Physical Sciences and Mathematics Commons^™

Chlorine-Containing Gases In Antarctica, M. A. K. Khalil, R. A. Rasmussen

Physics Faculty Publications and Presentations

In recent years, there has been considerable interest in chlorine-containing trace gases in the atmosphere, particularly in Antarctica because of the relationship between chlorofluorocarbons and the antarctic ozone hole. All chlorinecontaining trace gases, whether produced by human activities or by natural processes, have a potential for destroying ozone in the stratosphere. This is a complex environmental problem, but it is clear that manmade chlorine-containing gases are the driving force behind the antarctic ozone hole and, by extension, reductions of stratospheric ozone over other parts of the world [World Meteorological Organization (WMO) 1989, 1991, 1995]. We have taken measurements of the …

Analytical Modeling Of Cake Filtration, Scott A. Wells

Civil and Environmental Engineering Faculty Publications and Presentations

The specific resistance model of cake filtration is based on the assumption that the average cake resistance is constant over time. This implies also that the spatially average values of porosity and pressure differential are also constant over time since specific resistance is a function of both parameters.

An analytical cake filtration model based on Tiller (1975) was derived using constitutive properties of kaolin suspensions in distilled water. Constitutive properties were determined by experiments performed using high-energy X-rays and porewater pressure probes to determine the spatial and temporal distributions of porosity and porewater pressure. Using these constitutive properties, predictions were …

Geometrical Model For A Particle On A Rough Inclined Surface, Giovani L. Vasconcelos, J. J. P. Veerman

Mathematics and Statistics Faculty Publications and Presentations

A simple geometrical model is presented for the gravity-driven motion of a single particle on a rough inclined surface. Adopting a simple restitution law for the collisions between the particle and the surface, we arrive at a model in which the dynamics is described by a one-dimensional map. This map is studied in detail and it is shown to exhibit several dynamical regimes (steady state, chaotic behavior, and accelerated motion) as the model parameters vary. A phase diagram showing the corresponding domain of existence for these regimes is presented. The model is also found to be in good qualitative agreement …

Feedback Based Dynamic Proportion Allocation For Disk I/O, Dan Revel, Dylan Mcnamee, Calton Pu, David Steere, Jonathan Walpole

Computer Science Faculty Publications and Presentations

In this paper we propose to use feedback control to automatically allocate disk bandwidth in order to match the rate of disk I/O to the real-rate needs of applications. We describe a model for adaptive resource management based on measuring the relative progress of stages in a producer-consumer pipeline. We show how to use prefetching to transform a passive disk into an active data producer whose progress can be controlled via feedback. Our progress-based framework allows the integrated control of multiple resources. The resulting system automatically adapts to varying application rates as well as to varying device latencies.

On 2-Reptiles In The Plane, Sze-Man Ngai, Víctor F. Sirvent, J. J. P. Veerman, Yang Wang

Mathematics and Statistics Faculty Publications and Presentations

We classify all rational 2-reptiles in the plane. We also establish properties concerning rational reptiles in the plane in general.

Adaptive Resource Management Via Modular Feedback Control, Ashvin Goel, David Steere, Calton Pu, Jonathan Walpole

Computer Science Faculty Publications and Presentations

A key feature of tomorrow’s operating systems and runtime environments is their ability to adapt. Current state of the art uses an ad-hoc approach to building adaptive software, resulting in systems that can be complex, unpredictable and brittle. We advocate a modular and methodical approach for building adaptive system software based on feedback control. The use of feedback allows a system to automatically adapt to dynamically varying environments and loads, and allows the system designer to utilize the substantial body of knowledge in other engineering disciplines for building adaptive systems. We have developed a toolkit called SWiFT that embodies this …

The Effects Of Urbanization And Human Disturbance Upon Plant Community Structure And Bird Species Richness, Diversity, And Abundance In A Natural Forested Area (Forest Park) In Portland, Oregon, Nancy Ellen Broshot

Dissertations and Theses

The effects of urbanization and continual human disturbance on the plant and avian communities of Forest Park and forested lands surrounding Portland, Oregon, were studied. I examined characteristics of plant and avian communities at 25 sites, 24 which were in Forest Park and surrounding areas and one which was in the Ancient Forest Preserve (old-growth stand) northwest of Forest Park. Data were analyzed using multiple regression, ANOV A, and Bonferonni/Dunn. Seven variables were selected representing different urbanization gradients. An additional covariable coded for the old-growth stand, allowing it to be used as a control.

