This thesis is directed toward the feasibility of observing satellites on the nano scale and determining an accurate propagated orbit using a Meade LX600-ACF 14” diameter aperture telescope currently located on the California Polytechnic State University campus. The optical telescope is fitted with an f/6.3 focal reducer, SBIG ST-10XME CCD camera and Optec TCF-S Focuser. This instrumentation allowed for a 22’ X 15’ arcminute FOV in order to accurately image passing LEO satellites. Through the use of the Double-r and Gauss Initial Orbit Determination methods as well as Least Squared Differential Correction and Extended Kalman Filter Orbit Determination methods, an accurate predicted orbit can be determined. These calculated values from observational data of satellites within the Globalstar system are compared against the most updated TLEs for each satellite at the time of observation. The determined differential errors from the well-defined TLEs acquired via online database were used to verify the feasibility of the accuracy which can be obtained from independent observations. Through minimization of error caused from imaging noise, pointing error, and timing error, the main determination of accurate orbital determination lies in the instrumentation mechanical capabilities itself. With the ability to acquire up to 7 individual satellite observations during a single transit, the use of both IOD and OD methods, and the recently acquired Cal Poly telescope with an increased 14” aperture, the feasibility of imaging and orbital determination of nanosatellites is greatly improved.

In most cases of seismic processing and interpretation, elastic isotropy is assumed. However, velocity anisotropy is found to exist in most subsurface media. Hence, there exists a fundamental inconsistency between theory on the one hand, and practice on the other. If not recognised, this can invalidate interpretation of seismic data. In this thesis, inversion methods for elastic parameters are developed to quantify the degree of velocity anisotropy of multi-layered transversely isotropic media. This primarily involves examining the velocity fields of layered media using anisotropic elastic wave propagation theory, and developing inversion programs to recover elastic parameters from those velocity fields. The resolved elastic parameter information is used in carrying out further studies on the effects of seismic anisotropy on normal moveout (NMO). Mathematical analyses, numerical simulations, and physical modelling experiments are used in this research for verification purposes before application to field survey data. Numerical studies show the transmission velocity field through layered media appears to be equivalent to that through a single-layered medium, within the practical offset limits in field surveys. The elastic parameters, which describe the property of such equivalent single-layered media, can be used as apparent elastic parameters to describe the collective mechanical property of the layered media. During this research, Snell's law was used in ray tracing to determine ray paths through the interface between any two component layers. By analyzing the signals recorded by any receiver in a walkaway VSP survey, the apparent transmission velocity field for the layered media above this receiver depth was inverted. / Software was developed to recover the apparent elastic parameters for the layered media above this receiver depth using the transmission velocity field as input. Based on a two-layered model, another method was developed to recover the interval elastic parameters for an individual layer of interest, using the signals recorded by receivers on the upper and lower surfaces of this layer. The recovered elastic parameters may be considerably different from the real values if a transversely isotropic medium with a tilted symmetry axis (TTI) is treated as a transversely isotropic medium with a vertical symmetry axis (VTI). A large angle of tilt of the symmetry axis significantly influences the recorded velocity field through the medium. An inversion program was written to recover the value of the tilt angle of a TTI medium, and the elastic parameters of the medium. Programs were also developed to combine information from P, SV, and SH-waves in an inversion procedure. This capability in inversion programs enables us to use the additional information provided by a multi-component VSP survey to obtain accurate estimates of the elastic parameters of geological formations. Software testing and development was carried out on numerically generated input data. Up to 10 milliseconds of random noise in travel time was added to the input to confirm the stability of the inversion software. Further testing was carried out on physical model data where the parameters of the model were known from direct measurements. Finally the inversion software was applied to actual field data and found to give plausible results. / In software testing in the physical modelling laboratory, other practical problems were encountered. System errors caused by the disproportionately large size of the transducers used affected the accuracy of the inversion results obtained. Transducer performance was studied, and it was found that reducing the size of transducers or making offset corrections would decrease the errors caused by the disproportionately large transducer dimensions. In using the elastic parameters recovered, it was found that the elastic parameter δ significantly influences the seismic records from a horizontal reflector. The normal moveout velocity was found to show variations from the zero-offset normal moveout velocity depending on the value and sign of elastic parameter δ. New approximate expressions for anisotropic normal moveout, phase and ray velocity functions at short offsets were developed. The value of anisotropic parameter δ was found to be the major factor controlling these relations. If the recovered parameter δ has a large negative value, analytical and numerical studies demonstrated that the new expression for moveout velocity developed herein should be used instead of Thomsen's normal moveout equation.

