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On the application of two dimensional chirplets for resilient digital image watermarking
Get PDFChirplets (swept-frequency harmonic signals) find applications in several areas, including real and synthetic aperture radar, (Fresnel) optics and image processing. The robustness of chirplets to extreme (additive) noise make them an ideal choice in the role of embedding patterns for resilient digital signal and image watermarking. In this paper we present a new watermarking technique which is based on embedding twodimensional chirplet coded binary sequences in digital images. This approach provides a pattern embedded recovery algorithm which is robust to a variety of distortions. However, chirplets have certain parameters that need to be specified, and, given a set of target characteristics, some particular chirplet parameters can be considered optimal. This paper reports on the optimisation of both the chirplet sets and their associated parameters focusing on a classification of their resilience to image distortion
Robust digital video watermarking using reversible data hiding and visual cryptography
Get PDFWatermarking is a major image processing application used to authenticate user documents by embedding and hiding some authenticated piece of information behind an image, audio or the video file. For example, copyright symbols or signatures are often used. Our proposed work is to develop and implement an improved layered approach to video watermarking. The traditional watermarking approach tends to embed an entire watermark image within each video frame or within random video frames to give the appearance of a hidden watermark to the casual observer. This work proposes a more efficient and secured approach to perform watermarking, by using sub image classification. That is to say, selected frames only will contain a fractional number of total bits from the watermark image. We take k bits from the watermark and store then within a video frame, depending on the size of that watermark image. Our algorithm is capable of hiding high capacity information over video frames. The novel approach is to partially distribute the watermarking data over a set of frames until the entire watermark is eventually distributed throughout the entire video. The originality our technique is that it is a histogram inspired and reversible watermarking approach as defined with visual cryptography. Our approach hides similar watermarking bits of information with frames of a similar appearance. Differing sets of watermark bits are thus embedded within dissimilar frames, thus making the system more robust. It will provide a high degree of authentication, as the extraction of information from a single frame only will not reveal the entire watermarking data, or even give any obvious indication that it contains a fraction of the watermark bits. The robustness of our technique will be tested by calculating MSE, PSNR values and by performing some commo
Cooperatively extending the range of indoor localisation
Get PDFWhilst access to location based information has been mostly possible in the outdoor arena through the use of GPS, the provision of accurate positioning estimations and broad coverage in the indoor environment has proven somewhat problematic to deliver. Considering more time is spent in the indoor environment, the requirement for a solution is obvious. The topography of an indoor location with its many walls, doors, pillars, ceilings and floors etc. muffling the signals to from mobile devices and their tracking devices, is one of the many barriers to implementation. Moreover the characteristically noisy behaviour of wireless devices such as Bluetooth headsets, cordless phones and microwaves can cause interference as they all operate in the same band as Wi-Fi devices. The limited range of tracking devices such as Wireless Access Points (AP), and the restrictions surrounding their positioning within a buildings' infrastructure further exacerbate this issue, these difficulties provide a fertile research area at present. The genesis for this research is the inability of an indoor location based system (LBS) to locate devices beyond the range of the fixed tracking devices. The hypothesis advocates a solution that extends the range of Indoor LBS using Mobile Devices at the extremities of Cells that have a priori knowledge of their location, and utilizing these devices to ascertain the location of devices beyond the range of the fixed tracking device. This results in a cooperative localisation technique where participating devices come together to aid in the determination of location of devices which otherwise would be out of scope
Plaice on Irish and Scottish coasts: Contributions to the ecosystem-based management approach for pleuronectes platessa fisheries
Get PDFThis study examines aspects of the early life history, growth and condition of plaice (Pleuronectes platessa)\ud
populations in Irish and Scottish waters, using innovative modelling approaches, among other techniques, to inform management and conservation efforts. Growth rate is an important determinant of a young fish’s survival and recruitment probability. A state space growth\ud
stanza/phase model was used to describe and quantify spatial variation in early life history traits and growth patterns of Irish and Scottish plaice at a regional scale and investigate possible drivers. Generally, these traits varied significantly at a regional level and although temperature accounted for some of the variation present, it was not the sole driver. Western Irish Sea fish had\ud