Many tree variables, especially those related …

Hydrogeology And Paleohydrology In The Williamson River Basin, Klamath County, Oregon, Jeffrey Scott Conaway

Dissertations and Theses

Stress on the water resources of the Williamson River basin has led to their regulation to protect important habitat. Quantification of this resource is required for accurate regulation. A portion of this study is a hydrogeologic reconnaissance that suggests directions for future work. Measured discharge and deuterium isotope data from points above and below the Williamson River canyon indicate that the river receives 99% of its discharge from ground water during periods of low flow. The principle aquifer of the southern Klamath Marsh is a fractured basalt, while continental sediments that are up to 200 m thick provide high artesian …

Continuous Deflection Separation Of Stormwater Particulates, Tracy S. Schwarz, Scott A. Wells

Civil and Environmental Engineering Faculty Publications and Presentations

Capture of stormwater particulate matter is of concern to watershed managers trying to meet water quality guidelines by removing toxics associated with particulates from natural water bodies. A laboratory investigation into particle removal efficiency of a prototype Continuous Deflective Separation (CDS) device was made in the laboratory. Particle size distributions were obtained for roadway drainage surfaces. These distributions were used to assess the predicted performance of a CDS unit in the field.

Flow rates in the laboratory tests ranged from 125 GPM (7.9 l/s) to 270 GPM (17.0 l/s). Screen sizes used for testing were 1200 m and 2400 m. …

Simple Model For Linear And Nonlinear Mixing At Unstable Fluid Interfaces With Variable Acceleration, John D. Ramshaw

Physics Faculty Publications and Presentations

A simple model is described for predicting the time evolution of the half-width h of a mixing layer between two initially separated immiscible fluids of different density subjected to an arbitrary time-dependent variable acceleration history a(t). The model is based on a heuristic expression for the kinetic energy per unit area of the mixing layer. This expression is based on that for the kinetic energy of a linearly perturbed interface, but with a dynamically renormalized wavelength which becomes proportional to h in the nonlinear regime. An equation of motion for h is then derived from Lagrange's equations. This model reproduces …

Effects Of Production And Oxidation Processes On Methane Emissions From Rice Fields, M. Khalil, R. A. Rasmussen, Martha J. Shearer

Physics Faculty Publications and Presentations

The emission of methane from rice fields is the difference between the amount produced in the anaerobic zone below the soil and the amount oxidized in the root zone. Plants can also contribute to methane production by exuding organic compounds that may be utilized by methanogenic bacteria. We measured methane emissions from rice fields at Tu Zu in China between 1988 and 1994, which gave average emissions of about 30 mg m⁻² h⁻¹. We estimate that 45-60% of the methane produced was oxidized before reaching the atmosphere; and root exudates may have contributed of the order of 10% of the …

Measurements Of Methane Emissions From Rice Fields In China, M. A. K. Khalil, R. A. Rasmussen, Martha J. Shearer, R. W. Dalluge, Lixin Ren, Chang-Lin Duan

Physics Faculty Publications and Presentations

Rice fields have always been regarded as one of the largest anthropogenic sources of atmospheric methane. Here we report the results of a 7-year study of methane emissions from rice fields in the Sichuan Province of China. In this region, there is one crop of rice per year, the fields are continuously flooded from transplanting to harvest, and there is heavy use of organic fertilizers. Emissions over the entire growing season were measured from each of up to 24 plots. Environmental variables were measured and relevant supporting data on the agricultural practices were recorded. The fields were studied under prevailing …

