A New MCMC Sampling Based Segment Model for Radar Target Recognition

One of the main tools in radar target recognition is high resolution range profile (HRRP)‎. ‎However‎, ‎it is very sensitive to the aspect angle‎. ‎One solution to this problem is to assume the consecutive samples of HRRP identically independently distributed (IID) in small frames of aspect angles‎, ‎an assumption which is not true in reality‎. ‎However, b‎‎ased on this assumption‎, ‎some models have been developed to characterize the sequential information contained in the multi-aspect radar echoes‎. ‎Therefore‎, ‎they only consider the short dependency between consecutive samples‎. ‎Here‎, ‎we propose an alternative model‎, ‎the segment model‎, ‎to address the shortcomings of these assumptions‎. ‎In addition‎, ‎using a Markov chain Monte-Carlo (MCMC) based Gibbs sampler as an iterative approach to estimate the parameters of the segment model‎, ‎we will show that the proposed method is able to estimate the parameters with quite satisfying accuracy and computational load‎

Nearby Nature and Mental Wellbeing: A Designer's Perspective.

The beneficial role of nearby nature settings in mental wellbeing is particularly important in the urban context where residents are dealing with numerous distractions and sources of stress in their daily life. Given the key role of planners and designers as decision-makers in creating urban outdoor environments, this dissertation aims to investigate a) urban residents’ preferences for outdoor green spaces from a design perspective, and b) the mechanisms through which planning/design-related aspects of the environment may affect mental wellbeing. Three studies were conducted in a residential area in Chicago, IL, using both qualitative and quantitative approaches. Some of the contributions and extensions to the current literature this dissertation offers include a practical tool for broadening the scope of preference studies by using participant-generated photo grouping, addressing environmental affordances, and drawing on linkages among landscape architecture, urban planning and environmental psychology. In addition, examination of detailed relationships between physical attributes of the environment and multiple aspects of satisfaction and forms of use sheds light on how outdoor spaces could be changed in order to meet users’ preferences and needs in urban neighborhoods. Furthermore, this research contributes to the conceptual understanding of human-landscape interactions by examining both direct and indirect relationships between environmental factors and sense of mental wellbeing through neighborhood satisfaction and use. All the three studies offer samples of translational design approach by providing place-based pragmatic planning and design recommendations.PHDLandscape ArchitectureUniversity of Michigan, Horace H. Rackham School of Graduate Studieshttp://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/111589/1/sahadavi_1.pd

Deep Vein Thrombosis Prevention in Post-Operative Patient

The purpose of this research was to determine in postoperative patients what was the effect of compression devices in comparison to prophylactic use of anticoagulants in the prevention of deep vein thrombosis (DVT). The method used was a literature review of risk factors contributing to likelihood of DVT and current methods of prevention. Prevention methods that were analyzed included compression devices applied to lower extremities and anticoagulants including: Heparin, Lovenox, and Xarelto. All are excellent methods of prevention of DVT, however prophylactic use of anticoagulants comes with high bleeding risks and both methods are highly dependent on patient compliance. It is recommended that patients be screened thoroughly by using a risk assessment tool to determine likelihood for contracting a DVT before being placed on any preventative measures. Keywords: deep vein thrombosis (DVT), post-operative complications, prophylactic use of anticoagulants, compression device, Heparin, Lovenox (enoxaparin), Xarelto (rivaroxaban),venous thromboembolism (VTE), pulmonary embolism (PE), nursing consideration

Validating a novel web-based method to capture disease progression outcomes in multiple sclerosis

The Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) is the current ‘gold standard’ for monitoring disease severity in multiple sclerosis (MS). The EDSS is a physician-based assessment. A patient-related surrogate for the EDSS may be useful in remotely capturing information. Eighty-one patients (EDSS range 0–8) having EDSS as part of clinical trials were recruited. All patients carried out the web-based survey with minimal assistance. Full EDSS scores were available for 78 patients. The EDSS scores were compared to those generated by the online survey using analysis of variance, matched pair test, Pearson’s coefficient, weighted kappa coefficient, and the intra-class correlation coefficient. The internet-based EDSS scores showed good correlation with the physician-measured assessment (Pearson’s coefficient = 0.85). Weighted kappa for full agreement was 0.647. Full agreement was observed in 20 patient

Radar HRRP Modeling using Dynamic System for Radar Target Recognition

High resolution range profile (HRRP) is being known as one of the most powerful tools for radar target recognition. The main problem with range profile for radar target recognition is its sensitivity to aspect angle. To overcome this problem, consecutive samples of HRRP were assumed to be identically independently distributed (IID) in small frames of aspect angles in most of the related works. Here, considering the physical circumstances of maneuver of an aerial target, we have proposed dynamic system which models the short dependency between consecutive samples of HRRP in segments of the whole HRRP sequence. Dynamic system (DS) is used to model the sequence of PCA (principal component analysis) coefficients extracted from the sequence of HRRPs. Considering this we have proposed a model called PCA+DS. We have also proposed a segmentation algorithm which segments the HRRP sequence reliably. Akaike information criterion (AIC) used to evaluate the quality of data modeling showed that our PCA+DS model outperforms factor analysis (FA) model. In addition, target recognition results using simulated data showed that our method based on PCA+DS achieves better recognition rates compared to the method based on FA

