Underdetermined direction of arrival estimation with nonuniform linear motion sampling based on a small unmanned aerial vehicle platform

Uniform linear array(ULA)radars are widely used in the collision-avoidance radar systems of small unmanned aerial vehicles(UAVs).In practice,a ULA's multi-target direction of arrival(DOA)estimation performance suffers from significant performance degradation owing to the limited number of physical elements.To improve the underdetermined DOA estimation performance of a ULA radar mounted on a small UAV platform,we propose a nonuniform linear motion sampling underdetermined DOA estimation method.Using the motion of the UAV platform,the echo signal is sampled at different positions.Then,according to the concept of difference co-array,a virtual ULA with multiple array elements and a large aperture is synthesized to increase the degrees of freedom(DOFs).Through position analysis of the original and motion arrays,we propose a nonuniform linear motion sampling method based on ULA for determining the optimal DOFs.Under the condition of no increase in the aperture of the physical array,the proposed method obtains a high DOF with fewer sampling runs and greatly improves the underdetermined DOA estimation performance of ULA.The results of numerical simulations conducted herein verify the superior performance of the proposed method.

THE LINEAR SAMPLING METHOD FOR RECONSTRUCTING A PENETRABLE CAVITY WITH UNKNOWN EXTERNAL OBSTACLES

We consider the interior inverse scattering problem for recovering the shape of a penetrable partially coated cavity with external obstacles from the knowledge of measured scattered waves due to point sources.In the first part,we obtain the well-posedness of the direct scattering problem by the variational method.In the second part,we establish the mathematical basis of the linear sampling method to recover both the shape of the cavity,and the shape of the external obstacle,however the exterior transmission eigenvalue problem also plays a key role in the discussion of this paper.

Sampling Methods and Countermeasures for Food Enterprises

In this paper,by combining sampling methods for food statistics with years of sample sampling experience,various sampling points and corresponding sampling methods are summarized.It hopes to discover food safety risks and improve the level of food safety.

Importance Sampling Method in V-Space

Based on the observation of importance sampling and second order information about the failure surface of a structure, an importance sampling region is defined in V-space which is obtained by rotating a U-space at the point of maximum likelihood. The sampling region is a hyper-ellipsoid that consists of the sampling ellipse on each plane of main curvature in V-space. Thus, the sampling probability density function can be constructed by the sampling region center and ellipsoid axes. Several examples have shown the efficiency and generality of this method.

A new sampling method in the Zagros forests using GIS(case study: Ilam forests of Iran)

One of the basic parameters in forest management planning is detailed knowledge of growing stock,information collected by forest inventory.Sampling methods must be accurate,inexpensive,and be easy to implement in the field.This study presents a new sampling method called branching transect for use in the Iranian Zagros forests and similar forests.Features of the new method include greater accuracy,easy implementation in nature,simplicity of statistical calculations,and low cost.In this method,transect is used,which includes some subtransects(side branches).The length of the main transect,side branches,number of trees measured in each side branch,and the number of sub-branches in this method are changeable based on homogeneity,heterogeneity,and density of a forest.In this study,based on the density and heterogeneity of the forest area studied,20-m transects with four and eight side branches were used.Sampling plots(Transects)in four inventory networks(100 m×100 m,100 m×150 m,150 m×150 m and 100 m×200 m)were implemented in the GIS environment.The results of this sampling method were compared to the results of total inventory(100%count)in terms of accuracy,precision(t-test),and inventory error percentage.Branching transect results were statistially similar to total inventory counts in all cases.The results show that this method of estimating density and canopy per hectare can be used in Zagros forests and similar forests.

Upgraded Analytical Protocols in Bauxite Refining Industry Using Composite Sampling Approach to Minimize Laboratory Analysis Load