Factors Affecting Methane Emissions From Rice Fields, M. A. K. Khalil, R. A. Rasmussen, Martha J. Shearer, R. W. Dalluge, Lixin Ren, Chang-Lin Duan

Physics Faculty Publications and Presentations

Methane emissions from rice fields are affected by a number of environmental and agricultural factors. We have analyzed our 7-year data set on methane emissions from rice fields in Tu Zu, China, to delineate the relationships between emissions and a number of variables that were measured at the same time. Our work was done in fields that were managed under prevailing agricultural practices of the region. Consequently, only the effect of factors that vary from year to year or during the growing season can be calculated. In our study we measured the effects of environmental variables (soil temperature, wind speed, …

Flux Measurements And Sampling Strategies: Applications To Methane Emissions From Rice Fields, M. A. K. Khalil, R. A. Rasmussen, Martha J. Shearer

Physics Faculty Publications and Presentations

The emissions of methane from rice fields and other sources are often measured by placing chambers on the surface and taking sequential samples. Although static chambers pose several problems that affect the accuracy of the data, there are a few parameters that, if carefully chosen, can improve the reliability of the data and reduce the uncertainties. These parameters are the length of time the chamber is kept on the rice plants, the number of samples that are drawn to estimate the flux, the basal area and height of the chamber, the frequency of measurements during the growing season, and the …

A Note On The Green Dyadic Calculation Of The Decay Rates For Admolecules At Multiple Planar Interfaces, P.T. Leung, R. L. Hartman, Scott M. Cohen

Physics Faculty Publications and Presentations

The Green dyadic formulation for calculating classical decay rates of admolecules at multiple planar interfaces first published by Chance, Prock and Silbey is reexamined. It is pointed out that, for the case of fluorescing molecules sandwiched between a system of super- and substrate interfaces, the original formalism requires significant modifications in order to lead to results consistent with those obtained from the Sommerfeld radiation theory.

Complexity Reduction In State-Based Modeling, Martin Zwick

Systems Science Faculty Publications and Presentations

For a system described by a relation among qualitative variables (or quantitative variables "binned" into symbolic states), expressed either set-theoretically or as a multivariate joint probability distribution, complexity reduction (compression of representation) is normally achieved by modeling the system with projections of the overall relation. To illustrate, if ABCD is a four variable relation, then models ABC:BCD or AB:BC:CD:DA, specified by two triadic or four dyadic relations, respectively, represent simplifications of the ABCD relation. Simplifications which are lossless are always preferred over the original full relation, while simplifications which lose constraint are still preferred if the reduction of complexity more …

Morphogenesis Of Douglas Fir Buds Is Altered At Elevated Temperature But Not At Elevated Co2, Martha E. Apple, Melissa S. Lucash, David M. Olszyk, David T. Tingey

Environmental Science and Management Faculty Publications and Presentations

Global climatic change as expressed by increased CO₂ and temperature has the potential for dramatic effects on trees. To determine what its effects may be on Pacific Northwest forests, Douglas-fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii ) seedlings were grown in sun-lit controlled environment chambers at ambient or elevated (+4°C above ambient) temperature, and at ambient or elevated (+200 ppm above ambient) CO₂. In 1995–1996 and 1996–1997, elevated CO₂ had no effect on vegetative bud morphology, while the following unusual morphological characteristics were found with greater frequency at elevated temperature than at ambient: rosetted buds with reflexed and loosened outer …

Water Balloon Rupture In Low‐G, Mark M. Weislogel, S. Lichter

Mechanical and Materials Engineering Faculty Publications and Presentations

A qualitative study of the bursting of water balloons in a simulated low-gravity environment was conducted aboard NASA Lewis’s DC-9 aircraft.

The tests were performed to develop techniques to rapidly deploy large liquid drops in a microgravity environment.

