Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Coherent source direction estimation for three-row bathymetric sidescan sonars

In practical applications with bathymetric sidescan sonar, the multipath reflection and other directional interferences are the key limiting factors for a better performance. To deal with this problem, a multiple-row system can be used to resolve the multipath reflections from the direct signal instead of smoothing the measurements over some time and/or angle intervals as previously widely investigated. However, most current algorithms for signal direction-of-arrival estimation fail when the sources from different directions are coherent, which often occurs in a shallow water multipath environment. In the context of three-row bathymetric sidescan sonars, this paper proposes a coherent source direction estimator (CSDE) to resolve two sources from different directions. This method is compared with the ESPRIT-based approach using different sonar data models. The simulations show that CSDE works very well for highly coherent sources at the angular separation of 10/spl deg/ between two sources and at the signal-to-noise ratio above 10 dB while the ESPRIT-based method is quite robust for the incoherent source signal model. In addition, CSDE gives the source time series estimation on the basis of the direction estimation as well. Analyses to the interference field associated with the sidescan sonar show that a model with two or three simultaneously received signals describes even some shallow water fields very well. These preliminary results suggest that the combination of above two approaches could replace the currently used differential phase technique to get a better performance in shallow water without significant increase of the system cost.
Surveillance of Space - Optimal Use of Complementary Sensors for Maximum Efficiency

Abstract : The UK has conducted a number of studies into the requirements for Surveillance of Space and the associated analysis and dissemination issues which emerge that are needed to produce a Recognised Space Picture. The UK also has existing niche capability in a number of areas related to Surveillance of Space and potential in a number of other areas that could be harnessed for this purpose. For example, use of ground-based optical sensors, phased array radar technology, radar data processing for space object identification and development of small satellites, are all areas of expertise, which have current or potential applications for Surveillance of Space. The UK has operated a series of optical sensors for Deep Space Objects, using a number of distributed sites and optical sensors, based on COTS technologies of 10 years ago. A recent study has looked at the potential for an upgraded system using current COTS, improved processing and novel techniques. This essentially extends the remit to LEO as well as increasing the sensitivity of the system. In addition, some of the trends and technological capabilities that are emerging or have been demonstrated in radar research are summarised, and the relevant contribution to a system of complementary sensors discussed. Whilst such a system offers the potential to address many of the emerging requirements, some cannot easily be met with a ground-based system. The paper examines which of these cannot realistically be met with ground-based sensors and considers where the synergistic or complementary use of space-based sensors could be of use. As it is seen that operating in space becomes cheaper and technology matures, this becomes a more affordable and reliable option.
Determination of Optimal Irrigation Scheduling for Coffee (Coffee Arabica L.) at Gera, South West of Ethiopia

Afield experiment was carried out from 2011 to 2018 cropping seasons at experimental site of Gera agricultural research sub-center to investigate the effect of soil moisture depletion and to identify optimal soil moisture depletion level on growth, yield and water productivity of coffee Arabica (coffee Arabica L.) of variety 74165. The treatments consists of five allowable soil moisture depletion level (ASMDL), i.e, 60% ASMDL, 80% ASMDL, 120% ASMDL, 140% ASMDL and control irrigation of 100% ASMDL. These five treatments were laid out in complete randomized block design with three replications. The irrigation water was applied based on allowable soil moisture depletion of (p=40%) considered for coffee Arabica. The over year analysis of variance showed that soil moisture depletion level significantly (P<0.05) affected coffee yield and water productivity. The average highest coffee yield of 2330 Kg/ha was obtained from the 120% ASMDL by applying 10145 m3/ha of water, while the FAO recommended treatment of 100% ASMDL produced the lowest yield of 1780 Kg/ha. The 60%, 80%, 100% and 140% treatments were not statistically significant from each another. Therefore, 120% ASMDL treatment gave above mean value of yield and water productivity and hence can be used as the allowable soil moisture depletion for coffee Arabica (coffee Arabica L.) in a coffee growing area of Gera.
Wireless Power Transfer