The laboratories in the bauxite processing industry are always under a heavy workload of sample collection, analysis, and compilation of the results. After size reduction from grinding mills, the samples of bauxite are collected after intervals of 3 to 4 hours. Large bauxite processing industries producing 1 million tons of pure aluminium can have three grinding mills. Thus, the total number of samples to be tested in one day reaches a figure of 18 to 24. The sample of bauxite ore coming from the grinding mill is tested for its particle size and composition. For testing the composition, the bauxite ore sample is first prepared by fusing it with X-ray flux. Then the sample is sent for X-ray fluorescence analysis. Afterwards, the crucibles are washed in ultrasonic baths to be used for the next testing. The whole procedure takes about 2 - 3 hours. With a large number of samples reaching the laboratory, the chances of error in composition analysis increase. In this study, we have used a composite sampling methodology to reduce the number of samples reaching the laboratory without compromising their validity. The results of the average composition of fifteen samples were measured against composite samples. The mean of difference was calculated. The standard deviation and paired t-test values were evaluated against predetermined critical values obtained using a two-tailed test. It was found from the results that paired test-t values were much lower than the critical values thus validating the composition attained through composite sampling. The composite sampling approach not only reduced the number of samples but also the chemicals used in the laboratory. The objective of improved analytical protocol to reduce the number of samples reaching the laboratory was successfully achieved without compromising the quality of analytical results.

IMPROVED STRATIFIED SAMPLING MONTE CARLO METHOD TO ANALYZE RELIABILITY OF STRUCTURAL SYSTEMS

A stratified sampling Monte Carlo method to analyze the reliability of structural systems is presented. Introducing a small exploratory simulation, this method overcomes the difficulties for getting the systematic sampling probability of all the strata. Several useful and efficient stratification methods are given and the strategies of stratification and simulation are studied. A general conclusion has been presented corresponding to actual engineering structures. The strict theoretical proof has been given,and it is especially effective to solve probabilistic integration. Statistic error of evaluating failure probability is reduced obviously. Especially in highly non-linear and nonreonvex problems, it is more accurate than other methods. Compared with other variance reduction techniques, this method can obtain a more obvious variance reduction and an increased sampling efficiency. Moreover, without strict limiting condition, it is convenient to use. This method is especially suitable to solve the reliability problem of structural systems with multiple failure modes and highly non-linear safety margin equations.

Sampling Methods for Efficient Training of Graph Convolutional Networks:A Survey

Graph convolutional networks(GCNs)have received significant attention from various research fields due to the excellent performance in learning graph representations.Although GCN performs well compared with other methods,it still faces challenges.Training a GCN model for large-scale graphs in a conventional way requires high computation and storage costs.Therefore,motivated by an urgent need in terms of efficiency and scalability in training GCN,sampling methods have been proposed and achieved a significant effect.In this paper,we categorize sampling methods based on the sampling mechanisms and provide a comprehensive survey of sampling methods for efficient training of GCN.To highlight the characteristics and differences of sampling methods,we present a detailed comparison within each category and further give an overall comparative analysis for the sampling methods in all categories.Finally,we discuss some challenges and future research directions of the sampling methods.

Analysis of the Linear Sampling Method for Boundary Reconstruction of Chiral Obstacle in Electromagnetic Scattering Problems

In this paper, we consider the inverse scattering by chiral obstacle in electromagnetic fields, and prove that the linear sampling method is also effective to determine the support of a chiral obstacle from the noisy far field data.

Distribution and Migration of Heavy Metals in Undisturbed Forest Soils:A High Resolution Sampling Method

The vertical distribution and migration of Cu,Zn,Pb,and Cd in two forest soil profiles near an industrial emission source were investigated using a high resolution sampling method together with reference element Ti.One-meter soil profile was sectioned horizontally at 2 cm intervals in the first 40 cm,5 cm intervals in the next 40 cm,and 10 cm intervals in the last 20 cm.The migration distance and rate of heavy metals in the soil profiles were calculated according to their relative concentrations in the profiles,as calibrated by the reference element Ti.The enrichment of heavy metals appeared in the uppermost layer of the forest soil,and the soil heavy metal concentrations decreased down the profile until reaching their background values.The calculated average migration rates of Cd,Cu,Pb,and Zn were 0.70,0.33,0.37,and 0.76 cm year-1,respectively,which were comparable to other methods.A simulation model was proposed,which could well describe the distribution of Cu,Zn,Pb,and Cd in natural forest soils.

Comparison analysis of sampling methods to estimate regional precipitation based on the Kriging interpolation methods： A case of northwestern China

The accuracy of spatial interpolation of precipitation data is determined by the actual spatial variability of the precipitation, the interpolation method, and the distribution of observatories whose selections are particularly important. In this paper, three spatial sampling programs, including spatial random sampling, spatial stratified sampling, and spatial sandwich sampling, are used to analyze the data from meteorological stations of northwestern China. We compared the accuracy of ordinary Kriging interpolation methods on the basis of the sampling results. The error values of the regional annual pre-cipitation interpolation based on spatial sandwich sampling, including ME （0.1513）, RMSE （95.91）, ASE （101.84）, MSE （？0.0036）, and RMSSE （1.0397）, were optimal under the premise of abundant prior knowledge. The result of spatial stratified sampling was poor, and spatial random sampling was even worse. Spatial sandwich sampling was the best sampling method, which minimized the error of regional precipitation estimation. It had a higher degree of accuracy compared with the other two methods and a wider scope of application.

