Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Road network extraction: a neural-dynamic framework based on deep learning and a finite state machine

Extracting road networks from very-high-resolution (VHR) aerial and satellite imagery has been a long-standing problem. In this article, a neural-dynamic tracking framework is proposed to extract road networks based on deep convolutional neural networks (DNN) and a finite state machine (FSM). Inspired by autonomous mobile systems, the authors train a DNN to recognize the pattern of input data, which is an image patch extracted in a detection window centred at the current location of the tracker. The pattern is predefined according to the environment and associated with the states in the FSM. A vector-guided sampling method is proposed to generate the training data set for the DNN, which extracts massive image-direction pairs from the imagery and existing vector road maps. In the tracking procedure, the size of the detection window is determined by a fusion strategy and the extracted image patches represent the orientation features of the road (local environment) that can be recognized by the trained DNN. The reactive unit in FSM associates states with behaviours of the tracker while continually modifying the orientation to follow the road and generating a sequence of states and locations. In this way, our framework combines the DNN and FSM. DNN acts as a key component to recognize patterns from a complex and changing environment; FSM translates the recognized patterns to states and controls the behaviour of the tracker. The results illustrate that our approach is more accurate and efficient than the traditional ones.
Analysis of performance characteristics of the Naval Postgraduate School MWR-05XP Mobile Weather Radar

In 1998, the Naval Postgraduate School (NPS) Center for Interdisciplinary Remotely Piloted Aircraft Studies (CIRPAS) and the NPS Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering (ECE Dept.) collaborated on the acquisition of a mobile radar, the AN/MPQ64 (Sentinel). This is a modern X-band, pulse Doppler radar used by the Army for forward area air defense. An SBIR project funded by the Office of Naval Research resulted in a contract to ProSensing, Inc., Amherst, MA to retrofit this radar with a weather processor. The intent is to provide a military capability to assess battlespace weather in real time. This capability will be developed using the NPS radar as a testbed. When the weather capability has been fully implemented on the NPS radar, it will also have application as a scientific instrument for severe storm research because of its mobility and cutting-edge capabilities. The modified radar has been designated the MWR-05XP (Mobile Weather Radar, 2005, X-band, Phased Array). This report presents the results of an analysis of numerous aspects of the radar’s performance as a weather sensor. The ability of the MWR-05XP radar to detect rain with different levels of reflectivity, the ability of the radar to detect clear air turbulence with different structure parameters and echoes from birds and insects has been examined. Curves are provided to determine correlation and decorrelation times for weather signals with varying rms velocity spread. MWR-05XP post detection integration improvement has been computed for a Rayleigh weather target with varying pulse-to-pulse correlation and curves are provided to determine the improvement in terms of the number of pulses integrated. Lastly, scan strategy is discussed with emphasis on obtaining weather signal parameter estimates with small variance while at the same time achieving a rapid volumetric update rate. Electronic scan is the feature that enables the radar to achieve a rapid volumetric update rate. Data quality control is also discussed. (Back to Table of
Finite Element Analysis of Multipass Effects of Vehicles on Soil Compaction

FINITE element procedure was used to simulate multiple wheel loading and to predict its effect on soil compaction. Results of nonlinear analysis, conducted using an incremental loading procedure, show effects of tire size, soil type, and number of passes on soil compaction . The results of the study also demonstrate the potential use of the procedure in compaction related studies. However, experimental verification of the model is necessary before the procedure can be recommended for wider use. INTRODUCTION Effects of soil compaction on soil structure, texture and strength , and on plant development and crop yields have received considerable attention from researchers in the past (Klingbiel and O' Neal , 1952; Ingles, 1974; Fountaine, 1958; Negi et al. , 1980; Chancellor, 1971; Camp and Gill, 1969; Eavis and Payne, 1968; Rosenburg and Willits, 1962; Voorhees, 1977). In recent years , there has been a growing interest in machine-induced soil compaction, perhaps because of the steady increase in the size of field machines as well as increased use of conservation or no-tillage practices. During most agricultural and forestry operations, a significant portion of the site will be exposed to single or, at times, multiple passes of vehicles. The compaction which can result from this single or multiple loading will depend on factors such as soil and vehicle type, soil moisture level, number of passes, vehicle weight, contact pressure, etc. Most studies dealing with vehicle loading and soil compaction have been experimental. One disadvantage with the experimental procedure is that it is laborious, time consuming, and expensive. An alternative is to develop a mathematical model capable of describing the soil-tractive device interaction . Combined use of such a model and experimental procedure should be helpful to better understand the effects of various soil and vehicle parameters on soil compaction as well as the machanics of soil compaction . Therefore, the overall objective of this study was ·to develop a numerical procedure to predict the soil compaction from multiple wheel loadings. The specific objectives of the study were: 1. To develop a finite-element model to predict the The authors are: D. POLLOCK, JR. , Mechanical Engineer, Belvoir Research and Development Center, Fort Belvoir, VA; J. V. PERUMPRAL, Professor, Agricultural Engineering Dept., and T. KUPPUSAMY, Associate Professor, Civil Engineering Dept., Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA . "[ _. ,_ lli so1 sur ace . -::; ::r-
Connectivity of the seagrass Zostera muelleri within south-eastern Australia