A Feedback-Driven Proportion Allocator For Real-Rate Scheduling, David Steere, Ashvin Goel, Joshua Gruenberg, Dylan Mcnamee, Calton Pu, Jonathan Walpole

Computer Science Faculty Publications and Presentations

In this paper we propose changing the decades-old practice of allocating CPU to threads based on priority to a scheme based on proportion and period. Our scheme allocates to each thread a percentage of CPU cycles over a period of time, and uses a feedback-based adaptive scheduler to assign automatically both proportion and period. Applications with known requirements, such as isochronous software devices, can bypass the adaptive scheduler by specifying their desired proportion and/or period. As a result, our scheme provides reservations to applications that need them, and the benefits of proportion and period to those that do not. Adaptive …

Application Of Mathematical Modeling And Computer Simulation For Solving Water Quality Problems, Jacek Makinia, Scott A. Wells, David Crawford, Marian Kulbik

Civil and Environmental Engineering Faculty Publications and Presentations

Deteriorated water resources in Central and Eastern Europe call for actions that should be undertaken to improve current conditions and to protect human and environmental health. Mathematical modeling and computer simulation is often an integral part of the decision-making process. Models and simulations allow rapid and varied evaluation of causes and effects and the principal advantage is that they enable an analysis of even long-term actions with limited investment costs. This paper provides an overview of popular models used for simulation of major elements of a water quality system: surface water quality (QUAL2E), wastewater treatment (Activated Sludge Model No.1), sewer …

Water Flow Through Temperate Glaciers, Andrew G. Fountain, Joseph S. Walder

Geography Faculty Publications and Presentations

Understanding water movement through a glacier is fundamental to several critical issues in glaciology, including glacier dynamics, glacier-induced floods, and the prediction of runoff from glacierized drainage basins. To this end we have synthesized a conceptual model of water movement through a temperate glacier from the surface to the outlet stream. Processes that regulate the rate and distribution of water input at the glacier surface and that regulate water movement from the surface to the bed play important but commonly neglected roles in glacier hydrology. Where a glacier is covered by a layer of porous, permeable firn (the accumulation zone), …

Synthetic Files: Enabling Low-Latency File I/O For Qos-Adaptive Applications, Dylan Mcnamee, Dan Revel, Calton Pu, David Steere, Jonathan Walpole

Computer Science Faculty Publications and Presentations

Files are a tried and true operating system abstraction. They present a simple byte-stream model of I/O that has proven intuitive for application programmers and efficient for operating system builders. However, current file systems do not provide good support for adaptive continuous media (CM) applications - an increasingly important class of applications that exhibit complex access patterns and are particularly sensitive to variations in I/O performance. To address these problems we propose synthetic files. Synthetic files are specialized views of underlying regular files, and convert complex file access patterns into simple sequential synthetic file access patterns. Synthetic file construction can …

The Role Of Soil Test Information In Reducing Groundwater Pollution, Ronald A. Fleming, Richard M. Adams, David E. Ervin

Economics Faculty Publications and Presentations

Testing soils for nutrients is expected to improve groundwater quality. However, it is unknown whether soil testing will improve groundwater quality sufficiently to decrease the demand for direct regulation of agricultural practices. Focusing on an irrigated agricultural region in eastern Oregon, the economic and environmental aspects of soil testing are assessed using a spatially distributed, dynamic simulation model which links economic behavior with the physical processes that determine groundwater quality. Results indicate that soil testing of all fields increases farm profits and reduces groundwater nitrate concentration. However, the benefits are small in terms of potential improvements in groundwater quality.

Quality Of Service Semantics For Multimedia Database Systems, Jonathan Walpole, Charles Krasic, Ling Liu, David Maier, Calton Pu, Dylan Mcnamee, David Steere

Computer Science Faculty Publications and Presentations

Quality of service (QoS) support has been a hot research topic in multimedia databases, and multimedia systems in general, for the past several years. However, there remains little consensus on how QoS support should be provided. At the resource-management level, systems designers are still debating the suitability of reservation- based versus adaptive QoS management. The design of higher system layers is less clearly understood, and the specification of QoS requirements in domain-specific terms is still an open research topic. To address these issues, we propose a QoS model for multimedia databases. The model covers the specification of user-level QoS preferences …