Interval sampling methods in Zagros forests using GIS

In this study, for accuracy and cost an optimal inventory method was examined and introduced to obtain information about Zagros forests, Iran. For this purpose,three distance sampling methods(compound, order distance and random-pairs) in 5 inventory networks(100 m × 100 m, 100 m × 150 m, 100 m × 200 m,150 m × 150 m, 200 m × 200 m) were implemented in GIS environment, and the related statistical analyses were carried out. Average tree density and canopy cover in hectare with 100% inventory were compared to each other.All the studied methods were implemented in 30 inventory points, and the implementation time of each was recorded.According to the results, the best inventory methods for estimating density and canopy cover were compound150 m × 150 m and 100 m × 100 m methods, respectively. The minimum amount of product inventory time per second(T), and(E%)2 square percent of inventory error of sampling for the compound 150 m × 150 m method regarding density in hectare was 691.8, and for the compound 100 m × 100 m method regarding canopy of 12,089 ha. It can be concluded that compound method is the best for estimating density and canopy features of the forests area.

A NEW METHOD FOR INCREASING PRECISION IN SURVEY SAMPLING

This paper proposes a new method for increasing the precision in survey sam- pling, i.e., a method combining sampling with prediction. The two cases where auxiliary information is or not available are considered. A numerical example is given.

Optimizing the atmospheric sampling sites using fuzzy mathe-matic methods

A new approach applying fuzzy mathematic theorems, including the Primary Matrix Element Theorem and the Fisher Classification Method, was established to solve the optimization problem of atmospheric environmental sampling sites. According to its basis, an application in the optimization of sampling sites in the atmospheric environmental monitoring was discussed. The method was proven to be suitable and effective. The results were admitted and applied by the Environmental Protection Bureau (EPB) of many cities of China. A set of computer software of this approach was also completely compiled and used.

Random Route and Quota Sampling: Do They Offer Any Advantage over Probably Sampling Methods?

The aim of this paper is to compare sample quality across two probability samples and one that uses probabilistic cluster sampling combined with random route and quota sampling within the selected clusters in order to define the ultimate survey units. All of them use the face-to-face interview as the survey procedure. The hypothesis to be tested is that it is possible to achieve the same degree of representativeness using a combination of random route sampling and quota sampling (with substitution) as it can be achieved by means of household sampling (without substitution) based on the municipal register of inhabitants. We have found such marked differences in the age and gender distribution of the probability sampling, where the deviations exceed 6%. A different picture emerges when it comes to comparing the employment variables, where the quota sampling overestimates the economic activity rate (2.5%) and the unemployment rate (8%) and underestimates the employment rate (3.46%).

Sampling Small Volumes of Saliva for Determination of the Stress Hormone α-Amylase: A Comparative Methodological Study

Two sampling devices that allow saliva collection through absorption to a cotton roll (Salivette?-method) or to small cotton pellets (VectaSpinTM Micro [VSM]-method) were studied. Any loss of salivary alpha-amylase (sAA) activity in relation to the saliva volume absorbed and harvested by centrifugation was examined. A pooled saliva sample prepared from stimulated whole saliva (collected by drooling) of 30 subjects was used. Three different saliva volumes (2.9 ml, 1.5 ml, and 0.8 ml) were tested on cotton rolls and two (0.03 ml, and 0.015 ml) on cotton pellets. The sample sAA activity was determined from the hydrolysis of 2-chloro-4-nitrophenyl-α-D-maltotrioside. In comparison with the original drooling sample, no sAA loss was observed in 1.5 ml samples tested with Salivette, while a significant decrease of activity was recorded with smaller volumes. VSM collected samples showed a non-volume dependent decrease of sAA activity of about 25%. Salivette requires large saliva volumes to allow an accurate sAA estimation. With cases of limited saliva access, VSM may be a suitable sampling device.