Contemporary oceanic conditions and local dispersal of propagules influence the genetic diversity and connectivity among seagrass populations. The degree of connectivity between populations of Zostera muelleri in south-eastern Australia is unknown. In this study we examined genetic connectivity among 25 sites containing Z. muelleri using nine polymorphic microsatellite DNA loci. We hypothesised minimal sharing of genetic material between distant populations and a degree of connectivity between local populations. Genotypic diversity was high, with 64% of populations having unique multilocus genotypes (MLGs), indicating the importance of sexual reproduction. Two sites shared MLGs, which may be due to the dispersal and recruitment of vegetative propagules. Genetic differentiation was observed between most sites. With the exception of two outlying sites, two genetic population clusters were identified across the studied populations. Regionally, the populations have high clonal diversity, are strongly differentiated and generally exist in isolation from one another. However, non-significant within-estuary differentiation was observed for three estuaries, indicating a degree of connectivity. The results of this research improve our understanding of the connectivity of Z. muelleri populations in the region, an important process for managing this ecosystem engineer.
Effect of background magnetic field on the electron-bunching and saturation phenomenon in a gyro-TWT

A self-consistent nonlinear simulation model has been presented to analyze the nonlinear behaviour of a gyro-TWT amplifier. It employs a slow-time scale formulation such that the numerical calculation time and the number of numerical integration steps have been drastically reduced. Beam-wave interaction mechanism has been presented with the help of electron flight diagram. The effect of variation of the static magnetic field on the bunching of the electrons along axial direction has also been clearly presented. The electron flight diagram thus obtained clearly demonstrates the electron defocusing and its effect on the saturation behaviour of the device.
Development of a phase-sensitive pulse measurement technique for semiconductor mode-locked lasers

The ultrashort pulses emitted by passive semiconductor mode-locked lasers (PSMLLs) can be applied to a wide range of applications, including modern optical communication systems, optical sampling, security, imaging or sensing. For most of these applications, it is of critical importance to gather detailed information on the mode-locked laser (MLL) dynamics as well as on the temporal intensity and phase profiles of the pulses. The pulse formation in a PSMLL is in fact a very complex mechanism that is governed by the close interplay between a number of linear and nonlinear phenomena, influenced by various semiconductor parameters. The complete characterisation of the devices as a function of the laser driving parameters, geometry and semiconductor material structure has therefore the potential to provide a deeper understanding of the PSMLL behaviour. As the available detectors are usually incapable of resolving the temporal structures of ultrashort pulses from the high repetition rate MLLs, a number of indirect measurement solutions have been developed for full pulse characterisation. However, these methods are designed for lasers with high-energy optical pulses or require pulse synchronisation or ultrafast modulation. This obviously restricts their suitability for the unsynchronised, low energy and high repetition rate pulses as those emitted by the mode-locked laser diodes. In this work, an extensive study of various dynamical regimes, such as mode-locking, self-pulsation and continuous-wave operations of the monolithically integrated AlGaInAs/InP MLLs is reported. The devices operate around 1.55 µm and emit optical pulses with sub-40 GHz repetition frequencies. The influence of the biasing conditions, laser geometry and semiconductor material on the lasers performance is analysed in detail. The complete characterisation includes the evaluation of both the phase and time profiles of pulses, using a sonogram system developed as part of this thesis. It is based on a self-referenced method, capable of ambiguity-free measurements of low power and sub-picosecond pulses. A sensitivity as low as 5mW on the pulse peak power has been achieved through the design and fabrication of a two-photon absorption (TPA) detector, optimised for polarisation insensitivity and high nonlinear response. The travelling-wave operation enables the characterisation of high-repetition rate pulses and minimises the amount of introduced dispersion. The sonogram system has been successfully employed to study the evolution of the temporal intensity and group delay profiles as a function of the laser biasing conditions and for different device geometries. The obtained results indicate a prevailing positive chirp present in the pulses, which can be reduced by a careful adjustment of the device biasing. The minimum pulse width emitted from the investigated MLLs and measured with the sonogram technique was ~500 fs.
9.2.2 A Decision Analysis Framework for Resilience Strategies in Maritime Systems

