Low-frequency ultrasonic energy was utilized in an attempt to induce visible mutations in the parasitoid wasp Mormoniella vitripennis. This study demonstrates that low frequency ultrasound may be used as an effective mutagenic agent in this organism, and suggests that it may have applications to other genetic systems.

Master of Science / Department of Geology / Abdelmoneam Raef / Recently, South Rub’ al-Khali Company Limited (SRAK) acquired a preliminary survey in the Saudi’s oil producing area to develop a feasible new hydrocarbon indication and monitoring (I & M) device using low frequency seismic signals. Based on broadband seismometer data, the new Hydrocarbon I & M might predict the possibility of a hydrocarbon basin underneath by way of evaluating the received spectra for an additional energy shell between 2.0-6.0 Hz. Such a study is also referred to as hydrocarbon microtremor analysis and recently some contracting geophysical service companies offer such studies. This report will concentrate on the hydrocarbon microtremor analysis of synchronized signal of one frequency and an extra re-determination possibly at a separate location. The paper reports on several critical likely misconceptions and examines repeatability of hydrocarbon microtremors. This work indicates that signal generated by manmade operations can yield same tremor as that assumed for hydrocarbon reservoirs. Equally important, the presence of surface waves generated by anthropogenic signal indicates frequency limits ranging from 1 to 10 Hertz as a result of isolated surface waves. The difficulty of isolating any presumed hydrocarbon related tremors from ambient noise hamper efforts of understanding and applying microseism signals to hydrocarbon exploration and monitoring. Repeatability study by Peter, H. & Sascha, B. (2008) raised questions regarding the source of hydrocarbon microtremors. For improved chances of isolating the implied hydrocarbon microtremors from manmade tremors and near-surface impacts, the data require precise recording based on three metrics, frequencies above 3 Hz should be conserved, highly sensitive seismometers should be engaged, and the data registering time should be enough to register ‘tremor-free’ readings.

Doctor of Philosophy / Department of Physics / Brett D. DePaola / Direct frequency comb spectroscopy (DFCS) is currently the highest resolution, absolute frequency spectroscopic technique known. In general, one does DFCS by scanning the repetition rate, f[subscript]r[subscript]e[subscript]p, of a comb laser and measuring fluorescence from the excited states of the specie under study. The technique has already been successfully characterized by a theoretical model that starts with the optical Bloch equations and, with a few simplifying assumptions converts them into linear coupled iterative equations. In the present work we build on that successful model to predict the characteristics of the ion yield from photoionization by the comb laser, as a function of f[subscript]r[subscript]e[subscript]p. We show that the ion spectrum yields the same atomic structure as the fluorescence spectra, but with greater efficiency. Here, we also set up an experiment and test this theory by measuring the ion signal from direct frequency comb spectroscopy. Furthermore, instead of actively controlling the frequency comb parameters, we allow them to drift, passively measuring them and the ion signal simultaneously. The experiments were found to be in agreement with theory, and the passive comb approach was found to be functional, though not as convenient as the conventional active comb.

