In this work, we present results for classification of different classes of targets (car, single and multiple people, bicycle) using automotive radar data and different neural networks. A fast implementation of radar algorithms for detection, tracking, and micro-Doppler extraction is proposed in conjunction with the automotive radar transceiver TEF810X and microcontroller unit SR32R274 manufactured by NXP Semiconductors. Three different types of neural networks are considered, namely a classic convolutional network, a residual network, and a combination of convolutional and recurrent network, for different classification problems across the 4 classes of targets recorded. Considerable accuracy (close to 100% in some cases) and low latency of the radar pre-processing prior to classification (approximately 0.55s to produce a 0.5s long spectrogram) are demonstrated in this paper, and possible shortcomings and outstanding issues are discussed.

One of the best examples of rapid displacement of native species by an invader is the eradication of native Artemia salina and A. parthenogenetica in the Mediterranean by the introduced American A. franciscana. Previous studies based on sampling from limited time periods suggest that the success of the American species as a competitor may be due partly to different parasite burden, since native Artemia spp. have high cestode infection rates regulating their density. The aim of this study is to test the hypothesis that the helminth infection in A. franciscana in its invasive range is low throughout its annual life cycle. Samples of A. franciscana were collected every second month from La Tapa saltern (Andalusia) during one year. Five helminth species were recorded: cestodes Flamingolepis liguloides, F. flamingo, Gynandrotaenia stammeri (all flamingo parasites), Eurycestus avoceti (a shorebird parasite) and larval spirurids of the Acuariinae (the first record of nematodes in Artemia). The overall infection rate was low, with total prevalence 5.9% and prevalence of individual parasite species between 0.2 and 3.2%. The mean abundance of helminths was 0.005-0.155 (av. 0.068), 5-13 times lower than in native congeners. Waterbird counts indicate that the low infection rates cannot be explained by lack of definitive hosts. The results are consistent with the hypothesis that helminths have no regulating effect on the invasive brine shrimp in the Mediterranean. The replacement of the native populations by the invader can be partially explained by a competition mediated by parasites/predators through a differential impact on host fitness.

Ruled diffraction gratings were fabricated via injection micromolding and characterized via atomic force and scanning-electron microscopy. A unique aspect of this study was the utilization of commercially available optical grating as the injection molding tooling. After depositing a reflective aluminum (Al) coating with 150 and 250 nm thickness onto the untreated polymer replicas, diffracted power profiles of the polymer gratings were compared with that of the mold. It was found that both the mold and nozzle temperatures, T mold and T noz , respectively, are important parameters influencing the fidelity of replication. Statistical analysis, however, revealed that the cyclic olefin copolymer (COC) replicated well the microtopography of the mold but did not replicate properly (within $20 nm) the nanotopography formed by the Al grains. Grain size quantification revealed that the Al coating with 150-nm thickness had smaller grains than that with the 250-nm coating. Furthermore, testing of delamination of the reflective coatings revealed good adhesion between the COC and Al interface. Lastly, photoelasticity measurements showed stress levels only around the gate of the molded components, suggesting that COCs are excellent materials for optical applications.

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The primary objective of this study, through a scientific experimental investigation, was to determine optimum injection molding processing parameters on semi-crystalline materials HDPE and POM focusing on mechanical properties, obtained thru the use of a nano-indenter, of micro gears being manufactured on non-heated and heated mold bases. A secondary objective was to initiate a similar experimental study using amorphous COC material. Taguchi’s method utilizing an L-9 orthogonal array was used to determine the effects of Tnoz, Tmold, Pinj, Vinj, Ppack, and tpack injection molding processing parameters. A nano-indenter was used to determine investigated mechanical properties on final injection molded parts that included stiffness (S), reduced modulus (Er), and hardness (H). Results showed HDPE, POM and COC, heated mold experiments exhibiting increases in mechanical properties S, Er, and H, on the order of 1.2–4.0 times those of non-heated molding trials. Decreases in optimum molding conditions for Tnoz, Pinj, and Ppack was also observed for heated molding trials. The highest mold temperatures and injection pressures tested did not produce greatest optimum molding conditions. However, largest packing times tested produced optimum molding conditions.

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