This research is an effort to develop a Risk Management‐based Decision Analysis (RMDA) framework based on the common fundamental elements that define the nature of resilience in Maritime Infrastructure and Transportation Systems (MITS). The framework develops a systemic approach to the decision making process in regards to investing on resilience strategies. It also enables stakeholders and decision makers of maritime systems to identify, analyze, and prioritize risks involved in MITS operations; to define ways for risk mitigation, plan for contingencies, and devise mechanisms for continuously monitoring and controlling risk factors and threats to the system; and to value the adopted resilience investment plans and strategies. Our suggested RMDA framework is developed based on the Six‐element Flexibility Framework, which is offered for assessing the value of flexibility strategies in Space Systems, and utilizes a Decision Tree Analysis (DTA) methodology for assessing the cost‐effectiveness of the devised strategies.
Quantum Chemical Studies on Structural, Spectroscopic, Thermochemistry, Photo-physical and Bioactivity Properties of m-Cresol Purple Dye

The m-Cresol purple molecule is analyzed using spectroscopy and quantum computational chemistry methods using the software program Gaussian 09. B3LYP 6-311G (d, p) level has been used to create stable conformation of molecular structure, vibrational frequencies, Mulliken atomic charges, and electronic absorption spectra. The active regions of the infrared intensities, polarizabilities, and first-order polarizabilities were determined. The visible ultrasonic absorption with DOS spectrum demonstrated the highest correlation both before and after UV exposure. Furthermore, ’Frontier’s molecular orbital analysis was determined, explaining the difference between HOMOs and LUMOs energies. Swiss ADME is used to measure physicochemical descriptors and the prediction of molecular dynamics, ADME (absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion) coefficients, pharmaco-kinetics pH, log P, biological activity, and drug-like nature. Furthermore, the predictive model of BOILED-Egg, QSAR analysis, molecular lipophilicity, distribution of microorganisms, target binding percentages, and topology measurements are analyzed to help drug discovery.
Distributed architectures for Mars surface exploration

Surface-based distributed architectures may help future robotic and human Mars explorers cope with broad mission goals requiring significant mobility and long deployment periods. Surfacebased distributed architectures can be characterized by connectivity and performance metrics such as the mean cost of message delivery. A trade study of connectivity for a lander and sensor pod network, based on a simple trade study process for distributed systems, demonstrates that the mean cost of message delivery is sensitive to small changes in surface topography statistics. To understand how human explorers can best utilize distributed systems, the use of information and communication was studied during a three-week geologic mapping project and through an analysis of nearly sixty thousand voice communications and anecdotal data from the Apollo lunar missions. Distributed systems can help human explorers share information in real-time and better coordinate their activities: A short-range wireless networking system would allow field geologists to pursue distributed geology activities, in which geologists might discuss a geologic feature from several different perspectives simultaneously. Subsequent modeling of line-of-sight connectivity during simulated geological traverses suggests that such a system might be feasible for team-member separation distances from tens to hundreds of meters. An approach to modeling the cost of node mobility is developed for human and robotic agents and used to develop the concept of the cost of system reconfiguration. Changes in the spatial configuration of distributed system elements are considered in terms of a collection of traverses from one point to another by different system elements. A process for traverse planning and execution, applicable to human and robotic explorers, is developed and applied to several situations in order to understand how distributed architectures can support traverse planning, and vice-versa. Distributed systems fundamentally enhance the exploration process by changing the way in which information is collected and disseminated by exploration agents. This additional access to information, coupled with appropriate decision-making tools, enhances self-sufficiency and autonomy and allows individual explorers to enhance their probability of survival, coordinate their activities with other explorers, and increase the value they add to the overall mission. However, the design and optimization of distributed systems is a difficult process, and the benefits of distributed architectures come with the significant burden of added system complexity. Targeted deployment of distributed systems for planetary surface exploration can lead to increases in system performance, in terms of enhanced flexibility and robustness, when system complexity is adequately managed. Thesis Supervisor: Professor Dava J. Newman Title: Associate Professor of Aeronautics and Astronautics, MacVicar Faculty Fellow
Employees and the Market for Corporate Control