Nikola Tesla's dream in the early 20th century of a "World Wireless System" led him to build the Wardenclyffe Tower, a prototype base station serving as an emitter for his "World Wireless System". The base station was to supply wireless electrical energy to a distant receiver. This book builds upon that dream and is a result of intensive research interest in powerline, machine to machine communications and wireless power transfer globally. Wireless energy transfer or Witricity (WIreless elecTRICITY) transfers electricity instead of data. The technology is useful in cases where instantaneous or continuous energy is needed but interconnecting wires are inconvenient, hazardous, or impossible. The transfer is made through inductive coupling and electromagnetic radiation. Inductive coupling provides optimum power delivery to a receiver load if both the emitter and the receiver achieve magnetic resonance concurrently. Energy transfer systems mostly use antennas operating in their near field regions. As fossil energy sources are being depleted rapidly worldwide and oil prices soar, solar energy enhanced with wireless power transfer (WPT) have become reasonable alternatives for renewable energy and power harvesting. They are finding use in transportation, electric and hybrid vehicles, very fast trains and the emerging field of Internet of Things. This book is written by the leading experts on wireless energy transfer technology and its applications. It introduces and explains the technology in great details and provides the theory and practice of WPT through the two approaches of coupled mode theory and circuit theory. Both approaches are dependent on resonance techniques. The level of presentation is suitable for design and training. In depth coverage is provided on near field concepts; coupled-mode theory and models; circuit models of inductive antennas; radiative and inductive wireless power transfer, wireless power relay concepts, optimization techniques for wireless power transfer systems, control of wireless power transfer systems, wireless charging concepts; wireless energy transfer applications in electric vehicles, embedded medical systems and propagation in human tissues. Each chapter is written by experts on a selected aspect of wireless energy transfer. The authors have gone to great lengths to provide worked examples to assist the reader in working through some of the difficult concepts and to allow more understanding. The book is an excellent foundation for applying wireless energy transfer technologies in most fields including transportation, communication, home automation, biomedical systems and home appliances. The book is recommended to practitioners and engineers in the power industry, students in universities and research institutes. Honours and post graduate students in Physics, electrical/electronic engineering and computer science will find the book easy to read and apply because of the mode of presentation.
Biometrics: Identity Verification in a Networked World

From the Publisher: No longer a science fiction solution, biometric technologies are being deployed by thousands of companies and public agencies to increase security, protect personal information, and reduce fraud. Along with this broad-scale deployment comes a wide range of critical issues, including privacy risks, secure biometric system design, and the strengths and weaknesses of leading technologies such as finger-scan, iris-scan, facial-scan, voice-scan, and signature-scan. A full understanding of the biometric technologies, applications, and markets is required for successful utilization of biometrics in today's enterprise environment. Written by leading industry authorities, this book provides you with everything you need to know about the technology, the industry, the applications, and the challenges that define biometrics today. It explains why institutions are turning to biometrics to authenticate employees, customers, and citizens in mission-critical applications. It also provides a broad conceptual understanding of the technology, explains specialized terms and concepts, and concludes with an analysis of the factors you must consider when designing, deploying, and maintaining biometric systems.
Impact of mask errors on full chip error budgets

As lithography pushes to smaller and smaller features under the guidance of Moore's Law, patterned features smaller than the wavelength of light must be routinely manufactured. Lithographic yield in this domain is directly improved with the application of OPC to the pattern data. However, such corrections generally assume that the reticle can reproduce the benefits of OPC in some circumstances. In this paper, we present the characterization of the MEEF for contact holes. These are found to have significantly higher values for the MEEF than typically measured for isolated lines. Theoretical predictions are compared with experimental results. Good agreement is found at the center of the field only when the actual area of the contact hole as formed on the reticle is used as the metric of contact size. Across field variation, however, is found to be significant requires characterization for optimum yield to be achieved.
A 26 ps RMS time-to-digital converter core for Spartan-6 FPGAs

We have designed, implemented and tested a time-to-digital converter core in a low-cost Spartan-6 FPGA. Our design exploits the finite propagation speed in carry chains to realize a delay line in which the propagation distance of the incoming signal's edges is measured using hundreds of taps. This technique enables the core to reach a precision far better than the minimum switching period of the FPGA flip-flops. To compensate for process, voltage and temperature (PVT) effects, our design uses a combination of two techniques: startup calibration and online calibration. The startup calibration uses a statistical method to estimate the delay between the taps of the delay line and helps eliminate the effect of process variations. The online calibration, which takes place without disruption of the core's operation, uses a ring oscillator whose frequency instability is measured and used to compensate for subsequent voltage and temperature effects on the delay line. Our tests show that our design reaches a precision of 26 ps RMS over a temperature range of 37C to 48C.
The effects of limestone particle size on bone health and performance of pullets and hens in conventional cage and alternative housing systems