shorter larval durations, fewer cumulative degree days to settlement, higher larval and juvenile growth rates, post settlement acceleration and reached stable growth rates faster than west Irish or Scottish fish. A region independent positive correlation between larval and juvenile increment widths indicated that juvenile growth rates were somewhat pre-determined by larval growth.\ud
The feasibility of using variation in otolith microchemistry to discriminate between plaice from western Irish and Scottish nurseries was assessed. Sufficient variation was found to successfully classify fish on a regional and local scale, a tool for assessing population structure and connectivity. The dispersal of plaice larvae on the west coast of Ireland was modelled and the likely spawning ground identified. Larval behaviour, temperature mediated growth and hydrodynamic variability were found to greatly influence rates of larval delivery to nursery grounds. The impact of bottom trawling on fish condition\ud
was investigated. Condition effects appeared to be size and mobility related, with diet as a possible driver, although results were not conclusive. The study\ud
results are discussed in terms of their use to fisheries management
Mucus: aiding elasmobranch conservation through non-invasive genetic sampling
No full textLarge-scale genetic sampling by non-invasive methods is of vital importance for the conservation of vulnerable or elusive species. In the marine environment, non-invasive genetic sampling can provide a powerful alternative to conventional biopsies. We designed and implemented mucus swabbing for a free-ranging elasmobranch, thereby demonstrating the utility of this method in the field. We report the first attempt at mucus collection from 30 plankton-feeding basking sharks Cetorhinus maximus from 3 spatially distinct ‘hotspots’ in Irish waters. C. maximus DNA was successfully extracted and verified using DNA barcoding of the mitochondrial DNA cytochrome coxidase 1 gene (99% sequence similarity) and basking shark species-specific multi-plex PCRs derived from the nuclear ribosomal internal transcribed spacer 2 locus. Mitochondrial control region sequencing (1086 bp) showed that Irish samples were dominated by 2 haplotypes previously found to be globally distributed. Additionally, 1 novel haplotype was defined from western County Kerry. On-going genetic tagging will eventually provide more accurate estimates of global basking shark population structuring, abundance and behavioural ecology
Innovation in the Irish public sector
Get PDFThe following document provides an investigation into innovation in the Irish Public Sector (IPS). To facilitate this, a number of areas had to be studied first in order to understand the origins of innovation. These included research into entrepreneurship and also corporate entrepreneurship. These were investigated through the literature review. The IPS employs 360,000 across twenty different Offices and Departments. These Offices and Departments include:\ud
The Departments of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht\ud
Department of Education and Skills\ud
Department of Enterprise, Jobs and Innovation\ud
Department of Justice and Equality\ud
Department of Social Protection to name but a few.\ud
(Please see Appendix A for a full overview)\ud
This study investigates the role of innovation in the IPS. It researches innovative initiatives that currently exist in the public sector and the effect and implications of these initiatives on public sector staff. The study also highlights the elements that are necessary for innovation to be successful in a public sector organisation and also the challenges that public sector organisations face when implementing an innovation or innovative initiative. The study also highlights previous potential innovative projects that have failed in the IPS in the past. i.e. PPARS. The research also includes management’s and staff’s perceptions of public sector organisations that they believe champions innovation.\ud
The key findings of this study arose from interviews with management of public sector organisations and also from a survey completed by employees of the public sector organisations where interviews were conducted. A comparison of both the interview and survey was also carried out. The data uncovered showed that although innovation is important to the public sector leaders and management it fails to be supported by the public sector leaders and management. The findings also reveal that\ud
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there are not enough efforts being made to reduce the challenges and barriers that prevent innovation practices becoming the norm in the IPS.\ud
There is limited research on the topic of innovation in the IPS and this thesis will be a valuable source of information on the topic. There are numerous changes that must be made for the progression of the IPS including the reduction of bureaucracy and organisations structure. There also has to be improved leadership from senior politicians and management. The amount of political influences into public sector organisations by politicians has to be monitored and restricted. The major findings from the research evolved from questions based on rewards and support. A new structure of both has to be established if the public sector is to fully commit to bringing innovation into public sector organisations
Archaeological and anthropological aspects of the Holocaust from a Jewish perspective