We find that firms that treat their employees better are less likely to be acquired. The shareholders of employee-friendly targets also receive lower premiums and smaller share of the surplus created by the deal. We also show that bidders tend to improve their employee policy following the acquisition of R&D-intensive targets. Furthermore, the improvement of employee policy is stronger when bidders increase their R&D expenditures in the new firm. The most likely explanation of our results is the importance of human capital in the production process. The agency conflict between managers and shareholders does not seem to be an important factor for employee policy.
COMPUTATIONAL ANALYSIS OF SUFFIXES AND BOUND STEMS OF THE GREEK LANGUAGE: A CRASH TEST WITH LINGUISTICA

This paper attempts to participate in the ongoing discussion in search of a suitable model for the computational treatment of Greek morphology. Focusing on the unsupervised morphology learning technique, and particularly on the model of Linguistica by Goldsmith (2001), we attempt a computational treatment of specific word formation phenomena in Modern Greek (MG), such as suffixation and compounding with bound stems, through the use of various corpora. The inability of the system to receive any morphological rule as input, hence the term 'unsupervised', interferes to a great extent with its efficiency in parsing, especially in languages with rich morphology, such as MG, among others. Specifically, neither the rich allomorphy, nor the complex combinability of morphemes in MG appear to be treated efficiently through this technique, resulting in low scores of proper word segmentation (22% in inflectional suffixes and 13% in derivational ones), as well as the recognition of false morphemes.
Consideration of Wear Rates at High Velocity

Abstract : The development of the research presented here is one in which high velocity relative sliding motion between two bodies in contact has been considered. The experimental results of a VascoMax 300 maraging steel slipper sliding on an AISI 1080 steel rail during a January 2008 sled test mission were considered for the determination of high velocity wear rates. The numerical model, based on a metallographic study of a test slipper, contained all of the physical features present in order to adequately characterize high velocity wear rates. Two-dimensional, plane strain models have been implemented in the explicit finite element code, ABAQUS. Local submodel collisions between the slipper and a 6 micron radius hemispherical asperity were analyzed to determine mechanical and melt wear rates. A simplified damage criterion of maximum Mises stress was used to determine the damaged volume during the slipper and asperity collision. Overall, the model predicts a total wear volume that is approximately 36% of the total wear measured during the metallographic analysis.
The Potential Distribution of Icing Insulators

The phenomenon of icing on insulators was common in power system, therefore, the research on insulator potential of different icing length is meaningful for clearing the ice on insulators. 110kV non-ceramic insulator (FXBW-110/120) was taken as an example, the model based on finite element static electric field is built in ANSYS to analyze the effect on potential distribution of insulator surface based on different icing length. The result shows that: the potential of clean non-ceramic insulator is not well distributed, surface potential of insulator is not affected greatly when icing length is below 60cms; The end potential of insulator is greatly changed when the icing length is up to 70cms; The whole surface potential of insulator is changed and insulation capability is droped obviously when the icing length is up to 80cms.
Two partitioning methods for multi‐area studies in large power systems

Electrical energy is one of the most common forms of energy these days. Consequently, electric power system is an indispensable part of any society. However, due to the deregulation of electricity markets and the growth in the share of power generation by uncontrollable renewable energies such as wind and solar, power system simulations are more challenging than earlier. Thus, new techniques for simplifying these simulations are needed. One important example of such simplification techniques is the power system reduction.Power system reduction can be used at least for four different purposes: a) Simplifying the power system simulations, b) Reducing the computational complexity, c) Compensating the data unavailability, and d) Reducing the existing uncertainty. Due to such reasons, power system reduction is an important and necessary subject, but a challenging task to do. Power system reduction is even more essential when system operators are facing very large-scale power systems and when the renewable energy resources like hydro, wind, and solar have a high share in power generation.This thesis focuses on the topic of large-scale power system reduction with high penetration of renewable energy resources and tries to pursue the following goals:• The thesis first reviews the different methods which can be used for simplifying the power system studies, including the power system reduction. A comparison among three important simplification techniques is also performed to reveal which simplification results in less error and more simulation time decrement. • Secondly, different steps and methods for power system reduction, including network aggregation and generation aggregation, are introduced, described and discussed. • Some improvements regarding the subject of power system reduction, i.e. on both network aggregation and generation aggregation, are developed. • Finally, power system reduction is applied to some power system problems and the results of these applications are evaluated.A general conclusion is that using power system simplification techniques and specially the system reduction can provides many important advantages in studying large-scale power systems with high share of renewable energy generations. In most of applications, not only the power system reduction highly reduces the complexity of the power system study under consideration, but it also results in small errors. Therefore, it can be used as an efficient method for dealing with current bulk power systems with huge amounts of renewable and distributed generations.