Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Modelling and simulation of GPS multipath propagation

Multipath remains a dominant error source in Global Positioning System (GPS) applications that require high accuracy. With the use of differential techniques it is possible to remove many of the common-mode error sources, but the error effects of multipath have proven much more difficult to mitigate. The research aim of this work is to enhance the understanding of multipath propagation and its effects in GPS terrestrial applications, through the modelling of signal propagation behaviour and the resultant error effects. Multipath propagation occurs when environmental features cause combinations of reflected and/or diffracted replica signals to arrive at the receiving antenna. These signals, in combination with the original line-of-sight (LOS) signal, can cause distortion of the receiver correlation function and ultimately the discrimination function and hence errors in range estimation. To date, a completely satisfactory mitigation strategy has yet to be developed. In the search for such a mitigation strategy, it is imperative that a comprehensive understanding of the multipath propagation environment and the resultant error effects exists. The work presented here, provides a comprehensive understanding through the use of new modelling and simulation techniques specific to GPS multipath. This dissertation unites the existing theory of radio frequency propagation for the GPS L1 signal into a coherent treatment of GPS propagation in the terrestrial environment. To further enhance the understanding of the multipath propagation environment and the resultant error effects, this dissertation also describes the design and development of a new parabolic equation (PE) based propagation model for analysis of GPS multipath propagation behaviour. The propagation model improves on previous PE-based models by incorporating terrain features, including boundary impedance properties, backscatter and time-domain decomposition of the field into a multipath impulse response. The results provide visualisation as well as the defining parameters necessary to fully describe the multipath propagation behaviour. These resultant parameters provide the input for a correlation and discrimination model for visualisation and the generation of resultant receiver error measurements. Results for a variety of propagation environments are presented and the technique is shown to provide a deterministic methodology against real GPS data. The unique and novel combined modelling of multipath propagation and reception, presented in this dissertation, provides an effective set of tools that have enhanced the understanding of the behaviour and effect of multipath in GPS applications, and ultimately should aid in providing a solution to the GPS multipath mitigation problem.
Acting in opera: a consideration of the status of acting in opera production and the effect of a Stanislavski inspired rehearsal process

In opera, acting is often seen as secondary to vocal performance. This study considers the status of acting in the development of opera performance and considers whether a more complete actor training system might better equip classically trained singers as actors. It reviews the actor training offered by the Conservatoires in the United Kingdom, the experience of training for the stage reported by some notable 20th century singers and some singers and directors currently working internationally in opera. The study draws its conclusions through a comparison of a production of Dido and Aeneas, where the singers use Stanislavski influenced methods of preparation and a collaborative approach to rehearsals, and a production of Acis and Galatea, employing the more usual didactic style of direction, which makes up the practice-based component of this research project.
Prediction of Online News Popularity using Machine Learning

: In today’s world, online news is the source of news and information for many people. The popularity of online news can be dependent on various factors like the number of shares by the readers or the number of likes and comments on the news etc. In our research paper, we intend to find the best machine learning algorithm to predict the popularity of the news article. The dataset is taken from the UCI repository. We will apply five different algorithms such as random forest, logistic regression, etc and then compare the performance of these algorithms based on various performance measures such as accuracy and precision. Random forest showed the best results with the highest accuracy. Our work can be used by online publishers to predict the popularity before publication.
LOCACE: Computer-aided construction of balanced geological cross sections

LOCACE is a workstation-based interactive system designed to test the geometrical coherence of geological cross sections. The approach is to restore the geological layers in their predeformational state with the help of simple balancing principles. This methodology is suitable for extensive and compressive terrains as well. While a successful restoration does not guarantee a correct final interpretation, it checks the geometrical soundness of the geologist's hypotheses. The section is restored step by step following a logical sequence determined by the direction of the tectonic transport. Several methods of restoration were developed for layers with constant of varying thickness. Synsedimentary faults and rotation of rigid blocks also are taken into account. The deformation methods can be applied backward or forward in time. The entire testing process is facilitated by powerful graphical editing functions that allow the user to modify the geometry of the depth-corrected seismic interpretation and of the restored cross section. LOCACE has been developed jointly by the French Institute of Petroleum, the Societe Nationale Elf Aquitaine (Production), Total-Compagnie Francaise des Petroles and AGIP. The program is written in C language and runs under Unix.
Software Design Criteria for Maintainability

