A Simple Image-Adaptive Watermarking Algorithm with Blind Extraction

In this paper, we propose an adaptive, DCT based, blind image watermarking algorithm. The adaptability is developed, while exploring the properties of the human visual system (HVS), to embed robust watermarks in DCT matrices while making them the least visible in the space domain. In the algorithm, binary watermarks are embedded in image blocks having gray level variations sufficient to mask a certain level of signal alterations. The orientations of the variations in such a block are detected by examining the locations of the most significant DCT coefficients in the matrix and a particular DCT coefficient is then chosen for watermark embedding with a view to making the gray level changes resulting from the embedding have a similar orientation with the original image signal to mask the watermark better. Moreover, the embedding strength is made to depend on the DC component, as it indicates the brightness of the image block, to further reduce the visibility of the watermark. The algorithm is computationally simple because it extracts the needed features directly from the DCT coefficients. Simulation results show that the algorithm is highly robust against JPEG compression even at low quality factors while maintaining high visual quality. Furthermore, the computational simplicity of the algorithm makes it very useful in real-time applications

Agroforestry Opportunities for Enhancing Resilience to Climate Change in Rainfed Areas,

Not AvailableAgroforestry provides a unique opportunity to achieve the objectives of enhancing the productivity and improving the soil quality. Tree systems can also play an important role towards adapting to the climate variability and important carbon sinks which helps to decrease the pressure on natural forests. Realizing the importance of the agroforestry in meeting the twin objectives of mitigation and adaptation to climate change as well as making rainfed agriculture more climate resilient, the ICAR-CRIDA has taken up the challenge in pursuance of National Agroforestry Policy 2014, in preparing a book on Agroforestry Opportunities for Enhancing Resilience to Climate Change in Rainfed Areas at ICAR-CRIDA to sharpen the skills of all stakeholders at national, state and district level in rainfed areas to increase agricultural productivity in response to climate changeNot Availabl

Agricultural Research Division 107th Annual Report 1993

It is a pleasure to provide the 107th Annual Report of the UNL Agricultural Research Division (ARD). This report contains lists of current faculty; active research projects; refereed journal articles, books, and book chapters published; theses and dissertations written; germplasm/cultivars released; and awards received by faculty. Also included are brief descriptions of accomplishments from selected research projects and the financial report for the period July 1, 1992, to June 30,1993. This report was compiled in compliance with the intent of the law of the State of Nebraska that established the Nebraska Agricultural Experiment Station on March 31, 1887. Foreword ... 5 Administration ... 6 … Administrative Personnel ... 6 … Organizational Chart ... 7 … Administrative Units ... 8 … IANR Research Facilities ... 9 Research Highlights ... 10 Faculty ... 18 … Agricultural/Natural Resources Departments ... 18 … College of Human Resources and Family Sciences ... 23 … Off-Campus Research Centers ... 24 Faculty Awards and Recognition ... 26 Research Projects ... 28 Publications ... 40 Variety and Germplasm Releases ... 64 Research Expenditures ... 6

Agricultural Research Division 107th Annual Report 1993

It is a pleasure to provide the 107th Annual Report of the UNL Agricultural Research Division (ARD). This report contains lists of current faculty; active research projects; refereed journal articles, books, and book chapters published; theses and dissertations written; germplasm/cultivars released; and awards received by faculty. Also included are brief descriptions of accomplishments from selected research projects and the financial report for the period July 1, 1992, to June 30,1993. This report was compiled in compliance with the intent of the law of the State of Nebraska that established the Nebraska Agricultural Experiment Station on March 31, 1887. Foreword ... 5 Administration ... 6 … Administrative Personnel ... 6 … Organizational Chart ... 7 … Administrative Units ... 8 … IANR Research Facilities ... 9 Research Highlights ... 10 Faculty ... 18 … Agricultural/Natural Resources Departments ... 18 … College of Human Resources and Family Sciences ... 23 … Off-Campus Research Centers ... 24 Faculty Awards and Recognition ... 26 Research Projects ... 28 Publications ... 40 Variety and Germplasm Releases ... 64 Research Expenditures ... 6

