Physical Sciences and Mathematics Commons^™

Focused-Laser Interferometric Position Sensor, Stephen J. Friedman, Brett E. Barwick, Herman Batelaan

Department of Physics and Astronomy: Faculty Publications

We describe a simple method to measure the position shifts of an object with a range of tens of micrometers using a focused-laser (FL) interferometric position sensor. In this article we examine the effects of mechanical vibration on FL and Michelson interferometers. We tested both interferometers using vibration amplitudes ranging from 0 to 20 μm. Our FL interferometer has a resolution much better than the diffraction grating periodicities of 10 and 14 μm used in our experiments. A FL interferometer provides improved mechanical stability at the expense of spatial resolution. Our experimental results show that Michelson interferometers cannot be used …

Combined X-Ray Diffraction And Diffuse Reflectance Analysis Of Nanocrystalline Mixed Sn(Ii) And Sn(Iv) Oxide Powders, Hongmei Deng, Jeanne Hossenlopp

Chemistry Faculty Research and Publications

Nanocrystalline mixtures of Sn(II) and Sn(IV) oxide powders, potential gas sensor materials, are synthesized via a simple precipitation route using SnCl(2) as the precursor. Materials are characterized by powder X-ray diffraction, thermogravimetric analysis, UV-visible diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (DRS), and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The ratio of Sn(II)/Sn(IV) in powders precipitated at room temperature, as well as the identity of the primary Sn(II) product (SnO or Sn(6)O(4)(OH)(4)), can be varied by adjusting aging time and washing procedures. The identity of the initial Sn(II) product influences the subsequent phase composition and degree of disorder in the tetragonal SnO(2) phase obtained following sintering …

Atr-Ftir Spectroscopic Analysis Of Sorption Of Aqueous Analytes Into Polymer Coatings Used With Guided Sh-Saw Sensors, Yolanda K. Jones, Zhonghui Li, Michael M. Johnson, Fabien Josse, Jeanne Hossenlopp

Chemistry Faculty Research and Publications

Attenuated total internal reflectance Fourier transform infrared (ATR-FTIR) spectroscopy was used for the investigation of sorption of aqueous solutions of analytes into polymer coatings. A series of simple model polymers, such as poly(dimethylsiloxane), poly(epichlorhydrin), and poly(isobutylene), and films and analytes, such as aqueous solutions of ethylbenzene, xylenes, toluene, and nitrobenzene, were used to evaluate the use of ATR-FTIR spectroscopy as a screening tool for sensor development. The ratios of integrated infrared absorption bands provided a simple and efficient method for predicting trends in partition coefficients. Responses of polymer-coated guided shear horizontal surface acoustic wave (SH-SAW) sensor platforms to the series …

Assessing The Relationships Between The Spatial Variation In Land-Use Spatial Patterns And Surface Water Quality, Majed A. Khater

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

The purpose of this dissertation was to examine the association between the spatial patterns of urban land uses and surface water quality parameters at the watershed outlet. The aim of the study was to understand the strength and nature of this relationship, and examine new methods of classifying and quantifying contributing urban land-uses and their spatial patterns. The hypothesis of this research was: in an urban watershed, the variation in the spatial patterns of contributing land uses will have a significant impact on the surface water quality parameters at the watershed outlet.

This relationship between urbanization and water quality is …

A Framework To Learn Bayesian Network From Changing, Multiple-Source Biomedical Data, Li G., Tze-Yun Leong

Research Collection School Of Computing and Information Systems

Structure learning in Bayesian network is a big issue. Many efforts have tried to solve this problem and quite a few algorithms have been proposed. However, when we attempt to apply the existing methods to microarray data, there are three main challenges: 1) there are many variables in the data set, 2) the sample size is small, and 3) microarray data are changing from experiment to experiment and new data are available quickly. To address these three problems, we assume that the major functions of a kind of cells do not change too much in different experiments, and propose a …

Integration Of Probabilistic Graphic Models For Decision Support, Jiang C., Poh K., Tze-Yun Leong