One of the current issues in the software engineering community is related to problems of software maintenance. It is a common belief that these problems are caused by bad software design and poor maintenance practices. The first of these is the concern of this paper. We argue that the existing software design methodologies are not properly developed based on criteria for easy software maintenance at later stages. Therefore, with a set of software design criteria for maintainability, software is believed to be more maintainable. In this paper we shall identify those criteria followed by assessment of several software design methodologies.
Proktologische Notfälle

Die Proktologie befasst sich mit Erkrankungen des Enddarms und der Analregion. Am Beispiel des Hämorrhoidalleidens, dem dominierenden Beschwerdebild im proktologischen Bereich mit ca. 3,3 Millionen Behandlungsfällen jährlich in Deutschland, wird die Relevanz für Hausärzte, Proktologen und klinische Notfallmediziner deutlich [1]. In unserem interdisziplinären Notfallzentrum können jährlich mehr als 500 Patientenkontakte mit einer proktologischen Problematik dokumentiert werden. Das Spektrum reicht hierbei vom Abszess über die Entfernung von Fremdkörpern bis hin zur unteren gastrointestinalen Blutung (GI-Blutung). Entsprechend sollten die proktologische Basisdiagnostik und die wichtigsten Therapiegrundsätze zum Wissensrepertoire des klinischen Akutund Notfallmediziners gehören.
Investigation of Multi-Channel SAR Calibration Methods for Real-Time Traffic Monitoring

For traffic monitoring applications using multi-channel synthetic aperture radar (SAR) systems operating on high altitude it is essential, that the vehicles moving on ground can be detected and their parameters can be estimated in near real-time. In general software based adaptive calibration of each receiving channel has to be performed prior to ground moving target indication (GMTI) and parameter estimation. The calibration method used at present would require very high computational load for performing traffic monitoring in real-time. In the frame of the master thesis, existing and new channel calibration methods were investigated and implemented. The performances as well as the influence of these methods on the moving target signals were compared using real multi-channel SAR data acquired with DLR’s airborne F-SAR system. Results were analyzed in order to have some hints on where the actual calibration method used in the GMTI processor can be improved.
Spur reduction techniques for fractional-N PLLs

Fractional-N phase locked loops (PLL) are widely used in modern communication systems to synthesize a highly pure frequency from a lower reference frequency. Stringent requirements are often placed on the spectral purity of the synthesized frequency so that overall system-level requirements are met. Unfortunately, spurious tones are inevitable in the output signals of fractional-N PLLs, and in conventional designs they can be attenuated only with design tradeoffs that degrade other aspects of performance. This dissertation presents a PLL that utilizes a successive requantizer in conjunction with an offset current technique to suppress both the fractional and reference spurs. A passive, type-II, sampled loop filter (SLF) is also introduced to mitigate the increased reference spurs that result from the use of an offset current. Chapter 1 describes a phase-noise canceling, fractional-N PLL utilizing the techniques mentioned above. It details the system level and circuit level design and presents measured results. Chapter 2 presents a discrete- time model for a PLL utilizing the passive SLF described in Chapter 1. A mathematical basis for the model is also presented. Chapter 3 describes an integer-N, realigning PLL utilizing a relaxation oscillator and a calibration scheme to suppress the realignment spur. Realignment can suppress the noise of the voltage controlled oscillator (VCO) and hence finds application in systems utilizing non -LC based VCOs. However, implementation challenges exist with regard to the VCO and many previously published designs suffer from a large realignment spur. The use of a relaxation oscillator and the calibration scheme address these two challenges
Linear and Nonlinear Optical Absorption of CdSe/CdS Core/Shell Quantum Dots in the Presence of Donor Impurity

Linear and nonlinear optical properties in colloidal CdSe/CdS core/shell quantum dots with different sizes have been theoretically investigated in the framework of effective mass approximation. The electron states in colloidal CdSe/CdS core/shell quantum dots have been calculated using the finite element method. The intraband linear and nonlinear absorption spectra have been calculated for colloidal CdSe/CdS core/shell quantum dots with different sizes. In addition, the dependences of the linear and nonlinear refractive index change on the incident light energy have been calculated. In the last section of the paper the second- and third-order harmonic generation spectra have been presented.
MODELING THE SPATIAL DEVELOPMENT OF THE ECONOMY ON THE BASISOF PERSPECTIVE INTERREGIONAL COOPERATION AND SPECIALIZATION