JOURNALISTS’ PERCEPTION AND ATTITUDE TO SOCIAL MEDIA IMAGE USE DURING THE 2015 PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION CAMPAIGNS IN NIGERIA

This study examined journalists’ perception and attitude to social media image use by Scannews and NewsRescue Online media outfits during the 2015 presidential election campaigns in Nigeria. The study objectives centered on the volume of digital image usage, forms, context, intended purpose as well as the implications of displayed images for professional photojournalism. The study is anchored on Consequentialism ethical theory, Kant Deontological ethical theory and Virtue ethical theory. Three research designs namely; Content analysis, Experimental design and Survey method were adopted as procedures that elicited information for the study. Thus, Coding Sheet and Questionnaire were used as instruments for data collection. A sample of 57 photographs and 395 journalists were used. The study found a competitive usage of digital images by NewsRescue (29 images - 51%) and Scannews (28 images, 49%). The study further found the forms of digital image techniques used by Scannews and NewsRescue to include; toning, flatting, changing costumes, cloning and retouching. In addition, images displayed were found to be triggered by corruption, security consciousness of the aspirants and on health ground. Other motivations were driven by experience and competence of the candidates. Findings also show that the contexts of digital image usage by Scannews and NewsResue impede professional virtues of objectivity, accuracy, truthfulness, fairness and balance (r = 842 > P = .000). On the denotation of displayed images, the study found that, images were symbolic of a guy (8.8%), fighter (12.3%), hooligan (17.5%) and of animal (24.6%). The study further found that images were used to infer that the candidate is a saint, competent, dependable, experienced, capable and dangerous. Findings also show that the intended purposes of digital image usage by Scannews and NewsResue impede professional virtues of objectivity, accuracy, truthfulness, fairness and balance. There was significant difference between the intended purpose of digital image displayed and professional journalism practice (t = -3.388 > P = .001; P < .01). This study also found several problems for the utilization of digital images by Scannews and NewsRescue. The study finally established several techniques that conform to journalism professional standards. The research reached a conclusion that, journalism is a profession and every profession has its norms for responsible practice which must be upheld at all times. The study thus, recommends among others that; journalism as a profession is anchored on five key principles of objectivity, accuracy, truthfulness, fairness and balance which must be upheld in all published news photograph; and that news photographers should employ journalism canons as yardstick for ethical decisions regarding the use of photographs

JOURNALISTS’ PERCEPTION AND ATTITUDE TO SOCIAL MEDIA IMAGE USE DURING THE 2015 PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION CAMPAIGNS IN NIGERIA

This study examined journalists’ perception and attitude to social media image use by Scannews and NewsRescue Online media outfits during the 2015 presidential election campaigns in Nigeria. The study objectives centered on the volume of digital image usage, forms, context, intended purpose as well as the implications of displayed images for professional photojournalism. The study is anchored on Consequentialism ethical theory, Kant Deontological ethical theory and Virtue ethical theory. Three research designs namely; Content analysis, Experimental design and Survey method were adopted as procedures that elicited information for the study. Thus, Coding Sheet and Questionnaire were used as instruments for data collection. A sample of 57 photographs and 395 journalists were used. The study found a competitive usage of digital images by NewsRescue (29 images - 51%) and Scannews (28 images, 49%). The study further found the forms of digital image techniques used by Scannews and NewsRescue to include; toning, flatting, changing costumes, cloning and retouching. In addition, images displayed were found to be triggered by corruption, security consciousness of the aspirants and on health ground. Other motivations were driven by experience and competence of the candidates. Findings also show that the contexts of digital image usage by Scannews and NewsResue impede professional virtues of objectivity, accuracy, truthfulness, fairness and balance (r = 842 > P = .000). On the denotation of displayed images, the study found that, images were symbolic of a guy (8.8%), fighter (12.3%), hooligan (17.5%) and of animal (24.6%). The study further found that images were used to infer that the candidate is a saint, competent, dependable, experienced, capable and dangerous. Findings also show that the intended purposes of digital image usage by Scannews and NewsResue impede professional virtues of objectivity, accuracy, truthfulness, fairness and balance. There was significant difference between the intended purpose of digital image displayed and professional journalism practice (t = -3.388 > P = .001; P < .01). This study also found several problems for the utilization of digital images by Scannews and NewsRescue. The study finally established several techniques that conform to journalism professional standards. The research reached a conclusion that, journalism is a profession and every profession has its norms for responsible practice which must be upheld at all times. The study thus, recommends among others that; journalism as a profession is anchored on five key principles of objectivity, accuracy, truthfulness, fairness and balance which must be upheld in all published news photograph; and that news photographers should employ journalism canons as yardstick for ethical decisions regarding the use of photographs