In maximizing South Africa's floral diversity, plant propagators have begun exploiting the rich array of indigenous plants, especially those with horticultural potential. Plants previously unavailable to the professional and amateur gardeners alike, are legally becoming common-place in nurseries. However, in promoting the trade of indigenous plants to nursery-owners, rapid, easy and cost effective methods of propagating these plants need to be established. Combretum bracteosum is one such indigenous plant, the aesthetic appeal thereof exhibits great potential for ornamentation, especially when flowering. In facilitating the introduction of Combretum bracteosum into nurseries, small gardens or even pots, investigations carried out aimed to determine and analyse quick and easy methods of propagating this plant. Of the various propagation techniques considered, only one, micropropagation, required specialized skill and training prior to carrying out the relevant procedures and protocols. The two other techniques used, which are accessible to most plant propagators, were seed germination and propagation from cuttings. Propagation by seed germination yielded less than optimal results from a commercial perspective. Although the hard pericarp surrounding the embryo did not impose any dormancy inducing mechanisms, such as the restriction of water uptake or the leaching of an inhibitory compounds, it did act as a mechanical barrier to the emerging radicle and roots. Recommendations for optimal Combretum bracteosum seed germination would be to remove the protective pericarp completely, incubate imbibed embryos in complete darkness at 25°C. After radicle emergence the germinating embryos could be moved into an alternating light: dark cycle. A more viable and simpler alternative to seed germination, was propagation by stem cuttings. Treating the cuttings with 10% and 50% or 75% of the commercially available Kelpak concentrate (using the Soak Method and Quick-dip Methods respectively), provided the most promising results, with the rapid development of roots and subsequent vegetative growth. Synthetic hormones such as IBA and NAA were also applied to the cuttings both alone or in combination however, although callus growth was profuse, root development was slow and unsubstantial, if any at all. Therefore, in recommending a protocol for the successful rooting of Combretum bracteosum cuttings taken during spring, summer or early autumn, the application of Kelpak at either 10% (Soak Method) or 50% (Quick-dip Method) of the full strength solution, is advised. Subsequent to hormone treatment, the cuttings still required attention with regard to nutrient supplementation as well as atmospheric moisture and temperature regulation. Success in generating Combretum bracteosum plantlets was obtained by germinating the seed in vitro as well as stimulating axillary shoot elongation from nodal explants. Placing the sterilized Combretum bracteosum embryo onto a nutrient rich basal medium (containing no hormones) was sufficient to stimulate 100% germination. The frequent poor availability of the seed may hamper the use of in vitro seed germination for commercial propagation purposes. The use of nodal explants from in vitro germinated stock plants, is a rapid and reliable means of generating a large seedling stock. Nodal explants excised from the newly developed shoot were subsequently placed onto 0.5 mg.ℓ ¯¹ BA which encouraged axillary bud elongation. After elongation, the lateral shoots were removed and placed onto a rooting medium (1.0 mg.ℓ ¯¹ IBA). The more mature nodal explants, collected from parent plants growing in vivo, required either a BA: NAA hormone combination or Kelpak to stimulate axillary shoot elongation, with the latter being most successful. Root initiation followed the protocol described above. Once rooted plantlets were hardened off they displayed a strong and vigorous growth, which is desirable from a commercial perspective. Upon maturity, the habit of many indigenous trees and shrubs could become too big for confined spaces such as the urban garden. Therefore, determining a means of modifying the plants' habit in order to maintain its suitability as a smaller garden plant was important. Treating the Combretum bracteosum plants with a 50 mg.ℓ ¯¹ paclobutrazol soil drench proved most successful, with the desired effects being visible within a few weeks of initial application. No negative morphological or developmental effects were noted on plants treated with the dwarfing agent, conversely however, the treated Combretum bracteosum plants were compact and bushy, with considerable visual appeal and aesthetic attractiveness. / Thesis (Ph.D.)-University of Natal, Pietermaritzburg, 2001.