Effect of Pre-Harvest Foliar Application of Citric Acid and Malic Acid on Chlorophyll Content and Post-Harvest Vase Life of Lilium cv. Brunello

Citric acid is a regular ingredient in many vase solution formulations but pre-harvest use of citric acid is a novel method in vase life extension of cut flowers, which is reported on tuberose earlier. In order to verify previous result, and check for possible substitution of citric acid by malic acid, the current research was designed. Citric acid (0, 0.075, 0.15% w/v) and malic acid (0, 0.075, 0.15% w/v) were used in a factorial design with three replications. Foliar sprays were applied two times during growth period of Lilium plants. The results point out that 0.15% citric acid alone had increased vase life from 11.8 in control treatment to 14 days (α < 0.05). The interesting finding was the effect of citric acid on bulbil weight, which was decreased from 9 g in control to 1.5 g in treatment containing combination of 0.075% citric acid and 0.075% malic acid. Malic acid while having no direct effect on pre-mentioned traits surprisingly increased the chlorophyll content significantly. The interaction effect between citric acid and malic acid on vase life and chlorophyll content proved significant and was evident in results, both as antagonistic and synergistic in various traits

Speak Up! Examining Voice as a Construct in Information Systems Literature

Voice research has traditionally used a deliberative perspective, in which individuals carefully calculate individual and situational facts to determine whether or not to speak up. Voice offers information systems scholars many avenues for research as prior literature indicates its benefits such as reducing cyberbullying in online settings, advocating for equal rights, and engaging in social movements through social media. These studies examine how individuals can express their concerns to induce change. To date, IS scholars rarely study the construct of voice directly but discuss the importance of reporting wrongdoing or advocating for others. Besides, the majority of studies examining voice are situated in organizational contexts and little research has examined voice in technology-mediated settings. As a result, there is a lack of systematic understanding of the underlying factors that facilitate or inhibit voice behavior when information and communication technologies are used (ICTs). This paper synthesizes current research on voice, making connections between divergent literature (i.e., management and information systems) to develop a framework for studying voice in online settings

Analysis of Amiralmu’minin (As)’S Method in Correcting Beliefs and Behaviors

Imam Ali (AS) lived in a time that was saturated with the corruption derived from the caliphate of caliphs. The existence of this deep intellectual-behavioral gap in society led to abnormal behaviors and inappropriate attitudes. Imam Ali (AS) has used targeted and planned methods to correct false attitudes and abnormal behavior with the aim of creating security and peace in society. The best way of persuading people to correct misconceptions and correcting them is to clarify vague issues with arguments that have been among the practical tools of the Imams (AS), including Imam Ali (AS) in educating the people of the time. Accordingly, the purpose of this research is to examine and analyze the method of explanation in the Alavid system in order to modify the attitude and behavior based on its narratives in a descriptive-analytical method and to study its importance in the field of Islam. Findings indicate that the main method of Imam Ali (AS) in reforming attitude and behavior is the method of explanation, i.e. a rational explanation used in two non-cited and cited ways. Although Imam Ali (AS) did not speak without citation, but in some cases he did not express the citation. At the end of the research, the features of this method in the Alavid system have been investigated

Particulate matter emissions from a heavy duty vehicle fuelled by petroleum diesel and used cooking oil blends

Fuel characteristic and exhaust particulate emissions tests were carried out for a EURO5 compliant Heavy Duty Vehicle operating on both pure petroleum diesel (PD) and used cooking oil (C2G Ultra Biofuel) PD blends under real world driving conditions. Fuel tests showed that fuel temperature, substitution ratio and engine speed play a key role in determining the spray characteristics of the Ultra Biofuel blends. However, under real world operating conditions, the Bioltec fuel blending system was found to overcome these effects by using lower C2G Ultra Biofuel:PD substitution ratios during cold start and low speed conditions. Overall the fuel tests suggested it to be convenient to operate the engine on blends with Ultra Biofuel content up to 80% to avoid higher fuel consumption and higher pollution load on the exhaust after treatment system, particularly at low temperatures and rpm. In the real world tests, average substitution ratios of 85% were achieved, with close to 100% Ultra Biofuel achieved for high speed steady state conditions, with no negative impact on particulate emissions. The vast majority (60-80%) of the particulate mass within the exhaust was found within size fractions below 2.5 μm for both fuels and was thus within the respirablem range. The PD produced around twice the concentration of particulates within these finer fractions compared to the equivalent trips using the blended fuel. Thermo-gravimetric Analysis demonstrated that the PD produced higher concentrations of black carbon (soot) and the Ultra Biofuel blends more organic carbon within the particulates. The tests demonstrate that when using an effective fuel substitution strategy, Ultra Biofuel has the potential to reduce both lifecycle CO2 and respirable particulate emissions leading to potential climate and air quality benefits