Research Collection School Of Computing and Information Systems

It is a frequently encountered problem that new knowledge arrived when making decisions in a dynamic world. Usually, domain experts cannot afford enough time and knowledge to effectively assess and combine both qualitative and quantitative information in these models. Existing approaches can solve only one of two tasks instead of both. We propose a four-step algorithm to integrate multiple probabilistic graphic models, which can effectively update existing models with newly acquired models. In this algorithm, the qualitative part of model integration is performed first, followed by the quantitative combination. We illustrate our method with an example of combining three models. …

New Efficient Mds Array Codes For Raid Part Ii: Rabin-Like Codes For Tolerating Multiple (>=4) Disk Failures, Gui-Liang Feng, Robert H. Deng, Feng Bao

Research Collection School Of Computing and Information Systems

A new class of Binary Maximum Distance Separable (MDS) array codes which are based on circular permutation matrices are introduced in this paper. These array codes are used for tolerating multiple (greater than or equal to 4) disk failures in Redundant Arrays of Inexpensive Disks (RAID) architecture. The size of the information part is m \times n, where n is the number of information disks and (m+1) is a prime integer; the size of the parity-check part is m \times r, the minimum distance is r+1, and the number of parity-check disks is r. In practical applications, m can be …

Tailored Watermarking Schemes For Authentication Of Electronic Clinical Atlases, Feng Bao, Robert H. Deng, Beng-Chin Ooi, Yanjiang Yang

Research Collection School Of Computing and Information Systems

It is accepted that digital watermarking is quite relevant in medical imaging. However, due to the special nature of clinical practice, it is often required that watermarking not introduce irreversible distortions to medical images. The electronic clinical atlas has such a need of "lossless" watermarking. We present two tailored reversible watermarking schemes for the clinical atlas by exploiting its inherent characteristics. We have implemented the schemes and our experimental results look very promising.

Matrix: Adaptive Middleware For Distributed Multiplayer Games, Rajesh Krishna Balan, Maria Ebling, Paul Castro, Archan Misra

Research Collection School Of Computing and Information Systems

Building a distributed middleware infrastructure that provides the low latency required for massively multiplayer games while still maintaining consistency is non-trivial. Previous attempts have used static partitioning or client-based peer-to-peer techniques that do not scale well to a large number of players, perform poorly under dynamic workloads or hotspots, and impose significant programming burdens on game developers. We show that it is possible to build a scalable distributed system, called Matrix, that is easily usable by game developers. We show experimentally that Matrix provides good performance, especially when hotspots occur.

Giving Users The Steering Wheel For Guiding Resource-Adaptive Systems, Joao Sousa, Rajesh Krishna Balan, Vahe Poladian, David Garlan, Mahadev Satyanarayanan

Research Collection School Of Computing and Information Systems

Addressing resource variation plays an increasingly important role in engineering today's software systems. Research in resource-adaptive applications takes an important step towards addressing this problem. However, existing solutions stop short of addressing the fact that different user tasks often have specific goals of quality of service, and that such goals often entail multiple aspects of quality of service. This paper presents a framework for engineering software systems capable of adapting to resource variations in ways that are specific to the quality goals of each user task. For that, users are empowered to specify their task-specific preferences with respect to multiple …

Lattice Quantum Algorithm For The Schrodinger Wave Equation In 2+1 Dimensions With A Demonstration By Modeling Soliton Instabilities, Jeffrey Yepez, George Vahala, Linda L. Vahala

Electrical & Computer Engineering Faculty Publications

A lattice-based quantum algorithm is presented to model the non-linear Schrödinger-like equations in 2 + 1 dimensions. In this lattice-based model, using only 2 qubits per node, a sequence of unitary collide (qubit-qubit interaction) and stream (qubit translation) operators locally evolve a discrete field of probability amplitudes that in the long-wavelength limit accurately approximates a non-relativistic scalar wave function. The collision operator locally entangles pairs of qubits followed by a streaming operator that spreads the entanglement throughout the two dimensional lattice. The quantum algorithmic scheme employs a non-linear potential that is proportional to the moduli square of the wave function. …

Geology, Petrography And Geochemistry Of Andesites At The Eastern End Of Küçük Menderes Graben (Başova-Ki̇raz/İzmi̇r), Tahir Emre, Hasan Sözbi̇li̇r

Bulletin of the Mineral Research and Exploration

No abstract provided.

