Reducing the effects of intersymbol interference in diffuse DPIM optical wireless systems

The paper investigates the performance of digital pulse interval modulation (DPIM) in the presence of multipath propagation and additive white Gaussian noise. To combat intersymbol interference (ISI), guard slots and a nonlinear equaliser have been introduced. The average optical power requirements (AOPR) due to ISI for cases with/without guard slots and with equaliser are analysed using a ceilingbounce model. Results obtained show that in the absence of equalisation, DPIM without guard slot offers a lower AOPR compared with on–off keying (OOK). Introducing guard slots gives a further reduction in AOPR by up to 4 dB due to the reduced duty cycle of the DPIM signal. The performance of DPIM without guard slot but using an equaliser is found to be significantly better than DPIM with guard slots on a channel with severe ISI

MARKETING MECHANISMS IN GM GRAINS AND OILSEEDS

A number of challenges exist for genetically modified (GM) crop development at the production level. Contract strategies can resolve these challenges. Contracts can be designed to induce legal adoption of GM wheat by varying technology fees, violation detection, and penalties. The primary objective of this research is to analyze contracting strategies to determine terms to minimize technology agreement violation and to induce legal adoption of GM wheat. A simulation model of a crop budget for Hard Red Spring wheat was developed. Results illustrate that contracts can be designed to induce desired behavior. Technology fee, probability of detection, and the level of non-GM premium were the most notable factors influencing adoption decisions.Producer Decisions, Risk, Genetically Modified, Contract Terms, Wheat, Crop Production/Industries,

INCENTIVE CONTRACTS TO MEET FUNCTIONAL CHARACTERISTICS IN WHEAT PURCHASING

Consistency of functional characteristics in hard red spring (HRS) wheat is a concern confronting sellers and buyers. This research analyzes contract incentives for importers with respect to cost and potential risk of acceptance. A principal-agent framework is utilized to examine contract incentives. In the principal-agent contract, the principal offers the contract, the agent rejects or accepts the contract, and then decides how much effort to apply. All this is subject to risk for the agent and moral hazard for the principal. An example is presented, for which equilibrium contract terms are a base price of 454 cents per bushel for low quality wheat and a premium of 36 cents per bushel if high quality is achieved. The premium for high quality is unchanged as the agent's outside option increases, but increases as the probability of conformance with high effort declines or as the agent's cost of high effort increases. Small changes in several of the parameter values (agent's outside option, agent's cost of high/low effort, principal value for high/low effort, and principal's outside options if the contract was not extended or if the agent rejects the contract) result in the principal not offering a contract.Incentive Contact, Functional Characteristic, Wheat, Principal-Agent, Crop Production/Industries,

Surrogate modeling a computational fluid dynamics-based wind turbine wake simulation using machine learning

The Wind Farm Layout Optimization problem involves finding the optimal positions for wind turbines on a wind farm site. Current Metahueristic based methods make use of a combination of turbine specifications and parameters, mathematical models and empirically produced power production equations to estimate the energy output of a real wind farm [15]. The overarching variable in any optimisation function is wind speed - this is what used to determine the power generated. Therefore, accurate predictions of wind speeds at specific points across the volume of the site are needed. In this paper, Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) was used to simulate a full scale rotating wind turbine blade with fluid (air) at various wind speeds flowing past the turbine. The wake effect can be observed and leads to decrease in wind speeds, as expected. Wind speed at specific x,y and z (3D) coordinates were sampled and used as input to common Machine Learning regression algorithms to create different surrogate models. This was needed as each individual CFD experiment takes approximately 8 hours to complete, so it is not feasible to continuously repeat these simulations inside a metaheuristic optimiser

Brexit, the Revocation of Article 50, and the Path Not Taken : Wightman and Others for Judicial Review against the Secretary of State for Exiting the European Union

Peer reviewedPostprin

UK Abortion Law : Reform Proposals, Private Members’ Bills, Devolution and the Role of the Courts

Peer reviewedPostprin

Development and Trial of An Environmental Cleaning Assessment Program

Background: The Tasmanian Infection Prevention and Control Unit (TIPCU) reviewed methods of evaluating environmental cleanliness in healthcare in July 2012. At a subsequent State wide multidisciplinary forum, there was consensus for the TIPCU to develop a standardised method of assessing environmental cleanliness within Tasmanian healthcare using a combination of both visual and ultraviolet (UV) gel applicator assessments. Methods: The TIPCU developed a protocol outlining methodology for performing both visual and UV gel cleanliness assessments. An on-line tool was used to develop secure web based data collection and reporting. We developed a training program which could be used for face to face or web based education and provided training of key personnel across the Tasmanian Health Organisations (THOs) in the use of the environmental cleaning assessment tools and accompanying data collection and reporting tools. The sites were provided with IPads for data entry, UV sensitive gel and UV lights for a 6 week trial and consultation period. We sought feedback from participants via an on-line survey. Results: A trial period to test the programs functionality was held in the four Tasmanian larger acute public hospitals during April and May 2013. Over 80% of respondents were positive about the protocol, on-line tools and training. On qualitative feedback, the major themes that emerged were around the number of UV gel sites and the limitations in using the UV gel in some specialist areas. We have addressed each of these in the revised protocol. Conclusion: The consultation phase of this project highlighted a number of modifications that were required in the protocol and on-line tools and was an important phase that allowed us to evaluate aspects of the program prior to finalisation of the protocol and tools

Evaluating Environment Cleanliness Using Two Approaches: A Multi-centred Australian Study

Introduction: A standardised approach to evaluating environmental cleanliness is important to ensure consistency of assessor training, allow benchmarking of results between facilities, ensure consistency of the assessment of the environment and assist in meeting national accreditation standards. This paper describes the development process and the findings of the first 12 months of data following the introduction of a standardised program for evaluating environmental cleanliness within Tasmanian healthcare facilities using two different evaluation methods. Methods: Evaluation of environmental cleanliness was undertaken as part of a structured program and involved the use of an ultraviolet solution and fluorescent light in addition to a visual assessment. Twelve Tasmanian hospitals participated in this study. Results: A total of 290 fluorescent light assessments and 232 visual inspections were conducted. Using the fluorescent light assessment, the percentage of correctly cleaned items increased from a baseline of 82.3% to 85.4% over the 12-month study period. Using the visual assessment, 92.5% of items were deemed acceptable during the study period. Conclusions: Our multi-centred study identified a high baseline level of cleanliness using a fluorescent light. We identified that objects were frequently deemed to be visually acceptable, yet may not have been cleaned. The project was supported by a range of online tools for data submission, training tools and a formal assessment of auditors

Evaluating Environmental Cleanliness Using Two Approaches: A Multi-Centred Australian Study

A standardised approach to evaluating environmental cleanliness is important to ensure consistency of assessor training, allow benchmarking of results between facilities, ensure consistency of the assessment of the environment and assist in meeting national accreditation standards