Quarterly literature review of the remote sensing of natural resources

The Technology Application Center reviewed abstracted literature sources, and selected document data and data gathering techniques which were performed or obtained remotely from space, aircraft or groundbased stations. All of the documentation was related to remote sensing sensors or the remote sensing of the natural resources. Sensors were primarily those operating within the 10 to the minus 8 power to 1 meter wavelength band. Included are NASA Tech Briefs, ARAC Industrial Applications Reports, U.S. Navy Technical Reports, U.S. Patent reports, and other technical articles and reports

Advances in Manipulation and Recognition of Digital Ink

Handwriting is one of the most natural ways for a human to record knowledge. Recently, this type of human-computer interaction has received increasing attention due to the rapid evolution of touch-based hardware and software. While hardware support for digital ink reached its maturity, algorithms for recognition of handwriting in certain domains, including mathematics, are lacking robustness. Simultaneously, users may possess several pen-based devices and sharing of training data in adaptive recognition setting can be challenging. In addition, resolution of pen-based devices keeps improving making the ink cumbersome to process and store. This thesis develops several advances for efficient processing, storage and recognition of handwriting, which are applicable to the classification methods based on functional approximation. In particular, we propose improvements to classification of isolated characters and groups of rotated characters, as well as symbols of substantially different size. We then develop an algorithm for adaptive classification of handwritten mathematical characters of a user. The adaptive algorithm can be especially useful in the cloud-based recognition framework, which is described further in the thesis. We investigate whether the training data available in the cloud can be useful to a new writer during the training phase by extracting styles of individuals with similar handwriting and recommending styles to the writer. We also perform factorial analysis of the algorithm for recognition of n-grams of rotated characters. Finally, we show a fast method for compression of linear pieces of handwritten strokes and compare it with an enhanced version of the algorithm based on functional approximation of strokes. Experimental results demonstrate validity of the theoretical contributions, which form a solid foundation for the next generation handwriting recognition systems

Non destructive testing methods based on Terahertz radiation and Compressive Sampling

A research contribution on non-destructive and non-invasive testing on avionics, metal and non-metal materials is presented. This is realized exploiting the combination of two topics, which over time have become increasingly popular, such as: Compressive Sampling and THz radiation. Specifically, an innovative approach has been developed, so-called CS-THz, that combines the possibility of irradiating with T-waves the sample under test and then realizing the process of capturing and reconstructing of the image through the CS principles. For this purpose, a CS-THz model has been developed, first studying with simulated tests and then with a campaign of experimental trials as the uncertainty sources at stake and their effects on reconstruction, expanding the study introducing a metrics of indexes quality. In addition, the results of Spectroscopy and Imaging THz applications are shown, in the various configurations (reflection and transmission) in which the THz system can operate and the results of non-invasive and non-destructive tests on ferromagnetic materials studied with the method of induced currents, and on which the principles of CS have been applied in order to be able to make the phases of reconstructions of the acquired electrical signal faster by exploiting graphic units (GPUs) and CUDA

Information technologies for epigraphy and cultural heritage. Proceedings of the first EAGLE international conference

This peer-reviewed volume contains selected papers from the First EAGLE International Conference on Information Technologies for Epigraphy and Cultural Heritage, held in Paris between September 29 and October 1, 2014. Here are assembled for the first time in a unique volume contributions regarding all aspects of Digital Epigraphy: Models, Vocabularies, Translations, User Engagements, Image Analysis, 3D methodologies, and ongoing projects at the cutting edge of digital humanities. The scope of this book is not limited to Greek and Latin epigraphy; it provides an overview of projects related to all epigraphic inquiry and its related communities. This approach intends to furnish the reader with the broadest possible perspective of the discipline, while at the same time giving due attention to the specifics of unique issues

Device characteristics-based differentiated energy-efficient adaptive solution for multimedia delivery over heterogeneous wireless networks

Energy efficiency is a key issue of highest importance to mobile wireless device users, as those devices are powered by batteries with limited power capacity. It is of very high interest to provide device differentiated user centric energy efficient multimedia content delivery based on current application type, energy-oriented device features and user preferences. This thesis presents the following research contributions in the area of energy efficient multimedia delivery over heterogeneous wireless networks: 1. ASP: Energy-oriented Application-based System profiling for mobile devices: This profiling provides services to other contributions in this thesis. By monitoring the running applications and the corresponding power demand on the smart mobile device, a device energy model is obtained. The model is used in conjunction with applications’ power signature to provide device energy constraints posed by running applications. 2. AWERA 3. DEAS: A Device characteristics-based differentiated Energy-efficient Adaptive Solution for video delivery over heterogeneous wireless networks. Based on the energy constraint, DEAS performs energy efficient content delivery adaptation for the current application. Unlike the existing solutions, DEAS takes all the applications running on the system into account and better balances QoS and energy efficiency. 4. EDCAM 5. A comprehensive survey on state-of-the-art energy-efficient network protocols and energy-saving network technologies

Investigation of gaseous ammonia for NOx control by SCR on an experimental basis

My dissertation argues which of the two reducing agents, urea or pure ammonia, is better suited for reducing NOx emissions in Marine SCR applications. While the question might seem straight forward, there are several upsides and downsides to them both. What proves a challenge with marine diesel engines are the low exhaust gas temperatures, making it a brain twister to reduce NOx across varying engine loads by any respectable amount. Still, theoretically, pure ammonia should be able to do this, or? To put this claim to the test, a micro scale SCR system is designed and built by a team of competent individuals, including myself. A series of NOx reduction tests are then carried out under conditions similar to a diesel SCR process, using gaseous ammonia as reducing agent. While results are varying it is confirmed that pure ammonia does indeed perform well at low temperatures. NOx reduction rates are impressive considering the system is not optimized with regard to dimensioning. Results are presentative but with potential for improvement.Master i EnergiMAMN-ENERGENERGI399