Systems For Predicting Pitzer’S Ion-Interaction Model Parameters, Theresa Balderas Obias

Masters Theses

Pitzer's Ion-interaction Model had been widely used in predicting the non-ideal behavior of solution over a wide range of conditions for natural water systems. The model is successful only when there are sufficient parameters available. However, generating these needed parameters requires a great quantity of work and it would be advantageous to be able to predict the Pitzer's parameters for salt systems when there is no data available.

This research entailed the development of ionic radii dependent equations for Pitzer's binary ion-interaction parameters β_MX⁽⁰⁾, β_MX⁽¹⁾, β_MX⁽²⁾, and C^ϕ_MX . …

Identification Of Terrestrial Alkalic Rocks Using Thermal Emission Spectroscopy: Applications To Martian Remote Sensing, Tasha Laurrelle Dunn

Masters Theses

We present a detailed study examining the use of laboratory thermal emission spectra (5-25 μm at 2 cm^-1 spectral sampling) for identification and classification of alkalic volcanic rocks. Modal mineralogies and derived bulk rock chemistries of a suite of terrestrial alkali basalts, trachyandesites, trachytes, and rhyolites were determined using linear spectral deconvolution. Model-derived mineral modes were compared to modes measured using an electron microprobe mapping technique to access the accuracy of linear deconvolution in determining mineral abundances. Standard deviations of 1σ of absolute differences between measured and modeled mineral abundances range from 0.68 to 15.02 vol %, with …

Photoexcitation And Photoionization Of The Argon Atom And The Hydrogen Bromide Molecule, Ximao Feng

Dissertations

Interaction between synchrotron radiation with inner-shell electrons is a fundamental method to study the structure and dynamics of atoms and molecules. This thesis, under the guidance of Dr. Nora Berrah, concentrates on the study of the interaction between soft x-ray photons with Ar atoms and HBr moleculeswith time-of-flight (TOF) electron spectrometers and two-dimensional photoelectron spectroscopy (2DPES). Both of the experiments were performed on theAtomic, Molecular and Optical Physics undulator beamline at the Advanced Light Source at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory.

The argon study focused on photoelectron recapture when the 2p electrons are ionized just above the thresholds of the two …

Online Support For Multivariate Integration, Shujun Li

Dissertations

In this dissertation, we present an online problem solving environment for multivariate numerical integration. To build an environment for users with various backgrounds, we address issues of Web interface support for end-users, remote application programming interfaces for distributed system programmers, visualization of multivariate integrand functions for problem analysis, and highly efficient integration methods. Compared to previous implementations, our new load balancing schemes increase the scalability of parallel integration and hence are suitable for large scale computations. A parallel integration service, called PI service, was implemented based on Web services technologies to support both remote integration and remote visualization. The multivariate …

Ecotoxicology And Environmental Education In The Development Of A Turtle Conservation Program In Southeastern Tennessee, Stefan L. Moss

Masters Theses and Doctoral Dissertations

In 1999, the Tennessee Aquarium initiated a long-term mark-recapture study to promote the conservation of freshwater turtles in the Tennessee River Gorge (TRG). The TRG consists of a 42-kilometer stretch of the Tennessee River surrounded by 27,000 acres (11,000 hectares) and is known as the "Grand Canyon of Tennessee." In 2002, the Aquarium established a partnership with The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga (UTC) and the Tennessee River Gorge Trust (TRGT) to expand the program. Since then, researchers at UTC have been conducting scientific research at the TRG each year in an effort to increase the amount of available information …