The paper presents a methodology for modeling the spatial development of the economy on the example of Russia. The relevance of the study is due to the need to ensure the rational use of the country's territorial space by the authorities, which implies taking into account the system of classical factors of economic zoning: the availability of transport and social infrastructure, the optimization of the settlement system and the location of production facilities. Modeling of spatial development is carried out by building an optimization model for identifying macroeconomic regions. The minimum level of spatial development heterogeneity was selected as an optimality criterion between the regions included in the macroregions and between the macroregions of the country by calculating the Theil index. The model is based on the concept of product space and the assumption that the optimal macroregions provides high rates of the Economic Complexity Index. Thus, the methodology for constructing a model of spatial development includes determining the composition of the equations system and their structure, formulating the assumptions and limitations of the model, and determining the objective function of the model. The visualization of the results is based on the construction of a graph, the vertices of which are the types of production activities in the macroregion. The final formalization of the model presupposes obtaining a system of macroregions that provide a high diversification of the types of production activities; minimizing the heterogeneity of the spatial development; determination of the promising specialization of the macroregion as it develops.
Technical, Commercial and Regulatory Challenges of QoS: An Internet Service Model Perspective

This book provides a comprehensive examination of Internet QoS theory, standards, vendor implementation and network deployment from the practitioner's point of view, including extensive discussion of related economic and regulatory issues. Written in a technology-light way so that a variety of professionals and researchers in the information and networking industries can easily grasp the material. Includes case studies based on real-world experiences from industry. The author starts by discussing the economic, regulatory and technical challenges of the existing QoS model. Key coverage includes defining a clear business model for selling and buying QoS in relation to current and future direction of government regulation and QoS interoperability (or lack thereof) between carriers and networking devices. The author then demonstrates how to improve the current QoS model to create a clear selling point, less regulation uncertainty, and higher chance of deployment success. This includes discussion of QoS re-packaging to end-users; economic and regulatory benefits of the re-packaging; and the overall benefits of an improved technical approach. Finally, the author discusses the future evolution of QoS from an Internet philosophy perspective and lets the reader draw the conclusions. This book is the first QoS book to provide in depth coverage on the commercial and regulatory aspects of QoS, in addition to the technical aspect. From that, readers can grasp the commercial and regulatory issues of QoS and their implications on the overall QoS business model. This book is also the first QoS book to provide case studies of real world QoS deployments, contributed by the people who did the actual deployments. From that, readers can grasp the practical issues of QoS in real world. This book is also the first QoS book to cover both wireline QoS and wireless QoS. Readers can grasp the QoS issues in the wireless world. The book was reviewed and endorsed by a long list of prominent industrial and academic figures. * The only book to discuss QoS technology in relation to economic and regulatory issues * Includes case studies based on real-world examples from industry practitioners. * Provides unique insight into how to improve the current QoS model to create a clear selling point, less regulatory uncertainty, and higher chance of deployment success.
Development of a Response Planner using the UCT Algorithm for Cyber Defense

Abstract : A need for a quick response to cyber attacks is a prevalent problem for computer network operators today. There is a small window to respond to a cyber attack when it occurs to prevent significant damage to a computer network. Automated response planners offer one solution to resolve this issue. This work presents Network Defense Planner System (NDPS), a planner dependent on the effectiveness of the detection of the cyber attack. This research first explores making classification of network attacks faster for real-time detection, the basic function Intrusion Detection System (IDS) provides. After identifying the type of attack, learning the rewards to use in the NDPS is the second important area of this research. For NDPS to assemble the optimal plan, learning the rewards for resulting network states is critical and often depends on the preferences of the network operator. Using neural networks, the second area of this research demonstrates that capturing the preferences through samples is feasible. After training the neural network, a model can be created to obtain reward estimates. The research performed in these two areas complement the final portion of the research which is assembling the optimal plan through using the Upper Bounds on Confidence for Trees (UCT) algorithm. NDPS is implemented using the UCT algorithm which allows for quick plan formulation by searching through predicted network states based on available network actions. UCT can effectively create a plan quickly and is guaranteed to provide the optimal plan, according to rewards used, if enough time is allotted. NDPS is tested against eight random attack scenarios. For each attack scenario, the plan is polled at specific time intervals to test how quickly the optimal plan can be formulated. Results demonstrate the feasibility of NDPS to be used in real world scenarios since the optimal plans for each attack type can be formulated in real-time allowing for a rapid system response.
Brand Personality’s Effect on Brand Loyalty: In Case of National Banks from Srikakulam City, Andhra Pradesh, India