Process Development for the Fabrication of Spheroidal Microdevice Packages Utilizing MEMS Technologies

Sub-mm3 spherical microrobots are being researched as a path towards reconfigurable wireless networks and programmable matter. The microrobot design requires a spheroidal microdevice package compatible with solar energy collection, wireless sensing, and electrostatic actuation mechanisms to be developed. Throughout this research, a variety of MEMS fabrication techniques were evaluated with regards to their applicability to the packaging process. SF6-based plasma was determined to be a preferable alternative to wet HNA etching when producing repeatable bulk isotropic etches in silicon. The effect of silicon crystal orientation on etch variance and anisotropy was also investigated. HNA polishing was demonstrated as an effective method of reducing undercutting, surface roughness, and anisotropy. MatLab image processing routines were developed and incorporated into etch analysis, providing an efficient method of data collection. A method of performing sophisticated wafer alignment and photolithography processes by leveraging existing cleanroom devices was proposed. This research established a path forward for an advanced packaging scheme designed to move microelectronics packages away from the planar circuit board configurations of the past and into the autonomous architectures of the future. The proposed design is applicable to a wide variety of microelectronics applications while meeting the requirements of the sub-mm3 spherical microrobot system

Diversifying Cornfields by Interseeding Cover Crops: Practical Implications and the Response of Invertebrate Communities

The lack of suitable habitat conditions for beneficial organisms in simplified agroecosystems leads to unstable invertebrate communities and overreliance on chemical control of herbivores. It is possible to manage pest populations without agrichemicals by manipulating farmland so that herbivores are impaired by plant-driven bottom-up and enemy-driven top-down antagonisms. Interseeding cover crops between established crop rows is a method used by farmers to improve habitat suitability for natural enemies and hinder host-finding, feeding and movement by herbivores. Here I address three important research gaps related to interseeding cover crops. A calcium carbonate seed coating, used to improve seed-broadcasting efficiency, was tested to determine if arthropod granivores are deterred from consuming cover crop seeds. Invertebrate communities were compared between monoculture cornfields and cornfields possessing a mixture of cover crop species. Finally, neonicotinoid seed treatment, thiamethoxam, and metabolite, clothianidin, were quantified within vegetative tissue of cover crops growing between seed-treated corn to examine a potential route of exposure by non-target organisms. The addition of a calcium carbonate seed coating reduced seed granivory by invertebrates. Hairy vetch (Vicia villosa) and sorghum × sudan (Sorghum × drummondii) were especially protected. Gryllidae, Carabidae and Staphylinidae were the most abundantly collected granivores. Corn interseeded with cover crops possessed a larger abundance of surface-dwelling predators, herbivores, numerous individual taxa and total invertebrates than monocultures. Greater epigeic species richness was also recorded in cover-cropped fields. With the exception of four individual taxa, subterranean invertebrate abundances were unchanged between interseeded and monoculture corn, however, cover crops did increase species diversity below the soil surface. Interseeding did not affect species richness, diversity or arthropod abundance on corn foliage. Thiamethoxam and toxic metabolite, clothianidin, were detected in interseeded hairy vetch and cereal rye (Secale cereale) on all but one sampling dates during the corn growing season with highest concentrations in earlier samplings. On each collection date clothianidin was found at a higher level than thiamethoxam for both species. As management techniques improve interseeding cover crops has potential to become an increasingly important tool for restoring agroecosystem functions if the incompatibility of added plant diversity and existing pesticide strategies is addressed