The requirements for future DVB-T/H networks demand that broadcasters design and deploy networks that provide ubiquitous reception in challenging indoors and other obstructed situations. It is essential that such networks are designed cost-effectively and with minimized environmental impact. The use of transmit diversity techniques with multiple antennas have long been proposed to improve the performance and capacity of wireless systems. Transmit diversity exploits the scattering effect inherent in the channel by means of transmitting multiple signals in a controlled manner from spatially separated antennas, allowing independently faded signals to arrive at the receiver and improves the chances of decoding a signal of acceptable quality. Transmit diversity can complement receive diversity by adding an additional diversity gain and in situations where receiver diversity is not practical, transmit diversity alone delivers a comparable amount of diversity gain. Transmit Delay Diversity (DD) can be applied to systems employing the DVB standard without receiver equipment modifications. Although transmit DD can provide a gain in NLOS situations, it can introduce degradation in LOS situation. The aim of this thesis is to investigate the effectiveness in real-word applications of novel diversity techniques for broadcast transmitter networks. Tests involved laboratory experiments using a wireless MIMO channel emulator and the deployment of a field measurement campaign dedicated to driving, indoor and rooftop reception. The relationship between the diversity gain, the propagation environment and several parameters such as the transmit antenna separation, the receiver speed and the Forward Error Correction Codes (FEC) configuration are investigated. Results includes the effect of real-word parameter usually not modeled in the software simulation analysis, such as antenna radiation patterns and mutual coupling, scattering vegetation impact, non-Gaussian noise sources and receiver implementation. Moreover, a practical analysis of the effectiveness of experimental techniques to mitigate the loss due to transmit DD loss in rooftop reception is presented. The results of this thesis confirmed, completed and extended the existing predictions with real word measurement results.

Standard measurements of the geomagnetic field at the earth's surface are correlated with doppler measurements. The doppler shift in the frequency of a radio wave travelling in the ionosphere measures the change in refractive index with respect to time, integrated along the wave's path. For a vertical path the integrated change in electron density is measured, and the ionosphere's vertical motion can be deduced, using simplifying assumptions. A definite correlation between short period (less than four minutes) geomagnetic field changes and the doppler shift has been found. For longer period changes, evidence for a correlation is not so definite. The magnitude of the ratio of the doppler shift (in a frequency of 4 or 5 Mc.) to the observed geomagnetic field change for short period events is between 0.1 and 0.4 cps/ɣ and for longer events, 0.05 to 0.15 cps/ɣ. Sometimes the doppler shift is proportional to ΔH or ΔD. However no relation that would hold in general to predict the doppler shift from the observed geomagnetic changes was found. Apart from the diurnal variation in the doppler shift, three types of uncorrelated events were found. The first was a continuous variation occurring during the daytime which has been observed by many workers. The second was a large travelling ionospheric disturbance which followed a sudden change in the geomagnetic field, and thus might be considered indirectly to be correlated. The last type was a train of large amplitude irregular oscillations with periods from about 3 to 0.5 minutes, the longer periods appearing first. The problem of determining ionospheric motions from the doppler shift is very complex, and in order to make any progress, certain simplifying assumptions must be made which cannot be completely justified. By assuming also that the observed long period geomagnetic field changes are caused by overhead currents, and by using average ionospheric conductivities, the electric field in the ionosphere is calculated, the values ranging between 10⁻⁷ and 10⁻⁶ e.s.u. For shorter period geomagnetic field changes, the doppler shift is larger (approximately by a factor of 3) than the value which has previously been calculated by assuming that overhead currents cause the geomagnetic changes. / Science, Faculty of / Earth, Ocean and Atmospheric Sciences, Department of / Graduate

No description available.

Current HF communication systems are confined to transmit in relatively narrow frequency band of a few 100 kHz at the time. The problems with limited bandwidth accumulate in HF-networks with multiple links and such networks are therefore hardly “internet capable” today. Previously, systems using channel aggregation over narrow channels in multiple frequency bands have been proposed to increase the capacity and reliability of the system by exploiting current propagation conditions in a better way. An interesting implementational problem is the design of practical and efficient antennas for concurrent multiband transmission in HF. Constraints like complexity, size and ease of deployment are considered. Some classical wideband aperiodic schemes are compared with switchable multiband solutions that cover a limited number of adjacent bands. Designs, simulations and some early field test results are presented. Finally, implementation aspects and constraints are discussed. / Nuvarande HF-kommunikationssystem är begränsade till att sända i ett relativt smalt frekvensband på några 100 kHz åt gången. Problemen med begränsad bandbredd ökar i HF-nät med flera länkar och sådana nät är därför knappast lämpliga för internet-trafik idag. Tidigare har system som aggregerar flera smala kanaler i flera frekvensband föreslagits för att öka systemets kapacitet och tillförlitlighet genom att utnyttja nuvarande utbredningsförhållanden på ett bättre sätt. Ett intressant implementeringsproblem är utformningen av praktiska och effektiva antenner för samtidig flerbandsöverföring i HF. Begränsningar som komplexitet, storlek och enkel implementering beaktas. Vissa klassiska bredbandiga aperiodiska antenn system jämförs med omkopplingsbara flerbandslösningar som täcker ett begränsat antal angränsande band. Konstruktioner, simuleringar och några tidiga fälttestresultat presenteras. Slutligen diskuteras implementeringsaspekter och begränsningar.