Master of Science / Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering / William B. Kuhn / This thesis elaborates on the theory and art of the design of two key RF radio hardware subsystems: analog Frequency Dividers and Low Noise Amplifiers (LNAs). Specifically, the design and analysis of two Injection Locked Frequency Dividers (ILFDs), one Regenerative Frequency Divider (RFD), and two different LNAs are documented. In addition to deriving equations for various performance metrics and topology-specific optimization criterion, measurement data and software simulations are presented to quantify several parameters of interest. Also, a study of the design of LNAs is discussed, based on three “regimes:” impedance matching, transconductance-boosting, and active noise cancelling (ANC). For the ILFDs, a study of injection-locked synchronization and phase noise reduction is offered, based on previous works. As the need for low power, high frequency radio devices continues to be driven by the mobile phone industry, Frequency Dividers that are used as prescalars in phase locked loop frequency synthesizers (PLLs) must too become capable of operation at higher frequencies while consuming little power. Not only should they be low power devices, but a wide “Locking Range” (LR) is also desired. The LR is the bandwidth of signals that a Frequency Divider is capable of dividing. As such, this thesis documents the design and analysis of two ILFDs: a Tail-ILFD and a Quench-ILFD. Both of these ILFDs are implemented on the same oscillator circuit, which consumes 2.28 mW, nominally. Measurements of the Tail and Quench-ILFDs’ LRs are plotted, including one representing the Quench-ILFD operating at “very low” power. Also, an RFD is detailed in this thesis, which consumes 410 μW. This thesis documents Locking Ranges for the Tail and Quench-ILFDs of 12% and 3.7% of 6.4 GHz respectively, during nominal operation. In “very low” power mode, the Quench-ILFD has a LR of 4.8% while consuming 219.6 μW of power. For the RFD, simulations report a LR of 16.7% while consuming 410 μW. Recently in 2011, a wideband LNA topology by Nozahi et al., which employs Partial Noise Cancelling (PNC) of the thermal noise generated by active devices, was presented and claimed to achieve a minimum and maximum NF of 1.4 dB and 1.7 dB (from 100 MHz to 2.3 GHz), while consuming 18 mW from a 1.8 V supply. This thesis details the theory, design, and simulation results of a narrowband version of this PNC LNA. In order to compare the largesignal performance of this narrowband LNA to that of a well-known implementation, an LNA employing inductive source-degeneration (referred to as a “S-L LNA”) is designed and analyzed through simulation. The PNC LNA operates at a frequency of 2.3 GHz while the S-L LNA operates at 2.8 GHz. Simulations report a NF of 1.76 dB for the PNC LNA and 2.3 dB for the SL LNA, at their respective operating frequencies. Both LNAs consume roughly 15 mW of quiescent power from a 1.8 V supply. Lastly, a case for the suspected design and layout faults, which caused fabricated versions of the RFD and two LNAs documented in this thesis to fail, is presented. First, measurements of the two LNAs are shown, which display the input impedance of the S-L LNA and the s₂₁ responses for both. Then, general layout concerns are addressed, followed by topology-specific circuit design flaws.

An Analysis of the Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) Technology Implementation within an Independent Public Library System: A Case Study of the North Canton, Ohio Public Library by Keith P. Lyons June 2010 Public libraries require efficient control systems to maintain accurate inventories, statistics, and records of patron borrowing. Generally, public libraries use barcode technology to accomplish these tasks. Radio frequency identification (RFID) has gained the attention of public library personnel in recent years as a replacement for barcodes. RFID implementation contributes to improved staff productivity, increased operational efficiency, and improved item security as well. While potential benefits are significant, issues to consider prior to adoption include system costs, as well as privacy and security concerns. As a consequence of increased patron use and limited budgets, the role of RFID in the public library is promoted as a solution to many of today's challenges. RFID in the public library can assist by improving inventory tracking, improving customer service, and decreasing theft. Using the case study methodology in conjunction with the System Development Life Cycle (SDLC), the author examined RFID use at the North Canton Public Library and its capabilities in improving inventory tracking, providing item security, and supporting customer service. Qualitative data were collected using focused interviews, documentation, direct observation, and participant observation. Findings from this investigation revealed a significant decrease in time required to perform inventory tasks and an increase in time available for library staff to assist patrons. Additionally, evidence demonstrated an increase in the efficiency of patron records due to the automation of the checkout process. Patron privacy and data security were maintained by adherence to RFID implementation guidelines established by the American Library Association (ALA). The findings from this investigation provide public library administrators considering adoption of RFID with a thorough understanding of pre-implementation considerations and the benefits, drawbacks, logistical concerns, and privacy issues that must be addressed for successful results.

We report on the potential for developing long-term fire histories from chir pine (Pinus roxburghii Sarg.) forests in the Western Himalayan foothills based on a preliminary study from a stand located in the state of Uttarakhand in northern India. Rings from trees collected to develop a master skeleton plot chronology were generally complacent with false rings present during most years, but were crossdatable with only minor difficulty. The oldest tree confidently crossdated back to 1886, with good sample depth (5 trees) from 1911, which helped date the fire scars in cross-sections collected from three trees. Fire frequency as determined from fire-scar dates was high, with mean and median fire intervals of 3 years from 1938 to 2006. Fires were likely from human ignitions given the prevalence of human land use in the site. Fire scars were generally recorded at false-ring boundaries and likely represent burning during the hot, dry period in May or early June before the onset of monsoon rainfall beginning in mid-June. Although only three fire-scarred trees were sampled, this preliminary assessment shows there is a potential for additional samples from other stands to develop longer-term fire histories to better understand the role of fire in the ecology and management of chir pine throughout its range in the Himalaya region.