The effects of limestone particle size on bone health and performance of pullets and hens in conventional cage and alternative housing systems" (2014). One of the major welfare issues in cage-free housing systems is bone fracture. The goal of this research was to improve bone health in layers by building better pullet skeletons and to investigate limestone particle size (LPS) effects on bone health in conventional cages and cage-free housing systems. Study 1 was a preliminary study that compared conventional cages with litter floor pens in terms of performance, bone health, and eggshell quality from 33 to 47 wk of age. Caged hens had higher egg production and eggshell strength, and improved feed efficiency, but lower tibia bone mineral content compared to floor housed hens. Study 2 examined the effects of LPS fed from 7 to 17 wk of age on performance and bone health in conventional cage and aviary systems. The use of a limestone blend of fine and large particles (0.879 mm; LPS-Blend) rather than a fine limestone (0.431 mm; LPS-Fine) increased tibia bone mineral density (BMD) and alleviated incidence of curved keel bones at the end of the pullet phase. Study 3 investigated the subsequent effects of LPS (Study 2) during the layer phase. The LPS-Blend increased eggshell weight and alleviated keel bone indentations in the middle and end of the lay cycle (Study 3). Study 4 examined the effects of LPS fed from 9 to 17 wk of age on pullet and hen performance, bone health, and eggshell quality in deep litter systems. Hens fed LPS-Blend during the pullet phase had greater tibia BMD at onset of egg production and higher overall eggshell strength. Study 5 evaluated the effect of two layer strains on nest and perch use in aviary systems. White Leghorn hens had greater usage of perch and nest and preferred elevated tiers compared to Brown hens. In conclusion, the provision of LPS-Blend rather than LPS-Fine during the pullet phase improved bone mineralization at the onset of egg production and eggshell quality. Although White Leghorn hens had greater usage of resources in aviary systems; they had higher potential risk of bone fractures. i DEDICATION This dissertation is dedicated to my beloved parents and husband. ii ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS First of all, I would like to thank God for being my strength during my PhD program and completion of this thesis research. Also, I would like to …
säge

By searching the title, publisher, or authors of guide you in fact want, you can discover them rapidly. In the house, workplace, or perhaps in your method can be every best area within net connections. If you endeavor to download and install the Australia The Journal Of Commonwealth Literature Sage, it is utterly easy then, past currently we extend the link to buy and make bargains to download and install Australia The Journal Of Commonwealth Literature Sage fittingly simple!
A Stochastic Approximation Method for Simulation-Based Quantile Optimization

We present a gradient-based algorithm for solving a class of simulation optimization problems in which the objective function is the quantile of a simulation output random variable. In contrast with existing quantile (quantile derivative) estimation techniques, which aim to eliminate the estimator bias by gradually increasing the simulation sample size, our algorithm incorporates a novel recursive procedure that only requires a single simulation sample at each step to simultaneously obtain quantile and quantile derivative estimators that are asymptotically unbiased. We show that these estimators, when coupled with the standard gradient descent method, lead to a multitime-scale stochastic approximation type of algorithm that converges to an optimal quantile value with probability one. In our numerical experiments, the proposed algorithm is applied to optimal investment portfolio problems, resulting in new solutions that complement those obtained under the classical Markowitz mean-variance framework.
The Challenges of Internet-based Interactive Health Communication(IHC)Applications - A Discussion Based on American Experience

With the emergence of the Internet-based interactive health communication(IHC), people in the U.S. now can anonymously and electronically gain access to information, solicit physicians’ suggestions, find emotional support, maintain health behavior, and make health-related decisions. However, the applications of IHC also raise concerns regarding the lack of accessibility, user-friendliness, readability, accuracy, credibility, and privacy. Based on these experiences, this paper suggests that information providers should make efforts to reduce information divide, create user-friendly Web sites, provide readable materials, supply accurate and credible content, and ensure health-related information seekers’ privacy. On the other hand, health-related information seekers should know how to evaluate the IHC applications to choose those, which are most likely to be useful and beneficial to them. Only when health-related information providers provide a preferred future of Internet-based IHC and health-related information seekers know how to evaluate and to benefit from the applications of IHC, will IHC lead to desired health outcomes.
Compatibility of Bt-transgenic crops with biological control