General Formulation Of The Semirelativistic Approach To Atomic Sum Rules, P.T. Leung, Scott M. Cohen

Physics Faculty Publications and Presentations

A general scheme is presented for obtaining systematic relativistic corrections to quantum-mechanical sum rules for various calculations in atomic physics. The single-particle picture and the Foldy-Wouthuysen transformation [Phys. Rev. 78, 29 (1950)] are adopted to derive such corrections. Results are obtained for the ldquogeneralized Bethe sums,rdquo which include all higher moments of the energy transfer, and explicit results are given to the lowest order of relativistic corrections.

Path Integral For The Quantum Harmonic Oscillator Using Elementary Methods, Scott M. Cohen

Physics Faculty Publications and Presentations

We present a purely analytical method to calculate the propagator for the quantum harmonic oscillator using Feynman’s path integral. Though the details of the calculation are involved, the general approach uses only matrix diagonalization and well-known integrals, techniques which an advanced undergraduate should understand. The full propagator, including both the prefactor and the classical action, is obtained from a single calculation which involves the exact diagonalization of the discretized action for the system.

Location Independent Names For Nomadic Computers, David Steere, Mark Morrissey, Peter Geib, Calton Pu, Jonathan Walpole

Computer Science Faculty Publications and Presentations

Recent advances in the Domain Name System (DNS) and the Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP) have enabled a new approach to supporting mobile users: location independent naming. In this approach, machines use the same hostname from any internet location, but use an IP address that corresponds to their current location. We describe a protocol that implements location independent naming for nomadic computers, i.e., machines that do not need transparent mobility. Our protocol allows hosts to move across security domains, uses existing protocols, and preserves existing trust relationships. Therefore, it preserves the performance and security of normal IP for nomadic computers …

Adaptation Space: Surviving Non-Maskable Failures, Crispin Cowan, Lois Delcambre, Anne-Francoise Le Meur, Ling Liu, David Maier, Dylan Mcnamee, Michael Miller, Calton Pu, Perry Wagle, Jonathan Walpole

Computer Science Faculty Publications and Presentations

Some failures cannot be masked by redundancies, because an unanticipated situation occurred, because fault-tolerance measures were not adequate, or because there was a security breach (which is not amenable to replication). Applications that wish to continue to offer some service despite nonmaskable failure must adapt to the loss of resources. When numerous combinations of non-maskable failure modes are considered, the set of possible adaptations becomes complex. This paper presents adaptation spaces, a formalism for navigating among combinations of adaptations. An adaptation space describes a collection of possible adaptations of a software component or system, and provides a uniform way of …

The Selfish Book. Review Of: The Origins Of Virtue: Human Instincts And The Evolution Of Cooperation By Matt Ridley, Robert Costanza

Institute for Sustainable Solutions Publications and Presentations

Book Review of The Selfish Book. Review of: The Origins of Virtue: Human Instincts and the Evolution of Cooperation by Matt Ridley

Comparison Of Ice-Shelf Creep Flow Simulations With Ice-Front Motion Of Filchner-Ronne Ice Shelf, Antarctica, Detected By Sar Interferometry, Christina L. Hulbe, Eric Rignot, D. R. Macayeal

Geology Faculty Publications and Presentations

Comparison between numerical model ice-shelf flow simulations and synthetic aperture radar (SAR) interferograms is used to study ice-flow dynamics at the Hemmen Ice Rise (HIR) and Lassiter Coast (LC) corners of the iceberg-calving front of the Filchner-Ronne Ice Shelf, Antarctica. The interferograms are constructed from SAR images provided by the European Space Agency's remote-sensing satellites (ERS-lj2). Narrow bands of large shear strain rate are observed along the boundaries between fastflowing ice-shelf ice and no-flow boundaries. Large rifts, opened where the ice shelf separates from the coast, appear to be filled with a melange of sea ice, ice-shelf fragments, and snow. …