In this thesis we extend the VANET-based approach to counting vehicles at a traffic light by implementing a Geo-fence Based Vehicle Counting Algorithm which supports the use of RFID technology. This implementation utilizes the concept of geo-fencing to create a Zone of Interest (ZOI) that sections off a roadway that is relevant to a traffic intersection. All vehicles in this ZOI are used to determine the required length of the green-cycle time. By utilizing vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) and vehicle-to-infrastructure (V2I) technologies, we broadcast beacons that are propagated to all vehicles in the ZOI from the infrastructure which in this case is the traffic light controller. These beacons are used to determine the last vehicle location in the ZOI. A timing algorithm ensures that the last vehicle broadcasts first. The beacons are sent using the IEEE 1609.4 Wireless Access in Vehicular Environments Standard Vendor Specific Action (VSA) frames on the Smart Drive Initiative Vehiclular Ad Hoc Networks testbed. This work is implemented in conjunction with the Vehicular Multi-technology Communication Device (VMCD) supported by the National Science Foundation. / Includes bibliography. / Thesis (M.S.)--Florida Atlantic University, 2016. / FAU Electronic Theses and Dissertations Collection

Master of Science / Department of Statistics / Michael Higgins / The amount of data generated from stock market trading is massive. For example, roughly 10 million trades are performed each day on the NASDAQ stock exchange. A significant proportion of these trades are made by high-frequency traders. These entities make on the order of thousands or more trades a day. However, the stock-market factors that drive the decisions of high-frequency traders are poorly understood. Recently, hybridized threshold clustering (HTC) has been proposed as a way of clustering large-to-massive datasets. In this report, we use three months of NASDAQ HFT data---a dataset containing information on all trades of 120 different stocks including identifiers on whether the buyer and/or seller were high-frequency traders---to investigate the trading patterns of high-frequency traders, and we explore the use of HTC to identify these patterns. We find that, while HTC can be successfully performed on the NASDAQ HFT dataset, the amount of information gleaned from this clustering is limited. Instead, we show that an understanding of the habits of high-frequency traders may be gained by looking at \textit{janky} trades---those in which the number of shares traded is not a multiple of 10. We demonstrate evidence that janky trades are more common for high-frequency traders. Additionally, we suggest that a large number of small, janky trades may help signal that a large trade will happen shortly afterward.

Chiang Kong Wa. / Thesis (M.Phil.)--Chinese University of Hong Kong, 2006. / Includes bibliographical references (leaves 74-79). / Abstracts in English and Chinese. / Chapter 1 --- Introduction --- p.1 / Chapter 2 --- Technology Overview --- p.4 / Chapter 2.1 --- Components of RFID Systems --- p.5 / Chapter 2.1.1 --- Tag --- p.6 / Chapter 2.1.2 --- Reader --- p.9 / Chapter 2.1.3 --- Software systems --- p.10 / Chapter 2.1.4 --- Communication infrastructure --- p.11 / Chapter 2.2 --- Frequency Regulations and Standards --- p.11 / Chapter 2.2.1 --- RFID frequency bands --- p.11 / Chapter 2.2.2 --- Standards --- p.12 / Chapter 2.3 --- Advantages and Limitations of RFID Technology --- p.14 / Chapter 2.4 --- Applications --- p.17 / Chapter 3 --- Background of Research --- p.20 / Chapter 3.1 --- Anti-collision methods for RFID systems --- p.22 / Chapter 3.1.1 --- Stochastic Anti-collision Protocols --- p.25 / Chapter 3.1.2 --- Deterministic Anti-collision Protocols --- p.27 / Chapter 4 --- Even-Odd Binary Tree Protocol --- p.30 / Chapter 4.1 --- Protocol Description --- p.31 / Chapter 4.2 --- Time Complexity Analysis --- p.34 / Chapter 4.3 --- Performance Evaluation --- p.37 / Chapter 4.4 --- Summary --- p.41 / Chapter 5 --- Prefix-Randomized Query-Tree Protocol --- p.44 / Chapter 5.1 --- Tag Identification - Known Tag Set Size --- p.45 / Chapter 5.1.1 --- Protocol Description --- p.45 / Chapter 5.1.2 --- Time Complexity Analysis --- p.47 / Chapter 5.1.3 --- Optimal Initial Prefix Length --- p.50 / Chapter 5.1.4 --- Optimal Number of Level-1 Nodes --- p.52 / Chapter 5.2 --- Tag Identification - Unknown Tag Set Size --- p.53 / Chapter 5.2.1 --- Initial Prefix Length Adaptation Algorithm --- p.54 / Chapter 5.2.2 --- Computing r*Δ(l) --- p.55 / Chapter 5.2.3 --- Optimal Choice of Step Size Δ --- p.56 / Chapter 5.3 --- Performance Evaluation --- p.59 / Chapter 5.4 --- Summary --- p.64 / Chapter 6 --- Conclusion and Future Work --- p.68 / Chapter 6.1 --- Conclusion --- p.68 / Chapter 6.2 --- Future Work --- p.70 / Bibliography --- p.74