Comparison of the local pivotal method and systematic sampling for national forest inventories

Background:The local pivotal method(LPM)utilizing auxiliary data in sample selection has recently been proposed as a sampling method for national forest inventories(NFIs).Its performance compared to simple random sampling(SRS)and LPM with geographical coordinates has produced promising results in simulation studies.In this simulation study we compared all these sampling methods to systematic sampling.The LPM samples were selected solely using the coordinates(LPMxy)or,in addition to that,auxiliary remote sensing-based forest variables(RS variables).We utilized field measurement data(NFI-field)and Multi-Source NFI(MS-NFI)maps as target data,and independent MS-NFI maps as auxiliary data.The designs were compared using relative efficiency(RE);a ratio of mean squared errors of the reference sampling design against the studied design.Applying a method in NFI also requires a proven estimator for the variance.Therefore,three different variance estimators were evaluated against the empirical variance of replications:1)an estimator corresponding to SRS;2)a Grafström-Schelin estimator repurposed for LPM;and 3)a Matérn estimator applied in the Finnish NFI for systematic sampling design.Results:The LPMxy was nearly comparable with the systematic design for the most target variables.The REs of the LPM designs utilizing auxiliary data compared to the systematic design varied between 0.74–1.18,according to the studied target variable.The SRS estimator for variance was expectedly the most biased and conservative estimator.Similarly,the Grafström-Schelin estimator gave overestimates in the case of LPMxy.When the RS variables were utilized as auxiliary data,the Grafström-Schelin estimates tended to underestimate the empirical variance.In systematic sampling the Matérn and Grafström-Schelin estimators performed for practical purposes equally.Conclusions:LPM optimized for a specific variable tended to be more efficient than systematic sampling,but all of the considered LPM designs were less efficient than the systematic sampling design for some target variables.The Grafström-Schelin estimator could be used as such with LPMxy or instead of the Matérn estimator in systematic sampling.Further studies of the variance estimators are needed if other auxiliary variables are to be used in LPM.

Comparison of Three Macroinvertebrate Sampling Methods for Use in Assessment of Water Quality Changes in Flashy Urban Streams

The unique challenges associated with sampling of macroinvertebrates in flashy urban streams create a methods gap. These streams form isolated pools for much of the year, interspersed with spates that scour and deposit excessive amounts of sediment. Commonly used stream grab sampling methods, such as nets and Hess and Surber fixed-area samplers, work well in wadable streams with perennial flow. Deployed samplers (Hester-Dendy, gravel tray) can be used in waters with or without flow. We evaluated three methods which don’t require stream flow: modified Hester-Dendy (MHD), gravel tray, and bucket (a type of cylinder grab sample method), for their potential use in bioassessment of a project involving daylighting of a 180-m culvert on Congress Run, a flashy urban tributary to Mill Creek in Cincinnati, Ohio. Method efficacy was measured using three criteria: usability (level of effort and recoverability of samplers), variability, and community retrieval completeness. The bucket method required the lowest level of effort and had the highest sample recovery. The bucket sampler had the lowest variability for most metrics, including the critical metric of taxa richness, with a coefficient of variation (CV) of 20.9%. The MHD and tray samplers had taxa richness CVs of 42.9% and 53.9%, respectively. The bucket sampler also had the lowest CV (27.4%) for a multi-metric index. The bucket sampler performed best with respect to community retrieval completeness, with higher pooled and average taxa richness. The total number of taxa collected from all the replicate bucket grab samples (42) was greater than that collected by the HD and tray samplers combined (27). Multivariate analyses showed significant grouping with respect to methods and location. This study supports the bucket grab sampler method as a candidate for sampling of flashy urban streams.

Determination of the full-field stress and displacement using photoelasticity and sampling moirémethod in a 3D-printed model

The quantitative characterization of the full-field stress and displacement is significant for analyzing the failure and instability of engineering materials.Various optical measurement techniques such as photoelasticity,moiréand digital image correlation methods have been developed to achieve this goal.However,these methods are difficult to incorporate to determine the stress and displacement fields simultaneously because the tested models must contain particles and grating for displacement measurement;however,these elements will disturb the light passing through the tested models using photoelasticity.In this study,by combining photoelasticity and the sampling moirémethod,we developed a method to determine the stress and displacement fields simultaneously in a three-dimensional(3D)-printed photoelastic model with orthogonal grating.Then,the full-field stress was determined by analyzing 10 photoelastic patterns,and the displacement fields were calculated using the sampling moirémethod.The results indicate that the developed method can simultaneously determine the stress and displacement fields.