Due to the unprecedented spatial and temporal resolution they offer, wireless sensor networks are considered an enabling technology for the distributed monitoring of industrial, military, and natural environments. As these systems migrate into vastly different and novel applications, new constraints are discovered that affect network reliability and utility. For example, wireless sensors are typically statically deployed and, unlike mobile systems, cannot move to a new location for better radio reception. As a result, the signal fades caused by non-optimal environmental conditions can increase the outage probability of the system, potentially rendering the network unreliable and ineffectual. Stochastic models that quantify link reliability and the effectiveness of diversity methods are often employed to understand the impact of such fading. However, the performance of these models applied to wireless sensor networks is entirely dependent on the appropriateness of the model with respect to the environment. This work first presents an empirical study of the propagation environment for a wingless, rotary aircraft, showing that the wireless environment within exhibits frequency-selective fading much more severe than predicted by current worst-case models (i.e., Rayleigh). An analysis is then given of the effectiveness of several diversity methods operating within such environments (referred to as hyper-Rayleigh). These fade mitigation techniques are simple enough to be employed for use with low-complexity wireless sensor hardware, and include spatial diversity, polar diversity, two-element passive combining, and two-element phased combining. Two-element phased combining is further developed by examining the effect that smaller element spacing has on diversity gain. A demonstration of a wireless

abstract: Crumb rubber use in asphalt mixtures by means of wet process technology has been in place for several years in the United States with good performance record; however, it has some shortcomings such as maintaining high mixing and compaction temperatures in the field production. Organosilane (OS), a nanotechnology chemical substantially improves the bonding between aggregate and asphalt by modifying the aggregate structure from hydrophilic to hydrophobic contributing to increased moisture resistance of conventional asphalt mixtures. Use of Organosilane also reduces the mixing and compaction temperatures and facilitates similar compaction effort at lower temperatures. The objective of this research study was first to perform a Superpave mix design for Crumb Rubber Modified Binder (CRMB) gap-graded mixture with and without Organosilane; and secondly, analyse the performance of CRMB mixtures with and without Organosilane by conducting various laboratory tests. Performance Grade (PG) 64-22 binder was used to create the gap-graded Hot Mix Asphalt (HMA) mixtures for this study. Laboratory tests included rotational viscometer binder test and mixtures tests: dynamic modulus, flow number, tensile strength ratio, and C* fracture test. Results from the tests indicated that the addition of Organosilane facilitated easier compaction efforts despite reduced mixing and compaction temperatures. Organosilane also modestly increased the moisture susceptibility and resistance to crack propagation yet retaining equal rutting resistance of the CRMB mixtures. / Dissertation/Thesis / Masters Thesis Civil, Environmental and Sustainable Engineering 2018

Near lossless source coding with side information only at the decoder, was first considered by Slepian and Wolf in 1970s, and rediscovered recently due to applications such as sensor network and distributed video coding. Suppose X is a source and Y is the side information. The coding scheme proposed by Slepian and Wolf, called SW coding, in which information only flows from the encoder to the decoder, was shown to achieve the rate H(X|Y) asymptotically for stationary ergodic source pairs, but not for non-ergodic case, shown by Yang and He. Recently, a new source coding paradigm called interactive encoding and decoding(IED) was proposed for near lossless coding with side information only at the decoder, where information flows in both ways, from the encoder to the decoder and vice verse. The results by Yang and He show that IED schemes are much more appealing than SW coding schemes to applications where the interaction between the encoder and the decoder is possible. However, the IED schemes proposed by Yang and He do not have an intrinsic structure that is amenable to design and implement in practice. Towards practical design, we restrict the encoding method to linear block codes, resulting in linear IED schemes. It is then shown that this restriction will not undermine the asymptotical performance of IED. Another step of practical design of IED schemes is to make the computational complexity incurred by encoding and decoding feasible. In the framework of linear IED, a scheme can be conveniently described by parity check matrices. Then we get an interesting trade-off between the density of the associated parity check matrices and the resulting symbol error probability. To implement the idea of linear IED and follow the instinct provided by the result above, Low Density Parity Check(LDPC) codes and Belief Propagation(BP) decoding are utilized. A successive LDPC code is proposed, and a new BP decoding algorithm is proposed, which applies to the case where the correlation between $Y$ and $X$ can be modeled as a finite state channel. Finally, simulation results show that linear IED schemes are indeed superior to SW coding schemes.