Get PDFThe intention of this research is to offer innovative ideas on methods that can be\ud
utilised by academics and historians within a conflict context. The framework that\ud
will support the overall research is from that of an archaeological, anthropological and\ud
memory driven perspective. Discussion will turn to individual components such as\ud
liminality, monumentality, the built environment and landscape theory highlighting\ud
Nazi segregation policies. Analysis of ghettoisation, deportation and extermination\ud
policy through archaeological sub-disciplines and anthropology as well as comparison\ud
to other world atrocity sites will take place. This will illustrate that detection of\ud
similar techniques of incarceration are recognisable as modes of controlling fear\ud
whilst simultaneously achieving a terror regime.\ud
Initially propaganda policy of the National Socialist Party in both pre and World War\ud
II settings in Germany and throughout parts of Europe helped to fuel the already\ud
present culture of antisemitism. A significant and sinister shift in decision-making\ud
witnessed a move from persecution to exclusion and isolation that saw major cities\ud
already damaged by invasion and warfare ‘holding’ Jews in purposefully\ud
manufactured locations that was a preparatory step towards genocide. Ghettoisation\ud
facilitated the next stage in the process, deportation by train to extermination centres,\ud
as communities were despatched from ‘round-up’ points to ‘unknown destinations’\ud
further east. At all times Jews were vulnerable and were placed into landscapes of\ud
terror, although either the strong individual or Nazi methods of control, at times,\ud
suppressed fear.\ud
Arrival at industrialised death camps was the final stage of a journey for the majority\ud
that culminated in death, but not before further measures that reduced the individual\ud
to a state beyond life, a liminal entity in a place where extreme conditions prevailed.\ud
Each component of the strategy was monitored and managed, as fear was\ud
euphemistically dismissed by the perpetrator and the by-stander
Innovation in small and micro-enterprises in Donegal; nice idea or commercial reality?
Get PDFContext and Purpose:\ud
This dissertation was based on the authors own practical experience of working with\ud
small and micro-enterprises (SaMEs) over eighteen years. In his experience, many\ud
business development models, originally developed around large firms, do not take\ud
account of the needs and characteristics of SaMEs, including innovation theories and\ud
models which base their research on large multinational organisations with apparently\ud
little consideration for how innovation is developed, managed or measured in SaMEs.\ud
Therefore, the author decided to undertake research into innovation in SaMEs in\ud
Donegal. The three overall objectives of this research study were to:\ud
Identify what SaMEs in Donegal understand by the term ‘innovation’\ud
Investigate innovation practice(s) in SaMEs in Donegal\ud
Identify how innovation can be effectively measured within SaMEs.\ud
Design / Methodology / Approach\ud
In a process similar to Andrews et al. (2008), a detailed literature review was undertaken\ud
which guided subsequent research activities where data was collected using in-depth\ud
interviews. The two stages of data collection were:\ud
1. Literature review supported by in-depth interviews with key informants\ud
(government bodies, agencies) who provided an insight to innovation practices\ud
within the county\ud
2. In-depth interviews which provided a comprehensive view of the understanding,\ud
practice, motivations, behaviours and attitudes towards innovation and its\ud
measurement amongst SaMEs in Donegal\ud
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Findings:\ud
While very few SaMEs are aware of innovation theories, processes and procedures,\ud
practically all of them engage in some form of innovative activity. They possess a broad\ud
understanding of the ‘concept’ of innovation and are aware of its benefits. Enterprises\ud
engage in a wide range of innovations across products, processes, people, marketing, etc.\ud
and innovation is very important to them. However, innovation is not a managed or\ud
systematic process and while this is often due to lack of resources, the small size and\ud
flexible nature of SaMEs also means that innovative proposals with merit can be assessed\ud
and acted upon quickly.\ud
Many enterprises in Donegal do not engage with existing innovation networks/clusters as\ud
they feel that they are not suited to their needs. The main innovation barriers include\ud
lack of time and management support for innovation, the financial risk associated with\ud
innovations, poor ICT infrastructure, complacency amongst SaMEs and high costs of\ud
innovation including prototyping, IP, etc. Few SaMEs measure innovation activities and\ud
some only measure innovation because management accounts provide them with the\ud
information to facilitate this. A significant point to emerge from the study was the\ud
benefits of management accounts to SaMEs.\ud
Research Limitations:\ud
Very little information exists on innovation in micro enterprises. Furthermore, innovation\ud
is a very broad subject and while a number of significant themes emerged from the\ud
literature review, it was not feasible, as part of a Masters dissertation, to investigate\ud
these issues by means of an extensive quantitative survey with SaMEs.\ud
Originality / Value\ud
