COMPLEX PULSE FORMING TEACHNIQUE USING AM DETECTOR TYPE CIRCUITRY AND THE APPLICATION OF CDMA TO RFID FOR THE SIMULTANEOUS READING OF MULTIPLE TAGS

A novel complex ultra wideband RF pulse forming technique has been implemented in this research, using the coefficients derived from discrete Fourier transform of a virtual pulse train. Incorporated in this technique is a multiple frequency communication systems designed such that transmitter receiver proximity and the fading effect of the individual frequencies make part of a corresponding modulation technique. A code division multiple access (CDMA) application to RFID to greatly reduce read time, while at the same time eliminating inter tag interference, has been investigated with the analysis of a typical cart aisle scenario. With the current rate of growth of inventory world wide there is a tremendous need for more efficient method of data gathering, data storage, and data retrieval. In this dissertation, the application of the CDMA RFID technology has been analyzed to demonstrate the potentials of integrating the RFID technology to the EPC global numbering system

Global gradients of coral exposure to environmental stresses and implications for local management

Background: The decline of coral reefs globally underscores the need for a spatial assessment of their exposure to multiple environmental stressors to estimate vulnerability and evaluate potential counter-measures. Methodology/Principal Findings: This study combined global spatial gradients of coral exposure to radiation stress factors (temperature, UV light and doldrums), stress-reinforcing factors (sedimentation and eutrophication), and stress-reducing factors (temperature variability and tidal amplitude) to produce a global map of coral exposure and identify areas where exposure depends on factors that can be locally managed. A systems analytical approach was used to define interactions between radiation stress variables, stress reinforcing variables and stress reducing variables. Fuzzy logic and spatial ordinations were employed to quantify coral exposure to these stressors. Globally, corals are exposed to radiation and reinforcing stress, albeit with high spatial variability within regions. Based on ordination of exposure grades, regions group into two clusters. The first cluster was composed of severely exposed regions with high radiation and low reducing stress scores (South East Asia, Micronesia, Eastern Pacific and the central Indian Ocean) or alternatively high reinforcing stress scores (the Middle East and the Western Australia). The second cluster was composed of moderately to highly exposed regions with moderate to high scores in both radiation and reducing factors (Caribbean, Great Barrier Reef (GBR), Central Pacific, Polynesia and the western Indian Ocean) where the GBR was strongly associated with reinforcing stress. Conclusions/Significance: Despite radiation stress being the most dominant stressor, the exposure of coral reefs could be reduced by locally managing chronic human impacts that act to reinforce radiation stress. Future research and management efforts should focus on incorporating the factors that mitigate the effect of coral stressors until long-term carbon reductions are achieved through global negotiations