Fisheries Research Report No. 152 - Development Of A Dna Database For Compliance And Management Of Western Australian Sharks., Rory Mcauley, K. Ho, R. Thomas

Fisheries research reports

Final FRDC Report - Project 2003/067

The capability to identify individual shark species from processed body parts is necessary for the WA Department of Fisheries to ensure the compliance of all WA fisheries with both existing protected species regulations and proposed new management measures for commercially important shark species. This project established a reference database of genetic profiles or ‘fingerprints’ for nine of Western Australia’s protected and commercially important shark species. Fingerprints from a 10th species, the shortfin mako (Isurus oxyrinchus) could not be obtained due to probable primer sequence mismatching. The database, in conjunction with an associated inspection and …

Fisheries Research Report No. 151 - Biology And Stock Assessment Of The Thickskin (Sandbar) Shark, Carcharhinus Plumbeus, In Western Australia And Further Refinement Of The Dusky Shark, Carcharhinus Obscurus, Stock Assessment., Rory Mcauley, R Lenanton, J. Chidlow, R. Allison, E. Heist

Fisheries research reports

Final FRDC Report - Project 2000/134

The purpose of this project was to collect the biological and fishery information necessary to conduct a stock assessment of the sandbar (known locally as ‘thickskin’) shark, Carcharhinus plumbeus and to improve and update the existing stock assessment for the dusky shark, Carcharhinus obscurus. Results from this project have already been used by the Western Australian Department of Fisheries to determine appropriate management arrangements for the State’s shark fisheries to ensure the sustainable exploitation of these species. Results have also assisted the WA target-shark fisheries in conducting Ecologically Sustainable Development (ESD) assessment in order …

Detection Of Enteric Viruses In East Tennessee Public Ground Water Systems, Trisha Baldwin Johnson

Masters Theses

A two-part study was conducted by University of Tennessee-Knoxville, the U.S. Geological Survey, and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency-National Exposure Research Laboratory to (1) develop, validate, and test a real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (real-time RT-PCR) assay for enteroviruses in ground water samples and to (2) perform the first survey of enteric viral occurrence in the karst aquifers of East Tennessee. Karst aquifers are expected to have a high susceptibility to viral contamination because of the rapid flow (100’s of m/day) and frequent occurrence of fecal indicator bacteria typically observed in these systems.

Real-time RT-PCR primers and probes specific for …

Virus Transport During Transient Unsaturated And Steady-State Saturated Flow Conditions In Memphis Aquifer Sand, Andrew Boruff Kenst

Masters Theses

The overall goal of this research was to determine the effect of transient unsaturated flow conditions on the transport of a virus in aquifer material. It was hypothesized that viruses would be transported at the same rate and over the same distance as the migration of the wetting front and that virus retention during transient unsaturated flow would be similar to that during steady-state saturated flow. Virus transport during transient unsaturated horizontal flow was experimentally compared with its behavior under steady-state saturated vertical flow. In the transient flow experiment, virus (ΦX174) suspension was introduced into an initially air-dry repacked Memphis …

Implementation Of Coeus Grant Management Software At The Desert Research Institute, Patricia Kingsmill

Regis University Student Publications (comprehensive collection)

The Internet and electronic commerce have opened up new opportunities for efficiency in research administration. Public Law 106-107 or the Federal Financial Assistance Improvement Act signed on November 20, 1999 and the President's Management Agenda have formally charged federal grant-making agencies with creating a single electronic system to find and apply for federal grant opportunities. In response to this directive, recipient organizations will need the ability to electronically prepare and submit proposal information and receive funding data from the sponsoring agency. This project reviews the implementation of a software package, MIT's Coeus Grant Management System, as a solution to the …

Design Of North Texas Pc Users Group Ecommerce Interface And Online Membership System, Jeir J. Steele

Regis University Student Publications (comprehensive collection)