The association between Brand personality and Brand Loyalty is considered to the study of imperative with respect to the influencing factors such as Sincerity, Competence, Excitement, Sophistication and Ruggedness on consumers’ heart share. Though the previous studies exist on this concept, the geographical area of Srikakulam city and emphasizing on banking sector specifically focusing on nationalized banks have made the study unusual. With an objective of assessing the influence of brand personality on brand loyalty, the study has been carried out by backed up with methodology blend of mixed approach, survey design, cross sectional research, convenience sampling technique, data collection through structured questionnaire and data analysis with descriptive and inferential statistics. The interesting results out of the analysis have been associated with independent and dependant variables relationship and impact are explored well with the conclusions drawn followed by the objective centered recommendations to the industry.
Consuming Linked Closed Data

The growth of the Linked Data corpus will eventually pre- vent all but the most determined of consumers from including every Linked Dataset in a single undertaking. In addition, we anticipate that the need for effective revenue models for Linked Data publishing will spur the rise of Linked Closed Data, where access to datasets is restricted. We argue that these impeding changes necessitate an overhaul of our current practices for consuming Linked Data. To this end, we propose a model for consuming Linked Data, built on the notion of continuous Information Quality assessment, which brings together a range of existing research and highlights a number of avenues for future work.
Complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS) and charge coupled device (CCD) image sensors in high-definition TV imaging

Abstract: The particulars of the image diagonal, signal-to-noise ratio, artifacts, modulation transfer function and aliasing in broadcast cameras in relation to imagers and imaging are explained. Examples of advances in broadcast imagers are given and the transition from charge coupled device (CCD) to complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS) imagers is described.
Information for Successful Interaction with Autonomous Systems

Interaction in heterogeneous mission operations teams is not well matched to classical models of coordination with autonomous systems. We describe methods of loose coordination and information management in mission operations. We describe an information agent and information management tool suite for managing information from many sources, including autonomous agents. We present an integrated model of levels of complexity of agent and human behavior, which shows types of information processing and points of potential error in agent activities. We discuss the types of information needed for diagnosing problems and planning interactions with an autonomous system. We discuss types of coordination for which designs are needed for autonomous system functions. We are developing design concepts for collaborative intelligent systems to support future mission operations teams. Teams of distributed computer and human agents will collaborate, in multi-agent mixed-initiative operations. Software tools, including software agents, are needed to support work processes and interaction in teams that include autonomous agents. In mission operations teams, the level of involvement of intelligent agents and human team members will vary significantly. Software agents will be continuously engaged in focused autonomous tasks, while human agents will periodically manage multiple tasks, including occasional interaction with autonomous systems. Human activities include managing information, understanding past, ongoing and planned operations and situations, solving problems, and negotiating and participating in carrying out solutions. There are several ways in which interaction in such teams is not well suited for classical models of coordination with autonomous systems (Nodine, Chandrasekara, and Unruh 2001). Human shift work and on-call work makes roleagent relationships unstable. Agents can vary in complexity and sophistication of reasoning and representation. There are potential delays in information and communication. Tasks may be interrupted and discontinuous, and may not be tightly coordinated. “Plans” with multiple tasks and fluctuating resources are likely to be ill-structured and U.S. Government work not protected by U.S. copyright. flexible. We will consider design of software agents for loose coordination and information management.
Characterisation and application of olfactory ensheathing cells for glaucoma induced optic nerve damage

Glaucoma is the term used to describe a group diseases characterised by a specific type of damage to the optic nerve head (ONH) known as cupping and a characteristic type of visual field loss. This loss is associated with progressive atrophy and loss of the retinal ganglion cells. Glaucoma is a leading cause of irreversible blindness in the world. This project was aimed at investigating olfactory ensheathing cells (OEC), a population of radial glia proven to be neuroprotective in central and peripheral nerve injury models, and their potential to protect the retinal ganglion cells in glaucoma. We studied the interactions of RGC and OEC in culture. We show that OEC can straighten, ensheath and bundle RGC neurites as well as support the survival of RGC and their synapses in culture. We also show that OEC endocytose dead RGC in culture. We modified a rat model of glaucoma (where paramagnetic microbeads are injected into the anterior chamber of the rat eyes) and characterised the early and late functional changes in the glaucomatous retina. We showed that RGC function was compromised in the early stages of glaucoma, before histological changes set in. We injected OEC into glaucomatous rat eyes to study the effects of OEC on optic nerve damage. The presence of OEC in the vitreous cavity of the glaucomatous rat eye significantly reduced the optic nerve damage in glaucomatous eyes. In summary, the work presented in this thesis provides an insight into • The functional changes of RGC in the early stages of experimental glaucoma and • Protection of RGC in experimental glaucoma by introduction of OEC into the vitreous.