This paper seeks to provide an insight into the understanding which regionally-based,\ud
SaMEs have of innovation and whether, given their unique characteristics, they can\ud
practically use accepted innovation management theories, tools, etc. It also seeks to\ud
inform support organisations and other enterprises as to the challenges faced by\ud
regionally-based SaMEs in trying to implement innovation activities and whether current\ud
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support structures adequately address their needs. Finally, it seeks to establish whether\ud
innovation in SaMEs is effectively measured and whether innovation metrics have\ud
benefits for such organisations.\ud
Suggestions for Further Research:\ud
Further consideration should be given to whether recognised innovation management\ud
systems, models and structures as opposed to flatter, more organic innovation models\ud
are best suited to SaMEs. Also, can current support structures, networks, clusters, etc., be\ud
effectively tailored so that they are responsive to the real needs of SaMEs, and can\ud
current support organisations and policy makers present innovation more simply to\ud
SaMEs in a way which is easy to understand and practical to manage and which can\ud
demonstrate clear growth benefits. The benefits of effective management accounting\ud
systems which accrue to SaMEs in terms of knowledge management, innovation\ud
management and marketing activities should also be considered. Finally, as little research\ud
exists in relation to innovation in micro enterprises further studies should be undertaken\ud
in this area
Internet marketing a study within SME's
Get PDFThe objectives of the research study was to consider factors affecting or influencing internet adoption (IA) within small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) and indeed of internet marketing (IM) by SMEs; to explore the different IM tools in use, the levels of implementation and measurement, the strategies of use and to consider the impact of these on the SMEs overall marketing performance.\ud
This research adds to previous research in similar fields, complimenting the existing research regarding IM and SMEs in Ireland while also contributing to research between SME industry categories. The study also introduces new research in the area of IM and SMEs in the Northwest of Ireland.\ud
The study incorporates a mixed method research philosophy and triangulation approach, where survey research by use of a questionnaire collected the data required with a second phase of data collection involving semi structured in-depth interviews with SMEs throughout business categories throughout the Northwest of Ireland. These methods of data collection conspired to provide insights throughout the different topics within the research study area. Although the triangulation method typically consumes greater time and financial resources, it acts to remove bias which overall benefits the research study more so than using any single data collection technique.\ud
This research finds that IM and internet adoption (IA) is indeed in use by SMEs in the Northwest of Ireland and is driven by its advantages, ease of use, micro and macro influencers, business readiness and knowledge. The findings indicate that website, email and social media marketing are the most used throughout SMEs and that IM activity has a strong positive impact on the SMEs marketing performance. This research provides a contribution to the study of IM in SMEs and introduces new research into the area within the Northwest of Ireland. It provides new insights for marketers, SMEs, researchers, practitioners, and government policy makers by providing a clear understanding of key IM issues and IA influencers for SMEs in the Northwest. The research addressed such issues as research gaps pertaining to IM measurement, IM and overall marketing performance and IM tools used within SMEs.\ud
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The research was tested on 1,799 SMEs in the Northwest receiving a 20% response rate, and received further validation through eight semi structured in-depth interviews with SMEs throughout the Northwest. Expert insights were then obtained to validate and triangulate the data.\ud
Overall the research found that IM is indeed in operation throughout SMEs in the Northwest but is perhaps still in its growth stages, with activity being reactive rather than proactive. There were no outstanding differences in activity between SME category other than in areas of marketing planning and awareness of any government assistance and IM incentives
Near-field radiation patterns for an Ultra-Wide-Band antenna
Get PDFWe present a three-dimensional time dependent model for simulating the electromagnetic radiation field patterns generated by Ultra-Wide-Band (UWB) antennas. UWB antennas are pulsed mode radiators used to communicate information at high bit rates over short distances. This affects the spatial characteristics of the field patterns assumed to be generated when a Continuous Wave (CW) model is used and this paper investigates the differences between the near-field intensity patterns generated when a pulse and CW mode is used. The purpose of this is to develop a numerical simulation that provides information on the three-dimensional electromagnetic field subject to a known (integrated) antenna geometry. The context of the approach considered is the design of integrated antennas that extend the performance of UWB systems in terms of range (in the near-field) subject to emission standards