The North Texas PC Users Group is a non-profit that is struggling with their existing membership process. This thesis explores the analysis of a new membership process and discusses the resulting new architecture and system design to implement it. The implementation of this new business process will reduce the time to produce the standard monthly reports and foster future membership retention efforts. The new design supports Ecommerce instant transactions, online availability of reports for the Board of Directors, and the access control of a member-only online site. The research for this project included an analysis of the cost, benefits, and …

Developing A Strategic Is Plan For The Cherry Creek Sneak, Stephanie Bass

Regis University Student Publications (comprehensive collection)

The Cherry Creek Sneak is the 3rd largest 5-mile race in the United States.Currently, 10% of the proceeds from the race are donated to the ColoradoGovernor's Council to fight childhood obesity. The co-owners of the race, Pat Downing and Paula Tiernen, live in different states, and because of this, are unable to manage The Cherry Creak Sneak, or any business regarding the race efficiently. In order to continue the race in the future, they have requested that the Cherry Creek Sneak website be the place where their business is conducted. The goal of this project, therefore, is to create a …

Book Review: Stargazer: The Life And Times Of The Telescope, T. D. Oswalt

Publications

This document is Dr. Oswalt’s review of Stargazer : the Life and Times of the Telescope by Fred Watson. Da Capo, 2004 342p, 0306814323 $24.95

Fractal Dimensions In Perceptual Color Space: A Comparison Study Using Jackson Pollock’S Art, Jonas R. Mureika

Physics Faculty Works

The fractal dimensions of color-specific paint patterns in various Jackson Pollock paintings are calculated using a filtering process that models perceptual response to color differences (L*a*b* color space). The advantage of the L*a*b* space filtering method over traditional red-green-blue (RGB) spaces is that the former is a perceptually uniform (metric) space, leading to a more consistent definition of “perceptually different” colors. It is determined that the RGB filtering method underestimates the perceived fractal dimension of lighter-colored patterns but not of darker ones, if the same selection criteria is applied to each. Implications of the findings to Fechner’s “principle of …

Recounting The Odds Of An Even Derangement, Arthur T. Benjamin, Curtis T. Bennett, Florence Newberger

Mathematics, Statistics and Data Science Faculty Works

No abstract provided.

J2me Programming, Chong-Wei Xu

Faculty Articles

Handheld devices, such as programmable cell phones and personal digital assistants (PDAs), have already become more numerous than PCs. Students need to be prepared today to work on the most widely available computing platforms of tomorrow. With their small size and mobility, these handheld devices present both new opportunities and unique software engineering challenges. J2ME stands for Java 2 Micro Edition that is one of the three Java Editions (J2SE, J2EE, and J2ME) specially designed for handheld devices. J2ME plus handheld devices are the platforms for wireless Internet and mobile business in the future.

Monitoring Health By Detecting Drifts And Outliers In Patterns Of An Inhabitant In A Smart Home, Gaurav Jain

Computer Science and Engineering Theses

The elderly, along with people with disabilities or chronic illness, are most often dependent on some kind of formal or informal care. They are forced to move to a place where they can be cared for. Automatic health monitoring allows them to maintain their independence and continue living at home longer by continuously providing key health and activity information to caregivers. In this thesis, we present a novel technique, called the Health Monitoring System (HMS), which is a data-driven automated monitoring system for detecting changes in the patterns of activities/inactivity, health data and the living environment. HMS classifies these changes …

Infosearch: A System For Searching And Retrieving Documents Using Complex Queries, Nikhil Deshpande

Computer Science and Engineering Theses

The colossal amount of information available online has resulted in overloading users who need to navigate this information for their routine requirements. Although search engines have been effective in reducing this information overload, they support only queries involving keywords and Boolean operators. There are certain application domains where more expressive ways of searching are necessary. Consider searching a full-text patent database for documents containing more than n occurrences of a pattern, or for documents that have a particular pattern followed by another pattern within a specified interval. Such complex patterns involving pattern frequency and sequence, as well as patterns involving …