leaving itself susceptible against the vast threats looming around. Not only that but metrics are even used to measure the performance of the security team. The aim of this thesis is to show how economics is closely related to cybersecurity and how metrics play an important role in policy making of an organization. Furthermore, I scrutinize one of the leading security score providers for the way they detect botnet infection. …

Self Organized Multi Agent Swarms (Somas) For Network Security Control, Eric M. Holloway

Theses and Dissertations

Computer network security is a very serious concern in many commercial, industrial, and military environments. This paper proposes a new computer network security approach defined by self-organized agent swarms (SOMAS) which provides a novel computer network security management framework based upon desired overall system behaviors. The SOMAS structure evolves based upon the partially observable Markov decision process (POMDP) formal model and the more complex Interactive-POMDP and Decentralized-POMDP models, which are augmented with a new F(*-POMDP) model. Example swarm specific and network based behaviors are formalized and simulated. This paper illustrates through various statistical testing techniques, the significance of this proposed …

Else-Tree Classifier For Minimizing Misclassification Of Biological Data, Truong X. Tran

Research Horizons Day Posters

No abstract provided.