Increasing areas are planted worldwide with insect-resistant genetically engineered (GE) crops. Potential adverse effects of these crops on natural enemies are of major concern as they play an important role in natural pest regulation and are therefore of economic value. Consequently, effects of the GE crop on these non-target organisms are assessed as part of the environmental risk assessment that precedes the commercial release of any GE crop. For practical reasons, only a small portion of the non-target species can be considered for regulatory studies. It is therefore necessary that appropriate surrogate species are selected that are representatives of ecologically and economically important taxa in the crop, represent different ecological functions, are most likely to be sensitive to the expressed insecticidal protein, and are amenable to testing. Reassembling a simplified arthropod food web including the most important herbivores and their parasitoids and predators in Indian pigeonpea, provides the information that helps to identify those non-target organisms that should be considered in a regulatory risk assessment. Introduction Pigeonpea [Cajanus cajan (L.) Millspaugh] is the sixth most important grain legume crop grown in the semi-arid tropics of Asia, Africa and the Caribbean (Nene and Sheila 1990). In 2006, 3.65 million tones were produced worldwide with India being the largest producer, contributing to around 75% of the world total production, followed by Myanmar and Kenya (FAO 2008). Pigeonpea is cultivated as an annual or semi-perennial crop, usually in mixed cropping systems. It is well suited for intercropping, as pigeonpea grows slowly and thus does not compete with shorter-season crops. In addition to cereals, pigeonpea is also intercropped with other legumes and with fiber and root crops (Ali 1990). The nitrogen-fixing ability of pigeonpea makes it an important component in sustainable cropping systems (Kumar Rao 1990). Besides its main use as dhal (dry, dehulled, split seed used for cooking), pigeonpea’s tender green seeds are eaten as a vegetable, while crushed dry seeds and green leaves serve as fodder. The stems are used for fuel wood and to provide a basis for a variety of daily goods (Nene and Sheila 1990). In the vegetarian societies of South Asia, pigeonpea is an important source of dietary protein. Studies in India have shown that in some villages, pigeonpea provides half of all protein consumed (Ryan et al. 1984). However, pigeonpea is not only a nutritious food for humans, but is also an attractive food for many insects in the field and during storage (Reed and Lateef 1990; Shanower et al.
Microalgae-based products for the food and feed sector: an outlook for Europe

The European Union has adopted recently an ambitious strategy for developing the Bioeconomy in Europe. In this context, algae represent an emerging biological resource of great importance for its potential applications in different fields, including food and feed. Algae have been already used as food, feed and fertilizers for centuries, and nowadays approximately 200 species of algae and micro-algae are used worldwide in different sectors, like energy, cosmetics and pharmaceuticals. This report provides an analysis of the technological and market developments in the field of microalgae-based food and feed products. The analysis is based on literature search, interviews to experts and Delphi survey to stakeholders. It provides important insights on four issues concerning microalgae-based products: production systems; current markets, products and future developments; RD safety and regulatory aspects of food and feed applications in Europe and the USA. Main results show that the global market for microalgae-based food and feed supplements/nutraceuticals is well developed and with a great potential for growth. Europe has the potential to become market leader in micro-algae based products for the food and feed markets in the next decade, in particular thanks to scientific and technological developments going on in this field. However, experts highlight two major factors limiting the European potential: the insufficient European domestic demand for microalgae products and the difficulties in achieving commercial authorization of algae-derived products in the EU markets due to the complexity of the regulation of novel foods in Europe.
The effect of acidic environment on the concrete utilizing palm oil fuel ash

High-performance concrete (HPC) is widely used in construction projects, however, it has a large carbon footprint during the manufacturing of cement. Malaysia is one of the largest palm oil producers, and in the extraction of palm oil, it produces a lot of waste by-product, one of which is palm oil fuel ash (POFA) that would put an impact on the environment. Recently, there are many research studies revealed that POFA has a pozzolanic characteristics which can partially replace the cement to produce an eco-friendly concrete. This study illustrates the compressive strength and durability of concrete utilizing micro POFA. POFA, which was obtained from a local source, was sent for treatment and grinding procedure to remove excess carbon content and obtain 45μm size. 0%, 10%, 20% and 30% of micro POFA were used to replace the Portland cement in the used mixes. After curing age of 28 days, compressive strength and acid resistance of concrete cubes were investigated. Two different acids, hydrochloric acid (HCL) and sulfuric acid (H2SO4) were used to provide different aggressive environments for the concrete cubes. Two different optimum replacement percentages of POFA regarding to the acid resistance were determined by using the compressive strength loss, total mass loss and the visual inspection before and after the submersion. As two different acids were used, the rates of two acid attack on the concrete were studied in terms of mass loss throughout the submersion period. The results showed that the replacement percentage of 20% had the highest compressive strength in 28 days compressive strength test. Besides that, in terms of durability, even though the HPC utilizing 20% of replacement percentage of POFA did not have the highest acid resistance to the acid attack, however it had the highest compressive strength after the submersion in two different acids. This research showed that the replacement of micro POFA in HPC, possessed a significant improvement in terms of compressive strength and acid resistance.