by Hu Hai. / Thesis (M.Phil.)--Chinese University of Hong Kong, 2006. / Includes bibliographical references. / Abstracts in English and Chinese. / Author's Declaration --- p.ii / Abstract --- p.iii / Acknowledgements --- p.vi / Table of Contents --- p.viii / List of Figures --- p.xi / List of Tables --- p.xiv / Chapter Chapter 1 --- Introduction --- p.1 / Chapter 1.1 --- Background --- p.1 / Chapter 1.2 --- Overview of This Work --- p.2 / Chapter 1.3 --- Original Contributions in the Thesis --- p.3 / Chapter 1.4 --- Thesis Organization --- p.4 / Chapter Chapter 2 --- PEEC Modeling Background --- p.5 / Chapter 2.1 --- Introduction --- p.5 / Chapter 2.2 --- PEEC Principles --- p.6 / Chapter 2.3 --- Meshing Scheme --- p.10 / Chapter 2.4 --- Formulae for Calculating the Partial Elements --- p.12 / Chapter 2.4.1 --- Partial Inductance --- p.12 / Chapter 2.4.2 --- Partial Capacitance --- p.14 / Chapter 2.5 --- PEEC Application Example --- p.15 / Chapter 2.6 --- Summary --- p.17 / References --- p.18 / Chapter Chapter 3 --- Mathematical Model Order Reduction --- p.20 / Chapter 3.1 --- Introduction --- p.20 / Chapter 3.2 --- Modified Nodal Analysis --- p.21 / Chapter 3.2.1 --- Standard Nodal Analysis Method Review --- p.22 / Chapter 3.2.2 --- General Theory of Modified Nodal Analysis --- p.23 / Chapter 3.2.3 --- Calculate the System Poles Using MNA --- p.27 / Chapter 3.2.4 --- Examples and Comparisons --- p.28 / Chapter 3.3 --- Krylov Subspace MOR Method --- p.30 / Chapter 3.4 --- Examples of Krylov Subspace MOR --- p.32 / Chapter 3.5 --- Summary --- p.34 / References --- p.35 / Chapter Chapter 4 --- Physical Model Order Reduction --- p.38 / Chapter 4.1 --- Introduction --- p.38 / Chapter 4.2 --- Gaussian Elimination Method --- p.39 / Chapter 4.3 --- A Lossy PEEC Circuit Model --- p.44 / Chapter 4.3.1 --- Loss with Capacitance --- p.44 / Chapter 4.3.2 --- Loss with Inductance --- p.46 / Chapter 4.4 --- Conversion of Mutual Inductive Couplings --- p.47 / Chapter 4.5 --- Model Order Reduction Schemes --- p.50 / Chapter 4.5.1 --- Taylor Expansion Based MOR Scheme (Type I) --- p.51 / Chapter 4.5.2 --- Derived Complex-valued MOR Scheme (Type II) --- p.65 / Chapter 4.6 --- Summary --- p.88 / References --- p.88 / Chapter Chapter 5 --- Concluding Remarks --- p.92 / Chapter 5.1 --- Conclusion --- p.92 / Chapter 5.2 --- Future Improvement --- p.93 / Author's Publication --- p.95